Trip to far far away

Preparing for my next oncoming trip ..... to the land of Liberty :) USA. But this time round as I have to be there for meetings, the most important thing on my agenda is SHOPPING!!! Hmm will I get to walk on the Golden Gate and go to the peak.

Shopping is a must...Great Outlet Mall at Miltipas here I come. And hope I have time to visit Gilroy too.

More stories and pictures to update...yeah.

Leisure + work in Penang

Had been promising colleagues in Penang that I will be up to meet with them including ex-colleagues for years therefore this year, I plug my courage and booked a flight to Penang. Anyway nowadays flight are getting cheaper, I meant budget airlines.

Instead of wasting my 1 day leave, decided to come to the office in Penang to work and also to meet with a number of colleagues. One of my colleague (we have never met only communicate via email and phone) offered to fetch me from the airport eventhough I arrived very late in the night.

I chose a hotel which is located near town ...Northam All Suite. The reason for choosing the hotel is pretty easy; THERE'S A JACCUZI IN THE ROOM!! and also for a suite I'm paying RM180 per night (nett) inclusive of breakfast, what more can I ask for.

Had problems sleeping on the first night as the room is rather too big for 1 person. Breakfast was good and managed to get a car + driver to drive me to the office. Had not visited the office for almost 8 years and it had changed..but luckly my instinct managed to get me to find the office and my host. Spending some time clearing emails, short official meeting and a few rounds of meetings with various people to chat. It was a short day and didn't had much time to walk around and meet everyone. Ended the day with dinner with a group of Finance folks at a nearby Thai Restaurant; decided to treat them :). After dinner, decided that I should go back to the hotel to rest as I'm having a full long day the day after.

After breakfast, decided to soak myself in the Jacuzzi while waiting the time to fly ...and meet an ex-colleague who will be bringing me around Penang Island. It's so refreshing ..having my own personal time and enjoying the bubbles in the Jacuzzi with the music blasting the room ...I'm all alone so there's no worries about privacy hee..hee..

Upon meeting Leng Leng (my dear ex-colleague), she brought me near the pier to have lunch. Didnt realise that I had brought my camera in my handbag therefore forgot to take all the good shots of the yatch and delicious food. It's definately delicious food as I couldn't finish my food for the very first time. Rich and super delicious...hard to describe.

After lunch, Leng Leng brought me to have my dessert near Komtar. Hmm chendol! And she also ordered a bowl of Laksa for me (without noodle). As my pants almost burst on me, I could only savour a few spoonful of the Laksa. Eventhough I am not Assam Laksa lover, but this laksa make me love it! Now I really had a problem walking as I'm over loaded with food and liquid.

Leng Leng decided to drive to Batu Feringgi...the long drive make my eyes drowsy and tired (it must be the food!), but I was eager to see what's along the road. And also to make sure that Leng Leng is awake while driving.

After a short break (I mean toilet break) at Rasa Sayang (Shang-ri La), we continue our drive...and stopped by the Spice Garden. The Spice Garden was featured in the recent Amazing Race. I wasn't really interested in spice but I wanted to sit in the big swing that Guru sat in Amazing Race....we sat there for almost half an hour before realising mosquitoes had attacked our hands and legs. Feeling great and peaceful swinging on the big swing over looking the sea..with the green...minus mosquitoes please.

We also stopped by the Butterfly park....

After that we went to the jetty ....to relax ourselves as we look at the calm sea. The whole atmosphere make me feel like I'm not in Penang but in some wonderful island which is under developed.

We end our day with dinner at Gurney drive. I had my char kuey teow; must say I'm super greedy...I thought my plate is too small and start digging on other food too...Satay, cuttlefish, rojak ....but the small plate of char kuey teow prove to be quite a lot to me that I had problem finishing it. But I would say....it's a good cheap dinner. After dinner, Leng Leng drive me back to the hotel where I soak in the jacuzzi to "slim down".

On my last day in Penang, I didn't want to do anything but just look around and also to buy some tidbits home...some folks requested me to buy Tau Sar Peah. And I also wanted to go to the toilet bowl cafe.

Ordered "shit" ice cream...it turn me off at first (i mean the look of it) and then the taste. The ice cream taste weird not like normal ice cream....ok first and last time there.

Before I depart back to Singapore, I told myself that I will come back to Penang again....for its food! yum yum

Bali (again!)

No one can ever get tired/bored of this beautiful paradise. For a simple person like me, I just love it. I love the Balinese who welcome you with a smile, affordable delicious food, beautiful people, rich culture and most importantly out of the Country to destress and SHOP!

A group of 6 of us (all ages) managed to get return tickets to Bali for S$50 each, what a deal. As most of them didn't want to stay at Kuta; for a reason or another, we decided to stay in Tuban which is a non-touristy area and about 5 minutes drive from Denpasar Airport. For an avid traveller, I'm pretty easy on where to stay as long as I am given clean bed, clean towels...basically clean rooms!

We visited workshops for Batik and Silver ("Celop").

Not forgeting free coffee/tea/cocoa drinks along the way up to Kintamani. All the drinks come with a natural stirrer - cinamon stick.

And not forgeting the view from Kintamani. I can never get tired of enjoying the view and the clean fresh air.

We also stopped by Tanggalang to see the beautiful scenery of green rice plantations.

While having our dinner at Jimbaran, my eyes caught of a beautiful sight (including the sunset by the beach)...a young Australian girl chasing the waves.

We also tried on trekking at Bentulu. This is my first trekking and had not done any exercise or warm up. At first, we thought we would be walking down the road as we were informed that it will be a a simple 2 hr trek. But what shocked us or rather me was that we had to go through the "jungle" to go down to the lake and we were the pioneers to the trek.

That 2 hr was a nightmare for me, I was stung by poisonous plant that numb my right hand, I kept falling as the sand were too soft, rocks kept falling and trees uprooted. But I was lucky to have 2 heroes (the guide) holding my hands and offering their legs as steps for me. Among the 5 girls who "roll down" the hill (one back off as she was too afraid), I was the lucky princess :).

When I reached the lake after an exhausting 2hr and 15 mins, it's worth it. Finally I make it....ALIVE! (minus the numb on my hands)

To treat ourselves, we went to catch the sunset at Tanah Lot. Breathtaking view as I watch every single second of the sun being "eaten" by the waves.

We spent the other 2 days shopping at Kuta and pampering ourselves with Spa...but in the end, we crawled back home with an aching legs (due to the trekking) and lots of damage; bags from shopping, broke but contented.

If given another chance, I would still go to Bali and promote Bali....yeah!

MIA

Had been busy with too much activities that didn't had the time to upload most of the travel activities.

Updates more to come.

Bali (Dec 2008)

I had always wanted to go Bali but had heard a lot of eerie stories. Didnt have much confidence in experiencing something that is out of this world. Call me superstitous or country pumpkin, whatever it is it's always better to be safe than sorry.


When my boyfriend planned to go Bali with me 2 years ago, I told him of what I thought. He gave a thought and respect my decision. That was 2 years ago after he propose to me :) but I turned him down because I was not ready.


We had some problems due to distance relationship, wanted to visit him but he said NO. And to heal a "broken heart", I decided to go Bali. As mummy dearest was worried about my safety, brought her along.


Superstitious is one side...I Love the Island. Everyone is friendly, nice and it's feels so comfortable.

Hire a boat to bring us to sea.

Just two of us, how romantic, me & my mum.










Can you see the aeroplane?


Fishes & Turtles











Kintamani....I just love the view, serenity....

And finally enjoying the sunset while having my dinner.










How I wish he was with me...............haiz.

I am going to Bali again! In 6 more days, yeah with a group of 5 girls.

Trip to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (August 2009)

My first trip to Kota Kinabalu ("KK") and my first trip alone. Must admit that I was excited, nervous, happy, frightened all at one go. But I know I must be brave because I want to be there to see him.


My flight from Singapore is at 10:35 but somehow the day before I kept thinking that my flight would be at 1:30 p.m. Luckily I check on my itinerary the day before, if not I would have missed my flight.


Mum send me off to the airport, with a heavy heart. She kept reminding me if I had remember to bring everything....hmm I checked 3 times that I brought everything. In the cab, the taxi driver asked me to check if I bring my passport and air ticket....this cause me to be more nervous....argh! The taxi ride to the airport was smooth but the counter is not open for check in so went for breakfast with dearest mum. Wasn't hungry as my mind is full of thoughts.


While queuing to check in, a chinese lady approached me and mentioned her sister's luggage is over the limit and since I have only 1 luggage she's asking if she can tag with me. Hmmm it's rude to say no, so I agree. But when I check in, the lady at the counter told me since I don't know the chinese lady, she have to reject.


After that, I went in and walk aimlessly at departure hall. A lady who is on the same flight (she was the sister of the earlier lady), approach to me and started to speak to me in Bahasa with mixture of Khadazans language. I am so blur..I dont understand what she say. But I somehow I dont know how to avoid her or say NO. But luckily she is not seated next to me.


Upon reaching KK's International airport, I quickly take my luggage and go to the taxi counter to purchase a voucher for taxi. That lady was there but she wasnt buying any voucher. Asked me if I have eaten and wanted to eat...I said NO. When I reached the taxi stand, she was there and asked to loan my handphone, that was when I had cold feet and said sorry my taxi is waiting and jump into the cab. Didnt know what will happen if I stick with her and loan my handphone...can she be trusted? or I look too innocent to be her victim.



Taxi ride from KK International airport to my hotel (Grand Borneo) cost RM50 for 20 minutes ride. I felt safe but my heart is heavy. Saw cemeteries on my way....chinese cemeteries and christian lawns are side by side.











Staying at Grand Borneo near 1Borneo.

The view from my room.











The hotel is pretty new, checked in and had a good shower and short nap. Upon waking up, went to wonder around at the megamall. Went to RasaMas restaurant for a Honey Chicken Set...and it's cheap - RM7 (rice, chicken, veggies and soup).










Went back to the hotel to rest and erm message him. Will be meeting him on the next day, Friday & Saturday. Read Sabah map to plan my outing for tomorrow.

For the first time, I had to queue to have my breakfast (at 8:00 am). The restaurant were crowded with tourist from Hong Kong, Korea, Japan and some caucasion. Didn't have much appetite so ate some bread and mango juice before heading to the Philippines Market.


Took the free shuttle from One Borneo to town (Wawasan Plaza). In the shuttle met with an aunty who is from KL. She is shocked that I am alone and praise how brave I am. She thought I am 20 haa..ha.... She was looking for pearls and I suggested that she and her friends to head to Philippines Market coz it's cheap and you can bargain.




When we arrive at Wawasan Plaza, I just went straight to the Philippines market (following the map). For the first time in my life, I jaywalk without worrying about my safety. It's common to jaywalk in KK, cars will stop for you as you walk......pedestrian RULE!










Walked a few rounds and finally set my eyes at one shop to purchase my pearls. Had a good bargain and the aunty and friends manage to catch up with me.


















Backview of the handicraft.


Went to the market next door selling fruits and corals.










Saw some tidbits to buy back for the office and then went to the back to watch fishermen who just came back from sea with their catch.









The sea look calm........

The weather was hot therefore decided to relax at Starbucks before heading back to the hotel for a rest while waiting for him. Received message from him that he has a telecon that day so we are meeting on Saturday.

After a short break, went to the indoor Rainforest at One Borneo. After purchasing my ticket, went in and ooooops I saw SNAKES! I am afraid of snakes...so what did I do...I ran all the way in and stood for short while to catch my breath, took some pictures aimlessly .....trees trees trees and quickly run out of the place. So embarassing...less than 5 minutes in the rainforest just because of SNAKES.









The indoor rainforest....so eeeerie


Had dinner at Bintang Legenda Cafe. The walls are decorated with pictures of the late P. Ramlee, Saloma and many more (famous artist in the 1960s). They were playing songs sang by the late P. Ramlee and the menu also are named after the artist.









Ordered Nasi Goreng Labu Labi and Pinky Juice drink. It's delicious....yumm yummm











On Saturday, met him for coffee at Starbucks and had a long chat........well no solution for our problem for long distance relationship and I didnt want to argue, just leave it to fate. And he asked me out for dinner. So he sent me back to the hotel to shower and will be picking me up at 8pm.

At 8pm, we head off to the town for dinner. Had a wonderful surprise from him....a candlelight dinner by the waterfront. We couldnt decide where to eat whether it's Aussie steak or North Indian Restaurant and finally we decided to go for Tandoori. It's so romantic even heaven is crying for me ...slight rain for short while. He had problem reading the menu as he had to rely only on one candle.













The most happiest moment of my life!

After dinner, we took a stroll by the waterfront before he sent me back to the hotel to rest. And will be picking me up the next morning to the airport. I am so HAPPY! Every single seconds with him is important to me and I cherish it.

Left KK with a heavy heart...leaving him behind. This time heaven cried for me.....it rain heavily as heavy as my heart and tears started to roll down without me realising. Goodbye KK, if I am fated to be with him....I will be here, stay here and find my happiness and love here.

First solo trip

It will be my first solo trip to a foreign land, so am feeling nervous, excited and scared. Am so used to travel with either friends or family or only with my mum. Eventhough I am already so "old", I am still a baby in my parents' eyes. At first they didnt allow me to go but then when they thought about it, gave their blessing.

Well this trip is not a normal trip where for me to enjoy myself and shop till I crawl back home. The first agenda is to meet my boyfriend..ya we are having this distance relationship for almost 2 years and there's a lot of ups and downs. Call it a surprise visit as I didnt tell him that I am flying over. Hmm what if I get surprised myself (as he often fly to other countries for work too)...I think I just go with the flow.

I can be adventurous but being alone usually I am aware of my safety etc so I guess I wont really be moving a lot especially when I am not so familiar with my surroundings.

Apart from meeting him to sort out things....I am trying to catch some events there. I had problem in getting the hotels. For 3 months, had been sending online booking but all hotels (that I wanted) are all fully booked. Finally went through Holiday City, ok I must say this is the first time that I use this portal and am not sure if it is reliable or not but I have to go with my six sense and guts and whatever there is. Holiday City managed to secure me a room .....phew! Well it's a hotel not in town but somewhere I can feel safe. My definition of safe.....Mega Mall beside the hotel haa..haa....