Epic August 2025 Highland Road Trip: Malaysia to East Asia Scenic & Halal Adventures

Day 1: Arrival & Local Exploration

Seoul, South Korea on August 15, 2025

8:00am

Flight from Kuala Lumpur to Seoul

Depart Kuala Lumpur on a budget airline to Incheon International Airport, Seoul. Flight duration approximately 6 hours. Estimated cost RM 900 per person round trip.
RM900, 6h0m

2:00pm

Pick up rental car

Collect a compact car rental at Incheon Airport for ease of driving in mountainous roads. Estimated cost RM 150 per day, 5 days = RM 750.
RM750, 0h30m

3:00pm

Drive to Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province

Enjoy a scenic 2-2.5 hour drive northeast to Pyeongchang, famous for stunning highlands and fewer tourists.
Fuel approx RM 50, 2h30m

6:00pm

Check-in to accommodation

Stay at a clean, budget-friendly guesthouse with great reviews such as Pyeongchang Hanok Stay, well-suited for halal dietary needs. Cost approx RM 150 per night.
RM150, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Halal Korean Restaurant

Dine at Halal Chamsut BBQ in Pyeongchang, serving authentic Korean BBQ without alcohol, perfect to taste local flavors safely.
RM60, 1h30m
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Day 2: Mountain Hiking & Adventure

Pyeongchang, South Korea on August 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Enjoy a simple breakfast with local fruits and halal-friendly items provided by the guesthouse.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Hiking at Odaesan National Park

Explore hiking trails in Odaesan National Park, featuring dense forests, mountain peaks, and temples. Trails open 9am-6pm. Admission is free.
Free, 5h

2:30pm

Lunch at a local Halal eatery

Have lunch at Onion House, a small cafe with halal-certified dishes focusing on Korean fusion and fresh local produce.
RM40, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Woljeongsa Temple

Discover the serene Woljeongsa, an iconic Buddhist temple surrounded by natural beauty, perfect for peaceful exploration. Open till 6pm. Free entry.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Halal Restaurant Samgwansin

Enjoy traditional Korean stews and rice dishes at Samgwansin, a halal-certified establishment with excellent hygiene ratings.
RM60, 1h30m
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Day 3: Road Trip & Scenic Views

Gangwon Province to Jeonju, South Korea on August 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Simple halal-friendly breakfast provided by accommodation to fuel the day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Jeonju via scenic mountain routes

Embark on a 4.5-hour road trip from Pyeongchang to Jeonju, passing through scenic highland routes with multiple photo stops, lasting approximately 280 km.
Fuel approx RM 80, 4h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Jeonju Halal Restaurant Korean House

Taste the famous Jeonju Bibimbap at a halal-certified restaurant offering authentic local cuisine in a clean environment.
RM55, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Jeonju Hanok Village

Wander Jeonju Hanok Village's traditional Korean houses and small boutiques. Entrance free, open till late.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Check-in to Jeonju Budget Hotel

Stay at Jeonju Guesthouse with clean, well-rated rooms. Cost approx RM 140 per night.
RM140, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Halal Lebanese Restaurant

Enjoy Middle Eastern halal cuisine at Jeonju's Arwa Restaurant, known for its authentic taste and safety standards.
RM65, 1h30m
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Day 4: Alpine Adventure & Paragliding

Nagano Prefecture, Japan on August 18, 2025

7:00am

Flight Seoul to Tokyo Narita

Take morning flight Seoul to Tokyo Narita. Approx RM 400 per person one-way, 2h duration.
RM800, 2h0m

10:00am

Pick up rental car at Narita

Rent a compact vehicle for 2 days to explore Nagano highlands. Estimated RM 350 total.
RM350, 0h30m

11:00am

Drive to Karuizawa

Scenic 2-hour drive to Karuizawa, a charming mountain resort town with serene nature and clean environment.
Fuel approx RM 40, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Halal Certified Noodle Shop

Halal-certified ramen specialty shop in Karuizawa offers authentic tastes without compromising dietary needs.
RM50, 1h

3:00pm

Paragliding Experience at Karuizawa

Advance booking recommended for 2-3 hour tandem paragliding to enjoy alpine views from the sky. Cost approx RM 600 per person.
RM1200, 3h

7:00pm

Check-in to Guesthouse Karuizawa

Budget-friendly, clean guesthouse near town center with good reviews. Cost approx RM 250 per night.
RM250, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Halal Turkish Restaurant

Dine at local Turkish halal restaurant offering kebabs and mezze in a clean, welcoming space.
RM90, 1h30m
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Day 5: Nature & Departure

Nagano Prefecture / Tokyo, Japan on August 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Enjoy a halal-friendly light breakfast with fresh fruits and bread.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Shiraito Falls

Short drive to Shiraito Falls, a stunning, lesser-known waterfall with crisp alpine air and beautiful forest trails. Open all day, free entry.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at local Halal Café

Light halal meal at a cafe focusing on organic and local ingredients in Nagano.
RM55, 1h

1:30pm

Drive to Narita Airport

Return drive to Narita Airport approximately 3 hours away. Fuel approx RM 60.
RM60, 3h

5:00pm

Return rental car & Prepare for flight

Return vehicle and check in for flight back home.
Included, 1h

7:00pm

Flight from Tokyo Narita to Kuala Lumpur

Evening flight back to Malaysia, about 7 hours duration.
Included in initial flight cost, 7h
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