Tioman Island 3D2N Getaway.

Tioman Island is located 32km off the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia and it's around 2 hours drive from Skudai/JB. Since it's just a 2hrs drive, we decided to go there right before the next peak season - school mid-term break.  We did not make any booking before going there; since it's not a peak season (we assumed) We chose Tioman Island just because it's the nearest we can afford to go. (not prefer long hour drive as we only have maximum 3 days to spend)

DAY 1:
We decided to detour to Sibu Island right after we passed by Kota Tinggi. We changed the GPS destination to Tanjung Leman instead. We spent shorter time to reach the jetty of Tanjung Leman as it's closer. At first, we were very happy of the detour decision. But, our joy was dampen when we found out that we actually need a booking to go to the resort in Sibu Island. There is no ferry service like Tioman Island. The boat will only pick up guests who had make their booking/reservation with the specific resort. Well, we managed to call up one. Guess what? The accommodation, including 3 meals (for 2 adults, 2 kids) only RM235. However, the boat fare is killing us! Since there is no guest check-in to that resort on that particular day, we have to pay RM540 for a return boat trip! Since we have no visibility on the situation, we decided to drive to Tioman. 

Finally, we reached Mersing Jetty after another 1 hour drive. Everything was running smoothly, we managed to get a chalet (surprisingly, many places are fully booked)
Tips: Please book your resort before you go. You can have more choices if you book ahead. Also, please remember to asked for 'package' price. Normally, the price for packaged deal is more worthwhile.

The next ferry departure time is 11:30 am and we were thinking to have our lunch at Tioman as the ferry ride will take us about 1.5 hours. WHO KNOWS, the ferry was delayed for 2 hours! Luckily there are stalls selling snacks.
Tips: Remember to bring along food that is able to fill up your stomach, like bread or burgers. This is important especially if you are traveling with kids.

We arrived at Genting at 3pm. It took us about 10mins to walk to our chalet - Idaman Beach Holiday. http://www.cuti.my/tour/info/id/1336/Malaysia/Pahang/tour/3D2N-Idaman-Beach-Tioman-Fullboard-Package/
Tips: If you are going to Genting, choose the resorts/chalets that are located at the right side of the island. The right side sea shore is more sandy while left side is rocky. (beside Idaman, Impiana Inn also located on the right side)

We were looking for food at odd hour of 4:30pm. Most of them still close and one Chinese lady recommended us a Chinese restaurant - . We spent RM96 for 1 vege, 1 soup, 1 prawn & 1 fish dish. They have most of the items price listed on the menu. However, the quality of the dishes didn't appear in par with the price charged.

Tips: If you are not engaged with any packaged deal, and going for budget trip; try going to other restaurant where food prices are cheaper. 

We walked along the rocky, then sandy seaside.

Right before sunset, kids had their very first experience swimming in the sea. They were scared at first, and thrilled after that. They enjoyed it so much till we need to hurry them to go home before the sky turned totally dark.

DAY 2:
We arranged snorkelling trip with the hotel manager and he only charged us RM150 for the whole family. Then we pay extra RM20 more for kids masks. And, after breakfast, there we go!

The first snorkelling spot was actually marine park. We saw only fishes, in different sizes. Kids were thrilled with their first snorkelling experience. However,  their masks were either spoiled or too tight. (we forgot to try on their big head before we hop into the boat)

Luckily we had standby two loaves of bread for fishes. They stayed on the big floater and enjoy feeding fish while both of us continue snorkelling.

We had enough relaxation with warm sea breeze and scenic island view.

The boat continues to cruise to another snorkelling location after lunch. It was in the middle of big blue sea. Weather suddenly turned cloudy and started to rain. They stayed in the boat while daddy jumped down to see if there is anything. To our surprise, there were many beautiful corals. We swam quite a distance from the boat to look for more corals.

We got back to our chalet around 2:30pm. After a nice shower, we took a short nap. Then, around 5pm, we were out again.

Pink colour banana flower in upright position. (I dunno whether this is rare or not; but for me, that was the first time I saw this)



Playing in the sunset.

Sleeping beauties around the island were caught in action. They must be waiting for their prince charming to arrive. Or they are actually working night shift.

DAY 3:

No letting go any chances to play, like never see sands in their life....

We decided to take 10:00 a.m ferry but AGAIN, we were waited in the small, congested jetty for 2 hours before we board on the ferry! And, the best thing is No One knows what's going on & No One were sent to inform the passengers when is the exact time.

Bidding bye-bye to the fishes with bread.

Lotus Desaru 2D1N

Back in 2013:
Kiddos were having fun before mid-term school holiday. We put up a 2D1N stay at Lotus Desaru a week before their school holiday, just in time for Lotus Desaru one-bedroom suite full board deal (RM350 inclusive tax). The deal comes with 3 meals for 2 and water park entrance for 2.

We forked out RM32.50 for Ian's buffet dinner and RM5 each for their water park entrance wrist bands. *Wrist band can be reused on the 2nd day, as long as you present the used one to the counter.

Left: downstair - living room & a washroom.
Right : upstair - bedroom with king bed and a washroom.

Day 1 : We spent the afternoon having a relaxed meal at Rhu Bar, which situated just in front of the big blue sea. It was a warm but windy afternoon.

After meal, we were set for the water park fun time. Kids were thrilled over the 'lazy river'. They played repeatedly as it is the most exciting ride. However, it was pretty bored to me as I have to strand at one location just to ensure they are playing safely. There is a water playground but my kids didn't enjoy it much as the water is too shallow.

 Lazy river - main attraction in the water park

water playground - water too shallow. perhaps for younger kids.

Pouring coconut - many will gather below the coconut to wait for the few seconds of fun-filled pouring water.







Buffet dinner was served at Teratai Restaurant. However the variety of food is below our expectation, compare their "international" price.

After dinner, we took a short walk, enjoyed the sea breeze as well as waiting for the "lion dance". The men told me that they were preparing for "lion dance" and we decided to hang around while waiting for that. Everyone of us except Yvaine was having a good laugh when we found out that the so-called "lion dance' was in fact 'line dance'. Yvaine kept asking why we went home even before she get to watch lion dance. =.=||

After the joke of the day, we took hotel's shuttle back to our room. Everyone was exhausted. No one mentioned about watching TV.



Night view of Lotus Desaru.

 


































Day 2 : after breakfast, kiddos played at the beach under shades. Due to poor skill, none of them able to make even one sand castle.

Reason being : None of us bother to carry water from the sea as the sun is burning hot. Since there is no fun just playing with the loose sand, then we proceed to water park. Not like the day before, weather was extremely hot. But kids still kids, they insisted playing under red hot sun like never see water in their life. They played 'lazy river' until the workers closed the game (around 12:30pm)

We proceed to check out before we headed for our lunch somewhere around Desaru. Everyone was contented even the food was not very satisfying.

Tips: you will see Lotus Desaru deals feature on Groupon on and off. If you are keen, please keep an eye on Groupon. I just realise it can goes as low as RM180 for 2D1N (but with only breakfast)

4D3N in Star Cruise Aquarius

It was an amazing experience to stay few nights in the cruise ship and recharge your mind and body (by not doing anything but indulging) for straight 3-4 days.

As what I understand, SuperStar Aquarius only started to operate in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah somewhere 2013 year end, up to March 2014. (It's now back to Taiwan sailing). My lovely cousin was fast enough to book this cruise ship for our 4D3N holiday. The ship ex-Kota Kinabalu, then sailed to Brunei and next was Bintulu before back to Kota Kinabalu port.

Nice cabin. Cozy enough for us to spend 3 our nights here.

Day 1:
We checked-in around 4pm and were given an obstructed window view room. We missed the afternoon tea due to busy roaming around the room and taking photos. Only around 4:40 we noticed that the tea time is up to 4:30pm.

My Advice: If you were to take any SuperStar cruise, please remember to look into the itinerary the very first thing you are on board. No one will remind you what is the activities on-going. You manage your own schedule.               

 Day 1:Strolling around the ship.



















The best thing you get when travel by cruise is you get to see the panoramic sunrise or sunset view.

NIGHT 1:
We had our dinner at the open air restaurant, Oceana BBQ. The colourful spices, mouth-watering jellies, and fruit carving were just too captivating.

NIGHT 1 : After dinner
Show time!

Strong and sturdy! 

After the acrobatic show, here comes the cabaret-like performance.

DAY 2: Brunei

We did not join the land tour. Just spent time enjoying our breakfast, then lunch, and walking around. However, we did try to walk to the nearest town outside the port to take a look at "Brunei".
 

Night 2 : Fun show by Colour Beat from Penang. (from Penang eh)

https://zh-tw.facebook.com/CaiSeJiePaiLeDui

DAY 3 : Bintulu 

Gala night. 3-course dinner with cod fish. (the middle photo was actually Day 2 BBQ dinner)

Food oh food. Having enough of food for these 3 days. 

*Not only the splurge of good food, we even had supper every night, up to 12:30am.

 

NIGHT 3 :
彩色節拍樂隊 put up a fun late night show. 


 They immediately become my cousin's idol. LOL........








 

Just curious what is the outside world looks like.






~~  the end ~~

Phuket 5D5N travel tips

First of all, if you don't enjoy beaches, sunshine or boating; try not to put Phuket in your travel list. If you have seasick, or hate sun tan; then you better choose to go other places.

I spent my unforgettable 5D5N in Phuket this Raya holiday. I'd enjoy myself to the fullest throughout the trip, and attempt to record anything that I can to be your complete travel guide to Phuket.

Before travelling :
1. check weather forecast few days before your travel dates. If it is expected to rain, remember to bring along umbrella or even disposable raincoat.
2. as expected, your hat, sunscreen & sunglasses.
3. a scarf or cardigan as well as long dress. For temple dress code, cold winds in the boat or even as a protection from harsh sunlight.
4. Leave your jeans or wedges behind. Wear slippers as well as tee shirts and shorts.

DAY 1 : (raining heavily)


Departed Sg airport and reached Phuket at 11am, in 1hr 40m time. Due to different time zone, we save 1hr. We put up in Loveli Boutique Guest House in Patong thru out our stay in Phuket. Since we are staying 5N there, we get a complimentary upgrade from superior to deluxe. They provides free pick-up from airport. It took us about an hour to reach Patong.

The owner of this guest house is also running a travel company. It's just at the ground floor of the building. To us, Andrew is the most attentive travel agent that we've ever met. He replied email real fast. If you look this up in Trip Advisor, you will see this guest house is highly recommended by many.

http://www.loveliguesthousephuket.com/room.html (make yr booking online and pay only 10% as deposit)
http://www.phukettravelcompany.com/ (arrange your trip after you check-in, as certain trip is very much depending on weather)

@It was raining heavily the day we arrived. Soi Banzaan turned into a river. Luckily the water subsided in 1-2 hours time.









After check-in, we planned our trips with Andrew. Get the itinerary set, payment done; there we go. We spent 4mins walked down the street to banzaan (market) to fill our stomach.

Dish 1: kuey teow ladna. Quite nice. Especially the kuey teow. When I chewed, my mouth was full with the rice fragrance.

Dish 2 : fried prawns. Nice too. Both dish 1 & dish 2 cost 170.-

 

Dish 3: Green curry chicken. 120.-

Here is the place we had our meal.











Afternoon Activity: Walking around to familiarize with the surrounding. Buy bottled mineral water from Jungceylon. (I usually buy bottled water during my trip as it is more convenient and cleaner)

Stalls outside Jungceylon selling nice (but expensive) souvenirs.

Nice floral hairclips.

Nite activity: Simon Carbaret (90mins) 600 baht per pax.

 

Pretty sexy lady boy posing after the show.

**If you do not prepare to spend more for tipping, never ever take photo with them after the show. I saw they asked for 200 baht per person. In case there are 3 of them taking photo together with you, you need to fork out 200.- x 3. 








DAY 2 (cloudy and light shower)
Itinerary :
* half day tour in the 1st half (1100 baht)
* walk around the beach in the 2nd half
* Phuket FantaSea with dinner at night (1800 baht)

 Elephant trekking
* If possible, please avoid this as I really feel pity to them. I have an impression that they are ill-treated by their 'driver'. Some use a sharp tool to knock on the elephant skull to control them.

Monkey show. Smart creature.

Snake show. Deadly kiss.

Visit the Big Buddha Temple.

 

 Visit Wat Chalong (a temple with two sacred monk whose has saved Phuket Island from the intruders long time ago)

 

Walked slowly to Patong Beach after we returned from our half day city tour.

 

No plan to go anywhere but thinking of chilling out and watching football match? There are many pubs along the streets in Patong. You won't be lonely as some of the bars are always full, e.g: Aussie Bars.

Patong beach.

 

Many stalls selling local delicacies.

 Phuket FantaSea (with buffet dinner) starts about 6pm plus.

 Entrance.

Wowed with the golden lighting. Feeling like inside a palace.

Theater where the play was held.

DAY 3: (perfect weather) 

Itinerary :
* James Bond Island / Phang Nga Bay Tour by Luxury Boat (1700 baht)

Depart to Phang Nga Bay

 Naka Island

If not mistaken, an umbrella with 2 lazy chair cost 150.-

 

Lunch on board.

Magnificient scenery of The Phang Nga National Park

 

Canoeing at Hong Island.

 Back to our boat after canoeing. Canoe by local. * Please get ready small change as your tour guide may asked for your generousity to give the canoe man some tips

Finally we are here. James Bond Island.

Amazing earth power. I believe something happened some time ago. The hill was cleanly 'cut' into half.

 

Sunset on our way back to the pier. 

 Sunset take 2.














Dinner around 8:30pm. Very hungry.
Dish 1 - Kam Heong Lala.

 

Dish 2: Garlic Prawn

Dish 3: Chicken Fried Rice

 

DAY 4: (Perfect weather: Sunny) 

Day * Phi Phi Maya Bay and Bamboo Island by Speedboat (1700.-)

Night * Bangla Road Pubs & Bars

 

Perfect weather to kick start the day.  No snorkelling if the weatheris bad.

 

 View from the pier.

 Arrived Phi Phi Ley.

 Many of our tour-mate can't wait to swim here.

Crystal clear water and sandy beach. Famous Maya Bay, where movie The Beach was filmed here.

Snorkelling at Pileh Lagoon



My room mate feeding fish with Oreo.

Monkey Beach

Having lunch @ Phi Phi Don.

 Another round of snorkelling in clear water. There is no coral reefs but many sea urchins.

Instead of snorkelling, we just enjoyed the nice scenery and taking photos.

Lastly, Khai Island.

 Rocks formation. #1

Rocks formation on the beach line. #2

 

Again, back to banzaan for dinner.






DAY 5: (raining heavily from day to night)
* Free & Easy

Since it was raining heavily, the only place we can hang out is -- Jungceylon Mall. If you still needs physical workout other than walking, you can play bowling or have a few games of snooker.



 Cute figurine.

Metal Art. Take 1.

 Metal Art. Take 2.

 Metal Art. Take 3.

 Metal Art. Take 4.

At ground floor of Jungceylon, it's like our central market; selling wide varieties of local products.

 

Blink-blink.....make a great souvenir.



Steam grouper and white tomyam soup for dinner. Ah?! my tomyam soup photo is missing.

 

DAY 6 : flight return to MYS in the early morning.

 

Andrew helped us on arranging transport to airport. Taxi fee is 600.-  We heard from our driver that many tourist missed their flight the day before due to the heavy rain. Many roads were flooded and cars could not enter that area for pick up.

 

* For those who wants to buy Bangkok Bag, you may buy it at airport Duty Free shop as the cost is much lower than those sell in the mall (some even cheaper by half). However, the variety maybe lesser compare to outside.