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.