Showing posts with label (the) Globe Trotting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label (the) Globe Trotting. Show all posts

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Post #0224 - Turning over new leaf

Dear Earthlings, 

We are now in the first quarter of 2014 (and I have always been like this. Not being able to update my blog on daily basis. Cita-cita ada.. tapi tak sempat)

Alhamdulillah, we received the invitation from the Almighty to visit the Holy Mecca and Medina on 27th December 2013. All these while, I thought the best place to celebrate new year is in New York, but after experiencing Mecca, I believe.. the Holy Land is best place to be. 

Everything was sudden. 
Our original plan was to go to Houston for three weeks, paying my Sis.in.Law II a visit.  Sort of family trip thingy. Even more, we planned it since mid last year.  

Some how the plan got diverted and went to the travel agency end November, picked the earliest date available and wallah.. it's confirmed. 

Even the kursus we went a week before the trip since our schedule were pretty tight up. 

Again, will try to give tips on the trip. 
Sigh. Can't promise. 


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Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Post #0221 - Almost year end

Dear Earthlings, 

Hope to find time to update my (almost a year ago) trip to Hong Kong. 
School holiday is coming up, and I'm pretty sure that many people out there are busy googling for the tips, which ironically I have plenty of it! including the best spot to watch some shows. 

Please bear with me okay. 
Pretty tight up with office work (boo-ringggggg), packing and cleaning our new place (which we are yet to move. Slowly but surely) and also getting ready for our year end trip. Insha Allah. 

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Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Post #0258 - February Trip & Tips : Port Dickson

Dear Earthlings,

We went to Port Dickson last weekend. Thought of going for a day trip, but later decided to spend a night there. Since this is the first time ever we brought the maid for a trip (she has been working with us for 3 months already), we decided to stay in an apartment (with 2 or 3 rooms).

Not familiar with PD accomodation except for Thistle and Avillion, we stopped at AnCasa, located near the public beach (less than 5 minutes driving distance). We also enquired Klana Beach Resort PD, but was fully booked.

Lobby
The place consist of 3 blocks altogether. Ours was on the second block (the lobby block). For two rooms, the price quoted RM400++, while three rooms RM500++ (or was it near to RM500. Can't remember).

Our unit located at the seventh floor, facing the garden and side sea? Something like that lah. Not really nice though.


We opted for 3 bedrooms (1 queen sized bed and 2 rooms for twin bed)


The facilities, I'd say not bad. 
They have tennis court, swimming pool and they also cater for events (wedding, reunion etc).

But the bathroom. 
It was disaster! (and yucky)


Anyways, 
on the very next morning, we took a 10 minutes drive to the Blue Lagoon, PD. According to the local, this is the best public beach they have in PD. Quite wide beach compared to the one near Klana & Ancasa beach.

Frankly speaking I'm not so keen looking at the color of their sand.


Despite the color, the sands are actually quite soft.


Forget the color. As long as the kids can play sand.

But, more pebbles instead of sand near the water.


Behind this beach located Permaisuri Resort. 


Looked around the area and enquire the price. 
The rate is a little higher than AnCasa, but very close to the beach.


If we happen to be in PD next time, we may opt for this apartment. 


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Thursday, February 21, 2013

Post #0256 - October Trip & Tips : Singapore

Dear Earthlings,

We went to Singapore last October and I'm not going to list down what we did, but more on the hotel as we stayed at Marriott near Orchard.

Located next to the Tangs Orchard Road & Orchard MRT, everything is walking distance. Love the room interior & service.
 


The room -


The light through the mirror illuminates bright and clear lighting.



What impresses me the most was this corner dressing table. Who would have thought it is nice to have one in the bathroom itself? very practical indeed. What more with the lighting and all. Yes, provided you have one large bathroom.



Views in Singapore at night - The light show starts at 8pm.

 

Evening turndown service.
Really make our kids' day when we got back to the Hotel.



Now playing : Chicago - Will you still love me

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Post #0250 - December Trip & Tips : Hong Kong (Part 2/5)

Dear Earthlings,

Our day started as early as 7am (local time). Get the kids ready and breakfast (brought cereal in mini boxes & Quaker Chewy mini bars). By 8am, we already checked out and headed to Disneyland.

I actually wanted to take an MTR to Disney, but GadgetGeek insisted that we should take a cab. Not wanting to be hassle and everything.
Aaaaannnywaaayyyy...
I can't remember how much the fare cost (metered taxi), but I think it was around HKD$170, half an hour trip.


Since we came during peak period, the Disney Hotels were almost fully booked. We just booked on whatever room left. So, the first night in Disneyland we stayed at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and on the second night at Disney Hollywood Hotel.

First thing first.
From the airport, we went straight to the hotel to check in and leave our luggage (including stroller). Then, took the shuttle bus (near the lobby area) to Disneyland. No worries, the shuttle are frequent (less than 5 minutes waiting, regardless the queue). The hotel/bus attendant are helpful and efficient. They calculate the number of passenger -vs- number of vacant seat before boarding the bus.  The route, the shuttle will pick up guests from Disneyland Hotel prior Hollywood Disneyland Hotel (5-10 minutes bus ride).


We reached the Disney Bus Station approximately 9:30am. Since it is a long walk (10-15 minutes walk) from the station to the entrance, I think the timing is just nice (Disneyland opens at 10am).

For our trip, we wore layers. So if the weather starts to get chilly, we can put on our jacket, else suffice with sweaters/long sleeves.
I have listed down the rides that we wanted to go, but the most importantly is not to miss the Fantasy Flight Parade & the Disney in the Stars fireworks.


Many said that Hong Kong Disneyland is the smallest park of all, and going for one day is more than enough. I was contemplated until a friend suggested to go for two days instead as we just need to top up a bit more (Approximately HK$100 / Less than RM40) . Turned out she was right! Travelling with kids and time queuing do consume more time compared travelling with no kids. 

One day ticket

General Admission Ticket (aged 12-64)HK $399
Child Ticket (aged 3-11)HK $285

- vs -

Two day ticket
General Admission Ticket (aged 12-64)HK$499
Child Ticket (aged 3-11)HK$355


Hong Kong Disneyland has a total of 6 parks, namely - 

1) Main Street USA
2) Grizzly Gulch
3) Adventure Land
4) Toy Story Land
5) Fantasy Land
6) Tomorrow Land

I basically have divided 3 parks each day, but on the day itself.. it turned out, that we were like every where. Lol!

Anyhow, as soon as we enter the Park, we went straight to Disneyland Fire Department on Town Square, near Main Street USA. It's on your left). This is where you can rent stroller/wheelchair. 

I have to admit that it's quite expensive to rent a stroller (we rented two strollers!) but, it's a mind free when you just not have to worry leaving the stroller outside the rides. Rain cover also comes in handy especially the wind blows really hard at night. For two strollers we spent more than HK$500 (inclusive deposit)/day.  


Next we went to Adventure Land. 
Reason being, we are going for early lunch and the only HALAL place here is Tahitian Terrace Restaurant. You can just imagine, for 2 days 2 night we ate the same thing here! Regardless the price, the taste is quite good. 


I believe one has to do itinerary so you could catch the show. 
So for this one, I plan to have an early lunch at the Restaurant before we could catch Festival of the Lion King Show at noon. (beside the restaurant).

the Entrance

Tips : Find a seat near to the entrance (right/left) because that is where Simba will be facing.

Passed through Grizzly Gulch (not fancy anything) and we arrived at Toy Story Land. 


Didn't try any of the ride,  but went to the Toilet instead. Surprisingly, the toilets are superbly clean regardless of the crowd.


Introducing, the Youngsters fan. lol!


THE FLIGHTS OF FANTASY PARADE will be in next entry.


THE EVER FAMOUS DISNEY ON THE STARS FIREWORKS

For two nights in a row, we sat right in front of the Sleeping Beauty castle. The first night was at the 5th row, but on the second night, we sat on 10-12 row from in front (it was on Christmas eve). It was packed and people started to sit as early as 8pm. (show starts at 9pm). Seriously, it was freezing cold! What can I say, Disneyland is located in  Lantau Island, and the wind from the sea blew so hard!

Below are the pictures taken on second night.


  
HONG KONG DISNEYLAND HOTEL

We booked via online (including park tickets and breakfast with character). In my case, I was in doubt (again!!)  whether or not to have breakfast with character or not since it's quite pricey. 

After one short talk with GadgetGeek, he advised me to book the breakfast because we are already there and it's a lifetime experience (alang-alang dah sampai). So, have to join the fun and that's the price we have to pay. pfft. 

So I emailed the Hotel (with reference no.) and asked them to book the first slot (7:30am - 9am) (fyi, Second slot : 9:30am - 11am) and wallahhh! 
Mind you, the Character Breakfast is always fully booked, that's why you have to book prior/upon your arrival.

Worry not, you just have to stick at your place and the character (Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto) will come to your table. Food wise, not many option to eat.

Our room is the Garden View, so here are the pictures. 


What's unique about this hotel (apart from the Character Breakfast), they have bathrobe & room slippers for kids. The Youngsters loved it!



Indoor -

Outdoor -

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