Konichiwa Tokyo Once Again!

Never cross in my mind that I will be back to Tokyo once again after a year (My Blogpost: Tokyo After 5 Years) - and this time around, it's my third visit! Another of my family annual trip and as usual, they chosen Japan instead of other country. No wonder people said, "Once Went Japan, Almost Every Year Feels Like Going Back Japan!"

Imagine came to Japan for the 5th time, this is my first and initial experience of wearing Yukata, the traditional Japanese garment. And it's absolutely free of charge.

Basically, we just solely focus the city of Tokyo without going any outskirt towns within our 8 days and 7 nights trip there. Some of the popular attractions like Shibuya, Harajuku, Asakusa I went for the third time. I posted few of my photos in Instagram, so do follow me there!

Just a short and brief post here and I have the feelings that I will be back Tokyo again. 

Hotel Review: Meritz Hotel, Miri

Early of last year, my Boyfie and I decided to do long road trip all the way from Kota Kinabalu to Brunei and Miri. The last time I on this road trip was back in 2012 with my family for my cousin's wedding (My Old Post: 7 Hours From Kota Kinabalu to Brunei). Both Boyfie and I have been through this long and winding road trip quite number of times, just that we're not the who drove all these while. So surprisingly when I told Boyfie about my plan to do road trip across states and international borders, he agreed instantly to be the one who handling the steering wheel - guess, he doesn't trust my driving skills. 

As this road trip takes almost 20 hours to go and back, the choice is either overnight in Brunei or Miri. However taking into consideration that a Brunei Dollar is almost equivalent to RM3, hence I opted to stay in Miri for a night. Thanks to my BFF who is living in Miri, she recommended me to stay in this hotel, Meritz Hotel. 

#1: Meritz Hotel of Miri

Meritz Hotel is the latest four-star business hotel smacked right in the center of Miri city center. The two main reasons why I chosen this hotel are because first, it adjacent to shopping mall, the Bintang Megamall - that's pretty cool! Secondly, complimentary parking space provided as we're driving our car. I rarely take into account for parking space but this time, I have to. 

#2: Friendly front-desk staff . The check-in process was easy and breeze

#3: Hotel room cards

#4: Hotel floors

The hotel houses 290 elegantly and beautifully appointed rooms and suites for a comfortable night of stay. There is four types of room to choose from; Superior Room, Deluxe Room, Grand Deluxe Room and Family Room. All the rooms and suites are situated on 8th floor onward up to 16th floor. 

#5: Superior double bed room 

Thoughtfully designed in such a rich brown wood tones, both Boyfie and I never expected the room to be relatively huge and spacious even for our superior double bed room type. Our modern and contemporary elegant room is well-equipped and furnished with the up-to-date facilities for entertainment and connectivity including flat screen LED TV, minibar fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, in room locker, iron and ironing board, hairdryer and my worst fear of all time, weighting scale. Wait, there is even a sofa places inside the room which making us feel like our own home sweet home. Our room view is overlooking the main street, in case you are wondering. 

#6: Facilities within the room 

Bathroom wise, we're so delightful to find out there is a bathtub inside. Time to soak our body after driving for more than 9 hours. Although the bathroom lighting was a bit dim and wasn't bright enough, I was pretty satisfied with the hot shower bath and daily bathroom amenities provided. 

#7: Bathroom with bathtub 

#8

#9: Complimentary full breakfast buffet

The room that we booked come with complimentary full breakfast buffet which serves on the highest floor. Serving both local delights and international cuisines, I can see that majority all the hotel guests were indeed enjoy the breakfast to kick start their day.

#10: View overlooking of Miri town from the top of the hotel 

#11: Overview of the hotel from the street

#12: The hotel adjacent to one of the lifestyle themed mall, Bintang Megamall

Meritz Hotel is not just perfectly catering for both business and leisure travellers, it even suits for the big group of family and friends to enjoy the exceptionally pleasurable and unparalleled experience of staying in this well-designed and luxurious hotel.

Date Stayed: 17th - 18th January 2015 (1 night)

Rate We Paid: RM320 per night for a superior double bed room with breakfast (Booked via Agoda)

Disclaimer:

This review is truly based on my own personal experience and is my genuine and honest opinion of this hotel, and that I have no personal or business relationship with this establishment. 

Wat Rong Khun, The White Temple of Chiang Rai

Date Visited: 14th April 2014

My friend and I decided to go our own separate way when we went back to Chiang Mai from Pai. She is interested with Rainforest Canopy Zipline whereas for me, I ended up took 1 Day Chiang Rai Excursion Tour. Frankly speaking, I was never worry of taking the tour alone as I went through that experience when I was in Melbourne few years back. But what cause me to take the one day excursion to Chiang Rai alone? All mainly because of this temple - Wat Rong Khun. 

#1: Wat Rong Khun from far away - Always jam-packed and crowded with tourists

Well-known among the foreign visitors as the White Temple, Wat Rong Khun is the most recognisable temples and most visited attractions in Northern Thailand. When our van arrived this temple, from far away I could literally see this temple is indeed jam-packed and crowded especially with tourists from Mainland China. But that ain't going to stop me from joining the crowd of visiting this marvellous and stunning temple. 

#2: White temple reflected on a large pond

It was like love at first sight when I saw this white temple for the very first time. It touched my heart instantly for the minute I saw it and without I realised, I had fall in love with this contemporary Buddhist and Hindu temple. Honestly to say, I have visited quite number of temples either in Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and even in other parts of Thailand but none of them gave me a very deep impression like what Wat Rong Khun did.  

#3: The white colour signifies the purity of the Buddha 

Wat Rong Khun was built by a famous local visual artist who decided to completely rebuilt the temple and using his own money to fund the whole project. To date, the extension is still ongoing and when its completed, the white temple compound is expecting to have nine buildings including a hall of relics, a meditation hall, an art gallery and living quarters for monks. Despite spending huge amount of money by the local artist to rebuild the whole temple, the admission to the wat compound is absolutely free of charge. How generous and humble he is, right? 

#4: The bridge leading to the main Wat

#5: The bridge of "the cycle of rebirth" - Hundreds of reaching hands that symbolise desire

#6: The main temple - Unfortunately no photo is allowed to take inside and one must take off the shoe before entering

#7: Up close to the temple's chofa - perfect carving 

#8: Even the view from behind can be breath-taking 

What You Should Take Note:

1) Dress respectfully like no revealing clothes.  

2) Phototaking is not allowed inside the main temple.

3) Remove your shoes before entering a temple building. 

How To Get To Wat Rong Khun

The journey from Chiang Mai to here takes almost 2 hours. So, if you wish to visit here without taking any exercusion tour, at least spend a night in Chiang Rai. Take bus from the old bus station nearby the night bazaar in the center of Chiang Mai town and the ride takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

Opening Hours: 8 am to 6 pm daily.

Admission Fee: It's free of charge.

My full and lengthy post on 1 Day Chiang Rai Excursion Tour will coming up next. So stay tune! 

Brief Travel Guide of Pai, Northern Thailand

It was another impromptu trip again. When my friend told me that she is heading over to Chiang Mai for Songkran Festival, I told her that I love to join her cause Chiang Mai has always been one of my travel wishlist. So right after I came back from South Korea less than two weeks, I flew off again to Northern Thailand. Instead of focusing the well-known cities such as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, my friend and I decided to cover Pai, a small but artsy and hippie insipired town situated 3 to 4 hours from the north of Chiang Mai. So basically this post is about the basic and brief travel guide of Pai.

How To Get In Pai: 

The one and only way to travel to Pai is fly into Chiang Mai first. For Malaysia case, so far AirAsia is the only carrier that fly directly from Kuala Lumpur with two flights daily; EDT at 6.55 am and 2.45 pm. The flight duration to Chiang Mai takes about 3 hours and 25 minutes and as for the time difference wise, Thailand is 1 hour behind Malaysia. 

We booked the morning flight and once we landed in Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), immediately we took songthaew (photo as below) to Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station. Make sure to inform the driver that you are taking bus heading to Pai cause Chiang Mai has two official bus stations and both are located quite distance away from each other. The driver quoted us 100 baht each (approx. to RM10.50) to the arcade bus station and we agreed with that. 

#1: Songthaew, a covered pick-up truck serves a bus or even taxi 

Upon arrival at Arcade Bus Station, look around for the Pai counter at the old bus station, which just across the road from the new bus station. Most of the times, we asked around the friendly local and they were indeed being very helpful. To Pai, one can either opt of ordinary public bus or privately-operated mini buses. Of course, we opted for the latter one for more convenient. The earliest bus from Chiang Mai to Pai starts at 6.30 am and the last service would be around 5.30 pm. The mini bus runs every hour and it costs 150 baht (approx. to RM16). The journey takes about 3 and half hours with a 15 minutes quick break at Mae Sae. 

#2: Pai counter at the old bus station. One way with mini bus costs 150 baht and the journey takes about 3 and half hours ride. 

Over the years, Pai is not just popular among the Western travellers but I noticed there are many tourists from China love to visit here too. So it is wise to purchase bus ticket bound to Ching Mai as soon you reach Pai. Even purchase a day in advance like us, it could be sold out like hot cakes. Just when we thought to buy ticket in the morning return to Chiang Mai, it was sold out and the only available time was after 4 pm. 

Where To Stay In Pai

There's a wide selection of accommodations in Pai, ranging from budget to mid range and there are now even luxury hotels. I personally prefer to stay nearby the bus station cause this is where the night market situated. My friend and I didn't book any lodging beforehand and only browsing around once we arrived Pai. We're lucky to stumble upon a small little hotel that cost 500 baht per night for a private air-conditioned room attached with bathroom. Can you imagine after divided into two, it only costs us 250 baht (approx. to RM26) - it's freaking dirt cheap! 

#4: LiLu Hotel - Only cost 500 baht per night for a private air-conditioned room attached with bathroom

How To Get Around Pai

An ideal option to explore Pai would be by renting motorbikes as majority of the attractions are placed further away from Pai town centre. These can be rented from most agents along the Pai Walking Street from as low as 100 baht per day. Besides the basic rental, do take into account to include 100 baht for helmet deposit, 40 baht for damage insurance and 40 baht for theft insurance. 

What To Do and See in Pai
Spending 3 days 2 nights in Pai, my friend and I managed to cover majority of the attractions in Pai.

1) Chinese Village (Santichon) - Early settlement by the Yunnanese hill tribes who crossed the border to escape themselves from the Communist rule. Their houses were built from mud and straws and there are few shops opened selling different type of Chinese teas. [7km away from Pai town]


2) Mo Paeng Waterfall - Popular among the locals and foreign tourists, this waterfall is slightly easier to access compare to the rest of the waterfalls. This is a three-tiered waterfall which flows through a verdant green valley and on the upper section of the waterfall, there is a small looking-pond of natural water making visitors decided jump into for swimming. I love to do so but unfortunately I didn't bring along any extra clothes with me. [12 km away from Pai town]


3) Oia Village - Apparently it wasn't a village but in reality, it's a luxury resort. Oh boy! How I wish I could afford to stay here? The whole area is resembles alike Greek Island making like I was transported to Greece instead. And because there was like no other visitors while we were there, oh well we had whale of time to do plenty of phototaking here and there around this area. Plus, it's free of entrance and no one was there to stop you at all. [1km away from Pai town]


4) Wat Phra That Mae Yen - This small temple is situated not far away from the Pai town. Before one could reach up the temple, one must climb up the long flight of staircases but trust me, it's absolutely worth the climb as it offers another striking view of Amphoe Pai, from houses to the rice fields. This is another best place for sunset viewing. [2km from Pai town] 


5) Pai Canyon - I can say this is one of the not-to-be-missed attraction. To be frank, this spot is best to visit for sunset from the viewing platform but guess the luck was on our side too as we got to witness impressive sunrise overlooking the stunning lush green scenery. [8km away from Pai town]


6) WWII Memorial Bridge - It believed that this steel truss bridge was built by the occupying Japanese but unfortunately it was burnt down by the Japanese soldiers when the World War II ended. So the current one was actually transported from Chiang Mai in order to replace the ruined bridge. It then became known as the "Tai-Pai Bridge". [10km away from Pai town]   


7) Coffee in Love - This is one of the most prominent cafes in Pai offers beautiful scenery while enjoying a cup of fresh coffee.


8) Pai Walking Street - Nothing much to offer during the daytime but once the sun gives way for the night, the whole street is clustered with vast range of souvenirs, unique handicrafts, clothes, food and more. I will claim this place to be more alike Pai Night Market instead. The walking street is so alive, colourful and a great introduction to the sights and smells of the local products. I would highly recommend to stay not far away from this walking street so you can spend more of your time here. [Within Pai Town]

If you are looking for a more laidback and relaxed atmospehere, Pai is most certainly what you are looking for. I can say this is one of my most favourite city to lay back and relax after Luang Prabang of Laos. 

I left my heart in Pai

Last but not least, don't forget to buy postcards and send your warmest greetings from Pai

To view more of my photos, you can check out on my Flickr album - click here.

Date Visited: 10th - 12th April 2014

Foodie Friday: Joe Sun - Food & Coffee Co., Kota Kinabalu

Well, it's normal to see waffles topped with sweet lil ice-creams or even with colourful variety type of fruits. But what if a big piece of fried chicken sandwiched in between the waffles, just like burger? It was indeed intrigued me that I went Joe Sun - Food & Coffee Co, the newest and latest lifestyle cafe in Kota Kinabalu town twice in just a week. Good food is hard to resist! 

#1: Their signature interior design

#2: Chicken & Waffles (RM16)
A giant piece of fried chicken sandwiched between two waffles served along with salted egg yolk sauce. The fried chicken is so juicy and tender. My mom said it's way better than KFC. It's literally huge and best to share. 

#3: The latest coffee trend - Rainbow latte (RM12) Twice I went here, twice I had Rainbow Latte. 


#4: Rainbow latte with my mom

#5: Ultraman Ham Dan Chiu Yan (RM14) 

This is what this dish known as. Waffle paired with fried mussels and fried bonito flakes slathered with creamy salted egg yolk sauce. 

#6: Breaded Mac 'n' Cheese Balls (RM15) - Another fusion food. 

#7: Omelette Tower (RM13)

#8: Green Pandan Waffle served with Kaya and ice-cream (RM13) - Just disappointed with the ice-cream but the pandan waffle is awesome

#9: Loyalty card

Majority of the food served in Joe Sun are extraordinary and pretty unique, not the kind of typical meals you found in any restaurants or cafes. Absolutely beyond your wild imagination. Besides the above, they even have Ramen Burger sandwiched with beef party, Lobster Fettuccine, Soft Shell Chilli Crab Pasta and more. Beware Joe-Sun cause I'm coming back for more of your food.


#10: Good food with the good friends

Updated on 16th June 2016:
My friends and I went back this cafe again for more food gastronomical. Unfortunately we're kinda disappointed with the food that night.

#11: Waffle, pastas and coffee again with my BFF

#12: Latte (RM10)

#13: Parmesan Poached Egg Carbonara (RM16)


#14: Chilli Soft Shell Crab (RM18) - I didn't try this but according to my friend, they soft shell crab wasn't crispy enough. 


#15: Waffle Garden (RM13) - Topped with vanilla ice-cream, fruits such as bananas, strawberries and pineapples spreaded with chocolate sauce and brownies. 
I used to like their waffle when I went for the very first time but on the third visit, the waffle was soggy and ain't crispy enough too. 

However, that won't stop me from going back again and I hope they could eventually could control their food quality in future.

Joe Sun - Food & Coffee Co, (Damai)

Lot 47, Ground Floor, Block D, Lorong Pokok Kayu Manis 2, 

88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. (In between Maple and Nok Thai Restaurant) 

Opening Hours: 7 am to 10 pm daily