Top Commentators Giveaways for Year 2014

Another year, another giveaways for my blog readers who leave the most comments in my blog. As you can see that my blogposts are getting lesser and lesser as year goes by but I'm really thankful to all my blog readers for the continuous support and thoughtful comments throughout my blogging years.

Without waiting any longer, let me announce the top 3 Commentators for the Year 2014;

Oh wait! This year my blog has two readers with the same number of comments which I totally didn't expect of and they are:

•  Hong Chern Wern from World of Travels, Environment and Photography - with 40 comments 
• J-Mei from Interesting Corner of Me - with 40 comments 

For Hong Chern Wern from World of Travels, Environment and Photography

For J-Mei from Interesting Corner of Me - with 40 comments  

The prize consists of:

•  Shawl from China
• Luggage tag and drawstring pouch from Thailand
• Handphone ornament and hand cream South Korea
• Keychain from Australia
• Fridge magnet from Myanmar 
• Plus some mystery gifts 

And the winner for the year 2014 goes to:
Small Kucing & Mamarazzi from www.smallkucing.com - with 61 comments out from 69 blogposts. 
For your information, not just they are the Top 3 Commentators of my blog for three consecutive years but Small Kucing & Mamarazzi are also the last year winner.

• Shawl from Nepal
• M&M Tumbler from Shanghai, China
• Pencil box and hand cream from South Korea
• Beaded pouch from Myanmar
• Passport cover and luggage tag from Thailand
• Fridge magnet from Australia 

But hold on! This year giveaways not just mainly for the Top 3 only but I added another five giveaways for the remaining top commentators as a small token of appreciation.  

1. Jeff Chuah from Jeff's Travel - 38 comments
2. Time Traveller from Travel My Way - 26 comments
3. Shirley Tay from Luxury Haven - 22 comments
4. Cubie from The Cube - 22 comments
5. Ng Choi Yen from Mimi's Dining Room - 18 comments 

 The giveaways are randomly selected for the above 5 readers

So for the eight readers mentioned as above, kindly please comment below as acknowledgement. Plus, don't forget to leave your name, mailing address and contact number to my email: dianateodt@gmail.com within 14 days from the date of this blogpost. In case no response were given within the timeframe given, new winner will be selected.

[NOTE: Delivery is via normal airmail. I'll will not bear the responsible for any lost in transit.]

Once again, this is my final and last post of my blog for the year 2014 and I'm looking forward for more lovely comments and lovely notes as they mean so much to my blog. At the same, I'm really trying hard to complete my 2013 and 2014 travelogues which like never ending one. 

Before I wrap up everything, hereby I wish each and every of readers of mine 

[Source]

2014 X'Mas Holiday in China (Sneak Peek)

Although my family and I don't celebrate Christmas, but I do love the Christmas feelings and celebrate it abroad always part of my wishlist. In 2010, I celebrated Christmas in Taiwan, 2011 in Indonesia and 2012 in Singapore. As for this year, I tagged my mom along to China for the joyful Christmas holiday cum my year end trip as well. This is the fourth trip I sponsored my mom, after Indonesia, Japan and South Korea (from airfare, accommodation, transportation, foods, shopping & etc). Wondering, how many of you sponsored your parents a trip abroad actually?

We started our trip by flying in into Hangzhou first (we burnt our Shanghai tickets actually) and one of ultimate place to go in Hangzhou is none other than mesmerising and awe-inspiring freshwater lake, West Lake itself.

#1: Three Pools Mirroring The Moon, the largest island of the West Lake of Hangzhou.

#3: Ended our night by strolling in Hefang Ancient Street of Hangzhou before leaving to Suzhou

From Hangzhou, we proceeded to Suzhou where we booked 1 day Suzhou ground tour and out from the 24 tourists of this tour, only two of us are Malaysians whereas the rest are the Mainland Chinese.  

#4: Besides few pagodas and temples and not forgetting, we also visited The Lion Forest Garden, one of the four great gardens of Suzhou.

In one of the temples, we were requested to see the fortune teller. Normally I don't believe these but the first thing fortune teller said to me was, "You are the type that don't sit still at home one. Always travel around here & there." How's true is that?

#6: The ancient architectures along the canal in Tongli Water Town. 

Before we move to Shanghai, we managed to go Tongli Water Town, a thousand year ancient town with a long history and the typical style of water town located an hour away from Suzhou. 

#8: Meanwhile in Shanghai, the first place we went was Yu Garden, an extensive Chinese garden located in the heart of bustling Shanghai

#9: We tried the Nanxiang Steamed Bun but turned out to be so so only. Kinda disappointed

#10: Kill our time in Nanjing Road for window shopping. Seriously, just window shopping cause everything was so expensive there.


#11: Last but not least, a view of Pudong from The Bund is a must when visit Shanghai. Oh boy! Shanghai is so amazing and breathtaking especially at night. 

Frankly speaking, my trip to China with my mom is like roller coaster ride with lots of ups and downs. We started off with a pretty good start not until the day I woke up on the Christmas day itself, we were told by Malaysia Airlines of an unpleasant news when I unable to do web check-in. Kinda piss off with the T&C promotion fare. And the next day again, received another bad news stated our flight back to Kota Kinabalu from Shanghai will be delayed. From the original ETD of 1.30 am to 4am. Although we were compensated with food vouchers, but all I want is hotel vouchers instead. 

#12: First time in my life I have such an early flight

Hotel Review: The Southbridge Hotel, Singapore

Since ever I revisited Singapore together with Boyfie back in year 2011, from there onwards I keep flying to Singapore at least once every year. Everytime I went Singapore, I prefer to stay in different hotels; whether it's budget or boutique for different experience and exposure. And for my recent trip to Singapore with my mom and two lil brothers, we decided to stay in The Southbridge Hotel, a boutique hotel located strategically right in the colourful Chinatown.

#1: Exterior of the Southbridge Hotel, Singapore

Because there were four of us, we opted for taxi from the airport directly to our hotel. And upon arrival, we were kinda confused where was the check-in counter but luckily enough, we were approached by a kind bartender who showed us the right way for us to check-in. Before we could possible view our expected rooms, a refundable security deposit of SG$200 is required.

#2: The hotel lift signboard

#3: Standard queen room without window, where my mom and I slept here

#4: Deluxe queen room with window, where two of my brothers prefer this room

Initially, we booked two same deluxe queen rooms but when we entered our room, we were shocked that we were given two totally different rooms. The room that my mom and I slept were exceptionally small and it seems to be pretty enough for the bed and nothing else. But because our rooms were next to each other, we didn't bother to request for the change.

The hotel consists more than 40 rooms beautifully appointed guest rooms, many of which include free internet access – wireless (complimentary), toiletries, hair dryer, television LCD/plasma screen, air conditioning and complimentary of drinking water. 

#5: Clean but small bathroom

#6: Basic toiletries but sufficient for our usage

If not taken into account of the size of the room, this hotel is an ideal place of stay for travellers seeking charm, comfort and convenience in Singapore.

Date Stayed: 20 August - 22 August 2014 (2 nights)

Rate We Paid :  RM307.95 per night for a deluxe queen room without breakfast (Booked via Agoda.com)

The Southbridge Hotel Singapore
210 South Bridge Road,
Chinatown / Tiong Bahru,
Singapore 058759.

Travel Tip
There are two directions to get to this hotel:

1) Exit A of MRT Chinatown station, walk straight until end of the street and turn left until you came across Mosque Street.

2) Exit F of MRT Chinatown station.

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.

Follow me on Twitter | Instagram | Dayre | cause I am currently in Singapore again!

Bhutan, The Land Of Happiness

Initially my plan to Nepal was just mainly for 8 days only but few months before the trip, one of my friends and I decided to extend our trip and changed our ticket date back to Malaysia. And why we do so? Cause we decided to go Bhutan, one of the country that restricted number of visitors to enter into their royal country. Honestly to say, it's the most expensive country I ever visited where visitor is required to pay minimum daily tariff (USD200-250 per person per night), but by the end of the trip I never regret with my last minute decision to visit this stunning and unique country, in both culturally and enviromentally. Absolutely one of the country should at least visit once in the life (because of this trip, I forgone of buying new compact camera).

#1: From Kathmandu, we flew with Drukair, the official airline of Bhutan to Paro International Airport which took 1 hour and 10 minutes.

In order to get into Bhutan, there are only limited choices; either from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Bangkok (Thailand) and Singapore. And because my friend and I are planning to go Nepal soon, hence we decided to continue and extended our journey to Bhutan. It's like killing two birds using one stone instead.

#2: The first thing I noticed when I reach Bhutan: Just like Thailand, the Drukpas love their king and queen so much. Such a handsome king and beautiful queen.

#3: Tashichho Dzong (Fortress), the administration headquarter of Thimpu.

#4: Buddha Dordenma Statue, world's largest buddha in Bhutan

#5: Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Its combination of goat's head and cow's body. Only can be found in Eastern Himalays.

#6: Last but not least, Tiger's Nest Monastery or known as Paro Taktsang is one of Bhutan's most sacred religious sites. A visit to Bhutan is incomplete without visiting this.

It's not easy to visit this monastery and one have to be reasonably fit. It took more than 5 hours of trekking (we consider quite fast cause initially, our tour guide thought we will take at least 7-8 hours) and I almost gave up on the halfway to this stunning site where it was completely a steep climb and in order to reach to the top, one is required to get through another addition of 700 steps. But then, when figured it out I already in Bhutan, no matter how hard and tough this climb, I shouldn't give up and must keep continue until I reach this monastery. It was really pain in the ass but it's the most rewarding journey and experience in my entire life.

#7: Us with Lotay, our tour organiser who arranged the whole tour perfectly for two of us. 

We were being told that my friend and I are the youngest visitors in Bhutan cause most of the visitors who visit Bhutan were mostly elderly.

That's another sneak peek of my 4D3N trip to The Land of Thunder Peaceful Dragon or locally also known as The Land of Happiness. How I wish I could stay more longer, if not cause of the minimum daily tariff charged. If you plan to go Bhutan, spend at least 4D3N to cover both Paro and Thimpu and if possible, the best to spend 6D5N would be sufficient enough to cover the main spot of Bhutan. And with this, Bhutan is the 30th country I visited so far. 

Namaste Nepal

#1: Hello Nepal!

And that's means "Hello" in Nepali. Once again, I was away for almost two weeks for another yearly gathering trip with my fellow collegemates. Previously, we went Cambodia and Myanmar together and this time around, we chosen Nepal as another of our travel adventures. For your information, Nepal is the first South Asia country I ever visited, when mostly people started off by visiting India instead. And for the very first time, I assigned my friend to become the tour leader for this trip cause I was too busy with my full-time and freelance jobs. Plus, I was pretty busy with family commitment as well. That's explained why I didn't update my blog so frequently lately.

Here are the sneak peak of what my friends and I did and went in Nepal:


#2: Wandered around Thamel, tourists' mecca in Kathmandu. This is the best place to stay, dining and hunting for souvenirs.

#3: From Kathmandu, we went Chitwan National Park which situated in south central of Nepal. This is the first national park in Nepal and has been listed as World Heritage Site.

#4: Not one but we were lucky spotted two endangered Indian rhino after jungle trekking and elephant jungle ride for almost whole day. One of the experience in my life.

#5: Boating on Phewa Tal Lake of Pokhara

#6: Look ma! I'm paragliding in Nepal. Can't believe I did it

#7: Sightseeing in Kathmandu - Bhaktapur Durbar Square

#8: Last but not least, Boudhanath Stupa, the iconic and symbolic of Nepal

Unfortunately throughout the trip, we didn't manage to get a clear view of the well-known Annapurna and Himalaya mountain view. Guess that's a sign that my friends and I should revisit Nepal for second time, perhaps. But for me, the most important is we had great and fun time being together.

#9: The chicken thigh Nepal gang! We even have our own hashtag #xploreNepal2014 in Instagram

Foodie Friday: Yoogane Chicken Galbi @ Singapore

I should continue my Siem Reap, Cambodia travelogue right after I back from Australia but I was procrastinating to the max. Oh dear! So many backlog travelogues. 

Date Visited: 20th August 2014

Since ever I came back from South Korea end of March this year, I keep craving for the Korea cuisines I had there, especially jjim dalk, budae jjigae and dak-galbi (Refer photo here). Not just me, but even my mom, sister and her boyfriend as well craving for the hot and scrumptious huge Korean cuisines we had there.

Yes, Kota Kinabalu has quite number of Korean restaurants but not all do served of those dishes I want. But so luckily few days before my mom and I flew off to Singapore, we came across that one of my favourite Korean cuisine restaurants have expanded their business and open new international branch right in Singapore. Now, we don't have to fly so far just to satisfy our craving.

#1: Newly opened Yoogane Singapore is located in Bugis Junction, Singapore 

More than 130 branches in South Korea, Yoogane is popular for their Galbi, a pan-grilled marinated meat with an unique sweet and spicy sauce as the main dish and serve with either Tteokbokki (Korean rice cake), sweet potatoes, fresh vegetables, noodles, rice, cheese and even together with seafood and stir-fried all together on the pan.

As it was newly opened few months ago in Singapore, hence we won't be surprised when we saw the long queue. Because our craving for this cuisine were very strong, we're willing to join the long queue and waited for almost 45 minutes. Like my sister said, "Orang Sabah Mesti Sabar!". In Malay translation, it means Sabahan people must be patient.

#2: Overview of Yoogane restaurant

After patiently waited, finally we're being served to a table for 6 people. Honestly to say, comparing to the outlets I went in Seoul, I don't feel comfortable with the seating arrangement here as they are using bench seats instead chair. For comfort purpose, a table can fit up to maximum of 4 people only. 6 of us need to squeeze in and there is no more room for us to move around. Luckily their air-conditioners are working well and services were pretty fast too.

#3: Korean Banana Milk - Taste so-so only

Browsing through their menu, each of the galbi dish must be served for minimum of two person. Means two person can only order one dish, instead of choosing two. Plus, the portion is quite huge for two person. Don't be silly to order two different of galbi dishes for two people cause trust me, you and your partner would definitely couldn't finish all. Since there were 6 of us, we ordered 3 different of galbi dishes.

#4: Yoogane Octopus & Chicken Galbi (S$18.90)

#5: Added with Ramyeon Noodles (Additional of S$3.90)

#6: My favourite: Marinated Chicken Galbi Fried Rice Topped with Cheese (S$14.90)

By the end of the day, we're pretty satisfied with the taste of the galbi served in Singapore and it almost the same as the one we had in Seoul. But somehow, few of my family members can't bear the level of spiciness and it is advisable to inform the staff to reduce the amount of the spicy sauce. 

There even have free flow salad bar serving kimchi, pickles and sliced cabbages and you can take as many as you want. Price wise, like what we expected it was indeed expensive and almost double the price than the one in South Korea. However, we were glad that our craving has finally well-satisfied and if someday I return back to Singapore, I don't mind going back for this once again, only if the queue won't be that long. 

Yoogane Singapore
200 Victoria Street,
Bugis Junction, #02-47/48

Opening Hours: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm

Watches Malaysia - Define Your Style With Gold Watch

Known as the time telling instrument, watches serve as one of a woman's major fashion accessory. Besides telling us the time, it also acts as a form of bracelet on our wrist. As there are wide selection of watch designs sold in the market, the gold watches are perfect for the ladies who love to brighten up their style. And how can you style using this elegant and stylish gold watch? There are 3 different way of look which a woman can eventually mix and match with their outfits.

1) Firstly, the perfect way a woman can wear a gold watch is by matching it with a pair of beautiful and pretty blouse and pants, whether it's long or short pants. This kind of look definitely suits for those career women especially to flaunt at the office as it shows professional and maturity. 

2) Next look for women to pull together with their stylish and elegant gold watch is by matching it with a beautiful jumpsuit. Jumpsuit is a perfect piece of clothing where women can simply wear on day out during the weekend or even to a dinner party without ever looking out of place. As the jumpsuit is beautiful as it is, women do not have to style with over accessorize it with lot of jewelleries. With just simply lively it up with a beautiful exclusive gold watch, making the jumpsuit will definitely looking stunning and awesome for a woman on everywhere she goes and any event she attends.

3) Another way a woman can style their luxury and exclusive gold watch is by adding some extra glitzy glam on their wrist. The best way is to style your gold wrist watch with some dazzling and shining gold bracelets for an elegant appearance or bright it up with some bold coloured multi-stacked bangles. With this amazing fashion sense, it will impress everyone by showing off the fantastic arm candy. The kind of look is definitely suitable for the ladies who love to reveal their outgoing fun and happy-go-lucky personally on a night outing with their friends.

Wondering where to get these fantastic and stylish piece of these gold watches in order to suit your personal style? Simply browse at ZALORA as it offers you with wide rage of selection of gold watches Malaysia online, whether from various local and international brands such as Casio, Fossil, Citizen and more.

Gold Coast, The Sunshine State

This is my final sneak peek from my recent trip, Australia. From the capital city in the state of Queensland, Brisbane, we took train to the sunshine state, non other than Gold Coast. This is our final pit stop before leaving this beautiful and amazing country. I can't deny that travel around Australia is indeed pretty easy and convenient with their extensive, efficient and reliable public transport system.

#1: Sea view of the Surfers Paradise beach - directly from the aparment we were staying

#2: Once we arrived Gold Coast, we went Harbour Town for shopping in DFO (Direct Factory Outlet)

#3: Warner Bros Movie World - A visit to Gold Coast is incomplete without visit any of these thrilling theme park.

#4: The well-known Surfers Paradise beach

#5: Up close with the penguins, dolphins, sharks and more in Sea World

#6: Sydney, Brisbane & Gold Coast unlocked. Another fruitful & unforgettable Australia trip. I'll be back someday.