Ted goes to KL

23-25 May 2014.

It was my second visit to Kuala Lumpur and the first for Ted! I first went there years ago with the FAB4 girls via the overnight train. I can't recall much except that we really just partied and ate. This time round, my sister was heading up for a conference and asked me to tag along.

We took the Aeroline coach which was really like a premium coach service. There was a service crew, hot meal, drink, blanket and also entertainment. Wow. Such a cosy ride that I would do this again anytime!

We stayed at Corus Hotel which was also the arriving and departing point for Aeroline coaches, what great convenience! The hotel is also in a very central location, within walking distance to the Petronas Towers and KLCC malls. Read more about my stay here on Tripadvisor.

It was a 3 days 2 nights trip so we didn't have much plans except for some shopping, attending the conference (just one evening for me) and then seeing the Batu Caves (I missed it the last time round!). We also enjoyed Nandos on the first night which was half the price than having them in Singapore before heading out for the conference!

The next morning, we set off for Batu Caves. As usual, Ted was up to his usual mischief again!

But we managed to keep him in check and arrived at Batu Cave after about 30mins of train ride. It was a glorious day, and a long climb up! We survived it and saw cheeky monkeys playing around in the caves. It's a quick and easy getaway you can do on your own and I suggest doing it as there isn't much to see in KL. After Batu Cave, the sister left to attend her seminar while I was left on my own to explore.

I went to the malls of course (the safest bet) and came across a small designer Pop-up event inside Bukit Bintang's Lot 10. There were lots of pretty things on sale but as I was on a short trip I didn't have much cash on me, so I could only admire them! Then I headed over to Berjaya Times Square which is a gigantic mall (over 10 storeys!!) and one can easily get lost in there. I only bought one thing there, I was pretty amazed at my self-control! LOL.

Then I went back to the hotel with my dinner as by then I was exhausted from all that walking. The following morning, the sister was busy with her seminar as usual. So I was tasked to go get some souvenirs (food) home! I also got lucky and found my Chocolate Banana cake from Secret Recipe, just as I was almost giving up I saw the restaurant right across the road! Haha! Bliss!

The journey back was another comfortable ride on the coach and we got into Singapore late that Sunday night.

Melaka makan trip IV

I had been dying to satisfy those mille crepe craving in Malacca for the longest time. Initially, I wanted to go on a solo trip in May but somehow it got delayed till July when a friend proposed to join. So it happened, a first trip with Deborah, an ex-colleague.

We managed to sort out the logistics namely the accommodation and coach, one week before my Bali trip. It was 2 trips in a month - almost never happened before. It was a 3D2N trip meant for a lot of eating and chilling; the past 3 times I was there, it was only one night each and it was hard trying to stuff everything you wanted to eat. Anyhow, 3 days before the trip, something ruinous happened... What a timing - was it meant as an escape or retreat for me?

I still went on the trip, trying to be as unaffected as possible. Surprisingly, I managed it and amazed myself with the amount of strength within me. Happy food, a companion and being in a foreign city never fail to restore hope and cheerfulness in me. Sometimes I am glad such simple things manage to make me forget, even for a brief moment.

It was a Sunday (21/07/13) and the coach was about half full. (The last trip on 5 stars coach before they closed down!) As usual, we arrived at around 1pm. There was still a bit of haze going on in Melaka. We found our way to Wayfarer easily, a guesthouse we had booked. It wasn't by any chance the cheapest but it was a comfortable stay in a family run hotel. My review can be read here. If you're fuss-free and on a budget, it's possible to arrive and just check into a hostel, there are plenty around Jonker street for a very basic bed and shared facilities, you can easily survive for a week on what we paid for a night.

As it was my fourth visit and Deborah as well, we didn't intend to do much sightseeing. But we did on the Tuesday morning before we departed for Singapore after we accomplished all our food missions! That Sunday we arrived, there was the weekend market going on... That was my favourite activity on every trip to join in the festivities.

So on the first day, we conquered a few food places... The first one was satay across from our guesthouse, it seemed really popular as everyone sat down were having them. They had some special ones like pork (don't get them in SG for halal reason), chicken liver and intestines. Then it was A&W for root beer and curly fries! Then we returned to Jonker street for Jonker 88's cendol and yummy mango juice. When night fell and stalls opened up, we ate more stuff! We had the dim sum off a stall, a poorly fried oyster omelette and I had the usual kiwi smoothie and a stick of  sour china pears. I also bought a coral necklace made by a man in dreadlocks, how cool! To end the night, we chilled with a few drinks, one at the Geographer Cafe (not as good as it used to be) and then Port cafe/lounge, a new find by the riverside, not far away from where we stayed.

The following day, it was also a few places on our agenda. I took Deb to try that famous chicken rice (overpriced by the locals' standard), then we went to the malls for Nadeje's mille crepes. It was my second time there, I felt I enjoyed them more the first time round, probably better to share a few flavours with more people. We did some shopping (2 pairs of shoes for me, yay, mission accomplished) before we returned to Jonker 88 for baba laksa! I got myself a replacement hat that morning for the one I lost in Phuket as I bought the previous one here.

That evening, we went to a new cafe we chanced upon on the first day we arrived named Calanthe Art Cafe. It boosts 13 kinds of coffee from different states of Malaysia. So I just had to have a coffee even though I am not a big fan! Great ambience and incredibly packed and it was a Monday night! Afterwhich, we settled at Port cafe/lounge again, because it was so close to where we stayed and unbelievably relaxing by the river. There were more mosquitoes that night and I was reluctant to let the night and the trip end so quickly!

The following morning, we had decided to have breakfast at Voyage Travellers' Lounge, another super funky cafe. Food was good and very reasonably priced. I suddenly wished I had a week there in Melaka. We went to explore the sites before coming back for lunch at a Teochew restaurant recommended by the lady boss at Wayfarer. Teo Soon Loong, it's called. Overall, I enjoyed the food, the old man was exceptionally friendly (though we could tell he was trying to promote his mangoes). I felt the younger lad was more genuine though. We managed to tried their famous dishes - oyster noodle and orh nee (yam paste). The prices could be a bit steep but we told them about our budget beforehand and so everything was sorted when we ordered. It also seemed to be always full and filled with tourists especially Singaporeans, so call for a reservation. They open only at meal times and are closed on Monday. Check more details on Tripadvisor.

So that was the end of the foodie trip! Quite successful I would say as we conquered a few more new places! More to be discovered the next time...

Melaka makan trip III (part 2)

The next morning, all of us managed to wake up fresh, ready and hungry for more foodie adventures.

Shortly past 10 in the morning, we were already queueing up for the chicken rice balls. I am glad we did because the queue at noon turned out to be even worse. Chicken rice for breakfast! To be honest, the rice balls are just a novelty, they just taste like the normal rice. The chicken was good though, tender and yummy.

After that, we headed for Jonker 88 for chendol and ice kachang. Joy managed to squeeze in a slot for mango juice between all that! I know, it was just irresistable. Ice kachang is BAD, not at all special. But as I'm getting used to the chendol, I don't find it extraordinary anymore, though their brown sugar syrup is still the main ingredient that makes it outstanding! I just had chendol at the hawker near my office recently, as my memory of the Jonker 88's chendol started to fade, I actually enjoy the local one too.

Thereafter it was souvenir shopping time. We stocked up stuff from tau sar piah, pineapple tarts, plum lime syrup, mee sua, bei teh sor to chicken biscuits. We then checked out and headed to the malls.

It was amazing how much food stops we had scheduled for that day. Next, A&W root beer float and curly fries are on the list. 5 of us ended up sharing 2 mugs and a large curly fries, it was a very small portion for each of us, but inorder to save room for dessert, it was a sacrifice we had to make. Our initial cake stop was Secret Recipe but WK suggested an even better place. Since we do have Secret Recipe in Singapore, we decided to go to the new cake stop and try it out before Secret Recipe. In the end, we skipped the later, because Nadeje Patisserie proved to be just too good! The mille crêpe were fabulous, even right now, I am drooling just thinking about it! We had the original, chocolate strawberry and mango yogurt. I saw many more, the next time I am back, I will do chocolate banana and green tea!! OMG, they were so light and fluffy... and you would just keep wanting more and more. Of course, they went really well with the TOKYO coffee we had.

After the cakes, we decided we were done with food. The guys still managed to down a KFC meal (of course, they shared). Poor WK got a parking ticket due to the wrong state coupon (he put the JB's instead of Melaka's). Oh dear! Then it was time to head back down to Singapore. It started to pour really heavily after we drove out of Melaka. The rest of the journey back to JB I couldn't recall because I was dozing off half the time! LOL. The girls managed some sleep while the poor boys got to keep awake on the road.

We finally reached JB around 6pm. Finally, I could use the toilet after hours in the car!!! We had the nasi lemak WK recommended, accompanied with honey glazed satay. That marked the end of our makan trip - very fruitful indeed. Thanks to Joy and her colleagues for being such great company; special thanks to WK for being on the wheels and showing us around.

Melaka makan trip III

This is my 3rd trip to Malacca/Melaka, and I am never ever going to get sick of this place ;) Everything is perfect, except for the weather, it is seriously as bad as Singapore's or even worse.

Thanks to Joy, I got my mini-getaway this September. Her colleagues had organized a trip up, and I asked Joy if I could tag along. They, being very kind, agreed and saved me the last seat in the car.

September 8, 730am: We met at Bugis to take a coach into JB. At JB, WK picked us up and drove us to a Dim Sum place named 大四喜 for breakfast. I ciouldn't believe how much we ordered for 5 of us and it costed only over 70MYR. Here's a photo of our round one.

After breakfast, WK drove us to Melaka with a break where we replenished ourselves with some guavas and jumbus. It took slightly over 2 hours to get there. I am impressed at WK's age, he's already a tour guide and driving all over Malaysia. His independence gave me better hope of the younger generation (maybe more towards Malaysians like him who are inspired to come to work in Singapore)! I have to say, people whom come over are really more mature and independent than our "boys" of the same age whom have never lived out of home except for 2 years of National Service.

We finally got into Melaka slightly past noon, found a parking slot, and checked into the hostel. It was lunch time, WK took us to a Nonya restaurant named Atlantic One where he usually brings his tour passengers. It was full, but he knew the boss, and immediately we were ushered in and seated. Connections do make a difference. We had some typical pot of Nonya vegetables, Rendang chicken and a huge Sambal fish. The meal wasn't very cheap, but the boss gave us chendol on the house, so it made up for it!

After the meal, we took a stroll down Jonker Street and revisited Christchurch and St Paul's. We also had the refreshing mango juice, under the influence of Joy! She got hooked to it the first time she had it in Melaka. WK took us up St Paul in a new route from the usual one I took, and explained to us the history. Sightseeing is really quite different when you've a guide ;)

 All I could remember most was the heat was killing us!! LOL. So we headed back to the hostel, this time on a different route. Joy and me sketched along the way, this was the first time I properly drew something on a trip. We decided to laze in. The hostel is very basic, 9 rooms and a shared toilet and bathroom. The rooms were almost full that night, and there was only a toilet and bathroom to share amongst all the people, I was surprised all of us managed to get by! The guys took a nap, whilst the girls did a little sketch. The location of the hostel is not bad, its off an alley by Jonker Street; looking out of the window, we could watch the night market setting up. We also had WiFi!

It started to drizzle. Despite that, it didn't dampen our mood for food! We got a table and started ordering food. Laksa, stir-fried clams, charcoal grilled clams and satay! The laksa wasn't impressive, but we were stuffed. I had the Kiwi shake I bought off the night market and it was really worth the 4MYR. We strolled down the night market and couldn't resist more food. We ended up each with an egg sorbet (2 x apple custard/lover fruit, 1 x passion fruit, 1 x mint, 1 x boysenberry - if I recall correctly), what an innovative idea! Ah, and that white box is half a dozen of baby portuguese egg tarts. I couldn't believe how much we could eat. So we walked and walked... towards the river, hoping to burn some calories and find a good spot for drinks. The bars by the river were slightly overpriced, so we settled on Libar (besides the overcrowded Geographer Cafe). I didn't forget about my Muah Chee craving, so that was my supper even though I was forcing myself to finish it :p

I also got a Henna done on my hand, it was beautiful and cheap (much better than the one I got in Singapore). I don't know why but I love getting them. It stings a little when you first do it, but after it all dries up and falls off, it leaves a very beautiful color. Just like a temporary tattoo but less the pain!

That concluded the first night! We were all exhausted but happy from all the eating... More to go the following day before we return to Singapore!

Melaka makan trip II

This sure has to be the continuation of the last trip... because the good things weren't in my tummy yet!

Thanks to Deal for a fabulous deal, not only was it cheaper than my first trip, we got a free upgrade to Executive Suite at Equatorial Hotel. Yes, we had an extra lounge, we could easily fit a family of 5 in that room. Joy, one of my buddies, was up for it, and so we booked it within hours the deal was on. We made the arrangement pretty quickly, even before the deal ended, and settled for the earliest Sunday we could depart. We even wanted to go that upcoming Sunday, crazy... but it was too late, as we had to make the booking days in advance to check the availability of the room.

I was already having many ideas of what to eat, even checked with my colleague whom frequents Malacca as his in-laws own an apartment there. So I got a list ;)

The bus journey was pretty smooth. As usual, the buses resorted to cutting Q by joining another bus from the same company whose in the front of the line. I am getting used to this dirty trick now. We arrived near 1pm, checked in, and immediately left for our first meal at Nandos. So much cheaper than Singapore, so yummy!

After the meal, we went around the malls for some shopping which I didn't get time the first time round. The two malls near our hotel are mega, there are so many shops and we seriously didn't go through them all. I bought a pair of brown wedges (those platform wedges from the past have re-surfaced!).

Post-shopping, we visited the sights and then got around to Jonker Walk. By then, the chicken rice stall had closed and the Jonker 88 Chendol was entirely wiped out. Bad luck. But it was all right, we went to 三叔公, inside there's a cafe named Lao Qian Ice Cafe and they do the best Durian Chendol ever (better than Jonker 88!!).

After that, we had a stroll around snapping picture, hats and bird cage hunting, buying bits and pieces of food/drinks. Joy fell in love with the sour mango juice, it was only RM3, it won my heart over too! By then it was past 6 and we got back to the hotel for the complimentary pre-dinner drinks they promised us. We ate some small bites and had a wine each. Such a bliss to be upgraded to the Executive Suite! Then we went back to Jonker Walk for the night market and probably a light dinner.

The night market was entertaining and bustling (much more than the first visit). I managed to find a lane lined up with food stalls, but I didn't try them as I was full from the pre-dinner snacks. Joy got some siew mai (pork dumplings at 6 for 3RM)! I had a chocolate candied fruit stick, and tempeh (fermented soya bean) at the Geographer Cafe where we chilled. Joy had a cocktail while I had one of my favourite drinks, Cherry Brandy on the rocks (which is not easy to find in Singapore!). We also found our hats, but Joy has no luck with the bird cage.

We made our way back soon after, but not before visiting the Malay market which comprised mainly of clothes (football jerseys), toys and stuff the locals like. Then we watched the TV till we fell asleep.

The following morning, we forced ourselves up at 8am and had the continental breakfast at the Executive Lounge. After breakfast which we tried not to have too much, we went back to Jonker Walk. We found the chicken rice stall which opens from 7am and shared a meal there. Those cute tiny rice balls. Then we ventured around, the Malacca shophouses are really pretty. Many are artistically painted, decorated or even preserved. You see wooden doors, cute 3D signages, colorfully walls... it's just a sight to behold! I could look at them everyday! We chanced upon a tiny store selling paper cutting of animal zodiacs and wedding related stuff, the owner was very friendly and patient with us while we picked our souvenirs!

After the walk, we sat down to have a bowl of Baba Chendol at Jonker 88. As it was early in the day and it's a Monday, the staff was unexceptionally generous with the brown sugar syrup! We sure were satisfied! If you're hungry, try the noodle store besides, it sure looks good and everyone else was eating. Before we left Jonker Walk, I just had to get myself another hat... Yes, that's the main reason I am back in Melaka! Yea, what a hat whore.

We still had some time left before our coach would pick us up, so we paid RM3 each to enter the huge ship by the Melaka river. It's a maritime museum! Not very interesting as I hate history, but they make good photos :) But the trip seems incomplete without a meal at A&W (something we can't get in Singapore!), and so we did. I swear by then we were stuffed!! We just had to have it, and we brought the food in our coach for our break time. The coach back was a double decker, I think I had motion sickness sitting up there, but managed to get some sleep after watching a movie - The Tourist.

My thoughts on The Tourist:

I actually quite like the show. It's intriguing every single minute and at the end of the show it is shocking to find Johnny Depp to be the guy afterall. But somehow along the way, I think it was already giving away subtle hints. Oh boy, the man who never fails to sweep any woman's feet off the ground!

Melaka makan trip

I like Malacca, and there's no doubt about it. 

I am already thinking about another trip back. The 23 hours was a good start to gauge to see if I like the place, and it is already making me fall for it. It was a cheap and easy trip, even though I don't speak Malay, English is widely used and very easily understood. I didn't pay a cent to sightsee, and the ones I like to visit are all at a close proximity, not to mention a walking distance from my hotel.

Hotel Equatorial is excellent, they gave us a non-smoking room on the 12th storey. The view is magnificient, especially during sunset. Even though they have ongoing renovations two levels below us between 9am-5pm, but I didn't hear anything when I was there during those timing. They didn't ask for deposit or hold my credit card number, probably because we have fully paid our tour package.

I saw A Famosa, St Paul church and Christ Church Melaka. A Famosa and St Paul church are ruins from the Dutch colonization (originally built by portuguese), it also reminds me of the old fort I saw in Tainan (also formally from the Dutch occupation). Even though I'm not much of a history person, I love seeing things with a story behind them. I also went to see the Stadthuys (Christ Church Melaka), the famous Red Square, which was built and occupied by the Dutch. It was crowded on a Sunday, everyone seemed to be just sitting everywhere possible... is it the new place for a picnic? There was also a stretch of souvenir stores right beside it and plenty of colorful fancifully decorated trishaws waiting to pick tourists up for a ride.

Malacca is known for the delicious food. Nyonya food, chendol, chicken rice balls to name a few. I had only 1 full day, so there was a limit to how much I could eat :( Also we had A&W, because Singapore doesn't have it anymore. They still do their root beer in the real A&W mug, unlike Batam and it was so good. As I heard the chicken rice balls aren't superb, I skipped them and had Nyonya food, which was REALLY spicy! Also we tried chendol from two places, I didn't have too much of it as I was tired of it by the second time I had it. The Nyonya pineapple tarts are real yummy too!

I also particularly enjoyed the Jonker Walk's night market. I'm a sucker for markets. I found myself a nice big navy blue hat with pokka dotted ribbon :) There was also local Malay market near our hotel but our legs were almost breaking by the time we were walking back. So I gave it a miss but I'm sure I will be visiting them the next time I'm there!

On a coach

I spent almost 11 hours on the bus, just for 23 hours in Malacca. That's almost half the stay for just the travelling time, it is insane. But I have to say it's worth it. This short trip is way better than the stay in Batam, well, I would say it's more my kind of holiday. The explore, eat and have fun... the spa type of holiday doesn't seem to appeal to me.

I never really fancy the idea of travelling on coach. I did quite a bit when I was in Europe because it was the cheapest way to get around. From Germany to London, London to Dublin, London to Bristol, Bath to London, Germany to Amsterdam, Amsterdam to Paris, Paris to Germany, Scotland tour on the bus and also a few times in Asia from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, Cingjing to Taipei (within Taiwan), I have had a bad experience, resulting in me missing my tour due to the shitty driver whom missed the last ferry. Ever since, I do not take a coach if I have other means to travel.

It also explains why I have never been to Malaysia much since it's so near. I took a train to Kuala Lumpur before and it was 8 hours compared to a 4 to 5 hours coach ride. I would rather take a train if I am in no rush really. I used to have motion sickness, but as I grow older, I seem to have grown out of it. Therefore it recently appeals to me that I should do more getaways, and thus this is the 2nd time I'm taking a coach to Malaysia.

Malacca, here I come!

So I shall see you guys when I'm back on Monday!

Congrats Syn & John

I almost forgot I should write my congratulations to the newly weds,  Syn & John.

Syn is a close friend I met in school and we are friends for over 12 years, geez... Time changes people. I don't think she was the person I met years ago, but still she is as crazy as she was when she wants to be. I think over the years, her motherly instincts surfaced, that also probably due to her being the eldest in family. She's always overly concerned and protective of us, especially strict with the men we're dating... LOL. I guess it's a good thing when you want another perspective. She's always good fun to hang out with, party, have drinks and food. One thing I hope she will change is probably scream lesser hahaha, I was talking to her friends before the wedding and we realised the thing prominent about Syndy is her screams. When she left Dubai, her flatmates actually missed her screamings!

John is an ex-colleague of mine I met maybe 9 years ago. Somehow somewhat, destiny brought them together through me, and after so much drama, long-distance and on-off relationship. John is one of the most serious guys I met when at work, very diligent and proper. But when you get to know him, you'd realise he's pretty funny, spontaneous, up for a good laugh and a thrifty man who is good I guess when it comes to saving for a family ;)

Finally on 15 January 2011, they held a wedding ceremony by the beach at Shangri la Rasa Ria in Sabah, followed by a buffet dinner and performances. As the maid of honour, I also had to give a speech which I didn't really script. I was thrilled, it was my first time, I wasn't very nervous but I think I was more emotional. My tears just fell when I stood on the stage, not stage fright but more overwhelmed by happiness that I had for my friend. But it was all good, things just fell into places smoothly without a need to read from a script which would be more stressful. I was quite proud of myself that evening :)

The best picture for the day is the one when Syn threw the bouquet, it's a superb shot! I had to admit I didn't want to go near it, LOL.

This is also my second visit to Kota Kinabalu, but I didn't do the tourist things as I did most of them 1.5 years back. I just chilled out in the city centre, preparing myself for the wedding, hanging out with friends, shopping... all good. I bumped into Syn's family one of the days and decided to show them around the local markets. I also found myself 2 wigs, they are so cheap in Malaysia - yea, I think I've gone "wig" crazy. I adore them, they make me look different without having to spend a fortune on my hair.

The 3 nights went by real fast! At the end of the trip, I found myself more new friends, had a good reunion with the girls, found good bargains and most of all, my friend is happily married to the man she loves whom she met through me!

Kota Kinabalu (iv) - Spooked

On Monday night, it was the second night I slept ALONE in the 12 beds dormitory in Hamin Lodge. It was eerily quiet and I was not used to it. The first two nights I had a filipino auntie on the opposite bed who spoke to me in heavily accented English. After she left, it was clear that no one else stepped into this room except me as they never cleaned my room. I was disgusted but it was just one more night left so I decided to bear with it. They didn't have any other dormitory with other people and so I couldn't move to another room, I was stuck basically. Sometimes I wondered if I was really alone... a few times, the bamboo door of the cabinet would suddenly swing open, but I just took it that it might be a bit loose. I was brave but when I was there alone I actually felt timid. It was this kind of spooky.

I actually felt great to wake up in the morning and get out because I didn't want to spend too much quiet time in the room itself!

Woke up at 5.30am, it was the day to head out to Kinabalu Park. We have gotten a car rental, all ready to drive up the mountain! Poor B had to drive 2 hours there, and poor me had to navigate with a clear mind at 6am. The map was lousy and the signage in Sabah was very poorly done... but we managed to get by with a bit of luck. We didn't lose our way, got to the park and realised the weather was a bit too cool for our dressing! LOL. It didn't matter much since we would be trekking and then we would be heated up pretty fast. We did 2 connecting trails. Afterwhich I decided no more, they went ahead for another while I found a convenience shop and bought myself a Berry Twist ice cream. How cooling! An ice cream up the cooling mountain, that would wake me up!

In Sabah, after the admission fee to an attraction, you had to still pay for more admission within the place. It's ridiculous! Why don't they charge an one-off fee! They made us want to skip so many things just because they wanted to make the tourists pay for every single thing. We skipped the Botanic Garden (Mountain Garden) because we wanted to head to Poring Hot Springs which was 45 mins away. So we left...

At Poring Hot Springs, we were really starving so we had to lunch at the only restaurant in this place. It was a buffet, we didn't have any other choice but 35RM for a wide range of selection sounded reasonable. I particularly like the wings and mini burgers. Then we did the Canopy Walk which is pretty challenging, it's so high up and you are practically walking on a plank held on by strong ropes! We didn't take any pictures because they would charge each of our camera a fee! But I was glad we didn't want to take the cameras because we would be too damned nervous to take it out during the walk anyway! We went around to see the hot spring area and missed the butterfly park because we wanted to visit the tea planation. But sadly we didn't have enough time as we needed to get back before 6pm. It was already 2pm and tea planatation was probably another 45mins away.

So we headed back. Both the girls dozed off when B was driving, poor him! He got lost and had to wake me up eventually. The map reader. So there I was, and we managed to get back into the city just in time for a nice hot shower before returning the car. The car got into a little accident (scratch) earlier during parking but all is covered, so everything was fine! Phew!

A last dinner by the coast, followed by a Green Tea donut... mmm, it didn't make my stomach feel better! LOL. I also made a trip down to the bakery to buy home a few of the chocolate balls! After some last minute souvenir shopping and an hour of card games, we knocked out. No more spooky night finally... I woke up earlier the next morning to pack, had my breakfast before we cabbed to the airport where we bought ourselves a last sinful meal in Kota Kinabalu - KFC!

Back home to Singapore on Tigers. All in all, a nice relaxing but muscle aching trip! I'm happy I get some sun, have a bit of a tan now!

Kota Kinabalu (iii) - Things not right

When they are not right, they are obviously wrong...

We were there over the weekend, fortunately we were able to see their Sunday Street Market down Jalan Gaya. Weather was pretty awesome that morning. B's girlfriend was unwell so we went ahead. There were a lots of things on sale from food, clothes, animals, customised name decor, antiques, junks to souvenirs. I chanced upon this stall which sold jade and gem stones based on the chinese horoscope and the superstitious me couldn't help but got stuck there shopping for gifts for myself and family. Half way through the market shopping, the weather changed and started to pour. I lost B but I told him to meet at the entrance should we lost our way. So I went back for him, put on my disposable raincoat and we headed back.

The girlfriend got better, and suddenly the weather too! So we decied to go ahead with our initial plan of visiting a nearby island - Manukan island. Supposedly it's famous for its clear waters with plentiful fishes. I forgot to get the white bread (only have the flavoured ones), so couldn't feed them :(. The boat ride there was very bumpy, the sea was so choppy that our bums were furiously bumping on the seat all the time. Ouch! Besides that, sitting in front of a mini speedboat didn't make it better, I felt like I would be thrown out of the boat anytime. Scary shit.

We enjoyed a chilled time playing cards, laying and sitting there doing nothing... having our little picnic. I love collecting shells so I went around for some ;) They didn't have a sign that says I can't (or I never happened to read that one on this island!).

The following day, we were out in the sea again. This time, for snorkeling. The tour company picked us up in a jeep and after a somewhat less bumpy ride, we arrived at Gaya island. The sea was still choppy and that freaked me out - I'm seasick! I couldn't wait to get out of the boat when we reached the terminal... and I know something wasn't right. We were given a short briefing, and then the equipments to snorkel. We were in wetsuit, fins and snorkel masks. They decided to take us to Sapi island since it was pretty choppy at Gaya island as the water visibility was very poor.

Off to Sapi. Another shaky ride. When I got there, I somehow predicted the snorkeling in the choppy sea would be a disaster for me. But we have paid and we were all going ahead with it. The visibility wasn't much better, plus the strong waves actually threw me against the shore (Ouch! Ended up with multiple small scratches!). The shore had many small rocks and corals so not very safe to walk with bare feet, but getting into the waters with fins wasn't any easier. LOL. Managed to get in with a snorkeling instructor whom was by my side the whole time (Thank God for that!), because I really couldn't imagine with those currents, where I would end up if I was to do it alone! He brought me further out with the safety ring, I didn't panick but I wasn't feeling right. I looked down and saw the beautiful fishes so close to my face, I almost could touch them. However I couldn't breathe properly with the mask, I realised I was seasick when I decided I wanted to head back to the shore. I threw up and I decided that was the end of it for my snorkeling. It was too choppy for a seasick person like me :(

I took a little nap along with B's girlfriend while the rest went out for the adventurous snorkeling in choppy sea. Then we all headed back for a nice lunch. B got restless and decided to trek to the highest point at Gaya island... Feeling that I didn't do enough that morning, I decided to go along but B's girlfriend made the right choice to skip it. The track was tough and old, no one has done it for a long time. Everywhere was covered with dried leaves and path was blocked with fallen trees. I was so glad when I finally made it back down - Christ's, that was tough! After that, I went on my own little self-exploration when the tide went down... I could even walk under the bridge which we walked this morning and was still covered with waters.

After this, we went back for a shower before a dinner by the coast. It was a great feeling especially after such a tiring day! Satay - yum yum! But my stomach didn't feel right that night, wonder if it was still the seasickness that morning or the food the night before. I threw up but after medicine and sleep, I felt okay the following day.

Kota Kinabalu (ii) - Fun hell yea

At the beginning of the trip, things went smoothly... except for the weather which annoyed me the whole time! I hate walking under the heat and humidity the whole day (imagine doing that in Singapore too!).

We were heading to the bank, when I asked a kind gentleman for directions. Coincidentally, he was heading in the same direction and offered to take us there! How kind! Before we parted ways, again I asked him about getting to Times Square (where we are heading later). And to our surprise, he would be on the way back to his office and could drop us off along the way! Almost couldn't believe the luck, he's an angel! Thank you mister, you left me a very good impression of Sabah!

And so we managed to get to Times Square where we sorted out our snorkeling and water rafting tours. Both excellent. I am glad I read those reviews before we got there because what we got was quality service. We started water rafting the following day as we had a rough plan what we were going to do the next couple of days.

Sunset in Kota Kinabalu was spectacular, especially when you dined just by the coast!


Water rafting really gets me going... I was looking forward to it the whole time. With Exotic Adventure, it was genuine fun and I felt taken care of, especially when the currents swept me away, at least 2 of the instructors came to my aid... They also specifically asked if I was okay when I was down in the waters. They came up with some "evil plan" to make us capsized or at least get a few of us into the waters. Unfortunately I was too witty for them, I realised their master plan and avoided it at all costs, instead my friends fell into the waters! But it was still great fun... If I'm ever back for the Padas river water rafting, I would still go back to them! Thanks Ronald & Angelo.

Shopping is average in Kota Kinabalu, just like in other parts of Malaysia but they didn't have many malls and the only decent ones were Warisan Square (my favourite) and Centrepoint. Warisan Square is cool and hippy, it's divided into multiple blocks and you can walk through them on level 2, they also have many individualistic shops and bigger brands.

They have a couple of markets there. One of it is Central Market where you can get some dry food (and I think clothes, household stuff and a ready hawker upstairs). Another is Filipino Market for handicrafts which I felt is a tourist trap, overpriced and not original (they are imported anyway) - can't be bothered to bargain. Then there's the wet market beside the car park which gets all lively and busy when the sun goes down. Looks like they do their "marketing" during night time! Walk right through the fishmongers and fruit & vegetables stalls, you get to a sheltered area where you can get grilled seafood, BBQ wings and coconut drinks. We dined there once, even though they charged us a touristy price, it was still pretty affordable and still cheaper than Singapore.

I also visited this bakery, Multi-Bake, near our hostel and found their version of rum balls named chocolate balls because they are without the rum! I love them... could have them almost every single day ;)

Food. Waistline. Caution.

Kota Kinabalu (i) - Hell of a start

When everyone hears about Kota Kinabalu, they think about mountain climbing & trekking... and I was there for something else. Some people might find it a boring holiday destination if they're not trekking, but I assure you there's more to it, at least good enough for a weekend getaway (I'm sure my travel companions both will agree). We did have a good time :)

For your information, Kota Kinabalu is resided in Sabah, East Malaysia and it's a separate island away from Malaysia (West) itself. It's connected to Sarawak/Indonesia just down south.

Below's a short journal I wrote on the flight:

6am. I woke up, a sleepy head.

Dad was awake (like always). He did the usual naggings,"Did you bring this, did you forget that?" I washed up and in no time was ready to leave. Everyone else was soundly in bed, sister got up briefly to say goodbye and went back to lala land.

I bought my breakfast and headed to the airport via train. Unlike the past few times, I just flagged a cab, this morning I saw the morning rush. The train, filled with students on the way to school, had unusually few travellers on the same journey as me.

Got there in time; my travelling companions were on their way. I took my time to finish my breakfast, put on my hoody and tried to soak myself in the holiday mood. But it didn't come. That feeling. It didn't this morning too. I felt unbearing to leave the last few times, at the same time, it was usually packed with excitement. But this time, I didn't feel the later. I need to replenish it somehow.

Three different passports, one common destination.

I'm travelling with a couple (my 1st time). I haven't met B's girlfriend but sure enough she's easy to get along - a great start! The last holiday left me drained, tired and fearful of new companions. But I know this time, I didn't have to worry. I'm writing this an hour into the flight, we've another hour more to go. Now it's time to take a nap... till later.
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I didn't get much sleep during the flight. Some time before we landed, we met some air turbulence and then later on we had a 10 - 20 metres drop which freaked most of the passengers out. I was stunned, prepared for the worst and held on tightly to my safety belt. "That's it! Are we crashing?" That went through my mind. Some people screamed and shrieked! When we finally landed with a crash landing (Thanks Pilot! :S), the cabin was filled with relief and laughter. We were safe.

A very general impression of Kota Kinabalu after arriving for some hours. Friendly. Considerate drivers. Hot & humid (like Singapore). Traditional. Poor and rich contrast (slums, kampung houses, houses on stilts via wooden houses up the mountain via terrace house/modern flats).

Somehow I'm not sure if the wooden houses up the mountain belong to the wealthier people, as it means they will have to drive down to city (have to own a car at least)... and the availability of bigger space for a bigger house.

Fabulous @ Johor Bahru

It's the second time I've been to Johor, but it never fails to excite me with the companions every time I went in. The first time, my colleagues made the trip just to reward me with a first stamp in my passport. Today, with Angela's parents (and their friends), the fabulous 5 (oh yea, one more peilin this time) have a lot of fun together. We played games, put fireworks, took silly pictures, ate delicious home-cooked buffet... The five hours we spent there was filled with laughter, joy and almost with nothing else to bother. It was like childhood time!

Thank you Angela (of course, your dad and his friend for driving)!! Hey, we girls are still fabulous :)

Fab4 on a spree

For people whom are new to the term Fab4, it refers to me & my 3 other mates. All female, if you want to know. It was given to us by my ex-colleague whom used to hang out with us.

Finally.

We are going on a first trip ever - together. 4 of us have been so busy with life after we are trapped in this only-money-matters society. Honestly, I wasn't really expecting a holiday before my big plan in the upcoming summer. I wasn't excited when they proposed to have a short trip out of Singapore. In fact, I was irritated by how often the plan was changing, ultimately I just want to follow - not decide anymore. Tomorrow night, the adventure will begin...

I'm getting more into the mood now, having written a shopping list. I'm not excited about going to KL, just delighted to be spending time together with my mates. We had so much fun every single time we were together - even if it was just a silly laugh. It will be some time before we are able to do this again... 3 of us have our new life sketched out, awaiting for the big action!!

The first stamp in my passport was a few days later after my 21st birthday. In less than 2 years, this is my fourth trip, its amazing how often I get my feet out of Singapore.

Looking foward to the smashing nights... *#@&^$%