Tune Hotel Danga Bay, Johor Bahru

My Singapore trips are kinda like incomplete if I didn't involve Johor Bahru as part of the trip. Fly in Singapore and then fly out Johor Bahru or vice versa is always what I did for the past few years. After staying for a night in a cute and chic hostel with a reasonable price, A Beary Bear Hostel, my friends and I took public bus (CW2) from Queen Street Bus Terminal (Bugis MRT) to Woodlands. It's cheap but then, it wasn't convenient especially when you carry big luggage with you. 

This time around, we booked Tune Hotel in Danga Bay. It was actually suggested by my Johor friend as it was relatively near to her wedding venue.

#1: Overview of Tune Hotel - Danga Bay

#2: One of Lego's models displayed at the lobby - Please Do Not Touch Me!

I reserved a room with double bed whereas my other friends got themselves a room with two single beds. I can't clarify the differences, especially in terms of size of the rooms but my room was fairly cheaper than my friends. We even bought the Comfort Package consists 24 hours air-conditioning plus towels and toiletries kit. Similar to its sister airlines, this is a no frills hotel where no amenities is provided unless you purchase them. 

#3: My double bed room 

It's a simple and basic room with modern and minimalist designs. The room houses wall-mounted LCD television (need to pay one), portable table and safety box. One thing I love about the room is not just for its comfortable and fluffy bed but thank goodness, there's a window. The more I travel and stayed in numbers of hotels, somehow I would prefer a room with window. 

#4: Besides towel and toiletries kit, they gave us air-con remote control and TV too (I added TV right after I back from wedding dinner)

#5: Hangers corner

#5: Key access 

#6: Hot shower, hairdyer and toilet roll are provided without any additional charge

Other facilities can be found within the hotel are computer with internet connection, massage chairs and ample of free parking space provided for the in-house hotel guests. There are even AirAsia agency office, 7-Eleven and restaurant located right next to the hotel. 

My verdict? If you are looking for budget hotel just for the sake of rest and recharge, probably Tune Hotel Danga Bay would be your ideal option but in terms of location, honestly speaking I still prefer to stay nearby KSL Shopping Mall. There are nothing much you can linger around the vicinity - so quiet location I could say. One of the reasons I found out this hotel is packed with family is because there is a shuttle service directly to Legoland. 

On my way to the airport, I decided for a quick pitstop at Johor Premium Outlet. But then, it's hard to get any taxi outside the hotel until I tried to use MyTeksi apps, which recommended by another good friend of mine who is living in Johor Bahru. It's my first time of using this app but then, I quite enjoyed the ride - a friendly driver who non-stop chatting with me throughout the ride. 

Date Stayed: 7 December - 8 December 2014 (1 night)

Rate I Paid: RM77.68  per night for a double bed room including Comfort Package which consists of 24 hours air-conditioning plus towel and toiletries kit (Booked via TuneHotels.com)

Disclaimer:

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

A Beary Good Hostel, Singapore

I always booked budget hotels when visiting Singapore. Here are the list of the hotels I stayed before:

• V Lavender Hotel
• Hotel 81 Dickson 
• The Southbridge Hotel

But last year when I went Singapore alone, I decided to try out staying in dorm instead. Cheap, is my main consideration. Plus, there were two of my guy friends joining me, hence staying in mixed dorm would be the suitable option. And this is where I stumbled upon a cute and chic hostel at reasonable price - A Beary Good Hostel.

#1: A Beary Good Hotel

There are plenty of hostels around Singapore but why I choose this? Mainly because it's so close to the MRT station. The location is exactly tucked right in the center of lively and bustling Singapore's Chinatown - I'm absolutely lovin' it.

#2: Located on the first floor, we were greeted by a huge teddy bear. So fluffy I'm gonna die!

#3: As the name of the hostel, almost whole area is manicured with teddy bear

#4: The common area houses books, games and even Wii console

#5: Maps and guide books for the hostel guides

We paid 15% deposit in advanced and the balance only paid upon check-in. Once done with the check-in process, I was given a keycard to access to the room and hostel.

#6: 12 bed mixed dorm

We booked the 12 bed mixed dorm for only SGD27 per night. Stepped in the dorm, there was no inside and I believe they were outside marvelling around Singapore. I was assigned on the upper deck. The dorm was fully air-conditioned operated and each bed is equipped with individual reading light and personal powerpoint. There is large locker provided for the guest but lock is not given. Luckily I always brought extra locks whenever I travel. Now let's check the other area of this hostel.

#7: Shared restrooms with hot showers and included shower gel and hairdryer. Rest assured as the restrooms are utterly clean. 

#8: Pantry facilities with microwave, toaster and fridge

#9: Complimentary simple breakfast for the hostel guests

A cosy and relaxed atmosphere, convenient facilities, comfortable dorm rooms and an unbeatable value that fits every traveller’s budget in expensive Singapore - A Beary Good Hostel is indeed the original backpacker's haven.

Date Stayed: 6 December - 7 December 2014 (1 night)

Rate I Paid :  SGD27 per night for basic 12 bed mixed dorm (Booked via HostelWorld.com)

A Beary Good Hostel
66A & 66B Pagoda Street 
Singapore 059225.

Direction to Hostel
From Changi International Airport:
1) Take the airport MRT to Outram Park Station (EW16).
2) Switch to purple NE line and alight at the next stop - Chinatown MRT station (NE4).
3) Exit through Exit A and spot A Beary Good Hostel signboad on the left after 10 steps.
 

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

My Virgin Flight With SilkAir

I believe everyone love to try new things, right? So do I. Most of the times I prefer to stick with the airlines I'm comfortable with but then, it's not harm to venture new carrier once in a while.

In order to fly directly from Kota Kinabalu to Singapore, we only have two options; either with AirAsia or SilkAir. Flying with Malaysia Airlines would be time consuming cause it requires a transit in Kuala Lumpur before reach the desired destination. Sounds pretty funny right?

So last year, I decided to book my first ever virgin flight with SilkAir. SilkAir is a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Airlines and serves the short-haul destinations around Southeast Asia, Australia, China and Indian Subcontinent. The fare including 20kg of baggage allowance and complimentary meal and beverage service- obviously, it's not a low-cost carrier.

#1: SilkAir Airbus A320 at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (Terminal 1)

#2: My boarding pass with passport cover

#3: It's time for boarding!

This flight is divided into two distinctive classes of cabin - Business class and Economy class. When I stepped into the economy class, I was warm welcomed with its autumn colour scheme seats. 

#4: Economy class seat with 3-3 configuration

Initially, I purposely pre-assigned the front row but when during the process of check-in the counter, the staff asked whether do I mind to switch my seat with other passenger who like to sit together with the rest of his/her family members and because I was travelling alone, I don't mind with the switching seat arrangement. Guess what, I was given seat next to the emergency door.

 #5: Extra legroom space I got

Normal legroom for economy class seat is 12 inches but then sitting next to emergency door, can you imagine how long is the extra legroom I experienced? I can't even reach the in-flight magazine with my seat-belt fastened. I'm no kidding!

#6: Complimentary in-flight magazine

#7: City of Hanoi as the front cover

#7: Sumptuous in-flight meal - Sorry to say this but SilkAir one is much better than Malaysia Airlines, honestly speaking.

#8: Indeed a pleasant and comfortable flight with SilkAir

I don't mind to fly again with SilkAir provided the airfare is affordable and worth every dollar I spent. Not just the seat was comfortable but excellent and impeccable in-flight services from their helpful and friendly cabin crews.

#9: Singapore Changi International Airport after 2 hours and 10 minutes flight

 SilkAir is flying directly from Kota Kinabalu to Singapore daily. 

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

Laos - Brief Travel Guide & Summary of My 8D7N Travelogue

As I got responses from my friends saying that planning a trip to Laos is not as easy as comparing to Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam due to limited of information, hence I would like to share not comprehensive one but brief and basic travel guide based my own first hand experience. 

Flying In Laos

From Malaysia, AirAsia is the only carriers flying directly from Kuala Lumpur to Vientiane, the capital city of Laos three times a week - Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. From Kuala Lumpur, the flight to Vientiane took 1 hour and 45 minutes. Time difference wise, Laos is 1 hour behind Malaysia.

For Malaysian citizens, visa is not required when entering Laos and allow to stay up to 30 days.

Best Time To Visit Laos
This one tend to be very subjective cause as we know, weather is always unpredictable one. November to February is the peak season with cooler temperature. Accommodations tend to be fully book and charge slightly higher compare to off season. We went in end of July and early of August and caught up in the heavy rain throughout the first few days but then, we were rewarded with clear and beautiful blue sky at the end of our trip. Accommodations were incredibly cheaper too. 

Travel Around Laos

Generally, Laos is divided into three distinctive regions and I listed down those popular cities:

• Northern Laos -  the most popular one is Luang Prabang
• Central Laos - Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Phonsavan, Plain of Jars
• Southern Laos - Pakse and Champasak

[Source]

Throughout my 8 days visit in Laos, I only managed to cover Northern and Central regions and frankly speaking, it was kinda rush trip. Hence, it is advisable to spend at least two weeks if you plan to cover all three regions.  

For your information, there are no trains in Laos eventually. So in order to travel from one city to another, the most economical and safest way is by taking minivans and VIP buses.  Minivans are quicker but small leg room which make a long journey less comfortable whereas typical VIP buses have extra leg room but slower compare to minivans. VIP buses also include a bottle of water and a stop for lunch or dinner but one thing I noticed about these VIP buses are often break down. Both types are usually air conditioned. 

Reminder: As most of the journey are extremely one stomach-churning bus ride and if you have susceptible motion sickness, remember to take motion sickness medication before embarking on the long bus ride. Trust me, you don't want keep throwing up throughout the expedition.

Language

Official language of Laos is Lao, which I found out it is closely related to Thai language somehow. However no worry about language barrier as nowadays, most younger Lao generally know some basic English as they have the eager to practice and learn English. I still remember vividly when both Jeff and I climbed up Phu Si in Luang Prabang, we were approached by a group of young monks and after they found out I wasn't Thai (not again), we have conversation for almost an hour. Never knew these young monks can speak English so well. Pretty interesting, right?

Currency Exchange

Lao currency is known as kip. I'm not pretty sure whether they accept Ringgit Malaysia or not but it's advisable be prepared with US dollar or Thai baht before going to Laos as these two foreign currencies are widely acceptable there. You can change Lao kip in airport upon arrival. Besides airport, both Jeff and I did perform currency exchange in main touristy area of Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

US$1 (Approx. to RM3.50) = 7,760 kip

There you go! My brief and basic travel guide about Laos and I hope the above information could literally help you in planning your trip to Laos. 

And the following is my simple travel guides of the cities I've been in Laos - Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Phonsavan, Plain of Jars and Luang Prabang which I include essential info such as accommodation, how to travel from one city to antoher, the ideal way of getting around, things to do and see and etc. Not forgetting too, as usual I do share the details of my travel expenses of what I spent throughout my 8D7N trip in Laos at the end of this post.

Vientiane & Surrounding Area 
 

Vang Vieng, A Laid Back Riverside Town


Phonsavan & Mysterious Plain of Jars


The Ancient City of Luang Prabang


Travel Expenses for 8D7N in Laos

1. Thanks to Jeff Chuah, a humble and friendly travel blogger for helping me to buy the airticket cause I was in Hong Kong at that particular moment.
2. Stayed for a night before depart to Vang Vieng. A three stars hotel which includes breakfast as well.
3. Stayed for a night. A twin bed room attached with private bathroom but without air-conditioned and breakfast.
4. Stayed for two nights. A twin bed room attached with private bathroom but without air-conditioned and breakfast.
5. Stayed for a night. An air-conditioned twin bed room attached with private bathroom. 
6. Stayed for a night. A fan twin room only. Shared bathroom. Not recommended.
7. Including English speaking tour guide, entrance fees and pick-up and drop-off from where we stayed. Lunch is not included.
8. Prepaid data sim card but then, it was only worked on the first day. 
9. Souvenirs such as T-shirt, fridge magnets, photo frame, two pairs of cushion covers and local handmade Tote bag.

And that's concludes my Laos travelogues.

The Ancient City of Luang Prabang

Date Visited: 31st July - 1st August 2013

Landed in the capital city of Vientiane, stopby at a laid back riverside town by the named of Vang Vieng, then to Phonsavan for Plain of Jars, the most mysterious prehistoric place and finally Luang Prabang, a city which formerly was the capital of a kingdom. I totally lost count of how many hours bus ride I took but this is absolutely fun-filled adventures. 

Luang Prabang is a city situated in north central of Laos. It was once a formal capital of Laos and now, this old town centre is the first city in Laos to be listed as UNESCO World Heritage city. When I arrived this enchanting town, I have to admit that I was instantly fall in love with it - it's like love at the first sight. The fusion of colonial European architecture and ancient Lao structure combination is what I admired of. According to Jeff, this city is similar to Hoi An but unfortunately I haven't been there yet. Hopefully someday. 

Travel to Luang Prabang

As we were from Phonsavan, we took minivan cost 120,000 kip (approx. to US$15 or RM54) and the ride took nearly 8 hours. Once again, it's another stomach-churning bus ride. 

From Vientiane wise, the VIP bus ride cost 110,000 kip for minivan, 130,000 kip for VIP buses and 150,000 kip for VIP sleeping bus and the journey takes 11-12 hours. It is indeed one long distance ride.

Upon arrival at the bus station of Luang Prabang, we realised it was little bit out of the city. Of course, we were approached by tuk-tuks and we negotiated until he agreed to accept 10,000 kip per person.

Stay in Luang Prabang
There is wide selection of accommodation to choose from in Luang Prabang, ranging from budget to splurge type. A handful of decent guesthouses can be found nearby the handicraft night market surrounding with restaurants, cafe, bars, travel agencies and temples. 

Things To Do in Luang Prabang
There are so many things to do in this ancient city and honestly to say, two days is totally absolutely insufficient.

1) Wat Xieng Thong



Visiting temples which locally known as Wats is one thing must do when one in Luang Prabang as there are more than 30 stunning temples. Among all of them, Wat Xieng Thong is the most outstanding comparing the rest. Also known as Temple of the Golden City, Wat Xieng Thong is the oldest monastery in the city and arguably to be the most beautiful temples in Asia. The chapel represents classic Luang Prabang temple architecture, with roofs sweeping low to the ground. 

Opening Hours: 8am - 5pm everyday
Admission Fee: 20,000 kip 

2) Royal Palace Museum 

Known to the locals as Haw Kham (Golden Hall), it is the former royal palace and now a national museum. Various royal religious objects are being displayed in the large entry hall and it's quite fascinating visit. However, no photography is permitted inside the museum and one must leave bags with the attendants. For respect purpose, footwear is not allowed to be worn inside the museum. 

Opening Hours: 8.30am - 10.30 am and 2pm-4pm. Closed on Tuesday
Admission Fee: 30,000 kip

3) Handicraft Night Market

Come sundown a visit to the central market is magical. A seemingly endless ribbon of colourful textiles, paper lanterns, T-shirts and weavings adorn the cadlle-lit street. Open daily as early as 5pm until 10pm. 

4) Alms Ceremony 

Known as Tak bat by the local, it's a morning alms ceremony whereby the local and tourists gave foods, mostly rice to the Buddhist monks at dawn. As this is a religious ceremony, the alms-givers are advised to dress respectfully whereby shoulder, chest and legs should be fully covered. Respect the monks by no flash photography and stand 3 metres away from the procession. Alms ceremony normally started as early as 5.30 am local time.

5) Phu Si & That Chomsi



Tucked in the city center, this 100 metre high main hill is one hotspot for a great and serene view of the near-panoramic view of the whole town. There are 2 entrances from the ground and we went up from the one nearby the Royal Palace. It has about 130 steps up to the ticket counter, then another 190 steps to the stop. It might seem hard but not actually. Just I took few minutes stop to catch my breath. That Chomsi, which situated at the submit is backed by a small cave-shrine and sometimes, it known as Wat Tham Phu Si.

Admission Fee: 20,000 kip

6) Vegetarian buffet for 10,000 kip



Grab as much as you can for these wide selection of vegetarian dishes which cost 10,000 kip only. Of course, this kind of buffet is not like the typical buffet we had where you can go back to the buffet table for more but we're given a big plate and fill it until there's no more place cause there is no return for more. 

Other things to do in Luang Prabang such as attend cooking class to learn about Lao culinary and traditional foods, elephant trekking, mountain biking, kayaking and more. If you have more spare time, make a visit to popular Kuang Si waterfalls but we couldn't made it as it located out of the town.

Spending for 2 days and one night here which was kinda short period, the next thing we know it's time to travel back to Vientiane to catch our flight home. This time around, instead of minivan, VIP buses were arranged to travel from Luang Prabang to Vientiane and it cost 155,000 kip per way, which include tuk-tuk pick up and a meal. Initially we plan to book the sleeping type but unfortunately it was sold out, hence we took the normal seat. It's one #butthurt night bus ride as the journey took nearly 12 hours ride. 

Special VIP bus

And that's conclude my final travelogue of this charming country. 

[Credit To: Tourism Luang Prabang, Wikipedia, Wikitravel, Lonely Planet Southeast Asia On A Shoestring Guide Book]

Previous Posts on Laos:

• Vientiane & Surrounding Area 
• Vang Vieng, A Laid Back Riverside Town
• Phonsavan & Mysterious Plain of Jars

Laos: Phonsavan & Mysterious Plain of Jars

Date Visited: 29th - 31st July 2013 

After stayed for a day in Vang Vieng, we then packed our bag and proceed to the next destination, Phonsavan, the capital of Xieng Khouang province in Central Laos. The bus ride took almost 7 hours with one toilet break and trust me, sometimes you wish you will never have ride on it. Although the road are paved perfectly with amazing scenery but it was one extremely stomach-churning bus ride. Except for both Jeff and I, all the passengers inside the bus were local and almost all of them vomited non-stop throughout the ride. Luckily I got the seat nearby the window, opened it and got instant fresh air or else, I will non-stop vomiting too.

Air-con minivans from Vang Vieng leave to Phonsavan at 9:00am with the cost of 110,000 kip (approx. to US$14 or RM50). We reserved and booked directly from the guesthouse we stayed in Vang Vieng.

#1: Phonsavan, the capital of Xieng Khouang province in Central Laos

Generally, Phonsavan is well-known for two reasons; claimed to be one of the most heavily bombed places in the world and secondly, for its mysterious Plain of Jars, which believed to be funeral urns dating back to the Stone Age. Phonsavan is a very small, quiet and dusty little old town with somekind of unfinished feel. Phonsavan is less popular among Vang Vieng and Pakse, hence there are only few visitors here.

Accommodations in Phonsavan
Options for accommodations is handful especially on budget guesthouses. Try to look around these budget guesthouses centered in the main street and travel guidebooks like Lonely Plane normally recommend Nice Guest House, White Orchid Guesthouse or Kong Keo Guesthouse. As we went during the off season, hence we got a room as low as 60,000 kip (approx. to US$8 or RM27) without air-con. Majority of these guesthouses come with WiFi, as I believe this is one of essential things looking forward by most travellers. 

#2: Nice Guesthouse - A room attached with private bathroom for only 80,000 kip without air-con

Although Phonsavan is just a small town, a post office, banks and internet cafes can be found along the main street. There is also a local fresh food market not far away from the main street selling not just daily groceries, but something strange and unpleasant were sold here too. 

#3: Not just deaad squirrels and bats (top right) sold in the market but can anyone tell me what's on the left photo?  

Travel Around Phonsavan

#4: Tuk-tuk around Phonsavan 

There are plenty tuk-tuks around Phonsavan but in order to travel to Jar sites, tuk-tuks are not allowed to bring tourists for safety purposes. Only certified tour guides are allowed to do so. We booked the Plain of Jars tour recommended by the guesthouse we stayed with the cost of 200,000 kip (approx. to US$25 or RM90).

Tours Around Plain of Jars

Our tour started around 9am local time where the tour guide picked us up directly from our hotel. The tour guide himself was very young, like in his early 20's or maybe not. Along with us were a mother and daughter from Switzerland joining this unsolved mystery tour. 

#5: Decommissioned unexploded ordnance (UXO) in MAG Office - UXO Visitor Information Centre

#6: Impressive 30-m tall That Foun is an ancient stupa located in the heart of Muang Khoun

#7: The Buddha statue in Wat Piawat

I'm not sure how many Jar sites there are but tourists were only allowed to visit Jar Site 1, 2 and 3 only as the these three main Plain of Jars sites are considered reasonably free of UXOs. Jar Site 1 is the most easiest and impressive to get into. There is a nice and easy hike between the Jar sites 2 and 3, and is suitable for families. The path was cleared of unexploded ordnance in 2007, however visitors are strongly advised to follow the red and white markers. By the way, the white markers indicates that MAG have cleared surface and deep ordinance as for the red zone, it indicates that only surface ordinance has been cleared.

#8: Plain of Jars Site: 1

#9: These huge and massive jars were used as funerary urns or catch rain water. 

#9: Plain of Jars in Site 1

Honestly, there isn't a much thing to do in Phonsavan, except for Plain of Jars, which is famed for. I would advise to spend at least two days one night here as each Jars site is quite distance away. By the time our tour ended, it almost 5pm local time. 

[Credit To: Travelfish.org,Wikitravel, Wikipedia]

Previous Posts on Laos:

• Vientiane & Surrounding Area 
• Vang Vieng, A Laid Back Riverside Town