Category Archives: Travel

Happy Moment We Had @ Colmar Tropicale, Bukit Tinggi

Having thoughts of traveling together stuck in our mind every now and then. Perhaps it was because of the past memories we had in Taiwan 2010 which was indeed a memorable one. I can still remember how we made lame jokes, laughs, munching non-stop from one point to another. Was really fun and enjoying trip we traveled together. Though we do not meet nor speak to each other often, we made effort to meet occasionally. (few months once??)

This round, we decided to go for a short trip. A 2D/1N at Colmar Tropicale, Berjaya Hills located at Bukit Tinggi. If you are traveling from KL, its just 45 minutes drive. We thought this could be a good choice since it do not require long hours journey. Moreover it would be a good experience to Yew Kong & Wanyi…ya…their 1st time there.

“Relish in century old Alsace charm at this French-themed resort, settled at 2,700 feet above sea-level amidst 80 acres of rainforests.”

We SO look forward to this trip. Wanyi who is now temporary residing in Singapore made the effort traveling back to KL and was happily waiting for the day to come. All 6 of us; Mel, Alex, Ashley, Andrew, Wanyi & Yew Kong checked in at 2pm.

Superior Suite

We booked the room from its website a month earlier in order to enjoy discount up to 25%. All rooms are quaintly French and fully equipped with modern facilities. We were surprised with the spacious, clean & comfy room.

Where is my Prince?? Ain’t it look like castle?

External Facade

I just don’t understand…we’ve climbed so high….yet I do not feel any breeze or cold at all ler….why ar??

The French Theme Village. I was quite impressed that they actually maintain the place well. This was my 3rd time there. My very first visit there was with Alex at year 2007.

Red Carriage…and where are the white horses?

After struggling up the winding and narrow road to the hill, we finally reached  the main entrance!

I climbed up to enjoy the full view. Ops..did I say climbed up? Nah…I’m just too lazy…just use the elevator!

Wanyi, Myself & Ashley

This was so funny! Wanyi said, looks like they were in a football match! Hahaha..

The Square – Facade at Night

Well, nothing much we can do at night. You may choose to watch the short stage performance, Foot reflexology(quite expensive), or game room. However we chose to have long hours dinner and talk rubbish at the same time ^^.

Other attractions includes Japanese Village & Rabbit Park

Japanese Tea House & Koi Pond

Ryo Zan Tei at Japanese Village

Cutie Rabbit at Rabbit Park…look just like soft toy! The fur is smooth & soft.

An entrance fee of RM3 is required upon entry.

The gorgeous yet arrogant peacock at Rabbit Park

huhuhu…Happy Moment has come to an end. Such a coincident that Friendship day falls on August 7…Therefore…I’m wishing you guy “HAPPY FRIENDSHIP DAY!!” Lets toast for our friendship….. 🙂

See you guys again…….

“If you do not wish to stay overnight, all you have to do is just pay an entrance fee of RM12. However, be prepare to spend on the food. That’s because the food & beverage here are quite pricey. A good place to relax and spending a night will be good enough. Other than sight seeing, nothing much you can do there.”

For complete set of photos; please CLICK HERE.

Colmar Tropicale, Berjaya Hills – Malaysia
KM48, Persimpangan Bertingkat Lebuhraya Karak
28750 Bukit Tinggi, Bentong, Pahang
Malaysia
  • Tel : + 60 (9) 288 8888
  • Fax : + 60 (9) 288 3333

Website


a short getaway……..2D/1N@Avillion Admiral Cove

In conjunction to our anniversary and with a minimal budget; we decided to choose Avillion Admiral Cove as our destination of a short getaway! Avillion Admiral Cove is located at Port Dickson, which is just approximate 30 minutes drive from my home (I can save travel expenses too…).

*If you would like to head to PD town, you will need to drive for about 15 minutes.

My planned iternary of the day. Looks kiddie..but cute right?? ^^

The crowded lobby. Duno why so many people chose to go on the same day =_=

View from lobby

The grand stairway

The room check-in was done quick. May be because I’ve already made my payment when I booked the room through PYO Travel website.

I booked a Superior Room for RM220 (inclusive of breakfast for 2). It could be that I did not inform them much earlier that I wanted a big bed. Therefore I was given the room with 2 single beds. In resultant of that; Alex pushed both beds together.

The Bathroom – Standing Shower Area.

I wasn’t too sure how come the toilet area stinks alil. There could be a hidden area which was uncleaned *yuckiieeee*

This area looks like an office to me ^^

A small sofa for you to watch TV

Well….I switched it to ‘timer’ with ‘continuous shot’ for the photos above…

(wahh…now I realized that our shirt color matches the sofa lerr….)

Left side view from our room’s balcony.

The marina view

Kids Pool

Adult Pool

Seeing the pool, plus with the hot weather, I felt like jumping into the pool immediately!

Only reveals the back…..

Hand in hand we walk together…Till when? I hope is forever!

From the hotel main entrance, walk about 5 minutes to the private beach.

hehehe….stole a snapshot of the sand castle did by a little gal

We had fun with our shadows! =p

Over here, you may rent a bicycle. RM15 per hour (if I’m not mistaken)

Mel at Art Space

They do serves good breakfast….

Review :  The Superior Rooms are located at ‘View Wing’ (which is the one room that I shared photos here). The furniture seems to be alil old. If to be given a chance to stay again; I think I will choose Deluxe Room located at ‘Vista Wing’ which is much newer. Facility wise; if the pool table would to have more than 1; that would be better. heheh….

*stay tune on my next post about Buffet Dinner at Trader’s Food Shop*

Avillion Admiral Cove

5 1/2 Mile, Jalan Pantai 71050 Port Dickson Negeri Sembilan.

Tel: 06-6470888 Fax: 06-6482444

Website

Snorkeling at Pulau Payar Marine Park (My Memorable Experience)

During my Langkawi trip, there were several packages offered by the local agencies once we stepped into the airport. E.g; Island Tour, Mangrove Tour/Geopark Cruise,  Island Hopping, Yachting/ Fishing Trip and Pulau Payar Marine Park (Snorkeling). Each comes with different price of course.

However, we decided to get the package of Pulau Payar Marine Park (Snorkeling). After some price negotiation, we were offered at the price of RM115/ person (actual price shown = RM200/person). See….there’s always PROs when you are in a big group. You can nego for a better price.

Pulau Payar Marine Park (Snorkeling) package consist of return transfer, snorkeling gears, life jacket, packed lunch, free PA coverage, air conditioned catamaran. From beginning to the end of the journey + snorkeling duration is 6 hours.

Floating Reef Platform

Floating Reef Platform is designed for those who does not want to wet their bodies but still want to enjoy the marine life here. It is a platform called Coral Langkawi which is moored off Pulau Payar. Measuring 49 m by 15 m, you will have to book a package tour in order to have the privilege of using it. It has a tunnel shape chamber at the bottom of the platform 10 feet below the sea. There are also boats which have glass bottom for you to see the marine life and corals as you move along the coral gardens. This platform is also equipped with a snack bar, a dining area and a sunbathing area. (Price shown = RM320/person)

I got very excited as our boat approaches the beach we were designated to. It was my first encounter on clean & clear sea water.

Aren’t these views are beautiful??

When I saw these school of fishes under the clear water, I got even more excited. Like a small kid* Can’t wait to dive in.

whatcha think about my new beach dress? ^^ (BEFORE)

a short briefing was given

(AFTER) I’m all ready!

Alex; ready with his gears too

Chung, Alex, Myself & Jiaqi

Attracted so many fishes by just some pieces of biscuit crumbs I brought. Initially the packet of biscuit was for myself, but it ended up, used to feed the fishes. In another word, to bait the fish! *giggles*

Baby Shark feeding was a memorable experience to me too. You can actually see some baby sharks swim pass you while you were snorkeling.

The packed lunch that was provided –  what’s more you can expect.

It wouldn’t be more fun without a group of friends.

At that moment; I really wish I had this camera with me. No doubt my DSLR can do wonders. But when it comes to water stuff, its a NO NO. Unless I get a waterproof camera case.

**now, I’m looking forward to go for another sun & sea – wish wish**


Langkawi Cable Car

I must say, if you are planning to go Langkawi, this Langkawi Cable Car ride is really worth visiting! Because, over here you can enjoy spectacular views of Langkawi island. The price per entry is at RM30.

Perhaps; here are some brief info about this place.

Langkawi cable car is located on the southwest coast of Langkawi island. There are 3 stations along the cable car line, i.e. Base, Middle and Top Station. The cable car ride will bring you all the way up to about 708 meters above sea level. This journey covers a total distance of 2.2 km linking the Base Station at the foothill of Machinchang mountain to Top Station at the mountain summit.

During the cable car ride, you can really enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding lush green rainforests, the Telaga Tujuh waterfall, the ocean and some of the pristine islands that make up the Langkawi Island cluster. As you approach the Middle Station, look out for the unique rock formations which dated back to about 450 million years old.

From the Top Station, which stands at 708m above sea level – holds two viewing platforms that allows for an amazing view that goes right up to southern Thailand. If you want to get a birds eye view of the whole island and enjoy the very best scenery that Langkawi island could offer then the cable car is the place that you must visit.

What amazed me the most, was the Curve Hanging Bridge
(Latest attraction at Langkawi Cable Car is a 125m curve platform, pedestrian bridge across a deep chasm linking Top Station with Machincang mountain range. Open to public on 27th February 2005. It won a few recognition awards for this incredible design.
)

It was an eye opening experience to me.  I felt proud to the person whom actually designs the bridge and also the workers who’ve constructed it. It was a tough job I suppose. **salutes**

at the entrance

the breathtaking view from cable car

a cheeky pose of me with Alex

this shot was taken at mid platform (@652.5 Meter Above Sea Level)

the opposite view of Curve Hanging Bridge

top view

To get across to the Curve Hanging Bridge, you will have to climb some steps.(for about 10 minutes). Warn you, these steps are quite steep and the risers of each steps are quite high too.

Alex & Me

*the satisfaction look of me* so difficult to reach here..must take lotsa photos

Please visit the website for more details—> LANGKAWI CABLE CAR

I’m Back!!! ~from Langkawi

Hey peeps…I’m back from my short vacation of sun and sea.

It was a trip with a group of friends. I would say its pretty easy to move about in Langkawi island. Despite I may suggest you to rent a car/ van. The price aren’t too expensive either. We had a total of 9 members in our group. Therefore we rented a van (with 12 seaters) with the price of RM360 for 4 days. You may easily rent one from the airport. Moreover the van was in good condition and quite new too. Sadly we did not cover much places of attraction due to the unplanned daily iternary. *lesson to learn*

Well; I guess having fun and enjoy the entire trip is more important right?? (trying to console myself).


Day 1

– Arrived airport by noon.

– Laman Padi

-Underwater World Langkawi (RM28/ entry for Malaysians, RM38 for non-Malaysians) – worth visiting!

– Dataran Helang (Langkawi’s trademark. Must visit)

– Dinner

– Pasar Malam(Night Market) at Kuah Town. (a lousy night market)

Day 2

– Durian Perangin Waterfall (prepare yourself with a proper shoe to climb)

– Langkawi Cable Car (MUST VISIT! prepare yourself for another climbing too).

– Pantai Cenang (for watersport. eg: Banana Boat, Parasailing, Water Scooters. You may also bargain for the best price)

– Awana Porto Malai (sight seeing & dinner)

Day 3

Pulau Payar Marine Park Snorkeling Trip (RM115/ person – 6 hours)

– Jetty Point (nothing to buy here. can skip!)

-Shop for best price chocolates at TEOW SOON HUAT Duty Free Supermarket.

– Dinner

Day 4

-Fly back to KL. Say bye bye to Langkawi.

**You may also look for other interesting places in Langkawi HERE***

I Had a Great Time@Genting Highland

Its a long weekend. Due to the public holiday celebrating Deepavali.

Therefore I planned a family trip to Genting. Couldn’t recall when was my last visit. Few years back?? I think so. Dad made the room reservations. Unfortunately sis called up & said she couldn’t join us. What a disappointed call 😦

**Due to ” SELFISHNESS OF SOMEBODY”!! :@

 

Had our breakfast cum lunch & departed from Seremban at about 11.40am and arrived safely at the peak at about 2pm. As we reached the peak; we saw several cars broke down & cars were moving bumper to bumper.

 

Its so difficult to get a car park even if you are staying in the hotel. ITS ALL FULL! Anyway; we got our car parked & check in our luggage into our room. The room is spacious and has a comfy bed! Heard that they have just undergone a renovation.

Deluxe Room of Resort Hotel

 

From Resort Hotel; we walked to First World Plaza through the link way about 10 minutes apart. Had our brunch at Coffee Bean. It was quite crowded there. Everywhere we walk….there’s just *people mountain people sea*. At about 4pm we walked to the outdoor theme park which is just 1 floor below. What I like most; is the weather is very cooling & breezy. The temperature was at 19 degree. I hardly sweat. Isn’t that nice? 😉

 

In First World Plaza

 

First World Indoor Rides

 

Some portraits taken by Alex

 

Ticket to Outdoor Theme Park at RM40/person

 

The entrance pass covers all the outdoor rides. All you have to do is just queue. We skipped most of it because of the long queue.

Monorail

 

Boating

 

Antique Car

 

Flying Coaster

 

Space Shot

 

Matahari

 

Grand Prix Fun Kart

 

Dinosaurland

 

Tunnel to the Land of Dinosaurs

 

 

An Overview of Outdoor Theme Park

 

It was about 6.30pm by then. We headed back to First World Plaza for our dinner (next post). Had a nice dinner and got ready for the next schedule. GLITZ!! A Performance by several well known people; Charles Bach (Award Winning Magician from USA), The Mystical Grace of The Huachen Acrobatic Group and Daria Pushankina (Sand Animation Artist from Ukraine). What inspires me the most is the sand animation! She actually can make several arts or figures using sand. She even can do several images of our beloved Michael Jackson.


Phew….back to room, took a bath and went to the casino to try our luck.

CHEH!! Made me lost money…..How I wish I can print money 😀

There goes a tiring day. Am I getting old? As I gets tired fast now…. *sigh*

A Day Trip to MELAKA (Part 2)

[cont. from previous post…]

4) MENARA TAMING SARI

We walked for about 15 minutes from Jonkers Street. The price for each ticket is RM10 (provided you show them your MY Kad/ Malaysian citizen). Or else it will be priced at RM20.

Menara Taming Sari which located at Jalan Merdeka, Banda Hilir, Melaka was opened on 18 April 2008. The 110 metre viewing tower was designed based on the legendary Taming Sari Keris.

It will be the 1st tower in the country to have a fully revolving structure. The air-conditioned viewing cabin will be able to accommodate 66 people at one time.

Menara Taming Sari

 

getting ready…..

 

view of Melaka from the tower

 

5) Nadeje Patisserie Cafe, Mille Crepe

I’ve seen several good reviews on this cafe. As its famous for its crepe. The crepe is a cake form with many layers of pancake with fresh cream on each layer. It was my first time trying it. The one that we went is located at Dataran Pahlawan. The cafe was full. We waited for about 10 minutes to be seated. Worth waiting….

Hardly decide

 

Mango Yogurt (RM9) – Rich yogurt taste. Its very fluffy.

 

Rum & Raisin (RM8.50) – Not much of rum taste. It tasted more on raisin side.

 

Coffee (RM8.50) – With nice coffee taste.

 

Chocolate Strawberry (RM9.50)

All of the above are very nice. The texture is soft & fluffy. Yet the sweetness ain’t killing your tooth. A very good place for a tea break.

 

All the drinks above are from RM3.80 to RM5

 

Nadeje Cafe Sdn. Bhd.
Lot No. UB051, 052 & 053,
Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall,
Ljn Merdeka,
75000 Bandar Hilir Melaka.

 

6) A FAMOSA

A Famosa meant “The Famous” in Portuguese. It is among the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Asia. The Porta de Santiago, a small gate house, is the only remaining part of the fortress still standing. Took some snapshots just in front of the wall.

 

A formal pose

 

when the fun occurs

 

The Girls versus The Guys

 

7) Seafood @ Portuguese Settlement, Melaka

Our last pit stop of the day. Headed over Portuguese Settlement for our dinner. Without knowing where the location is; (never been there before) and all we got is the address. Good to have GPS these days. Lucky to have Kong’s voice GPS* to guide us there. (with an ang mo lady voice whom ask you to turn left, turn right, turn left right….LOL!). Don’t worry, it won’t lead you over the walls. Hahahaha….

 

Reached there at about 7pm. There is an open air area allocated for parking. Just pay RM1 per entry. Bear in mind; once you got down from your car, don’t be surprise they will be people kinda promoting their stall to you. Since there are 10 shops in total; therefore the business is quite competing.

Its actually located just by the sea. It was so windy & the sea waves are so strong.

View of the surrounding.


As the Sun sets

 

 

We chose this restaurant; as it was recommended by a blogger

 

Watermelon Juice(L) – RM3.50

 

Kailan with Salted Fish – RM8

Very nice smell of the salted fish. The vege doesn’t taste overcooked either.

 

Sambal Sotong – RM15

The sotong/squid is fresh. However the sambal/sauce is abit on salty side.

 

Baked Fish in Portuguese Style – RM32

The fish is the best! Especially the sauce they used to bake the fish. It combines really well.

 

Crabs with Salted Egg

 

Dry Spicy Crab

The crabs are priced at RM40/kg. You may pick your choice of cooking method. We chose it to be cooked with salted egg and dry spicy. Somehow; the taste are SO SO only. But the crabs are very fresh!

 

Lala(Clams) with Ginger & Cili Padi – RM15

We waited quite long for this last dish to be served. To our surprise; this dish is really good! Especially its gravy. A recommended one!

 

FOOD : 3.5/5

PRICE : 4/5

 

Stall No 4 (88 Sea Front Restaurant) @ Portuguese Settlement, Ujong Pasir, 75050 Melaka.

 

All of us were so loaded with great food. Took a slow drive back home. And there goes a fruitful day.  😉


A Day Trip to MELAKA (Part 1)

An impromptu plan we made.

Chose Melaka as the destination as it is near. Iternary was drafted last minute too. Googled for places to eat. I am very sure that we ended up more eating than sight-seeing. Eat at almost every stops. *blushed*

 

On Sunday; Ashley, Andrew, Wanyi & Yew Kong traveled from KL and reached my house at about 10.30am. We then traveled to Melaka; safely arrived and got our car parked at Jonkers Street at about 11.30am.

 

 

All of us were so hungry. Decided chicken rice ball as our so-called breakfast.

 

1) KEDAI KOPI CHUNG WAH

queued to be seated

 

The 3 angels; Ashley, Wanyi, Melissa

 

spicy chili sauce

 

Steamed Chicken with Soy Sauce

 

Rice Balls. Sized of a ping pong.

Rice are very soft. Chicken meat is rather abit hard. Somehow I preferred the one at  ‘Hoe Kee’.

 

KEDAI KOPI CHUNG WAH @ 18, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka.

 

After the chicken rice meal; walked around at Jonkers Street. Luckily it wasn’t very really sunny that day. Or else I will be perspiring non-stop. 😉

2) JONKER 88

A shop serving various noodles & cendols. The shop is often seen with long queues.

 

the interior

 

We ordered 2 types of Laksa.

Nyonya Assam Laksa – Its different from the Penang Assam Laksa. This is much more sour and spicy. Without the shrimp paste.

 

Baba Laksa – Creamy Curry soup. Nice one!

 

Jonker88
88, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200, Melaka
GPS: 2.199570, 102.246644
Tel: 019-397 5665

 

3) LAO QIAN ICE CAFE

Under the sunny walk; a bowl of cendol is best to stop the thirst.

Amoy Yuan Yang Waffle; filled with pandan flavor paste.

 

Yummy Durian Cendol

For more detail; check out the post which I’ve blog last time.

Durian Cendol @ Lao Qian Ice Cafe

 

After the dessert; we walked all the way towards Menara Taming Sari (next post).

Wedding Anniversary at Philea Resort & Spa

In conjunction of my wedding anniversary on 26th September; Alex and I decided for a getaway to celebrate it. Its our 1st wedding anniversary. Instead of anywhere else; somehow we got seduced by the appearance of this resort during the MATTA fair on beginning of the month. The type of stay is rarely found elsewhere in Malaysia. They were offering promo of purchase 1 night and get the 2nd night for free. Without much hesitation; we bought the room package(Pavillion Villa) inclusive breakfast for 2. Erm..which resort I’m referring to?? Its Philea Resort & Spa, Ayer Keroh, Melaka; new resort which just established this year.

It is located barely 1 minute away from the Ayer Keroh interchange of the North South Highway, 90 minutes from KLIA and 20 minutes from the City Of Melaka. It is one of the premier resorts in the country which lies in the shade of forest giants.

We started our journey & reached there at about 1.30pm. Upon checking in; we were served with wet towels & a glass of welcome drink (with the taste of lemon grass). You need not worry about the walking distance to your room even if your room is located far from the lobby. Because there are buggy service to send or fetch you.

Perhaps I shall put them all in simple sentences. I guess the photos will meant more than words!

the main entrance


the superb entrance


the welcome drink-a signature drink with the taste of lemon grass/serai.

I was told that they uses lemon grass/serai as their theme. Even the bath soap, shampoo or lotion has that lemon grass fragrant too.

the lobby

buggy service to send us to our villa

From the moment we opened our room door; WOW…I was totally amazed with everything & the decoration they made due to our anniversary(I gave a call to the resort;few days before hand & told the staff about our celebration). Minutes later while I was  still busy taking photos; someone rang our room door bell. Alex opens the door and the staff brought in a cake with the label “WEDDING ANNIVERSARY”. I was so touched by their effort. I did not expect them to do so much. From wedding decos, rose petals to cake!

a yummy chocolate cake


AN OVERVIEW OF OUR ROOM:-

Every unit are made of  Russian log wood. I’m pretty curious on the whole construction period.

our villa. we occupied the upper floor unit.

our room number. nice number. can buy toto. but never strike :-p

The super comfy king sized bed.

We slept soundly on both nights.

our room was nicely decorated


great bathroom.


view from our room (facing the waterfall & pool)

AN OVERVIEW OF THE MAN-MADE RIVER & SWIMMING POOL:-

The most relaxing place I would say is the pool. Felt so calm & its so beautiful!

great piece of art


AN AFTERNOON SWIM WILL BE GREAT!


ran up & down just to adjust the proper angle for the self-timer….  😀

AN OVERVIEW OF THE RESORT(sight seeing):-

entrance to Spa

the huge ballroom – for functions,meetings or weddings


Unfortunately I couldn’t take any night view photos. As it was raining during our 2 night stay. Too bad..

OUR DAILY BREAKFAST:-

the choices of food.

Breakfast for Day 1:

fried mee, roti jala with chicken curry, baked potatoes, porridge

assorted bakery/danish, aroma coconut milk rice@nasi lemak, sausages, meehoon in tasty clear soup & the aromatic coffee.

Breakfast for Day 2:

keuy teow in soup & omelet

nasi lemak & mee goreng

We are quite satisfied with the breakfast.

Do stay tune on my next post about our dinner there.

Overall we had a memorable stay. Thanks for putting an effort to decorate our room. Hope they can maintain the quality.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY DARLING!   :-X



TAIWAN DAY 6 (Jiu Fen 九分)

Second day in Jiufen. Everyone got ready and had a brisk walk to Mr. Hsu cafe house for our breakfast. Its a daily breakfast provided to all guests & made fresh daily.

a set of yummy & healthy sandwich

comes with a cup of drink, choice of milk-tea or coffee

After the breakfast; we went to the Jiufen old street. AGAIN? yea…again. Not kidding; its quite big actually. Yesterday haven done shopping & buying yet ma….  :-p

Look at the photos below on…

WHAT CAN YOU GET THERE:

Peanut Roll with Ice Cream. A special combination of grounded peanut, malt sugar, ice cream and celery leaves. It tasted quite good!!

assorted flower tea.

Hakka Glutinous Rice Cake. Another extremely popular store in Jiufen, so be prepared to queue up. Its very tangy & yummy!


assorted dried shrimps

grilled snails

wooden postcards

fish ball with pork filling

My favorite braised pork rice along with a plate of vege for our lunch. Braised pork rice is very popular in Taiwan. You can get it in most of the restaurants.

cute handphone hangers

from left: Phoebe, Ashley, Myself, Wanyi

night at Jiufen

There goes a day in Jiufen. Can you imagine, we spent the entire Day 6 only in Jiufen. Really unbelievable!!  Hahaha….