How to get to Hydarpasa from Istanbul/Sultanahmet

The train station at Hyderpasa connects Istanbul with the remaining part of Turkey and the rest of Asia.

There is a train station is Sirkeci, near the harbor, but there is no train connection between the European Istanbul with the Asian Istanbul.

However, most hotel and tourism objects in Istanbul rests on the European side. Hence, if you want to take the train from Istanbul to other Turkish cities (Konya, Cappadocia, etc) you have no option but to cross the Bosphorus strait with a ferry to Hydarpasa station. The crossing takes 15 minutes.

If you are travelling with tram, stop at Elmeneu which is one stop after Sirkeci. The tram door is on the right (Tram price: 2 TYL).

From Elmeneu, you have to pass several docks until you find the dock with the ship that will take you to Hyderpasa. Make sure you ask if the ferry goes to Hyderpasa. At the left hand side of the entrance there is a ticket machine, the coin costs 2 Turkish Liras. Wait for the ferry to arrive. From my experience Hyderpasa is the first stop after Elmenou but be sure to ask someone in case the itineraries change.

Below is the picture of the commuters on the ferry. They work in Europe but lives in Asia and has to cross the strait before cacthing a tram at Hyderpasa. But the trip is convinient, so, no worries :)

One more tip: The station restaurant at Hydarpasa is quite expensive. If you are budget-travelling I'd advice you to eat somewhere else. But, the back side of the restaurant is very beautiful. You can watch the busy port from the back.

Do leave me a message at the comment section if you have any question.

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Lonely Planet Middle East vs Turkey

When I backpacked trough middle east few years ago, I was helped a lot by the Lonely Planet Middle East. The book gave me valuable tips on where to stay, how to get to places and where to eat. The book also gave me clues on what to expect in each places, how to behave, even historical insights. In short, I love Lonely Planet Middle East.

Since then, I started to use Lonely Planet to travel in Indonesia and Cambodia. So I had great expectation on Lonely Planet Turkey, as this time I am traveling in the country. I do get assisted in searching for places, understanding the history and to some degree on what to expect from each venues and performance I visit. However, I must say the book is not so much for backpackers. It does not list adequate numbers of budget hostels, restaurants or options to enjoy the country for budget travelers. The book sent me to expensive restaurants, tours and bad rated hostels. I am lucky as I sometimes triple check the recommendation with tripadvisors and other traveler forums.

But then again, if you are a middle upper range traveler, you would probably like the book. The places and sugestion they give are practical. It will help you make the best of your holiday.

As Mova and I are middle range traveler, so we don't find the book very helpful to pinch our wallet during the trip. Unlike Lonely Planet Turkey, Lonely Planet Middle East can provide me with best deals of hotels, transport and meals. The history and information about places worth visits are also written uniquely. I felt like the authors are the same type of traveler like me, who enjoy people, culture, unique experiences, adventures and cheap deals :) :)

Just a thought to share, hope you'll find it useful.



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Sema dance

The best thing I have ever seen for a long time :)

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Kalau sudah kaya, jangan tersesat

Photo taken in Istanbul, near the blue mosque.
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Perseverance pays

Picture taken at Dundee Railway Station
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Bye bye Dundee

The sun hasn't rise yet but we have to go. It's been a wonderful three years. Live is a travel and we are all travellers :)
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The Mobile Researcher #1: Converters

1.Danish Computer Plug
1.Danish to EU Converter
1.EU to UK Converter

A UK Plug

Equals to: 15 centimeter long plug

Moral lesson: get a good universal converter.
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