Darwin Northern Territory Australia

I had a chance to visit Darwin on March 2009. This time, only Noy and I went together without any of our friends and entourage. When I asked some of my friends who love travelling if anyone had been to Darwin, non give a positive response. In fact some even ask why I choose Darwin.

To tell the truth, I'm sick of shopping and would love to be near nature. I knew, I knew, some of you must be thinking, why so far, Taman Negara in Malaysia is so much nearer. I choose Darwin partly I had a personal mission to complete my travelling pin on Australia map. I had been going to some other Australia city before and several times transited in Darwin. Plus, I really wanted to visit Kakadu and Katherine Gorge. So when Noy asked where I want to go for our March trip, I chose Darwin and its had bring a good and memorable memories. Plus this trip is totally brought us out of our comfort zone, so much things to learn and new experience gained.

We departed at 10.40 pm on 12 March via Jetstar from Singapore and arrived in Darwin at 4.40 am. Once we cleared the immigration, we proceeded to claim our luggage. Here, there was a custom officer with a dog waiting to do his work. Every passenger will be greeted by the dog and its caretaker (the custom officer) and the dog will start sniffing and following you around. Being a Muslim, being near a dog what more dog that sniff and lick tends to be a traumatic experience. Luckily, the dog only sniff at me. I couldn't imagine if the dog sniff at Noy or come any near her. I just hope that the Australian custom at Darwin be more sensitive on the Muslim travellers and would not let the dog sniff or lick at us. Perhaps they could have warn visitors on the dog issue and have a special counter in case some of them have phobia of dogs. Due to the dog licking at me, I had no choice but to qada my subuh prayer until I had the chance to change and wash myself.

To all my Muslims friends, just be aware and mentally prepare that you will have the same experience here. If you are afraid of dogs, please seek advise from the immigration officer before coming to the area to collect your luggage. This is to avoid any inconvenience or wrongly suspected from carrying anything illegal.

An airport transfer service is easily available at the airport itself. If you are staying in the city area, this is the convenience and cheapest mode of transportation if you do not have any plan to self drive. Do buy a return ticket to save you A$2 per trip. We paid A$40 for return ticket for 2.

We had booked at wotif.com Mediterranean All Suite for our stay in Darwin. It cost us A$109 for a spa room which sleep three. Here are some photos of the hotels.

The hotel has a swimming pool, tour reservation service and a restaurant. Reception time is from 7am to 11pm. Do indicate if you are checking early or later than the reception time when doing booking. They will leave your room key and give you an instructions when you request for the late check in when making your reservation.

This hotel is located at Cavenagh Street which is about 5 to 10 mins walk to Mitchel Street, where most of the happening happen in Darwin city. We choose this accommodation cause its near a bus station and not so noisy compare to those accommodation at Mitchel Street. Another reason for choosing this accommodation is its near a bus station. As we do not drive around while we were there, the hotel is so conveniently located and accessible to public transport in Darwin.

Day 1

We reached the hotel at about 6.30 am and had to wait outside as the reception only start at 7am. The check in time is supposed to be at 2pm. But we were lucky as the hotel staff, Ms Helen has promise to let us check in at 11am. We left our luggage and headed for a simple breakfast of coffee and rolls. After that bite, we headed to Mitchel Street to look see the area. We headed to Cole's to get some groceries for our stay in Darwin. Since only 2 of us, we did not buy much, only some egg, bread, vegetables and rice. We picked up some brochures at travel agents while we were at Mitchel Street.

There are several travel agents that operates internal tours to the places of interest in Darwin like the Jumping Crocodile tours, The Litchefield Park, Fishing Trips, Katherine Gorge tours, Kakadu National Park and many others.

We managed to check in at 11 am as promised. I cleaned up the utensils at the hotel with a sabun sertu that we brought and whipped up some simple noodle for our lunch. Noy meanwhile, unpacked our clothes and take a shower. After the simple meal, we thought of resting a while and plan to go for Darwin city tour in the afternoon. Guessed we were too tired and slept until 4 pm. Ah there goes our city tour plan.

Nevertheless, we change our plan and decided to go to Casuarina. Casuarina has the biggest shopping mall in Darwin. We asked the receptionist (not Helen though) and she told us that probably most of the shop in Casuarina is close at 5pm as its was Friday and the late nite shopping is on Thursday.

Hhhmm, now what to do then? We looked at each other with question mark on our face. Hahahh..serve you right, who asked you to sleep?..that's what trigger in my heart and mind.

Since we are eager to explore Darwin, we headed back to Mitchel Street and surround. We walked till the other end of Mitchel Street and only see some souvenirs shop and eateries joint that were opened. Bars were crowded and noisy. We don't have to enter to hear the noise. I wondered how the people can enjoy their conversation inside there plus the music at some pubs were blabbering loudly.

We reached the Esplanade and decided to stroll there. The weather seem to be in our favour and we can stroll the park with a nice evening breeze and sunset view.

The sunset view taken from the esplanade.

We had to leave Esplanade earlier as its started to rain. We rushed towards the nearest building to get a shelter. Fortunately, the rain stop and as its almost 7.00 pm, we decided to walk back to our hotel.

While I was preparing our dinner - a stir fried cabbage, an omellete and rice, Noy had her bath. I finished cooking just in time as Noy finished. Its my turn to take a shower, while Noy set the table with our dinner. Since its hard to eat outside due to our diet, a simple meal can be very sumptuous at this stage of situation. Noy cleaned up after that while I busied myself reading brochures that we picked up at those travel agent and planning for our next day trip to the weekend market.

I will share more on our trip to the famous Parap Market on my next posting.

Some tips for those who want to visit Darwin.

It is cheaper to take Jetstar than Qantas to fly to Darwin from Singapore.

There is not much activities for children or teenagers in Darwin.

If you are looking for budget accommodation, be prepared to stay in a backpackers type, motel or camping site.

Darwin is the most expensive city in Australia. A can of coke can cost you A$3.50 at most convenience store and a bottle of 500ml mineral water can cost you approximately A$3.00.

Be prepare to expect rain at any time of the day.

Darwin had only 2 seasons - The Wet Season - (Oct to March) and Dry Season (April to Sep).

If you plan to visit Darwin during the Dry Season, do book your accommodation way in advance.

Genting Highlands - Trips with Nieces

Its had been years that I last visited Genting Highland in Pahang, Malaysia.

In the middle of December 2008, together with Noy and my four nieces, Naz, Yaya, Amira and Azila, we headed to Kuala Lumpur and Genting Highland.

We departed from Singapore Budget Terminal on 11 December 2008. I had managed to 'kidnap' Amira and Azila for this trip. Its hard to bring these 2 gerls as they are more attached to their parents. Since my brother and his wife are doing their pilgrimage, its just right that I scooped his daughters away. To make the trip more merrier, I decided to tag Naz and Yaya. Btw, Its Naz and Yaya first time too not going with their parents. So good ya my nieces, they kindda of obedient. Never go with others except with their parents.

When Noy and I reached Budget Terminal, the gerls were there together with some of my sisters and brothers. Aiyah, damn difficult for my siblings to trust me with my nieces. I suspected that they kindda of reluctant to let their children go with me, but the gerls were all eager to hangloose without their parent.

My nieces waiting at the Budget Terminal listening to my eldest brother (Naz's dad) lecturing.

We took Tiger Airways to Kuala Lumpur LCCT. I had arranged with some friends to pick us at LCCT. We gonna overnite at their place. Not that I cant afford to pay for the hotel, its just that such a waste to check in a hotel when we plan to go up to Genting early in the morning. The girls never complaint even we had to share a room. Infact they were giggling till early morning even we were just like a sardine pack in a tin.

My Malaysian friends, Ida Suraya and Jun were good host. They sent us to LRT station for us to catched it to KL Sentral for the coach ride to Awana Genting Highland. Ida Suraya or for short IS, had to drive twice to the LRT station. Thanks IS for the effort though with those mini Snickers given free at the LRT station.

At KL Sentral, the coach will only depart at 1.30pm. Damn, I dont want to wait another 3 to 4 hours for the coach. In the end, we decided to take a taxi up. Its cost RM60 for a taxi to bring us there. We then split into 2. Amira, Azila and I were in one taxi. Noy, Naz and Yaya took another. To consider paying RM60 in Singapore Dollars, its cheaper compare to taking a cab home at peak hours from my office on Friday evening. In about 1 hour, we reached Awana. IS and Jun were already there.

Noy did the checking in while the rest scouching around the lobby area. The apartment that we stayed belong to Noy's company. Its a privilege for staff to use as a vacation and it only cost her S$180 for the weekend stay from Friday to Monday.

The apartment had 2 bedrooms, a kitchenette, a dining and living area. The girls were so excited that they snapped photos of themselves practically everywhere in the apartment, and that include sitting with their clothes on in the jacuzzi. Such a jakunis.

After we had some light food, the girls were ready to swim. Naz, being the eldest was given the task of taking care of the younger cousins. I'm too tired to join them and need a little nap. After an hour, Noy woke me up to go look for the girls.

The girls enjoying themselves in the pool.

We headed to Genting Highland that nite cause my nieces just cant wait for next day. Since its already nite, we only walk around the indoor theme park. No one want to play any of the games. Then we decided to enter the Snow World. Its was fun. Since none of the girls including IS and Jun experience any winter, they were damn excited.

After the snow world, we went around First World hotel and later had a light late dinner at the staff canteen in Theme Park Hotel. Since we were chicken out to take the cable car ride back to Awana in the middle of the nite, thus we waited for the bus service that will bring us to Awana at 12.30 am.

The next day, we headed back to Genting Highland for the outdoor theme park. Naz treated us for the entrance fees which I cant remember how much. Thanks Naz! She just cant wait to try all those rides. I promised myself that I just wanna let the girls enjoy as much as they want. I do not want to stop them from experience all the ride. Aiyah since when this makchu so good ah...! That what Noy asked me when I told her my intention. I was known to my nephews and nieces as a strict person eventhough I always joke and teached them bad things at times..he hehee.

Its was a good day, not much sunlight, cold and luckily no rides were closed. I dont know how many times, Yaya and Naz took the most dangerous ride at Genting Highland. But I sure hell knew that Azila will never want to sit on it because of fear. Amira did once after being chided by her cousin. I forbid Noy from taking that ride cause from the previous times we went for the rides, the aftermath for her was fever. IS, suppose to be the most macho among us, chicken out even for the mild ride like hanging swing. Jun was not that bad ya. The only ride that IS enjoy and said the most thrilling ride everafter is the Merry Go Round. and that cause a big laughter from my nieces.

Naz, Yaya and Amira queing patiently for the Space Shot ride

The girls ready for the thrill.

A quarter way up ...dug dug dug
At the top of it....Ahhhahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!Yaya after the ride...Fulfilled and happy with the messy hair.

We spend the whole day at the theme park and only went out half an hour before closing times. We were worn out and hungry by then. Had our dinner at Kopitiam and took the cable car down. This time, we didnt felt chicken out though. I guessed fatigue and craving for the bed conquered the fear.

The third day was spent at Awana playing pools and video games. We were too exhausted to go up Genting Highland again.

We checked out from Awana and headed to Kuala Lumpur. We stayed at Ancasa for a nite and my nieces went shopping at Petaling Street and Sogo. We had a good dinner at Yuen Steamboat with the compliment from Is and Jun. We left for Singapore with so much memories.

Thank you Is and Jun for a nite stay at your placeand the pick up from airport. Thanks Naz for the entrance fee to the Theme Park, thanks Noy for the accomodations and thanks to all for the good vacations.

The trip to KL and Genting Highland was sure a memorable one for me as I had been waiting for so long for my nieces to grow up so that I can bring them to travel with me. I hope to have more trips with them the next time.

Bali Rendervous

Its seem my travel to Bali has not been updated. Sorry about that folks.

Bali land of paradise have so much to offer. As I told you earlier, I chartered a van to bring me around as I prefer to explore Bali at my own leisure. Here are the places that we visited.

Our itinery for the first day were as follows:

We were picked up by Mr Suweca at our hotel in Kuta at 10 am. Our first stop is at a Batik Shop cum Factory. Here we learned how batik is produced with handwritten or block imprinted. Then, we proceed to silverware making. Seriously its for the commercial side that they are promoting not exactly for the arts of making batik or on the minting of silverware. We decide to skip the wood carving item as we are more excited to visit Kintamani.

We proceeded to Kintamani with a stop over at Bali House. Here Mr Suweca explained on the fundamentals of the positioning of a Bali House. At the main gate, there is a board inscripted with the number of people who stayed in the house. The layout of the rooms in the house compound is very unique. A kitchen is separated from all the bedrooms. In the centre of the compound, there is an open bedroom which comprised on a double bed and a curtain surrounding the bed. This normally will be reserved for the elderly (parents or parents inlaw) of the head of the house. Unmarried children are supposed to sleep with their parents until they reach the age of puberty. Balinese are very staunch Hindu. Every household will have a mini temple in their home ground. When we were here, we got the privileged to learn on the Balinese culture based on their calendar. Its very lengthy to explain it here, so if you ever visit Bali, try to ask the local to explain about their calendar. It very interesting how they see the calendar for birth, marriage, special occasion and so forth.

Our next stop is the Kintamani area. From here, we can see beautiful scenery of Bali. We had our lunch at the Halal restaurant there. Amid those illegal hawkers who were touting us to buys the goods that they peddled, otherwise this place is awesome for the view and the cool breeze. From where we sat in the restaurant, we can see Mount Batur and Lake Batur. The scenery is so beautiful. I just cant upload the photo here in this blog cause I think there is some problem with blogger. Couldnt see that upload image icon...:(.

After battling the touting hawkers to get a good spot for the scenic photo, we rushed back to our van to avoid the hawkers from touting us further. Ah! this is what I dont like about Indonesia. Anyway, just be careful when you are approach by them. One thing to remember, Never ever look at the item nor ask for the price if you are not interested at all. Once you open your mouth to ask or take a good look at the goods that they are offering, they will keep touting you until you suffocate. If you really want to get the goods that they are peddling, bargain as much as 70%. If you cant get at that price, leave them. See if they are willing to let the goods change hand at that price. You will be surprised!

Next we stop at the herbs and coffee plantation. Its is not big actually, but it is worth visiting. You can see all those herbs tree. Cocoa and local indonesia fruit tree are also planted here. Bali coffee which is famous is being serve here together with the local cocoa. There is a demo on how coffee being roasted the traditional way. A small shop selling coffee, cocoa and some spices can be found if you want to get that for souvenirs. Honestly, I find that their cocoa taste better than the coffee. So we decided to purchase 2 packet of cocoa to bring back to Singapore.

Our last stop for the day is visting Sukawati Market famous for their souvenirs. Time is quite limited there and we had no time to really explore the shops. But we manage to grab a few bags and tshirt for souvenirs. Anyway, no regrets though cause most of the shops are practically selling the same items.

Before heading back to our hotels, we requested that Mr Suweca drop us at Jimbaran for the sunset dinner. But we were late and missed the sunset. Anyway, we enjoyed the seafood and the atmosphere dinning at Jimbaran. We were then sent by the guy from the restaurant to our hotel after that heafty dinner.

On our 3rd day in Bali, we decided to explore the nearby area on our own. After breakfast, we walked to Kuta Beach which is only 10 mins from our hotel. But we didnt reached Kuta beach in 10 mins cause on the way there are shops selling DVD's at a very reasonable price. We stop at a few shop but decided not to get anything cause we do not want to burden our hand while strolling Kuta beach. It was at about 10 am, Kuta beach was already crowded with Bule (Indonesian slang for Whiteman) Wah! Its too crowded until you really got no nice spot to sit and enjoy the sound of the waves of Kuta. We strolled until our feet sore and decided to return to the hotel for a dip in the pool.

We had a short nap after swimming and then return to Jimbaran for the sunset dinning again. This time round we did see the sunset but its for a glimpse. Ah ha, I didnt realised that the sun set to fast and never wait for anyone. Serve us right for taking a nap after that lapping in the pool.

I had to stop now and will continue on the next posting. Got to run some errands ...laterz.

Bali Indonesia - Introduction

We had just came back from Bali last two weeks. Bali, Indonesia is known as a paradise Island of Asia. We spent 5 days 4 night here.

We departed from Singapore Changi Airport direct to Denpasar Ngurah Rai Airport by Garuda Airlines. Beside Garuda Indonesia, Singapore Airlines do have direct daily flight to Denpasar, Bali. Lion Air, a budget airline operated by Indonesia company recently operated a daily flight from Singapore to Denpasar too.

Due to the peak period in Indonesia, as July was a school holiday there, plus its Summer holiday for the Europe and America sector, the flight was heavily booked. Hotels, resort and private villa in Bali especially Kuta, Nusa Dua and Seminyak Area were heavily booked eventough there are surcharges imposed. We were lucky to get the accomodation of our choice even we had to pay a minimal surchage of US$10 per nite. The room was booked way end April. The surchage for the accomodation surcharge was increased to US$25 when I last checked online before departing. My advice for those who intend to go to Bali, try avoiding July and August as the surcharge for accomodation can downturn your budget by US$25 to US$50 per nite. If really you can't avoid that period, do make your booking for accomodation earlier to avoid the heavily increased hotels surcharges.

At Denpasar Airport - For Asian, who do not require visa on arrival, please proceed to your extreme right for immigration clearance. The Ngurah Rai airport have many counters. This are separated into two - for those who need VISA on Arrival, then please join the queue that stated so. We had no idea that the counter we queued to get our passport checked was the queue for VISA on Arrival until after about 30 mins when it come to our turn. We were told to go to the extreme right counters for those who do not need visa. If you are from Asia, you do not require any visa on Arrival. The visa on arrival cost US$10 which permits you to be in Indonesia for 7 days.

While queing up for your passport clearance, you can see there are pamphlets being lay out on racks. If it is your first time there and you have no idea of what to do or overloaded with information that you get from surfing the internet, then grab some of the pamphlets. These pamphlets contain tour information, map of bali, spa services and some dining joints. With it, you can then plan for your outing or do comparison for tours or spa. If you would like to do you own DIY tours, do charter a four wheel and a driver. If you like you could drive yourself. The brochure that I picked up mentioned that the rental of car is apprx US$35. But if you are not patient enough, then I suggest that you engage a driver. Why? Cause Bali road can be very congested at certain time of the day. Only the local will be familiar with the road and they jolly well know what time to avoid which road. Plus, its not that expensive to engage their service. We did too cause we really want to enjoy the tranquality of Bali and absord the greenary and serenity of the surrounding, not busy looking at maps and getting ourselves lost.

If you need a good thrustworthty driver who give good service, contact this guy that drove me around Bali for my stayed there.

Mr Wayan Suweca - +620818564399

I can assured you that Mr Suweca will provide you a best memorable bali tour. By the way, if you do ever want to engage his service, do tell him, that I recommended you. Its not that I get any commission out of it, No I did not. But as I said earlier, we were very happy and pleased with his service and would very much like others to experience his good service. He charged apprx RP400 000 - RP450 000 for a 10 hours service. Oh ya, he is a Licensed Korean Speaking guide in Bali. Beside bahasa Indonesia, he do speak good English too. So no need to worry for being conned by those street muggers who offer you good and cheap price. Remember, no good deal is to cheap. Be wary, if its too cheap, than its too good to be true.

Ok, thats all for the introduction on Bali. Our tour will begin in the next posting.

Day 2 and 3 of Southern Thailand Tour

This posting relates on our visit to Songkla and again at Hatyai before we headed to our next destination, kuala Selangor.

We thought of spending the second day to explore Hatyai but then we decided to go to Songkla for a day trip. We chartered a tuk tuk for 1100 baht for the whole day inclusive of petrol and driver. So our own driver can relax and enjoy.

The tuk tuk driver, Haji Sulaiman, a Thai muslim first brought us to a Hill where we can see Songkla fishing village from the top of the hill (sorry forgot what the name). We paid 100 bath to go to the top of the hill via a slant lift (like those at Penang Hill). There is a buddist stupa on top of the hill. Its a marvelous view from up there. We spent about 30 mins and went down. From there we headed to Songkla beach. Its a public holiday in Songkla that day, so we saw a lot of family picnic at the beach. Most of them are Muslim cause the women can be seen adorn with their tudung and the men with their kopiah. (a headgears wear by women and the latter men).

At the beach, there are two prominent monument. One is a mermaid and another is a cat, dog and mice. There is a legend incripted near the animals monument. As for the mermaid, no specific story was posted near the it. Songkla is known to have good seafood. At this beach, we had our lunch. These were what we ate.

And there was kerabu mangga that I forgot to take. Beside we ordered 4 coconut, 3 coke and 2 big bottle of mineral water. All this for 7 people eating. Guess what! it's only cost us S$100.00. Haji Sulaiman must have enjoyed so much. He had 3 plate serving of rice. The food was very palatable. Our niece was so happy to eat osyter. We actually ordered only 2 piece of the oyster for her thinking it will be very expensive. To our surprise, it only cost 35Baht per oyster.

We headed to Hatyai after that. There was a road block on the way back to Hatyai. We thought that something had happened, rioting or what, but actually, its the KING. All motorised vehichle were asked to stop and diverted to side road. Engine should be off too. No passenger can be inside the vehicle. So we had to stand in the sun, while waiting for the King to pass by. It takes about 1 hours 20 mins just to wait for the King and his entourage passed that road. We we realived to be let off and proceed with our journey. After about 1 hour just before reaching Hatyai, again we we stopped by the traffic police and was asked to divert our tuk tuk to the inner side road. Alas! the King passed by again to go to the airport. Since we are in the country, we have to respect their culture. We notice that when the Kings entourage car passed by, all Thais look down or bow their head low. How respectful they are; infact the cars passed so fast that I dont think anyone in the entourage would notice if they do not bow nor low down. Anyway, there were a lot of policemen around. And that speak for the doing of the Thais.

Once we reached Hatyai, we headed to the market to shop, shop and shop. Tshirt, blouses, jeans, sportware dan dried goods like anchovies and shrimp were very cheap compare to back home. The weather was extremely hot. We bought what we think we want to buy and headed back to the hotel. Since it still early for dinner and we were still full, we decided to go for a swim. The novetel hotel swimming pool is at the roof top. We swam for about 45 mins followed by sauna. Wah! felt so good and now we felt hungry again. Aiyah, what to do when you are on holiday. Eat, Shop, Sleep, Eat, Shop Sleep.

Since it is still quite early for dinner, we gerls went for reflexology. Its was good. Later our brother joined us too. Then we roamed around the night market again, but just to look see look see. Then we had dinner again at Hamid's. After dinner, there were some pushcart just arrived. Oh! then we saw the yu char kueh stall that our nephew told us to try. Since we we quite full we only order one plate of the yu char kueh. Thai people have sweet tooth. They eat the yu char kueh with kaya. We ordered teh tarik to go with it. Our brothers ordered lengchee kang. Semangat, padahal dah kenyang.

This char kueh was so delicious that we finished them in no time. We ordered a second serving and laughed hard at ourselves for being such a glutton. Too full, and everyone was feeling sleepy head now. But we still walk around to make sure that the food we ate digest properly. We enjoyed hatyai so much, the food, the cheap swensen icecream and the shopping. We decided to extend our stayed at hatyai cause our nieces and their father complained that they had not shop enough. Wah! where got thai baht anymore left about 300 only for me. Aiyoh, dielah. Then Noy decided to withdraw some money so we manage to breathe shopping again.

Our third day in Hatyai was spent with late breakfast, no lunch and shop shop shop again. We went for massage again. Had dinner at the same place too. Packed some of our things and put in the car bonnet so it wont be so embarrasing during the check out next morning. Just 3 days in Southern Thailand, our bonnet already fulled. This does not include our luggage bag and some items that were still inside the hotel room. When we checkout out, our car was fully occupied. The rear sit was filled up by the things we shopped too. We really had a great time. There is no problem existing from Southern Thailand. We then headed for Kuala Selangor to homestay at someone Cow Farm.

Hatyai Day One

This is the continuation on our journey to Hatyai, Southern Thailand.

We got hard time to locate the hotel Novotel Centara Hatyai. We couldn't get any map at the border as it had been sold out. Anyway, we stopped a few places and asked the locals on the location of the hotel. Thai people are very friendly and helpful, unfortunately, after approaching 3 people, none can speak English nor Malay . I was so happy when we were near a school caused to me, sure the student can at least understand some English. True to my thinking. There were students were sitting outside the school and I took this opportunity to ask them on the Novotel Centara exact location. Being the real Thai, the students even offer to show us the way. They led us on their bike to the location. Upon reaching the hotel, they stopped and approached our car to confirm that they had brought us to the correct hotel. Hmmm, this is what I called genuine help. If only, my fellow citizen can be as helpful as the Thai. I took a 20baht from my pocket and passed it to the student as a thank you gesture. They refused to take the money. Another Thai good character. If this happened in Indonesia, the people will in fact request for some percent for their effort. I couldn't blame them for that though.

Novotel Centara is one of the good hotel in Hatyai. The service is tip top since the moment we entered the car park. The security guy at the car park entrance, stopped and checked our car. Then he asked if we are going to stay there. We showed him our reservation. He nodded and directed us to go to B2. The moment we turn our car to B1, another security guy was waiting there. With his whistle, he signalled for us to follow him. He was on his two feet running in front of us, just to show us a parking lot that he had reserved for us upon receiving a walkies talkie message from the 1st security guy. Wow! how would you feel?. We were very pleased. We are not VIP but were treated like one. This lead to our happiness to take out some baht to pass to the running security guy. To our surprise, when we started to unload our luggage from the car bonnet, a bellboy was an already stood behind with his trolley. Another Wow! We were showed the lift to go to the lobby.

Anyway, there is a slight misunderstanding due to communication problem at the reception area. Nevertheless it was rectified by the supervisor and we got our room key in under 20 minutes upon arrival. Novotel Centara in Hatyai hotel room is very clean. We can smell the freshness when we entered the room. The room is spacious too.

We had arranged to meet up again at the lobby at 6pm Thailand time. Since we checked in at about 3 pm, we had time to rest a bit. We did our prayers and started to meddle with the TV channel. Thai had so many TV channel. But none of the channel that we tune to had English as the medium. Luckily, there are cables like discovery channel and the hotel have Malaysia channel too. Fuhhh! no need to have headaches trying to understand the Thai language then.

Hatyai have a few Muslim restaurant. There are Hamid Restaurant, which is only a 3 minutes walk from Novotel. Salmah Restaurant, which a bit further from Hamid and Rocky Restaurant.

Among the three restaurant that we patronised, Hamid Restaurant had the most varieties of food. For our first meal in Hatyai, we went to Salmahs'. We had a fish, squid, kailan, tom yam and white rice. For 6 persons, it only cost us about S$65. That was quite a bargain for us as at our place it will cost us more. Unfortunately, I forgot to snap the food that we ate at Salmah's as we were hungry and just ducked into the food when it was served.

At nite, you can see a lots of pushcart stall around the Novotel Centara area. This pushcart stalls sell local delicacy like fresh durian with glutinous rice, grilled sotong and also selling knick knack items like key chains, coin pouches and so on. They normally started their trade at about 7 pm.

After our dinner, we walked around to see what are being offered. Opposite our hotel, there is a shopping complex which have some world known brand like Adidas, McDonald, Pizza Hut and Swensens. We decided to have an ice cream at Swensens. We ordered the Earthquake thinking that will be enough for the 6 of us for desserts. What I like is that we can choose our own flavour and no restriction for the topping either. The best part is that it is so much cheaper than back home. We vows to come again for more the next day.

Since it is still early to go back to the hotel, we roamed the area again. We were quite surprised as more pushcart stalls were present now even though the time was almost 11.30 pm. What more, there are more locals patronizing the stall as the nite goes on. We decided to call it a day and headed back to Novotel. In our room, I told Noy that I was contented to spend my birthday that day with good dinner and dessert even though I only had a prata as a first meal on my birthday for breakfast earlier on in Perak.

We had planned to go to Songkla the next day and I will blog that in my next posting, insyallah soonest possible.

Here is Novotel Centara Hatyai Address:

3 Sanehanusorn Road Hat Yai Songkhla 90110 Tel : +66(0) 7435 2222Fax : +66(0) 7435 2223

Driving Trip to Southern Thailand Part 2

We reached Sadao Thailand immigration. Here some tips to share, all passenger and driver are required to alight from any vehicle. Drivers, do drop your passenger first, then turn left immediately after the immigration post for a parking area.


There is no sign or anyone to tell you to do that. We as a passenger alighted and follow the crowd. My brother, who is the driver, did not do this. He was distracted and so concentrated on passing the permit to the police there that he drove to the right and then parked his car there. This is considered ILLEGAL parking eventhough there are others Thai registered car there. Our car been booked. The Thai police unfortunely do not speak English.


My brother was summoned to a small room which marked Police outside. I went with him, knowling that his body language showed that he felt agitated over all this matter.


"IC, IC" ... the Thai Police asked my brother. My brother passed to him his driving licence. He took from him and thrown it on the table infront of him. He didnt even look at the driving licence and then started to look at us and said something in Thai.


"Sorry, We dont speak Thai" I said.


He felt frustated and pull a stack of paper from the drawer. Pick up the driving licence which he threw earlier and started to fill the paper.


"You name, you name", shouting at my brother.


"Oh! this is his name", kepo me pointing at his name in his driving Licence. All this while only the Thai police, my brother and I inside this small room. Later a guy holding a helmet, came in. By the time, the Thai policeman had completed filling up the form and passed it to my brother and asked him to sign. He readily wanted to sign them until I stopped him. I wanted to be sure, what the details on the form. All words are in Thai. How can he just sign on it. The Thai police never explain anything but just asked him to sign. This cannot be, my mind was full with "what if". When I asked him, he keep yelling "Sign, sign". Beside being angry, both of us looked at each other and controlling our laughter over the matter. Sighting uneasiness in us, he then threw my brother driving licence in the drawer and locked it up. My brother holding the summon paper, looked up at me with a confused faced. I took the form from him and approached the helmet guy. "Sorry, do you speak English or Malay", I asked. I were merely trying my luck on the Malay part cause you never know. Thai people do looked like Malay, especially those from the Southern part. He said yes, a little bit of Malay but not English. Thank God! He asked the Thai police on what was written on the form and relayed to us the information. Its actually a summoned paper for us to make payment at Sadao Police Station. We wanted to settle there, but the police just refused us.

Sadao police station is about 15 km away. We stopped a few times to ask others. Hmm, very the frustating. Most of them do not speak English. We stopped at one little shop and I spoke Malay. Alas, they speak Malay with Kelantanese accent too. Settle, its on the right of the road, so we were on the lookout for the Police Station.

Another hilarious experienced we had when we were at the Police Station. We went in and all eyes inside the station, zoomed at us. I approached a booth and pass the police in charge the summon. He told us to go Danok. This is the place where the summon was issue. Its under Sadao territory but Danok is the village or town in Sadao area. Hhhmm, this is crazy. How can he asked us to pay at Danok while the guy in Danok asked us to pay in Sadao. If not for my brother driving Licence being retained by the earlier guy, I would just ignore the summon until we leave Thailand.

Communication can be a great barrier here. Luckily, Thai are a soft spoken people apart from the police guy at Danok, if not, I wouldn't have the patience to handle these people. I went out of the police station and tried to approached some muslim that I saw while driving in the police station. A young couple were approaching the entrance at that time. I asked if they could understand Malay. Yes! came the answer. Its was such a relieve feeling. I explained to them and the couple were so kind hearted and patiencely explained to the police there. We were then told to wait for the officer in charge. About 5 minutes later, an officer came and we were called to the booth. The fine was for 3 offence, mind you 3 offence for illegal parking, blocking other ways and failed to park properly. Anyway, one offence was charged at 200 baht that is apprxm S$8.90. But we were given discount of 500 baht for the 3 offence. If only Singapore have such things as discount for traffic offence. My brother looked lost on hearing 500. I assured him that its not a big amount. Its only S$23.00. Ha! he laughed when told him.

We headed back to the car and laughing over all this hilarious experienced. Its really a lesson to be remembered. So if you ever want to drive in to Thailand via the Sadao immigration, please remember the tips above. Oh ya btw, another things, do not forget to slip in your passport a RM1 note for that immigration guys to avoid delay.


We drove back to Danok, took the driving licence and drove back to Hatyai. Its really an experience to have a brush with the law in Thailand. Nevertheless its a good experience to learn.

Will update on the Hatyai part next .. so look out for it. Till then.

Driving Trip to Southern Thailand Part 1

I just came back from a driving trip to Hatyai, Southern Thailand. The trip was planned way back in December without any specific destination at first. It was supposed to be my birthday holiday trip.

We decided to take a driving trip this year with our brother and his daughters. All together there were 6 persons (3 pax each in a car) went on this trip. The planned was to stay 1 night in Perak on the way to Hatyai and a 2 night stayed at Novotel Central there.

We departed from eastern part of Singapore at 2.30pm on Sunday 16th March 2008 heading towards Johore 2nd link. We expected that the immigration clearance will be a little hassle though cause of the wanted Jemaah Islamiah fugivite escaped. Surprisingly, with the efficiency of the Singapore Immigration and Custom Authority service, we managed to pass thru the immigration less than half hour of checking and thumbprint takings.

We had no problem at Malaysia custom too. Its a breeze driving from the 2nd link checkpoint until we stop for our Asar prayer and coffee break at Machap R & R. We continued our journey to Perak and stop once again at Dengkil R&R for our Maghrib and Isyak prayer. There we had our dinner. All of us were not too enthusias on eating as we were so excited to reach Perak for the nite.

We reached Ipoh and we heading towards Seri Malaysia hotel. Unfortunely, there is no more room. The reception at the hotel was helpful enough to give us a few more other hotels contact number. After some calls, we decided to check in at Grand View Hotel at Jln Horley in Ipoh town. It was a much fuss to look for the hotel as the staff there said that the hotel is situated at Jln Holy. Looking at the map, we couldnt find any Jln Holy (as what the receptionist said. We found out later it is supposed to be Horley not Holy..heheee). Nevertheless, we just based on a lookout for the hotel and found it at exactly 11pm. The rate for the family room is RM$168. This room comprised of 2 king size bed. We took one of this room and another standard room which cost RM$89. I just had to try my luck at bargaining for the room rate. Lucky for me, we managed to get RM$20 discount for the family room and RM$10 for the standard room. So guys, it is no harm asking if there is any discount available. (Learn this trick when I went to London back in year 2000).

Night well spent, drivers had enough rest, we headed for Hatyai after having our RM$17.40 breakfast for 6 person at 9.30 am.

At approximately 12 noon, we dropped by a petrol station at Napoh in Kedah to pump full tank as petrol in Thailand is more expensive than Malaysia. I saw a restaurant called Jo Cendol Pulut. A colleague had recommended that we eat at this restaurant. So we did just that. I spoke to the owner of the restuarant, Hjh Roshidah. Thru our conversation, I came to know that the restaurant also provide service for Thailand insurance. The charges is quite cheap for us Singaporean. It cost RM$15 per car registration. An embarkation card was charged at RM$1 per card. Since I got to know the lady boss, we got a discount of Rm$0.50 per card and thats a saving of RM$3 for the 6 of us.

After settling all the immigration documents at Jo Cendol Pulut, we headed to Changlun checkpoint (Malaysia immigration checkpoint) at Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah.

Here is the address of Jo Cendol Pulut :

Restoran Cendol Pulut Jo
Km 17.3 Lebuhraya Bukit Kayu Hitam
Pekan Napoh, 06000 Jitra Kedah
Tel:/Fax: 60 04 9162559
Waktu Perniagaan : 10 pagi hingga 11 mlm.

It was a breeze to pass by the Malaysia counterpart. I was quite nervous to pass the Thai border due to all the media reports about rioting and clashes at Southern Thailand. I never stop reciting prayer in my heart that Allah guided and blessed us on our journey.

We had some exciting encounters at the immigration at Sadao in Thailand. Will share with you in Part 2 as I need to finish up my monthly report for the bosses. So guys, see you soon.

B A T A M - The Intro

It has been long ago that I last updated this blog. Hmm, been busy with other activities and attending courses..but still squeeze in time for travelling though. Heehee... macam takde kehidupan jika tak travel walaupun sekali setahun.



I first started this blog last year in January. Wow! never update them for almost a year. I promise myself I update my journey more now. For the year 2007, I had travelled to a few places. Batam was visited almost every other month for the body overhaul treatment..dont you think otherwise by that remark, its a SPA treatment that I meant. Kuala Lumpur was my destination in March. Its was a birthday treat trip from Noy. Where else that I went to ...hhhmmm.... Oh! ya, we went to Goldcoast and Brisbane with a transit stopover at Brunei. So visited 3 places at one go. Thats was the main and longest trip for 2007. Ok, in this posting, I would like to blabber about Batam.

Batam- an Indonesian Island in the Riau provinse which is only an hour ferry ride from Singapore Harbour Front has been my frequent place that I visited in 2007. With all those reports about Johor being a target area for those notorious robberies, we had diverted our short trips to Batam. There are many ferry operators that provide service from Singapore to Batam. One of my favourite is Batam Fast. Its really fast indeed. Other operators are Penguin Ferry Service, Indo Falcon and WaveMaster. Try avoid taking Penguin as far as possible if you are going to Batam. This is because Penguin ferry is not as fast as Batam Fast .. for obvious reason I guessed. Just imagine how does a penguin walk. Btw, do anyone know if penguin do run?

The ferry ticket was cost at S$27 in the early months of 2007. Its gradually increased to S$31 from May 2007 to early January 2008. It has been increased to S$43 inclusive Batam tax since 7 January 2008. It looks like this year, my hopping to Batam have to be cut down due to the increase of the ferry ticket. Ok!, maybe some people didn't know and do not find Batam interesting. But Batam now is so much different from Batam in the 80's, 90's and early 2000. Admist the naughty talk that its a heaven for those cheeko man, Batam had been well developed with hotels, shopping complexes and some good branded name to their advantage. If long time ago, the only branded good you can get in Batam are those Polo brand. Now, its totally a vast change. From designer brand for cloth and sports apparel and popular bakery such as Bread Talk are available there. Fast food are aplenty too, Pizza Hut, KFC, A&W and McDonalds are there to salivate those Singaporean taste bud.

As to why I frequent Batam is more for pampering myself with the SPA treatment. Followed by some shopping and that Sirsak Juice. Oh ya and the ever popular long queue melt in the mouth JCO donuts.

I will stop here for now about Batam. Will post more on the SPA treatment some other times. So that for those of you who wish to go for SPA at Batam can get more info on it.
So anyone want to go Batam and need more tips, give me a tinker, will you.

My First Ever Trip - Jun 1989

I started to travel on my own at the age of 22. My first trip is to Trengganu. I remembered doing research on Trengganu at the library. Beside, I had asked around from those people who had visited there once.

I chose Trengganu cause I just love sea sides, islands, waterfalls, snorkeling and what more I heard Trengganu has beautiful islands. Furthermore, I wanted to see my penpal who stayed in Trengganu.

My companions for the trip were my primary school mate- Syed Izzat, my mum third cousin, Salleh and my dearest partner Noy. Salleh and Izzat are neighbours. We started our journey at Lavender by taking a Transnational express bus which ply mostly to East Coast of Malaysia. At that time, the bus fare is only $18.00. We departed at 7 pm and arrived the next day at about 2 in the morning.

First we headed to Salleh's relative house at Kuala Trengganu. Here we were serve breakfast and was brought to our hotel later. Being a newly employed person, we do not have much cash, so we just stayed at a chepo hotel.. Cant remember exactly what is the hotel name, like Sri Trengganu or whatever but I still remember the location if I'm at Trengganu now.

We planned to explore Trengganu for 5 days. On our first day, we only roamed around the city. We headed for Sekayu Waterfall the next day. It is so exhalirating to enjoy the waterfalls. Not many people as it was weekdays. I went back a few time after this trip, but its not that nice and natural any longer as Sekayu has became too commercialised.

Next we went to Marang to hire a boat to Pulau Kapas. Marang is a destination for you to take boats to other island around Trengganu. Now you can also see a fishing docking area. Go there very early if you wish to experience the hustle and bustle of fishmen autioning off their catch to fishmonger and the locals.

We took a small boat to Kapas Island fromMarang at a cost of RM20 per person including a snorkelling accessories. There we rent a chalet at "Makcik Gemok". It only cost RM30 per pax for a nite stay with breakfast and bbq dinner for two. Its a great offer back then. Try it now, I don't think that you can ever get that price any longer.

The beach is a so white and smooth. No wonder it is called Kapas Island (Kapas is Cotton in English) We stayed for 2 nite here. Since there is no activities at nite, we just lazed near at the beach grazing at the sky with full of stars and listening to the ever popular song at that time "Sejati". I'm smiling away and shaking my head now, remembering the innocent way of my life seating at the beach with men who are not my mahram. Astagfirullah! May Allah pardon my sin.

We headed back to the mainland after we had our breakfast with darker and tanned skin.

From here, we went to Salleh's auntie place again. Salleh cousin is actually my penpal. Since its her birthday, we brought cake to celebrate her birthday. We stayed there for one nite and headed back to Singapore with a lot of keropok instant, songket and batik trengganu ..and of course our memories of the beautiful Kapas Island and the splendid Sekayu Waterfall.

The Journey Begins

Today, I had decided to write in the cyber space to share with all my frens and family on the journeys that I had made during my lifetime.

Let me introduce to all, my travelling buddies. The most closest person and frequent person that I had been travelling with is Noy. Thus this blog is called Noyida Travelogue. It will be mostly input with stories of the journey that both of us been experiencing. Perhaps you people can even get tips on how I had save a lot on flight, accommodations, transportations and others during my journey.

Beside Noy, there are some other people who just luv to join me on my traveling journey. They are Bibik and her hubby, Kak Som, Kayjet, Temah, Kelly, Aga and many others.

For a start, I had been travelling for leisure most of the time to Malaysia and Indonesia. I had covered most of the West Malaysia 13 state and part of East Malaysia which comprises of Sabah & Serawak.

Let's not bored you with all that stuff for now. Maybe I should introduce my self for those of you who really don't know me.

I was born during the later part of the 60's. Age is quite a sensitive matter for woman rite. But heck care, it's just a number for me. This year I will be 40 in March. (So those fren out there, dont forget my besday ah!!) The saying goes ... Life begin at 40 ... hahhahhh ... I always luv to add this ... make sure 41 don't die cause there's alot of repenting for our sins that we need to do. :)

With this philosophy, I had started my journey and travelling life not at the age of 40 but earlier so not to miss the opportunites to do what youngster do ... .. and whats that? Plus, something that Allah SWT made me face that the decision of travelling and travelling to appreciate Allah's creation strike me... ada hikmah di sebalik sesuatu ketentuan Allah SWT.

Ok...that all for the intro ..... our journey will begins in the next posting.....Insyallah.