Globetrotter

#KeretapiSarong in Kuala Lumpur 2012

2012-02-26T21:41:00.000+08:00

Let me warn you that this entry will be pic-heavy, not heavy in size but loadsa loadsa and loadsa pics. But worry not; I've resized all the pics... ehhehhe....

I'll minimise the text (iyee ler tuh) so that for those wondering what this event is all about can get a better pic of what was happening through out the whole #KeretapiSarong journey.

How it got started for moi

I was having migraine since Wednesday and was slowly getting better as days passed by, so I figure I will rest (sleep; meaning) whole of Saturday so that I can be my perky self come weekday. Then, while I was browsing my twitter (trying to doze off unsuccessfully that is), I saw this comment from ThatSoFarah on #KeretapiSarong .... hemmm curious ol-me began doing a little CSI (konon nak jadi Janggel & Biqque). At first I thought it was E&O Express Train given a new name ke apa ke... rupa nye an event organised by RandomAlphabets

KFC, KL Sentral - Meeting Point

So, I figure... I should park me car in KLCC and take a train to KL Sentral, and just bring my backpack, camera and Touch&Go. Reason being, smartie me knows that there bound to be some train ~~playing~~ riding time just like the one they did in New York - No Pants Subway, YouTube HERE. So, I took the train and head to KL Sentral (secepat giler cos I was late - well, ALMOST).

Realised, Putra has upgraded their train, there's area for the disable (wheelchair), and the top handle near/at the door plus the centre pole (not for pole dancing yah!) is "splitted" etc etc etc.... changgih dah KL nih!

OK! Once you see the old KL KTM train station, means the next stop is KL Sentral (if you are from KL ler). Cantek kan KL KTM train station nih....

The organizer giving instruction to the #KeretapiSarong participants. Very very the ramai.

Met up n with Farah who owns ThatSoFarah travel blog, she's all in kebaya sarong.

Instructions were colour coordinated... if tak paham, tak tau ler... kinda easy. Next time travelholic should all join? Perhaps....

Teams were in group of 10, hah! cepat hafal instruction tuh.

Tak tipu, all in their SARONG...

Fast! Fast! Write your SARONG STORY!

The Sarong-ers came from all walks-of-life, ALL....

Train journey started

Some need to buy T&G tix (I smart kan!!!! Brought from home)

I bet KL Sentral folks terkejut hippo... Hahhaha..... you need to be here to see the passersby expression.

Posing posing, jangan tak posing...

All on the move... move like Sarong Jagger.

Some was wondering... Are all Malaysians this weird!??! Hheheheh....

Ampang Park was the most happening stop. Siap nyanyi Geylang Si Paku Geylang (we did right?), Wau Bulan...etc etc etc

So was Dato' Keramat station... ramai dak?

Cam retis! John??? Where are you?

Final check-point

We arrived KL shishi. You know what, even the Putra folks were sporting enough to wear a piece of their SARONG.... Way to go!

Terror the merror! Sporting giloss....

Entering KL shi shi... Really about Daya Tarikan SARONG.

Mana JOHN!?!??!?! Retis!!! Ada Astro Awani!

There's SARONG style for everyone; kemban, vogue, Sarong ninja, Sarong hip-hop etc etc etc

FATT!!!! I FOUND YOUR RELATIVES!!! Hahhahhaha...

Like I say, all the SARONG STORY... on #KeretapiSarong!

Till next year....2013, wait for me!

PS : They were on the news (HERE) too...

Sunsets In Asia

2012-02-25T12:03:00.002+08:00

I don't know how this got started, someone blogged, someone twitted, someone FB-ed... suddenly; we decided we should have an entry on all the sunset pics we have taken on trips or anywhere in country.

I have to honestly admit, I only started taking sunset or sunrise pics the last few years, such a waste as I traveled more years ago.... misses the great chance. Well.... nothing is ever too late, gonna start taking god greatest gift from now on...

There are things I like to do during sunset, let it be enjoying my dinner, massage, show or an adventurous activity (you heard me alright!). There's so many things being offered around the continent during this magnificent brief time, lasted for few minutes but gave long lasting memories and experiences. Give it a try... *wink*.

Microlight sunset adventure in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Over the yonder... at sunset. A real beauty huh..

Temples in Ayuthayya, Thailand. The old Siam Kingdom.

Another great temple in Ayuthayya.

Leisure sunset walk at Kota Kinabalu's Sutera Harbour, Malaysia

Morib sunset with family, Malaysia

Malaysia's Metropolitan Park located in Kuala Lumpur, one of my favourite jogging place.

Another sight of Metropolitan Park, I should go this evening... missing it now.

ATV ride in Siem Reap, Cambodia; they will arrange that you stop at a paddy field exactly at sunset.

Tanah Lot, Bali in Indonesia at sunset... need I say more.

Uluwatu Bali, Indonesia, while waiting for Kechak performance.

Kechak performance at sunset ONLY in Uluwatu, Bali Indonesia

Lost sunset at DisneySea Tokyo, Japan.

Kyoto, Japan at sunset, view from Kiyomizu Temple.

Layar-ing to travelholics staircase at Bugis Junction, Singapore.... Hheheheh.... Annoying dak?

After this, sunrise and clear blue sky entry lak??? Game?

And The WINNER Is... HP Photosmart 945

2012-02-23T08:06:00.003+08:00

I wanted to do this entry last night but I came down with a bad migraine at EOB, still do now. But I know some are sooooooo very the excited on this (Some to sikit jek pun).... So, I decided to blog this morning, half way getting ready to ~~sleep~~ work, half way having migraine (Cam na nak drive nih).

Obviously the WINNER is Blue Ewoke and second place is.... no second place daaaaa.... Hheheheh...

By the way, there's only one such model (that look like mini DSLR that is) under HP brand in black.... not that hard, the hard part is to first guess the brand. Since this is the first few digital camera I have... it's kinda easy, after all; the first camera is of the same brand.

Yes, HP still sells digital camera (I believe), but more in the US/EMEA and probably AU as well. In AP region? Canon, Sony, Olympus etc etc dominates the market I suppose. Melalut as usual....

The prize is.... nanti I bagi (sikret). MUAHHAHAH..... travel bila si pemenang yek?

Till next entry, arios amigos (Awat tetiba al-mexicana lak ni?!?! Going somewhere??)

My Camera Collection, Guess What Brand/Model?

2012-02-22T00:10:00.002+08:00

This is an interval before my next blog entry on my previous travel - Pekan Baru... or Perth? Hemm... Anyway, I will decide later.

Not sure whether I have told or wrote before, I do own the cheapest/lowest end Lomo, YUP! I have a Lomo, similar to my sister's. I only use 2-3 times so far... kinda a failure huh! Owning one but not using - SUCKER for gadget!

Very orthodox in terms of operation. I kinda sucks at it.... Sigh....

My first digital camera HP PHOTOSMART R607, check out the brand.... surprised? You will be even more surprise on the model available. I use this in India... how good was it? Check out my India trip pics in FB or blog. Seriously, not bad!

Then I thought I need a change ie to a better one, time to upgrade I say. Bought this slim CANON IXUS i7, easy to slip into pocket or handbag. I chose a colour that is rare (like moi)... GOLD. Always the centre of conversation every time I took it out, but I gave this to bro. Used this in Jogja among others, not that good for night pics though. HP camera was better for night mode in fact, impressed neh!

NOPE! Must get another one...CANON IXUS 870iS, this stayed with me for awhile, brought it to a lot of countries; ie New Zealand, Spain, Morroco etc etc. Delivered it's best, no regrets definitely. Then it started to smell of burn everytime I uses the flash.... Time to get meself a new one. Wear & tear took place, searched for new camera begins, yet still sticking to Canon.

My current camera.... CANON S95.... Never been happier. Have all the functions I want. But greed got into the way, now eyeing on CANON S100, having said that; thinking of improving my skill with DSLR. Yuna's camera is in my top list - CANON 1100D... first excuse - COLOUR! Hahhahaha....

These are my whole collection that are still in my possession... kinda... as I gave one to my bro...

Can you see that there's one model that was not mentioned... read the below!

Guess what brand and model is this... winner gets something lar... I will think of something gadgety. The first one who guessed all correctly will win (obviously), deadline? End April.... tuh dia - LAMA NYE!

NO!!! You will not get a camera if you guessed right! Nice try, don't even bother to ask! HAHHAAH..... Good luck! Lalalalla....

PS : Anyone who loves me, can get me the Yuna camera on my bird day! MUAHAHHAH.... so that I can use in REDANG! AMIIIIN....

I Am So A FLASHPACKER! Are you?

2012-02-21T11:44:00.007+08:00

FLASHPACKING… when I first heard my sister mentioning this, I went like “HUH?! What??” She gave this lengthy explanation & description. And since then on, I have been wanting to do an entry on this but laziness and lack of ideas (excuses as usual LILY!) supersedes everything (like EVERYTHING). But the last few days, I finally got an inspiration while I was in the bathroom on the throne (of all the places ahhahha….).

OK! Here’s the thing, I was so uncomfortable with the word, I mean.. who wouldn’t right?! Flashpacking, I kept visualizing man in overcoat flashing his ~~thing~~ way on his “traveling” trip across the continent…. WHAT??? YUK! What’s next best thing to do..? Ask Mr. Google…. Hehehhehe…. I got this from USA TODAY and I thought I should share it with you guys, link can be found HERE.

Basically most of us now travel with ton of tech gadget, me too and I ain’t gonna lie. All gadgets combined probably weight 1kg at least… You don’t believe me? Check out for yourself (this doesn’t apply for super duper light travelers), basic minimal will be digital camera (compact or DSLR), spare batteries + cable (we have to be selfish here, I need to make sure battery is sufficient or I lose pic moment), SD cards (we can’t travel with just 4 or 8 GB right), then there’s the notebook + cable (fine! we can always use those public PC at hostels/guesthouses, but not as convenient as our own), iPod + cable (you need to have an iPod, else you will be bored to death on loooooong journey), PSP/NDS (little game won’t hurt) and last but not least HANDPHONE + CABLE. Wouldn't this make up to minimum 1kg of your luggage weight?? Thus WE ALL do seem flashier then the average “backpacker” or what we perceive of a backpacker.

And the above is excluding the fact that people like me don’t travel with backpack and preferred to be a trolley dolly traveler with lower budget BUT more gadget AND prefer good place to unwind… wow! I guess I fit the bill right in – FLASHPACKER (minus the overcoat “flashiness” AHHAHAH). Am sure more of you are like me…. As we do want some comfort and staying in a hotel will be too costly.

I got to know that Hostelworld.com completed a survey back in 2006 (YUP! Flashpacker term in NOT NEW!) that by 2,561 visitors to its website found that 21% of them travel with a laptop, 54% with an MP3 player, 83% with a mobile phone and 86% with a digital camera. AH HAH!!!! SEEE…. I told you! I knew without knowing, truthfully! Hahahha….

Not only this, you’ll also notice that now, most hostels comes with dorm and twin sharing or even twin sharing ensuite/attach bathroom (normally I choose this as it’s more convenient for us ladies). Some even comes with pool, diners, parking etc etc (base on my experience in Australia, New Zealand,, Indonesia, Thailand to name a few).

Casablanca, Morocco Low Budget Hotel

Noah's Ark Backpacker; South Island, New Zealand

City Backpackers; Brisbane, Australia

City Backapackers' facilities.

City Backpackers' Pool

Romania's Prince Park Residence in Bucharest

Prince Park Residence comes with kitchenette & huge patio

Baan Lotus in Ayuthayya, Thailand comes with pond, pets, courtyard etc

Soooo…. Which one are you? Pure backpacker? Or Flashpacker like me?

Day 2 | Singapore Geylang, Chinatown & Malacca

2012-02-20T01:21:00.002+08:00

For you loyal follower of the alien traveholic "saga" (cam real I ada loyal follower, saga saga nih ambek sempana cite The Twillight Saga tengok siang tadi) to Temasek; Land of Merlion, Home of Sang Nila Utama, SEA first Universal Studios (eh eh...). I here present the 2nd / last day of our trip (Aiks...awat bunyi cam John award speech).

You can get more stories on Betel Box Hostel which currently, popularly and synonymously known to us as wardrobe bathroom, cement rendered flooring, shower quietly, hot "chicks" area, 1.1km distance etc etc etc... you get the drift al-righto?! (all alien traveler blogs are hyperlinked at the bottom of this entry *wink*).

Thus, I include more pics this time around as on 2nd day, I took more pics gilos gilos (kes balas dendam! Hahhahah)!!! So, you guys layanzzz...

We went downstairs for breakfast since the package comes with one. As most travelholics tends to be photoholics (and some say kepoholics), everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) took pictures of everything, even our breakfast. Chup! Shahrul tuh merajuk coz his pic was not taken kot.... ehhehhe... NAH! He's busy reading Singapore real estate and market share for future investment in Singapore (jeng jeng jeng...).

We split into 2 groups, one to Mustafar and another to Chinatown (obviously and no guess needed, I took the Chinatown route). Sooo... the Chinatown group had a head start as the initial plan was Chinatown and then to Mustafar, no surprise the later part didn't materialise; you'll see why soon enough.

Geylang Serai Market, heard that this is the place to get the best briyani spice & Kacang Phool.

Joo Chiat Complex is where I found nice curtain materials the last trip... a must come and I need to make sure it's before Hari Raya.

Hotel 81 classic, not a bad location, next to 24hours Mr. Teh Tarik Restaurant (halal), and probably 500m to Payar Lebar MRT station (hahhahha...).

We walked passed The Malay Village which I heard will be demolished and be replaced with a new civic centre which house a community club and a Malay Heritage Gallery, apparently the expected completion date is 2016. EH! Janggel is more menyinar here... ahhahha....

You know what, during day time; the distance is not that far as the night before... bearable; to me at least.

We soon arrive Chinatown.... TAH DAH.... I have always love the colours, aside from Bugis Junction staircase.

Not sure why MasMZ was taking pics of the road, tengok atas ler babe, lagi cantek tau.

Fridge magnets at abundance... suka giler

Then we walk further to the temple nearby. I loike.

I should have bought the pencil but I wouldn't know for what though... just love the colours I guess.

Kakak Coco Chanel was waiting for us at Larkin mosque (wow... suci gitus - mosque), we quickly gerak (quickly ke?). Eh! Janggel lagi...

Finally we arrived Larkin after sekian lama.

After settling our solat and freshen up, we drove to Singah Selalu for lunch (?! 6ish lunch ke?). Sesat berbagai dulu sebelum sampai... Janggel kata sesat ke laut, but eventually we arrived safely after a 30 mins tour in JB town. Hhahahha...

Tak cukup with all the activities, we were still hyper (after all the sugary ABC drinks) thus we decided to go to Johore Premium Outlet (JPO) pulak. My take - not fully open as of todate, reasonably cheap but DO NOT compare to US. Not the latest design obviously but not last season either; I felt it was few seasons prior. If you are not fussy, I guess JPO is ok to shop.

After the JPO whereby Mas insisted she is able to persuade all of us to shop but ended up otherwise (kan tuh tuhan dah marah), we head to Malacca to send Kakak Coco Chanel home, not before we got belanje-ed by Kakak Coco Chanel. THANK YOU.

Akhirnye, we arrived at Kakak Coco Chanel's teratak. Near A'Famosa and 300-500m (bukan 1.1km, jangan risau) to 24hrs KFC.

This is Kakak Coco Chanel's homestay... we reccee-ed at midnight, tak penah dibuat orang ok! So for those nak book, feel free to ask Kakak Coco Chanel.

By the way, Kakak Coco Chanel mom asked a question that surprised us.... "Lain kali nak travel, ajak ler Mak Cik". Masa tuh, ringan jek mulut nak kata "Cik, buat ler blog travel... Icam pun gigih buat Cik... I have faith in you " Hahhahah... bongok dak I. Jangan marah Kakak Coco Chanel, your mom ROCK!

Alien Travelholics : Beauty In Darkness (Biqque), Travelista (Shahrul), Chawanna (Chawan & Na), Globetrotter (Lily), Coco Nutz (Kak Anash), Janggeltrekker's Life (Janggel), Kaki Berangan (John), Kaki Jalan (MasMZ), BabyArisha (Lin), Traveller's Anatomy (Byya), Journey Of My Life (MasZuber), My Story Is On Lifetime (Shah_rule), Pengembara Tumpangan (Icam), Unfamiliarmilia (Amy).

Hyperlink credit : Wikipedia, Incrowd, Betel Box, Hotel 81

Me at Universal Studios LA...

2012-02-17T19:35:00.000+08:00

All the alien travelers excitedly queued to enter Universal Studios (why the plural? Hemmm…), they were busy taking pics in front of the globe without me (sob sob), I also nak jugak… but apa kan daya. Orang tak sayang… Ops! Off topic.

Why wasn’t I in the pic? Well; because my e-tix never arrive on my notebook virtually… thus, with my creativeness and smartness, I have prepared all the necessary excuse to demand a tix, I mean; I ain’t gonna buy new one. HELL NO!

Anyway, you all ingat you all ajek ada gambar depan Universal Studios globe? I pun ada ok! Ok! Ok! *Nada jelesss*…. (Jeles jek memanjang…. Tak pa, being competitive adalah healthy! [EXCUSES]).

SEEEEE…. I pun ada, BUT….

AWAT globe I lain?

AWAT baju I lain?

AWAT rambut I lain?

AWAT cuaca lain?

AWAT persekitaran lain?

AWAT COUNTRY LAIN?

Hemmm…. Weird…. SHREK!

I don’t remember seeing this poster at USS…

Castle kat belkang baru nak bina? Bukan dah lama siap ke?

Why mine is Princess Fiona and not Fiona the Ogre?

This is weird….?!?!?! TAKUT!!!

Has this alien abducted me - the alien traveler?

Beetlejuice pun ada? I thought the travelholics kata tak nampak? What is happening to me? HELP!!!!

Am I in reality show with The Simpson?

Where are the rest? WHERE? WHERE? WHERE? They said they were at Light, Camera, Action of some shipwreck scene or storm or something. But mine is cars like Fast & Furious…

AWAT lain?

Yang basah basah tuh mana?

AWAT dog show lak?

Eh! Rupa nye salah album! HAHHAHAH… ada kene bunuh nih!

Citenye, I tak tangkap waima sekeping gambo pun kat dalam ok, sebab professional photographer ramai… So, sebab tak nak kalah, I ganti ler ngan USLA (Universal Studios Los Angeles) nih since alang alang I belum blog about it.

CHUP! HRC sini puuuuuun lain dari Singapore nye….. (tuh ler, lain kali ambek gambo ngan I, pegi USS leh sampai USLA TAUUUUUU!!! Cam dalam cite Hindustan).

Marah ke? Pjahousfnenixjmlwuiehfqei……..

HAHHAHAH (CHEEKY LAUGH)

Kyoto Travel Tips (Part 1)

2012-02-16T19:06:00.000+08:00

I am going to make this short, sweet and simple. My hope is that this will aid you around Kyoto easily.

1. Transportation link (hyperlinked)

japan-guide.com
- Access to Kyoto via highway bus, air, car & local trains (quite comprehensive)

Kyoto City Web
- Kyoto City Bus (most of the time I ride [twice to be exact]) cost around Y220

Kyoto City Bus Travel Map
- This gives you detail in terms of shorter time, lower cost, fewer transfer count plus map

2. Kyoto Sightseeing Map

All the maps are the few version I received (hardcopy scanned) or downloaded that helped me during this trip. The hardcopy scanned version can be emailed to you upon request, to do so; prompt me on my comment box.

3. Kyoto Visitor Guide

This site also furnishes you with tourist information centre, medical contact, annual event, shopping etc.

That’s about it for now.

Enjoy your trip!

For more info, you can visit Chawanna's blog on Japan Tidbits

Day 1 | Roadtrip to USS Begins

2012-02-15T01:26:00.003+08:00

The story here is, I AM BUSY, LAZY & LOUSY....ahahhaha.... the original draft plan in mind was superbly great but goodness gracious; I just failed at executing it... especially after reading Kakak Coco Chanel's entry, demotivated gilos... But you have to give me credit for trying (give cepat, give credit CARD!).

The story line is as below.

We depart Kuala Lumpur at 10ish at night, did a few pit stop and fetched up a fellow blogger, proceed to Larkin to park our car for the night (border of Singapore). Entered Singapore, had breakfast at Vivo City, dash to Universal Studios Singapore (USS). And.... THAT'S IT!

Next entry will be on Day 2, which is also the last day of our trip. YUP! We went for 2 days 1 night roadtrip. I know! I know! CRAZY!!!! But you have to admit that things like this are normally FUN!

OK! Cut the story short, here's all the pics, to read more, please visit other bloggers entry whom describe in rather detail. English version can be found on Beauty in Darkness (Biqque) blog. All below blogs mentioned are hyperlinked.

* Mind the spelling error yah.... hehehehee....

Babe's Magnet! (Part 2)

2012-02-12T15:05:00.008+08:00

An entry to share my latest addition, I actually missed a few insertions but it doesn't make very much different. Hahhah.... I believe most of travelholics and friends alike whom I know collects Fridge Magnet, here's my little collection and currently am starting on my 2nd box.

My first box and earlier entry on my many, plenty, much Fridget Magnets can be viewed HERE.

Souvenir Tips

For those going to Japan, it's hard to get Fridge Magnets here, so; the minute you see one that you like just get a few first. Stock more as you bump into any, and don't plant any hope on getting one in Disneyland/ Universal Studios yah....

Biqque, you can get those bundled ones in Asakusa souvenir area. Grab some here... you can also get a couple in Hakone if you guys plan to drop by.

Chawanna, there's a shop outside Universal Studio that sells USJ specific souvenirs (if you don't plan to go in USJ lar, it's a small shop though). And few doors next to it; you are able get a Hello Kitty Osaka magnets in a shop called Little Osaka. So far, I only see it here. Unfortunately, I stupidly gotten 2 pieces as I thought I be seeing more....sigh...

Got this from Anna from her Italy trip.

This is the full collection that I use for the entry, gave all away to my colleagues.

This one is for Elly - sexy mommy to be (2nd time round) who unable to join the trip.

Got this for Biqque and Chawanna as they didn't follow us to Chinatown.

First layer of my 2nd box, Greece, Romania, Japan and few souvenirs from travelholics, colleagues and friends.

2nd layer, that's the only USJ magnet available (a photoframe type). Also received 2 pieces last Friday from Javier who just visited Myanmar. Aspire to be a photographer - check out his website HERE.

My newest favourite todate. Yeah! It's a fridge magnet! Cute huh!!!

Things To Do In Singapore (Part 2)

2012-02-12T01:52:00.000+08:00

This is solely base on experience and of what I like to see, do and venture. And of cause this is a bottomless list, I will try to add on as time goes by.

Honestly this came about last week when I went for an alien traveling roadtrip (read HERE) with a bunch of travelholic bloggers, and I got to know that some of them have yet to set foot in Temasek, ie the old name for Singapore. Hence, before continuing with the next entry on this alien trip of mine, I figure I should take a break and create this entry instead. You know what they say, strike when the iron is hot. Hahhahaa.....

Here's how it works, I will include my picture collections and the links to my blog entry for you reading and viewing pleasure. Feel free to drop me a line if you wish to know more, I will try my best to be of any help.

1. Christmas Lights - Yup! Singapore is superbly famous for this... I bet their country bills are absorbitant but who cares right!

2. Cable Car Ride - Try to do this at sunset or night time, taking the ride from Mont Faber to Sentosa or vice versa as the view is spectacular.

3. Universal Studio Singapore - The latest and biggest attraction in Sentosa, Singapore. Need I say more....

4. Candilicious, Hershey & Garrett shops - To feed your craving and sweet tooth, those with kids; woe betide, your kids may get hyper active upon their visit here. Hhehehhe....

5. Night Safari - My thoughts - the cleanest and fun most night zoo I have ever been; but then again, not that I have been to that many!

6. Marina Bay Sands Sky Park - You can kill 3 birds with 1 stone, check out the Merlion and proceed to MBS Sky Park on top of the boat like hotel. Plus, you can check whats new in the theater world and probably catch a show (I heard Lion King was fantabulous).

7. Latern Festival in September - This is assuming they still run this and the showcase month doesn't shift. I honestly couldn't find a site that promotes this hence normally I randomly google for info. The trick is that it normally happens during Mid-Autumn Festival aka Mooncake Festival. And they'll change the theme yearly too thus it's a surprise every year not knowing what to expect. So far; I have been to 3. YEAY!

8. Chek Jawa - I myself have yet to set foot here but have been eyeing it for years. Anyone that have been here, do drop some tips, would highly appreciate it. More info on Wild Singapore site.

That's about it, there's many more...really. Will blog again on Things To Do In Singapore soon.... watch this space :)

Hyperlink credits : Zoo Singapore, Wild Singapore, Wikipedia

Teaser | Travelholics in Chinatown Singapore

2012-02-10T14:48:00.000+08:00

2nd teaser from me (the last teaser too, do not fear my child...Hahahahhah). 2 days trip pun sampai 2 teaser? Biaq bebenor...

Here's the thing; I plan to do this al-changgih ie konon-konon gempak and out of this world entry over the weekend (pray hard for my "success")... actually, in reality this is to buy time gitus jek. Kuang kuang kuang...

The above is our breakfast area at the hotel, noticed alot of us travelholics taking food or each other's photos HENCE I wanted to be different (ala-ala off the beaten track, HUH?!?)... I took a pic of giraffe instead. Haaaa... korang ada?

This is one of the building on the same row as our hostel. Really clueless on the building name.

Since this s a teaser, don't expect any factual content ler kan, pics to entice jek. Tunggu jek next entries, promise pernah belum di buat ~~monyet~~ orang! hehehheee...

Nearing the Payar Lebar MRT station, Ribena child (kanak-kanak Ribena) girang tak terhingga!!! WOH! Nak gi Chinatown jek, ek ellaa.... drama! Hhehehhe....

These buildings are the first thing you see - colourful and vibrant. I personally feel Malaysia's Chinatown should do the same, ye dak rakan-rakan?

Bear-bear I "heart" SG are the cutest. only S$1/= al-comei...

We went into few smaller lanes... bought many magnets, spend loadsa money, took plenty of pictures... (tuh yang lambat Kak Coco Chanel oooiiii... ish ish ish...).

We even managed to reach the temple nearby, again sessi perasan happened. Snap ALLL THE WAYSSS...

OMG! My camera pun ada si-John??? Hahhaha....

Let's see who'll get to comment first?

Alien Travelholics : Beauty In Darkness (Biqque), Travelista (Shahrul), Chawanna (Chawan & Na), Globetrotter (Lily), Coco Nutz (Kak Anash), Janggeltrekker's Life (Janggel), Kaki Berangan (John), Kaki Jalan (MasMZ), BabyArisha (Lin), Traveller's Anatomy (Byya), Journey Of My Life (MasZuber), My Story Is On Lifetime (Shah_rule), Pengembara Tumpangan (Icam), Unfamiliarmilia (Amy).

Teaser | Universal Studios Singapore (USS) Credits

2012-02-09T19:03:00.021+08:00

Am so pressured to blog this entry as the whole team has blogged on this since yesterday, even Icam. Malu babe! But I have a good excuse, Unifi down down down.... annoying gilos.

Before I start with my story angle (since everyone have their own version), as usual I will have a teaser entry (or entry orang malas) and I would like to take this opportunity (cam dapat award lak) to thank John on his mention of moi in his blog.... lawak leh.... wink wink. For those who wants to know why (or more), you will need to PM me on this ahhahahha.....

OK. As most of you know (or noticed) by now (giler tetiba semua blog pasai USS, tak noticed pun susah idak!?!?), a bunch of us travelholic bloggers went on an alien travel mission to Temasek - land of Sang Nila Utama (the old name for Singapore > for non-Malaysia/Singapore readers, bet you guys must be wondering where the hell is this... hahahhaa....).

I need to stress here that alien traveller DOES NOT mean we went alien hunting yah, in our own little world (or perhaps more out there); it basically meant we are traveling with people we are not familiar/know for the first time. And in our case, we got to know each other from travel blogs about 2 months back - KUDOS blogspot & bloggers! Compliment to Biqque on this "alien travel" word, I googled like crazy, incase there's a wikipedia on this BUT - elek pochik!

I wasn't in any of the group pictures as I need to settle my lost e-tix... CISSS...... but I did manage to capture picture of them taking pictures. Hhahahah..... Biqque & Shahrul masih poser di hujung sana, sudah sudah ler tuh.... HAHAHAH..... Check out, I manage to get the word UNIVERSAL on the globe...giler lama tunggu!

To sooth myself for not being in ANY of the group pictures (A.N.Y capital ok!), my tix is teh paling cantek ok! Not the unchanggih e-tix paper print. Jangan JELES... Lallalalallalal..... Hahahhah.... terubat jiwa raga.

OK... Jom go in fast fast.

Biqque & Shahrul : The best idea todate! Without this great idea, there would not be this GREAT trip thus no this great bloggers now I call FRIENDS. KUDOS!

Lin : Giler friendly ok, glad you join us giler folks.

Chawanna : The best travelphotoholic ever and ever... need I say more, just check out their video on the trip... serious guys?!??!

Still on gawking mode!!!

Icam Si Pengembara Tumpangan: now gi tayang kat kengkawan. Icam ada power!

Geng Kereta John : Yah, we did come out with this but never finalised on the changgih-er name. The gang? John, Janggel, Mas and of cause Lily lar... We even have a theme (sure kete lain hairy nye). the "to" trip all in RED attire, and the "fro" trip; all must wear a different colour from each other. Talk about being kiasu in the kiasu-land.

Gurl Power : Nih I yang bagi nama few seconds ago. The gurls? MasZuber, Amy, Kak Coco Chanel & Byya... don't pray pray with them ok, the last few survivor from this trip that reaches home at 3am in the morning! Even the side pic describe them fantastically - Outwit. Outplay. Outlast. Lu orang apa citerrr...?

The we-supposedly-meet-at-globe-but meet-at-GoldilocksRestaurant-traveller : A very smart soon to be doctor, hence dared to take all the rides MULTIPLEtime I heard... ikut suka dia jek. He is also to help with delivering Elly's baby but the mommy declined STRONGLY for obviously reason (and it has nothing to do with his skillset, mind you) Hahhahahha.......

I have a feeling, Elly will question why she doesn't have a pic of the same, because nye... you are special (nak ambek ati padahal ada banyak tuh jek option magnet; ahhahhaha). I did get you a magnet, not to worry. Redang, you must must must GO tau, else we all murka! Hhahahha...

All names are hyperlinked, feel free to check out their blog of the same experience.

PS : Will John be the first to comment? Let's wait & see!

8PM 5 FEBRUARY - LIVE & CENSORED

2012-02-05T20:00:00.005+08:00

Post tag : Beauty In Darkness (Biqque), Chawanna (Chawan & Na), Coco Nutz (Kak Anash), This Is Our Lalaland (Ely),, Janggeltrekker's Life (Janggel), Kaki Berangan (John), Kaki Jalan (MasMZ), Traveller's Anatomy (Byya), Journey Of My Life (MasZuber) & Pengembara Tumpangan (Icam)

WATCH THIS SPACE. 8PM 5 FEBRUARY.

2012-02-05T10:00:00.001+08:00

Post tag : Beauty In Darkness (Biqque), Chawanna (Chawan & Na), Coco Nutz (Kak Anash), This Is Our Lalaland (Ely), Janggeltrekker's Life (Janggel), Kaki Berangan (John), Kaki Jalan (MasMZ), Traveller's Anatomy (Byya), Journey Of My Life (MasZuber) & Pengembara Tumpangan (Icam).

I Need To Fly Tomorrow (And I Forgot)

2012-01-31T20:23:00.000+08:00

Hemm.... am ranting and rambling.... I forgot that I need to fly for reccee trip tomorrow. With my back pain and the need to clean my house (since travelholics might be dropping by for Gong Xi Fatt Chai ler kan [part nih besh!])... am technically and honestly KANTOI!

And belum pack lagi pulak tuh... doink Lily!

OK! Need to finish work, go home and pack, transportation coming at 7am to take to airport.

DOINK DOINK DOINK LILY!!! (sambil melukukan kepala sendiri) ARGHHHHHH..... UPSET!

Day 7 | Kansai Airport - Gempak!

2012-01-31T01:50:00.000+08:00

This is what I had for last day breakfast and can you see? That's the camera case that I have purchased.

As usual, in Japan; there are few things that fascinates me.... below are collections of stuff I saw near the hotel and at Kansai Airport. Above is parking for bicycles, machine operated... if we have this in Malaysia, it will be spoiled within a week.

After breakfast, we went back to hotel to get our luggage and get a taxi to Sakai Station for the airport train.

Trolley dolly, mine is the one in green (me favourite colour) and orange for sis (her favourite colour).

Their taxi accepts credit card and comes with GPS.

Otoman menyerang tanpa disedari, mana Sami to the rescue nih?

This is the route to the airport and port. Berapa line dah tuh?

For those going to Osaka, Air Asia located at aisle B, from 1-8.

Otoman nye train. Changgih or not this express train.

We arrived at Kansai Airport, most of the toilets in Japan comes with the specification. Am sharing the interesting stuff I saw at the airport... it was fun going around toying with them.

Baby chair for Sami and Aqilah.

So, that you pants or kain don't get wet and you need not bend down that much.

Sami's & Aqilah's diaper changing table, Sami need not anymore kot.

Mind you, all these are in Kansai Airport, the outside of the washroom indicates amenities available.

This is for disable and needy folks. I thought it was very thoughtful and disable friendly of them.

If you must need to refresh, they do have area for that with norminal fee. The Kid's Space is free if am not mistaken.

Kit Kat options available.

We then need to take a monorail to another gate to reach our flight... I was thinking Icam would love all these train ride.

Till next Japan trip.

Summer in Furano, here we come!

Levain Bakery, Willy Satay & Travelholic Meet-up

2012-01-29T23:41:00.004+08:00

I have back problem since last week, but ever since 3-4 days ago, it has gotten worst, like BIG TIME WORST. Reason being I went for brisk walking (jogging was a harsh word since I can't drag my big f_t boddy to jog, let alone run!) with Wahidah and Bukit Kiara, for those familiar or has been there; would know that the journey uphill is really tough, ie SUPER TOUGH.

I have been to this hill for the longest time and after the walk, we normally pekena yummy Laksa Johor at Santai Restaurant in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (behind KFC). The problem this time is that I woke up late and rush over hence, I did NOT do my usual warm-up. Consequences? Muscle-pull on my back, sakit like crazy! I can barely walk... I was lying down on my back for the last 2-3 days. Jalan pun macam orang mengandung, I can totally dig how Ely must have felt now.

This morning my cousin called me and asked for brunch at Levain Boulangerie & Patiserie (the bungalow behind Jalan Imbi), I said no as I need to fetch my sis for work (despite the back ache) but she proposed something irresistible. She will fetch my sis and me, and send sis to work; we were to then proceed for brunch with her 2 lovely daughters and mummy. I obviously say yes, tak yah drive kan.

We head to Levain Boulangerie & Patisserie and ordered makanan omputeh... but orang melayu nih, mana nak konyang kan... we had earlier plan, we are to check-out my aunt's house under renovation and give some ideas or the colour and "decor"... apa apalah.. so drove to Cheras after that.

Levain Boulangerie & Patisserie Sdn Bhd

No. 7, Jalan Delima

Kuala Lumpur, 55100

Malaysia

Tel:+603 2142 6611

When will Pondok Kenangan be ready... cepat ler... nak buat Family Day nih... mode terkinja kinja?

Then Maira showed me the cake she baked with her friends during her stay-over... John's favourite... Rainbow Cake. Nanti I get my niece to bake for Abang John yek.

Smart kid kan, say a non-baker to a 12yr old kid whom baked, hahaha... I was still main kejar kejar and kaler kaler at this age... masak nasi pun belum tentu... ada sedikit malu disini (or perhaps banyak).

Then, received an sms on "pineapple" & choco cupcake available for me to enjoy... err... susah nak tolak ni...atas sebab orang tak pujuk but pipi ni tersorong sorong; I sms-ed that am interested (ceh wahh...) to receive "the" offer and join her at Willy Satay in Kajang, but driving is a problem. Hemmm.... WhatsApp ler to this Guava Korea Artist guy... ask whether would he mind to give me a ride. He said ok, so off we go makan satay!

Satay Willy

Ramal Medan Selera

Ramal Junction, Sg. Ramal

Kajang

We all stayed there for an hour or two and went home to catch Juara Lagu (blogging for me).

Eh! Who do I owe the dinner just now yek?

Hyperlink credit : Levain Boulangerie & Patisseri

Day 6 | Japan Toys R Us, Baby R Us, Studio Alice

2012-01-28T02:18:00.002+08:00

OK! I know some probably waiting for this entry, so here goes...

This is located in Osaka, 100m from where we stayed ie Best Western Joytel Osaka for a night. Will review the hotel later. This was a last min pick as most hotel was at full house due to the new year... worried that we will not be able to get a room, hence we went ahead to book this.

The minute I saw that Toys R Us is a stone throw away from the hotel, I felt it was god helping... that's it! Toys!! Here we come!

Enjoy the pics yah!

HUGE HUH! A mall on it's own!

I have a colleague's son who absolutely loves Cars.

When I was a kid, I love these big foot car.... cool giler.

Tah dah... TRAIN!

Chawan? Mini car right?

Macho most toy I feel.

This reminded me of 2 person, Raiyan (Maimon's son) and of cause Icam.

Icam?

Chawan?

Gundam? I have the game when I was a kid... during those days in school, Gundam is unheard of... giler advance!

They even sold the monster, I didn't know this. I assume Malaysia pun ada.

Even I didn't know Sami likes Otoman, telepathically I can sense...ceh wahh... ramai dak sedara mara Ultraman?

Kesatria Baja Hitam?

Gaban?

The whole crew...

It comes with human? Seriously?

I always tell my bros that this is moi! Hahhah...

Got this for my bro...

Lihat lar dunia ini!!!! Teka sapa lost ?!!?!?

Day 5 | Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine & Deer In Nara

2012-01-26T23:18:00.012+08:00

OK! I have planned this for the longest... WHY? The background colour is gonna be RED, so; my clothing cannot be of the same colour. VAIN traveler & fashionista (perasan max disini!)... after much thought for many weeks (yeah! when it comes to the clothing, I plan it in my head for weeks prior to the trip. KID YOU NOT!) Decided, white light dawn overcoat...mind all set, mood jek ada kacau.

Anyways...off we go, 2 venues to be covered today.

1. Fushimi Inari Shrine - to see the plenty redTorii Gate

2. Nara - to see them lovely deer

Off we went... I think overall, Japan is kinda an easy country for tourist, just follow the crowd. Hheheheh.... even the locals do their version of Cuti Cuti Japan. So, jangan harap tak da orang on a weekday; DREAM ON!

We walk pass few locally own shops & restaurant that sells Inari, for those INTERESTED to buy FRIDGE MAGNETS; this is the ONLY place I saw (there might be other places, wallahuallam...) that sells Torii Gate magnet with the word KYOTO on it. But unfortunately only 2-4 shops selling it and it is not a plenty, expensive? YES! It's Y380 - Y450 per piece, so memang beli tuk diri sendiri je ler (exhange rate of 4.2 in Dec 2011). So, remember to grab it when you are here, there's only 2 types and only 1 type with the word Kyoto on it, the other only the red Torri Gate. Most magnets are of this price range or even slightly more.

There's not much for me to say aside it's a climb upwards just like Miley Cyrus song hahhaha....

Excerpt from Wikipedia:

Inari is a popular deity with shrines and Buddhist temples located throughout most of Japan. According to a 1985 survey by the National Association of Shinto Shrines, 32,000 shrines — more than one-third of Shinto shrines in Japan — are dedicated to Inari.This number includes only Shinto shrines with full-time resident priests; if small roadside or field shrines, shrines kept in a home or corporate office, smaller shrines without full-time resident priests, and Buddhist temples were included, the number would increase by at least an order of magnitude.

The entrance to an Inari shrine is usually marked by one or more vermilion torii and some statues of kitsune, which are often adorned with red yodarekake (votive bibs) by worshippers out of respect. This red color has come to be identified with Inari, because of the prevalence of its use among Inari shrines and their torii. The main shrine is the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Fushimi, Kyoto, Japan, where the paths up the shrine hill are marked in this fashion.

Before you enter the temple/shrine compound, remember to "ambil wuduk" dulu... Hehhehe.... kidding!

Anyway, you will notice this cat/fox like figure there ie Kitsune. Kitsune from Wikipedia are as below (pemalasnye kan, but I thought this way would be better *wink*).

Kitsune is the Japanese word for fox. Foxes are a common subject of Japanese folklore; in English, kitsune refers to them in this context. Stories depict them as intelligent beings and as possessing magical abilities that increase with their age and wisdom. Foremost among these is the ability to assume human form. While some folktales speak of kitsune employing this ability to trick others—as foxes in folklore often do—other stories portray them as faithful guardians, friends, lovers, and wives.

Foxes and human beings lived close together in ancient Japan; this companionship gave rise to legends about the creatures. Kitsune have become closely associated with Inari, a Shinto kami or spirit, and serve as its messengers. This role has reinforced the fox's supernatural significance. The more tails a kitsune has—they may have as many as nine—the older, wiser, and more powerful it is. Because of their potential power and influence, some people make offerings to them as to a deity.

Chup! Reverse abit... What is Inari right? Since the name is being used in most shrine/temple in Japan. Here you go from Mr. Wikipedia :)

Inari Ōkami is the Japanese kami of fertility, rice, agriculture, foxes, industry and worldly success and one of the principal kami of Shinto. Represented as male, female, or androgynous, Inari is sometimes seen as a collective of three or five individual kami. Inari appears to have been worshipped since the founding of a shrine at Inari Mountain in 711 AD, although some scholars believe that worship started in the late 5th century.

OK! Enough geography and history lesson. Now... food pulak!!

Aku sebatang paku.

Am sure most of you have eaten Inari before in local Japanese Restaurant right? Well.... the food apparently originated from here lar... al-kononnye. How does it look like? Tah dahh... below.

Source google

I don't fancy this so much as it is sweet as compared to other Sushi, so; usual I won't opt for this.

The whole distance is about 2hours hike/walk which covers about 4km. Mommy and daddy, remember your kid's stroller yah! As for me, I bet it will be longer, simply because I will STOP EVERYWHERE to take pics plus terhegeh hegeh tak larat! Hahhahha.... Mind you, this is per-way and going uphill, BE WEARY!

So, what I did was walk up till the 2 doors meet and did a U-turn back as I assume all will look the same and I need to ensure I have enough time to cover Nara kan.

We rushed down to go to our next destination... NARA!

From Wikipedia :

Nara Park is a public park located in the city of Nara, Japan, at the foot of Mount Wakakusa, established in 1880. Administratively, the park is under the control of Nara Prefecture. The park is one of the "Places of Scenic Beauty" designated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). The over 1,200 wild sika deer freely roaming around in the park is also under designation of MEXT, classified as a "Natural Monument." While the official size of the park is about 502 ha, the area including the grounds of Tōdai-ji, Kōfuku-ji and Kasuga Shrine, which are either on the edge or surrounded by Nara Park, is as large as 660 ha.

According to local folklore, deer from this area were considered sacred due to a visit from one of the four gods of Kasuga Shrine, Takenomikazuchi-no-mikoto. He was said to have been invited from Kashima, Ibaraki, and appeared on Mt. Mikasa-yama riding a white deer. From that point, the deer were considered divine and sacred by both Kasuga Shrine and Kōfuku-ji.

Killing one of these sacred deer was a capital offense punishable by death up until 1637, the last recorded date of that law having been enforced.

Post World War II the deer were officially stripped of their sacred/divine status,and were instead designated as National Treasures and are protected as such.

Chup! Officially stripped...? Ish! Sedih ler kan...

The journey took us 1 hour and cost us between Y600 - Y690 depending from where you board the train (I will have an entry on the estimated costing, not to worry). This is our longest and most expensive journey to see some sacred deerSSSSS. Luckily there's no entrance fee (the deer forbid them... Hahhahah... kidding still).

As I mentioned in my teaser entry here on the memories of this place, I will let you enjoy the pics instead (apa nak cite, rusa jek kan... ehehhe...).

Once you reaches JR NARA Station, you will see the Nara Tourism Counter, just ask the person in charge there on how to get to the park. They will advice you to take a loop bus that goes to the 3 temples (temple again...) OR you can jejak bertapak there (walk).

Here's the thing, if you decide to walk, it takes about 1km or so of a very pleasant walk (on a lane ie not road - safe!). Thus, for those who have baby as cute as Aqilah, BRING YOUR STROLLER!! Absolutely NO way you will have the energy to carry your cute baby the distance (slightly uphill too!!!) nor make them walk, mendera baby adalah kesalahan besou!

Once you reached the park area which is SUPER DUPER SUPER DUPER GILER HUGE (thus the convenient of baby stroller here), you will realize that ALL the deers are let lose. And strangely, none that I saw, run to the street nor cross the road despite that there's no wall, fence nor gate! Discipline like the rakyat jelata, impress huh!

You can buy the deer-cookies here (don't bring own human food and feed them, we don't know their diet beside we wouldn't want to harm them right?!) and feed them. You know what is crazy? The minute they hear the sound/smell of food, they will come running and SONDOL-ing you for some/more. Comei ok!

Not only that, they are one of those special breed that OWNS a CAR! Hahhahah....

For more pics on my Kyoto trip, please view it HERE.

For more pics on my Tokyo trip, please view it HERE.

Hyperlink credits : Wikipedia.

Day 4b | The Loft Kyoto - Gadget

2012-01-26T01:10:00.003+08:00

After Arashiyama sightseeing excursion, that evening we decided to venture at nearby mall and shops located about 100m from the guest house. Our mission then was to search for the yummy chocolate and Uniqlo. One thing you need to take note is that the mall and most shops closes at 8PM. This is with exception to Lawson, Family Mart, McDonald, KFC and probably small restaurants.

One mall in particular we fell in love is The Loft in Kyoto.

WHY? Uniqlo is inside (that's one), the gadget area is quirky, the sticker area (no gurl would be able to detach themselves from here), the knick-knacks... so cute, sweet, demure etc etc.

I have posted the same pics in my facebook, so this entry will be for those who missed out on my latest pic upload.

So guys, ogle, droll and wipe your sliver... hehhehhehe..... cos I did the same, but in the shop itself instead!

DSLR , and gurlie too. Awww....

Casing... options options options....

Bought one of this, guess which one was my choice.

Kawada/Lego camera casing...

Strap, fits all need, individual, fashion, trend etc etc etc

I assume this too are casing... anyone reads Japanese?

Lomo...? KEWL!!!

SEE!!!! KAWADA!!!! I have been telling friends and colleague for ages, that my late father bought me a Kawada set, it looks similar to Lego but different material and size (back then, there's no Nano size though). Now I can proof with pictures! FINALLY!

Hyperlink credit : Kawada, The Loft, NexToys

Teaser | My Dear, Nara Deer

2012-01-25T16:17:00.006+08:00

Remembered my late dad's picture here, I know it was in Japan but I was clueless which part or where. My little mind back then think that it must be in Tokyo. Those days we only know the capital of each country, never heard of other township nor prefecture. Thanks to Air Asia & internet and of cause Mr. Google :) now we are smarter!

When I first heard about this park, I knew it was the same one I saw in his pic, but I need to go there and feel for myself and know for sure. The moment I arrived at the entrance, I KNEW this was the place... FINALLY I step foot in a place my dad has been. Now shinkansen ride in autumn (mahai tuh)...

There's a few countries my late dad visited and recommended to me, but for now; let's just do one at a time yek...

And meanwhile, jom enjoy Kyoto....

My New Blogspot Theme/Skin

2012-01-25T03:07:00.009+08:00

I DID IT!!!!

I have finally changed my Blogspot Theme/Skin.... Been trying to do this for almost 2 days with no avail. Finally, today, it took 4 hours or so, ta dah... it was completed (but I forgot to include John in the blogroll pulak....ehehheh Sorry!)

How did I manage to do it this fast?

DANIAL (my nephew) did it for me...

THANK YOU DANNY!

The upah?

Gave him my brand new iPod Nano which I have stored in my gadget box for the pass a year or more. Happy giler!!! (Kan Danny kan...?)

What was the changes which got me super RIAK!!! Even am sure Danny again bosan and pelik looking at his aunt's craziness (this was just being polite.... I seriously think I behaved lagi merapu then what I stated here!)

My HEADER.... matching with my dark grey/orange theme dak?

Check out my LOGO cum BLOG NAME/HEADER....!!! He even did it in/for watermark version... now I need to figure how to use it. Because I am blur and not tech savvy, this was super duper impressive lar kan (rasa nye Danny sure feels "ini kacang putih kot, Uni nih.... sigh...". Tak pa Danny, Uni tetap riak kejap ok!).

Danny, can you do in few colours ie green, red, pink, purple, black/white.... ehhehehe KIASU as usual ler kan! PLEEEEAAASSSEEEE...... (Bayang kan muka Uni cam Puss In Boots tuh.... kesian dak? Hahhahha....)

By the way, I need to highlight this coz I saw John, Biq, Chawanna, Janggel etc etc... having this blogroll at their sidebar; whereby the latest post will be flagged out on the top most list. Am sure that this was the key element (dengar tuh!) that created success(ES) for John to be the #1, #2, & #3 commentor... Dasar jealous, I have gotten Danny to teach me on how to insert this.... Proud giler now ok!!! Move aside John! Hhahahha......

Apparently guys, Danny followed/read some of your blogs before/too, I didn't even know this....hahahha.... popular tuh kite.

Sebab rasa tersangat pandai, I also included those whom I love to read but non-travelholic lar....

Oh yah! For those whom tried to do the same with my blog but the news feed is not reflecting, apparently Teacher John's advice (Janggel sedang MC) is to re-copy my blog link and re-paste into the URL box.

Latest new features to help travelholic will be the TIPS label which encompass tips, things to do in .... and Visa application. Do advice anything else you wish me to label and include yah....

Kesian Danny tak makan sebab he insisted to finish this "job" (umpan iPod tuh), Uni only jamu him Air Longan and Japanese choco yang sedap nak mampus.

Gigih dan tegar, hope time study pun as rajin yek! Anyway, tak pa kan Danny kan; tadi umah Wak, kite dah makan belado, dendeng, sup danging, bubur sumsum berbagai.... Hhehehhe....Nyom nyom...

Luckily we just installed Unifi, so the speed was super fast, and of cause the big monitor helps lor (now I need to find adapter to hook my monitor to notebook lak, makes life so much easier!). Mind the messy room....

By the way, you can check out Danny's blog HERE :)

P/S : Danny nak ikut Uni gi Bangkok? By the way, awat rambut Danny lagi lebat dari rambut Uni, ish!!!!

Day 4a | Winter Breeze in Arashiyama

2012-01-23T02:14:00.006+08:00

Again, we left the guesthouse late (sigh)... today we took the train to Arashiyama, the trip took us 30 mins +. It was pleasant, not that many crowd visiting Arashiyama the day we were there, which fit our plan just fine. It will be a problem if it's too crowded too. Hheheheh....

We took our own sweet time walking and snapping pics at the same time. Do take note that in Japan, you are not encouraged/allowed to speak on the phone out loud in the train (even if you are not on the phone, talking out loud is rude). But you are allowed to eat though, very much different from other countries' train mannerism. But I guess this is to respect public privacy, which I kinda like it.

Once we arrived here, first thing we did was... toilet! Hahhahah....

We check out the surrounding and followed the crowd. Took some pics along the way, noticed that you can rent a bike here too.... ini sudah bagus but obviously not for me lar. You actually do not need to rent seriously, on foot is much better and easier.

Seriously, Arashiyama is an area where everything was done on foot; there nothing much to narrate or explain, it's pretty much scenery all the way. So, enjoy this pic blog entry...

This is the ever so famous Moon Bridge, this bridge was completed in 1934. I think it will look nicer in spring and autumn. Apparently sakura season is the best. I guess Chawanna will snap more and nice pics here, I pray hard.

Saw a man having his lunch... kesian lak... check out the drain... yes! Crystal clear clean drain! Only in JAPAN!

Going to work?

Covered one of the Unesco site - Tenryū Shiseizen-ji Temple. The construction was completed on 1345.... everything here seems old but solid and well taken care of. Hardly see any graffiti, am really impress with their discipline.

You can only smoke at this area despite that it's open ground. Told ya about discipline... believe me now?!

Grave yard.... tak tipu... in the area of tourist sightseeing, temple, gardens, lakes etc...

The famous Segano Bamboo Groove.

One word of caution, a lot of walking here; like really ALOT, wear comfy shoe and look good. For Muslim, food is impossible, please bring some snacks or pack your lunch if you plan to spend along while here. Magnet not easy (alot of shops was close when we were here). We found an fridge magnet in the biggest "tourist" shop facing the Oi River but it was super expensive.

This is the nearest hotel in Kyoto near to train, bazaar, Muslim restaurant, walking distance to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Not sure of the price though.

Raju Restaurant, infront of Best Western Hotel, Halal sign stated outside.

Bread shop next to Raju Restaurant, convenient.

Bazaar is located further down from Raju Restaurant.

Cheap toiletries here! You can see it anywhere, everywhere.

Hyperlink credit : Wikipedia, Japan Guide

Things To Do In Bangkok/Thailand (Part 2)

2012-01-22T17:23:00.015+08:00

Guys, if previous post with same title was created for Janggel, this time it's for the hottest topic during the last gathering - ICAM. Of cause, also to those visiting Bangkok or Thailand soon.

If previous post was on where I have been, this time I will cover those places am yet to visit and has been on my KIV list since forever. So, for those who wants to go and don't mind me joining them; just give me a tinkle *wink*.

1. Bangkok Train Market

I seriously don't know how far is it from Bangkok (watch this video he narrator will advice you - I think) but I don't mind giving it a try. Mind you, it's 2 video (a must watch for both, it can take a while to download)

Excerpt and pic credits from/to : OddCulture, PrimeUrTravel & PixGroove

The Maeklong Railway Market in Thailand is a very curious food market located in the province of Samut Songkhram. Also called Mae Klong Market or Talad Rom Hoop Market (“Talad” is “market”, “Rom” means “umbrella” (awning) and “Hoop” means “pull down”), it’s composed of stalls that are set up right along train tracks selling vegetables and other foods.

Train Market of Thailand (Part 1) - Credit to Arezeo

Train Market of Thailand (Part 2) - Credit to Arezeo

2. Bat Temple

Don't ask me why, I just simply thought it was cool. Hhahhahah... BATMAN!!!

Located at Bat temple, Wat Kao Song Pian - Rachaburi, Thailand. Apparently at about 6 - 6:30pm they will fly from one cave to another (something like that lar). I was told about this by my colleague which intrigues me. Hence.... (pic credit to mccraze)

Bat temple and cave, Thailand - Credit to Ansdeblauwe

3. The Scenery Resort

They use to allow guest to stay overnight (they have few rooms available) but apparently ever since mid last year or so, they are going thru some changes and only allows day trip guest. This is a sad news of cause but still worthwhile to visit.

Not only New Zealand have sheeps okay!! Hehhehe....cute huh! (pic courtesy of TripAdvisor).

4. The Swiss Valley Hip Resort

Read it somewhere that it is near The Scenery Resort, so you can kill 2 birds with 1 stone then. Beautiful huh!

4. Cha-am

Yet to check, but heard oit so much from a friend who work there for 5 years.

Let me research this a bit more. Credit to The Star.

Day 3 | Higashiyama And Kiyomizudera Temple

2012-01-19T09:16:00.007+08:00

First warning, lotsa pics in this entry.

Second warning, pics taken in few mode (mostly nostalgic)

Third warning, I'm cute. HAHAHHAHAH....... Temple = confuse (way too many)

I start walking from the guesthouse at about 2ish in the afternoon, we kinda expected that we will not be able to cover anything much as it will get dark at around 4pm. Earlier on, upon checking in at Khaosan Guesthouse Kyoto, we asked the girl at the front desk on where is the nearest area to cover, and she recommended us Chion-In Temple and nearby it's area as it have no closing time. Looking at the map and direction given, we agreed and start our temple hunting journey.

After walking for 5-10 mins (plus all the stopping at shops around along the street), we reached this bright red coloured temple entrance which I believe is Chion-In Temple.I tried googling for temple name but (no, I didn't take any pic of the temple name as I thought having the map will do, but little that I know....) couldn't find it despite having the map with me NOW by my side.

My pic might look uninteresting but the coverage area is SUPER HUGE and have more to offer, it will take me approximately 3 days and 3 nights to blog about this. Hence, am recommanding you to check out this site to know more. Dasar pemalas dak?

I will upload more pics on my facebook for your viewing over this weekend (that's what I kept reminding meself the last 2-3 weeks). Truthfully I didn't venture the inner area of this site (apahal masuk temple bebanyak, masjid pun tak penah masuk sebanyak ni I pikiq dalam ati. Lebih kurang sudah ler... segan kat Tuhan).

Anyway, sis and me decided to detour and take this small lane on the right side (inside the compound)... because we figure that if we go forward, we will go "deeper" into other temple area and wouldn't be able to turn back before it gets dark. SMART MOVE! I seriously think I am psychic. Will tell you later why I so perasan on this.

Chup! Before that, the street I took to Chion-In Temple passes by a longkang (drain), yeah! This clean clear water is their LONGKANG... whole Malaysia need to be sent to Japan to learn a thing or two on green environment. Giler bersih, my bro kata leh ambek wuduq siap ari bulan.

We took a stroll not knowing where it leads to, all we did was making sure how many right or left turns we made incase there's a need to reverse the route. Oh yah! Not to worry, we make sure we follow the crowd and the lanes are safe and full of people.

My sis tengah feel apa ntah, insisted I took her pic by the wall like that. Hhehehe....

There were few interesting scenery that we passed by, autumn leaves trees leftover (nampak dak!), gated old traditional houses and clean lanes, old Japanese houses. This area is a MUST visit guys.... make you feel you are IN JAPAN. You will be running everywhere wanting to take pics of everything, kid you not.

This whole area of houses and shops are of this nature or feel, really old Edo period. The Edo Period was from 1603-1867 and it reflected the richest time in the history of Feudal Japan. Am sure you have watched the movie or read the book - Memoir of Geisha. I suspected it was shot here in Kyoto, I thought I read this somewhere larr...

No no no no this is not a house that we passed by, it's actually a restaurant... as usual the price for tempura with rice & soups cost slightly more then Y1000. RM42+.

Then we kept on walking, following the crowd of 2-4 people or/and following the lane (always keep to the main lane/street, street-smart rule), not knowing where it'll lead us to again!. Konon konon nak impromptu lerr... Then we saw this beautiful denai going up the hill on our left, you've guessed it...!!! We ran in and start snapping pics like nobody's business. WHY??? Autumn leaves on small denai?!?! How perfect can this be...

Jeng jeng jeng.... this is the Daidokoro-zaka that connects Nene-no-michi road and Kodai-ji. JAKUN with capital J.A.K.U.N. Need I say more?

Once we reached up there, more temple and temple and temple.... ok! Enough temple updates and just check out the map above. And no again, I didn't walk and cover all the temple. If you ever set foot in Kyoto, you will learn and understand the amount of temples there are here (banyak giler), my personal rule is be selective and choose the popular and prominent and have a unique history/structure temple. Like what I say in my visit to Italy, once you see one church, you see them all. You'll tend to get confuse of the temples (nothing against the temple, churches and religion yah! Don't get me wrong).

The consoling part was that (aside from seeing more temples), you get to see the "view (so called) of Kyoto (we think, can't be Hiroshima right?! Hahhahah...)". The sun was almost setting obviously.... apa lagi, tembaaakkkk.... you know I LOVE sunsets right.

Drama dak? I uses nostalgic mode and enhance the pic, this is to give the old yet drama effect. Ceh wahhh.... Seriously, it's not thaaaaat dark actually tau.

Since no where to go, we went down to cover other areas, then we bump into the man-carry rickshaw. We were tempted but the cost.... phew!!!! We don't know actually. Hheehehehehe..... saja bikin gempak.

We walked further and further from out starting point, without the slightest worry despite the daylight is saying goodbye; night time will be greeting us soon, I guess this is the part I LOVE about Japan, the secure and safe feeling it gave us. Sikit pun tak takut. Suddenly, unknowingly.... we arrived....

This really old Japan street with tea houses and souvenir shops, we even saw the locals in kimono dress. Kira cam orang pakai kebaya lama jalan kat Jonker Street gitus... JOM buat!

What area is this?

Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka street, so guys; do whatever it takes; make sure you cover this area if you want to feel the old Japan. Enuff said. My pic sexplain it all.

Then we realised the street move uphill, dah sudah... nak ke mana pulak nih. We have detoured sooo far and sooo much now that it kinda got us worried despite that we still want to follow the crowd. On the other hand, it's getting dark... hemmm...without giving much thought, we proceed with the hike upwards following the crowd, am sure there's a good reason why the crowd is flocking the area right. Pepandai jek!

Tah dah...... we saw this. Hehheh..... time not wasted walking up (with lotsa huff and puff).

We saw this temple, and YES, it was dark already by then. Seriously I think we walked for 2 hours or so covering more then 1km.

To our surprise, we arrived Kiyomizu - dera Temple!! Below excerpt from Japan Guide.

Kiyomizudera (清水寺, literally "Pure Water Temple") is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. It was founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall in the wooded hills east of Kyoto, and derives its name from the fall's pure waters. The temple was originally associated with the Hosso sect, one of the oldest schools within Japanese Buddhism, but formed its own Kita Hosso sect in 1965. In 1994, the temple was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.

Kiyomizudera is best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall, 13 meters above the hillside below. The stage affords visitors a nice view of the numerous cherry and maple trees below that erupt in a sea of color in spring and fall, as well as of the city of Kyoto in the distance. The main hall, which together with the stage was built without the use of nails, houses the temple's primary object of worship, a small statue of the eleven faced, thousand armed Kannon.

Hours : 6:00 to 18:00

Closed : No closing days

Admission : 300 yen

Spring and Fall Illumination

Hours : 18:30 to 21:30

(mid March to mid April and mid November to early December)

Admission : 400 yen

All Maps will be included in next entry.

Things To Do In Bangkok/Thailand (Part 1)

2012-01-16T01:06:00.022+08:00

This entry is dedicated to Janggel and those visiting Bangkok/Thailand soon or near future.

At first, I wanted to share only what I do or normally go to in Bangkok but when I rethink, neh..... just load whatever and wherever I have covered in Thailand that can help Janggel or travelholic out there. Might as well, huh!

Just to set the expectation right, there are STILL plenty of places and things that I wanted to see and do but have yet to cover, WHY? Because, I suppose at every trip to Bangkok, Chiang Mai or any other part I set foot, it was limited days traveling. The longest was close to 1 week. Hemmm.... next time I'll try a 10 days Thailand trip pulak kan.

Accommodation

I guess, first of all; you'll need to know what you want and like to do then only find a hotel located within that vicinity to ensure minimal dollars spend on transportation.

I actually have no favourite place, I actually change hotel at every visit. Yes, HOTEL; half my trip was under company. The one I traveled on my own, I still stayed at hotel because I took Air Asia Go Holiday. Don't get me wrong, there are cheap/reasonable hotel out there. It's individual preference mah... However, the below is where my sis researched and stayed before (Lub d).

Bangkok

Siam Square Area (recommended-visual above) : Lub d Hostel

Khaosan / Wat Area : NapPark Hostel, LoogChoob Hostel, Feung Nakorn Balcony Rooms And Cafe, Baan Dinso Hostel

Silom Area : Silom Lub d Hostel, Saphai Pae Hostel, Smile Society Hostel, Take A Nap Hostel, HQ Hostel,

Phaya Thai / Chatuchak : Udee Hostel

Others : Refill Now Hostel, Just Beds Hostel, Pridi Hostel

Chiang Mai

Anusarn Area : Small Hotel

My recommendation is to stay near Anusarn Night Market area as it is much more convenient (Never stayed in any hostel in Chiang May before this).

There's also few Muslim restaurant there and open air foot massage service for those tired shopaholics.

Environ

Ayuthayya : Baan Lotus

Sukhothai : Lotus Village

If you noticed that, we tend to choose slightly fancy hostel, seriously; just because we travel cheap, doesn't mean our hostel need to look boring right...? *wink*

Sightseeing, things to do in Chiang Mai, Bangkok and environ

What I will be sharing is what I have experience and plan to do here, there are more options for everyone to choose from, the list is bottomless.

Bangkok

Own Experience (hyperlink)

IMAX 3D Movie (Malaysia only have 3D)

City Sightseeing (yet to blog)

Temple Sightseeing (yet to blog)

Chiang Mai

Own Experience (hyperlink)

Flight Of The Gibbon (Flying Fox [where The Amazing Race took place])

Microlight Flight

Cherry Blossom (yet to blog)

Bamboo Rafting (yet to blog)

Jungle Elephant Ride (yet to blog)

Second Hand Bookshop (yet to blog)

Longest Night Market (yet to blog)

Environ

Own Experience (hyperlink)

Sukhothai Historical Park (Day 2)

Chiang Rai (yet to blog)

Golden Triangle (yet to blog)
Sunflower Field Elephant Ride
Day Trip to Pattaya
Ancient Kingdom of Ayutthaya

That's about it so far, I will blog about the rest once am done with Osaka/Kyoto. I haven't even blog about Perth, Shanghai, Orlando, Vietnam... etc etc... goodness gracious. Insyaallah soon.

Next will also be where and what I plan to cover in Bangkok/Thailand.

Teaser | Arashiyama Panorama

2012-01-15T01:41:00.004+08:00

Couple in traditional clothes that we bumped into. Sweet huh!

Leftover autumn leaves.

The whole area or at least majority of the temple is a UNESCO site.

Awww.....

Day 2c | USJ - When Kitty meet Snoopy (Cute to Death!!!)

2012-01-13T00:39:00.003+08:00

Hahhahah...... Kid you not. If you hate cute stuff, this will be over-does-death-by-cuteness entry. But I suggest you to browse thru as this are the things you will see in Universal Studios Japan. Betul!!!!!

This will be a pic entry... nak comment apa sangat kan.

Do you think the people inside feels hot? Hahahah.... One thing I have to admit, they are full of characters.

This is actually a frame and fridge magnet but mahai giler... my sis bought this.

This is what I bought for USS trip at Osaka City Walk... Osaka is written at the bottom.

For more pic, please click HERE.

Day 2b | Universal Studios Japan (USJ) & Hotel on Osaka City Walk

2012-01-10T23:20:00.001+08:00

Been sleeping early everyday (11pm is NOT that early LILY!). Hence, the stagnant of this entry. Let's start!

The shuttle bus from where we stayed have 1 pick-up service to and fro ie 8:30am & 9:30pm respectively. Of course it doesn't come free despite we are the hotel guests (sigh... Eh! Line Chawan kan kan). The cost is Y5000/RM20 per trip, agak mahal lar....but to take a train on a morning working day is almost suicidal in Japan. After a lot of consideration (a kelecehan yang akan di terjah), we decided it's okay lar to take the shuttle. Journey was about 20-30mins with the heavy morning traffic.

Since we arrive at around 9am, the park is empty... well, ALMOST EMPTY! Memang gempak lar sebab, we felt as if we were so rich that we made USJ close it JUST for us. Hahhahah.... this is what we say, perasan MAXIMUS PRIME baik punya.

So, if those coming here to USJ or USS (wink wink), make sure you go in early yah.

We walked with no pedoman in life hahhahha.... (guidance), mainly because we were too excited and wanted to go with the flow (konon!). Bad move! Anyway, we were snapping photos like there's no tomorrow, testing alllllll camera functions (you guessed it right, I am using a compact cam - dasar pemalas!). Very old-skool huh this pic!

CHUP! Guess what we bump into?

Tah dah..... Spiderman!!! Don't worry, it's not real! It's an "it". Okay! Tak kan ler mamat tuh dok upside down berjam jam, get real guys! Kesian wor... But we all cam jakun jek masa tuh, ingat kan betul. Tipah tertipu tertipu tetipah! Ceh!

OK! You must try this ride!!! MUST MUST!!!! You will regret if don't.

As usual, toilet is a must go. Why the pic? Wanted to show Chawanna and Ely that they have babysit attached. Hhahahahha... COMEI!!!

Once I was done with my "small business", I heard loud noises and saw people rushing out from toilet. I too kepoh lar and did the same (not wanting to miss anything, ANYTHING!).

SURPRISE!!!

Tah dahhh!!!! Parade!

I kept hoping my sis & Anna would come out in time and enjoy the parade but they took soooooo long. You know what???? They came out the moment the parade ended. Apparently they heard the noise and the rush BUT they decided to WAIT for me in the toilet. WHAT??????? JUJUR NYE! Of all the time.... DUH!

I told them, I MUST MUST MUST go to the Back To The Future ride area to buy a car, obviously they go like "HUH?!?!?!", "Ada orang nak" I said (malas nak explain). Senang giler nak jumpa BUT, there was so many option aside from the one Cawan wanted... "Yang mana lak ni, should I pandai pandai or ikut instruction!??!". This time around, I JUJUR! Hahhahah.... Bought the unit Cawan wanted. But still lupa nama kete! AGAIN!!!

Cawan, what's the car name? (Cam tak leh google but tengah malas leh),

Jalan again.... suddenly we felt it was raining.... what a way to spoil the day huh! BUUUUUUUUUT..... it actually snowed!!!! Not rain!

For a brief 1-2 mins.... bikin gempak jek... kesian my sis. Hhehehehe.... bukan rejeki!

Not only the snow stopped but the sun decide to come out again and smile.... ek elllaaa..... Tak pa tak pa.... jalan jek.... blessing.

This is amazing as I didn't see this when I was in Universal Studios LA nor Singapore's, basically.... "dinosaur having a stroll" around the Jurassic Park area.... got us wondered, human inside? or mechanical? or.... momok? Hahhahahah.... Rasa in USS ada dak? Dulu tak ada...

As usual, ini is a kemestian. Apa ntah nama dia... churros kot.

Anna spotted a show airing at 3:30pm, so we plan our route accordingly to make sure we do not miss this. Ok lar... biasa biasa ajek, but what impresses me most is the below pic.

No safety net or wired support. GILER APA!?!?

This too, Ely & Chawanna... parking bay for stroller. Changgih tuh!

So you all know, we do play some of the rides, not all lar though. Sebab some we have tried in other countries plus Jurassic Park rides will get us soaking wet. Errrr.... so not a good idea in cold weather and foreign land. Sakit nanti seksa jiwa raga.

The good rides will be Spiderman & Jurassic Park, and another one will be mentioned below. Hehhehe...

By this time, it's getting dark and we almost complete the whole park/area.

This was the one I mentioned earlier, Hollywood Dream, my sis took a ride on this. She loves it, rollercoster freak she is. Look nicer at night. This game is the first one from the entrance, hard to miss it. Yes, ada somersault and all.

Semua poser poser belaka.

My sis searching for souvenirs.... apa lagi nak tuh!

I tried this at Disneys and Universal Studios... we all thought we rather give this a pass, lebih kurang jek semua. Bunyi eksen dak? Hhehehe...

Elmo characters for those trying hard to remember.

Balik ler apa lagi... penat wooh...

CHUP! Continued with The City Walk outside USJ, it's similar to the one in LA. However, the one in Singapore looks very different. It's row of shops & a HRC. No big deal lar...

Tak beli pun...... Japan HRC is very expensive.

This hotel is really outside USJ on Osaka City Walk, don't know the price. Please google it yah. One word - CONVENIENT!

This too, few pintu down. Hhahhahah....

Next to them (not directly of course), anime shop.... I pun kepoh skali. They have almost everything and anything! Man/boys/MALE would love it here.

Dah cukup! BALIK! (Out of cash too).

USJ URL HERE

For more pics, please visit HERE

Travelholic. Ke"Murni"an

2012-01-07T22:50:00.007+08:00

Been discussing and we settle on 5 cars. Siap bawak kete lagi, I want the Le Mans!!!! Not Leman! Ada yang jeles kang, like Icam say - awek! Hhahahha....

At the same time, eating eating, munching munching, talking talking.... ie isi minyak in car term.

Err... whose bread was this again?

"Even the thunder knows when to stop" that's what my late uncle (I call him Papa) always say if us families chit chat non-stop.

Once finalised the details, we balik lar. So I decided to go to office to clear some work. Then I figure why not I go for reflexology before heading for seafood dinner with Grace.

As he presses and massages my leg, I scream and whine; so you know how bad my internal organs are... bladder, neck, head, segala gala nye lar..... Ish! Dang!

After that, I got a call from Grace that her car something is spoil and need to cancel our dinner and send straight to a workshop in Cheras. Arghh....Sigh.

Since I was in SS2, without hesitation I decide to proceed having lone ranger dinner of Loh Shih Fan at Murni Restaurant.

Ako, check out Chicken Napolean... The Nasi Goreng version is with this chicken lor *wink*

And the drinks?? As changgih as the dish.

How does these drinks look like? Tah dah..... below...

What did I order?

Loh Shih Fan...

To go along with watermelon special drink.... SODAP!

Day 1 & 2a | Osaka Arrival and USJ Intro

2012-01-06T09:23:00.010+08:00

So you see, am combining Day 1 & Day 2 for a very simple reason, despite that we flew off at 8ish morning on 26 December, we actually arrived kinda late ie at 3ish evening... well, close to 4 in fact. Taking into the fact that the luggage, the immigration, the finding out how to get to hotel etc... YUP! We kinda left the airport around 4ish or so. ANNNNNNND..... that's not it, the daylight ends at..... jeng jeng jeng (ala ala drum roll)...... 4ish too. You heard me right, 4PM!!!! (Bukan 2PM cam band Korea tuh tau!).

It look superbly dark (take note of the word "SUPERBLY") out side, we know that we will lose 1 day traveling (due to winter mah, daylight SHORTER). Thus, for those going there soon on the same AA flight... plan well on day of arrival yah!

I told a couple of you guys (or perhaps only Chawanna cos they will be going in the near period) that for this trip, I intend to plan it LOSE. No timing, pre-booking etc, no nothing; we just go with the flow. Nama pun holiday kan kan kan.... Actually, there's a reason why I plan it in such, but can't pen it down, I kan cercite verbally jek.

Here's my rough itinerary (shopping will take place celah celah bedah during the daysss [teringin nak guna Biq nye line]) :

Day 1 : Arrival Osaka

Day 2 : Universal Studios Japan (my sis will mangok if I skip this)

Day 3 : Depart to Kyoto & Sightseeing

Day 4 : Arashiyama

Day 5 : Fushimi Inari & Nara

Day 6 : Depart to Kyoto & shopping

Day 7 : Depart from Osaka (balik Malaysia ler tuh)

Few things I did not get myself prepared, simply because this too was a very last minute trip and also because I did not travel with my usual travel partner kot, mood agak terjejas. Hence, the modus operandi has to be tweaked ler obviously.

First, Osaka.... Osaka in my view is an INDUSTRIAL or PORT town ie cam Port Klang or perhaps Penang (minus the sites and foods). So, agak bosan for me.... asyik nampak serombong asap jek... the high rise can be seen in town itself but it wasn't the same feel as Tokyo though. So, obviously Tokyo will win hands down ler kan kan kan... to me that is.

We arrived at Osaka Station yang nala punya besau, KL Sentral tuh kira child play jek, bear in mind that we arrive on the land platform, not knowing how many stories there is further underground. But, what we saw is that Isetan, Uniqlo and a Mall is in this building. Train track berjimba jimba you, first thing that ran in my mind - ICAM & RAIYAN (anak Maimon, case suka choo choo nih). It was a facinating sight EVEN if you are not into train, sumpah tak tipu.

Over description on top lak, sowweee....

Osaka's train & exit direction was very detailed, they even put it on pillers (this doesn't happen in all station yah, so keep the expectation right *wink*). I think because of the station scale thus the thorough and overcommunicated info. Baguis ler kan tuk traveler cam kite nih.

Screen detail? In Japanese obviously, it DOES change to English but not THAT detail, will do for common travelers. I believe we are smart enough to gauge and interpret kan. Hahhahaha perasan tuh...

This impresses me kay, the lines indicate where for you to stand, so jangan pandai pandai nak diri luar dari line. Depa discipline giler. Don't ask me what the direction on the floor means, am clueless as well but I assume suruh kite line up ler kot. Hahhaah....

Train map will be included in next entry yah.

OK! Our hotel indicated that it is located near the bay area. Agak riak masa dapat tau, Oh yah! my accommodation on the first 2 nights in Osaka was courtesy of Anna - my old travel buddy. She was claiming her loyalty card points, meaning memang FREE ler kan kan kan.... Muahhaha.... am sooo sayang-ed, jangan jeles. Keh keh keh....

So, this is the view from hotel, boring kan? The blurred building is a mall, a small-boring-nothing-inside-close-at-8pm MALL!!!

But since god gave us rejeki, jangan complain, redho jek. Hhehehhe.... ayat cover line takut tuhan mawah!

The great thing about this hotel is that they are affiliated with USJ, meaniiiiiiiiing....... I can buy the USJ tix at the business centre!!!! PERFECTO MUNDO!

Tix cost are as below (so far, I noticed there's no online purchase) :

1 Day/Studio Pass - 6200Yen (A), 4100Yen (C), 5500Yen (S)

2 Day/Studio Pass - 10700Yen (A), 7200Yen (C)

1.5 Day/Twilight & Day Pass - 8200 (A), 6100 (C)

This is a building next to our's, wallahullam apa dia but I was bored while waiting for the shuttle bus to take us to USJ, soooo... snappy snap ler kan.

This is my shuttle, okay lar. Gambar ekcelli nak tunjuk rambut baru with a bang. SHE BANG! SHE BANG! Ricky Martin yo! Lepas nih, rambut sure berselerak, biasa ler, cantek masa pagi jek lepas tuh - *berdengus*. Hahhahaha......

We passed by this building, siap nak bangun dah nih sebab ingat dah sampai; maklum ler excited kan... rupa nye bukan... CIS! tipah tertipu! You wanna know what this is? HOTEL!!!! Abit rundown as we got closer, but it is near USJ ler kan.

Hotel nearer to USJ akan di khabor kan in next entry.

REACHED! Ntah apa ler depa promote nih...

Hello Kitty in USJ okay! The only one in da world!!

Eh! Snoopy tuh... they all in USJ PLUS Sesame Street! Yang kat US ada Simpsons & Dora if not mistaken. I haven't blog about USLA pun... pemalas nye....

Next entry on USJ over the weekend kot, will be on what to buy, see, rides and shows.

As well as Universal City Walk and hotel nearest to it.

Teaser | Fushimi Inari - Red Torri Gate

2012-01-05T09:33:00.002+08:00

I shall tempt you with TEASERS, hehehhe...

Twin peaks (gates) ?

Every pic I see is of inside, so I decided I must, must, must take the outer instead to create a different. Am lucky the sun is shining bright thus the red gate pic can be beautifully taken. Thank you god.

Teaser : Captivating Kyoto

Teaser : Universal Studios Japan (USJ)

Teaser | Captivating Kyoto

2012-01-04T11:30:00.004+08:00

Bump into some Geisha (we think).

The last autumn leaves we saw.

Passing by Edo period street.

Am still sorting my pics, will select a few as teaser; download some maps to help travelers and do estimate costing as guidance. Mark this page and keep a look out, I will try to post every alternate day and upload my facebook for viewing pleasure.

Misi Tak Mustahil : Hantu BerProtokol

2012-01-02T19:27:00.003+08:00

Entry nih lawak badoh giler merepek, if tak da sense of humour, baik jangan terus kan membaca. Else sure nyampah kat I nyeee.... Muahhahah.....

How this started was while driving home today lepas makan kat Sambal Hijau Sg. Penchala (mode rindu makan Mesia during travel as usual, lepas nih roti canai lak), obviously I did massage as well as my Baskin Robbins treat ler kan, else rasa tak lengkap sesi makan. OK, over melalut lak.

Masalah nye hak ni hah..... As I was driving home, nampak advert on those screen board on MI : Ghost Protocol; of WHICH alot of my FB friends has been updating status on this movie. Wonder best ke dak... since thriller dia cam best giler plus the movie title yang sungguh memberangsang kan!

Then it strikes me, how in the world will the people translate this movie title... Hantu Yang BerProtokol?!?!?!

I burst out laughing masa cakap ngan adek dalam kereta.

"Amboi, berhemah sungguh hantu hantu nih..." Hahhaha.... sambung ketawa, tobat kete sebelah ingat I nih saiko sebab dok ketawa kuat kuat sambil tepuk tepuk steering kereta. Chup! Motor sebelah actually turned his heard, ane tuh sure leh dengar I dok ketawa ngilai ngilai (nama cite pun Hantu BerProtokol, hantu tuh dah betul, bab ngilai tuh cam tak da protokol lak.... bawak bertenang Cik Bulan-Ku oooi! Sigh.... Hihihiiiii....)

Sambung lagi (jangan ingat I am done with it, bab lawak nih; I sejibik cam arwah my dad). "Adek, kot kot hantu tuh bila nak cross jalan or lawan lawan nanti, dia akan mintak permission nak lalu or nak lawan, submit form nak perang etc.. kene ada protokol ler kan kan kan" Lagi kuat I ketawa, adek I yang dok control macho sebab bosan tengok kakak dia merapu pun tersengeh. YEAY! I made her smile, I siap suruh dia letak dalam FB and tanya kawan kawan dia nye opinion. Dalam ati dia [adek I] berkata kata "Uni aku buat hal dah... this will be on going for hours or even for few days". She knows me so well *smile*.

Ada sapa sapa dah tengok cite nih? Kabor kan ler.. I curious nih. Hhehehhe.....

Have you seen bad or worst Malay translation?

By the way, how do you translate - Action Comedy? My brother slalu gets upset with how this being translated!

Hahhahahha.... Cepat jawab!!! *wink*

P/S : What a way to start my first entry of the year, but tak pa... I start it with loud bom bang joke. Semoga my 2012 will be happy happy jolly jolly trolley dolly!

Lepas nih, I upload gambo Kyoto yek....

Bulan-Ku @ Mai-mon in Paksa Rela 2011

2011-12-30T23:41:00.000+08:00

Nih keje giler, so far memang sahih sahih tak penah buat entry opening or closing of any year. New year pun I tak celebrate, selalunye tito sambil di-iringi oleh dengkuran sendri sendri (sambil 3 ekor kucing memerhati dengan pelik nye).

Akan tetapi..... jeng jeng jeng...., kali ni lain skeeeet, baru kenal ramai blogger baru - Rodiah bersama partner nye Hamid, Fattimatunzaharah, Leman Yusop, Aaron@Harun, Cik Aloyah, Osman, Cik Puan Lela Manja, Mutalib@Ghafur, Rofe'ah Kutip (punya malas nak type, siap copy/paste dari Chawanna nye blog, tak authentic langsuang - nama sendri pun almost nak copy/paste gak, cam bodoh boleh?!), tengok depa nye entry cam best lak; ala ala kekonon nak turut serta berduet (or berboria reramai) in this trending but cam payah jek nak crack THE brain for ideas; lagi krek otak nih (short circuit) ada ler.

Pikiq punya pikiq, memula nak buat cam si polan nye entry, then si minah tuh kot, then cam si dia nih lah... ish! ish! Nak bertolak ansuq ngan kepala sendri memang tersangat ler payah nye. At the end, entry ngek ngok nih jek ler noh...nasib ler korang. Nih pun dok pikiq gambar apa nak letak (lagi satu masalah pulak doh!!!). Hemm... susah susah, gambar-less ler jawabnye. CHUP!!!! Yang best nye, si Icam pun ada this trending entry.... ARGHHH!!!!!! Pressured!

But one thing for sure ler kan, I suka sangat meeting all the folks yang not only shared the same passion but also sekepala. Seriously, even I nih ENVY kat DIRI I!

Bulan-Ku, sila JANGAN jealous terhadap Mai-mon OKAY!

I tak sabo sabo tunggu Redang & USS (dah siap pikiq nak pakai baju apa, DRAMA dak?!)

Pendek kan cite, this year I took up regional job (Asia Pacific konon ler) dengan harapan nusa & bangsa tuk menerjah negeri lain (ie mencapai 47 negara(s)); but punya ler sebok memanjang, tak dapat ler travel under company (nak bernapas dalam lompoq pun payah masa nih, bab cuti tuh kirim salam awal awal ler). Cuma gi Hong Kong & Japan as hadiah MVP jek...

Atas dasar stress yang tak terhingga, I return back to country role! Hasil nye, dengan serta merta cabut gi Greece & Romania (jakun lama tak travel kan), for a travelholic - kompem penyeksaan masa tuh sebab tak leh jengjalan!

Skarang lak, sebab kesian kat adek plus nak maximise cuti wajib nih, angkut bag again gi Japan, cuma kali nih Kyoto & Osaka. Nanti kan entry I yek yek yek.... tunggu tauuu...

Next year nye plan ADALAH.....

UNTUK TAK ADA PLAN!!!!

Changgih manggih dak!!!

Psst : Sebenar nye sebab tak da duit dah and nak cari kaki gi Taiwan & Xian.