stanley & doreen travel site

South Korean Visa - Is it Needed for Malaysian?

2010-06-23T19:20:00.000+08:00

No.
Malaysian can stay in South Korea for up to 3 months without visa.

Refer Korea immigration site and HiKorea site for details.

US Non-Immigrant Visa for Malaysian

2010-05-27T12:34:00.001+08:00

I did it in Singapore. Applicant must attend the interview at US embassy in-person.

(1) Read the information on US Embassy web site

http://singapore.usembassy.gov/how_to_apply2.html

(2) Take Photo

It is non-standard size. Just 1 piece will do. Scan it and upload it at the next step.

(3) Fill up online DS-160 form and submit

For business trip, apply for B1/B2

https://evisaforms.state.gov/default.asp?postcode=SGP&appcode=3

(4) Schedule Interview appointment

https://evisaforms.state.gov/default.asp?postcode=SGP&appcode=3. Usually it will take a month to queue for interview.

(5) Prepare your support document and $$$

Business trip usually needs company support letter that indicates purpose, schedule of visit, financial support, etc. Money is S$ 183.40 (USD 131) as of now. Fees are not returnable, this means if visa got rejected, no refund. It MUST be in Cashier Order form, no cash, NETS or credit card payment allowed.

(6) Attend Interview at Embassy (whole process about 1.5 hours)

(6a) Go Napier Road

Go early, but not more than 30 mins earlier.

(6b) Queue outside the embassy

(6c) Enter Security Post

Show appointment letter. Remove all things in pocket, switch off all devices. Body scan. Remember NOT to bring big luggage, they may deny your access. Electronic device and food will be kept at the security post, officer will issue a tag for collection later.

(6d) Walk to Counter

Abt 1 min

(6e) Take Queue Number

(6f) Go counter, they took away passport and asked to made payment at another counter

(6g) Made payment by cashier order at payment counter

Wait to be called again.

(6h) Interview

Questions they asked:

How long have u worked in current company?

Your previous company and working period?

How long have u been in Singapore?

Study in Singapore?

Wife in Singapore?

Purpose of visit?

Schedule and duration?

=> VISA APPROVED

(6i) Wait for 2 working days

My interview on Monday, can only get back the passport on Wednesday (fr 2.30pm to 3.30pm). If visa rejected, they will return passport on the spot.

(7) Collection

Go early! Need to queue again. Validity? Depends, Malaysian and Indian usually 10 years, China citizen, 1 year.

World's Cheapest Destinations

2010-04-14T12:08:00.001+08:00

Check out this page on Bing Travel:

http://www.bing.com/travel/content/search?q=World's+Cheapest+Destinations%3a+India&cid=msn1138076&form=TRVCON&gt1=41000#

India

Laos

Honduras

Indonesia

Nepal

Poland

Morocco

Mexico

Ecuador

Bulgaria

Argentina

Iceland

Egypt

Venezuela

Las Vegas

Yunnan Trip - Tiger Leaping Gorge 虎跳峡 8-9 April 2009

2010-03-06T18:28:00.000+08:00

Our last batch of Yunnan photos (after almost 1 year, haha).

Hong Kong 2010 Feb 20:黄大仙庙Wong Tai Sin Temple

2010-03-06T17:41:00.002+08:00

搭地铁到黄大仙站，b2出口，在左边。地铁出口处有不少人卖香烛，那是非法的，不须买。

终于见到庙里的黄大仙画了，不过不能走近。庙外人山人海，人们走路的方向是单行的。

求签的人很多，不收费的。我双手合十拜了黄大仙，也求了一枝好签。签纸要到外面买，港币五元, 也不须买，网上找得到。解签？港币二十元，不需要，可以在网络上找到解释。

印度第十二天～最后一天〔29-Jan〕

2010-02-06T08:26:00.001+08:00

早上接到老板的电话，真是两个星期来最高兴的事，我提早班机回家！hurray！

印度第十一天〔28-Jan〕

2010-02-06T08:25:00.001+08:00

下班后，逛了附近的一间大型购物中心，Garuda Mall。过马路时，非得用上我在越南时学到的勇往直前，不顾一切的技术。斑马线如同虚设，如果不做敢死队，就要待在马路边老半天。

印度的购物中心，真的是没什么特色，很难跟本地的比。还是新德里的Pasar Malam比较特别。

印度第十天〔27-Jan〕

2010-02-06T08:14:00.000+08:00

到了Bangalore办公室，靠近Bangalore Central。整天工作、工作、工作……

印度第九天〔26-Jan〕

2010-02-06T08:13:00.001+08:00

今天是印度Republic Day，公共假期，Bangalore的天气就像阳光普照的云顶。酒店外有很多taxi和auto司机，说有Rs20一个小时的导游服务。千万别相信，他们会带〔逼〕你去购物，专卖店。

印度第八天〔25-Jan〕

2010-02-06T08:10:00.001+08:00

从孟买搭KingFisher飞到Bangalore，机场离市区很远，有四十公里。Taj酒店保安深严，员工服务一流，很好。

印度第七天〔24-Jan〕

2010-02-06T08:03:00.000+08:00

从新德里搭KingFisher飞到孟买，住进AB's Service Apartment。这是一间中级酒店，Ashwin喜欢这间因为比较靠近办公室。特色是晚上没热水！蚊子多！我跟酒店老板说，"Sorry, I need my passport back, in case police check me, especially now it's sensitive period, terrorism". 老板："Police will never check you, but you can check them! "。真是个又无奈又具讽刺性的笑话。

酒店外的夜市场(Ramdas路)有卖各式各样的服装，牛仔裤特别多。很明显的，都是冒牌货，但品质还不错，要注意拉链有没坏喔。有一百或两百的，选两百的吧，马币要13元。

印度第五天〔22-Jan〕

2010-02-06T00:14:00.001+08:00

从Dehradun一路大雾路经Manglour镇，停下休息。感觉超冷，比香格里拉的四月冷，七八度吧。喝了两杯indian tea，继续上路。经繁忙的Meerut，越接近就越塞车，到达Delhi班工室已经是八个小时后的事了。

公事做完后，友善的Jagdish带我们去Central Market。狂买了多件羊毛御寒衣，超便宜的。普通的只需Rs250，好料的也只是Rs600〔大概新币二十〕。

印度第四天〔21-Jan〕

2010-02-06T00:13:00.001+08:00

公事做完后，从Paonta Sahib出发到Mussoorie，一个值得期待的地方。Mussoorie 是一个出名的高原渡假圣地。车子延着环山公路，爬上海拔六千尺，低达了市镇。黄昏风景还不错，冷风继续吹袭我们，应该有十度左右。

印度第三天〔20-Jan〕

2010-02-06T00:11:00.001+08:00

Baddi到Dehradun塞车，狭窄，不平坦，大雾和绕山的道路，花了我们要四个小时。NH 72，National Highway 72，所谓的高速公路，应该讲是高速跳跃公路吧。Paonta Sahib 在这两地之间，我们接下来一天要从Dehradun折返。Dehradun的天气比Baddi暖和，十度左右吧。

印度的第二天 (19-Jan)

2010-01-20T00:06:00.003+08:00

从德里坐汽车去Baddi, 两百八十公里，经Karnal、 Dera Bassi，竟然花了八个小时（中间休息一小时），差不多要吐！

印度的第一天 (18-Jan)

2010-01-19T21:38:00.005+08:00

新航班机飞了五小时十分，当地时间十点到了新德里机场（Indira Gandhi International Airport），外面起了大雾, 温度是十三度，我还可以，只觉得比云顶冷一点。

感觉上这个新的国际机场并不新，国际抵达班机只有五班！

在机场出口外“找”到了接我的车夫。他过后送我去了Jaypee Vasant Continental酒店。一路上以他的破英文加大半的兴都话跟我谈天，我真不知如何回答他。

Go go India

2010-01-18T17:12:00.001+08:00

At Changi T2, getting ready to fly India in 2 hours time, destination => Delhi

Just had my slice of cheese cake and a bottle of Sanpellegrino (kind of Australian fruit jouce).

Weather condition at Delhi now,

17°C

Current: Smoke
Wind: NW at 8 km/h
Humidity: 52%

India Visa

2010-01-06T19:07:00.005+08:00

In Malaysia, it takes 5 working days to process.

I applied my India Business Visa through an Tour Agent, Sin Chung Tours at Taman Pelangi (Tel: 07-335 5860) in JB. I have got my visa in 5 working days. First day is to submit my passport, and on the 5th working day, i got back my passport, inclusive of the travelling time to and fro KL.

Cost: RM530, 1 year multiple entry.

Malaysia Visa On Arrival (VOA)

2009-11-06T13:01:00.001+08:00

As announced by deputy minister, Y. Bhg. Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop (Timbalan Menteri Dalam Menteri) on 5th Nov, VOA is NO MORE issued to visitors from India, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Bintan Club Med Trip 2009

2009-10-23T09:54:00.002+08:00

Period: 19 - 21 Sep 2009

This is some records of my good trip to Bintan Club Med, Indonesia, my company organized trip.

It took 15 mins for the bus from bintan ferry terminal to Club Med. Received warm welcome from staffs, they stood at the entrance and waved at us when we are reaching. GO, this is what they called guest officer, many of them, they have people that can speak english, japanese, korean, and of course french. We had a good team building game organized by one of the appointed GO.

After the game, we went for archery session, it was really interesting and I love it very much. They have only right handed bow, which is not suitable for me, as I need my stronger right hand to control and aim. This is my first time in my life to try archery, each person is allowed to bow 18 arrows.

After rich buffet dinner in the evening, we went to watch the 'circus' show. The show is conducted at the swimming pool. However, It was raining, the show was cancelled and replaced by an impromptu indoor stage performance. Their objective is to makes you laugh, a funny show. Performers are multi national, audient also multi national, and everyone show their respectful thanks by clapping till the hand swells. It was the funniest show I ever seen, some more the performers all from club med GO itself. Can't describe the show details, it is really a show in club med that can never missed. After learning from the Mauritius GO, Nicholas, the 'strongest' & darkest man in Club Med, the show name is 'Too Funny', he has performed stun by stepping on the bottle glass.

Tasted a glass of Paradise at bar. It was great. All drinks at bar are free flow and foc. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic are available.

Shortcoming: No tooth paste and tooth brush in the room. Room condition is a bit old, overall need renovations.

Polo shirt with Bintan Club Med is Rp 359,000 (abt SGD 50), which is not cheap. I bought 2.

Internet? There are 3 machines available. All the rooms have strong Wifi signal, no WEP key required to connect, but need user id and password to access. Both can get from Reception free of charge. For public area, only reception floor and swimming pool floor has signal. I thinks that's good enough.

Mobile? The strongest signal is from Indosat. Surprisingly I received Maxis signal from the block we stay, Jati, room number starts from J. I believe that's the only area that I can make call back home at local rate. Celcom and Digi signals also detected.

2nd day is the swimming day. Got a Pool Towel card from reception, it's needed to exchange towel from the pool counter. There's no pool side bar, but the bar is within walking distance. Remember, drinks are always free and free flow.

Sea swim, another good one, water is clear like swimming pool. No big wave. Ideal for swimming. I can't wait to jump straight into it!

Remarks: Must bring the sun glasses, the reflection from the sand hurts.

What other things you can do? Tennis, badminton, squash, basketball, street soccer, table tennis and also gymnasium.

What's the most special thing about Club Med? The People. The GOs (Guest Officer) are trained to be very friendly, they cheer you when you arrived, they 'must' join your table during meal time, they talked to you like your old buddy, they clap and accompany you when you are departing home, and the chief of village is one of them.

I went back home after 2 nights stay.

A Post from My Samsung Mobile

2009-10-23T09:23:00.001+08:00

Took Photo with Shit Man (屎人)

2009-10-09T01:07:00.003+08:00

Took this photo with Shit Man (屎人) at Russell Street (羅素街), near Causeway Bay, F exit. He is promoting the newly opened restaurant at 4th floor.

Most Expensive Ovaltine (阿华田) in My Life

2009-10-07T23:48:00.002+08:00

The night when I was sicked, I did not even have strength to go down 7-Eleven to buy a hot drink. With the advice from my lovely wife, I decided to order the in-room dining service, for a cup of hot Ovaltine.

Guess how much it cost? HKD 63.80. It is the most expensive Ovaltine I ever drank.

Sick in Hong Kong

2009-10-06T22:31:00.003+08:00

I was having fever last night, the second day after I arrived Hong Kong on Sunday. Work still need to carry on, can't afford to take MC. Took 2 tablets of Panadol (必理痛 in Hong Kong Cantonese version), cirit during midnight.

Today resumed work at regional office, feeling better. I hope it's not H1N1.

(above pictures were taken from my room, facing Kowloon, ICC - International Commerce Centre - ICC Tower on the left, the going-to-be tallest building in Hong Kong, 118 stories, 484m)

Heading to Hong Kong for Business Trip

2009-10-04T11:45:00.002+08:00

My ginger latte, at Changi T3, The Coffee Bean.

Yunnan Trip - Shangri-la 香格里拉 7-8 April 2009

2009-09-26T21:50:00.001+08:00

Enjoy the photos!

Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal

2009-09-19T08:00:00.001+08:00

At the departure hall now, so crowded, due to Hari Raya long weekend,
people are finding a good break at Bintan.

Just taken my breakfast at mamak store, roti prata and teh tarik, cost
me S$3.40.

Go Club Med, Bintan Tomorrow...

2009-09-18T12:55:00.001+08:00

Visa to Hong Kong?

2009-09-07T22:26:00.001+08:00

Not required for Malaysian.

Each Malaysian visitor can stay up to 90 days.

Heading back to Singapore, SQ1

2009-08-15T06:45:00.003+08:00

Just took my breakfast at Cafe De Coral (大家乐) - 皮蛋瘦肉粥 (HKD 20) at Hong Kong Airport. Waiting for the departure...

Travelling alone is always not my choice, now the only thing in my mind is my family.

HK - Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) 蓝桂坊

2009-08-15T05:31:00.005+08:00

藍桂坊 famous for its bar and dining, and the "kwai lou" - Foreign White Man.

My colleague Leo brought me and Rebecca to this famous place to experience LKF. We took the tram (电车) from Causeway Bay to Central (中环), it costs us HKD 2 per person. Walk up the longest escalator in the world. There are many "stops" between each connected escalator, we exited the escalator to 荷里活道, walk down the street to Lan Kwai Fong, here we sees bars and restaurants, which is packed with foreigner and some local. I guess the kwai lou will have good feel of it, but for us is just-to-see. I did not see any Hong Kong movie stars there.

From LKF, we walked to the ferry jetty, about 15 mins.

Took ferry to Kowloon, cost HKD 2.3 per person, it's very cheap compared to other transport in HK.

Reached Kowloon jetty in about 5 minutes time. The jetty is just next to the Cultural Centre. We took a double decker bus to You Ma Dei, Temple street (庙街).

We had dinner there at road site, some sort of seafood store. Quire disappointed for the food as the porridge is not we expected, it was Teo Chew style instead of Hong Kong style. Some more, the 濑尿虾 we ordered is too small, i think it was baby 濑尿虾, hard to eat.

We headed back to hotel after the dinner. Thanks to our tour guide, Leo....

HK - Temple Street 庙街

2009-08-11T20:12:00.002+08:00

Due to curiosity, me and my colleague Rebecca decided to go Temple street (庙街) for a night market experience.

Took MTR to Jordan station, take Exit A. After out from the exit, turn right, walk straight across 2 roads, we saw Temple street on our right hand side.

Basically, it is another "Pasar Malam" of Malaysia. Night market that sells various "cheap" stuffs. For me, it is not cheap. A pirated DVD cost HKD 20, is it cheap?

We reached the end of the street and it is a bit disappointing as it is really short and we never see any fortune tellers (what the place is famous for). By luck, we saw the "extension" of the Temple street, where the fortune tellers are. We did not try and just passed by. We also see some old performers who sing at the road side, no interesting.

Finally, decided to leave. Excluding the fortune tellers, I think Malaysia has much more 庙街 (Pasar Malam) than Hong Kong.

Weather Forecast for Hong Kong

2009-08-10T07:39:00.002+08:00

Date/Month Weather
10/8(MONDAY) - Sunny intervals with a few showers.
11/8(TUESDAY) - Mainly cloudy with showers.
12/8(WEDNESDAY) - Mainly cloudy with showers.
13/8(THURSDAY) - Sunny intervals with a few showers.
14/8(FRIDAY) - Sunny periods with a few showers.
15/8(SATURDAY) - Sunny periods with a few showers.
16/8(SUNDAY) - Sunny periods with a few showers.

http://www.hko.gov.hk/wxinfo/currwx/fnd.htm

Departing to Hong Kong

2009-08-10T07:34:00.001+08:00

A windy and rainy morning, now I am insdie Gate B9, Changi Terminal 3, waiting for boarding.

Hong Kong Day 5 (Last Night) - Night View from Avenue of Stars 港岛夜景

2009-07-24T17:34:00.005+08:00

Remember my first day? Hong Kong island night view from HK Cultural Centre. This one is even better! This is from another angle, night view from Avenue of Stars (星光大道). Avenue of Stars is within walking distance from Tsim Sha Tsui MTR and East Tsim Sha Tsui MTR. I am not so interested on the stars' palm prints, but i just feel great to see the night view.

Taking photos by my mini tripod is not an easy task, i need to find a flat surface with correct height. This photos are taken from the edge of bricks flower vase, near Jacky Chan's print.

Photos can't tell much, must go there personally!

Hong Kong Day 5 - Undiscovered Sha Tin 沙田扑头绑树党

2009-07-24T17:14:00.003+08:00

Why is it called "沙田扑头绑树党"? Sha Tin is a place that is seldom get attracted by visitors, that's the reason i decided to explore (also influenced by my colleague Leo and Dennis). Sha Tin is famous for it's violence gangster acts for robbing by hitting the head (扑头 - Bok Tao in Cantonese) and tie victims on the tree (绑树)! Luckily it is happening to proximity to 火炭村 only, scary...

There is a big shopping complex next to the MTR, New Town Plaza (新城巿廣場).

Also, not forgetting the famous roasted pigeon (乳鸽), which I have missed. I also missed the river side, which is walking distance from the plaza. These are the interesting point of Sha Tin which told byLeo, but I just forgot to go. Will have chance next time.

Hong Kong Day 4 - Sleepless Causeway Bay 铜锣湾不夜天

2009-07-24T16:51:00.004+08:00

It is another "Mongkok" at HK island. Busy street and packed with people. Sogo shopping centre just on top of the MTR, MTR from Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) to Causeway Bay (铜锣湾) is HKD 10.50, very convenience. Time Square is another new shopping centre nearby (10 mins walk from MTR). You can view TST night view from the bay near Noon Day Gun (午炮) - I did not go as I will still have chance next time. Somemore, i think it is nothing if compared it to HK island night view.

For food, there are a lot of underground restaurants (from Mid-class to High-class).

Overall, you can experience "highier" class Mongkok, but there are not much things interests me there. Just walk around and feel the environment.

Hong Kong Day 3 - One Nite In Mongkok 旺角黑夜

2009-07-21T23:04:00.006+08:00

After a busy day at office, i decided to go further explore HK at night. Dennis recommended me to go Mong Kok (旺角), a favourite spot at Hong Kong with its highest population density in the world. Been to the well-know Sai Yeung Choi Street (西洋菜街), Tung Choi Street (通菜街, 也是女人街) and Fa Yuen Street (花圆街, 也叫波鞋街). It was really busy streets and packed with people. 西洋菜街 is a street with mainly electronic item shops, food, and fish ball stores (鱼蛋). 女人街 is like Malaysia's Pasar Malam, selling cheap stuffs, sovenirs, etc. 波鞋街 selling mainly sports shoe.

It was a great experience walking together with the multi-national people as people thought I am Hongkies, haha. (with the help of my faded Cantonese).

Hong Kong Day 2 - Night View from The Peak

2009-07-20T23:53:00.003+08:00

Really appreciate the full-day training provided my Regional colleagues. People are friendly and we are like a big family.

After work at 7pm, started my journey to the "Peak". Took MTR to Central (中环), J2 exit, walk for about 10 minutes. Ticket for the tram and viewing terrace is HK$ 48.

On the peak, I viewed the night view of HK island together with Kowloon night view, opposite direction of the view i saw yesterday. It's nice one, but to take photos without people behind you, it's almost impossible, except that you took the photographer service provided on the terrace.

Hong Kong Day 1 - Exciting Night View of Hong Kong Island

2009-07-20T23:16:00.004+08:00

Reached Hong Kong airport at 5.20pm by SQ Boeing 777. 1 word to describe this SQ experience I have on this flight, "EXCELLENT". This is so much different from my "not-so-good" experience with them on my previous trip from Bangkok to Singapore.

Hong Kong International Airport was opened almost at the same time as KLIA. But it looks a bit "old" compared to KLIA or Singapore airport (not to offend any Hongkies, this is my honest feeling). Another bad thing was the custom officer that threw my passport back to me after stamping. Yes, he did that, threw with no smile. What a bad impression I have.

After all, I managed to find my hotel's counter and the guy can speak good english and friendly. Reached hotel about 1 and half hour after landed due to late shuttle bus.

Firstly, I must survey the way to MTR from Gateway Hotel for my next day business journey. Also, must understand how the auto ticketing machine works. The Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) MTR station is the nearest. Walk along Haiphong Road (海防道) for 5 minutes, I reached the MTR station, very convenience. After spent some time at MTR station, I was confident enough.

Took my "dinner" at road site, Haiphong Road. Haiphong Road is quite a happening street.

Another road that full with food stores are Lock Road (乐道), price is reasonable, HK$ 5x is normal for 1 person per meal.

I decided to walk to HK Cultural Centre (文化中心) and it took me about 15 minutes. This is a MUST-DO task. The magnificient night view of Hong Kong Island from Cultural Centre (in my photos), wow...

Departing to Hong Kong

2009-07-19T12:04:00.001+08:00

At Changi Terminal 3 now, departing to HK by SQ866. First time business trip to oversea, will miss my family so much.

Now, connecting via Wireless@SG, signal not bad. Have tried to connect other wireless service, all are not free, except this.

Yunnan Trip - 玉龙雪山 Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, LiJiang 6 Apr 2009

2009-06-28T19:54:00.003+08:00

This is a must-go place in LiJiang, experience the snow!!!

Yunnan Trip - LiJiang (4, 5, 10 Apr 09)

2009-06-21T09:12:00.000+08:00

Yunnan Trip - Dali (3 - 4 Apr 09)

2009-06-13T22:42:00.002+08:00

云南香格里拉(中甸), 诚实,可靠的司机 - 冯六三 (鲁珥初称)

2009-06-01T05:12:00.002+08:00

在香格里拉, 我们包他的面包车, 一共两天半, 从香格里拉玩到丽江, 途经白水台, 在虎跳峡山白脸客栈过了一个美好的晚上.

六三是个可靠的司机, 对香格里拉很熟悉, 我推荐.

他的联络号码:

+86 1398 8713 882

车牌: 云R01038

Yunnan Itinerary （云南自游行） 02-04-2009 till 13-04-2009

2009-05-09T14:00:00.000+08:00

02-04-2009 (第一天) -昆明
昆明站 (巴士车站, 买去大理的客运车票)
东西塔寺
古城门 (近日楼)
金马碧鸡牌坊
南屏街
参观老建筑屋 (谢郭大姐, 没法去的地方也能到)

03-04-2009 (第二天) - 大理
大理市 (就是 “下关”，新大理) – 没真正走过，长途客运车停在下关，搭的士去古城，一人一元，住古城外，walking distance
包车
喜洲，白族文化-三道茶表演
苍山，天龙洞，洱海远眺
夜游大理古城
洋人街区

04-04-2009 (第三天) - 大理 / 丽江
Morning
早逛大理古城
包车去丽江
远眺崇圣寺(三塔)
下午到丽江的拉市海，骑马，坐船，一人两百RMB
束河古镇，篝火晚会，夜宿

05-04-2009 (第四天) - 丽江
坐面包车去丽江古城,一人三RMB
四方街
黑龙潭公园-步行从丽江古城,15mins
坐的士去丽江新客运站，一趟八元。买去香格里拉的客运车票
逛古城外围，逛超市

06-04-2009 (第五天) - 丽江
包的士去玉龙雪山，来回一百元。
大索道
白水河
买去昆明的机票
晚上休息

07-04-2009 (第六天) - 丽江 / 香格里拉
包车，700 RMB 包到丽江
蓝月山谷（石卡雪山），山上有雪，但缆车坏了，只在入门处逛逛
纳帕海，就在蓝月山谷一带，徒步草原，走了大半小时，还去不到真正的纳帕海，折回
松赞林寺
藏族家访，酥油茶，清科酒

08-04-2009 (第七天) -香格里拉
包车
普达措国家公园 - 硕都海（徒步40分钟），碧塔海（徒步2小时）
回丽江
白水台，受污染了，no maintenance, 真可惜
傍晚到虎跳峡（下虎跳），住“山白脸”客栈

09-04-2009 (第八天) - 香格里拉
包车
徒步从下虎跳到中虎跳，3小时多
坐车到上虎跳
长江第一弯，没买入门票，外面小贩告知水退了，买票也看不到什么
傍晚到丽江

10-04-2009 (第九天) - 丽江
玉龙雪山-印象丽江
逛古城
木府

11-04-2009 (第十天) - 丽江 / 昆明
内路航班飞昆明
拜访邵大姐的新家

12-04-2009 (第十一天) - 昆明
石林（跟团，一人150 RMB，全包）

13-04-2009 (第十二天) - 昆明 / 新加坡 (回家)
鲜花市场
Carrefour
飞Bangkok then Singapore

We are back from Yunnan - Completed 12-days trip with lots of fun!!

2009-04-17T09:26:00.001+08:00

从香格里拉回到丽江。。。

2009-04-10T00:11:00.001+08:00

在香格里拉，玩了石卡雪山及蓝月山谷，普达措公园内的属都湖及碧塔海，昨天傍晚到了鼎鼎大名的虎跳峡，夜宿山白脸客栈。今天徒步玩了虎跳峡。傍晚到了丽江，入住古城鹏晨客栈。

从香格里拉包车一直玩到丽江，真是个美好的回忆。

束河古镇

2009-04-05T08:18:00.001+08:00

昨晚在丽江的束河古镇，错不了客栈过了个很寒冷的晚上，温度7℃ - 10℃。

今早还下着小雨呢，打算逛逛古镇，过后就进军丽江古城了。

Departing to Kunming

2009-04-02T07:21:00.001+08:00

We are at Changi Airport Terminal 2 now, taking a light breakfast at Robert's Coffee.

Yunnan trip is very very near, really exciting now...

2009-03-28T13:07:00.001+08:00

Need China Visa Before Visit China

2009-02-28T11:10:00.004+08:00

Apply China Visitor Visa in JB (Type L), Single Entry.

If you want to do it on your own, you need to go Kuala Lumpur China Embassy. Seems it is not so feasible. Another option is to go China Embassy in Singapore.

I did it by tour agent, Sin Chung Tours at Taman Pelangi (Tel: 07-335 5860).

Express (within a day) - Within a day only if you are in KL. By the time your passport reaches JB, it will be another day. E.g. Give passport to agent on Thursday, you can only get it back on Saturday morning. Total cost is RM 250. (Go by your own is RM 30 + RM 140 = RM 170).

Normal (1 week) - RM 100 (Go by your own is RM 30).

By the way, I need to submit a passport size photo (any colour background, e.g. white or blue)

Pick A Seat!

2009-02-08T15:36:00.002+08:00

You can pick your own seat in AirAsia plane from 17 Feb onwards.

RM 5 for standard seat, RM25 for hot seat.

Temperature of ZhongDian (Shangri-la), Yunnan, China in April

2009-02-03T19:51:00.000+08:00

Base on searched results on Internet,

Highiest: 13°C
Lowest: -2°C
Average: 5°C

Chu Chi Visitors' Tunnel (Jan 2007)

2008-12-24T09:15:00.001+08:00

Entrance fee is 75000 dong, about USD 4.6.

Joined a short half-day trip which cost USD 11. Our travel guide was come from a South Vietnam Soldier's family, but he tried not to side any parties for the history story telling - Viet-Kong and South Vietnam Soldier. On the way to Chu Chi, we stopped by a painting factory (egg shell or shell drawing). According to the guide, those people are the descendant of "Orange" victims. A medium size painting sold for USD30-40 (we found the same painting in An Dong market for USD 1.8).

At Chu Chi, I tried the visitor's tunnel, it is about 15m long. Pregnant woman, please don't try. Also, if you daring enough, try it on your own. I followed a group of visitors, crawling in the darkness. There are some guide dim light served as guide a long the way. But you still won't know whether the tunnel is heading down and up, until you knock your head or slipped down.

Really an unforgettable experience, must try.

HCM City Chinatown: Binh Tay Market at Cholon, District 5 (Jan 2007)

2008-12-10T21:39:00.001+08:00

From Bui Vein street (backpacker area), we took a cab down to Binh Tay (refer to picture), with full of expectation to get cheaper goods than Ben Thanh Market. It costs us 46000 dong (about USD 3). According to the taxi driver, it is the biggest market in Ho Chi Minh.

Yes, it is big, but it is not a good place for you if you intend to buy only small volume.

Basically it sells all items except souvenirs (which were what we looked for). We were looking for key chains, egg shell lacquer paintings and wood carving. They do not have that.

You can see people carrying boxes of goods running around. I think this place is a reseller center rather than normal open market.

Address: Cholon, District 5 (Chinatown)

Directions: Take a metered cab. From Bui Vuin / Pham Ngu Lao, it cost about 46000 dong (abt USD 3)

Ho Chi Minh City, Good and Cheap Place to Stay (Jan 2007)

2008-12-06T22:22:00.003+08:00

Thien Hong (Room For Rent)

Family-run. Quite, clean and friendly owner. We stayed at the highiest floor, 5th floor.No lift. No Internet Access (Internet access can be found easily at De Tham St or Bui Vein St). Bad thing is owner not good in English. Must practice your body language more often.

Total: 12 rooms. 2 types of rooms, USD 12/night and USD 15/night. Check-out time, 12:00pm.

Attached bath room with heater. Air conditioner.

Recommended. Take a look at the picture. Unique Qualities: Everything is new. I believe it has been built/renovated not long back.

Backpacker area. Easy access from De Tham Street, Bui Vein Street or Pham Ngu Lao Street. At the heart of the City. Very convenience.

Phone: 08.9206078

Mobile: 0902 804 053

Address: 241/34 Pham Ngu Lao Street, Dist. 1, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

Directions: Tell the taxi driver An An Hotel at Bui Vien street. Once you get there, take the Alley 104. Within 5 minutes walk.

Other Contact: thienhonggiau@yahoo.com.vn

Taxi Fare from Ho Chi Minh Airport to Backpacker Area (Jan 2007)

2008-11-29T10:59:00.001+08:00

I did a search before i go Ho Chi Minh City. Base on tips from the internet, reasonable taxi fare to town area from Airport is US$5 or it can bo as low as US$4.There are many cabs waiting outside the airport. First, I tried to look for a cab that uses meter (the taxi always shows "Metered Taxi"). After i spent 10 mins looking for a cab that really use meter, i can't find any. They offer me fixed price, which is US$10 or US$8.

There was one taxi driver said he would follow meter and asked us to get into hir car, i doubted and reconfirmed before i put my luggage inside. Again, he said he won't follow meter. So dissappointed. I rejected him immediately.

We give up. Finally, we took another cab by paying US$6 (to Pham Ngu Lao area, Bui Vein street).

Kinabalu Park (July 2006)

2008-11-26T22:43:00.004+08:00

There are a few type of chalets available in KK park. Do a Google search for Kinabalu park, you'll see all those. There are run by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges. For my Sabah trip, we stayed in Hill Lodge, which is RM110 per night. Price is cheaper than the price stated on their web site. You can call their number to do reservation (+60-88 889 086).

Staffs are very friendly and helpful. We reached there late, around 7pm. You just need to inform them you need late check-in. One thing to highlight about Hill lodge,it is tidy, clean, come with water heater in wash room. It is all time cool as you areat 3000m above sea level. Air is fresh. For food, we walked to the nearest 'restaurant' to have our dinner. You will find limited kinds of western food available. Environment is peaceful and staffs are friendly.

Road side are equipped with lamp post (working condition). We had a night walk along the road. It is safe.

The next morning, we tried the trail, Silau Silau trail and Bukit Tupai trail. There are not so long, we managed to climbup to the 'peak' of Bukit Tupai and witnessed the uncovered 'face' of Low's peak. Low's peak is not visiblemost of the time as it always covered by thick clouds. The whole walks takes less than 1 hour as we took short cut and did not finish the whole Silau Silau trail.

Where was our next destination? Poring Hot Spring. How to go from Kinabalu park? A tip, share van with whoever,wait at the reception after check out. There will be someone going to the same place. Trip cost by van isRM70. It will be time consuming to take bus as you need to walk out to the main road (quite a distance) and takebus to Ranau.

What's interesting things in Poring Hot Spring? There are ready built cubical and each cubical can accomodates 2 persons. You can take hot spring bath at any of the cubical as long as it is not occupied it.

1 more interesting place at Poring Hot Spring is the canopy walk (hanging wooden walkway that is hang on the tree). And I estimate the height from the ground is about 8 storeys!

To Kinabalu Park: Take a cab from KK town, RM100

Short Stay at Hyatt, Kota Kinabalu (July 2006)

2008-11-25T20:17:00.003+08:00

We stayed there for a night during my short trip to KK last July 06. Not a please experience! We had a late check it at around 9pm. I booked King size bed rooms, and the receptionist told me all fully taken. What for is my booking then? Instead, they offered me twin beds room. No choice, we have to take it.

Came to the room and it can't give me a feel that it is "star" rated hotel. Things are old, e.g. furniture, cabinet, etc. This reminded me on the high price that i paid, RM3xx per night. Not worth it.

Location wise, it is good. We walked to Jesselton point (departure point to marine park) and it takes only 8 minutes. Furthermore, it is very near to Sunday market (<> walk).

Phone: 60-88-221234
Address: Jalan Datuk Salleh Sulong 88991 Kota Kinabalu
Directions: Take a cab from airport, cost RM20.

Budget Hotel - First House Hotel (Dec 2005)

2008-11-25T20:08:00.001+08:00

Located at Petchburi Road Soi 19 (14/20-29 Petchburi 19 Road, Soi Juldis, Phyathai D). It is hard to see from the main road, Petchburi Road. Even the local taxi driver found it hard to locate this place. Must tell the taxi driver, 'First House', not 'First', as there is a bigger hotel with the similar name on the same road.

USD20, cheap, worth it. Lobby is acceptable. Room is not new but clean. Staffs are friendly. Food are standard everyday, American breakfast. The lowest price you can get from http://www.wireddestinations.com/.

If you need the power socket in room, be careful. The first room they gave me has a spoilt power socket. Check it before confirm the room.

Nearest train station, Rajthevee, 10 mins walk, not so bad.

Near to World Trade Center, a shopping complex.

Further walk (total 15 mins), you will reach the famous '4 face' buddha.

This is Our First Post

2008-11-25T19:20:00.001+08:00

We are consolidating all our travel related posts or tips into this newly created blog.

Our Macau Trip

2008-06-06T00:45:00.001+08:00

6-Jun-2008
Stay : Royal Hotel
Trip: 4 days (first day at Royal Hotel, the rest of the day moved to other hotel)
Rainy season in Jun, no advisable to go at this time as you will get wet easily.