Island Hopping at Mamutik Island

Mainly because my late grandfather was a fisherman and my dad spent the most of his teenager life living nearby the sea, therefore my dad always loves to spend his weekend by going to the islands or even fishing in the middle of huge and rough sea. Frankly speaking, I dislike the latter activity but I don't mind going for island hopping once in a blue moon with my dad and family.

The nearest islands that we could go for hopping would be Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park and this marine park consists of five beautiful and charming islands - Pulau Gaya, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Mamutik and Pulau Sulug. From the five islands, I've been all except for Pulau Sulug which is the farthest island compare the rest. It is considered relatively remote and undeveloped, hence not being well-known if comparing the first four islands. Maybe someday when I able to persuade my dad.

And so lately, everytime we had visit from our valuable guests, either our relatives or even friends, one of the staple itinerary would be the island hopping and most of the time, my dad would prefer Mamutik Island.

#1: Mamutik's jetty

Among the five islands, Mamutik Island is the smallest one. Despite the size, this tropical island host beach activities as well as water sport activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, diving and more. If comparing the rest, I think this is the best spot for snorkelling cause there are variety of colouful fishes and interesting sea creatures that you can find underneath it.

#2:

#3: Welcome to Mamutik Island signboard

In Mamutik Island, basic facilities are provided such as toilets, changing rooms, tables, picnic shelters and barbeque pits. As there is no restaurant or cafe available here, it is advisable to bring along your own foods and drinks. If you are interested for overnight trip, there is 3 bedroom resthouse available for rent.

#4: Beautiful blue sky with crystal clear water

#5:Snorkelling is one of the water sport activities must do in Mamutik Island

Despite the unpredictable weather, we're lucky that the weather on that particular day was on our side. Hence, this is an ideal time for swimming, snorkelling, diving and even sunbathing, which apparently I did see that most of the tourists were doing so. As Mamutik Island is getting well-known and popular among foreign tourists currently, be prepared that it will be overcrowded especially during weekend.

 

#6: My friends and I did kayaking as well 

#7: View of Mamutik Island from the jetty 

#8: Barbeque chicken wings and fishballs by my dad

One thing that I love to go island hopping with my family was both of my parents would definitely prepare such a scrumptious and delicious foods for all of us. Mommy will cook fried noodles or fried rice and daddy will bring along his barbeque facilities to barbeque chicken wings, fishes, prawns, fishballs and more. My dad even being approached by some random China tourists asking my dad how much were the chicken wings cost. That's the most hilarious part! Now I can't wait for another sun-drenched paradise trip with my family.

How To Get To Mamutik Island

The departure and arrival point for the boat transfers is at the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal - See more at: http://www.sabahtourism.com/destination/tunku-abdul-rahman-park#sthash.MabyQHpg.dpuf

For the boat transfer in economical way, the departure and arrival point would be at Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal and these are available from 7:30am to 5:00pm daily. 
Depends on how many island you plan to visit, the boat transfer would be varied. The following list is the boat transfer fares to the islands:


Visitors are also required to pay additional charge for terminal fee [RM7.20 (adult) and RM3.60 (children under 12 years old] as well as the admission fee of RM3.00 for the local and RM10.00 for the foreigner.

And by the way, do you know how Mamutik Island looks like from the aerial view? This is one lucky shot I managed to snap when I flew with Fireflies to Kuala Lumpur few years back:


The top left that look alike a heart shape is Mamutik Island whereas the top right is Sulug Island and the one on the bottom is Manukan Island. Check out my old post on Aerial View of Kota Kinabalu.

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

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The departure and arrival point for the boat transfers is at the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal - See more at: http://www.sabahtourism.com/destination/tunku-abdul-rahman-park#sthash.MabyQHpg.dpuf

Hotel Review: The Explorer Hotel, Malacca

Finding and booking accommodation for 3-4 people is kinda pretty easy for me but when comes to a larger group, let's said for 9 people, it's not that really as easy as I thought. Lucky enough for us, I came across this hotel by the name of The Explorer in Malacca which not only fit perfectly for 9 of us, it's also affordable and strategically located in perfect location.

#1: The Explorer Hotel is located within the latest mall of Malacca

#2: We were greeted by friendly hotel staff and the check-in process was fast and smooth

#1: A basic triple room laminated with wood flooring

However, once we entered our room, we were surprised and little bit disappointed with the size of the rooms which were incredibly small, compared to the one we stayed in Singapore, Hotel 81 Dickson. And we even had our hard time of placing our luggage bags. But at the end, this wasn't a big issue for us as we spent most of our time at outside exploring the town, as long as the rooms were completely clean enough and the beds were comfortable for us to rest our body. By the time we stayed in this hotel, it was a new hotel in town and not many people know about this.

#3: A double bed room

As this hotel is designed for eco-friendly concept, hence each and every room is pretty simple and basic one - a minimal designed room with beds, LCD plasma TV, a small bathroom and a small dressing table. Nothing less, nothing more. 

Tip:

Try to avoid from the room near the lift as well as small park cause the wall is so thin that you might easily being disturbed by the noisy sounds.

#4: A small but clean bathroom equipped with hot shower, towels and simple bathroom amenities

#5: Complimentary bottle drinks and coffee and tea maker were provided too.

Despite the size of the rooms, this hotel is compensated for its excellent and perfect location. The hotel is strategically located beside Mahkota Parade and opposite of Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall. Besides that, the other reason I love this hotel location was because it was situated few minutes of walking distance from the notable A'Famosa Fortress, Jonker Street, Menara Taming Sari and few historical places of interest.

Overall, I think it's indeed worth every single penning we paid especially when travel in a big group of family like us and most importantly, credit to its strategic location. The hotel rates that we paid didn't come along with the breakfast but who need hotel breakfast anywhere when we were in one the city of Malaysia well-known for a food paradise? Scrumptious and delicious foods are aplenty surrounding the hotel. 

Date Stayed: 21 December 2012 - 22 December 2012 (1 night)

Rate We Paid :  RM138.00 per night for a double bed room and RM198.00 for a triple room (Booked via Agoda.com)

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'm currently in Putrajaya! 

And with this, I done with visiting the whole 13 states and 3 federal territories of Malaysia 

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

The Colourful Chinatown of Singapore

Date Visited: 18th December 2012

Been to Singapore quite few times but most of the times, I rather spent my time visited the amusement and theme parks, zoo, shopping streets and so on. Not until when I saw someone shared a photo of Chinatown of Singapore in Instagram, then I realised this is another spot not to be missed by anyone, especially when one had visited most Chinatown all over the world. Oh boy, why didn't I realise it earlier but then, it's not too late for me to visit right? 

#1: It's so convenient and easy to travel to Chinatown with Singapore's extensive and great public transport system

#2: Colourful restored and well-preserved shophouses

Just when I thought this old street will only be decorated with red lanterns during the Chinese New Year Celebration and guess what, I was lucky enough eventhough they weren't decorated as many during the happening celebration but they were few still around and almost completely enough for me for doing my photoshooting activities. I was there few days before the Christmas during my visit there.

#3: Even the windows are painted uniquely

Unlike most of the typical Chinatown I've been to like in London, Manchester, Melbourne, Bangkok and even the one in Kuala Lumpur, the atmosphere here is totally different from the rest and the best thing was it is the cleanest one and less crowded. It even has excellent free public WiFi covering the whole street of Chinatown. So now you know where to go if you want to stay connected with your beloved friends and family.

#4: The street of Chinatown

Besides rich in history, archicture and culture, this is an ideal place for those who are looking for eclectic, impressive and colourful photoshooting spot. If you see clearly the photo, the guy in green shirt was making a video of this bustle and vibrant street. The whole shophouses were painted in variety in different colours of which pastal is most dominant. Without noticing the time, I spent almost two hours here completely for phototaking only - no shopping, no eating and no toilet break at all.

#5: Each shophouse carries its own character and you won't spot any repetitive colour and style at all

#6: Another row of the shophouses

#7: Chinese prefers red cause it believes brings good luck and its auspicious colour.

#8: Chinatown view from the above

Chinatown is commonly known by tourists and travellers for its cheap shopping and one of the best place for  local foods, although there are lots of small alleys for you to discover and explore which one is the best. My family and I didn't have the time to find the local foods there cause most of them prefer to have McD instead. McD is has been part of our stampler foods whenever we travel, it's really hard for us to run away from that. But in case you don't know where to get the cheap souvenirs in Singapore especially the typical type such as fridge magnets, keychains, T-shirt and so on, here is the place to go. There are even few shops selling gold and jade jewellery, fine silks and antiques.  

#9: Good news for TinTin fans cause you can find your collection here

#10: Fridge magnets, mugs, shot glasses, T-shirts, postcards, luggage tags and more but no doubt, majority are made from China. Don't be surprised cause after all, you are in Chinatown 

#11: Yes, Singapore has really strict laws by the way

How To Get To Chinatown of Singapore
Exit A (Pagoda Street) of North-East MRT line's Chinatown station

Hotel Review: Hotel 81 Dickson of Singapore

Because I travelled in a big group back in year 2012 for my family trip, it's not easy to find those lodging that suit our budget and preferences especially when travel to Singapore where most of the lodging could cost us a bomb. Hostel will definitely not in my list as I tagged along two middle aged ladies with me and I'm pretty sure, it will definitely not so convenient for them to stay. After searched high and low, my family and I agreed to book our stay in Hotel 81 Dickson.

#1: Hotel 81 Dickson located in heart of Little India street.

Hotel 81 is a chain of budgeted hotels and they have like more than 20 over hotels located in the city centre, Geylang, Joo Chiat, Lavender and more. For the one we pick, Hotel 81 Dickson is strategically situated right in the middle of Little India and it was just few minutes walk to the hustle and bustle of Bugis Street.

#2: The front desk staffs who were so friendly and helpful. No hassle upon check-in and it was fast and smooth.

#3: The huge and spacious lobby with the enchanted chandelier

#4: We booked two triple rooms

I always thought most of the budgeted hotels in Singapore were so small and limited in term of space but for this, it made me awed once I stepped into the room. It's not like the room was completely huge and spacious but at least we still could easily moved around eventhough we had plenty of luggage bags and shopping bags as well. My mom and aunt could even did catwalk with their newly bought clothes inside the room.


#5: Eventhough it was just a minimal decoration but it has all the basic necessities such as LCD Plasma TV, kettle, hair dryer and most importantly, free WiFi Connection. It's sufficient enough to satisfy me as long as I can keep in touch with my boyfie back in Malaysia.

#6: Another important part of the hotel room besides bed which is the clean bathroom. Everything is pretty fine but it would be best for them to have the shower curtain cause everytime we bathed, it makes the whole bathroom wet.

#7: Coffee and tea maker with complimentary bottle waters

Location wise, it's few minutes walk to Bugis Street and Sim Lim Square, the preferred shopping mall for electronics and for the nearest MRT, it takes less than 5 minutes to walk from newly Rochor MRT Station to the hotel. Our room rate didn't include the breakfast but restaurants and shopping options aplenty.

Date Stayed: 17 December - 20 December 2012 (3 nights)

Rate We Paid :  RM460.50 per night for triple room (Booked via Agoda.com)

Direction:
The nearest hotel to Hotel 81 Dickson is Rochor MRT Station Exit B. Take lift up and from the station, turn left and walk towards the traffic light. Turn left again and walk until spot Yong Kee Seafood. Turn left into the small alley and immediately will see Hotel 81 Dickson.

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. 

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.