It's all about my travel experience and things I love to do…
Posts tagged Travelogues
Malaysian Budget 2013 and Tourism
Sep 29th
The Malaysian Budget 2013 was tabled yesterday on 28th September 2012. I was so looking forward to more incentives for the tourism industry players.
The only pointers for tourism is just this:
Intensifying Tourism Sector
28. The tourism industry is one of the key economic growth sectors, contributing almost 12% to GDP. Total revenue generated from the tourism sector is estimated to increase to RM62 billion in 2012. In conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2013/2014, the Government has allocated RM358 million under development expenditure, an increase of 42%, to target 26.8 million tourist arrivals. In addition, for tour operators who bring in at least 750 foreign tourists or handle 1,500 local tourists a year, the Government proposes that the income tax exemption be extended for 3 years.
Last budget in 2012, there was two plans and they are:
- To promote tourism, the Langkawi Five Year Tourism Development Master Plan will be launched with an allocation of RM420mil
- The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council will be privatised to promote and develop Malaysia as a healthcare destination
Maybe this year’s focus was to benefit the small and medium income rakyats. But then again, tourism is a good industry to benefit the similar group of people! It is also sustainable in the long run if implemented correctly and effectively.
We keep on shouting out loud on tourist arrivals by the numbers and we know tourism is a multi-billion dollar industry where almost in every 12 jobs there is a tourism job. We should at least invest more now in tourism in terms of development not physical development but talents to bring tourism further.
Tourism is one of the National Key Economic Area (NKEA) and they only address issues and had plans for the projects here and there while destinations development is most of it.
I personally think incentives should be given to SMEs who is with brilliant ideas to bring Malaysia’s tourism up further and also the boost to grow the talents needed for the growth of the industry.
Securities…
Aug 12th
We don’t know if we actually need them…
But oh wells.. Better be safe than never right?
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.
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…
Jakarta & Bandung by Garuda Indonesia
Jun 1st
Last week was exciting and fun and draining…
Thanks to Garuda Indonesia, I had a chance to visit both Jakarta and Bandung.
Also, I had a chance to travel with the fehmes bloggers in Malaysia. Oh my! How can I not be excited after the trip! Some did actually commented how lucky I was, but to me, they are just ordinary people with great individual achievements.
Here’s my travel companions and we were at Hangar 2 at Garuda Indonesia HQ in Jakarta, right below the Airbus330-200’s tail.
Top Left:
Joe from LotsOfCravings.
Top Right:
Isabelle from Garuda Indonesia Malaysia.
Bottom from Left:
That’s me, if you haven’t notice. Niki Cheong, Hanis aka “Adik Chomel” from IniBelogSaya and Nicole from Nicolekiss.
Each and everyone of them are great travel companions and gosh, these people can really shop I tell you! They are all crazy shoppers. Maybe I didn’t shop as much, that also because I did not find anything of my interest.
Speaking of which, both Niki and Joe was trying really hard to change my “mundane” dressing. They say I have such boring clothing and I should try to be more creative with the tees I wear and no black/brown or long sleeves. Then again, I would definitely start changing my wardrobe from now on.
Hmmm… Takes a huge step my friends, but I will certainly try… 
More to come from this trip… Stay tuned.
Phuket in One Picture
Apr 4th
Yes… if you ask me about Phuket, I will just tell you one thing.
It’s all about…
See, one picture says it all…
It’s all about Girls… A-Go-Go… Ping Pong Show… Long Time… Short Time… Girls… Ladyboys… (Oh noes!) and of course, Alcohol and girls again…
Recycle the list above 100 times… Yes…
I was a good boy there. Yes! Trust me…
I dare not touch them. They are just too dodgy.
Could be a man in disguise you know!
But then again, don’t take my words for it. Phuket has far more beauty than the general perception as per the above. I’ll write more about Phuket real soon.
Winner for #freebali42 goes to…
Apr 3rd
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am proud to announce the winner of #freebali42 and the person what will take win a 3 Days 2 Nights ground package at Bali worth RM 500 will be…
Before I announce, please read the following response for all the questions given. Don’t cheat! Read from top to bottom! Cannot jump!
#freebali42 Question 1/5 : There are two known famous Balinese dishes. Name me both. [hints. Answer 1: L.... Answer 2: B... G.....] #fb
Answer 1: Lawar; Answer 2: Babi Guling
@PD_REN: @yapthomas Answer: 1. Lawar. 2. Babi Guling #freebali42
@tomattho @yapthomas Lawar and Babi Guling #freebali42
@azahmichael @yapthomas Lumpia and Bakmi Goreng. but actually Bakso is more famous
@azahmichael@yapthomas Lumpia, Bakmi Goreng. #freebali42
@zique @yapthomas Bebek betutu and Babi Guling #freebali42
@cincauhangus: @yapthomas Answer: 1. Lawar. 2. Babi Guling #freebali42
@azahmichael: @yapthomas tarian kebyar duduk, tarian legong keraton, tarian kecak #freebal
@arystle: @yapthomas 1) Lawar 2) Babi Guling #freebali42
@pixtiny: @yapthomas 1: Lawar Answer 2: Babi Guling #freebali42
Q1 Winner: @PD_Ren, @tomattho, @cincauhangus, @arystle, @pixtiny
#freebali42 question 2/5. Did u knw that there are about 7 well known Balinese dance? Can u name me 3 of them. #fb
Answers: Pendet, Legong, Baris, Topeng, Barong, Gong Keybar, and Kecak (the monkey dance).
@tomattho @yapthomas legong, barong and baris #freebali42
@zique: @yapthomas wali dance, Bebali dance and Balih-Balihan Dance #freebali42
@tomattho: @yapthomas pendet, topeng and kecak #freebali42
@pd_ren: @yapthomas Barong, Legong, Kecak, #freebali42
@azahmichael: @yapthomas tarian barong, tarian legong, tarian kecak #freebali42
@lisanyee: @yapthomas #freebali42 kecak, legong, barong.
@arystle: @yapthomas Barong, Kecak & Legong #freebali42
@wssoo: @yapthomas Barong, Kecak & Legong #freebali42
@pixtiny: @yapthomas Barong, Legong, and Kecak #freebali42
Winner: @tomattho, @pd_ren, @azahmichael, @lisanyee, @arystle, @wssoo, @pixtiny
#freebali42 Question 3/5: Bali island is located between two islands in Indonesia. Name the two islands… #fb [contest still open to many]
Answers: Nusa Tengarah and Java
@arystle: @yapthomas #freebali42 Question 3/5: Java & Nusa Tenggara
@aoitenshii: @yapthomas Java and Lombok #freebali42
@tomattho: @yapthomas java and lombok #freebali42
@azahmichael: @yapthomas Java island and Nusa Tenggara island #freebali42
@arystle: @yapthomas Java and Lombok #freebali42
@azahmichael: @yapthomas Java Island & Lombok Island. #freebali42
@wssoo: @yapthomas Java and Lombok #freebali42
@pd_ren: @yapthomas: Java, Lombok #freebali42
@lisanyee: @yapthomas Java and Lombok #freebali42
@pixtiny: @yapthomas Java and Lombok #freebali42
Winner: @arystle, @azahmichael
#freebali42 Question 4/5: So many beach in Bali, but can you name me 5 of them that begins with letter “K”, “L”, “S”, “J” and “T… B…”
Answers: Kuta, Lovina/Legian, Soka/Sanur/Seminyak, Jimbaran, Tanjung Benoa
@aoitenshii: @yapthomas Kuta Legion Soka Jimbaran Sano Nusa Dua #freebali42
@lisanyee: @yapthomas kuta, legian, sanur, jimbaran and nusa dua #freebali42
@arystle: @yapthomas Kuta, Legian, Sanur, Jimbaran, Tanjong Benoa #freebali42
@arystle: @yapthomas Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Tanjong Benoa #freebali42
@lisanyee: @yapthomas if i say,kuta got nice sufers,legian got nice beach,sanur damn lepak,jimbaran nice seafood and ND nice hotels,got extra marks? >> NO!
@aoitenshii: @yapthomas Kuta Legion Soka Jimbaran Sano Tanjung Benoa #freebali42
@tomattho: @yapthomas kuta,legian,sanur,jimbaran and tanjung benoa #freebali42
@lisanyee: @yapthomas kuta, legian, sanur, jimbaran and tanjung benoa #freebali42
@pixtiny: @yapthomas #freebali42 Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Tanjung Benoa
@pixtiny: @yapthomas Kuta, Legian, Sanur, Jimbaran, Tanjung Benoa #freebali42
@pd_ren: @yapthomas: Kuta Legion Soka Jimbaran Sano Tanjung Benoa #freebali42
@azahmichael: @yapthomas begins with letter Kuta Beach, Legian Beach, Sanur Beach, Jimbaran Beach & Tanjung Benoa Beach #freebali42
@arystle: @yapthomas Kuta, Legian, Soka, Jimbaran, Tanjong Benoa #freebali42
@azahmichael: @yapthomas Kuta Beach, Legian Beach, Sanur Beach, Jimbaran Beach & Tanjung Benoa Beach #freebali42
@arystle: @yapthomas Kuta, Lovina, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Tanjong Benoa #freebali42
@azahmichael: @yapthomas Kuta Beach, Lovina Beach, Sanur Beach, Jimbaran Beach & Tanjung Benoa Beach #freebali42
Winner: @arystle, @lisanyee, @aoitenshii, @tomattho, @pixtiny, @pd_ren, @azahmichael
#freebali42 Question 5/5: At 4am in the morning, you depart out from Lovina Beach to the sea to see ____________ ?
Answer: Dolphins…
@arystle: @yapthomas sunrise #freebali42
@tomattho: @yapthomas dolphins #freebali42
@satkuru: dolphins ! lol RT @yapthomas: #freebali42 Question 5/5: At 4am in the morning, you depart out from Lovina Beach to the sea to see ___ ? #fb
@aoitenshii: @yapthomas Dolphin pods #freebali42
@arystle: @yapthomas dolphins #freebali42
@azahmichael: @yapthomas the Market at Singaraja #freebali 42
@tomattho: @yapthomas sunrise view #freebali42
@azahmichael: @yapthomas to see the sunrise #freebali42
@pd_ren: @yapthomas: dolphins #freebali42
@pixtiny: @yapthomas dolphin #freebali42
@azahmichael: @yapthomas to see dolphin pods!!! #freebali42
@tomattho: @yapthomas dolphin pods #freebali42
@lisanyee: @yapthomas DOLPHINS! because i woke up at 3AM for that HAHAHAH
Q5 Winner: @tomattho, @satkuru, @aoitenshii, @arystle, @pd_ren, @pixtiny, @azahmichael, @lisanyee
So, to compute the winners, I used points. The fastest among all the contestants will get the highest point, which is 9. Hence, the table below is self explanatory and winner is the one with the highest points.
You will see the reason why I mentioned you need to join in all the contest and also be the first to answer to correctly for all questions.
| Player | Question 1 | Question 2 | Question 3 | Question 4 | Question 5 | Total Points |
| @tomattho | 8 | 9 | 6 | 9 | 32 | |
| @satkuru | 8 | 8 | ||||
| @aoitenshii | 7 | 7 | 14 | |||
| @arystle | 6 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 35 |
| @pd_ren | 9 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 18 | |
| @pixtiny | 5 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 17 | |
| @azahmichael | 7 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 21 | |
| @lisanyee | 6 | 8 | 2 | 16 | ||
| @wssoo | 4 | 4 |
Congratulations Ms. Arystle Kuan!
@arystle from Arystle’s Scribbles.
You’ve won yourself a 3Days 2 Nights ground package which consist of:
- 2 Nights Accommodation at a nice 3 star hotel for 2 person
- Return Airport Transfer for 2 person (Flight not included)
- One Full Day Tour in Bali for 2 person
- 2 Breakfast and 1 Lunch for 2 person
** Your prize can only be claimed for low season travel.
** Traveling dates from July till December 2010 only.
To claim your prize, please email travel[at]yapthomas[dot]com or Tweet me.
Free Bali For Two #freebali42 – I Fool You Not
Apr 1st
I’ve mentioned on twitter about #freebali42 earlier on. Many people say I am pulling an April Fool joke, but let me reassure you that I am fooling you not.
I will be launching the #freebali42 on 2nd April 2010 instead of 1st April. Hence, the perception of me fooling them also will not be too strong lah. Plus, it’s Good Friday and will definitely not lie wan lor.
This contest is a participative contest and you must be available throughout the day to join in. If you miss one tweet question, you are out.
So, read below for more info.
The rules for this contest will be:
1) You need to follow my tweets (@yapthomas) from 1000-2000 hours on 2nd April 2010, Friday for the tweet questions.
2) Each tweet question will come out at 0900, 1100, 1300, 1500 and 1700 hours respectively.
4) You must answer each tweet question before next tweet question comes out.
5) You must answer each tweet question quickly and correctly starting with @yapthomas, and ending with #freebali42 (e.g.: @yapthomas, Kintamani, Ubub and Kuta #freebali42)
6) You can reply with more than one answer, but correct answer
7) There will be a Finishing Slogan Tweet which will come out at 1700. (This will not affect winning selection basis.)
Winner will be selected based on:
1) The most correct answer for each tweet question and fastest.
2) You must participate in every single tweet question. Missing one you’re out. I decided to take this off. Most correct answer wins, with speed.
4) Example: @abc and @xyz answers all tweet questions correctly but @xyz’s reply came faster than @abc’s answer in most reply, hence winner will be @xyz.
Question 1/3 – Answer: Kuta
@abc – kuta
@xyz – lagoon
@bbq – kuta
Winner: @abc
Question 2/3 – Answer: Marriott
@bbq – hilton
@abc – hyatt
@xyz – marriott
Winner: @xyz
Question 3/3 – Answer: Ngurah Rai International Airport
@xyz – bali airport
@bbq – ngurah rai int. airport
@abc – ngurah rai international airport
Winner: @bbq
Overall Winner: @abc
Why? Because she has the most answer correct in all 2/3 questions and overall her speed was faster even though @bbq answered 2/3 questions correct too.
Winner will take home a 3Days 2 Nights ground package which consist of:
- 2 Nights Accommodation at a nice 3 star hotel for 2 person
- Return Airport Transfer for 2 person (Flight not included)
- One Full Day Tour in Bali for 2 person
- 2 Breakfast and 1 Lunch for 2 person
So, what do you think? Still feel that it’s too good to be true? You decide.
Just A Tip: Start reading about Bali now!
Oh btw, this is the picture of the hotel courtesy of CincauHangus.Com
This contest is sponsored by YapThomas.Com
I guess I should throw a freebies contest every single month, what say you?
The 2010 New Year’s Eve
Jan 10th
I just realize that I did not click “Publish” for this post! My timing has been so the off and I’m always late. Must start organizing my time and not to be late for appointments anymore!
Okay, enough of kinky steamy post for now. I don’t always write those kinda things wan lah. I’m a good boy, remember? So, it’s time for updates, and these was 2010 New Year’s Eve at Penang.
Bought myself a super cheap AirAsia ticket up to Penang to have fun with The Boys from 30th Dec 2009 till 1st Jan 2010. The travel which was all in the hands of The Boys.
This is where I stayed, Flamingo by the Beach on Tanjung Bungah. Not too bad though this hotel, considering it is a four star rated hotel. Formerly it is known as Crown Jewel Hotel.
For the countdown, we went to Sunset Bistro at Batu Ferringhi and it was like super jam pack with people. Considering we have a beach feel, but the location… ermm.. could be better. I wanted to search for the bar I went two years ago, but I can’t remember that place’s name. Quiet environment, by the sea but I can’t remember if they have a beach there.
Overall, I enjoyed the trip. Been a while since Chiang Mai that I can just relax. Plus, the whole random Taboo games was like crazy! We could have played Monopoly the whole night lah, seriously. Throughout this whole Penang plan, the driving back part was a little bit tiring. Next time, we fly.
Part of The Boys. Missing Pat who’s in South Africa and Ben is just being Ben for being an anal for not coming.
Good start for 2010… and more to come.
It’s a Holi-Year
Dec 7th
This coming 2010 is gonna be a Holi-Year. A short for Holiday Year.
A short term taken from Cheesie. She owns the copyright of this term.
It’s gonna be regional trips first. No money lah. Have to save up for rainy days okay!
So, here is the “Tentative” plans…
Jan – Bangkok (Just decided yesterday…
hahah)
Feb – Phuket
Mar – ???
April – ???
May – Africa (50% confirm)
June – ???
July – Singapore (I think it should be in June. Bah. Whatever)
August – ???
September – Mt. KK (yes, again!)
October – ???
November – ???
December – Aussie (I’m coming to find you Nads!)
There are few other places which I’m still undecided when to go yet. They are Hong Kong, Siem Reap, Hanoi, Medan and Koh Samui. Yeah. The list is just nice to empty my pocket… 
Will update from time to time. But let’s see how it goes lah.
Jun? You wanna help with the list?
