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Guides and Tips
A Beginner’s Guide to Climbing Mt. Hallasan

Located at the south of South Korea, a tiny island has gained popularity with its dramatic volcanic terrains and picturesque beaches. Known for its island greenery, Jeju Island is a popular sweet escape from the bustling city. There are many places you can explore in Jeju Island but one thing’s for sure, have you really visited Jeju if you haven’t climbed their famous mountain?Mt. Hallasan in SpringNestled in the heart of this island is the famous Mt. Hallasan with the summit at 1,947m tall – the highest point in their country. Pride itself on offering a great view from the top, this mountain takes an average of 7h 19 mins to complete. Here is my experience about my climb and my take on the million-dollar question – Is it worth the climb? ROUTESThere are multiple hiking routes up Mt. Hallasan and each route offers something unique. Here’s a breakdown on the routes and what I would recommend best.1. Gwaneumsa Trail – 8.7km View from Gwaneumsa TrailThis trail serves you one of the best scenic views. As you bask in its evergreen nature and mountainous surroundings, you will be accompanied by butterflies, adding to the ethereal experience of the hike. At your resting stops, be ready to meet some of the most majestic crows that governs the area (Tip: do not provoke the crows!). Guaranteed to lead you to the summit, this trail is one of the safer paths due to its functioning stairway and rope rails. 2. Seongpanak Trail – 9.6km View from Seongpanak TrailA less steep option with a forestry scene lies in this trail. With a gentler incline, this trail up is generally less taxing compared to the never-ending multitude of stairs from Gwaneumsa Trail. Nevertheless, do not underestimate this trail as it gets rocky upwards and requires good footwear to thrive in this terrain. This trail does takes you to the summit, and you might even spot a deer along the way.You can get good hiking gears from Decathlon! If you are looking to explore Hallasan National Park but don’t wish to commit to the full hike, there are two other trails that are shorter: Eorimok Trail – 4.7km & Yeongsil Trail – 3.7km. These trails do not go up to the summit, but you could still clock some steps there and enjoy nature.If you’re hoping to complete this hike and fully experience Jeju Island, my recommendation would be to hike up via Gwaneumsa Trail and down the Seongpanak Trail so that you can enjoy the view up and safeguard your knees during the descend. View from the peak of Mt. HallasanADVICE TO NEW HIKERSIf you’ve read this far, you are probably serious about this climb. Mt. Hallasan is open all year round, however, the trails may close due to unforeseen weather circumstances or fog. Additionally, due to the shorter daylight during the colder seasons, the peak closes at different timings as well. In my opinion, the best seasons to climb would be Spring or Summer, when most days offer clear views of the scenic routes you signed up for!As an amateur hiker, there were a few things I wished I knew before climbing Mt. Hallasan and I hope this advice will help you on your hike. 1. Sunscreen As you will be getting closer to the sun, sun protection is extremely important. Either gear up with UV protection gears or apply sunscreen generously to every inch of your body. My mistake was not applying enough, and I had to face the unfortunate consequence of getting second-degree burns on my shoulders after only spending 20 minutes at the summit – that’s how strong the sun was.  Purchase your sunscreen & earn up to 4% Cashback from Sephora!2. RegistrationClimbing this mountain requires registration to prevent overcrowding at the summit and to account for every hiker. Do remember to register on their website before heading there to prevent getting rejected. 3. WaterDespite being surrounded by what we presume is Jeju spring water (which you’ll get to see along the hikes), I would still recommend bringing your own drinking water and snacks, as there are no stores mid-hike. Washrooms up the mountain do not have any water cistern so handwashing must be done with your own water. My mistake was only bringing 2L worth of water and I was dehydrated by the end of the hike – a huge and dangerous mistake. 4. Pace yourselfGoing down the hike takes almost the same amount of time going up as it can be very hard on your knees. If you are an amateur like me, factor in enough time so that you can leave before the sun sets. Remember, there are no streetlamps on the mountain. CONCLUSION: TO CLIMB OR NOT TO CLIMB?Coming from someone that does not have the best stamina, this hike is challenging but beginner-friendly. I took a total of 11h (8am – 7pm) to complete the whole journey, and I can say that the view at the top was breathtaking. Even though my hike was during the peak of summer, it felt cool, and I did not perspire as much as I thought I would. After the hike, my friend and I proceeded to eat 1kg worth of the famous Jeju Black Pork to celebrate our spontaneous hike. Was the hike worth it? Yes, but maybe just once in this lifetime. Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission. 

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A Beginner’s Guide to Climbing Mt. Hallasan

Located at the south of South Korea, a tiny island has gained popularity with its dramatic volcanic terrains and picturesque beaches. Known for its island greenery, Jeju Island is a popular sweet escape from the bustling city. There are many places you can explore in Jeju Island but one thing’s for sure, have you really visited Jeju if you haven’t climbed their famous mountain?Mt. Hallasan in SpringNestled in the heart of this island is the famous Mt. Hallasan with the summit at 1,947m tall – the highest point in their country. Pride itself on offering a great view from the top, this mountain takes an average of 7h 19 mins to complete. Here is my experience about my climb and my take on the million-dollar question – Is it worth the climb? ROUTESThere are multiple hiking routes up Mt. Hallasan and each route offers something unique. Here’s a breakdown on the routes and what I would recommend best.1. Gwaneumsa Trail – 8.7km View from Gwaneumsa TrailThis trail serves you one of the best scenic views. As you bask in its evergreen nature and mountainous surroundings, you will be accompanied by butterflies, adding to the ethereal experience of the hike. At your resting stops, be ready to meet some of the most majestic crows that governs the area (Tip: do not provoke the crows!). Guaranteed to lead you to the summit, this trail is one of the safer paths due to its functioning stairway and rope rails. 2. Seongpanak Trail – 9.6km View from Seongpanak TrailA less steep option with a forestry scene lies in this trail. With a gentler incline, this trail up is generally less taxing compared to the never-ending multitude of stairs from Gwaneumsa Trail. Nevertheless, do not underestimate this trail as it gets rocky upwards and requires good footwear to thrive in this terrain. This trail does takes you to the summit, and you might even spot a deer along the way.You can get good hiking gears from Decathlon! If you are looking to explore Hallasan National Park but don’t wish to commit to the full hike, there are two other trails that are shorter: Eorimok Trail – 4.7km & Yeongsil Trail – 3.7km. These trails do not go up to the summit, but you could still clock some steps there and enjoy nature.If you’re hoping to complete this hike and fully experience Jeju Island, my recommendation would be to hike up via Gwaneumsa Trail and down the Seongpanak Trail so that you can enjoy the view up and safeguard your knees during the descend. View from the peak of Mt. HallasanADVICE TO NEW HIKERSIf you’ve read this far, you are probably serious about this climb. Mt. Hallasan is open all year round, however, the trails may close due to unforeseen weather circumstances or fog. Additionally, due to the shorter daylight during the colder seasons, the peak closes at different timings as well. In my opinion, the best seasons to climb would be Spring or Summer, when most days offer clear views of the scenic routes you signed up for!As an amateur hiker, there were a few things I wished I knew before climbing Mt. Hallasan and I hope this advice will help you on your hike. 1. Sunscreen As you will be getting closer to the sun, sun protection is extremely important. Either gear up with UV protection gears or apply sunscreen generously to every inch of your body. My mistake was not applying enough, and I had to face the unfortunate consequence of getting second-degree burns on my shoulders after only spending 20 minutes at the summit – that’s how strong the sun was.  Purchase your sunscreen & earn up to 4% Cashback from Sephora!2. RegistrationClimbing this mountain requires registration to prevent overcrowding at the summit and to account for every hiker. Do remember to register on their website before heading there to prevent getting rejected. 3. WaterDespite being surrounded by what we presume is Jeju spring water (which you’ll get to see along the hikes), I would still recommend bringing your own drinking water and snacks, as there are no stores mid-hike. Washrooms up the mountain do not have any water cistern so handwashing must be done with your own water. My mistake was only bringing 2L worth of water and I was dehydrated by the end of the hike – a huge and dangerous mistake. 4. Pace yourselfGoing down the hike takes almost the same amount of time going up as it can be very hard on your knees. If you are an amateur like me, factor in enough time so that you can leave before the sun sets. Remember, there are no streetlamps on the mountain. CONCLUSION: TO CLIMB OR NOT TO CLIMB?Coming from someone that does not have the best stamina, this hike is challenging but beginner-friendly. I took a total of 11h (8am – 7pm) to complete the whole journey, and I can say that the view at the top was breathtaking. Even though my hike was during the peak of summer, it felt cool, and I did not perspire as much as I thought I would. After the hike, my friend and I proceeded to eat 1kg worth of the famous Jeju Black Pork to celebrate our spontaneous hike. Was the hike worth it? Yes, but maybe just once in this lifetime. Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission. 

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South Side Savings: Exploring 1-for-1 Dining Deals in Southern Singapore

From sumptuous hawker delights to upscale gastronomic experiences, Southern Singapore is a vibrant hub brimming with diverse culinary offerings and enticing dining deals.With an array of eateries, cafes, and restaurants tucked away in bustling neighborhoods, residents and visitors alike are spoiled for choice when it comes to discovering delectable dishes at wallet-friendly prices, thanks to the 1-for-1 dining deals on your merewards app.New to merewards? merewards is Mediacorp’s award-winning rewards programme with exciting member perks such as cashback, promos and coupons, and awesome lifestyle content curated just for you.1-for-1: Yenly Yours Dessert (Suntec City)Thailand's #1 mango cafe is now in Singapore, and you can savour the sweetness of summer all year round with their famed, luscious mango treats. Be sure to check out their Mango Smoothie with a wide range of toppings such as mango jelly, sago, black pearl, or coconut. 1-for-1 deals: Mango Smoothies, Coconut Smoothies, Thai Milk TeaAddress: 3 Temasek Boulevard #01-K6 Suntec City Singapore 038983Redeem 1-for-1 deals at Yenly Yours Dessert (Suntec City) here1-for-1: Black Society (Vivocity)Black Society prides itself on serving modern contemporary Cantonese cuisine in a beautiful and relaxing environment. It has two outlets - Vivocity and Great World, to cater to people looking for a mental and energy recharge. Both outlets are also conveniently located within a few minutes' walk of a MRT station. Check out our review of the outlet at Great World here.1-for-1 deals: Appetiser, Congee, or DessertAddress: Vivocity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, #02-156/157, Singapore 098585Redeem 1-for-1 deals at Black Society (Vivocity) here1-for-1: Central Hong Kong Cafe (Vivocity)Experience Hong Kong’s ubiquitous cha chaan tengs (a type of restaurant commonly found in Hong Kong and Macau), in the heart of Singapore. The restaurant's interior is decorated like old coffee shops, where you’ll also see wallpapers that shows Hong Kong’s bustling Central district and key attractions such as Victoria Peak and Tsim Sha Tsui. On the menu, you’ll find an array of familiar staples such as Beef Brisket Noodles, Wanton Noodles, Luncheon Meat Instant Noodles, Rice Rolls and Egg Tarts. Majority of the dishes at Central Hong Kong cafes are wallet-friendly, most of them are priced at less than $15.1-for-1 deals: Top 10 (Rice/Noodles), Side/Snacks, BeverageAddress: Vivocity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, #B2-13/14, Singapore 098585Redeem 1-for-1 deals at Central Hong Kong Cafe (Vivocity) here1-for-1: café Q classified (Vivocity)cafe Q classified is a floral themed cafe that surrounds you with pastel coloured flora and fauna while you dine. We reviewed their outlet at Vivocity and was mesmerised by the decor and quality of food. We think their cafes are perfect for the weekend catch-up with your friends, or if you are looking for a place to rest after your shopping sprees.1-for-1 deals: Mains, Salads, SidesAddress: Vivocity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, #B1-02, Singapore 098585Redeem 1-for-1 deals at café Q classified (VivoCity) here1-for-1: Potato Corner (Vivocity)We reviewed Potato Corner's renowned flavoured french fries in our article here, and can we say it again that we absolutely love their fries? It is no wonder they have 14 outlets in Singapore alone, and over a thousand outlets globally. With merewards, you can enjoy double portions of their irresistibly yummy, flavoured fries for just the price of one!1-for-1 deals: Mega FriesAddress: Vivocity: #B2-K16, 1 HarbourFront Walk Singapore 098585Redeem 1-for-1 deals at Potato Corner (Vivocity) here1-for-1: Cat & the Fiddle (Vivocity)Cat & the Fiddle’s signature cheesecakes need no introduction. They are loved by Singaporeans for their wide range of delectable cheesecake flavours, from classic crowd favourites like the triple fromage cheesecake Jiggly Fluff, to stronger and more niche flavours like the durian-flavoured King Cat of the Mountain. At last count, Cat & the Fiddle has 11 outlets islandwide.1-for-1 deals: Classic Cheesecakes (Slice), Waffle (Cheesy Softserve), Cone (Cheesy Softserve)Address: Vivocity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, #02-133, Singapore 098585Redeem 1-for-1 deals at Cat & the Fiddle (Vivocity) hereRemember, a merewards subscription is totally free of charge and all you need to do is to flash your app at the store to redeem the deals! It is simply our way of thanking you for your support of Mediacorp's award-winning rewards programme. Stay tuned as we bring you more exciting dining treats!

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TRAPO: Elevating Your Driving Experience

Established in 2016, TRAPO has quickly become an award-winning car accessories brand in Malaysia. With over 15 offline hubs spread across countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia, TRAPO has made its mark in the automotive industry. The brand was awarded Silver Place for "Best Green Initiative" by The SOBA Awards in 2022, a testament to its commitment to sustainable practices. TRAPO's core mission is to elevate the consumer’s driving experience through cost-friendly premium car accessories. The brand promotes the importance of hygiene, comfort, and safety while on the road, ensuring that every journey is a pleasant one.TRAPO Car MatsTRAPO offers a diverse range of car mats tailored to exceed expectations. Certified with EU Reach, their car mats are guaranteed top-quality and safe for use. The range includes: TRAPO Eco: An affordable and eco-friendly choice with superior anti-slip features. TRAPO Classic: Crafted with EVA foam and Japanese silver ion technology, it ensures easy cleaning and antibacterial properties. TRAPO Hex: Offers elevated durability with robust anti-slip capabilities. TRAPO Xtreme: Designed for 4x4 enthusiasts, it presents 3D car mats for unparalleled durability.TRAPO Car Accessories From phone holders for easy connectivity to air purifiers for fresh air, TRAPO has you covered. Keep your ride clean with portable vacuums, stay charged with fast chargers, and protect surfaces with diatomite coasters. For extra cleanliness, try the Antibac Car Spray. TRAPO Car Accessories are simple, functional, and ready to enhance your journey on the road.TRAPO Car WipersTRAPO offers silicone car wiper blades with water-repelling properties as part of their flagship products. These silicone wiper blades provide a layer of coating on your windshields to add another film of protection against splattering raindrops. The TRAPO Hydrophobic Car Wiper Blade boasts an even pressured swipe, preventing any streak marks. TRAPO Dashcam Embark on a journey with TRAPO's exclusive dashcam collection, showcasing premium 4K and 2K resolution options. Enjoy intelligent savings without compromise. Benefit from features like timelapse, collision detection, built-in GPS, adjustable viewing angles, and voice command for an uninterrupted driving experience. With flexible installation options for front and rear views, drivers can invest in the most advanced and value-packed dashcams available. TRAPO Promo CodeEarn 6% cashback when you make your purchase with merewards and score an extra 10% OFF with code TRAPOXME10! Don't wait—start shopping here and saving now!

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Unlocking Fun on a Budget: Discovering merewards's Hottest Recreational Deals

The holiday season is here and if you are looking for great deals on recreational activities, merewards has some great deals to offer.From adrenaline-pumping escapades to serene retreats, take your pick from a selection of recreational deals that cater to diverse interests and budgets. Join us as we delve into a curated list of the hottest Singapore recreational deals on the merewards platform, uncovering an array of experiences that promise both excitement and relaxation, all while being light on the wallet.1. Hotel Daycation - FlowFancy staying at a leading hotel at a fraction of the cost? Flow is Asia's leading flexible hotel booking app, where you can book 4–8-hour short stays during the day for that mini recharge. There are so many things you can do during a short recharge session at a hotel, like a birthday celebration, power nap, or even as a form of getaway from the hustle and bustle of life.merewards Deal: Enjoy 7% OFF your booking cost when you use our promo code belowRedeem Flow promo code here2. Hotel Stay - InterContinental Singapore Robertson QuayNestled in the heart of Robertson Quay along the Singapore River, InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay is one of Singapore's leading luxurious hotels which boast amazing views of the city. Each of their 225 studios and suites features a host of thoughtful amenities that combine modernity with elegance and functional practicality designed to make your stay a comfortable and enjoyable one. merewards Deal: Book a King Bed Classic Room at SGD288++ per night inclusive of daily buffet breakfast for 2 persons and a choice of complimentary non-alcoholic minibar or a bottle of Prosecco once per stay. Valid for weekend stays only (Fri, Sat, Sun). Other T&Cs applyRedeem InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay promo code here3. Tufting - WeTuftWe covered WeTuft, a tufting workshop located at Somerset in our review here. Tufting is an ancient textile manufacturing technique used for making warm garments. The modern iteration involves punching yarn through a taut fabric base with a tufting gun. This fun-filled activity has caught on in recent years among Singaporeans looking to discover their 'inner artist'. If you are thinking of creating something for a special someone as a gift, a handmade rug sounds like a practical and special gift for any occasion. merewards Deal: Enjoy 10% OFF all workshops when you use our promo codeRedeem WeTuft promo code here4. Trapped Escape RoomWith various themed rooms offering unique storylines and intricately designed puzzles, Trapped Escape Room guarantees an adrenaline-pumping adventure that fosters camaraderie and unforgettable memories among friends, family, or colleagues. Trapped Escape Room features 70 latest escape room props with new animatronics, 7 exciting themes, 28 hidden chambers and even 2 NPC actors to provide you with the best experience.merewards Deal: Enjoy $5 OFF per pax (min. purchase of 4 pax)Redeem Online Trapped Escape Room promo code hereRedeem Offline Trapped Escape Room promo code here5. Decoden Art - H&H StudioDecoden art, short for "decorated denwa" or "decorated phone" in Japanese, is a captivating and whimsical form of crafting that has gained immense popularity in recent years. At H&H Studio, you get to unleash your creativity and create your very own decoden handphone case, hair clip, tissue paper box, and more. They have everything you need to get started, from glue in all the different colours and over 200 charms to decorate your item with.merewards Deal: Enjoy 10% OFF decoden art workshopsRedeem H&H Studio promo code here6. Private Yacht Charter - SunRise, SunRiderSunRise and SunRider are operated by White Sails, a yacht charter operator in Singapore. Elevate your gatherings, celebrations, or corporate events with their premium service, tailored to ensure an unforgettable and sophisticated nautical adventure in the waters of Singapore. You also get to enjoy water activities with equipment such as a floating mat, stand-up paddles, fishing rods (excluding bait) and snorkel kits all provided. merewards Deal: Enjoy 15% OFF private yacht charter to Lazarus Island onboard SunRise or SunRiderRedeem SunRise promo code hereRedeem SunRider promo code here7. Customisable Crafts Workshop - Concrete EverythingWithin Concrete Everything's Live Workshops, you'll have the chance to craft your own distinctive and customisable creations, spanning from practical items like cup coasters to visually appealing desk lamps. Their fun-filled workshops allow you to craft something uniquely yours entirely from scratch. Makes for a great personalised gift too!merewards Deal: Enjoy 10% OFF all live workshopsRedeem Concrete Everything promo code here8. Sentosa Attractions - Mount Faber LeisureSentosa is well known for many things - the extensive cable car network, white sandy beaches, and numerous hotels boasting picturesque scenery attract millions of visitors to this small but fun island each year. There are many ways to enjoy the sights of Sentosa, but if you are wondering where to start, you can consider checking out our suggested itinerary here, which was designed together with Mount Faber Leisure to help you get the most out of attractions like the Singapore Cable Car, SkyHelix Sentosa, Wings of Time, and the Sentosa Island Bus Tour.merewards Deal: Enjoy the following deals with merewards- 30% OFF Cable Car Sky Pass (Round Trip)- 30% OFF Sentosa Island Bus Tour- 20% OFF Wings of Time (Standard Seat)- 15% OFF SkyHelix SentosaRedeem Cable Car Sky Pass (Round Trip) promo code hereRedeem Sentosa Island Bus Tour promo code hereRedeem Wings of Time promo code hereRedeem SkyHelix Sentosa promo code hereNew to merewards? A merewards subscription is totally free of charge and all you need to do is to redeem the promo codes on our platform and apply them on the respective merchant's website to claim your deal! It is simply our way of thanking you for your support of Mediacorp's award-winning rewards programme. Stay tuned as we bring you more exciting treats!

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