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Vietnam Trip Day 2 @ Danang

2011-10-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today, finally god-families are here... so excited but too busy with work can't really talk much.

I didn't take breakfast as yesterday was eating too much.. so full after woke up. so just skip the breakfast.

Till god-familes reached then god-bro bought back food for us... the famous chicken rice in danang... the chicken here are really nice.. healthy type.. rice in orange red color. Quite yummy, taste similar to our chicken rice, just is more salty.

Today spent my whole day at hotel doing work... so so many jobs to complete by this weekend.. I think I can't join them tomorrow trip~ too bad... is not easy to gather with them.. try my best later to complete the job.. hope maybe can accompany them as much time as possible... life is short.. things are unpredictable, so we really have to cherish everyone with us...

Today we had sumptuous dinner at sis-in-law house.. they were so warms hearted... treat us well... they even want to carry my sister who is handicapped.. they really taking us a good care, although can't understand their language, but can feel their sincerity from bottom heart, their smile, their way.. so friendly.. like an old friend..

Now is the coffee time after dinner.. I suppose to join the team for coffee break... but too bad.. i need to download some files for work, so im gonna stay aside as the place they seated has no power plug... now im alone here to download the files.. join them once completed download...

We at this Karty cafe, very nice ambience... so much relax, they really spend lot of effort when designing their cafe... i like the cafe in vietnam, they put in effort to decorate... even not very high class cafe, but is really comfy place~

like the life in danang.. country side.. simple lifestyle... so easy~

Vietnam Trip Day 1 @ Danang

2011-10-20T18:50:00.000-07:00

20 Oct 2011, this is my second time comes to Vietnam. I was here a year ago, I had really a great trip over here. The people here are simple, I felt secure here in fact somehow feel like a queen... they serves us like VIP. If you would like to feel the feeling being treat like a "boss" here the place you should visit.

The main purpose for this trip is because my god-bro. He is getting married with a vietnamese girl. The whole families will comes here for them. Such happening thing, sure can't miss right. That's why I'm here. Due to my last trip, I was had enough time to visit those interesting places, therefore I'm planning to go on a trip after the wedding, however, plan might cancelled, as the company now has more jobs that I need to rush on the deadline. So, trip might cancel or might not, well, I will try my best to rush them out so I can go on the trip at least to Cambodia, I really want to go there.

Flight off with Jetstar, and I need to transfer to domestic terminal. Luckily not waiting for too long. About an hour plus waiting time. I bought Jetstar as the ticket so much more cheaper than SilkAir. Well, since I had been there, so is not difficult for me to find the domestic terminal. Fly off from Singapore 7.20am and reach to HCM at local time 9am and next flight to Danang was 10.55am so I have to wait for an hour plus.. is easy to pass the time as I have my laptop and I got to continue my job.

i thought to work during the flight, but can't.. this trip the flights.. got so many crying babies... so I just gonna to rest myself to get more energy to work later on.

Reached Danang at around 12noon local time (about 1pm Singapore time)... so I am damn hungry.. had my breakfast at 5am and after all the flight... finally reach to danang... my first place to go in Danang is my sis-in-law house... home cook meal!!

This is my first time having a meal cooked vietnames families.. ... quite similar with chinese cooking too, yummy just bit salty for me... she said if her father cook will be more salty...

they treat me so well, my bowl never empty till we all finish the meal... they kept on adding dished in my bowl. so, you know... that's how i put on the calories... :) how can I say NO to such a warm welcoming meal.. hehe ... not to think for diet now.. enjoy my trip first.

After the delicious meal, finally back to the hotel... but the wifi is weak lucky my sis-in-law's sister has the USB broadband lend to me... so at least I can continue the work...

Back to hotel, put down all my thing the first thing is to work!! OMG, i'm a workaholic, but well I gonna to complete the job that I promised...

Time passing fast, so fast my stomach calling for food... my god-bro and his wife were out.. so I can't wait and knowing they are busy, I just try my luck to find food outside...too bad.. they hardly understand my english... even my body language.. finally able to tell them that I want chicken... but .. no more chicken...

alright, return to my room and got to call my god-bro...

while waiting them come back .. i took the shower... and ... finally they are here... hehe.. we went to a restaurant that called Wonder... quite famous in town. Many people... and you know what.. when we alight.. they open door for us.. like a VIP customer... so look forward the food there..

after order.. first dish, fried rich with silver fish.. yummy.. quite like it..soon we finish.. then... ... we wait.. wait.. wait... for very long... can't even remember how long we wait.. just that we were too hungry.. so we said we want to cancel the order if they not going to serves us soon.. haha then our dishes are here...

another seafood fried noodles, this is yummy .. quite similar with ours chinese version... the noodles taste like yee mee.. just that is thinner than yee mee...

Next dishes, fish and chicken.. the chicken is really healthy, no fat at all! but is all the muscle... bit hard to bite.. but I like it... fish is nice too .. just the dipper was too salty..

after that waiting time again... and ... the last dish.. pork ribs.. this is nice too but also same.. salty...

Finishing our meals here, bill quite reasonable.. is about VND 600,000.

Next, we were going to my god-bro's driver stall... they selling those local finger food .. before that we bought some bbq eggs and tapiyoca at the road side..

He order many things for us... something like the salad.. some vege, manguang, beef liver... mix with sauces and chilies... quite nice, quite refreshing.. another type salad mixing all the veges.. and another one that i love.. yoghurt.. local home made yoghurt.. this is cool~ yummy sour and not so creamy.. this is also my first time in vietnam tried the road side stall.. sitting on the small stool.. is cool~ hehe

So, finally we call a day. I was so full... I think after this trip.. i might going to gain a lot... :( anyway... enjoy the food here as the next trips might be years later...

Bali ~ must go places

2011-06-21T22:53:00.000-07:00

I went to Bali last year, it was just a spa gateway, not visit many places. I'm going to list down the places that I should visit next time.

According to my friend, here is some list from her ;-

Babi Guling @ Ibu Oka; Jln Tegal Sari, NO. 2 Ubud (opp Ubud Palace), price around US $ 4 good for lunch. Open @ 11am.
Jimbaran Seafood - Singaporean suggest Pandan Sari, Segaran Cafe. Local suggest Melasti Restaurant, Ganesha Restaurant, Blue Marlyn (with Bali dance) * keep away from ones near Four Seasons.

During my trip, I stayed at Ranadi Villa, the villa is really nice... very quiet... it might little pricey but is worth for a relax trip. The room is with garden and private pool, shower are is outdoor..of cause with roof top so you able to shower even if rainy. kitchen at the garden, it was really relax ... studying, reading... swimming.. we did not do the spa in the resort ... we choose another places, which they will pick and drop us at any where that we want..

resort lobby

bathroom... with big tub

outdoor shower room...

private pool, is small but not too bad

garden and kitchen

But this villa is bit inside, I am not suggest to walk back to the villa, better take cab. Although it is not far. When you choose the cab, please use blue bird.

All the food was covered nicely. This is good.. ... ..

simple breakfast, that's good enough....

You may choose to have the meal serve in the room. Of cause is nice be in the room, enjoy your food while watching tv, chatting.. so nice~

This their building from outside.

For spa, we went to Murano, their package is cheap and service is quite good. For that price with the service I could say is quite good enough, If you expecting more, maybe here is not your option. I personally like the places here, except for during shoulder and foot massages was doing in a "hall" where also for hair wash & massage. Open area.

Full body spa in the room was good. I was very relax and enjoy.

22 April 2011 - 3D2N Good Friday vacation @ Redang Bay

2011-04-25T04:46:00.000-07:00

First time that I travelled with my cousin's family. So far this is my first trip that I felt so good, so relax and never think about my jobs, trouble ... totally enjoyed the beautiful scene in here - Pulau Redang. Such a nice island. Its beautiful not only day, it's night covered with stars that charming too.

We were travelled with bus, it took about 7.5 hours to reach Kuala Terengganu. We took SP BUMI, we thought we were lucky because this bus is a new bus, started journey for 5 days only. However, the whole trip, the air-conditions was too cold. The seat position is bad too. We can't sleep well.

Soon, time passing fast. We reached Kuala Terengganu bus terminal at about 6am.

Followed by the other bus transfer us to jetty. Before that, he brought us to china town, nearby market. There was a hawker centre, it look old but it was so windy. Sitting and having our meal under the tree. So nice~ and the food was great too~ yummy!

Next, about an hour, we reached to the jetty. There were many people, same like us, would like to spend this long weekend at this island.

The boat that we took

yoo hoo ... resort redang bay... we here

can't wait to sleep on the soft white sand

Our room, everything was quite good, except the room only had only power point. That's not enough for 4 of us.

After check-in, we had lunch. After few hours rest, we were preparing to snorkeling. So excited!

The gave us briefing on the snorkeling. There were 3 boats, we need to swam to the boats, any one of them. It was so difficult, we were no experiences... I was almost flow by the wave instead of swim.

First snorkeling spot, we went to coral spot. I was lucky. I was lead by the staff there, and I saw 2 sharks, one small and one medium size. Too bad I don't have the waterproof camera. :(

The staff would like to bring me for another trips. With my friend and my cousin-in-laws. We were snorkeling at small island that at the seaside. It look small, well ... it really tough to finish the whole island. Without the staff, I believe I can't finish it. But well, end up .. ended with vomit... seasick... :(

That was really a nice trip. Corals were green.. so nice... and the most wonderful thing that, we were so lucky, we saw turtle... swam by in front of us.... I won't forget this scene... such a nice moment~

At night, we went to blue sand. He brought us to see blue sand. That was really amazing. the sand seem glowing under the dark in shining blue~ but he said it was getting lesser now. It was so much more last time. I hope whoever go there, please cherish the natural of the world, please don't bring it home. So other peoples able to view it~ share your love~

The first night, we were exhausted, sleep earlier.

Cafe at the night, while drinking, enjoy the breeze and starry night...

How can I miss the sun rise here. About 6.30am, we woke up and get ready to witness this. The day was so bright we though we miss that. Lucky star was with us. It was a nice sun rise. So nice~

Good time is always passing fast.. soon after breakfast another session of snorkeling. This time is marine park. There were more fishes over there. But it was crowded. I felt exhausted... hard to breath... lucky with him I able to finish the trip. I saw many fishes.. but too bad I can't remember their name. Corals were almost dying. Dear all, please don't step on corals and don't pee on sea, this will kill corals. Please love the earth.

I suppose to go on another snorkeling trip. But I was really tired. I don't feeling good. So I gave up the trip and enjoy the sea view for the whole evening. Shooting photos, hope to bring back this nice moments and share with everyone...

What's a nice sun rise...

beach in front the resort... how can i don't love it~

My favorite spot, sitting here I had the best view, breezy and shady place.... so enjoy~

Sun rise on another day~

Time passing really fast... time to say goodbye... how i wish to stay here..

This street full with souvenir, get some for friends.

When will my next trip to redang again? Look forward!

5D 4N trip to Bandung and Jakarta

2011-01-02T09:10:00.000-08:00

Firstly I would like to thanks my dear Friend, Anita. Because of her, I would be able to make to this trip. Never think of travel to Indonesia.. is not in my travel list. Well, is my dear friend wedding, I am really so happy for her and this will be a good experience as well to spend some of my time traveling to Indonesia during the trip. I was so so happy can witness this...

Next, I would like to thanks Cannie, for arrange the trip to bandung and in Jakarta, she might not the perfect 'tour guide' but she definitely the best travel accompanies, she gave us laugh during the trip. Her blur blur way of arrangement gave us another special traveling experience. In general the trip was fun. Also thanks Ana, Suggis, Thomas & chris. Make this trip a wonderful trip.

Also thanks to Aris, accompanied me during this trip, therefore im not alone again ... but she gave me a heart attacked.... she lost her booking itinerary, so we thought that she might didn't successfully booked her ticket.... lucky it was just a shocked... we still able to travel together.

4 November 2010, Thursday, 0830
Took bus from home to airport. 25 minutes reached airport Terminal 3, transfered sky train to terminal 1.

We were Boarding to the flight 0950. An hour flight journey reached to Jakarta @ 1150.

Exit Gate 2D (Pintu 2D), you will see A&W restaurant, turn right to the Cipaganti bus counter. We purchased the 27 seater bus ticket @ RP 75,000. @ 1200 to Bandung alight at Pasteur Giant. We were quite rushing as we want to save the traveling time, so we bought the A&W set and had it in the bus. 4 hours bus journey to reach the destination. The bus provided us the mineral water, quite friendly staff. Before boarding on bus, 2 set A&W meal cost only Rp 84,000.

1600, reach to Giant Pasteur. took the taxi to hotel D'Batoe. The driver charge us at RP 50,000. (At the same night, we took cab from the same price back to hotel is only Rp 30,000, because we have some indonesian friend with us. So be smart, negotiate more.. ) We found the price is reasonable to without much negotiate we took the cab.

20 minutes later, we reached. Had some problems with the staff, as my friend was not around, the staff barely understand english, I spoke with him in Malay due to different slang and vocab, we had hard time to communicate, however, the staff were friendly and we had pleasant stay still. The room cost me about Rp 624,600.

The room is nice... but terrible internet speed.. wasn't moving at all... I was unable to check my email, sighed, my company need me... well what to do.. take my rest since i can't do anything ... hopefully the next hotel will have better internet access.

well well well ... so we just rest... shower and enjoy our time..

either time was passing fast or because the traveling make us hungry.

Around 6pm, we were looking for dinner... and you know what.. terrible things happened... similar in Vietnam...

The traffic was terrify... you got to be daring to cross the road, catch the right timing to cross, zebra crossing doesn't work there... and if you gonna wait till lesser car... i believe you might take 30mins to cross the street...

Tips: catch in right timing, look for low car speed driver... once you cross just continue to walk, do not hesitate.. as the driver will look after you..

We had our dinner at Po ka Tiam, the restaurant just nearby the hotel. It is a chinese restaurant. Price moderate, food moderate. Ambience very nice. Simple decor. Very comfy. We spent Rp 80,630 for two of us. After dinner, we bought some mineral water for the next day. The mineral water here was selling cheap. 1.5 litre was selling at Rp 3,100 only. We bought 2 bottles of water & oreo total cost is Rp 18,800.

We were really tired, after dinner back to hotel for rest. Almost to sleep, we got a call from Cannie. She brought us to KTV!! haha... this was really a fun time.. so many KTV kings & queen.. KTV here also quite cheap each of us paid only Rp 29,000.

5 November 2010, Friday

Anita had arranged us the van with driver from white horse, so he will drive us to any place that we want. The cost for the van 2 days is only Rp 1,105,000 is good for 8 person sharing. The van is comfortable with reasonable price.

Breakfast at hotel. We were too early, the chef and the staff were busy to prepare the food for us.. I was very happy with their services.

Check out the hotel, moved all our luggage to the van. Here we start our journey, exploring Bandung.

We went to Gunung Tangkuban Perahu. There are still active volcano at this area.

None of us expected of this trip. None of us do any homework about this place. So... we were so cool... its height 1830m from sea level... strong wind... and most of us were wearing sandal... this was really a memorable trip ... we make it.. hiking with sandal... -.-'''

The mountain was managed by private organization, they hired security staff to ensure the safe for the tourist. When we enter to the zone he will be with us along the trip to ensure we are safe. He works from 7am - 5pm. Every time before he knock off, he has to ensure that no one was leave behind.

The more inner zone - kawal Upas will be close around 4pm, or when is bad weather. This area is very close to Kawal baru which the valcano still active, so this entire will close if there is a warning of the bombing of kawal baru.

According to him, many wedding couple would like to take photo here. He story us quite a lot of story.

There were tourist been here for hiking alone, and he was lost. The rescue team spent about 9 hours to find him.

One more case, a tourist who was too focus to take photo and he slipped but he was lucky that he didn't fall down to the cliff, and the rescue team able to save him.

Seriously, I was quite scared when we were taking photo at certain places... But you can't deny the beautiful scene over here. Definitely worth trip even tracking with sandal... hahaha

After the hard time, we spoilt ourself with some 'high tea'.. hehe.. this my first time.. here in Bandung, they grilled the corn and eat with chilies sauce.. amazingly taste nice.. bit weird.. but really yummy.

Not only that, I was very curious about a drink called Bandrek, so i tasted it, very nice and it cured my running nose.. taste sweet with some ginger flavor, added some coconut slides inside. I felt my body so warm after I drink it... I miss it now~

Another yummy food which I would say must eat when you were there. Is hot and I am sure is nice to eat with the cold weather. --->Tahu Goreng. It's crunchy outside and very soft & tender inside, juicy... I bought 1pc for try and in the end I bought 10pcs.. me and my friend were regretted after that... we should have buy more... is so so yummy~

If you love chili, eat with chills padi. It give another flavor for the tauhu. The tauhu is selling in plain one or with filling. Both of them thumb up!

Leaving here, we went to hot spring. This was not the hot spring that I imaged of, this is more like a hot spring swimming pool. We need to pay entrance fee to the hot spring and the fee for using the pool. Total per pax is Rp 50,000.

Not many people here, quite okay for such price, of cause don't put too much expectation.

While on our back to Bandung town, along the way, I realized that the houses in Bandung are not organize. No idea how the air circulation and I think they can hear each other quite clear.. maybe? maybe not?

After I think about 1 hour journey, we backed in town and we had our lunch+dinner at Bumbu Desa. Authentic Sudanese cuisine. When I saw the flies, I was thinking to change the place, but was too hungry.. so closed my eyes... see no evil... well... nothing happened to me after the meal.

This restaurant is really nice. Yummy food, although many flies.. but they re-heated it before served to us. This can kill most of the germs. So it save for consume. haha

Also realized another things here... the chicken here is so skinny... I mean in Indonesia.. compare to other places.. the chicken here a lot healthier.. hardly find any fat on them....

We enjoyed our meal here. So full. I had 2 bowl of rice. Long time I didn't eat with hand.. so yummy~ mama mia~

Next we went to Prima Rasa, while waiting our bus, we relax ourself there. What I saw here was really impress... a bakery shop... most people here shop with basket.. full of basket.. 3 cashier counter... long Q.. I was really curious. So I bought some too. According to a friend, this bakery shop was famous with their brownie cake. Their signature cake here~ This shop is only available in Bandung.

Time getting closer... we took a cab went to some where nearby our bus area. We walked around the shopping mall.

When time get closer.. we realized that we were rushing out of time. Hurry take our luggage and run... really run under the rain...

We run all the way to the bus counter and unfortunately we were in the wrong outlet. There were some miscommunication. Too bad, so we took the shuttle and wait 1 hour at the other outlet.

We reach Jakarta around 12 midnight and worse part was... we about to reach... there were a road block.. we were so tired.. and the police were checking on us slowly~

Finally when we reached to the hotel Harris .... shower.. get into bed.. extremely tiring day.

6 November 2010, Saturday

After a tiring day, we were slept till quite late... we had our breakfast at a small cafe. Very home style .... bit dirty but we just wanna to grab some for breakfast. Wow, the food here yummy and was so cheap. I had some noodle with omelet and tauhu at only Rp13,000.

Backed to hotel, while waiting for Cannie. Suggis went to salon for hair cut. I went to gym and Aris rest at room.

Gym machines well maintained. I went to swim also. The staff was friendly. He suggest the interesting place for me, showed me how to use the machines too.

Nice stay here~

Around 12noon, with Cannie we took a cab to Plaza Indonesia which like the ION Orchard. Huge mall with most of the luxury brand selling here.

Coincidently, there was a Jakarta Culinary Festive here, while waiting for the slot we went inside and have some food tasting... yummy and fun.

We had very delicious penyet. I ordered the beef meet penyet. The meat very soft and the belacan is hot too... wow love the dishes...

After the sumptuous meal, we went to Monas. The National Monument, unfortunately we were too late. The operation hour is from 8am - 3pm daily.

So if you were visit to Jakarta please arrange during morning time. At night shopping & dining will be good. Some spa session will be great also.

We spent a little time there, took some nice photos and we decided to go for massage at Marthatilaar. Each of us pick the message session. We spent about 3-4 hours there. This my first time doing spa. I was a bit awkward when naked myself in front of the massager. It was very nice experience. My body smoother after the spa... hehe so happy~ It was very relaxing.. I fall slept during the spa... hehe

Finished spa, here dinner time again..... we took cab and alight at some where nearby our hotel.

We walk along the street and enter to the shop that we think is nice... Each shop we order 1-2 dishes.. we shared and again we continue with other restaurant... this was crazy but fun... and the best way to taste all the different food in the shortest time.

First we tried soto & satay. Soto was nice but I still prefer Malaysia one. The soto in Indonesia not that spicy. I love the one in Malaysia with spicy kicap. Satay also quite different with Malaysia & Singapore. The condiments has some mixture of different nuts... bit sweet but not too sweet. very unique taste.

Then we tried pemphek, something like the fish cake.. they have different type... some wrapped with egg, and some served with soup. Quite special too.

After that, we saw a stall making murtakbak. They fried it with a lot of oil instead of grill. Well, maybe is yummy but dare not too try... high cholesterol.

Lastly, we tried the char kueh Teow. Salt but just nice. I love the bean sprout, small and fresh and a lot... each bite with the bean sprout actually gave a fresh texture in my mouth.. yummy~ too bad my stomach was not good.. I was quite full so I just took few bite...

After so much food that we put in our stomach... so we decided to walk back... well.. the terrible traffic here.. please beware when you cross the road.

End of the day. Back to hotel. Rest for the next day.

7 November 2010, Saturday
Finally, today the day why I was here. My friend, Anita's wedding. We woke up quite early, get ready ourself, make up... dress up.. be nice to attend the wedding.

When we reached the ballroom, wow, the theme was so great and the set up was very nice. A photo booth with a picture of the couple which allow us to take photo that really the best memory capture session.

Ballroom set up was grand. very nice.. i can't wait to see her...

Finally, waiting time has passed... here the bride and her groom... in the ceremony. I am glad that I able to witness this. But this couple make all of us cried.. The most touching wedding that I ever attend. Love you dear, you are blessed.

Followed by her dinner at night, we were helping her to be ushering the guest to the ballroom. It was fun. It was like a company annual dinner .. haha .. I enjoyed it very much... ~

The night end with a lot of joyful. Here I witness her from miss to mrs. And I know a lot of new friends.

8 November 2010, Saturday
End of my trip, heading to airport back to Singapore. Wonderful trip however it was a short trip~

7D 6N Batam & Singapore Free & Easy

2010-12-27T08:43:00.000-08:00

I have been living in Singapore for 7 years. Well, this is not my first time to travel around in Singapore. But this is my first time to travel with mum and sister. Again, I am the "tour guide" for them. It was so good to have such tourist. They were complaining that my itinerary was too pack. So, re-schedule, here our journey;

10 Dec 2010
1pm - Mum & sis reached changi airport, budget terminal.

Around 2pm, reached home. Rest.

Around 5pm, dinner at J u Sing Jung @ East Coast. Yummy & authentic Korean BBQ. For those who love beef, should try. Price range per pax is about $30-$40.

Mummy loves this a lot, and sister too. Mum can finally eat her favorite meat especially beef. hehe... Sister first trial korean cuisine ands she loves that too. So happy~

After heavy dinner, we went for a walk, gossiping... time passing so fast... time home, bed time prepare for the next day, Batam Trip.

11 Dec 2010

Saturday, usually I really don't like to go out on Saturday especially Orchard or Sentosa.

Therefore, I brought them to Science Center, a place that fun, can gain knowledge and not that crowded too.

here we are... science centre

to Omni-theatre

Watched Sea Rex @ Omni-theater.. with the hemisphere screen the movie was to real.

Where is the body??

Time machine, fast forward to see how your look when old...

Wanted??!!

At night, we went to Orchard, time to view the Christmas Decor at Orchard Road. Shop around dinner. Back home with Royce!! My favorite. hehe

12 Dec 2010

I booked the package for 3 of us from Travel Travel @ Plaza Singapura. The package was so cheap. I upgrade my room to ocean view. Plus surcharge for peak season due to school holiday. My package for 3 is only $358, include breakfast, lunch, dinner, land transfer, one bus trip to nagoya town, 1 hr massage, 1 bowling game.

We woke up around 8am, reached Harbour Front around 10am. This was my first time to Batam, I had no idea of where is the counter for my ticket, so I need to be there earlier.

It was quite easy to find the place, follow the address in my receipt, I was able to locate the counter and get our ferry ticket.

While waiting for boarding, we had our breakfast at Hans. Great breakfast, maybe we all in the great mood.

Finally, boarding to boat. woohoo... so excited.. it takes around 1 hour to reach batam and the time zone different by an hour too.

Soon we reached and were fetched by the Harris staff with a mini bus. When we reached the hotel, we were quite surprise with the crowd. There were so many people. Hotel is a bit old too, but very friendly staff and great services. We were welcomed by the GM too.

During the check-in time, although bit messy there because was too many people at the lobby. Some awaiting for check-in and some for check-out.

However the staff still calm and friendly. He advised us to take the 10.30am bus to town on the next day and back to Singapore with 4.30pm ferry. So we spent the first night at Harris... ... spa, bowling, swimming, hot bath... hehe so excited.

Once we reached to our room, OMG, we were so happy, the room so nice, huge room in japanese setting.

The room was really nice, I love the room so much, can't wait to have a hot bath ... ...

hehe.. hungry, hungry... time for lunch... let's see what we have...

It was a set lunch. Too bad, I found that the cooking here not really nice compare to Bali & Jakarta. Taste is alright but not fantastic.

After lunch, we went to re-confirm our massage session.

While waiting, we went for a bowling & table tennis game. hehe... mum and me have no play bowling for a long time and sis were her first time. Well, well, well.... although I was not playing well.. but I was the champion... hehe .. well.. my competitor just too weak...

sis played not bad for her first time, result quite close to mum one.

After bowling, me and sis had another table tennis... she claimed that she is very good in it... well... through out the game... we were laughing at each other more than play the game...

Time passing fast, soon the time for massage... we happily and climbed three floor building to reach the place for massage... and .. you know what... I forgot to set the time ... the time zone is different by 1 hour!! So we have to go some where else to rest and back later.

So, we went for a tea time at the korean/Japanese restaurant. We thought to order some finger food and who knows.. they served with a lot of side dishes.. taste average.. not really yummy but we still finished it as mummy said don't waste food... OMG we were so full...

Time up, we went for our massage session.... hahha so embarrassing.. we were naked.. well it should not be that embarrassed because we are mother and daughter..

1-hour session were passing so fast.... it was so relax... felt good.. after massage the best thing will be the hot bath... steam ourself in the hot hot water... it was really a great time.. we chat.. it was so windy...

then after, we shower, dinner... end of the day.

13 Dec 2010

Though to board on bus @ 10.30am.. too bad the bus was full. I should booked it earlier. So we took the next bus at 11.30am. It took about 30mins to reach the nagoya town. We shopped in the shopping mall there.

The shopping mall quite big, but not many people shop around maybe is weekday. Not all items there cheap, and you have to be smart, compare and bargain to get a really good deals.

We had our lunch at one of the restaurant, it look nice but.. i found that the taste bit too salty for me. Beef bit overcook...

Back to hotel with cab, as we have to go back before 3pm. Spent Rp 120.000 for the cab.

We reached hotel about 2.30pm, we went for the 30mins foot massage session... seriously I knew is too rush... but was thinking to have the massage before go back...

We finish our massage and rush to the counter... it was about 4pm... and the staff there were so good, they drive us there and rush for us. The reason I dare to do this last minute thing is ... the hotel is really so close to the ferry terminal.. it took only 3-5mins to reach.

We were able to rush on time.. but guess what.. there are people more late than us...

Reach to Singapore nearly 7pm, we were quite happy but tiring.. we bought some fruits and food back home. Light dinner and rest.

14 Dec 2010

Finally, Singapore Universal Studio. My second time here. I was unable to book the ticket online. I think was peak period. Lucky I was able to get the ticket from my friend who works in agent and get in cheaper price too. Cheaper a bit better than nothing.

We took the monorail to there, quite many people too. I was quite worried .. if too many people the Q will be too long.. huh huh~

Enter to the USS, redeemed our voucher which $5 meal and $5 gift voucher.

Here we go, start our journey... fun and excitement.

15 Dec 2010

I suppose to bring them to Sentosa. Who know, they complain that my itinerary was too packed. They wanna some rest!!

So morning, resting time at home. Watch DVD and home movie. I was planned maybe we can go out in the evening. Well, sometime planning may not perfect. It was raining.. almost the whole day. Is not a good day to go out. So we have really enough rest at home.

Maybe we all were too full. So we had very light lunch and dinner. End of the day.

16 Dec 2010

Since we had enough rest on the day before. So today, we went to bugis. We were here to buy some mix nuts for mum's to bring home.

There was promotion at OG too, we finally found some nice bag, bought it for mum and aunties.

After that, we went to esplanade and merlion park. A place that must go when come to Singapore.

Also today, they call me demon... make them walk for a long day... well.. travel has to walk right... they were just too pampered... hahaha

Mummy wanted to eat korean BBQ again, I brought her to the on at Esplanade Mall. This one wasn't that nice compare to East Coast, but not bad too.

Mummy wanted to go home after this, well since it will be the last day in Singapore... so I brought them to Marina Square, do some shopping and we went for a movie.. we watched Tron Legacy in 3D. It was their first time watch 3D movie. Movie was nice but not much in 3D bit disappointed.

End of the movie, we went home. End of the day~

17 Dec 2010

Woke up in the early morning. Mum and sis were in the morning flight @ 9.20am.

Sent them to airport. also the end of our trips~

So happy also look forward for our next outing~ hehe

Beware when u change currency esp in Bali!

2010-11-20T22:34:00.001-08:00

This is my first time experience this! Bad experience and I would like to share this hope everyone be alert.

I was too rush during this trip, so I changed my currency in Bali. We were so staving and we had not enough Rupiah, therefore we had to change our currency.

So, start to looking for money changer. I noticed, their rate is so different for each stall. Some too low and some too high. This is unusual.

When i passed by one, they waived to me, the rate (1:6890) similar to Singapore, so I just changed there. Here the trick starts:

I was changing SGD150 so about Rp 1.034.000, so I gave him another Rp16.000 so my total change will be Rp1.050.000 = 21 pcs of Rp50.000

He took his money out and count by Rp100.000 in each group, there are 10 group so is Rp1.000.000 and another 1 pc of Rp 50.000

Okay, done now he passed me all the money.

************** this the trick started!!******************

I used to count my money. When I counted it for 3-4 times, weird... it wasn't 21 pcs of notes!! Is only 15 pcs!!!

obviously he saw that, he took my money and gave it back to me ask me to count in Rp100.000 in each group. So again is Rp1.000.000

I wanted to collect the money on the counter desk, but he was faster than me ... when he passed me back the money

i count again.... 4-5 times.. ( i love to count money )

and this time i asked my friend to count with me Rp100.000 in each group....

so is not correct...

he saw that and now he blamed us back. He said I suppose to gave him Rp16.000 but i gave him only Rp7.000.. he said one of the notes is not Rp10.000

Without much comment, i took my money back to leave there. I lost Rp9.000 but lucky he didn't hurt me.

Every time he passed me the money, he did some trick.

I believe they use the same trick on many ppl... and usually a lot people don't like to count and many of us was blur with the "0".

Here some tips to share: 提示：

change in small amount in first time. eg. SGD50 or USD 10 to observe whether the money changer is trustworthy.
ask for hotel, restaurant staff of the trustworthy money changer.
count in every time you change ur money. Do not scare of the "0" get the number before you change. eg. SGD 50 about Rp340.000, about 6 pcs of Rp50.000. plus Rp 40.000
cover the last 3 zero, this make u easier to count.
Don't panic. Be calm when do counting.

2010 April 28 - May 13 A trip to Vietnam

2010-05-14T18:40:00.000-07:00

I wanna a break! After quitted my job, I really wanna a break to freshen up my mind. While wondering where to go and when to go ... Tigerairways $0.01 ticket promotion really tempt me a lot.. and my God-bro, Paul is now working in Vietnam. Without second thought, I made the decision to travel Vietnam for 2 weeks.

Seriously I had no idea about Vietnam at all. The only thing I know is they have their own language and is a poor and in-developing country. Scamming from internet, roughly know that I should visit Halongbay, one of the famous spot and is a MUST-GO place before you die.

Fortunately, my friend Tio told me that I should go to SAPA as well. I took his opinion and make it in this trip. No regret is really a nice place.

After this trip, I think I know more about Vietnam and here my sharing with you all my friend. Hope you enjoy reading.

Day 1 - Apr 28 - Saigon
Touched down to Ho Chi Minh International Airport. Weather is hot and humid.

My brother had called for me the taxi but she - Ms Hong was unable to pick me and she told me to find other taxi which same company with her. I can't really understand her english that with her strong accent. I was quite panic as I can't really understand the english that the people here. So I was trying to look for the taxi that she mentioned... but unfortunately I got no one .. and many people kept asking me ... "taxi" "taxi" and finally I answered to one of the approached and I called Ms Hong again. So Ms Hong was telling the driver where to send me.

I wondered why can't she just tell me where i should go... but soon I realised the Vietnamese language is not easy to pronounce.. although is the form of "abc" but the special pronunciation is not easy. E.g. "Pho" I might pronounce as "po" but is actually pronounce at "fur".

Well, with her help, I was able to reach the place but she didn't tell me how much usually it's cost.. but I was quite lucky that never been "chop head". I was charged about SGD25 for the taxi. Was over charged about SGD5-7 as I don't have VND so I paid him in SGD.

Reached to the town area at about 10 am. First thing, change my money... SGD200... then he gave me VND 2,750,000. Wow... so I'm millionaire!! hahaha ... the figure so big I wasn't really count the money.

I just walked around... start to observe this country this place.. HCM or well known as Saigon. Beside the hot weather ... the most impress me is the traffic, very crowded and not understandable driving rules. I don't think I can drive if I live here.

I was so tired and so hungry ... didn't walk far.. I found one hotel - Boon Seng Hotel that offered buffet lunch at VND 130,000 but start at 11 am. So I just wait there. The bellboy is very friendly. He informed me when is the time for lunch and kept my luggage nicely in concierge.

At 11 am, finally lunch time. I enjoyed so much and the staffs are so friendly. One of the staff aware that I am not local people. She showed me and prepared for me the food with the right condiments.

Wow I think Vietnam is a nice country with nice people ... from here start my journey ... explore Vietnam~

After lunch, with my big bag, walked around ... big shop .. small shop ... branded shop and old shop... all different kind of shops are here.

I saw many people, having a tea time at the roadside. Really just right beside the road. Enjoying their coffee... with the small table and stool... very relaxing... wonder what are they work as..

Crossing road is something new to me in here. I would said as Malaysian, we are smart to cross road in whatever term.. but here... so scary.. the entire traffic to me is a mess... I can't understand their rules.. really has no idea at all... so you know how... I follow people when I wanna cross... and after that my bro told me... basically only way

"close your eyes, look forward and cross"

I was puzzled.. and he explained, this the way here and if you doubt you might cause the accident. They will look after you and they will horn if you are in danger. So I think this country is the country that use "horn" the most.

I was so tired and hot. About 2 pm, I went to my bro place, thanks to the technology. So I can enter the apartment without key. I spent the rest of the day inside the apartment.

At the night, I was so lucky that my bro's cousin - Rachel, her mum was cooking and offering to join them for dinner. It was so yummy. I had a great dinner on my first night.

Later on, Rachel intro me where to visit in Vietnam and pass me a guide book. She said I can book with this company, they are famous in Vietnam ----> Sinh Cafe now had changed their name to The Sinh Tourist. Due to many people start to use their name as they didn't register at first.

You may check on their website if you interested http://www.thesinhtourist.vn/

End of the day. Nothing much happened.

Day 2 - Apr 29 - Saigon
Thanks to Rachel, I found the tour that I wanna go.

Booked my tour, luckily this time the staff can speak well english. Spent about half hour to book. She booked for me the tour that I want, include airport transfer. In this tour I had 3 flight.

Saigon (fly) > DaNang (bus) > Hue (fly) > Hanoi (bus) > Halong Bay (train) > Sapa (train) > Hanoi (fly) > Saigon.

from 3 - 12 May.

Total cost me VND 12,120,000. ~SGD880

Is cheap right? Wonder how they earn... after the trip I am fully understand....

Next, I came to Ben Thanh Market. Most popular market in Saigon. Like the Petaling Street in KL (chi cheong kai)

I didn't spend much time here .... I don't like this type of market, hard sell market.

The weather really hot and I can't stand for long time. Found a cafe.. look nice so try it out...

this taste bit similar to chinese cuisine

At the night, we had our dinner at Ban Xeo.. one of the must try vietnamese food.

Ban Xeo is like the oyster omelet here.. different filling and more crispy..

While on the way back home... omg.. the dust on the road... was flown in the air... so dusty.. and there are food stall just next to the road... i can felt the dust on my face... No idea how they enjoyed so much...

Day 3 - Apr 30 - Saigon
Early the morning, with Paul & Ms Hong, went for breakfast. We ate 'pho', Vietnamese beef noodles. It is nice... i love that but not all the leaf i can accept.. some smell of the leaf i don't really like it...

People here eat Pho with some raw leaf... eat together with the soup.. some people love that way to enjoy pho... but not me :)

Then we went to Central Post office... it's gothic architecture.. was so interesting..

Then another coffee time.. end of today...

Day 4 - May 1 - Saigon
Visited Reunification Palace - Ho Chi Minh city. Due to public holiday, there are many people were visiting.

Day 5 - May 2 - Saigon
Ride on free shuttle bus, went to lotte mart. One of the shopping mall in saigon, operated by korean.

Here I tasted the KFC. Similar taste but I still prefer the Malaysia one.

Day 6 - May 3 - Da Nang, Hoi An
Set up to airport, flow to Da Nang. This my first trips that fly so many times. wow I love it.

About 1.5 hours, reach to the domestic airport at Da Nang. Along the way, I was enjoyed very much the sea view.

Heading to Hoi An. About 1 hour driving. Along the way, the driver was chatting with me, he can speak english quite well. He told me that he only earn VND 2 million, which is about SGD 180. Very little. But living cost in the countryside is cheap. VND 10,000 for a meal. That's how they live.

Soon reached to Hoi An, Thanh Binh III Hotel the hotel that I stayed. wow i love here... is not luxury but it so nice, comfy, nice king size bed, small but cool swimming pool, friendly staff... cool i love here... i had the most nice sleep here among all.

I was unable to enjoy the swimming pool cause I didn't bring the attire.. too bad... it was too late when I bought.

Rented a bicycle at VND 20,000 only for whole day, cycles around the town. I love Hoi An, a nice place to unwind myself. so relax when i cycled around.

I had my lunch at nice restaurant.. but is too expansive. A fried rice cost me VND 100,000 which double of others restaurant.

There are many ancient building. It's really amazing and I make it here... if you were here i think you will be understand of my thoughts and my feeling...

Day 7 - May 4 - Hoi An
Follow on the tour, first place, went to the My Son tour. My Son, (mei san in chinese) meaning is beautiful mountain. Vietnam has quite strong influence from China.

There are many damage block... old building, were hindu temple last time. There were destroyed during the war time. Now only leave 30% of the original look.

Finish my tour with boat ride, had lunch on boat. A very simple home cook lunch.

Backed to hotel, shower and relax myself with delicious vietnamese dinner.

Day 8 - May 5 - HoiAn > Hue
Woke up early, had my breakfast. Follow the morning sleeping bus, heading to Hue.

Stop by marble mountain.

Reached Hue at about 12 noon. Waiting at the Sinh Cafe office.... for the hotel pick up.

Reached to the hotel. Too bad. Not electricity!!! It was so hot!!! and I can't bath.. omg kill me please... that's killing..

Lucky lobby had limited power. So I charge my phone with the computer. Something happened...

A Japanese, Hiroshi, he lost his passport and wallet... the important things with him.... all lost... he had an argument with a motorbike taxi driver.. the driver wants the money and well he had nothing to pay him.

They were arguing for long time .. the hotel staff seem can't help up. So I paid for his fare and gave him VND 100,000. Wonder how was him now.. the money i gave only can let him survive for a day... hopefully he is doing well now..

Walk around, settled my lunch... but well the electricity will only resume at around 7 pm..... omg I really can't stand the hot air anymore...

Hangout at a cafe... my first tried of Saigon beer... the local beer.. tried to cool down with beer... not bad.. taste great.

Around 6 pm, finally electricity resumed!! I finally can enjoyed my shower... rest at room as I was so tired...

Day 9 - May 6 - Hue
Follow DMZ tour... a war area .. we go through the tunnel. There were dark inside and cold. We were unlucky, there were no power in the tunnel. After we came out from the first tunnel, we suppose to go back with another tunnel. Cause no power, the tunnel was so dark... so we can't see therefore we need to go the other way which is further to the bus...

Even with light, still quite dimmed, so is better to have a torch with you.

Tips: bring along the torch with you. Remember to apply insert repellent before you enter to the tunnel.

along the way saw the very lousy at the mountain... nice view and river is so clear...and i saw many of the people there shower at the river.. fishing.. washing clothes... the very traditional living way...

One of the tour member was prepared. She distributed the sweets to all the children there. The children were expecting on the treat..

At night, dinner at why not cafe ... with the beer again .. is nice to drink beer when the weather was supreme hot.

Day 10 - May 7 - Hue
Continue trip in Hue, this day went to visited the most famous tomb in Hue.

First visited the Tu Duc Tomb, he managed the country for 35 years. But people said that he was not happy. He had many wives but no children. He is a writer also, he wrote poem.

Second, we came to Minh Mang Tomb, the most colourful tomb. He managed the country for only 9 years. He was not respect by the people as he wasted money during his management.

Third, Khai Dinh Tomb, too bad I was not allow to take picture here. Simple one. not much crafting...

Next visited Citadel, forbidden purple city in Vietnam.

Backed to the town for lunch.. hopped on to bus.. heading to Tien Mu Pagoda.

After that, ride dragon boat and alighted at the port nearby city.

Tips: Entrance fee for each place is VND 55,000 for foreigner and VND 35,000 for locals.

Night flight at 9 pm, flown to Hanoi. 1.5 hours flight and 1 hour taxi ride... reached to Honoi hotel about 11.30 pm. I was extremely tired!!

The next morning still need to wake up early. So so so tired... shower and sleep immediately.

Day 11 - May 8 - Halong Bay
Yoo hoo ... Halong Bay .. here i come...

A place that surrounded with thousand of islands. Wonder how nice was that...

Is a nice place.. is like a chinese painting .. so so so many of the island .. make this place so special. It's under the UNESCO certified as world heritage place.

Visited the cave of one of the island. It's huge inside and cold feeling.

Some activities around that area, beaches or kayaking... are always available.

Pollution, again a problem for a tourism place. Although there are signage shown that no smoking... but everyone still do that!! There were many rubbish in the sea also..

Hope that people, whoever please take are of the environment.. it won't be nice anymore if we do not take care of them... please all...

My only regret that I spent my night on boat. It was quite bored. KTV is the only activity.
During night time, only thing can see i think is sky with stars... other than that.. chatting will be good... I was scared of insert as I was bitten so many times.. so I rest earlier than others.

Air-condition and water heated was controlled due to limited resources.

I think it will be nicer if stay a night on the island.. well still a nice trip.

Day 12 - May 9 - Honoi > Sapa
Time to say goodbye to Halong. Backed to the hotel.

Took the night sleeping train at 9 pm.

Meet a couple, Vietnamese but currently staying in California. Nice to meet them during my Sapa trip.

Meet a man who is a teacher was heading to Sapa for teaching. A nice guy who shared with us the story of Hanoi.

Day 13 - May 10 - Sapa
Reached Sapa train station at 5 am.

Small bus fetched us. About 1.5 hour drive, we reached to the town.

After shower and breakfast, here we started our journey to the village. First we came to cat cat village. The people here are poor. Most of them not educated and some of the parent not allow their children to go for study as they want them to earn money.

I saw many children, most of the girl doing the selling job. With the pouches, wallets... they were doing the sales... some of them even need to carry their sibling with them... to gain sympathy from tourist. We were warned not to give money to them. So, to survive, they were trying so hard to sell all the things...

Once I bought, the rest will come to me as well. They will follow you and kept saying "buy 1 from me... you buy 1 from me... i give you cheap..

I was so upset during my trip here ...

After that, booked my tour guide cheng on other tour to Ta Van Village, this was not included in the tour that i bought earlier. Since got free time, so share with Sofie, she from france and one spanish. 3 of us on this trip...

cheng charge us cheap, the tour include car... only 3 of us.. per pax only VND 130,000. That's about SGD10.

Ta Van village is staying yao people - Miao zhu in chinese. They were not that friendly and very poor.

From the house that they stayed. Cat Cat village people are living better than them.

Yao people was so fierce. i can't forgot.. they were kept saying that .. you come to here you must buy thing ... if you don't buy zhao not happy .. then u not good... (I believe zhao is their god)

End of today trip after visited Ta Van Village.

Dinner and rest.

Day 14 - May 11 - Sapa
Too bad, this day was raining.. so foggy we can't really see thing clearly.

Continue our journey. Cheng said that we will need to walk for 12 km to reach to the Lao Chai Village.

So here we go .. and ... there are 3 ladies.. were following on us... wonder why.. soon I know..

I though the journey is similar to what we had been the previous day. Well a hard trekking trip ahead us...

Rain stopped... then we continue our journey...

Soon .. I realised why the ladies were following.. the road is not well finished... muddy road.. so along the way.. the lady was holding my hand firmly ...... so many time I was almost fall down.. thankfully with them we were safe in our trekking.. and dear my friend ... this is not free!! Got to paid for it...

When we reached.. they were begging us to buy things from them... non-stop till you buy...

Lunch at the village. Rest a while.. then continue.. their house are very simple..

Then we went to Zhai Village. The people in Zhai are more modern... most of them not wearing traditional clothes. I tried their rice wine.. wow very strong ...

End of the trip backed to hotel with bus.

We got to ride on the night train back to Hanoi. So got to wait at hotel. Dinner.

The hotel is nice although I had check out in the morning, but I still can shower there and they will provide us the towel.

After dinner, around 7 pm, with the bus heading to train station.

9 pm, ride on train back to Hanoi. Same cabin with Sofie.

Day 15 - May 12 - Hanoi > Saigon
5 am, reached to Hanoi. So we thought that the person who pick us up will do the nice arrangement for us. But well, you know what.. he paid for the taxi and the taxi sent us to the office (Sinh cafe) and no one there. Shop was closed. We were tired.

Luckily I met new friend - Sofie. So we were sharing a room for bath and a rest. Paid USD 7 per pax for this extension stay which only 2 hours. Breakfast was included and nicely prepared.

Tips: I would suggest that make Sapa your last stop and book the taxi to the airport straightaway instead to the hotel. So you save one trip and try to book earliest ticket back to your home. Instead of wasting time of waiting...

Time still early, so I walked around the streets.. and snap some shots. Generally I don't like Hanoi much.

Time flied and soon I got my way back to saigon. Ms Hong picked me up and offered to bring me for dinner...

In the end we didn't make it as she had something urgent to do.

Dinner with instant noodle and TV show... I had a great night in Saigon. Soon time to say goodbye...

Day 16 - May 13 - Saigon > Singapore
My flight is 1725. As Ms Hong can't keep her promise, she got me another taxi. But this driver can't speak english and worse was... her car's tyre punctured. So again... changed driver lucky was on time.

Smoothly check in and flown back to Singapore.

Finally home. Miss home and my bed....

5D 4 N, Hong Kong Free & Easy

2009-05-30T04:09:00.001-07:00

In year 2007, 15-19 March, I visited Hong Kong. The temperature is about 16˚c - 23˚c, wet temperature about 70 - 95%. End of winter.

This is my first time to fly and also my first time free and easy tour. Yoohoo I am so happy. Hong Kong, is the country that I know through hong kong series show. I never been there. Thanks to Tiger airway promotion, so i got the cheap ticket and now to start my journey to explore this world.

My impression of Hong Kong was the people there are rude, overbearing and fierce. I quite a scare. Wondering that will i met the any fighter, gangster ... ... But I still want to go, i want to see, i think i will like the food there.

When I reach Hong Kong, I am so impress! I love the whether, the scenery and the people actually not bad.

This is my first time travel in free and easy way, so i must do lot homework. Ask friends, online searching, read magazines. check around the best food to eat. The places must go.

Online booking hotel, survey till found the best deal.

Now, I would like to share with you my experiences. Hope this may help you to organize your itinerary.

Enjoy your trip!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There are somethings need to take note.

For those who do know how to speak cantonese, you might meet some problem to communicate. Most of the Hong Kong people still prefer to speak in cantonese. It will definitely better if you go there with a friend who can speak cantonese. This will be easier for you to understand the culture.

Clothes, please check the whether, either online or ask around. If you are planning to shopping, please always check when is the best shopping period. Usually, my friend would prefer to go for summer sale, you can get cheap clothes and suit to wear in our country. I went during then change season of winter to spring. I able to bought some winter wear in good quality at only SGD78. Some more is branded. Well, dear all, while shopping, please ensure you don't spend too much. Must judge by own abilities. Avoid to bring credit card if you can't control.

Food, I would said that Hong Kong is really the heaven of cuisine. There are several variety of food, nice and yummy, as well as cheap! Please prepare the empty stomach to enjoy the nice food. However, only one thing that I am disappointed, their spicy food really not that good. Compare to Malaysia. Really quite disappointed. If you love spicy food, better don't try the spicy food here. But the Mcdonald here is nice.

Stay, depend how much you can effort. To me, I think staying in Hong Kong, better find a place that near to mrt. Also find a place that comfortable. Well, we will spend time and energy to walk around, shopping... ... so must find a place to rest. Rest well for better trips.

I rent a room nearby Women Street, named Stanford Hotel which located at Soy street. Near to Wong Kok and Yau Ma Dei MTR.

Visit these website for better offers, http://www.asiarooms.com/，http://www.wotif.com/ 或 http://www.octopus.com/

Transportation, Hong Kong has a very systematic transportation system with clear signage. There are several type of vehicle such as bus, tram, cab, train, MTR, cruise.

Visit this for more information, http://www.discoveryhongkong.com/china/mustknow/maps/images/transmap.pdf. To download map, click Centamap.com or Ypmap.com

Note: when get into the bus, that is a screen beside the driver. Pay according to the price stated. Price will be charge when get into the bus, no matter which stop you alight.

Before depart, remember to exchange some Hong Kong dollar. That will be better if you get small change. Once you alight to the airport, you will need to use coins for bus fare. The exchange rate over there quite low compare to Singapore.

Visit this for the latest rate, http://www.xe.com/ 。

If possible, visit The Hong Kong Tourism Board. There are some activities that only applicable for tourist. From there you will know the culture as well.

Visitor Centres Hong Kong International Airport Buffer Halls A and B, Arrivals Level, Terminal 1 7am - 11pm daily Tourist literature and i CyberLink (access to DiscoverHongKong.com) available 24 hours Lo Wu Arrival Hall, 2/F, Lo Wu Terminal Building 8am - 6pm daily Tourist literature and i CyberLink (access to DiscoverHongKong.com) available 24 hours Hong Kong Island MTR Causeway Bay Station (near Exit F) 8am - 8pm daily The Peak Piazza (between The Peak Tower and The Peak Galleria) 9am - 9pm daily Kowloon Star Ferry Concourse, Tsim Sha Tsui 8am - 8pm daily Beijing Shop EE20, LG, Beijing Oriental Plaza, No. 1 East Chang'an Avenue, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 1000738, PRC 10am - 9pm daily Tel: +86 10 8518 3775 E-mail: bejwwo@hktb.com

Our Hong Kong Free & Easy Trip

- whole trip without taxi -

We took the flight to Macau in the morning 9 o'clock. About 7 o'clock we reach to Budget Terminal. About 3 hours and 20 minutes, we reached to Macau Airport. Wow, that is really cold, shiok!

Macau Airport quite small, not crowded, not much shops. There are many tour counter that offer day tour packages. That is a small size bank that offer currency exchange service. You may change some small change there. At the same time, you may visit the tour counter beside the bank. You may ask the ladies there how to go Hong Kong - Macau ferry terminal. We took the mini bus No 10 to ferry. That is a place for you to place luggage. This is not free, you will need to pay for it. But is cheap, 2 of us with luggage out fare only about HK10, about SGD2. The whole journey takes about 1 hour we took this opportunity to view the scenery in Macau.

Alighted to jetty, from the main entrance, take escalator to 2nd floor. There are several counter on your left. On your right hand side is the waiting area. There are several ways to go Hong Kong such as Ferry http://www.nwff.com.hk/english/nwff100000.asp，Turbo Jet http://www.turbojet.com.hk/index_chi.htm or helicopter.

Price for ferry and turbo jet about HK150，helicopter cost more than double. The journey for ferry and turbo jet take about 1 hour.

While we were buying the ticket, the ticket sales operator will ask you which jetty you want to alight. This is very important because Hong Kong has more than one jetty. I wast stunt. I had no idea at all. I was thinking that Wong Kok at Kao Long, so I just bought the ticket to Kao Long.

OMG, when we reached to kao long, something happened. There are not MTR link to that jetty! We can't find our way out. We took lot time to reach bus signages. But we still can't find our way. While, we just get into the bus and ask the driver. The driver said we can only reach to train station not MTR station. The drive not that friendly. He don't say much. So what can we do? Just took it.

Alighted from the bus, we reached the bus terminal. We are totally lose. OMG. No sign, no people. I don't know how to go. While we were figuring out the way. Got one nanny asked us where we want to go. She showed us the way and bring us to take mini bus. Not only that, she told the bus conductor that where we want to go. They are so kind so helpful! So not all Hong Kong people not helpful. Along the way, the driver still worried. Again we are lucky, we meet one passenger who can speak although not fluently. He helps us to see the map and talk to the driver. We have a nice chat with him.

While we were reached, the driver tell us how to go and ensure that we able to find that hotel as they understood that Hong Kong street might quite confusing for tourist. Both of them, again and again tell us that to be careful. I'm really really felt touching! So kind of them.

Ok, now. Let's me tell you about the jetty. Confusing? Actually i alight to the right jetty. Just that this jetty do not link to MTR. For foreigner, as you are not familiar with the places, so to alight to this jetty can spend more of your time. If affordable, you may take cab instead. But sorry that I don't know how much its cost.

Therefore, the better option is to alight at Hong Kong Island. This jetty linked directly to MTR. This really more convenient for those first time visit Hong Kong with ferry. But it is farer.

Finally, we reached to the hotel. Not luxury but is a nice and comfort hotel to me. Mattress very comfortable. Services are very good, I would said excellent. The concierge will intro you the place to go and visit. Well, guy! You know, although we come for free and easy tour but if they really give you damn fantastic services, please do not stingy and give them some tips okay? This is an encouragement to them. I'm sure the compliment is more than money.

After 30 minutes rest, we ask the concierge the direction to Avenue of Stars. He explained to us clearly and tell us the variety of bus that reach there.

Due to time constraint, we reached hotel about 5+ pm. Therefore I made the decision to visit the Avenue of Stars for the first stop. About 8 o'clock at night, here will have the performance that combine lights, music and building, that really impressing! The scene at Harbour Victoria already attract me, from here I can view the best view of Hong Kong Island. Meanwhile, I had my dinner at the mall nearby. I ordered Mcdonald, my friend will know that actually I don't like to eat Mcdonald, but since I came here, well just give a try. I heard the taste different. I ordered the pork one. This one can't find in neither Malaysia nor Singapore. MUST-TRY!

WOW, nice! sorry because too nice i forgot to take photo. The amazing part is that, the meat, i can felt the texture of the meat, taste just nice to me. Not very salty. Plus, more valuable is that the price cheaper!!!! WOW, guy i'm telling you - must try! okay! But sorry to Muslim, here not halal.

I really impress and change my perception of Hong Kong and the people here. Don't judge the book by the cover really meant to it. I'm sure I will gain lot more knowledge in coming trips.

The next day, we woke up early in the morning about 7am. Well, if you like me, want to know how the lifestyle here, want to explore the culture here. Better don't spend time to sleep. Get up earlier to explore here!

March in Hong Kong pretty cold. The temperature like end of the year in Genting. Sometimes will rain but not heavily. To me is very cool. So better bring some jacket in case needed.

I like the breakfast here because is quite close to what I have in Malaysia. There are sandwiches, cart noodles, che cheong fun, glutinous rice and so on. Dim sum is one of the must-try food! But I didn't try!!!!!! I'm so regret but what to do we were too full during that time. Really can't take more!!! Perhaps next visit!

I love the che cheong fun, I can't taste the ingredients that used, but the fragrant seduce my taste bud. The sauces very thick. I think they do something to the sesame to make it so seducing. Congee also very nice, is the thick type. I love that. We also ordered coffee and tea here. We are not familiar the taste, taste weird. It is not too bad, just not used to it.

Along the way to MTR, I saw old folk practice "qi gong", taking a walk, spend time with their pet... ... so relaxing!

I was planning to go some where far from town. So we bought the MTR 1 day pass, this card allow us to travel with MTR with 24 hours. Anyway we want to stop or alight is up to us. E.g. if you start travel 8am, you may use to the next day 8am.

You need to calculate your trips' expanses and decide on which is more worth it.

The MTR here has more service lines and interchange. Before depart, please check clearly that which line to take and which interchange to transfer. Same with Singapore when use the escalator, please keep to one side. In Hong Kong you need to keep to Right!

Bear in mind, others people need to work while we are sightseeing. So please more alert and give way, okay?

Alight to Tung Chung Station, I though it will like Harbour Front in Singapore. I though once come out from the MTR should be the cable car station, well, this place is big and seem no people. Exit from the entrance. wow, a big building in front of me. Nice~~

Before I come here, my friend already told us that this cable car really very high. This make me scare and hesitating. If one way trip I think I still can take it. But two way trip... erm ... I don't think so.... So finally we decided... to take the offer from an auntie... cable plus bus total at HK$ 73. Unlimited bus rides.

However, bus ride also gave me surprise.... that's frighten me also. The road very narrow and lot slope... the driver drove very fast... and you can see the cliff in the bus... I can tell you that is really unforgettable experience.

Many people were queueing to ride cable car. I realized quite number of them are local. I believe they went there to pray and bliss for families...

One cable car can contain 8 people. We met 2 Singaporean... well as you know... usually .. we will take photo during the journey... you know what... when we reached there.. wah.. that counter's LCD screen appear our photo... OMG !!! they record it.... so beware of your behavior yoo...

At a glance, this area quite big also... choose the location that we wished to visit.. we went to visit the giant buddha first... very high of its location. we have to climb staircase... when just starter.. i was very excited... when reached halfway... hoo... very tired of me... OMG... still have long way to go... fen ... let's go let's go... take a rest.. and take photo to proof that I been here before.. hahahhah about 10 minutes later continue my journey...

Finally ... reached... woo.. that's really great.. the statue huge is not easy for you to shoot the photo of it also... around the buddha there are many statues I believe there are some follower of the buddha...

Hong Kong International Artist Anita Mui... her tomb is here ... till date .. there are still many fan pray her... I see lot flower around there.... miss her Anita... the star forever...

Next, we came to Temple lotus. There were really a lot people. The ticket that we bought include lunch. In my country, as you know, most of the vegetarian food not that nice and there are lot fake chicken, fish and meat and so on.

Well, while there served us the dishes, I was surprised... look at the picture below, as you seen, all were vegetables... no fake chicken nor meat... does it look tasty? no? well, don't judge the book by its cover.. let me tell you .. the taste awesome.. super delicious.. the soup really taste fantastic... I won't believe it from veggie till i tasted it! I will guarantee to you that this the best vegetarian food that i been tasted. So, if you here, then you should taste it!

Rest at the sides after I had a full lunch.. erm.. something happen.. there were a long queue... I wonder what was that .. so I queue also... erm there were selling a big bao... well is a really big bao... so i bought one also.. while I was paying.. one of the customer asking about this big bao.. Ooh.. this was done by all the master here.. they do this once a year when there is a ceremony ... I was so lucky..!!! Am i?

I tell you that giant bao !!! really damn tasty!! even better than the meat bao that i had tasted!!! Damn nice.. those who missed it.. sure regret!!

Later, we went to "xin jing jian lin". There were few Hong Kong kung fu series took the scene here. They built this at the slope.. while walking you have to balance yourself.. I like the weather here... air so fresh...

Next we came to "mei wo". There is a jetty here, looking at this car park full with bicycle, I believe most of the resident here park their bicycle here and transfer ferry to go Hong Kong Island for work. If compare, living in Singapore really so happiness... so convenient in Singapore.. right? Cherish it!

After that, we came to "da Ao". "Da Ao" is a fish village. The resident depend on fishing for living. However, now some of them depend on the tourist also...

The picture below shown the house that they stayed last time. That was the first type of house that stayed. They called it "Da Peng Wu". Now no more people stay this type of house. They build a new one.

Come to "Da Ao" actually must eat seafood. Because one of the famous place to eat seafood here..in Hong Kong. However, I was so full after eating that Giant bao.. too sad ... can't have my seafood feast over here.... well I tasted the soya bean ... very nice .. smooth and tasty.. but too bad that i never taste the seafood here.. haiz..

About 5pm plus, we departed back to hotel. We had our dinner nearby our hotel area. Reached to hotel about 7pm also. After dinner about 8pm, we rest and prepare for next morning.

The third day, all the stall here was long queue.. so while wondering how the taste.. we decided to join the long queue also.. due to the stalls nearby to MTR stations entrance.. I believe there are many people will queue to get their delicious breakfast..

The stall is small but sell variety of food such as noodles, sandwiches and so on.. I like the sandwiches here, all hand made on the spot and are selling fast. You can see the boss spent a lot of time to prepare.. but within an hour. All sold out!!

If you come here, Yau Ma dee MTR station, you must taste it. Its taste.. really marvelous... The combination of the ingredient really perfect match.. taste just nice very light very healthy to start a new day. No wonder always long queue. Worth it!!!

Lady boss, I'll be back!

My next destination, see picture below... dang.. dang .. dang .. dang......

This is an ancient ship. It has hundred years of history. This is the one that I wanted to ride on it! It's named "Ya Ling Hao" and it only for tourist. So special!! BUT!!! OMG .. I was so unlucky that .. they just sent the ship for servicing... so I can't ride it.. sight.. was thinking to take a photo with it .. too bad...

Anyway, friend, if you wanted to do so .. please register thru Hong Kong Tourism Board, the friendly staff there will arrange for you.

So, next we came to stanley Market, there are many caucasian here and many of western restaurant here as well. We didn't spent much time here. The things here not cheap more for tourism. Nothing really special here. But the scenes along the journey really nice... The houses here built at the slope.. facing sea... really nice fengshui... I heard that rich people are staying these area.. causeway bay....

Next, we went to Jumbo seafood.. one of the MUST-GO place in Hong Kong.. However.. unlucky me .. the same thing.. sent for servicing... so I was unable to experience it... sight....

Next, we came to The Peak!!!! MUST come!!

I went there with bus.. it's scary.. the road... lot of turning point.. and road very narrow.. the driver drove very fast.. i sat in the double decker bus... upper decker.. near to the window... the scene... not only nice but wah also frighten me... really scary..

Finally I reached... alight from the bus... yoohoo.. wah.. is cool .. windy... look at my hair.. you know how strong the wind is.. like mad people huh... hahahhaha

Once you are here at The Peak, you must also go to the Wax Museum http://www.hongkong-tour.cn/lvyoutupian/tuxiafuren.htm. Entrance fee about SGD25. You can meet lot super star... they all look real. Worth to go!!

While on the way back to hotel, we ate some fish ball. Taste not bad, but I don't really like it. I felt is too oily .. the taste too strong too salty... the spicy taste also different .. i think I prefer ours....

Conclusion, Hong Kong really a nice heaven for food, shop and play.. you have to well plan of your trip .. even eat.. plan it well so you can taste the maximum food... really tasty..

So friend, start your journey to Hong Kong now!! Enjoy!!