New Year 2013

NEW YEAR, NEW DESTINATION

From Yangon with love

My trip to Myanmar is so much of adventure. I learned more about new culture, trying different local dishes which I have no idea what it was but it was good(If possible I avoid food that cooks with pork, unless if I didn't knew what kind of ingredients they use!). I went to some remote village, become a temporary English teacher in a monastery that provides FREE language classes with some language expertice from local Myanmar people.

My English class students are all adults, from the young age of 18 years till 36 years old. Some of them are students from local universities and some working in goverment sector and private agencies. They are totally shy but eager to learn. We then become good friends instantly. It's sad to leave them but I've promised them that I will return to Yangon as soon as possible.

Back in town, Kuala Lumpur

I left Yangon on 30th December 2012. Arrived Kuala Lumpur late night.

I went straight to work on 31st December 2012, with my post travel mood. I would admit that I was a bit exhausted from travelling but I was thrill to celebrate the end of year 2012 with my Couchsurfing friends (which I knew some of them and some just other random traveller who came to Malaysia as a travel hub before they leave to their on going destination).

https://www.couchsurfing.org/n/places/kuala-lumpur-federal-territory-of-kuala-lumpur-malaysia

I didn't go back home definitely as I have an early flight to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Instead, I stayed in a guesthouse in Chinatown called Le Village Guesthouse
.
The dorm rate is MYR15 (USD5) per night. I really recommend that if you want to book the room in Le Village, you can try to book it from www.hostelworld.com. This gueshouse is near to the train station, Pasar Seni LRT Station and 20 minutes walk to KL Sentral Station and less then 10 minutes walk to Pudu Sentral where you can buy the bus ticket to Northern Malaysia (Perlis, Penang,Kedah and Ipoh).

Back in the office

' Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life' -

Confucious

I checked out from the guesthouse early in the morning and leave for my office along with my big backpack. As I reached at the entrance of my office, the security guard at the door, just smiled and looked at my big backpack. I thinked that he thought I was like a lost traveller wandering.I just smiled at him and flashed out my work pass.

The office was empty. I could clearly hear if a pin dropped on the floor. Silence.
The cubicles were like the 'Great Wall of China', so high that no one could see me from the other side. I on my laptop and start to check on my long queue of incoming e-mails.To be honest, I was a bit bored. Alone in the office.

My mind wandering,'What if I extend my holiday in Myanmar? Wouldn't it be awesome?'.

Time passed slowly and all I knew that it was time for me to get my backpack and start to walk out of the office. It's New Year's eve for god sake! I leave my big backpack at a friend's place. He is a Couchsurfer too!Both of us went to the party organised by the legendary Roswan.

First meeting point; infront of Concorde Hotel. It was a theme party. I had my floral blue dress on minus the make up. Well, I am a traveller. I do not need to have more chemicals on my face. I go au naturale!

Surprisingly, there were many of us (80 people showed up!) that the security asked us to leave the venue. We moved from one place to another as there were too many of us and finally, we decided to go to KLCC,Twin Tower park with a box of drinks and some finger foods. For me, what is important is that we celebrate the New Year with a bunch of cool people.

It was a hot night. We were sweating and drenched with our own sweat. It was 2 seconds before the countdown. We saw spectacular fireworks! It lasted for few minutes!

New Year 2013 - Resolutions

• I wish that I could go minimum to travel to one country per month started with my Cambodia trip on 1st Jan 2013.
• Hoping for good life, good health and spending more time with my family.
• To be happy for me,my friends and family.

What's your New Year resolutions??

The unfortunate event

We were so happy that Mayan Calender is WRONG!

Unfortunately, we received some unfortunate news later that night. One of my friend were mistakenly being beaten up by a group of local guys that were obviously were drunken infront of the Twin Tower!There were many by standers there watchin the brawl.

His  intention was good actually. He tried to help one of the English guy but instead he got the blow on his eyes and I heard that he fainted. I saw an ambulance passed by and didn't even occured in my mind he was in the ambulance.

As a friend, I did send him sms, hoping that he is okay.
It was time for me to get my backpack and leave for KL Sentral.

Taxi,Taxi,Taxi

ME:Do you use meter??
TD:No
ME:How much from here(Infront of Pasar Seni LRT) to KL Sentral?
TD:MYR30
ME:What??!!!!
TD:It's New Year's Eve..
ME: (Disappointed and angry)
TD:You asked around laaa, same what..!
ME:That's okay.I'd rather walk with dignity rather than taking advantage on
      other people.
      Good Night!!...

*TD - Taxi Driver

This is what I feel about Malaysian Taxi Driver.What's the purposed of them sticking the 'No haggling' sticker on the taxi door. What's worst is they over charged you for places that is just 5 minutes drive!

I feel ashamed, angry and disappointed if this is the attitude of Malaysian Taxi Driver. Noted that because one person did this, those honest taxi driver's reputation tarnished.

I recommended that if anyone wants to ride a taxi, first off all they have to ask the taxi driver if they use meter. If they don't, just walk away.Let them know that what they did is wrong. The more we support them, they will always continue the same thing. Taking advantage of other people, especially tourist.

That night I walked to KL Sentral. It took me nearly 20 minutes to reach the bus station. I still remember my friend, Pieter, offered to pay my taxi ride to KL Sentral. I explained to him that this is not about the money but merely, I have my own stand. No bullies.

*Taxi with meter from Pasar Seni to KL Sentral after midnight cost around RM6 only.

Another year, another destination

I took the red Sky Bus from KL Sentral to LCCT Terminal.The bus fare cost me MYR10 per way and it was the first bus for the day. I reached the LCCT Terminal an hour later, around 4.30am.

Sleepless night

I had the chance to have my nap in the bus. I was totally exhausted by the time I arrived LCCT. I went to the coffee shop for a cup of coffee to make sure that I don't fell asleep and missed my flight. The check-in gate were open and I checked-in before waiting for my flight at the boarding area.

Next destination: Phnom Penh, The Kingdom of CAMBODIA!!

 

The Forgotten Land: Myanmar

THE DECISION

I have not imagine what it is like, traveling to a country which some part of the states are totally out of the sight from foreign tourists or traveller. Nowadays, the move made by the Myanmar government by opening up the country by giving the opportunity to the travellers to experience the culture, beautiful landscape and friendly people of Myanmar.

 I was reading some of the articles on the NLD and Aung San Su Kyi when I saw in Airasia website that the return flight tickets to Yangon, the capital city of Myanmar (Burma) costs USD52. I surely don't want to miss the opportunity to visit the country and purchased the flight ticket online.

 This is where I do more research on the accommodation, a must see places to-go-to, food that I need to try and also people that I need to meet up! And yes, Lonely Planet  Lonely Planet Myanmar would be my travel bible. Like wise, I love to travel alone but in the end, I am always with another travellers or locals who hang out and sometimes we travel together.

 

Day 1: Kuala Lumpur to Yangon (27 Dec 2012: 0650hrs)

 

Before going off

 

I have been outing with my old friends the night before for a Couchsurfer meet up, bringing along my backpack at the meet up place as I make sure that I wouldn't be late for my flight! A taxi from Changkat Bukit Bintang to KL Sentral cost me around MYR9 (including midnight surcharge). I took the Skybus(they have the red color and yellow bus) to LCCT around 3.45am and arrived the Low Cost Terminal(LCCT) an hour later. The cost for a single journey to LCCT is MYR8.

 

Boarding for Yangon

 

Luckily for me, I have checked-in online and I do not require any baggage

check-in. The departure flight from Kuala Lumpur to Yangon is at 6.50am. I was totally exhausted and just trying to keep myself awake as I was totally sleepy.

What a sleepless night in the airport!

 

The announcement made by Airasia staff announced that we need to wak to the tarmec no F85 where the plane awaits for us to be board. It was like walking endless as the tarmec was far from the main terminal. A few steps before boarding on plane and get my seat. I am definitely ready to take off!

 

There were delay but finally we were on air, flying high. The flight will take around 2 hours and 35mins.

 

Goodbye Kuala Lumpur.

See you again on the 30th Dec 2013.

 

Due to my excitement, I could really fall asleep. I was lucky that I had my seat near the window. Suddenly I saw familiar landmark of Penang, The Penang bridge and Komtar. It was amazing. I was a bit dosed off for the next few hours until I heard the announcement," Ladies and gentlemen, we are going to land shortly in 5mins. Kinldy put on your safety belt and the use of lavatory is not allowed. Kindly remain at your seat.Thank you!".

All I can see out from my window was a total flat land, less green but a lot of rivers and small buildings. And we touched down safely!

 

 

Touched down!

 After 5 minutes, we finally landed safely at Yangon International Airport. What's the first thing I saw from the plane was,"Impressive!". What I had in my mind about the airport was grabby and old but reality, the airport was a modern airport with a up-to-date facilities. I was wrong!.Never under estimate, that's for sure!







And I am impressed for my new finding.The immigration line took me almost 15minutes as there's a lot of checking on the visa needed on the passport.I was the last person who went thru the immigration.After, I had to line up to change the currency and getting some Kyats.The rate was USD1=Kyat 851.

Kyat(or the local pronounce as Jat or chat) is the official Myanmar currency although the accepted USD as well.But bare in mind that they only accepted the new and crisp notes/bills dated year 2006 and above.If there's a bit of pen mark or any marks on the money, they won't accept it.Luckily, I changed USD200 only, that gives me Kyat 170,200.Suddenly I feel like a rich girl!And my adventure starts from here....

Being a solo traveller does gives you a chance to choose what you want to do without consulting anyone.I saw a young Chinese guy was wandering and going the same way I was. Without hesitation, I asked him if he has any hotel bookings made and travel plans. He said he has no plan.And I offered him to follow me as I knew some cheap guesthouse in Yangon(Which I have done research and finger cross that I had the room that I want since it is peak season).He agreed and we shared the same taxi.A total stranger and in the end, went to the same place together.His name is Mr.W, a Malaysian who works in Australia and comes to Myanmar to attend a friend's wedding in Taungyi.

We had a really nice taxi driver name U Soe Win.I can't really said that he has a good English but as long as both of us understand, we are okay with that.The standard rate for a taxi to go from the Airport to Yangon City Centre is USD10 per way. Off course, we split the costs anyway.Our destination is Mahabandoola Guest House located at 453/459 (2nd Floor), Maha Bandoola Road at Pabedan Township. It is just a minute away from the beautiful Sule Pagoda. It looks a bit old like building from far but it was okay.A basic place to stay with hot shower and place to sleep.I don't expect any comfy or five start treatment.We had to go up to the second floor which where the reception was. We were lucky that we have the last room which cost USD10 per night.

(I was thinking to get the dorm but it was full according to the guy at the reception).Without hesitation,Wilson and I agreed to take up the room since both of us are really tired from the long waiting at the airport and I had to take shower and freshing up.We had a nice room 203, just next to the 'dorm'. Besides Mahabandoola guesthouse, there were few others guesthouses that have been mentioned in Lonely Planet or Tripadvisor. The guesthouses near Sule Paya (Mahabandoola road & Mahabandoola garden street) are:-

- May Shan Hotel (USD45 - USD80 per room per night). Located near Sule Paya

- Chan Myaye (USD20 and above per room per night).Located at Mahabandoola Garden Street

- Cherry Guesthouse (USD15 and above per room per night).Located next to Chan Myaye

- Okinawa Guesthouse (USD20 and above)

- Green Garden Guesthouse (USD25 and above).Opposite Mahabandoola

- Mahabandoola Guesthouse (USD10 for room per night,USD5 for dorm per night). Located opposite Sule Paya.

NOTE: Couchsurfing concept is not relevant here in Myanmar as the government has a strict rule on hosting foreigners in locals house. If they were found out, the government will set a trial and both parties will be in jail as you have brake the law.

Room 203 at USD10 per night at Mahabandoola Guesthouse
 



Mahabandoola Guesthouse



 

Sule Paya Pagoda

Meet up with the local

After the long journey and a very tiring night, I head for shower. That was the best hot shower I have ever had! The toilet and shower room at the guesthouse is clean. As soon as I wanted to get some rest, I had a message from the reception that a friend of mine is waiting for me downstairs. I was wondering who could that be? It turns out that Row kept his promises. A 18 years old college student who is eager to learn English name Row.He came along with his shy friend. I told Row that I'm with a friend and if he doesn't mind, he will be tagging along. Thank god that he is okay with that and flattered that he could practise on his English language.

Row took me and Mr.W walking along the road and have some local milk tea and the local street food that looks so yummy! I was a bit starving as I didn't have food for breakfast. We walked from Sule Paya Rd till the junction of Shwe Bonta St. Along Shwe Bonta St towards Bogyoke Market, there were lots of Optical shops and as well as pharmacies. It feels like we were in one section in a supermarket! Along the road as well, there were mosque and fruit sellers that sell strawberries, a really big avocado, oranges and other fruits that looks so fresh. Just imagine that I saw 'buah salak' which I thought only planted in Indonesia.

It was noon and the sun shone really bright. We were opposite of the famous Bogyoke market (It sounds like Boh-joke market). It reminds me more like Central Market in Kuala Lumpur where you have a market that sells a lot of local products, local art works and also souvenir or gifts for tourist. What amaze me in Bogyoke is the 'old fashion' fire estinguisher that is so big that they put it in the middle of the walkway in between small shops. In Bogyoke, they promote the local jade that is said to be the best. I have no idea how to grade the jade that I couldn't even bother to buy one. The only shop that captured my eyes are shops that sells local product from various ethnic in Myanmar like Shan and Kachin tribe. I really love the design and colors of the bags; small or big. In the end, I do buy some souvenir on my first day in Yangon! Mr W as well bought some for himself.

Row later on have to excuse himself and left us at the market wandering. Both of us are starving. We managed to find some local dish and were surprised to see their hospitality.

Normal, sometimes when we ask for things that we want in the end, the food turns into some other food. We had a little bit of noodles and rice. That is where we met Mr.R, who is having his lunch on the table next to us! The three off us then walk out from Bogyoke and walking back to our guesthouse. Mr R is looking for a new place to stay as the one that he had was a bit creepy. We showed him out guesthouse and he really likes it and decided to come here again the next day.

 

Day 2: Discover Yangon (28 December 2012) 

New Friendship

 

Mr R finally came to our place the next day. Believe it or not, he is staying next to our room; at the dorm. I had another meet up with another local guy. Since Mr R and Mr W is with me, they agreed to meet up with the local guy name Koko. We had some breakfast at the small chinese restaurant next to our guesthouse for Kyat 2200 (MYR7.80) per person ( A really huge portion of local fried egg noodle with a glass of Sunkist - the orange drink).

A walk towards the Traders hotel is not that far after you had a hefty meal in the morning. We met Koko and we were fashionably late. I felt guilty to turn up late and we offered to buy him some drinks at a local tea house near Bogyoke Aung San Rd. opposite the cinema and shopping centre. We had some chats and make plans with Koko on how do we spend our quality time in the city. After discussion, we went of to the Tower as recommended by Lonely Planet. Turns out that we are not allowed to take any pictures unless if we are the patron. At last, we went down to the lobby. By the time, Mr R already went to some other places and left the three of us. We later decided to go to:

 

National Museum of Yangon

(Closed on Monday, Tuesday and Government gazetted Holiday).

Opening hour: 10.00 am till 4.00 pm; tickets available until 3.30pm

 

The taxi from the tower to National Museum is Kyat 3000 (MYR11.00) and the entrance fee for the National Museum for foreigner is either USD5 or EUR5. They don't allowed any camera or phones in the museum. You can leave your belonging at the locker place outside the museum that is being guarded. Just make sure you bring along valuable items such as money.

There's not much to see in the museum unless if you really like the history of Burma. I personally like the exhibit on the 3rd Floor where they show the different ethnic in Myanmar in their local dressing. There's also the exhibition of painting and the art works by the past masters of art and as well as the ornaments of ancestors from Pyu Period to Yadanabon Period. The first floor of the museum feature the Royal Regalia Showroom, Myanmar Historic Period and the Natural History.

I found out that there is so much similarity in Malay culture back in Malaysia. After spending nearly 2 hours in the museum, we decided we need to head back to Mahabandoola St. to have our late lunch. The taxi from National Museum to Mahabandoola Rd cost us Kyat 2000 (MYR7.00).

 

We had our lunch at one of the Nilar Briyani & Cold Drinks. I love the chicken briyani and Koko was actuall shocked to see me eating with my fingers! Late lunch and a Sunkist is my perfect lunch that cost me less than Kyat 4000. The next destination is the Shwedagon Paya.

 

Shwedagon Paya
 

Entrance fee for foreigner: USD5 per person

Dress Code:

For woman - Cover the shoulder and wear long pants

For man - Wear long pants or you can wear 'Longyi'

* No shoes are allowed. They have a shoe rack before entering the lift.

Taxi fare from Mahabandoola to Shwedagon : Kyat 2000 (MYR7)

Taxi fare from Shwedagon to Mahabandoola: Kyat 2000 (MYR7)

 

Shwedagon Paya is the most recognisable icon for Myanmar of you come to Yangon. The golden dome was one of the main attraction. There are a lot of tourist flocking to this place especially during the sunset as the reflection on the golden dome is spectacular. We were there for almost 2 hours and left before the sunset and head back to Mahabandoola St.

 

Local dish

We were exhausted as we had the whole day touring the city and decided to stop at a local street food. We tried to eat the local dish call 'Lat Phat'. The pickled tea leaves, eaten in a salad with roasted or deep-fried nuts and beans and sesame etc. The prepared tea-leaf pulp tastes like pesto and we can add lime or chillies as to add different taste to it.

 

The night is still young, we head to our guesthouse to change our clothes while KoKo waiting for us to freshng up. There were some miscommunication between Koko and the reception guy that we decided that we need to get a massage based on Lonely Planet recommendation. We went to Sari Health and Beauty Centre that is located opposite of Savoy hotel. At first, Koko brought us at the dodgy nightclub that we went the night before.

Such an awkward moment. Then we took the taxi and went to a better and establish well known spa center for foot massage. It's kind off hard to get to the spa center as we couldn't find it through Lonely Planet. In the end, we got off the cab and start walking and looking for the place. Luckily, we found it. It seems that the map given in Lonely Planet is incorrect.

 

Spa : Seri Beauty & Health (Opposite Savoy hotel at the traffic light junction)
Add: No 118,Dhamazedi Road, Bahan Township, Yangon
Website: www.seribeautynhelath.com
 

We had a warm welcome from the spa's staff at the entrance. The services that they provide are:
- Hair treatment (Cut,wave,colour,shampoo)
- Facial treatment (Mask, Gold Treatment,Ultrasound treatment)
- Body treatment
- Muscles and Nerves treatment (Sport treatment)
- Foot Reflexology

In the end we decided to do the foot reflexology for 60min. The price is Kyat 9000 per person. The three of us get the big room where we have our aching feet some salt scrub and reflexology massage. It is so refreshing!

We left the spa center and headed to our guesthouse. That night is the last night for Mr W in Yangon as he needs to leave for Taungyi in the morning at 5am.

Day 3: Meet up with Koko (29 December 2012)

I had a promise with Koko to go to the monastery in the morning to teach English. He reached early and we left for his home which is near to the monastery. The journey took me at least 40mins from the town center and it is also the way to the airport. We were heading to the Shwe Pauk Kan Myoint Thit, Northokkalapa Township. It cost me Kyat 6000(MYR7.00) for that journey. When we reached his home, his mom came up from the kitchen. After a while in the house, we left for the monastery by motorbike.
Note: The government doesn't allowed motorbikes from entering the city. They will get fined if they goes in the city with motorbikes.
As soon as we reached at the monastery, Koko introduced me to the local English teacher and the rest of the English class. I was thinking that the English class is mend for little children instead the English class is for adult between the age of 18-40 yrs old. The lesson given are free and there were no fees required. I have the opportunity to meet the head of the monastery who gave the lesson for free, Rev Ashin Wa Ra Sa Mi.
The add for the monastery:
Dham Ma Rek Khi Ta Monastery
Zabuaye Compound
Phone: 01 9 690 576, 09 5044 226
Note: If anyone interested to come to this monastery, please give a call in advance to Rev Ashin.

I had new friends from the monastery, I can say that they are 'my student'. We left after the English class session ended adn went to the local restaurant to have some drinks.
The whole day with them was the best memory I've ever had in Yangon. I had local lunch with local family, got my cheek painted with 'Thanarka' and got into local bus with the girls and Koko. The bus conductor thought that I was a local Burmese girl until I say a word in English. He was surprised but happy to see me saying ' Jay szuh bay' (Means thank you in Burmese ~ simplified). Then again, I 'disguise' as local Burmese girl, not paying any single Kyat to the entrance fee at one of the temple we went. I have save my USD5! Thanks to them. I like my new 'Burmese' look!..I left the place in the evening and went back to the guesthouse, freshing up and went to Tokyo Cafe that is just across the guesthouse for free Wi-Fi.

Finally, I met Lone Lone from Couchsurfing Yangon with two others, a girl from Thai and a girl from Japan. We then decided to have a dinner at one of the Shan Restaurant just a walking distance from the guesthouse. I was so hungry that I ate all of it in a few minutes. The food was good and cheap too. Thanks Nuchie for the dinner! It was awesome meeting the three of you. You make my last night in Yangon memorable. I headed back to the guesthouse as the time past midnight and start packing for my flight the next day.

Day 4: Last day in Yangon (30 December 2012)

Today is Alex's and his twin brother Aurelien's birthday.
I woke up today a little bit late. My flight is at 1635hrs and I have 4 hours to wonder around the city before I left. The night before, I met Mr Y from Japan. Mr Y and I went to the local Indian restaurant for breakfast. We went for New Delhi Restaurant as recommended by the Lonely Planet. I had my paratha set and Mr Y had his Dosai set which looks so yummy. Right after a good breakfast, Mr Y left for the National Museum and I make my way to Bogyoke Aung San Market to look for souvenir. Things are not pretty cheap at the market. The best way was to bargain if you intend to buy a lot!

I left the guesthouse around 2pm. The journey took me half an hour to reach the airport. The taxi driver charge me Kyat 6000(MYR7). I was a bit hungry by the time I reached the airport while waiting for Koko. He promised to send me off before I go back to Kuala Lumpur. Eventually he came just on time for me to go and check-in. Before that, I managed to change most of my Kyat to USD at the departure hall. They really give a good rate over here. I know someday I'll be coming again to Myanmar.
Now it's time for me to boarding the plane. Kuala Lumpur awaits me for it's New Year's Eve Party!..

See you again Myanmar!

**More picture to be downloaded soon!







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





 

 

Full Moon Party ~ Koh Pha Ngan,Suratthani, Thailand

Full Moon Party ~ 1st Sept 2012

When you think about Full Moon Party or FMP for short, you could just think off the non-stop booze, loud Trans dance music, big stage, luminous tattoos, shirts and tops. This party last for one whole day from dawn to dusks. The day after the party, there were still people partying until 10am in the morning. My kind of party and experience of FMP is just booze,luminous tattoos,half naked beautiful horny guys trying to get laid, filthy sea water with urine and pukes and last but not least, a short term memory lost and a bad hangover the next day.Here is my little journey to the partyland...!

The journey to the partyland

29th Aug 2012 - Penang Island, Malaysia
I started my FMP trip from Kuala Lumpur to Penang via bus from Pudu Sentral at 0930hrs; Suasana Edaran Bus Express. It is a 4hours bus ride from Kuala Lumpur to Georgetown Penang. There were several stops in between the journey before I reached to the Sungai Nibong Bus station around 1300hrs. I thought that this bus station would be nearer to the city centre but it is not. The Sungai Nibong Bus station is around 15km away from the city and the taxi costs around MYR15-20 per way. To get the best and cheaper taxi charges is to haggle, althought it is not advisable especially if it is a meter taxi! Once you get off the bus, there will always be some white shirt guys asking if you need a taxi and charge you sky rocket price.

Lesson: If you need a taxi, just stop the ones that are not parked on the side of the road. Try to stop taxi that passes by as it is way easier and they charge you for less a little bit.

The best way to go to Georgetown is via Ferry service from the ferry terminal at Butterworth (where it is next to the bus terminal and train station).

I did book my accommodation prior to my trip at the smallest guesthouse in Penang. It is call The Roommates Guesthouse Penang. They are located at 17-B, Lorong Chulia, Georgetown) or you can book in advance at www.roommatespenang.com. The guesthouse owner and the workers are so friendly and helpful during my one night stay in Penang. Plus, Lorong Chulia is just next to the famous backpacker place; Love Lane. There's a lot off interesting places surrounding this guesthouse such as Little India street, the famous Goddess of Mercy Temple, Mahamariamman Temple and also good local food such as nasi kandar.

30th Aug 2012 - On the train

From my guesthouse in Penang, I walked towards the jetty where I took the FREE ferry service to Butterworth. It took me 15minutes just to reach the Butterworth jetty. I sat near to the window where I could see Georgetown and the sky was really blue and the sun shine brighter. A good sign that I'm going to have so much fun soon! I was on time as my train from Butterworth to Suratthani is at 1420hrs.

The train took off as schedule. I am too excited that I sat near the window pane. We passed through some green paddy fields at some part of the journey and a cave temple near Arau.I was been told by the local girl in the train that thought that I am not local but more Pilipino look and maybe because I don't speak Bahasa Melayu with her instead I was communicating with her in English. It turned out that she is a student in a local University in Arau and future sport therapist. I am proud to see her trying to communicate English. Admire her willingness. The train did few stops, and the longest stop was at the Immigration center where we have to off board the train and climb on flights of stairs for visa on arrival for both, Malaysia and Thai Border Immigration. The journey then continues and it was late evening. All I can see is just the street lights and darkness until I saw the sign 'HATYAI'.

Yup, officially half way reaches my destination. The train stopped again. This time, some group of men who were performing prayers or Solat at the platform captures my eyes. There were also some local policemen walking and wandering around the group of men with rifle in their hands as if those men who attended prayer were a terrorist. I wanted to take some photos but then, one of the policemen saw me. Thank god that the train starts to move again. Time past and I was almost fall asleep until one of the American guys I met on the train woke me up in the middle of the night. The train stopped at 'SURATTAHANI'.I was sleepy, blurred and lost. I gathered myself and looking for the hotel that I was supposed to stay in for a night in Suratthani. I saw some local taxi driver was offering some ride to the others but I opt to walk to the hotel. As per mentioned in the direction that I wrote on the paper, I went straight to the 7-Eleven shop and bought some water and asked the direction to the hotel. It was actually opposite the 7-Eleven shop. Without wasting more time, I crossed the road and went to the sign. ‘QUEEN HOTEL'. Well, don't expect more from the hotel just the name says queen. A young guy on his motorbike was sitting in front of the hotel. It was a bit dark at the reception. I am a bit worried and scared for my safety for the first time. But then, the motorbike guy smiles at me and asking me if I had a booking at the hotel. And I said yes. Then, he walked in the reception and look for my booking reservation. I was then given the room key. My room was on level 3. Yup, exercise in a wee hour. All that I was thinking was to have a good sleep! He then showed me the room and leaves me the key. The room was ok, as I will be there just for a night before heading to the airport and meet Ms. L the next day. I was total exhausted and sleep the whole night.

31st Aug 2012 - The adventure begins

Woke up, get shower and get ready for airport and the most important thing, to get breakfast. I walked down the stairs and checked-out from the hotel. Its day time now and I could see that the small town near the Suratthani station is busy. There are few banks and small stalls selling from electrical goods till food. I had some of the local dish. It was yummy and cheap. Then I head to the taxi stand, a few walk away from the train station. The taxi service from Suratthani train station to the airport cost me THB250 for one way. After a few hours of waiting for Ms. L's flight arrived, I bought the combo ticket for bus and boat (from Don Sak to Thong Sala) for THB500.We took the last bus that is at 4pm.The bus took almost an hour to arrive at the pier as the distance is about 60km from Suratthani. Finally, we are at the pier and the big boat is waiting for us. I saw some cars and lorries  went in the lower compartment of the boat while the other passengers including us walk up the stairs at the side of the boat to level 2 and 3. There is a small convenience store on the second level. They sell instant noodles, biscuits, beers and juices for the trip at a reasonable price.

That evening was beautiful. The sunset view from the deck was incredibly awesome. MS L and I just sit at the edge of the fence and let our feet fiddle the air and imagine that we were in 'Titanic' movie,' You jump, I jump' moment. The sunset was for a brief moment but we still sitting at the same place. The sea breeze really refreshing, letting our hair down and enjoying the moment. The full moon appears. The moonlight lit up the dark sea water. It was so beautiful. At the other edge, we could see the lights from the houses in one of the islands that we've passed and some lighthouse as well. The journey maybe took around 2hours but it was the best 2 hours of sitting still while looking at the big ocean! We arrived in Thong Sala eventually. From Thong Sala jetty, we share the Songtaew with the others who wants to go towards the party place, Haadrin Beach for THB100 per person. Seriously, these sontaew drivers are really making money out of tourist in the middle of the night!

We finally arrived at the hostel that we've booked called NANDA Hostel. It’s the sister hostel for the popular Dancing Elephant. When we arrived there, the party has started. Saw a lot of people drinking and dancing to the loud music at the alley. Both of us are really tired and exhausted.  We were so enthusiastic to be in the hip crowd. They were dancing, drinking and mingle around at the alley and enjoying the good vibes. We left our luggage and backpack at the dorm. We met some Welsh guys with cute smile and good body! They asked if we want to go to the jungle party. We were so tired that we have to go bed early and hoping that next day will be more awesome!

*Ms. left me in Haadrin the next morning as she have some issues with the owner of the hostel that we were staying. Concerned and respect on her decision that she have made. She left for Philippines the same day and was happy she had her time there with her relatives.

1^st Sept 2012 – The BIG Day!

Tonight will be the big night where the Full Moon Party will take place. Since Ms. L went off, I decided that I wanted to stay more days in the same place. The owner wife’s is a friendly lady together with her little son. We spend the day chatting at the common area. I wasn’t sure what I’ll do as I have no plan. I walk a little bit on the beach and saw some people were doing the last minute preparation for the big party. The day before I left Suratthani, I received mail message from Mr. Y to meet me up at Koh Phangan. The Wi-Fi reception at the guesthouse was not really good. I barely look at my emails and Facebook updates. But lucky for me I left him a message that I’ll be at Nanda’s. We actually meet up that evening for dinner at an Indian restaurant just a walking distance from the hostel that I stayed. I think I am a lucky girl with lots of friends. Just after Mr. Y arrived, I saw some messages from Mr. M who came with a friend. The three of us eventually went together to the party that night. The music is loud, there were a lot of people everywhere and overcrowded places. We saw some people with a lot of luminous tattoos on their body and faces with different types of designs and wordings. The music starts to get louder when the night is getting late. There were some places with a big slide coming down from the room and you can actually glide inside the slide, a few big stages near the seashore with a lot of blipping neon lights. There were also small stalls with a lot of wordings that says ‘Cheap alcohol’ in a bucket!

I always remind myself to stay safe during the Full Moon party. I left all my gadgets away in the safe and locked it. I only bring few Thai Baht’s to the party place. The trick is for girls to put their money is in their bras. And not forgetting to wear flip flops or the best is shoes all the time as I don’t want my feet to get hurt from the broken glasses afterwards. The three of us went to the small shops selling cheap drinks in the bucket. I knew that I want them to put more and in the end, I had almost 2 buckets for myself. This sounds a little bit not too crazy. I had so much fun during the party that I didn’t recall any of it the next morning. Thanks to Mr. Y, rescuing me and make sure of my safety. Merci beaucoup!**

End of journey

I left Koh Phangan on the 4^th Sept 2012 with a lot of good memories and as well as the crazy moments I had. Thanks Ms. L, Mr. Y and Mr. M….I’ve met as well a lot of new friends on my way back to Kuala Lumpur. It is pleasure meeting up with you Mr. E!..

**Too much details that I can’t reveal.