Travelogue 8: Diarrhea Langkawi

It was chaotic and stressful.

Labor Day. I bought the flight ticket (Malindo) 3 months before the date. We prefer to fly via Malindo as they offers in-flight entertainment. Kids need that to keep them occupied. God knows how I missed food in Air Asia..hahahha

However, a week before the date, on short notice basis, I had a business trip in Taipei  and schedule to depart from Taiwan on the same day with the date that I should depart to Langkawi. Cancelling the flight would be very costly. It will affect the accommodation as well.

So, to make this trip possible, I have to switch flight from MAS to AirAsia. So that I can arrive in KL at 5am. Flight to Langkawi depart at 850 am. Few options in my head.

1. Hubby and kids depart to KLIA2 via cab. I'll wait for them at KLIA2. I pre-pack baggage before I go to Taipei.
2. I go back to my house via cab, ask the cab to wait outside the house and the same cab will bring us to KLIA2
3. My husband park the car at KLIA2 and meet me at KLIA2.

So, all options will need me to be at KLIA2. We prefer option 2 and I just hope that my flight from Taiwan will not be delayed or else option 1 will be selected.

Ready to depart fromTaiwan Taoyuan International Airport 

Lucky me..the flight arrived ahead of schedule. Bravo Mr Pilot. Fantastic take off and landing, perfect food, new Airbus. Arrived at 430 am at KLIA2, I walked as fast as I could, took cab, arrived home at 545 am. I requested the cab driver to wait for us, I even took bath and perform my subuh prayer before we head to KLIA2. Thank god. While waiting for me, my husband brought the kids into the cab and it was super smooth.

Arrived at KLIA2 around 730 am, we thought it was still early, but the check in counter already put final call signage for our flight. Fuh..we had to cut queue, brought the two strollers and baggage at the check in counter. For those who are not familiar with the procedures, travelers who travel with kids cannot check in via website regardless how much you pay for your premium flight. You also need to tag your stroller(s) even you are using the stroller until the plane door. Please bring your chids' mykids/birth certificate for re validation or else your kid will not be allowed for boarding.

Landed at Langkawi International Airport safely. Alhamdulillah.

We rented a car (Naza Forte) for RM250/2 days. This is the first time ever that I don't have any itinerary for traveling as I was very busy with office work, I don't even have time to google what to eat, where to go. I just rely on the pamphlet provided at the airport and our past experience in Langkawi. Our last visit was in 2009 with our uni-mate.

After half an hour driving in the island to find the best place to eat, we had our lunch at Kedai Makan Kak Yan Nasi Campur. I'm not a fan of Nasi Campur, so I would say the food was just so-so. 

We checked in at Adya Hotel (Hubby influenced by Romantika program-Astro). Located at Kuah Town, the hotel is inspired by Islamic Concept, very convenient and nice food served during breakfast. 

It was quite tough for us to handle Hafiey as he had diarrhea in Langkawi, super duper frequent changing diapers required. he even pooped on my pants!

The weather was not so good, raining heavily since we arrived. Kimi was crying as I promised him, we can go to the beach after I come back from Taiwan. While waiting for the good weather, we went to Langkawi Indoor Wildlife Park and Bird Paradise. We never been here before. It's amazing place for kids and animal lovers. Make sure you buy whatever animal food that they sell in front of the counter or else you'll missed the excitement. 

Some notes for you:

(1) It is a fully covered wildlife park and the first such park in Asia. It has roofed and covered walkways all the way from the entry to exit so that be it rain or shine, you can always enjoy the park and its exhibits. 

 

(2) Close interaction with the birds and animals. There are feeding sessions with various animals and birds. The visitors can actually hand feed most of the birds and animals here. Although the park may appear like a zoo to some, this activity makes the entire journey quite exciting to the children and families. You can buy assorted food bags at a small price (RM6 per bag) that contains food for animals and birds. There are boards next to each exhibit clearly stating what food is allowed for a bird or an animal. 

Admission Fee 

Adult: RM28.00 

Child (3 – 12 years): RM18.00 

 

Rates for MyKAD Holders: 

Adult: RM15.00 

Child (3 – 12 years): RM10.00 

 

Opening Hours 

Open Daily from 8:30am - 6:00pm 

 

The kids were super excited playing with the animals. Hafiey was super excited as well until he fall on the bunnies. After that, he was quite traumatized and just sit on his abah's lap. Me? Of course just watching far. I'm super scared of animal.

Next we spent our day at Pantai Cenang until dawn. Kids extremely super duper excited. Mummy also excited. Poor Hafiey still on diarrhea. Or else he must be more excited and hyper active.

We had dinner at Restoran Wan Thai. It's a delicious dinner. We do not know that we have to reserve the seat. So as a walk-in guest, we have to queue.The kids were starving.

The next day, we went to Langkawi Cable Car. It's still raining. It's not easy to handle the kids with the umbrellas, one of them having diarrhea, one of them hates queuing. So ended up, we bought express lane ticket, paying extra for less hassle. Fuh!

Virus!

Next agenda, shopping at Kuah. Not much, just chocolates and comforter set. I'm not buying any correlle, corning or pyrex as I can get much cheaper price from US. Hehe..I bought a yellow cabin bag for myself..unnecessary purchase though.

We ordered pizza for the second night as the kids were so exhausted.

Next day, after a wonderful breakfast at the hotel, we checked out and headed to the Langkawi International Airport.

It was a tiring journey, started with the unplanned business trip, handling super excited kids, with one of them having diarrhea and the weather is not that good. It was our first time travelling alone with both Hafiey and Kimi. And back from Langkawi, Kimi and hubby had diarrhea as well. And that's conclude our Diarrhea Langkawi

Travelogue 7: Bandung 2015 (Revisit)

What is the most awaited moment for me when it comes to travelling around Indonesia??

FOOD FOOD FOOD FOOD FOOD

So I want to make this entry looks simple. Here's the itinerary:

16 April 2015
1. Arrived in Husein Sastranegara Airport
2. Checked in at Villa Damar
3. Shopping at Rumah Mode (Walking distance from Villa Damar)
4. Spa at night

17 April 2015
1. Visited Kawah Putih, Ciwedey
2. Shopping at Kilang Kain Koppo
3. Shopping at Pasar Kosambi (famous for tidbits)

18 April 2015
1. Visited Floating Market, Lembang
2. Visited Miniature Train Park of Lembang
3. Shopping along Jalan Riau

19 April 2015
1 .Last minute shopping at Rumah Mode
2. Check out from Villa Damar
3. Back to KL.

20 April 2015
1. Monday blues...work work work

Villa Damar is a superb accommodation for those who travel with big family. Other than the location is just adjacent to Rumah Mode and Restoran Sangkuriang, it offers very cozy ambiance for travelers. One master bedroom with attached bathroom and 4 queen beds at the attic. There is a small kitchen as well just in case you need to pre-heat food etc. They also serves welcoming snack which is super duper delicious fried tapioca with garlic.

Our first activity was shopping at Rumah Mode. Super convenient as it's just 5 minutes walk from the villa. Therefore we did not hire any supir for first day.

At Rumah Mode..we were so lucky as both kids fall asleep

Huge damage at Rumah Mode though it's only our first shopping stop. When it comes to men's office shirt or casual shirt, it's always worth buying in Bandung. Other than the quality is the same as the original brand, the price is super cheap.

At Restoran Sangkuriang..walking distance from Villa Damar and Rumah Mode. Forgot to snap picture of the food. Too hungry and we ate like a vulture..hahahhaha

Next day was a trip to Kawah Putih. It was a 3 hours journey from Bandung City Center. Basically Kawah Putih is almost similar to Tangkuban Perahu. But due to the distance, most tourists prefer to go to Tangkuban Perahu. Entrance Fee is Rp 15,000/pax and Rp 150,000.00 for your vehicle's parking.

The smell of the sulfur is bearable. Maybe it's still early in the morning. Kawah Putih, located in Ciwedey  is one of the crater lakes of Mount Patuha. Situated 2430 metres above the sea level, we can experience chilled temperature between 8 to 12 degrees C lower than temperature at Bandung City.

Other than paddy, growing strawberry is part of the small industry in this area. We can also see villagers here is still using horse/pony as their mode of transport.

Superb delicious ever lunch at Restoran Saung Gawir. 30 Minutes from Kawah Putih

View from the Restoran Saung Gawir.

Next destination is Kilang Kain Koppo. For Bandung revisit 2015, we did not put Pasar Baru as part of the itinerary as we were accompanied by 3 kids. Based on the Dr Google review about Kilang Kain Koppo, the price is half than Pasar Baru, They are the source for material at Pasar Baru plus it is more convenient to shop here as it is a bungalow like shop.

Selling telekung, kain ela, kain sulam, suitable for reseller

And we shop till drop!

The third day in Bandung, we spent time in Lembang. The new attraction is the Floating Market and Taman Miniatur Kereta Api (Train Miniature Park). My Kimi is super obsessed with train. So this must be the remarkable trip for him.

There is a Rabbit Park as well

Super excited kid

The entrance of Floating Market

Pisang Goreng Cheese is originated from Indonesia.
We got the fried tapioca with chilli as well. Fantastic!

Rabbit Park and Train Miniature Park is part of the floating market as well. So you can spend at least half a day here. Floating market serves super delicious local cousin where you can buy the food from the boat stall. Please beware of pick pocket. Our superb and tremendous brunch had cost my mom her newly bought iphone 6.

10 minutes from this tourist attraction, we stopped by at Kg Daun. As this restaurant has also become very famous, the price is quite expensive and the food is over rated. We prefer Restoran Saung Gawir!

You are paying for the ambiance of eating in the jungle, by the river stream with the sounds of instruments from bamboo, as well as natural sounds from the jungle

Burpp..

Next, shopping at Jalan Riau.No picture taken as all of us are busy handling the kids while wasting money at the factory outlets.

The Heritage and The Secret offer branded clothes. Other than that, it's just a local brand with a very good quality of material and design. Please do remember to buy EDP perfume in front of The Summit Outlet. It's EDP people! Not more than RM50, you can get 100ml of branded perfume.

Last night in Bandung, SPA time. SPA services is very famous in Indonesia. It's totally worth it even you are taking the SPA services from the hotel. Paying little bit extra for your convenience.

Spending the 4th day in Bandung in Rumah Mode, it's a last minute shopping before we depart to the airport. It's a smartest decision ever to stay at Villa Damar as we only have to pay supir and van rent for only 2 days. We depart from Villa Damar by using their airport transfer services.

Travelogue 6 - Bandung 2009

On 19th June 2009 (I remember the exact date because we were travelling on my birthday), I went to Bandung with my parents and sister for 4 days. I have a good friend of mine studying in University of Padjajaran  so I continued the vacation for another 2 weeks staying at my friend's place.

With my family, we were staying at a motel on Jl Riau (now known as Jl R.E Martadinata). They offered a very basic room even without the water heater. Jl Riau is very famous for its factory outlets i.e Heritage, The Secret and The Summit to name a few. The location of accommodation was very convenient and the weather was very nice which allow us to walk to the outlets. We did not hire any Pak Supir as the Blue Bird taxi is easily available. We also tried to ride on AngKot (Angkutan Kota) and trishaw - super duper cheap and convenient as well. Indonesia is very famous with the traffic congestion, so during peak hour, is not advisable to ride on a taxi. Be it whether it's blue bird taxi (with meter) or "teksi sapu" (without meter). 

the only sister of mine

4 days in Bandung were totally for shopping (goodies bag, wedding card and lace for my wedding on top of unnecessary blouses, shirts, pants etc..hehe) and eating. Bandung and Jakarta are famous place to buiy wedding stuff as their offered price might go as low as 70% compared to price in Malaysia.

After my family went back to Malaysia, I continued my stay at my friend's place in Padjajaran campus together with another 2 friends just arrived from Malaysia. The place is an hour journey from Bandung City. It's quite outskirt but I really enjoy the calmness of the Padjajaran town and the coolness of the weather. Most of the times, we took a bus to travel to the city. In Indonesia, it is common to have buskers entertaining you in the bus, beside your taxi's mirror and at the traffic light. Most of famous singers in Indonesia start their journey as singer by busking in the bus or by the road. So we enjoyed listening to their free performance in the bus regardless.

I would like to highlight that I had an unforgettable moment during the stay. We've visited a place which is 6 hours from Bandung. It is located in Pangandaran, West Java. The beautiful-must-visit place named Cijulang River which has clean green water flows between the huge wall of hill or known as GREEN CANYON..

Green Canyon

It serves never been forgotten experience to all visitors who come there by renting traditional boat or the challenging of body rafting.. We took the traditional boat. We enjoyed the amazing natural rock wall completely with the sound of river and birds tweet. The fresh look with the green water and plants surrounding was amazing. The boat buzzed up the jungle-fringed, emerald-green river to a waterfall and a beautiful canyon where there’s swimming (though the current is often strong here, they provide a rope for us to hold to). Boatmen work on a return-trip schedule of just 45 minutes, which only gives you about 15 minutes to swim and explore the narrowest and most beautiful part of the canyon. 

It was a wonderful experience. Not so much picture taken unfortunately as at that point of time, not so much funky waterproof camera available in the market (plus student don't have much money..LOL)

The traditional boat brought us to the Green Canyon

Swimming in the dark cave..

We also visited the Pangandaran Beach. Pangandaran is one of Java's best-kept secrets as far as international tourists are concerned, but has been extremely popular with locals for  long time. A small fishing town, it possesses one of Java's finest beaches and Pangandaran Nature Reserve teams with wild buffalo, barking deer and monkeys. The people are very friendly, this combined with the idealize surroundings make this a great place to spend a few days relaxing island-style.

The beach is facing the Indian Ocean 

Fishing Village

Pangandaran is especially of interest to nature lovers, as there is a wildlife reserve in the vicinity where wild birds and other indigenous animals live about freely to be enjoyed by visitors. The fine white beach, blue ocean, amazing seafood and cool weather has made Pangandaran Beach among the best place to visit in Indonesia. 

We assumed that this beach and its surrounding had badly damaged during Tsunami 2006 as the Tsunami alarm were made visible everywhere around the beach. The billboards also highlight on the Tsunami alert.

According to information available at the notice board around the beach, Pangandaran is the most devastated area by the roughly 3-meter (10-foot) wave. Off the island of Java, Indonesia, an earthquake rumbled under the ocean on July 17, 2006. The motion triggered a tsunami that struck the island about an hour later.

Several hundred people died in the area, which is a fishing community and resort area. Larger structures withstood the tsunami, but many smaller buildings and homes were washed away. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced by the devastation.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred in a shallow part of the boundary between the Australia Plate and the Sunda Plate. The two tectonic plates meet offshore of the island of Java. The Australia plate dives beneath the Sunda Plate at a feature known as the Java Trench. The quake occurred about 50 kilometers north of there.

Nevertheless, we could not see any remaining scars from the Tsunami. Perhaps billions was spent to rebuild and refurbish this amazing tourist attraction.

We also took the Island Hoping package together with the Pangandaran Nature Reserve tour. It was an amazing trip as until now  (after 6 years) I could still remember this wonderful journey.

On the boat: Island hoping

The recreation park offers thousands amazing experience for tourists

BFF in Dewi Rengganis Cave..the growing myth among local believe that the magical water in the cave will make you look younger than your age.

Travelogue 5 UK-Scotland Trip Part 5 (Finale)

Destination #11 - London 

The most awaited moment for Kimi:

1. To ride on train in London
2. To climb up the stairs in Big Ben
3. To see London Double Decker Bus

So we dedicated our 25th October 2014 for Muhammad Izzul Hakimi. 

We took East Midland Train from Bedford Station to St Pancras International Station. We bought a one day pass which can be used for East Midland Train, Tubes and Bus at the price of GBP12. The one hour journey went well as they provide place for us to store our baby strollers.

Kimi with the train.

St Pancras International is set at the heart of Central London with more underground connections than any other London station. There are four main services from the station – Eurostar, East Midlands Trains, Southeastern and ThamesLink (inclusive those travelling to and fro Europe).

Our first destination was the Tower Bridge. From St Pancras International Station, we walked to King Cross Station and take underground to Tower Hill Station (Circle Line). Unfortunately, few stations on Circle Line were under maintenance on that day. So we ended up walking "patiently" from Aldgate Station to the Tower Bridge. Thank you to the wonderful Garmin! Hafiey was kind of helping a lot as he was sleeping (still jetlag on day 10) from Bedford until we reach Tower Bridge. Hakimi kept on asking "where is Big Ben?" We were behind schedule and got to slash few places in London so that I can shop at Mark and Spencer in Oxford Street. Hahahha.

Mandatory picture

Speechless in front of Big Ben

Walking and taking few pictures with the Tower Bridge, Kimi was very excited to see Big Ben finally. (He is so obsess with a video in youtube where there is one girl explaining about Big Ben while climbing up the stairs). We took a double decker bus (though at first I said to Kimi, we only see the bus, but apparently, the train disruption has made us ride on the bus). He was happy indeed. The bus is very stroller friendly. They got space for those with stroller and the driver will take out the mechanical ram for the stroller/wheelchair to go into and out from the bus.

We arrived at Big Ben at 1215pm. We missed the 12 strikes of Big Ben! Kimi was very excited to see the Big Ben, speechless, blushed, hiding under the roof of his stroller. Until he forgot his plan to climb up the stairs..Hehe..

 Itinerary in London

We took a bus again to Lilywhite (after attempt to have lunch at a 5 star Maghribi restaurant at Mayfair! Slowly walkout from the restaurant and we ate banana instead while walking to the main road). We figured out that by taking a bus instead of train, it will be less walking and less stairs involved and is easier for parents traveling with strollers.

Jersey sold at Lilywhite is slightly cheaper than those at the Stadium Gift Shop. For original jersey, it was a good bargain. If you used to wear AAAAA grade of Jersey from Padang Besar (Made in Thailand) then you will find Lilywhite's jersey is still expensive.

Next, my shopping time at Mark and Spencer. Hafiey was very aggressive in the mall and he wanted to go out from the stroller, running around (morning time in Malaysia, 4pm in London) until he fall down, injured a lil bit on the mouth. Sales manager in the mall was very concern, wanted to give Hafiey some ice treatment on the mouth..but I said, I can breastfeed him in the fitting room and he'll be find. So I got one fitting room for me to try 5 blouses and of course to sooth him down. The M&S biscuit (my favourite) is very cheap as compared to Malaysia. So we bought few packs/boxes of biscuits (for souvenirs as well).

We went back to King Cross Station at 8pm to continue our journey back to Bedford.

26th October 2015 - Bye Bye UK

Saying goodbye to United Kingdom, we departed at 3pm (delay one hour) and we missed our next flight to Kuala Lumpur (transit time only 2 hours). Etihad claimed that there will not be enough time to transfer the baggage to the next flight. So we got free accommodation at the hotel nearby Abu Dhabi Airport (only 3 hours sleeping time but luxury room and breakfast provided).

27th October 2015 - Happy Birthday Muhammad Izzul Hakimi

We celebrated Hakimi's 4th birthday in the flight. Apparently Etihad airways provides flying nanny on board that can entertain your kids. They celebrated Hakimi's birthday in the flight, sang Happy Birthday song, gave Happy Birthday card autographed by the Pilot and Hakimi got a slice of birthday cake some how. Nice rite!

The card which autographed by the pilot

It was comfortable riding on Etihad, bigger leg room (as compared to MAS) and friendly stewardess. The food also better than MAS.

We arrived at KLIA around 10pm Malaysia Time. But our baggage were not on the baggage carousel. So they sent our baggage on the next day. FOC on doorstep of course.

OVERALL JOURNEY (DOCUMENTATION)

Overall Journey

Prayer time at each related destination

Planned Food Arrangement

-THE END-

Travelogue 5 UK-Scotland Trip Part 4

We were heading back to England after spending time at Edinburgh Castle and the souvenir shop nearby. 

We totally rely on Garmin as none of us have been to Durham or even travel from Scotland to England via Newcastle. We were enjoying the journey to the maximum as Garmin brought us to a country road where the scenery was very eye soothing. Sheeps, cows and horses grazing the grass, windmills on a hilly farmyard and the trunk road is in a good conditions. If in comparison with Malaysia, the quality of road is at par with PLUS highway but it is to connect Kuala Lipis to Gua Musang or those road in Felda. 

However, we were quite worried as the road is like endless, not so much signboard, unfamiliar name of places and in fact we were not sure whether we were in Scotland or England. I remembered we crossed a town named Jetburgh which after that we assumed we were still in Scotland.

Until we saw this...

Border of England and Scotland

Destination #9 - Beamish Museum, Durham

Beamish is a living, working and open museum, set in 300 acres of beautiful Durham countryside. Costumed folk bring to life the Town, Pit Village, Home Farm and Pockerley Old Hall.

The Beamish Unlimited Pass is valid for 1 whole year from the date of your visit which can be purchased year round for the prices listed below:

Adult : £18.50
Senior (60 years) / Student: £13.50
Child (5 - 16 years): £10.50
Family (1 Adult + 2 Children): £34.50
Family (2 Adults + 2 Children)  : £48.50
Family (2 Adults + 1 Child) :  £42.50

The small town

They do not provide ticket for one-off visit. So we have to pay for 365 days ticket. But it was worth it. I'm not into history and museum but the way they present the concept of museum has made it an interesting place to visit.

There are actors/volunteer including school children which pretend/doing role play to live in the late Victorian and Edwardian eras, together with portions of countryside under the influence of industrial revolution in 1825. The museum's guiding principle is to preserve an example of everyday's life in urban and rural North East England at the climax of industrialisation in the early 20th century.

The buildings at Beamish are not replicas, but have been brought, brick by brick, from around the region and rebuilt to give visitors a real sense of history. Let the beautiful pictures tell the stories...

The home farm..Kimi touched the sheep

The Old Railway

Tram as main transportation in the 300 acre area

Spot me among the children? It was a role play to evacuate the school building

Lil bro with his name on the board..so proud huh!

It is recommended to spend one whole day at this museum. Unfortunately, we have to leave this amazing place by noon as we have to continue our journey to Bedford. For those who could spend more time in Durham, this place is a two thumbs up. The journey continued for another 4 hours.

4 hours tiring journey heading to London from North East

We stayed at a two storey house of my father's friend (Uncle Rasol and Autie Norli). It is a Muslim's area as we can see few mosques, Halal restaurants  and Halal groceries stores around the neighborhood. Uncle Rasol and Auntie Norli also provide their accommodation to Malaysian who wish to have a short visit in London or nearby area with a very affordable charges. It is not a big house (typical British houses) but it's comfortable enough for a short stay.

Destination #10 - Bicester Village

This is a much awaited moment for my Mama. I purposely arranged visit to Bicester towards the end of the trip so that she can has something to look forward along the journey.One whole day at Bicester Village without Abah. Abah was very busy at Uncle Rasol's house packing his figs for 'export' to Malaysia.

No pictures taken at Bicester as we are so busy window shopping. I kept on saying don't compare with US Dollar, don't convert to RM or otherwise I'll end up buying nothing for myself. After 4 hours walking around the outlet (the size is about Johor Premium Outlet), I managed to get a good bargain for my MK. It's cheaper than US. Unfortunately, only one left or else I would buy few for sale! I aimed to sell Clark's shoes as well but the price is not that good. So end up I just bought for myself and Kimi (Birthday present I guess) He insisted to buy the "shoe with light" rather than buying "On Sale" item. Hmmm..Other than that, few Cath Kidston stuff on sale (reasonable price) and the rest is not affordable for "kuli cabuk" like me..The outlet also provide counter for tourists to settle the VAT stuff and proper praying area. Spotted quite numbers of Malaysian shopaholics here!

Pictures from the net to give better view of Bicester Village

It's a tiring day and back to Uncle Rasol's house,a big luggage full of fig's bare root ready to check in! We also need to do the packing as we only got 1 and half day left.