Visit to Neighbouring Countries ~ Singapore and Thailand (Part 3)

Thailand - Here I come!!

From Singapore to the Land of Elephants

To tell the truth, I could never imagine I'll be travelling again to Thailand and it's from Singapore!

I had made some promises to a friend that we'll be meeting up in Bangkok as he's at Chiangmai the day when I arrived in Bangkok. It's been nearly 34hrs I didn't really had a really good sleep, besides the 3hours sleep in Singapore during the pyjamas party. All off us are heading to the same place that is the airport. Most of them took a flight back to Kuala Lumpur except for Linsy as she wanted to cross over to Johor Bahru and go to Tioman Island the next day and off course for me too as I'll be going to Bangkok. Another stamp on my renew passport, yeay!

We woke up early and took taxis to the terminal. All off us definetely exhausted and sleepy but nevertherless, we had fun - the food and the booze (Still have a half of bottle still in Singapore!). I had a good big breakfast while waiting for boarding at 1055hrs from Changi International Airport, Terminal 1.I'm pretty sure that I'll be sleeping in the flight the whole journey to Bangkok!And yea, I did!!...It was a smooth flight..and a good sleep too...because it took me around 2hrs to reach Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok. We had to take the shuttle bus to go to the main building for customs check. It was a long queue there. I was standing for almost an hour. Just imagine, exhaustion and sleepy mode, and standing for almost an hour!Ohh...what a wait! But finally, they managed to controlled the queue.Once I've passed thru the security check, finally the first thing I want is a phone simcard. Not pretty sure if I can still use my old Phuket number. It's not that expensive.I saw that it is easy to go to the city via train. For the first time, I was impressived by the Thais on their transportation. Last year I came to Bangkok from Krabi by bus. I saw a lot of 'pharang' or Westerner while I was waiting for the train. Saw some hardcore backpackers and as well as the expatriate, people who basically works and lives in Bangkok. I managed to get a sit and rest my head on my bagpack, trying to get some nap before arrived at the last station. I was wearing my sunglasses, so that they won't really realise my panda eyes ~ sleepless night. A guy, 'pharang' ~ asked me if I was about to go off the station that he's going too, but I replied no, as my destination is on the last station'. It was nice off him to ask me, scared that I'm lost; perhaps!

I'm lucky to have a really good host in Bangkok eventhough his place is way out from the city centre, Nonthaburi. It's not that hard to look for his place the first time. The train is the easiest way to commute to his place eventhough you have to change from the blue line train to the BTS train. I was lucky to be there on Sunday, where my last train was at Mochit station. Nearby was the Jatujak (Chatuchak) Weekend market. They sell a lot off stuffs there from dresses to household items.Name it, they have it!There's a lot of people too but I was so exhausted that I decided to head over to my host's place in Nonthaburi. I managed to get a cab and the price is not as expensive as I thought!.

Met a few CSers that he hosted, a French guy (forget his name-only see him once), Ali (the Iranian guy) and Thom (the German dude who was supposed to be hosted by Yim) and me in the house.I was too hungry and in need of a really good cold shower. After I have refreshed myself, I left the house wandering on the neighbourhood and looking for food. I ended up buying the chicken wing, glutonous rice and I had the best desert - The coconut Ice Cream ~ really Thai authentic! It's hard to communicate to the local in English as they can't really understand it plus I have the face of Thai people too!..Not an advantage thou...But meeting up with my host and some CS in his house is the best experience I've ever had in Bangkok. That night, we went out to the market. I was starving and missing my Pad Thai for ages. Guessed what I had for dinner??Off Course, Pad Thai - by the river with a good company!The next few days, the guys ~ Ali and Thom plus myself have a good lunch, the best chicken rice and a spicy somtam for me. A really true Asian Girl - they must be wondering!..Then, Thom and I left for Khao San - meet up with Yim and Mr Brasil;Marcos Piani.

It took us an hour to reach Khao San - 2 busses that costs us only THB 25 considering the distances from my host's place. In the second bus, we didn't realized that we've been seating on the sit that was supposed to be reserve for monks. Only noticed it half way thru. I was freezing chill in the bus and so does Thom.Well, there's always first time for everything right? And that is why they call it as adventure. We had few drinks at the roadside of Khaosan Road, met new friends (drunken travellers., but loads off fun with them!!) and some catching up with Marcos.

There's a short notice for the CS meeting. They have change it from Wednesday to Tuesday as there'll be a Buddhist celebration on Wednesday and no alcohol will be served that day. I went earlier to see my agent near Ratchadapisek and get my train ticket that I've booked earlier for my journey back home. Too bad I had to leave Thai early. I knew that I will return to Thai soon, maybe for Songkran. I met Marcos again and we went to Pratunam, to see the electronic mall by Khlong( the canal boat) and cost me THB11 from the Victory Monument to Pratunam. A smooth sailing ride in the heart of Bangkok on a good day. I was practically tired during that trip as I had lots off shopping at Khaosan before meeting Marcos at Rambutri Soi.Can't believe I'm leaving the next day...and I'm already missing Bangkok!Thank you Khun Toom for your kindness and hospitality.I'll be visiting you soon!! 

Here some of my good times photos in Bangkok and the journey back to Malaysia via Butterworth (24hrs train ride, THB1020 -upper berth)

Visit to Neigbouring Countries ~ Singapore and Thailand (Part 2)

Continues.....
We continue explore the cities with Cherie, Andy and Zoe before heading to the CS party place at Pasir Ris. The place is called Aloha @ Netheravan Road - Near to the Changi airport too. It seems that the place is so secluded and only see few cars on the road. Just imagine if we came by bus, we have no idea what to expect. But we finally managed arrived at the mentioned place, being welcomed by the CS Singapore committee member and the host for the day...Pictures below...

Visit to neighbouring countries ~ Singapore and Thailand (Part 1)

Singapore ~ CS Pyjamas Party

It was a spontaneous decision to go for the CS meet up between two countries, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. It is indeed a good opportunity for me to prepare my mental and physical strength before going off to my BIG journey. 3rd March 2012 -  A date that I wouldn't never forget. I can go to Singapore from Kuala Lumpur by bus, train or by flight. I've chosen to book my flight to Singapore instead as Airasia have promo deals going on that time. It cost me MYR63.20 (USD21 or EURO16) for one way flight.I still have no planning on how to go back but I'm sure that spending some quality times exploring the modern city, Singapore. The last time I'm in Singapore was in year 2010 with my travel partner and closed friend of mine, Maja Janson for Eidul Fitri.My flight to Singapore from LCCT is at 0720hrs and it took me an hour to reach Changi International Airport (Terminal 1).If you had booking flight tickets through Tiger Airways, the terminal in Singapore is the Budget Terminal. To go there, You have to take the skytrain to Terminal 2 and go down to the Basement, where the bus services to the Terminal Budget is waiting for you. Don't worry, it's free!

View of Singapore

I'm officially in Singapore babeh!!

Me,Linsy and Jun

I didn't really have a good sleep the night before as I was so anxious going off to Singapore. I took a taxi at 4am to KL Sentral and from there Sky Bus (the red ones - MYR9 per way) to go to LCCT. I didn't really have a lot off things to bring to Singapore, just a light backpack and my renew passport!I had butterfly in my tummy but I couldn't go and buy some food as I arrived late and just in time to check-in and be at the boarding hall. The security and custom check-in was a bit chaos as the queue was long and the plane is ready to be board!Finally, everything went smoothly as some of the flights being delayed. I couldn't imagine there's a lot of people waiting and arrive from other destinations in Asia not to mention people who work in the airport.

It's time for boarding after being delayed for 10minutes. I'm afraid that I will missed the flight!While I was waiting, I saw some familiar face.And yea, he's the Chairman for Maybank Berhad, the largest bank in Malaysia - Dato' Wahid Omar. Can't believed that he's flying with Airasia too. Budget airlines? I opt not to say 'Hi' to him as he might think I'm his stalker although we were relatives. Long story...I had the best sit, next to the window. Besides me there were empty seat and the seat on the aisle were occupied by an old man. Lucky me, I slept all the way to Singapore, well I do yea? I realize that i need to fill in the customs form as soon as I woke up!It's a 5 min more before the plane is going to land on the runaway of Changi International Airport. I managed to snap some photos and views from the window. Didn't realised that the Malacca Straight is congested with ships!It was a good morning with a good weather.

Ships and tanker...

I was starving when I reached Singapore. The moment I reached Singapore, I had messages from Linsy, my travel partner from Belgium. She had booked flight from Tiger Airways and she arrived minutes later after my arrival - at the Budget Terminal. Since this was her first experience travelling alone, I give her a hand by looking for her at the Budget Terminal from Terminal 1. Luckily, I saw her.Unexpected text message I received minutes after that from Jun. He missed the flight that he was supposed to board together with Linsy. We then, waited for him at Terminal 2. After all that mumbo jumbo thing, we went to the city while waiting for the others to arrive later that afternoon.

Yes, we're going to the City..

The Famous Bugis Street

Albert Centre - Jun said that they have the cheapest food in Singapore

Some back alley - Bugis Street

We had an awesome time travelling in the city by MRT. We did missed our train teh first time but we managed to get the right train after that. We went to Bugis Junction to get our food. The food looks so tempting but in the other hand, we had budget for our trip this time. We decided to get Japanese food and yea, we were full by then. Places that we went in Singapore before heading to the CS place:

• Bugis Street
• Esplanade
• Merlion
• Fullerton Hotel (Passed by)
• Tampines (MRT station - the food court)
• Marina Bay (View of the Casino and the endless pool)

Fullerton Hotel

The Esplanade

then we head to the party place at Pasir Ris with other CSKL Andy,Zoe and Cherie...

Malacca - Once a Dutch and Portuguese settlement

Malacca - Full of history from the Sultanate of Malacca, Parameswara to the Ducth and Portuguese invasion till the mixture of culture. Amazing place to be and to discover. Only 2hrs away from Kuala Lumpur. These are some off the pictures taken during my visit to Malacca for a day trip!

Some old building

Malacca Malay traditional house

Trishaw anyone???

St Paul Hill

St Paul Church Ruin - Dutch tomb

A'Famosa Ruin

Flor D'la Mar

Bridge - Good Spot for romantic sunset!

Seafood at the Portuguese Settlement

Sunset at the Portuguese Settlement

2012 - Kuala Lumpur, my city!

Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. I knew some people do ask some question such as where is Malaysia??Is it the jungle? or where is Malaysia? To answer them, Kuala Lumpur is a metropolitan city and famous for it's Petronas Twin Tower and the Batu Caves which placed the biggest statue of Lord Maha Mariaman and off course the paradise for the shopaholic.Sometimes I feel that should blame on the Tourism board for advertising more on the jungle sites and people start thinking that people still lives in jungle, no civilization. In the other hand, Kuala Lumpur is one of the fastest growing in the region economically and population and it is estimated that 1.4million population in Kuala Lumpur itself.
Here are some interesting places to visit if you're in Kuala Lumpur:

Petronas Twin Tower - KLCC

KLCC Lake

Chinatown (You can find some of the cheap imitation stuffs and some good food it's either a street food or food in an expensive restaurant - good to try. If you like relaxing bar, Reggae Bar Chinatown would be the choice, cheap beer and cocktails especially for girls and also shisha)

Central Market - situated 2min away from Chinatown. It used to be a wet market back in the early days.Now, it has become a tourist attraction place where they sale a lot of traditional handicraft from all over Malaysia, souvenirs and some local delicacies which can only be found in certain part of Malaysia. Next to Central Market, there's an Art Gallery. For art lovers, you can see the artist exhibit daily and can buy the art piece at a reasonable price.

• Junk Book Store - For those who loves to read and wants to sell off your old books, this is the place to be. Just a walking distance from Central Market and opposite of Reggae Mansion. The small shop have lots off good books to be grab.
• Jamek Mosque - This mosque is situated in the middle off the city. It's 7minutes walking distance from Central Market and by looking at the Masjid Jamek LRT Station. This old mosque is in between the meeting point of two important rivers in Kuala Lumpur, which this is how Kuala Lumpur gets it's name after. It's a meeting point between the Klang and Gombak river. There's a timing when you can go and dressed modestly. For girls, you should have a scarfs and cover your arms and legs. The best part to get a good photos is during the Friday prayers in the afternoon!
• Merdeka Square - a 5min walking distance from Jamek Mosque. It is where the old landmark of Sultan Abdul Samad Building, moorish iconic watch tower and a centanial club house across the building. On the same row, there's the Textile Museum and KL art gallery which you can have a look on the history of Kuala Lumpur, from a mining city to a metropolitan city nowadays.

Textile Museum

One of the Exhibit

Masjid Negara - Further 8min walk from the textile museum is the National Mosque or Masjid Negara with it's hige unique blue roof. A main attraction for the local muslims to have Friday Prayers and also some religious classes.

• Botanical Garden - Walk 10min from the National Mosque and you're already at the Botanical Garden. On the way, you'll passed thru the Butterfly Farm.Walking thru the trees is so relaxing! The Botanical Garden consist of the deer farm and there's a huge lake which you relax in the afternoon and have a picnic by the lake. There's a small island in the middle of the lake where ducks and swans nestled.

Botanical Garden

Brickfields, Little India - Short cuts from Botanical Garden, crossed over road and a walk to KL Sentral (Passing by the National Museum). From KL Sentral, go to the direction of KL Monorail. Brickfields is just 5min walking distance. There's a small fountain with elephant heads in the middle off the road. Rows of shops selling mostly vegetarian Indian food and also India Mart.Did you know that most Indians in Malaysia originate from South India?

• Petronas Twin Tower or well known as KLCC - There's a LRT heading to KLCC which is known as the KLCC station. If you want to visit the sky bridge, you have to come early to get the ticket as early as 6.30am!If not, you wouldn't get a chance to purchase the tickets for the day which they limited visit for just 400 patrons. The tickets cost you MYR50 (USD17 or EURO13) for the sky bridge and also the 86th Floor - the highest floor (KLCC have 88th Floor). The view from this Twin Tower is much more better than the Kuala Lumpur tower (The telecom tower on top of Bukit Nanas - the only Forest Reserve in the City). If  you like garden, KLCC have it too. There's also pool for small kids only.
• Batu Caves - To get there, take the KTM commuter at KL Sentral going to Batu Caves station. The ticket cost you MYR3 (MYR1 - from KL Sentral to Batu Caves and MYR2 - from Batu Caves to KL Sentral). The Batu Caves station is just next to the entrance to Batu Caves. You can see the huge green Hanuman Statue on your left once you enter the gate and a few temples and artificial lake. Beware of the monkeys. They can just snatched food or drinks on your hands. The journey to the caves is a long and consist of high steps. They have 272 flight of stairs! Enjoy the view from the high point towards the highway and KL City. Enjoy the view of the caves and some prayer ceremony for the Hindu God and Goddess.
• Putrajaya - It is 1hr away from Kuala Lumpur. There's a lot off goverment offices and some great architectural building, lakes and bridges to be discovered.

Some people said that food in Singapore is superb but wait till they tastes KL Food (Malaysian food in general). We had so many food to choose from local dishes such as Roti Canai to the African Gumbo  and Italian Pizza, named it we have it! Such places I recommend is at Jalan Alor ( A stretch of local Chinese and Thai restaurant in one single road). The best thing to try is the WAW chicken wings - at the end off the road is the restaurant. It is famous for it. Not forgetting the Middle East restaurants as well along Bukit Bintang Road.