Why I love Penang again?

By now, I could safely say that we have managed to keep this one tradition that I started off the moment I got married, which was to go for a holiday with my whole family at least once a year. Alhamdulillah, a very meaningful event for me. Ones that I look forward every year in my hectic schedule.

It was my mom's turn to choose a holiday spot this year and she has chosen to go to Penang. The last time we went there was when K turned 1. Read here.

We stayed with AirBnb at Tanjung Bungah. Arrived on Saturday and the traffic was clear. But boy, Penang was very wet in September. It has been raining heavily the past three days. So that Saturday when we arrived, it was pouring heavily 70% of the time.

Day 1

We first went to Penang Art Street. Nothing much to shout about. The queue for all the good food and snacks were crazy.

At night, we strolled along Batu Feringghi. Almost midnight as it kept on raining the whole evening.

Day 2

Started off our morning early to Bukit Bendera. Bought the VIP pass because man, the queue was crazy. It was really worth it guys. And guess what, it was raining again!

Then, we went to Kek Lok Si Temple.

And had a swim at Batu Feringghi.

At night, we had our dinner at Gurney Drive. Then, dropped by at Penang Avatar Secret Garden where my brother witnessed some scary encounter here. To be fair, it was almost midnight when we arrived.

Day 3 

At Komtar, shopped, played some games, eat!

Then, 7 hours journey back home ya'll. Traffic was crazy.

Overall, Penang was hectic, full of queuing for food, waiting for the rain to stop and then stuck in traffic jam. I used to really love Penang. Has it been different or have I been different?

Moral of the story, Penang is not for cranky parents guys. 

Nonetheless, anywhere with this bunch make me realize.. I live for this. I miss this moment already.

Japan 2018!

I had to fly to Japan due to work the day after election, which to be honest, was the most nervous travelling I’ve had to bear.

Not only I left my whole family behind, but also I left them in a state where everything was uncertain.

But Alhamdulillah everything went well. Well done, Malaysia!! Couldn’t be prouder of us. We changed our government the Malaysian way *cries* I boarded the flight an hour after the sworn in of our beloved Tun M. I didn’t leave my girls government less. I didn’t leave them in chaos. Alhamdulillah, all praise to the Almighty. I was full of emotion on that day, I guess all Malaysians were.

I first arrived at Narita Airport 5am on Friday and went straight to Tsukuba, 2 hours journey by bus. We stayed in Okubura Frontier Hotel, dropped our luggage and started work straight away. Arrived to the hotel at about 9pm (lebih 24 jam tak mandi, so uncomfortable). Had a shower and did a bit of walking near our hotel. Wrapped my Day 1.

Day 2, we went to Tokyo University for a training. After training, we headed to Disneylandd!!! It was a happy place, I missed the girls too much there. I knew at that instant that I just have to bring them at least once, while they are still small.

Had our dinner at Ameyoko street famous kebab stall. Was greeted by the seller who asked me where I was from. The moment I said Malaysia, he beamed and genuinely shouted, “Congratulations Malaysia!!” In reference of our GE 3 days back. Couldn’t be prouder!! For a while, it seems like the whole world is with us.

Day 3, no training. I started the day early with a free market next to the hotel. And it was precious you guyssss!! Look how easy to please these kids. Just ropes and boxes.

And how they taught their kids to be an entrepeneur. I bought one "Japanese story book" from this one little girl at 20 yen and had my friend translated them for me. This is the highlight of my trip. To see their togetherness, I just melt peeps. I felt warm inside, I don't need my jacket.

Then, we went to Asakusa. Loved the temple and the street with lots of souvenirs. Bought myself a kimono, I have zero idea when to use it. But it made me happy and at the rate where I have been working and travelling for work this year (since February, I traveled every other week), I deserve this.

Then, we went to Shibuya crossing but it was raining heavily.

My friends continued to Odaiba and Akihabara, which both places I have been to during my last visit. So, I enjoyed my solo travelling back to Kenkyu Gakuen (the place I stayed during my last visit), specifically to shop for Uniqlo and Daiso since I need to do a bit of shopping for my beloved as I would go back earlier than them.

Day 4, back to training. Shopped a bit after training.

Day 5, headed home and got ready for Ramadhan the next day. But I am so blessed to have the experience of their free market. To witness just a piece of an experience on how they spent time with their kids on weekend. Next time, I'm gonna visit you Mount Fuji, in shaa Allah.

Cambodia with my two toddlers!

I have always wanted to go to Cambodia. But lots of people told me to wait until the kids get older as a lot of walking needs to be done over there. 2018 come, and I'm done with waiting. I have always wanted to go to Cambodia since Tomb Raider game was a big hit back when I was 13.

This trip to Cambodia, particularly Siem Reap was a little special for both Love and I because it is our 10th country together. Our dream is always to travel the world. Also, my parents in law came along and I have always loved travelling with my family. It makes it more meaningful.

Siem Reap's main currency is USD and the plug is the same as us, so don't need a converter.

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, I booked a chauffeur to drive us around for the whole journey. The rate differs day by day according to where you planned to go. But on average, a van would cost us around 35 USD a day.

The moment I stepped in, I have this unfamiliar feeling, ones that I didn't expect. I have been to lots of countries in South East Asia, hence I expected Cambodia to be just like its neighboring countries, Thailand and Vietnam. But no. I feel safe here and the people is so sincere. The moment I arrived at the airport, the toilet is clean with water and all, I know it's gonna be a good trip.

The first day, we went straight to ticket counter of Angkor complex. Price per adult for one day pass in Angkor Park is USD 37, free for children below 12. If you purchase the ticket at 5pm onwards, ticket will be valid for the next day. Which means you can watch the sunset for free on the same evening!! Be careful with your ticket though, not to fold it and make sure you bring it the whole time in Angkor Park, as you will be charged USD 100 if you lose it.

Angkor Archaeological Park is listed in UNESCO World Heritage list and it includes multiple temples inside, among them are the Angkor Wat itself, Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple and other magnificent remains from the 9th to 15th century.

Right after we purchased our ticket for the next day, we went to Angkor Wat to watch the sunrise. It was breathtaking, I feel like in a different world, I almost cried.

We started the day early the next day as we planned to see the sunrise at 5am but it was raining, hence we arrived in Angkor Park slightly later at 7am. The weather was Alhamdulillah perfect, cloudy, windy throughout with no rain.

We first went to Ta Prohm aka Tomb Raider’s temple. It was a long serene walk to the temple, the sounds of bird chirping and some faint sound of music, the smell of woods and the greenery around me, one of the beautiful relaxing walks I've walked and I will forever treasure.

We went to Bayon temple, named after Banyan tree where Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment.

Dropped by at Phnom Bakheng temple and later to Elephant Terrace. Terrace of the Elephants is part of the walled city of Angkor Thom, carved with garudas, lions and of course lots of elephants.

Left the kids with my in laws in the van and both Love and I spent an hour just the two of us enjoying the beauty of Angkor Wat.

That night, we went to Art Centre Night Market and Pub Street which was next to our hotel for souvenirs hunting.

Then the next day, we strolled along Siem Reap, dropped by at the market and Hard Rock Cafe. But nothing could come close to our experience in Angkor Park.

My kids had fun, running around happily, safely. Enjoying the beauty and learned the art of photography. Long walks didn't affect them as they enjoyed it too much, they didn't even bother with the stroller after a while.

To sum it up, for me.. Siem Reap/Cambodia is the best SEA country I've been and easily made it to my top 3 favourite country list. Tak puas, I wanna go there again.

Stranded in Tioman

Day 1: Pantai Air Papan

For our family trip this year, we traveled 4 hours to Mersing and stayed in Cakemania Homestay that we booked via AirBnB.

The view from our homestay's window

The location is just right, at the heart of Mersing city and about 15 minutes drive to Pantai Air Papan.

The view of Pantai Air Papan was soooo breathtaking, it has been a while since I have been to clean white sand beach, we spent hours there on our first day.

Day 2: Tioman

Morning of Day 2, we started our morning early at Mersing jetty and off to Tioman. The ferry schedule depends on the tide, we booked earlier via https://tiomanferryticket.com. The ferry ride took around 2 hours via big air conditioned ferry.

We arrived at Genting jetty, Tioman just before 1pm. Water is clearer here compared to Pantai Air Papan, but the sand in Mersing is so much whiter. Not much restaurant available in Tioman, nonetheless the price is considered affordable. One decent dish costs around RM10.

From Genting jetty to our chalet took around 10 minutes walk. We did not see any cars in Tioman, mode of transportation is motorcycle. The village ambiance makes Tioman a very peaceful place to stay, but beach-wise, I prefer Mersing. Beach in Tioman is filled with corals, so need to be very careful not to step on it, plus it is soooo much hotter in Tioman. Nonetheless, snorkelling here is a must. Goodness so cantik all the corals and fishes!

We stayed at Aguna Resort that I booked via Agoda, it was a nice place to stay and I recommend both Cakemania and Aguna.

Day 3: Stranded in Tioman

Our ferry back to Tioman was supposed to be at 830am that Sunday morning, but we needed to be there an hour earlier. Guess what time did the ferry arrive? 2.30pm. We were stranded for 6 hours there :( At least they could have informed us via SMS/Whatsapp right?

As you could see in the pictures, there were two toddlers, on pregnant lady (not me) and both my parents, stranded 6 hours at jetty, imagine the heat.

But that was the only beginning. They sent speedboats rather than ferry to pick us up andddd.. our ferry ran out of fuel. We were again stranded for 1.5 hours in the middle of the ocean.

A small ferry picked us up, but the water was too shallow by then. The ferry could not get to Mersing jetty, hence we were transferred to a smaller boat.

But water was too shallow, the boat hit some corals and water started getting inside the boat. The boys needed to push the boat so it could get to Mersing jetty while I tried to scoop the water out of the boat, what a drama.

All our luggage and us were wet. I couldn't care less, I just wanted my girls to arrive at Mersing safely. Some part of me thought we could never make it to land, Nauzubillah. Alhamdulillah at 6pm, we landed at Mersing jetty safely.

Day 4: Unexpected extension of our trip

We needed another night to stay as all of us were too tired to drive back to KL due to the unexpected incident.

Drop by one last time at Pantai Air Papan, wouldn't miss Tioman at all. But definitely will come back to Mersing just for this view.

Moral of the story: Do not go to Tioman during peak hour with toddlers. It was public holiday on Friday when we went there.

Exploring Bangkok in 10 hours!

When Love invited me to come with him to Foo Fighters in Bangkok, I was pissed! He refused to bring me to Coldplay in Singapore as he said the tickets were too expensive. So to protest, I did not go.

But I wanted to go to Bangkok as I have never been there before. 7 years back, we drove all the way to Dannok but we did not go beyond that. I wanted to get the feel of real Thailand.

So I made a crazy decision. Took the first flight to Bangkok alone to meet my post Foo Fighters husband and went back that evening itself so I'd get to spend the night with my girls.

It was fun!

My flight was at 6.40am Malaysia time and I reached Thailand at 8am their time. Love waited for me at the airport and off we went to Wat Arun around 40 mins travelling by taxi from airport.

Then we took an hour boat ride along Chao Phraya river. Got the feel of buying pineapple from floating market.

Afterwards we strolled along the street until we reached the museum.

From museum we took a 45 minutes tuk tuk to Terminal 21, their famous shopping mall. Had the best Tom Yam Goong at The Fish Cafe.

Then straight to airport to fly home at 5.40 pm Thai time.

Feeling all gangsta you see, flying alone, tuk tuk without helmet or seat belt and boat ride without safety jacket for quite some times. Then, when I remember trying to hide all these tiny details to my dad back at home, I realized I'm still a rebellious daughter 😅

Our Brunei story!

For our yearly holiday this year, we went to Brunei.

"Why would you want to go to Brunei for a holiday?" We received that a lot. Haha!

I've always loved Borneo. I love Kundasang so so much, I could stay there. And Kuching, I would always want to go there again. So, I thought why not Brunei?

Brunei was nothing fancy, not the best place for a holiday but I've no regrets going there at all. Travelling for me is about learning the culture rather than exploring their attractions. I am more amazed at how they have Jawi signage everywhere, "Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah and Allahu Akhbar" signs by the highway; similar to the road signs we have in Malaysia, their super friendly people that are super proud of their Sultan and government and of course, their food!

First day.

We arrived on Friday afternoon, checked in at Palm Hotel, Kianggeh and had a good rest. That night, we went to Pasar Malam Gadong. Opens every night, variety of food as cheap as BND 1 (RM 3.20) for Nasi bungkus with ayam and sambal (tasted like Nasi Ayam Penyet).

Afterwards, we went for souvenirs hunting and just walked around Gadong, there are quite a number of shopping malls nearby. Surprisingly, you could see fabric shops and tailors everywhere in Brunei!


Second day.

Woke up early morning to Pantai Tungku.

It was very dirty, so I wouldn't suggest this place.

Afterwards to Kampung Ayer and boyyyy!!! This one is a must. Breathtaking view! They have schools, lots of schools above the river, it was one hugeeee beautiful village, suka sangat!

We tried the Ambuyat, Brunei's national dish made from the inside of Sago palm and eaten similarly like rice with all sorts of dishes. Not to my liking, but just have got to try!

We went for souvenir hunting again, omg so hard to find a souvenir shop here!!! Found one finally so I have just got to share the business card in case you were looking for a souvenir shop in Brunei.

Walk around their beautiful town that night, from South to East to Center of Brunei but this caught our eyes specifically ♥

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque

Third day.

Surprised with the road closure around the city area, apparently on Sunday morning they closed the road as it is their family day. But on our third day at Brunei particularly, it was their National Family Day, so there was a huge celebration. The biggest in that year.

We started of our day at Kianggeh Market, where I fell in love with the vibrant colours of the mengkuang bags, sounds of live Gamelan (mostly playing the late P. Ramlee's song), lots of antiques Keris and coins, I belong here..

Then we joined in the fun at their Family Day. There were birds singing competition, lots of rides, bubbles, shows, omg just lotssss of fun here!!!

Look who we met here? #proudMalaysian

Afterwards we headed to Royal Regalia Museum. Too bad they didn't allow any photos taken, it was amazing! A must visit, free entry and definitely I would say your visit is incomplete without visiting this museum.

Wrapped up our visit by performing Zohor at Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, such beautiful mosque.

Then, it was time to go home. Returned the Vios that we rented for about RM560 3D2N at Hertz via Expedia, and 2.5 hours journey back to KL.

Brunei is a peaceful laid back country. The people there are not only humble, but also very modest. Although Brunei doesn't have much attractions, I am really happy there. :) I feel at peace, I feel safe, I feel very convenient. Thank you, Bruneians. And Alhamdulillah. I was reluctant to fly a week before our scheduled trip, but thank you Allah for making everything a smooth sailing journey for us.

2 months from now, I will be going to Bangkok pulak! Yay, will keep you guys updated.

Also, I am sorry for deactivating my blog for quite a while.