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.

Reaching out - 2011 - Thailand Adventurous trip (Part 1)

It was an unplanned trip that I could never imagine before. I missed my best buddy, Meowmeow and I make an instance idea~ travelling to Thailand.It was during fasting month and I decided to go out from Malaysia!I knew I will have some objection from my family but I was thinking why not now? So, I booked one way ticket to Phuket at a very good price. Finally I have fixed date going over to Phuket.Then, one of my friend, Calayde wanted to tag along but will only be in Ao Nang as she has to work that weekend.

25th August 2011
I had my flight to Phuket via LCCT, Airasia X flight in the evening and only reached Phuket after 2100hrs.It was rainy season in Phuket and the flight that I was in almost skidded on the slippery runaway but the pilot was alert so he didn't landed the flight. Within 10 minutes later we safely landed. As I make my way through the customs, there's one incident which I found it to be funny. I was queing before the Immigration booth and it was my turn. The immigration officer looks was so serious that I was quite scared to see his face. Then he turn to me and say ' Rupa awak ni nampak lain dari dalam gambar' (Translate from Bahasa Melayu: You look different from your passport photo). I was stunned that he really communicate with me in Malay!I told him that it was my 'younger' days photos!He just smiled and stampped my passport. I was relieved and make my way to get my backpack and head to the taxi place.I was lucky to get a taxi(not really kind of taxi with meters like in Kuala Lumpur), it was rather a private car which costs me THB600 from Phuket International Airport to Patong Beach.
I guessed my taxi driver was so curious where I was from but he finnaly guessed it correctly.He was so happy to know I'm a Muslim too and I do know how to talk Malay.He then dialled up his sister and insisted for me to talk to her in Malay language. It was kind of a strange request but at the same time I was overwhelmed by the friendliness of Thai people no matter what their believes are.He was so happy that sometimes I couldn't get it what he was talking about. He then noticed that I'm kind off confused and apologised me if he has such a bad English. It was okay with me.He was telling me that there's flooding prior to the monsoon season earlier that afternoon. At the same time, I received text messages from my host, Victor.He was waiting for me at some place that we've promised to meet.
Finally, I reached my destination and the taxi driver was so eager that I should follow him to Krabi in the next two days and left his phone number in a small note.
I saw Victor, he was in his raincoat and apologise me if the motorbike wasn;t working that well.In the cold drizzled night, we went back to his place passing some hills and some narrow road before reaching his place in Patong Beach. It was a total black,cold August night!My host was so kind that he bought me my raincoat and buy us some drinks and hang out with his friend at his place. I was so tired that I fell asleep that fast.
I was at Victor's place for 2 nights before heading to the town and take the bus going off to Krabi.The next day after I arrived, I went and do my own sightseeing in the neighbourhood by foot and it's still drizzling when I left the room. My adventure mood wasn't there that time and I went back to the room and watched some local tv programme while spoiled myself with some snacks on the bed.It wasn't the vacation that I expect to be but it was relaxing too.Having my time with myself!That night, Victor and his Russian friends brought me to their local hang out place and also to the nightmarket that is opposite the Kickboxing Stadium.I had the best Sweet Banana Roti and it was so yummy!That night we went to some of the coolest club in Patong area and it was called 'The Rooftop Bar'. It was a breezy night with a really cool music.It was a good place but the price for drinks and also shisha was way too expensive for a budget traveller like me!The Rooftop Bar is a really relaxing place to hang out. They have some cabanas and also pool in the middle and it reminds me at the Skylouge, The Traders Kuala Lumpur. They have a deck where you can go up and see the view of Patong Beach. I left early with Victor's friend on a bike.I was supposed to go home at that moment but he suggested that I should go and see the beach and I agreed even it was way wee hours.We reached there within minutes and took some of the chairs that they've stacked during the day, facing the sea and sitting under the bright moon shining above us. That moment feels like a romantic moment.We were both in silence while listening to the waves orchestra and watching some couples swimming and giggling and chasing each other with bottles of beers!After a while, we left and he send me back home. Tired and exhausted, I really sleep well that night.
It was a sunny day when I decided to leave Phuket. At least it shows some good sign after a few days of 'gloominess'. I packed all my stuffs and we had the last breakfast together at nearby restaurant.I would really love to go back to Phuket and try to do some adventurous activities and hopefully not the wrong season to go.Victor send me off to the bus station at Phuket town and waited there till I went off the bus.I'm truly grateful for his kindness and maybe I might see him again soon!
I missed the first bus and have to buy a new ticket just to go to Krabi town.It was a comfy bus with pink colors of drapes and some fancy videoclips of local Thai singer that they over played it till I finally fell asleep!.From Phuket town, the bus passed the Sarasin Bridge that connect the island and mainland.It wasn't the express bus which we had in Malaysia. The bus keep on stopping and collecting more passengers as we goes and I was the only person that doesn't speak any Thai except for the word 'Khap khun Ka'!Luckily, there were locals that are really helpful and direct me where and when I should go off and reminded the bus attendance about my destination.I was hoping the bus guy remember it or else I'll ended up somewhere out off my original path.Unfortunately, he forgot about me!After passing the Sarasin Bridge, we went to Ban Kalai and a brief stop at Pha Nga.The landscape in Pha Nga is so amazing with limestone hill standing proudly near the beaches and I heard that is the best place to do hiking and climbing.The beaches is beautiful too.After Pha Nga, we left for Ao Luek and Krabi town. The journey took me five hours and by the time I reached Krabi town, it was starting to get dark and the bus didn't stopped at the bus station and instead they just stopped at the outer part of the bus station.I wasn't aware that I should go down together with the locals until I realised I passed the town. They stopped me infront of the big mall.I was panicked and called Meowmeow.Luckily, they guy who worked at the mall agreed to send me to Ao Nang with a price of THB250.I agreed and hoping that he'll gone a send me to Ao Nang I had my phone in my hand just in case he brings me to other places.I was a bit afraid at first as the path that he was using was pitch black and all off sudden we're in a big road towards Ao Nang!My heart felt relief once I reached at the guesthouse in Ao Nang and thanked the guy for his help.
In Ao Nang, Calayde was there waiting for me as she arrived earlier than me and so does Meowmeow.I didn't see her for a few months and this will be the first after she moves back to Thailand.It feels like high school reunion when I saw Calayde, Meoewmeow and her friend!We hug each other, we scream, we laugh hard and jumping like a small kids!It was fun and my tummy need some food to fill in it.We decided to go to the nearest restaurant.It was really cool to sit in a small bamboo seat with bamboo table and a very decorative place and menu too.As we were sharing our stories, suddenly it rains so heavily that we were almost wet.After we had our order placed and while waiting for the food to come, we took some photos together.It was absolutely fun night I ever had.I was so exhausted that I went back to the room and slept.I can't wait for another adventure with them when I wake up!
The next morning, me and Calayde went to look for our breakfast.We passed some good places near our guesthouse but still looking for the best food in town.We decided that we should have our big breakfast in a local restaurant. I was having the tuna sandwich and we decided to have some fruity yummy pancake as our desert.We were so hungry that we finished everything!They have the best Pad Thai I've ever had in Ao Nang but it's a bit pricy compared to Bangkok or Phuket.Nothing much to do in Ao Nang for me rather than walk around in a rainy day.We were too lazy to do things that we decided to just hang out and get a Thai Massage. I really need one and it's really cheap too compared to the price in Kuala Lumpur. For an hour of massage, we just need to pay THB200-250 per session.My achy body really need it so much.All I did in Ao Nang is shopping and some photo moments with the nature.The beach would look more beautiful if there's no rain and lots of sunshine.I made myself walk on the beach.I saw the boat.The guy on the boat was so determined to get his boat on the water and also the raging wave.It was rough.It was raining once in a while in Ao Nang since I arrived. We managed to rent two motorbikes and left Ao Nang to Krabi Town to taste the local night market and grab some local delicacies.It is still raining and all off us wore the raincoat.We really look like 'Tellytubbies' in the making!Took some photos before heading to the town.Ao Nang and Krabi is just around 20km apart. It was raining when we left Ao Nang and a bit drizzled in Krabi Town. As we reached Krabi Town, the rain stopped.We went to the local night market and bought some good local dishes that I've ever had.We sat under a small tent where they have small bar on the road side while listening to some local guy singing on a stage not far from us.It's the karaoke time for them.He really do have a good voice.Once when we decided to go back home, the rain suddenly pour so heavily that we have to wait for a moment. Cold and full, we just watched the rains and left after awhile.
As we reached Ao Nang, it was no rain and we decided to head to the Rainbow club.Meowmeow is a regular faces there and we sat on a table near the bar.We order some drinks and have fun with the song the DJ's played.It was fun as we just dance,drink and at the same time having a blast girl theme party moment.We went crazy and dance under the moon.It was a great moment too as we won in some pool competition between us, girls and two guys from Germany.Meowmeow is good at playing pool.
That night, we left the place and have a good night sleep.
The next day,we went again to the town and lay back at the restaurant as it was rainy morning.Some lazy moments we had that we just hang out and not doing anything.Meowmeow told me that she needs to go to Bangkok and I agreed to join her.It was the next day that I have to leave Calayde and went to Bangkok with Meowmeow by bus.

Ao Nang Beach

Rainbow Bar ~ MALAYSIA

Our Fav hang out place - The Wine Bar

My Tuna Sandwich and it comes with chips too!

Ao Nang Beach - Beachfront Walkway

Phuket - Muslim Pancake

Krabi Town - Food Signage

Ao Nang - Before we head to Krabi

The Wine Bar, Ao Nang - Basil Leaf Chicken

Ao Nang Beach after rain

In Thai Local Bus to Krabi from Phuket

Ao Nang Beach

Phuket - My Yummy Banana Roti

Ao Nang - My Fav Yummy Pad Thai!

The Restaurant that I had my Pad Thai

Ao Nang - Yummy Fruity pancake with Calayde

Directions....

Reaching Out - 2011 ~ Perhentian Island, East Peninsular, Malaysia

I’ve had so many places visited last year but didn’t get any chance to jot it down in my blog. I’ve had my domestic or I might say my local tour in Perhentian Island around May or June. I’ve been to some popular island destination for the local and international tourist spot, that is Perhentian Island, Miri (some place in Borneo near the Sarawak and Brunei border, popular with Niah Cave nearby), Phuket, Ao Nang, Krabi, Bangkok and Hatyai.

Some place in Long Beach, Perhentian Island

 I have no plan before heading to the island and if I’m not mistaken it was a public holiday. I was thinking that I should done Perhentian and do the backpacking way. I haven’t had a clue where I would stay days before I packed my stuff and head the bus station. Luckily, Marina agreed to follow me to the island. I might say that it would be our ultimate Island breakaway! We bought the bus ticket the day we wanted to go there and hop in the bus. It was a double deck bus. I thought it would be a normal bus but it wasn’t. It was a double deck bus with a comfy seat. I thought at first that I would have missed the bus, but it was too busy at the Putra bus terminal that we’re sweating while waiting for the bus! It was hot, sweaty and full of people who want to go back to the East Coast and the time just ticking almost 10.00pm.

There were no hick-ups or any road block during the journey. Thank god that there were no accident nor any mishap happened. We finally reached the Kuala Besut Jetty around 6.30am. It was pitched black and we were totally exhausted and sleepy. We went off the bus and took our belongings. We were then asked to follow this mid-40’s lady to a small office where she brief us the rate for ferry and accommodation places that they offered on the island.

Kuala Besut Jetty is the main port if you want to get to Perhentian Island. A speed boat ride from here to Long Beach in the Small Perhentian Island costs you MYR70 for return tickets and there were MYR 7 for the conservation fee when you want to enter the island. You have to pay the fee before you onboard the speed boat. It’ll take around 45minuts to reach the island by speed boat.

Once you’ve reached Long Beach at the small Perhentian Island, a small boat (the taxi boat) will pick you up from the speed boat. The fee for taxi boat is MYR2 per person. Get ready to wet as there were no safety jacket on it. If you reach there early in the morning and you don’t have places to stay yet, it would be an opportunity for you as some people leaves the place in the morning and you can just walk-in and book the room.

We were lucky that we reached early in the morning. We had the chalet that being reserved for a diver but we can get it instantly without any hesitation. The price was quite reasonable, MYR60 per night for two person. We left our luggage in the room and change to our bikinis and ran to the beach. It’s the beach calling. We went and take a dip in the blue clear sea water and beautiful white sandy beaches. It was worthwhile after spending some chill night in the bus and a bumpy speed boat ride.

In Long Beach, once when you arrived from the mainland; you can see there a row of small stalls and café selling some western and local dishes as well. It was a bit expensive for local but not to worry as there also local dishes selling at a reasonable rate. You can have breakfast, lunch and dinner at the same place. If you’re lucky and if there’s any celebration, there will be a bonne fire and cheap liquors selling at a reasonable price. If you’re looking for a diving school, you can easily choose any of the school available for example Matahari Diving School. They also offer snorkeling equipment rental and also the snorkeling trip to some of the most popular spot to see turtles and fishes especially the sharks and coral reefs.

We left the next day for Kuala Lumpur. That day was so hot and the water was so beautiful that you can see it crystal clear.I had so much fun and getting tanned too! Will definitely visiting Perhentian Island again for diving courses.