Author: iamjosemanuel

Hi. I am Joseph Emmanuel E. Lim, a Licensed Architect by profession and an avid traveler by heart. My passion for travel has been greatly influenced by the profession that I a practice. Since my college days, I always had this fondness of the old world, of historic places, of ancient civilizations, and the intrigues and mysteries that come with it. As a traveler, I consider myself a typical backpacker. My trips are low-cost and mostly solo, independent travel. I started my fondness for backpacking the year 2013, when I explored Southeast Asia for 30 days. Since then, It has become my goal to travel at least once a year, to a foreign city/country that I have never been before. I also made a goal to complete the 7 wonders of the world before I reach 40 years of age. But then, the pandemic came. So I might have to extend my timeline for that. As a backpacker, I prefer small and laid-back towns over party destinations. I like waking up early for a stroll around public market and see how foreign communities start up their day. As of today, I have been to 46 UN recognized countries.

Travelling to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Published on September 27, 2013October 8, 2013 by iamjosemanuelLeave a comment

I was able to book Tigerair ticket for only P 1,500 pesos to Ho Chi Minh from SG ; A good promo deal! I spent 3 days around HMC with no set itinerary ; just walked around the City and checked some particular landmarks , the Market and indulged myself on local food choices . Pure Chillax lang !

Flying to HMC was around 1.5 hours travel from SG . Arrived there just before 9 am. Airport was OK. not much annoying taxi and tuktuk drivers like in other cities I’ve visited.

HMC airport was quite far from the city center, and trains are not yet available. The cheapest way to the city center is by Bus 152 , which is just outside the international airport, at the far right end of the building . Non aircon bus is only 5000 dong . (around $0.25 / 11 pesos ) Its almost an hour travel with a lot of turn arounds, but as soon as i found Ben Thanh Market, I knew I was at the city center already. I hop off at the stop opposite the market and used my google map to navigate my way to Bui Vien St.

Vietnam, as described by many, is a country of motorcycles . Even old ladies dressed with tight skirts dong bother riding the bike.

I stayed at the Cosman Rucksack Inn, along Bui Vien St. , around 15 mins. walk from Ben Thanh Market . (Google Mapping is adviced) 5 usd for a bed/night , Dorm type accommodation. Its clean and cheap, even better than the 15 usd inn I had in SG .

It is quite easy to roam around and get a hold of Ho Chi Minh vibe because almost all of the usually visited spots are at the city center . Getting an accommodation at Bui Vien St. / Pham Ngu Lao area is recommended.

Built before the WW2, when Vietnam was still under French rule

HMC People's Committee Hall — HMC People’s Committee Hall

January Visit to Hongkong

Published on September 19, 2013October 23, 2013 by iamjosemanuelLeave a comment

For full time employees like me, Holidays + long weekends are much awaited! Me and my friends were able to book our promo tickets for a Friday to Sunday visit to Hongkong. It was our first to see the city so our itineraries were basically touristy.

It was January temperature was around 18 ‘C during day time and drops to around 10’C in the evening . It was the perfect time to pull those baggy Terranovas out of the closet and onto the pictures =)

I fell in love with the city lights , the rush and the Hongkong- style street food ! My 3 days visit was surely not enough and I am definitely going back to experience more of this city’s off beaten corners.

2012-02-08 10.24.34 — At HK Airport . Theres a train within the complex to transfer passengers from the main terminal to the gates.

2012-02-08 12.42.34 — Our first bowl of Hongkong Style Noodle. Yummy ! for only 10 HKD (around 60 pesos)

2012-02-08 14.11.49 — My first view of Bank of China Tower by Architect IM Pei . This tower is famous to architecture students since it was the first skyscraper in Asia at 315.0 m (1,033.5 ft) . Built during the late 80’s.

2012-02-08 14.56.15 — View of Hongkong from the Peak Tram. My visit was during winter , so the city is quite gloomy.

2012-02-08 18.54.22 — The busy Nathan Road – among HK’s shopping districts.

2012-02-08 17.19.00 — Near Langham Place. Another shopping district in HK

2012-02-09 21.57.01 — Afforable meals are on every corner !

2012-02-08 17.08.07 — Fried Dumplings at around 5 HKD (30 pesos) but definitely delicious and filling

2012-02-11 10.53.06 — Langka , Tropical Fruit is very pricey in HK

2012-02-11 10.52.40 — Pricey native mango

2012-02-11 10.52.29 — Giant Balimbing Fruit for 25 pesos per piece

2012-02-11 17.30.42 — Jollibee in Hongkong

430710_2993341264804_1000342607_32953284_1708489639_n — HK style Shabu shabu

432173_2987338194731_1000342607_32951755_341152754_n — Traditional disneyland parade

431605_2990942124827_1000342607_32952504_1347202865_n — Songs and Fireworks display at the Castle during the closing hour.

402762_359378550747715_100000267207429_1315848_1947081880_n — Hell ride at HK Ocean Park !

424821_359379647414272_100000267207429_1315858_431315359_n — Roller Coaster at Ocean Park

409084_10150518531296576_692426575_9316837_795744538_n — Chino-vela selfie on a Street in HK.

Exploring Seoul and Paju City, South Korea

Published on September 18, 2013May 7, 2014 by iamjosemanuelLeave a comment

South Korea is one of Asia’s most developed and progressive country , comparable to Japan and Singapore. As such, travelling to this country can be a bit costly and would require some preparation , and research.

Here are my recommendations from how to experience S. Korea without spending so much. As always, I lived by my principle of travelling on a practical note; and Not necessarily going the cheapest option , which can be a hassle sometimes. Hope this can help you in your preparation.

Transportation = Incheon International Airport is around an hour travel by subway to Seoul , which would cost you around 14,300 won (around 14 USD) . Bus options are available for around half the price , but will take you 2 hours or more. Transportation from airport to Seoul is highly organized , and the attendants can converse in english and are willing to assist.

Subway system within Seoul is very efficient, but can be a bit pricey, and would cost around 1 USD even if you travelled just a station away. But then again, I still recommend this , rather than hopping on a bus to roam around the city, which can be a bit confusing. Taxi rides are expensive , and would not go below 10 USD even for a relatively short distance. Moreover, taxi charges go almost double at night , at around 10pm, as soon as the subway operation ceases.

Where we Stayed = Banana Backpackers Hostel, which is very close to Angguk Station and Changdeokgung Palace, Jongno-gu. There were 4 of us and we took a private room for around 15 USD per person. But other options are available. Accommodations are cheaper in Jongno-gu area, which is nearer to the palaces and the old city center.

Where to buy stuff and pasalubong = Daiso branches are everywhere , selling cute items for less than 2 USD. Cheap items can also be bought in the outer streets of Seoul’s shopping districts like Myeongdong and Insadong. The main streets can be a bit pricey.

Freebies = Cosmetic shops in Korea, especially in Myeongdong, are very generous in giving product samples and freebies. Most even give out Face mask packs , which are sold at around 60 pesos (1.5 USD) here in the Philippines. As such, this can also be a good option as pasalubong to friends back home =)

Off the beaten path of Seoul,

Shops and Cafe hopping near Hongdae area and the University Belt

Coffee Prince – Famous for the Korean Drama Series that conquered asia the year 2007-08

Hello Kitty Cafe – just walking distance from coffee prince

Cats Living Pet Cafe

Bauhouse Pet Cafe for Dogs

Interesting Architectural Design of SSamziegil Shopping Complex at Insadong. To reach the upper levels, a gently-sloping ramp winds around the building, from ground-level to roof-top deck.

Explore Gangnam district street scene

Gyeonggi English Village at Paju City, around an hour travel by bus from Seoul . This is where the Drama Series “Boys over Flowers” was shot.

Le Provence in Paju City – cluster of Markets , vibrant and typically Korean.

Autumn Visit in South Korea

Published on September 18, 2013October 13, 2014 by iamjosemanuelLeave a comment

It has always been a dream of mine to experience Autumn in South Korea. The the vibrant color palette of the landscape as the leaves turn red and yellow; The cool breeze whole day long ; Riding a train with courteous Koreans in their stylish fur coats; The smell of freshly grilled Sang Gyeopsal and Kimchi; South Korea is undeniably beautiful.

Last October 2012 , me and 3 other friends were fortunate enough to have booked promo tickets for only 6500 per person round trip from Manila. It was a good catch. We stayed for around twelve days and visited 3 cities.

Paju – where the series “Boys over Flowers” was shot . This city is located almost at the border with North Korea.

Goyang – where we stayed with our Korean friend who hosted us for two nights. Goyang is a good take of point to Everland, Korea’s biggest theme park owned by Samsung Corporation , which is less than two hours away.

and lastly, the charming Seoul .

Here are some of the Highlights of my South Korea trip.

Changdeokgung Palace and the Emperor’s Secret Garden (창덕궁과 후원) UNESCO World Heritage . This Palace of lush gardens, streams and walking trails served as the summer residence of the Royal families. Although it is not as grand as the others , this is by far the most beautiful Palace I have visited in Korea.

Architectural details of roofing , which is probably around 300 years old

Gyeongbokgung Palace , Opened 1395 , is probably the grandest and most famous in Korea. This palace have been the main Residence of the royal families. The exchange of guards ceremony in the morning and in the afternoon is worth seeing. Though grand in scale, the palace is quite tranquil and calm, with the majestic Bukhansan Mountain at the background.