It's all about my travel experience and things I love to do…
Travelogues
Securities…
Aug 12th
We don’t know if we actually need them…
But oh wells.. Better be safe than never right?
First Day in Phuket
Jan 13th
If you would have followed my blog, you would have known that I went to Phuket last year in April. That’s the only one picture from my trip and that’s it. No more news about it. I thought I wanna continue on that series, as promised. Haha
So, I went with my childhood buddy, Rue and we flew there by AirAsia. Did I mentioned that the flight was delayed?
Phuket airport is kinda like a medium size airport with most of the basic facilities you can find. You can even plan your transportation, accommodation and activities in Phuket right in the airport itself, but it would cost a bomb definitely.
Once you step out of the arrival hall, and you walk out of the airport, you will see many people waiting. Mostly pick up drivers or tour guides or family and friends waiting for their expectant arrival.
It was part working and vacation trip hence I met my local agent there and they had a 10-seater van to pick us up. Look! We got the whole van to ourselves!
While we were on our way to the hotel, we were planning what to do within the 3 days we have there. I guess, this is how I have been planning my trips, which is no plan till we arrive. Haha.
I was scheduled to visit the earlier mentioned hotels or resorts upon arrival and the guide and driver was really nice to bring us around and schedule my hotel inspection visit.
Some of the resorts and hotels I visited during my first day in Phuket are Katathani Phuket Beach Resort, Moevenpick Resort & Spa, Andaman Seaview Hotel and Metadee Phuket. Ibis Patong and Mercure Patong.
On the way from the airport, we passed by an attraction which caught my attention. It is the Phuket Shooting Range and I asked to stop there. Not bad facilities they have there. Will put up a post about it soon.
This is how Phuket town looks like. Constantly buzzling with vehicles and activities, day and night. This is the road facing the sea and beach.
We stayed at Courtyard by Marriott in Patong and it was a marvelous hotel. Thanks to my Marriott Sales Specialist membership, I redeemed my Famtastic voucher there.
Once we checked in, we did what almost any tourist who goes to Thailand to do. MASSAGE!
It was really relaxing after a whole day of walking for hotel/resort inspection.
The same night, we went for a local Thai food by the beach. I did not took any photo of my food. 
But, nevertheless, I’ve got food picture for you. I walked down the road from the restaurant that we ate and found this small stall selling Banana Pancake.
It looks yummy, hence I asked that seller to make me one. I nearly called him “Aneh” (Brother in Tamil) that time, but I managed to hold back from uttering that word. Haha
It was very yummy! Banana Pancake that comes with condensed milk, sugar and some coconut.
After that, we went back to hotel and rest for a long day tour the next day. Cruise to Phi Phi Island…
Oriental
I Want A Getaway Like Right Now!
Dec 14th
If only I can take a break and leave to somewhere and enjoy a nice relaxing holiday.
Right now, looks like work cannot stop and issues will never stop landing at my doorstep.
I really want a break. Wuu wuu wuu… :cries:
Oh anyways… was just looking around at pictures and I found this… 
This was Phuket just this past March 2010. Was arriving Phi Phi Island and took this picture.
Nice right? Makes you wanna go holiday right? Haha
Okay! I shall blog soon, right now I got some task to take care off…
Flying with Garuda Indonesia to Jakarta
Aug 25th
If you have been trolling the blogs, you would have came across the similar postings by Hanis Zalikha, Niki Cheong, LotsOfCravings and Nicolekiss.
Anyways, thanks to Garuda Indonesia and to our lovely host Isabelle from Garuda Indonesia.
Flew GA 819 to Jakarta which left at 0650 and when I reached the airport, it was a pleasant surprise waiting when I checked in.
Executive Class Yo! Yo! Yo!
I was all over the moon when I checked in. Hahaha… Wheee… I can still feel the excitement now! *Slaps Self*
All I remembered was that I was so eager to board the plan. Really eager as it was my first Business Class flight! *bangga*
So yes, when we boarded the flight, we were served with hot towel and of course sparkling juice to freshen up.
There was already a pack of headphone waiting to be used. I did not open mine as I just wanted to relax and enjoy the flight.
Then, the Menu for the morning’s flight meal was given and we had to choose our meal. It was a choice of either Chilli and Onion Omelette, Potato – Grilled Sausage – Mushroom or Chicken Murtabak with Dhall Sauce Onion and Chilli. Both also sounds yum but I decided on the former.
About 30 minutes after the we’ve decided on our selection, the Purser started her round serving…
… and here comes my Chilli and Onion Omelette, Potato – Grilled Sausage – Mushroom.
On my back from Jakarta, the meal was Chicken Rice with Mix Vegetable.
So yeah, that was the food, but in terms of seat, well… it is Business Class, or in Garuda Indonesia’s term, Executive Class. To me, it was just way above everything else. Comfort, Service, Food and etc. (Don’t compare with other airline with me. I haven’t been on any other’s)
Anyone 3 times the size of me can fit into the seat lah… 
Given my height, the leg room was magnificent! No struggling, backside pain, leg dangling out to the walkway or any complaints of lack of space. Hehe…
All in all… It was a great flight experience… Oh look! Nice sunrise!
One last camwhore picture before I end this post. Muahahha. Cheese to the “Chomel” peeps…
Peace out!
Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos
Jul 5th
The first impression of any visitor to any country, will be the airport itself. It is the first building any tourist will see when they arrive any country. Don’t blaim anyone. It is just normal that one will have an overall perception given the state of the airport.
I was well prepared on the state of Lagos airport before I arrive. To me, the shock was even deeper as much as I have heard about Nigeria, I’ve never thought it will be as bad. How bad? Let me just explain.
This is how the airport looks like on the tarmac. As much as I have heard, the VIP halls are much better.
Coming out from the aircraft, one have to walk through te bridge and then throuh this under-maintained walkway to the immigration hall. There is an escalator going down, but before the escalator, there are officers checking for UN Yellow Fever Vaccine card. The non-courteous officer did a quick run through to make sure you have one and soon release u to the immigration hall.
I don’t know if it is appropriate to call it an immigration hall, it was stuffy, and doesn’t seem to be very well organized to live up to its “international” standards.
The air conditioning is not really working and I believe that an airport such as this should have a centralized air conditoning. There is one, LG air cond there but only one to support a 200+ arriving passengers per international flight? It could be better.
There are 8 working immigration counters, split of 4 each for Foreign and Nigerian passport holders. They have electronic systems in place but by the looks of it, it may be broken. it may have broken down. I guess, simplifying the flow of arrival would really help tremendously.
Oh, did I mentioned that Nigeria is facing a huge power issue? While waiting in line, the power went off for a good 10-15 seconds. I am very sure it is seriously affecting the airport operations.
Just a few days ago, I read in the papers that the Ministry of Aviation and the airport authority has been given 90 days to revamp the whole airport and to make it work to reach the like of Dubai International Airport and I seriously hope they do for the sake of reviving the tourism in Nigeria. If they do so, I believe a lot more airlines will opt to fly into Lagos.
A Whole New World
Jun 30th
It has been more than a day of traveling since I touched down from a 7 hours flight. Very tiring flight. It was quite a full flight. Yesterday I went to www.emirates.com to book myself seats for my flights. Got aisle seats but this recent flight I found myself a bulkhead seat. Thank god as I need the space to stretch my legs. If you haven’t know, I’m 6 footer.
So yes, here I am in a completely foreign land. It is my first time on African soil. This is the airport of where I am right now. This was once the pride of the country and even Africa, so to say.
It was the first ever airport in Africa more than 20 years ago. If you could have guessed or rather known or maybe not have any idea at all, yes I’m at Nigeria.
I’ve got scheduled meetings for the next 7days back to back. The biggest one being tomorrow and I got to get things done from now onwards.
So there you go, I’m now at Nigeria and I’ve even met another Nigerian on board my flight to Lagos earlier. Sony and I pretty much talked about Nigeria and the perceptions the country has received thus far, mostly negative, from international people abroad.
I’m currently staying at Check Inn Hotel in Ibadan, Oyo State. Very nice place. The bed is quite comfy too…
Till I write again… Watch this space for more.
Special Bar in Emirates at 38,000 feet
Jun 29th
4 hours through my flight, I went to the back galley to chill. Was thirsty as well, thus I need to re-hydrate myself with lots of water.
There was this guy whom I made friend with. His name is Dave. He was having his whisky coke, thus I joined him there. Ordered myself vodka with orange, to join Dave.
We were actually in the galley while the air crews were preparing for the breakfast servings. The chief air crew, Nigel Pinto pulled out a trolley cart and made a mini bar by the back exit door.
Had a great chat about traveling as well as airline miles. Ah, finally… Someone who speaks in the same channel as I am.
Am currently in transit in Dubai. Gotta check this place out…
Flying off to Africa
Jun 29th
While you are reading this i’m at KLIA now waiting for my boarding gate to open. Where am i going? Heh. To the biggest black nation in the world.
I’ve got 14hours of flying hours to clock. It is sure going to be tiring. I wish I’m flying business clas.. ><
Maybe my next trip...
Hear from me soon... If you don't, please contact Testikel. He should know what to do.
I don know how the picture will turn out. So yeah… Ciao…
Perth, Western Australia – So Much To Do
Jun 10th
If there’s a highlight for my travel trips last year, it would be Perth which I went in January 2009. So much fun for a 7 Days backpacking trip without itinerary on hand before the trip. This is the kind of trips that I would like to embark all the time.
One thing about me is that, I always leave my travel posts hanging. See, the last post I did for Perth was on Perth Day 2 – Rottness Island Fun. Okay, that was like 4 months after the trip, but still the excitements from the trip is still in me. Blogging it now brings back memories. I’m sure Jun and Rue would agree with me. Right boys?
It was somewhere in September 2008 that we decided to plan for a trip and well, got Jun and myself a ticket to Perth while Rue bought it later. When I informed CK that we’ll be making the trip to Perth, his reaction was “Why do you want to go over to that dead place?” or something along that line. It made me wanting to make the trip and prove him wrong, and I did. Perth is such a nice city…
These was the itinerary for the 7 days we had in Perth.
Day 1 – Perth City on Foot
Day 2 – Rottnest Island
Day 3 – Exploring the City, Leederville and Subiaco
Day 4 – Kings Parks, Swan Bells and Cottlesloe
Day 5 – Pinnacle Tours, City Night and Moon Cafe
Day 6 – Freemantle (Full Day)
Day 7 – Chillings and Duxton Hotel
If you ask me, the best of the 7 days would be Rottnest Island. Okay… how about I talk about the highlights of each day while I was there. Sure it will definitely entice you to make a trip down to Perth.
Day 1 – Remember we had no itinerary? The first day I decided to make a round in the city, on foot and the Boys agreed. The highlight of the day would be The Perth Mint, where we get to see how they make gold bars. It is the same day that we decided what to do for the rest of the 7 days.
Day 2 – We decided to make this a full day thing and Rottnest Island is where we planned to go. No tour package blah blah blah, but we did all this trip all on our own. Took a speed boat from Freemantle and off we went to Rottnest Island where the fun of cycling around the island began. You can read more on my trip here.
Day 3 – Free and Easy Day. Nothing much that we did… wait, actually, we walked a lot. Like… A LOT! From the city we traveled to Harbourtown, then I traveled to Leederville myself where I have an office there and finaly at night we had dinner at Subiaco with The Girl who was still in Perth that time.
Day 4 –We did some touristy visits to Swan Bells, Kings Park and the best was Cottlesloe. What’s in Cottlesloe? Superb beaches is what’s there. But, before we made our journey there by bus, which we went lost for a bit because of the map. Okay, maybe it was because of me, but hey, we managed to explore some new places… So, this is what Cottlesloe looks like.
Day 5 – It is the only day we did an organized tour and we paid for Full Day Pinnacles Tours where it took us to the Caversham Wildlife Park and Pinnacles. Imagine yourself in a 4WD coach and you are actually doing this (look below). Cool right? That’s the highlight of the day, other than that… throw in some visit to see Kangaroos and Koalas and Platypus.
Day 6 – Okay. I’m stuck… what to tell you about Freemantle? Hmmm.. Oh yeah. They have a Freemantle Prison which I never had a chance to visit. It was such a dramatic day where the rail system broke down and we had to take the feeder bus down. Impressed with their quick solution to their transportation mess, but that aside, Freemantle is actually a Port. So, seafood here is nice but price is also “VERY NICE”. Good place to chill, away from the city.
Day 7 – Our last day there was pretty much a relaxing one, because it’s a Sunday. We went for some last minute shopping and of course, what’s the best was the night that we put up at Duxton Hotel, Perth. Don’t ask for the price paid but please join me to thank Jun for spending us a night there. 
So yeah… That’s about it for Perth from me for now. I can tell you so much more about Perth, but it would take me another few posts and maybe a few trips to Perth again (*hints*) to explore more on Perth. Yes, you hear me right. What’s more to do in Perth? Let me tell you what I would really want to do if I’m there next.
Walpole, where there is The Valley of Giants Tree Top.
Monkey Mia, visit the Shark’s Bay for Dolphins.
Margaret River, the Wine Region.
Mandurah, just another city which I want to visit.
and many many many many…. more….
You know, there is one person I envy right now would be Dr. Ling Shih Gang. He was the winner for Experience Extraordinary Taxi Ride for the second leg. You can follow his recent adventure here at Experience Extraordinary, Western Australia. Fully sponsored trip to the South West of Western Australia. How cool can it get? Can I get one too?
Plan your trip now as AirAsia flies to Perth. Click Here for AirAsia Schedules.
I’ve pretty much covered Perth in general, what about you?
I’ve given you some travel tips above, so start planning already!…
P/S: I’m definitely gonna continue my Perth Day 3 onwards. Pls chills…
It’s a Suite Room. Guess Where?
Jun 9th
Hmm… Just a random questions to you people out there…
Guess where is this place…? I’m sure this picture has given you some tips already.
Those who guessed correctly, I will be giving you a return ticket on KLIA Express to LCCT. Yes, it’s LCCT not KLIA.
