Train Ride from Tanjung Aru to Beaufort

Date Visited: 11th May 2013

Been quite number of times Sherrie keep invited us for a train ride but most of the times, we were too busy and occupied with early commitments. Not until the recent Mother's Day, we decided to choose on this particular date cause that's the only time where I was free and hopefully to be back on time for dinner with my queen of my heart.

It was Sherrie first ever train ride on this North Borneo Railway but for me, this is my third ride but then my last ride was back in 10 years ago - during my secondary time. And currently, with the new trains which comes in air-conditioned, cushion seats and a small toilet facilities making this train ride another whole new adventures to experience the country side and very comfortable throughout the journey. However, the old coaches without air-conditioned still remained and operating as usual.

#1: Our train tickets

The starting point of the Sabah Railway Station is from the old station of Tanjung Aru, which located just next to the airport runway. Basically, there are 14 stations between Tanjung Aru to the last point, Tenom - Tanjung Aru-Putatan-Kinarut-Kawang-Papar-Kimanis-Bongawan-Membakut-Beaufort-Saliwangan Baru- Halogilat-Rayoh-Pangi-Tenom. Both Sherrie and I decided to stop at Beaufort. And guess what, I wasn't widely awake yet cause instead of buying tickets to Beaufort, I accidentally told the counter that we are heading to Membakut. Clumsy me!

#2: The new coach of Sabah state train

The train was initially expected to leave at 7.45am but it delayed like 10-15 minutes and we arrived in Beaufort around 10am plus after the 2 hours and 15 minutes train ride. The new coach  was pretty similar to the West Malaysia Keretapi Tanah Melayu's coach and it's free seating. Probably because I experienced different kind of train rides abroad, hence nothing much fascinated me here.

#3:

#4:

#5: Passed by Beaufort many times but finally got the chance to stay longer here

#6: Several rows of blue two-storey wooden shops which give this small town a rustic look

Beaufort is just a small town and there isn't nothing much to see here apparently. Normally, most tourists visited Beaufort mainly for white-water rafting along Padas River, which is rated as Grade Two to Grade 4 river.

#7: There is even a market in Beaufort which the interior looks exactly like the one in Kota Kinabalu

#8: Beaufort's mosque 

#9: Beaufort Noodle is a must eat meal in Beaufort and it served in two types - dry fried and wet fried. #nonhalal

Can you imagine we arrived Beaufort around 10am plus and the next train ride from Beaufort back to Tanjung Aru was at 11am - the time given to explore around Beaufort was completely so limited and both of us were kinda rushed looking for the best Beaufort noodles in town. Yup, that's what Beaufort is popular for. I'm not sure which eatery served the best Beaufort noodles but having at Restoran Kim Wah Beaufort (located just behind of the market) wasn't bad choice at all and I prefer the wet fried one.

#10: Huge coconuts in the middle of Beaufort roundabout. In case you are driving to Brunei from Kota Kinabalu and vice verse, you will come across this roundabout.

Once we done with the delicious meal and photoshooting, we headed back to the Beaufort Railway Station but turned out, we missed the train. Oh no! And because of that, we planned to wait for the final train which was scheduled at 4.30pm but then again, we were told that there is no more 4.30pm train back to Kota Kinabalu currently due to repair and maintenance. Oh no oh no! Of course, I was panicked at the beginning but after calmed down myself, we tried to ask the local whether any bus ride back to Kota Kinabalu. We're almost being conned by the taxi driver which charged us RM20 per head but we told him gave us some time to wander more around Beaufort before leaving it permanently. While wandering around, we came across this bus ride which only charged us RM12 per head. Luckily we were smart enough not to be conned by the taxi driver. The bus stop is just located nearby the mosque.

#11: And so, that's our adventures around Beaufort town for less than 2 hours.

Travel with the train is really one of the cheapest means of transportation in Sabah comparing taking the bus. A trip from Kota Kinabalu (Tanjung Aru) to Beaufort cost only RM4.80 for adult and RM2.40 for children. However, the only one thing I dislike about Sabah State Railway is the time schedule which seems to be completely irrelevant where visitors only have less than an hour to explore the town, or else this will be another famous tourist spot among the foreigners. No wonder throughout the journey, the train was completely filled with the local only. If you plan to overnight in Beaufort, there is a hotel available and the one I came across is River Park Hotel.

The train schedules:
From Tanjung Aru to Beaufort (2 services)
1st service: Departure time at 7.45am and expecting to arrive at 10.00am
2nd service: Departure time at 1.40pm and expecting to arrive at 4.00pm

From Beaufort to Tanjung Aru (2 services)
1st service: Departure time at 11.01am and expecting to arrive at 1.25pm
2nd service: Departure time at 4.30pm and expecting to arrive at 7.38pm

This post is mainly to support Visit Malaysia Year 2014. #vmy2014

Sony NEX 5ND for Sale!

16.1 Mega Pixel Camera (White Colour) with SEL1855 & SEL16F28 Lens
Original Price: RM3,005
Bought in August 2012

Selling Price: RM1,800 (Price is negotiable)
All includes:

• Double Lens Kit - SEL1855 & SEL16F28 Lens
• External Flash
• Two Rechargeable Battery Packs (RM285.00 each) 
• 8GB SDHC Memory Card
• Rear Lens Cap
• Soft Carrying Case
• HDMI Cable (Mini)
• Pink Jacket Case (RM139.00)
• Compact Battery Charger
• Extra Camera Strap which I bought abroad (RM80.00)

Condition : Still in good condition, minor scratch but definitely no cracks.
Prefer: Cash on Delivery. 

The reason behind I'm selling this because I still prefer small and compact camera. To be frank, Sony NEX 5ND it's kinda lil bit bulky for me cause whenever I travel, I tends to bring tons of things including a laptop. This camera indeed produced great outcomes/results, no regret owning it - you can check out all the photos I took while on my adventures around the world - Sony NEX 5N.

Interested? Kindly please contact me at dianateodt@gmail.com or tweet me at Twitter @dtdianateo

Summary of My 5D4N Bangkok, Thailand Travelogue (2012) Version 1.0

Here is the compilation for all the post relating to my trip to Bangkok, Thailand for 5 days and 4 nights.

Day 1: 17th October 2012

First Day in Bangkok

Tip For Taking Taxi from Don Mueang International Airport to Bangkok Downtown:

And talking about taxi, I would highly recommend to take the one outside the arrival area instead of booking from the taxi service booths in the main hall cause the latter one is freaking expensive. Double the fare cause that's what my friend and I paid initially but somehow, they refunded to us and asked us to wait for other taxi. A trip with the taxi outside the arrival area cost roughly 250-350 baht, depending on the traffic. 

Stay: The Period Pratunam of Bangkok


Day 2: 18th October 2012
Around The World in Terminal 21

How To Get To Terminal 21:

BTS Station: Asoke (Exit 1) or;

MRT Station: Sukhumvit (Exit 3)

Day 3: 19th October 2012
Chao Phraya River Cruise & Grand Palace

The entrance fee we paid on that particular date was 400 baht, which besides the Grand Palace, it also inclusive access to The Temple of Emerald Buddha, The Royal Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion and Queen Sirikit Museum of Textile, which are located within the Grand Palace compound, and to Vimanmek Mansion Museum on Ratchawithi Road.

Day 4: 20th October 2012
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

The cost for this tour was 400 baht (approx. to RM41) which included pick-up service from hotel, transport and boat ride. Booked from Mama Travel & Tour, local tour operator.   

Chatuchak Weekend Market

How To Get To Chatuchak Weekend Market:
BTS Station: Mo Chit (Exit 1) and follow the crowd until see rows of canvas stalls selling clothes and accessories or; 
MRT Station: Chatuchak Park (Exit 1) and follow the crowd as well.
Open on every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm

Day 5: 21st October 2012
Goodbye Bangkok


Extra Posts

• Maiden Trip To Bangkok (Sneak Peek)
• The Shopping Malls I Visited in Bangkok
• My Travel Loots & Expenses Version 1.0

Conclusion, I spend 5 solid days in Bangkok itself and didn't go further areas such as Pattaya, Hua Hin, Ayutthaya and etc but I believe, Bangkok, I will be back and see you again someday. Bangkok is one of the cities that I don't mind to go back every year (if only time is permitted and grab another best deal from AirAsia). Oh boy, I guess Bangkok has put spell on me!

My Bangkok Travel Loots & Expenses (2012) Version 1.0

I warn you that I indeed shopped a lot when I went Bangkok for the very first time. Plus, most of the clothes sold at that particular period were in chiffon type, which was my favourite type of clothes. And now let me reveal what I bought from Bangkok, Thailand: 

#1: Overall of my shopping loots from Bangkok, Thailand Version 1.0

#2: 4 dresses, 16 tops, 3 shorts, 6 skirts

#3: Handphone pouch from Chatuchak Weekend Market and pig coin pouch for my li sister.

#4: Handbag, purse, purple flat shoe and belts - all for myself.

#5: Hair accessories bought from Platinum Fashion Mall and Chatuchak Weekend Market

#6: Long necklaces bought from Platinum Fashion Mall. Range from 100 baht to 190 baht

#7: Handbags and pouch from Naraya outlets

#8: Handmade luggage tags from Platinum Fashion Mall

#9: Two set of bikinis but wow, absolutely not for me. Two of my besties requested for these. 

A set of bikini in Bangkok was incredibly cheap which cost 250 baht (approx. to RM26) for a set but because I bought two, I managed to bargain to 450 baht for two.

#10: Fridge magnets are not to be missed whenever I travelled. Mostly bought outside Grand Palace and in Chatuchak Weekend Market as well.

#11:All my outfits from Bangkok - Pink chiffon top, blue skirt, red lace belt, green handbag, purple flat shoe and owl long necklace.

Last but not least, the following is my sharing of the full details of my travel expenses that I spend for my 5 days and 4 nights trip in Bangkok, Thailand:

 
(The exchange rate by the time I changed; RM10: 10.14 baht )

NOTE:

1.  It's funny how fare for international flight was much more cheaper than the domestic flight.
2. Stayed for 4 nights throughout the trip, which inclusive the breakfast as well. For more information about this boutique hotel, click HERE.
3. Both taxi fare cost 350 baht for one trip and shared among two of us.  
4. The entrance fee on the day we visited, which besides the Grand Palace, it also inclusive access to The Temple of Emerald Buddha, The Royal Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion and Queen Sirikit Museum of Textile, which are located within the Grand Palace compound, and to Vimanmek Mansion Museum on Ratchawithi Road. 
5. Included pick-up service from hotel, transport and boat ride.
6. Stayed overnight before taking my flight to Bangkok on the next day. 
7. Most of my souvenirs and shopping haul are as above photos. Also including postcards and stamps which I bought and sent out earlier.

Bangkok, Thailand (2012) Day 5: Goodbye Bangkok

Date of Travel: 21st October 2012

Everytime when comes to travelling, I felt the time passed freaking fast. Don't you think so? From the day we arrived, now it's the time to pack our bag and leave. And the thing was we haven't got enough of shopping. Luckily our flight was around 4pm, hence we still have more spare time to satisfy our shopping craze before leaving this shopping haven.

#1: Last day of having breakfast in the hotel we stayed, The Period Pratunam Hotel

#2: The massage parlour we patronised which just few steps away from our hotel. Oh boy! It's dirt cheap. A body massage for 60 minutes only cost 200 baht (approx. to RM20).

Not matter how crazy both my friend and I toward shopping, we always allocate sufficient of time to travel from hotel to airport cause Bangkok is well-known to be one of the world's most traffic congested cities. A group friends of mine experienced Bangkok's worst ever traffic congestion and consequently, they missed their flight. Hence, it is advisable to leave your lodging at least four hour earlier - spare two hours for travel time and one hour for counter check-in. I rather wait in the airport instead of missing my flight.

We requested the hotel staff to book a taxi for us. We met a group of Malaysian travellers who willing to share a taxi with us but unfortunately the taxi can only fit up to 6 people, when there were 7 of us. A taxi fare from our hotel to airport cost a standard rate of 350 baht (approx. to RM36) and of course, it would be more cheaper if sharing among 4 people.

#3: Less than half hour, we reached Don Mueang International Airport

Surprisingly, the road condition was smooth and steady. And most importantly, we didn't encounter any traffic congestion and within half an hour, we reached one of the world’s oldest international airports and Asia's oldest operating airport.

#4: I arrived Bangkok with my luggage weighted 7 kg and by the time of leaving, it's double up.

Actually, I had pre-booked 20 luggage allowance but turned out, my luggage only weighted less than 15 kg. Such a waste of 5 kg. If I knew, I should brought along 24 inch of luggage bag instead of the 20 inch one. As both my friend and I didn't pre-book any in-flight meal, we decided to have our lunch in the airport before boarding and our final pick was Fuji Japanese Restaurant, which serves a good quality and delicious Japanese cuisines and yet, the price is affordable and reasonable.

#5: Both of us shared a set of Fuji Bento Tempura that comes with Chawanmushi which cost 310 baht only (approx. to RM32)

#6: I also bought Corn Pie from McD not just because curiosity of the taste, worry in case of hungry inside the plane.

#7: And so, goodbye Bangkok till we see again... Oppps, I went back Bangkok four months later after this first trip of mine.

#8: All my loots from Bangkok and wondering what I bought? Stay for my next upcoming post.

The Shopping Malls I Visited in Bangkok

Bangkok has numbers of shopping malls to cater all type of lifestyle and budgets shopaholic. Whether you are looking for global brands, finest fashion stores, speciality stores, accessories stands, bookstores and all kinds of luxury designer goods, Bangkok is definitely offers the best shopping experiences and exposure. From the legendary MBK Center, to trendy Siam Discovery and Central World Plaza, or unashamedly upscale Siam Paragon and even innovative Terminal 21, Bangkok's accommodate every taste, pocket and style. Not just that you will be spoiled by thousand of choices, most of these shopping malls are easily accessible via the efficient and convenient Skytrain (BTS) system. So put on your comfortable shoes and shop till you drop!

I did research beforehand and went most of the shopping malls listed under Top 10 Bangkok Shopping Malls and the list below are from the least favourite to most favourite one:

MBK Center

Nearest BTS: National Stadium

Divided into 8 storey high and consists around 2,000 shops, MBK Center is popular among tourists, particularly the Western tourists  as most of the goods and items are selling at the affordable price. Therefore, this mall is claimed as an "Indoor Chatuchak Market" where you can find diversity of products, ranging from mobile phones, video games, luggage, street wear, cheap clothing and gold ornaments. It even has a large food court and cinema multiplex to complete the lifestyle experience. MBK Center is connected to the Siam Discovery and Siam Paragon shopping mall by skywalk footbridge systems, both of which are more upscale and have only authentic goods. Unfortunately for me, I found nothing special here eventhough I came across most of the goods here are pretty cheap.

Siam Discovery

Nearest BTS: Siam 

Standing opposite of MBK Center is Siam Discovery caters to a slightly more mature market, mainly for teenagers. This medium size shopping complex houses many popular local fashion designers and global brand names such as Guess, DKNY, Shiseido, Mac, Diesel. North Face and more. But somehow, I found this place was generally more quiet than MBK Center and the reason I visited this modern shopping complex was mainly for Naraya.

Siam Paragon

Nearest BTS: Siam

This glass-and-steel luxury megamall is listed as one of the biggest shopping centers in Asia. It houses wide range of specialty stores and restaurants as well as multiplex movie theater. If you are the type that looking for high street fashion to high-tech gadgets, home decor and exotic sports car, this is the place you are ideally looking for. Almost half of the stores here are devoted to luxury brand apparent which include Gucci, Channel, Jimmy Choo, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vutton, Hugo Boss, Prada and more upmarket brands to name on. Not just that, I even saw numbers of car showrooms like BMW, Porsche, Jaguar, Lamborghini and more. Another highlights include Kinokuniya bookstore and Siam Ocean World Aquarium. 

By the way, do you know that Siam Paragon is the No. 1 world's most Instagrammed Place last year?

Siam Center

Nearest BTS: Siam 

Tucked in between Siam Discovery and Siam Paragon, this mall is mainly aiming for the young and hip one. Although most of the boutiques here are high-end articles which basically not my choice when comes to shopping, but I instantly fall in love with the fresh ideology of their interior design right at the first moment I stepped into Siam Center.

Central World

Nearest BTS: Chidlom

Central World is known as Thailand's first lifestyle shopping complex and it is the sixth largest shopping complex in the world. This mall is marketed for the medium type and houses well-known brands such as Uniqlo, Timberland, Zara, MNG, H&M, Topshop and more. But one thing for sure I found out most tourists visit Central World was for Naraya.

Terminal 21

Nearest BTS: Asoke

Terminal 21 is a mixed-use complex which consists of two parts - shopping mall and hotel & residence. But what attract most travellers and tourists to visit Terminal 21 was for its uniqueness and mesmerising interior design, even for the restrooms as well. Terminal 21 is divided into 9 floors with 9 different interesting travel concepts and themes decorated based on well-known and popular streets in cities under one roof such as London, Paris, Rome, Tokyo, Istabul, etc. This mall even has the longest escalators in Thailand, up to 36 metres. I blogged about this mall before and if you wanna know more about Terminal 21 - click here.

Platinum Fashion Mall

Nearest BTS: Chidlom 
When talking about shopping in Bangkok, the best shopping experience would be definitely Platinum Fashion Mall. It's Thailand largest fashion mall and one stop wholesale shopping. Divided into 3 different zones and 6 floors are completely specialises in wholesale fashion clothing and accessories. I never missed my day by visiting this mall and because of that, this is another spot where my purse almost bleed badly. Some people prefer to shop here rather than Chatuchak Market as it is more comfortable in an air-conditioned complex. Bargaining is only allowed when you purchase at least two and above.

So, how many of the above shopping mall have you been to? Which is your favourite one and which you dislike? Or you been to any shopping malls which I never been to? Don't be shy and feel free to share with us.

[Credit To: Bangkok.com,]