Xmas is around the corner ^^

Sandy, Christmas

The Road Not Taken with 2 girls and 1 guy

Went to enjoy Sushi King bonanza and lost on the way back uni.

Planning to go by 3 cars consisting 13people but at last 1 car needs to arrive later.

We do enjoy ourselves a lot, in my car, we laughed non-stop le.. Hahax

WY : Which way to go?? 

J    :  DUN TURN IN!!!

WY :  Huh??!!

SC :  DUN listen to J.. Go Straight ba 

JY :  Speechless.......

3 seconds later....

WY : AHhhhhh..... Wrong turn ==

SC :  Omg @.@

YJ : J why didn't you insist le?

J   : speechless........

1 minute later, take a U-turn 

WY : Last time got signboard one lei....

SC : Signboard disappearance fault =="

1 car with 3 women will really lost direction....

Lesson : Bring more guys or Papago with you

Few Minutes In Darkness

As the power supply abruptly brought to a emergency halt,
The whole shopping mall were swallowed by darkness,
As the sky were dark and moon shone bright outside,
A sharp thoughts cut into my mind,
I remembered my friends last told me,
The haunted stories at my workplace,
Sudden anxious grew strong inside me,
Wanting to find out if it's real and solid,
I looked around in darkness and saw people everywhere,
Especially other girls who were kind of scared and terrified,
I was hoping the electric disruption to last longer,
So that i can have chances to hop around....

However seconds after the current went off,
With the customers still in front of my counter,
I sat down and started to ransacked my drawer,
Looking for torchlights and some batteries....

The auntie beside me asked me to stand up and keep quiet,
I was wondering why she said so,
We aint singing the national anthem,
Moreover, this month is no longer HUNGRY GHOST FESTIVAL,
I don't believe ghost will even pull me legs >

Before i managed to set up my pathetic torchlights,
The generator functioned just in time to allow us resuming work,
What a disappointment not able to search for the spirits there....
So i uttered a bit in disguise,
In the end, the spirit proves itself when my counter short of money during closing...
I just hope to find out more in details about them living at my workplace....

Journey To The East ( Part III - Visit to Duty Free Labuan and Last Moment At KK + Bid Farewell)

Day 6 - Menumbok Jetty + Fantastic Labuan Island

We departed early to the jetty which took us 3 hours from KK town to Menumbok and another ferry ride (costs RM5 one way and Rm1.50 surcharge) for 1.5 hours to reach Labuan.

Free Trade Zone at Labuan Ferry Terminal

Upon reaching many of us bought chocolates and wine which was duty free. We frantically entered all the shoplots and choose our desired chocolates. If you notice the price is a lot cheaper than the usual one, please check out the expiry date on it. I bought some ferrero rocher which costs RM23 for 30 units and some NIPS and Toblerone of various flavour. Another attention of wine was the D.O.M.E. costs at only Rm65 without the box itself. If it's with the box, you may find the cheapest at Labuan Airport which only costs you Rm78.

The Chimney Museum, Labuan

The mining of charcoal of the ancient time was displayed here with detailed description and there is a tower which looks like the lighthouse located high above. However its function were still unknown.

The Birk Park, Labuan

There fees was Rm2 for us as student and Rm3 for adults, opened from Monday to Sunday 10am - 4.30pm but closed on Friday. There were few birds and we saw 2 gorgeous parrot near the entrance and they swayed with the music played by the management team. We were welcomed by Myna Birds with several hot words like Hi/Hello/Wow at the entrance of the round shaped cage. It took us about 30-40 minutes before we headed to a beach.

The Marine Park, Labuan

It is free of charge as only few species of marine fishes here. We manages to touch the tame sharks and starfishes. The upper section was closed as we were too late to reach our destinated places.

BBQ by The Seaside

We planned to have it at the seaside but due to lack of clean water and lights at the shore, we decided to head back to Sok Kuan's house compound. Behind her house, we dug 2 holes and placed some bricks and charcoal. Together with fire starter, Jia Shen and me started to light up the fire. Meanwhile, Wan Yee, Michelle and Jia Ye came to help. Michelle looked funny and she seemed blurred about blowing up the fire. Hehe :)

In the end, we managed to light them all up, with 2 sites, we bbq for 3hours and chatted with each others. Nearby there were swings and we did played with it. We celebrated Sok Kuan's birthday in advance as her birthday is approaching soon. She seemed enjoying it a lot. Everyone was happy that night.

Day 7 - Labuan + Klias River + KK

Labuan International Airport

The Labuan Airport is way advance than Penang Airport. There were lesser people there and lesser flight than expected.

Labuan Square

It turned out to be place like memorial with flags and pieces of Labuan Island on the ground. We doubted if it was a hypermarket but we ended up at a memorial place. While waiting for Sok Kuan who went for the interview, we took a break at the nearest KFC restaurant.

Ngee Hing Restaurant, Labuan

This was the most satisfactory restaurant we ever tasted. My friend ordered the Laksa Sarawak costs RM 4.50 and I ordered Kolo Mee costs RM 3.50 (the both of them taste good + reasonable prices too). This kopitiam located opposite Labuan Ferry Terminal.

Klias River (Probocis Monkey + Fireflies Observatory Area)

Along the way back to KK, uncle suggested us to visit this reserved park as it worth RM 80. We had our high tea before we depart to view the probocis monkey along the river for a ride of 30minutes. We headed back to the chalet and dine our dinner consisted of pork portions which was a delicious meal.

We boarded the same boat with some Shanghai people and they were amused looking over to the long-nose monkey and they shouted in joy. The viewing was done without guidance and you'll need to search for it yourself.

After dinner, we departed again on the same boat, the same people and it took us 15 minutes boat ride to view the fireflies on the trees along the riverbank. It looked like natural christmas trees which wowed all of us. We turned all our lights and move in darkness.

Day 8 - Waterfront KK

We walked to the nearby kopitiam selling Sheng Rou Mian (semi-raw pork noodles) and it was served with kolo mee or soup mee. It tasted good and delicious which was way better than Guo Min Restaurant, Kota Kinabalu. The sauce taste better and the employees was friendly. It costs reasonably at RM 5.50.

The view from the waterfront was awesome, some sort like our Penang Gurney Drive. As it was bout 11am, the sun rose high and we sat on the chairs of a bar facing the sea and we chatted a while there. The bars available in the style of coffeeshop not like our Semenanjung closed and dark chamber. They are open-aired and legal.

THE TRIP TO SABAH ENDED HERE. EVERYONE WAS HAPPY AND THANKS AGAIN TO THE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE FOR MAKING THIS TRIP A REALITY, NOT A DREAM.

WE ARE DREADFUL HOPING FOR THE NEXT TRIP!!! TATA :)

Journey To The East ( Part II - The Abundance of Joy Continues ) )

Day 3 - Kundasang and Ranau

We woke up daily about 6.30am and got ready as Uncle Chong fetched us to a kopitiam at Ranau, we ate Tuaran Mee (dry) which is like Wan Than Mee but it is totally dry. I rate it B+ ^^

Then we headed to souvenir stalls, like flee market. I just bought some keychains, cube looking ones with the word Sabah on it.

Poring Hot Spring + Canopy Walk + Kipungit Waterfall, Ranau

When we arrived, hot spring bath tub was full with visitors and we straight headed to Canopy Walk and paid RM3 entrance fees. The total of 4 bridges can only accommodate 6 people at one time. We walked in excitement and even took photos. It lasted about 15 minutes hiking and another 15 minutes canopy walk.

Then we walked to the waterfall with clear signs along the way and reached there about 15 minutes later. Form far, we can hear the water splashing down. The water was cold and nice, refreshing our body. However, Ivan and Jai jumped into the water soon as we arrived, while others just dipped their legs in and took photos again ^^

Mishap happened when my slipper were brought away by the dashing river water, without nanosecond, i rushed to prevent it being snatched away from me. All my friends were shocked to see me acting like ninja turtle. 

We got free fish spa out of the sudden. I felt ticklish as it bit me between my toes :)

However, we all enjoyed it ^^ Finally we returned to Hot Spring and found an empty tub. We juz dipped our legs again into that warm water and continued taking photos. About 15 minutes later, we left that place.

Desa Cow Farm, Kundasang

The feeling of New Zealand was the best part of the trip. The cold weather and the chill wind blows upon us once we got down the van. The road towards it was steep and took us some time to reach. The smell of the cow was so dense and we went it eagerly to harvest some milk. However, most of the processes were already been carried out by machines. We went wondering around and even some took photos with a mud of stool. What an eye opening event!! haha :)

From there, we were able to view Mount Kinabalu peak, sometimes it was covered with thick white clouds. We waiting for it to be blown away and we chatted with Uncle Chong. We then took photos again. Rainbows can be seen very often at this place as it's damp and cold daily.

Vege Market, Kundasang

They sell fruits, flowers and vege all are freshly pluck from their farms. They even have various kinds of "keropok" and the price is reasonable. Uncle Chong drove us there and recommended few local favourite "keropok" to us. We bought some home ^^

Fairy Garden Resort, Kundasang

Located half hill and high from the sea level, it is cold and windy at night where the windows were hit by the wind and sounds of the wind could be heard. The bedrooms was nice and tidy. The guys rooms had some problems with some haunted stories. Seriously I do not believe doors can open by itself as spirits could not access it. They do not have to open it at all. In fact, they just go through it. These are the stories created by a couple. Maybe those spirit was not plesant by their indecent act. haha :)

We ended up gathering at one of the ladies room for approximately 4 hours chatting and playing cards and games. However I did not join that night as I was having slight headache. Our noise had made the resort filled with joy and luckily no one else complained. It seems empty too.

We ate steamboat as dinner and we ordered original chicken herb and tomyam soup. The steamboat was not worth its price, the seafood was not fresh, the meat was too little and a lot vege served which is not my favourite. It was a failed dinner.

Day 4 - Kundasang + KK

Mount Kinabalu Park Pit Stop

We were at the starting point of the great Mount KK hike. At that faithful morning, the weather was so good and clouds could be seen floating nearby. There is a botanical nearby and we tried to explore it. Given limited time to fool around, we headed back to KK in a short while and stopped by the souvenir shop again. Many of my friends bought things but I managed to taste their ice-cream on that bright sunny afternoon to quench thirst.

Guo Min Restaurant, Kota Kinabalu

We tested its SHENG ROU MEE costs at RM8.60 per set (it was stated on its board that it only costs RM7 but the bill showed that mee and meat were separately counted). The service by the old maid was bad. I doubted she's having menopause or what but considering her age like 55+, i think she's having depression or emo. Haha :)

Suria Sabah, KK

It was a new shopping complex located bout 1km away from our lodge with branded shops and many others yet to be opened. The cinema was located at the 8th floor and we decided to watched The Priest (which was not my choice - just followed the crowd) and it was considered to be late movies as my daddy never approved me to watch this late.. yeahh, freedom abroad... The cinema was not as crowded as Queensbay and it is smaller in size.

Day 5 - Kiulu White Water Rafting

It was never in my mind that I would have the chance to play with rafting. This is my very first time trying out on new sports. It was fun, the briefing by Sham was hilarious and informative. As Yi Hong, Ivan, Michelle, Fong Sim, Seng Wah and I board the same boat with another instructor; he was friendly, willing to guide us with patience and keep pouring us with water keeping us wet and cool.

The remaining other Jia Shen, Jia Ye, Melody and Huey Chyi with 2 other visitors under Sham guidance was more adventurous. He dragged them all down water and again they taste the river water ^^ The rafting is 8km long and it took us about 1hour + to finish it. We swam during half of the journey in that chilled water river. Even though we got stucked at swallow water due to high rocks, our instructor went down to move our boat and we continue to flow with the water.

A Particular Temple At Ranau

It was unpredictable stop as we encounter Ranau's Pagoda temple along with scrulpture of the character in the movie *Journey to The East*. The Pagoda was nicely built and it is about 15floor high above ground. There are zodiac signs outside at the main entrance.

UMS Aquarium

It was a common aquarium which only takes 10minutes to explore. We were charged RM3 for entrance fees which is not worth the price of visit. The brief moment at the aquarium was just to rest our mind. At the entrance if you look up to the ceiling, there was a model guy snorkeling as if he was in deep sea water.

Philipino Market Pit Stop

With the crowded stalls of up to more than 50, visitors were busy bargaining for the best price. We, the ladies lost to the guys as they went for shopping more than us. I bought 2 bracelets made of pearls and crystals, a pair of pearl earrings for mummy and a heart-shaped crystal for my granny. Yi Hong bought the most jewellery for his family. :)

Journey To The East ( Part I - The Arrival )

On 12 May 2011, the 7 of us departed from Penang International Airport to LCCT, KL to meet with 6 others boarding the same plane to KK, Sabah.

The trip was planned a year earlier and now it had ended with wonderful memories to be kept eternally in this blog ^^

Day 1 - First Time Stepping on Land Below The Wind

We arrived at Terminal 2 at KK airport and then my friend fetched me at the airport and bought me out to Karamunsing Complex to eat Korean Mee. Then we headed to a hair saloon for her to dye her hair brown for 3hours.

Then we headed along Tun Fuad Stephen Road and she told me about the area, and even taught me the routes to everywhere. How nice is she. Then we went to have coconut pudding and ate some lokan. She even showed me her rental house and fetched her roommates and we headed to eat some fried "sui gao" = prawn wantan like thingy with some of her coursemates as well.

Before we head back, we stopped at Yoyo Cafe at LintasBranch and I ordered Peppermint Milky Drink. It was special as only KK had its franchise. It taste real different and only cost RM 3.80 per cup. Then she sent me back to meet my friends and we headed to X-plorer Backpacker Lodge and we call it a day.

Comments on X-plorer Backpacker Lodge

This lodge is bad in its management as its budget rate had been increasing from time to time and the check-in took such a long period. This lodge is not suitable for elderly people as a room of 6 people requires climbing up steep staircases in order to reach beds upstairs. This is really the "explorer" style of staying.

However, it has smoking zone (i don't quite like it) and living room with tv and wifi services provided makes our gathering of 15 people an easy one. We watched shows and playing cards together.

Day 2 - Visit to Manukan and Sapi Islands

Manukan Island Pit Stop

After having our breakfast which was merely potato bread bought the day before, and my friends managed to make some tuna sandwiches for lunch on the island as it will be expensive having lunch there. We reached Jesselton Point where Uncle Chong arranged us for the right packages as there were many agencies there welcoming us. About the beach ball we bought, I disagreed but since everyone wanted it so much, I couldn't object. At the end, it was proven to be a waste.

That morning, the weather is cold and windy as it had just rained earlier. Fortunately it stopped raining when we departed from our lodge. We headed on the speed boat to Manukan Island for about 25minutes journey. The sky was blue and the splashing of sea water, the bumping of the boat against the current was a new experience to me.

As we reached the fine white sand beaches, all of us are eager to get down to the clear water and start snorkeling. However, I did not, i just dipped my legs into it. The sea water at Manukan Island is not up to my expectation as it was not as the water is not so clear at the shore. I waited till i get to Sapi Island. I just standby there in case any emergency happens as most of my friends could not swim.

Finally after 2hours of joy playing with the water, some even tasted the salty water much that they don't need to add soy sauce in the meals later on. haha :) We ate our sandwiches and ready for a photography session. We truly enjoyed the time spent together.

Sapi Island Pit Stop

We had about 10 minutes of rocking boat ride to reach this particularly beautiful beach, as the person who conducted this boat ride was too "excited" as he shoved the boat in sharp turnings as we screamed "wah/wao". It was a wet wet journey as the sea water splashed up as the boat bumped with it.

Upon reaching the finer sand beach, we were rushing to meet the water and could not wait to feel the crystal clear water. We took our life jackets and snorkeling equipments and ran headed to the water. Michelle and I swam towards the deeper sea as we both know how to swim. All of us managed to see corals and of course NEMO hiding themselves between corals.

At about 2.30pm, we headed back to Jesselton Point as it would start to rain on the island. We walked back to our nearby lodge. Although we were new at KK, our expert friends can recognised the routes and brought all of us back ^^

Night Market nearby WaterFront

At night we walked on foot to the night market just few roads behind our lodge and we got to watch the opening ceremony of Pesta Keamatan. There are many stalls selling souvenirs and food/ drinks. We stopped by a stall selling rings and necklace. I bought 1 each but the ring however not of a good quality; it lost its silver colour few days later. The boss cheated us promosing the colour of it would not fade.

Chicken Rice Restaurant behind X-plorer

We ate Hainan Chicken Rice which has some taste of Penang and it was OK. They served with the same chilli sauce that Penang restaurant do have it too.

Medan Selera by the shore of Tanjung Aru Beach

We tasted the Grilled Fish and Squids at one of the stalls there but the dishes there are not up to my standard. I gave it a Grade C. I was expecting more as Sabah is a state popular with seafood. Well, at least now I know Penang food is still the best afterall.

Visit to The Perdana Park

Our tourguide was too nice as she dropped us here and picked us up after we were done. We managed to watch musical fountain show for free as there are only 3 in Malaysia (The Mines, KL; Miri; and Perdana Park, KK). The show lasted for 15minutes and it is available from 7pm-8.30pm with shows interval every 30minutes. It was awesome to watched it there and met some friends at the same place. Oh ya, the toilet there were charged RM 0.50 which is kinda expensive.

The BB Cafe (Bar and Grill Cafe)

As the night is still young, we went to have a drink. I ordered Tequila Sunrise and shared it with Sok Kuan. It was layered orangy in colour symbolises the sunrise. We almost cannot finish that glass, but at last i just swallowed it down. Others were just like drinking water. All of them were great drinker I had to admit. I am not good and I am alcohol-intolerate person. The next day I got allergy on my skin, reddish itchy skin were discovered and it tooks a week to fully heal.