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. 

Throw Back of My 2015 Travel Adventures

Before bracing myself for another possible adventures in this brand new year, let me begin my first official blogpost by reflecting my travel adventures for the year 2015 like what I always did in the past. #dtgotravel #travel #throwback

• January - Superstar Aquarius Cruise. Kicked off my year 2015 by sponsoring my whole family for a short cruise vacation. However, this 1 night highsea cruise turned out to be a disaster whereby we had quite number of bad and horror experience with them. Maybe no next time! 
• January - 18 Hours Road Trip to Brunei & Miri. Drove for 9 hours from Kota Kinabalu to Miri and passby Brunei together with Boyfie. Both of us across international borders Malaysia & Brunei 4 times and cleared 10 immigration checkpoints. A road trip within 2 days only and two pages of my passport has been fully filled with stamps whereas for Boyfie, the stamps occupied his three pages instead. That's the difference between Sarawakian (me) and Sabahan. 
• March - Taiwan. For the sake of my birthday celebration. Both of us managed to cover Kaohsiung, Kenting, a short trip to Taichung merely for my favourite night market, Fengjia Night Market and lastly spent few days in Taipei again. And one of the best thing was we flew with Malaysia Airlines on Business Class for less than RM1,000 each. 
• May - Bangkok & Hua Hin, Thailand. Told you, Bangkok has indeed put spell on me and made me wanna return Bangkok again and again. This is my third visit by the way. Besides Bangkok, my friends and I also went to Hua Hin, a chic and artsy town which is three hours away from Bangkok.
• May - Kampar & Ipoh. For my BFF's big day which held in Kampar. Right after her wedding, we did road trip to Ipoh for a gastronomy adventures. 
• June - Singapore & Johor Bahru. Also to attend my good friend's wedding. 
• July - Tokyo, Japan. I went Tokyo before back in 2010 but because two of my brothers were so eagerly wanna go to Tokyo, hence my dad requested for me to become their personal tour guide. Besides spending almost a week in Tokyo alone, we also extended our trip to Hakone and Yokohama. 
• August - Penang. Thanks to AirAsia for the #aabc Penang Takeover invitation where we're joined by 10 amazing Penang bloggers for fun packed and fascinating challenges. 
• September - New Zealand & Sydney. 16 days trip to North & South Island of New Zealand, including transit in Singapore and Sydney. First time flew with British Airlines, Qantas and Air New Zealand.
• November - Hanoi, Vietnam. College gathering with two of my friends who I haven't met for almost 10 years. I guess the best way to do gathering is indeed by planning a trip. Besides Hanoi, we went Ninh Binh (instead of Sapa) and overnight cruise in Halong Bay. 
• December - Hong Kong & Macau. Last but not least, another Christmas celebration in oversea with my mom. Glad to fulfill my mom's wish who dreams of visiting Macau someday.

One of the unfortunate event was due to some personal reason, I burnt my ticket to Boracay, Philippines which I bought for RM120 only. It's unlikely for me to grab this kind of great deal again in the future but then, I don't regret with any of my own course of action. Something are meant to be more important in my life than travelling. 

Except for New Zealand and Vietnam, almost all my oversea trips for last year are revisit for the third time - Taiwan, Japan, Australia, Macau and city of Bangkok. Why I return to the places I've been before? Cause there are always something new to explore and discover. Now I'm looking forward to go South Korea for the third time. 

Any travel plan for this year? Of course, it's a lie if I say I don't have one but there are plenty of them in my current wishlist and I doubt myself whether I can accomplish or not but one thing for sure is my wish for this year is to have more trips and travel together with my beloved family and friends. Obviously, I hate travelling solo. 

Blog wise, I hope that I can complete my 2014 and 2015 endlessly travelogues before start to occupy with more upcoming trips. Till then, 

"Travel Because Life Is Short and The World is Huge"

2015 Christmas in Hong Kong & Macau (Sneak Peek)

Last year when both mommy and I were in Shanghai for Christmas, my mom watched a TV programme and she said she loves to go Macau someday. So I decided to give her another surprised, a Christmas trip to Hong Kong & Macau. 

The trip was relatively short - we went for 4 days and 3 nights only. We stayed 2 nights in Macau and a night in Hong Kong as my mom been to Hong Kong twice. It was indeed rush and quick trip but I want to fully utilise the two days of public holidays and the weekend. 

Here are the recap of our 4 days and 3 nights trip in Hong Kong & Macau:

#1: Once we landed in HKIA, we took Turbojet to Macau directly (HK$254 per trip) 

This is my maiden experience of taking ferry from HKIA directly to Macau cause previously, we departed from Sheung Wan Station. It's obviously hassle-free as passengers do not need to get through any Hong Kong immigration procedures or reclaim any baggage. Just show the baggage tag to the counter and they will do the rest for you. Remember to claim your baggage when arrive in Macau Ferry Terminal. 

Effective 28 December 2015, this is the revised sailing schedule:

11.00 am, 1.15 pm, 5,00 pm and 9.15 pm

#2: In Macau, we stayed in Sintra Hotel with its excellent location and impeccable services. 

Why we love Sintra Hotel?
1) Great location with a walking distance to major tourist attractions such as Senado Square (5 minutes away), Ruins of St Pauls (less than 10 minutes), not far from Casino Lisboa and Grand Lisboa
2) The famous Margaret's Cafe e Nata with Portuguese egg tarts is just one block away
3) Free shuttle service to and from Macau Maritime Terminal is provided
4) Shuttle service to City of Dreams and Shuttle City is just located in front of the hotel


#3: I brought my mom to watch The House of Dancing Water. Although it was pricey, but my mom enjoyed it so much. One of the spectacular shows much watch when one in Macau. 

Showing Time for The House of Dancing Water: 5pm and 8pm daily
Ticket Price: Starts from MOP580 (approx. to RM320)

#4: MGM Macau Grand Praca 

A trip to Macau is incomplete without a visit to any casinos. Both mommy and I went quite number of casinos such as The Venetian, City of Dreams, Wynn, MGM Macau and etc.


#5: Ruins of St Paul's for the third time. We woke up as early as 6am and yet, we still can't beat those Mainland China tourists. 

#6: Christmas set up in Senado Square was exceptionally impressive and amazing. 

After spending 2 lovely nights in Macau, we proceeded back to Hong Kong by taking Turbojet again (HK$166 per trip). We bought the 9.30 am trip but they allowed us to board early. 

#7: Jenny Bakery in Sheung Wan branch 

The first thing we did once we got back to Hong Kong was queuing for the famous home-grown butter cookies, Jenny Bakery. The butter cookies that cause visitors from various countries queued up more than an hour just for these. These butter cookies are even made themselves so exclusive that each person is limited to two cans only. Verdict? Famous cookies are much more better than these. Sorry, Jenny Bakery. 

#8: Le Prabelle - The hotel we stayed in Hong Kong 

#9: Mongkok for the fifth time and I still can't get enough of it

#10: On our final day, we went for Ngong Ping 360 and Tian Tan Buddha. 

We glad that we made a smart move by booking online a day earlier cause by the time we reach, we shocked with the super long queue. Imagine queue to purchase the ticket, and then another queue again for the cable car. It's insane!

Remember to book your ticket for Ngong Ping 360 in advance - Online Booking Ticket

Before leaving Hong Kong permanently, we did quick shopping at Citygate Outlets. We were so surprised to see few international brands such as Coach, Michael Kors and Kate Spade required customers to line up and wait before could officially went in for browsing their items. From Citygate Outlets or to be specific Tung Chung Station (Exit B), we took S1 bus directly to bus which cost HK$3.50 and the journey took less than 15 minutes.

#11: Despite all the crazy crowd, celebrated Christmas in Macau is really amazing and lovely. Wish to be back again. 

WOLO Bukit Bintang Hotel

I love to stay in boutique hotels, that's pretty obvious.

And I love to stay in Bukit Bintang whenever I went Kuala Lumpur.

Combine both of these, WOLO Bukit Bintang Hotel certainly suits my preference and taste.

#1: It's easy to spot WOLO - Just next to Tous Les Jours

One of the main reason I chosen this boutique and chic hotel is because of its strategic location - situated right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's Golden Triangle. Less than 5 minutes walk from the 

Bukit Bintang Monorail Station, this hotel is easy access to majority of the famous and popular spots such as Jalan Alor, a haven for hawker and street fare, numerous of shopping malls such as Sungei Wang Plaza, Lot 10, Pavilion KL, Fahrenheit 88, Berjaya Times Square and more. 

#2: The hotel lobby is located on the second floor 

#2: Colourful and artistically decorated wall behind the front desk 

#3: The key to our room

#4: Our room theme with two single beds

Stepped into the room, both my friend and I were absolutely being "wow-ed" by its chic concept and interior design of the room. We were underestimated the size of the room and we're totally wrong about it. The room was pretty huge and spacious. The two single beds were surrounded by a wooden platform which I found it's unique and special. 

#4: Free drinking waters were provided

Wide range of amenities are available within the room such as free WiFi, mini bar, LCD/plasma screen, work desk, telephone, iron, iron board and more. 

#5: Black coloured marble bathroom - Love this concept

The bathroom is divided into two partitions; the toilet and shower room. The interesting about the shower room is the glass covered by the blind and if don't mind showing off your sexy and fit body, you can open up the blind and enjoy the beautiful scenery outside of the room. 

#6: View outside from our room - Intersection of Bukit Bintang road and Jalan Sultan Ismail

The room that we booked inclusive of breakfast. And guess where we had our breakfast? None other than the notable authentic French bakery, Tous Les Jours. I dined in here before and frankly speaking, I love the bread and pastries here. 

Breakfast was served from 7.30 am until 10.30 am at the first floor, which mainly catered for the hotel guests only. By the time we were there, it was quite packed and crowded but luckily we found a table for us. The breakfast consists of Western meals such as sausages, ham and numerous of breads and pastries, fruits juice, coffee and tea. There even has live egg station (my favourite) where the guests can order sunny side up, scrambled egg and mini omelette. 

#7: Breakfast served at first floor

#8: Western breakfast which consists of bread, pastries, sausage, hams and fruit juices

#9: Tous Les Jours on the ground floor

With its perfect and convenient location, WOLO Bukit Bintang hotel is definitely one of the hotels I'm looking forward to return again when I back to Kuala Lumpur. 

Date Stayed: 29 May - 30 May 2015 (1 night)

Rate I Paid: RM274.81  per night for a "Our Room" twin bed including breakfast (Booked via Agoda)

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.

Follow me on Twitter | Instagram | Dayre cause I'm currently away for Winter Wonderland! 

Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Halong Bay, Vietnam (Sneak Peek)

Xin chào Vietnam!

Three years ago, I went Vietnam for the very first time and spent a week in Ho Chi Minh City alone. Although it was my maiden visit but this beautiful yet chaotic country was so fascinating and captivating, tremendously intrigued me to explore more. At that point of time, I always looking forward to visit the rest of Vietnam's cities such Danang, Hue, Hoi An and Hanoi.

Cut the long story short, I was lucky to grab the airfare to Hanoi last year within my limited budget from one of my favourite airlines, none other than AirAsia for as low as RM290 for return flight,. How could I ever resist this? One year passed in the blink of an eye and without realised here we are, landed in Hanoi, the capital city and second biggest city of Vietnam. 

#1: Red Huc Bridge of Hoen Kien Lake  

#2: Thang Long Water Puppet Theater 

Admission Fee: 60,000 dong for normal seat and 100,000 for VIP seat

Schedule: Daily at 3.00 pm, 4.10pm, 5.20 pm, 6.30 pm and 8.00 pm

Initially, our plan was to go Sapa which takes about 9 hours by train but we changed our last minute plan to Ninh Binh, which only took two and half hours by train instead. In Ninh Binh, we're given a choice to visit either Tam Coc or Trang An, and so we decided to choose the latter one which is renowned for boat cave exploration. 

#3: Travel on their local train is what I always want to experience and now I had accomplished it

By Train:
From Hanoi to Ninh Binh: 79,000 dong for airconditioned soft seats and schedule at 6 am, 9 am, 1.10 pm, 7.30 pm, 8.10 pm and 10.00 pm
From Ninh Binh to Hanoi: 68,000 dong for airconditioned soft seats and schedule at 1.06 pm, 2.30 am, 3.21 am, 9.56 am, 1.14 pm and 5.27 pm

The journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh takes about two and half hours. 

#4: Trang An is also known as "Inland Halong Bay"

Last but not least, Hanoi trip is incomplete without a visit to one of New Seven Natural Wonders of the world, Halong Bay. We even signed up for the two days one night package where we got to experience the amazing and spectacular overnight cruise. Trust me, it's way better than Star Cruises which I experienced early of this year.  

#5: Junk boat along the Halong Bay

#6: Papaya Cruise booked from Agoda. Thanks to Jeff Chuah for recommended this

Of course, every trip of mine couldn't avoid with all these non-stop fun-packed gastronomic delight.

#7: Banh Mi (the best baguette I ever had), Pho, fresh spring roll and legendary egg coffee 

Summary of My 6D5N Trip

Day 1: klia2 to Hanoi 

Day 2: Hanoi to Ninh Binh by train (US$12 for a single trip but it is advisable to purchase directly from train station as only charge 79,000 dong)

Day 3: Ninh Binh back to Hanoi (68,000 dong for one trip by train)

Day 4: Halong Bay cruise

Day 5: Back to Hanoi around 4.30 pm

Day 6: Goodbye Hanoi 

The exchange rate: US$1 = RM4.358 and 5,000 dong for RM1

We may not cover as many places as we want but still, travel independently is definitely way more fun than joining the organised tour operators. 

Fengjia Night Market (逢甲夜市) of Taichung, Taiwan

Date Visited: 21st December 2010 
26th & 27th November 2013

11th March 2015

#1: Splendid and bustling Fengjia Night Market (逢甲夜市)

Once is never enough. And this applies to Fengjia Night Market (逢甲夜市) in Taichung County which I went five years ago. With only an hour given by the organised travel agent to explore and venture this splendid and bustling night market, it was indeed short and rush visit. Couldn't enjoy as much as I want, hence I decided to go again for the second time. Turned out, I went back again for third times this year. Third time to Taiwan, third time to Fengjia Night Market (逢甲夜市). 

Night market in Taiwan is not mainly about shopping clothing, shoes, accessories and so on but what attract visitors to here is ultimately for street food hunting. Claimed to be the largest night market in Taiwan, there are wide selections of food and local snacks to enjoy in Fengjia Night Market. Most of the vendors start their business as early as 5 pm to as late as 1 am. Therefore when come to choosing where to stay in Taichung, I would prefer to stay nearby this market instead of nearby Taichung Railway Station.   

One thing about me when comes to travelling is I rarely have a list of what and where to eat. I just eat whatever it's cheap, hygiene and most importantly, it suits my taste. So most of the photos below are what Boyfie and I managed to try:

#2: The notable Bear Paw Bun. Taichung is where it's originated from. Worth to try 

#3: Naughty shape of waffle ice-cream. No, I didn't have this cause it's really awkward walking around with this 

#4: Huge scallops from Scallop Q stall. I know this is available in KL but not for KK yet. Thus, it worth for us to try here. There are like more than 10 flavours you can choose from. 

#5: Soft ice-cream - Second time I had in here

#6: Joined the long queue for this Fried Noodle Bun but it seems so-so. Probably it's best to eat while still hot.

#7: Prince Cheese Potato with topped with bacon, ham and corn. It's so sinful but satisfied my tummy to the fullest. Must try!

#8: Spicy Korean Fried Chicken - Another great bite but it would be better if boneless

#9: It's really huge and crowded especially on weekend

So, anyone of you been to this night market before? If yes, share with me what other kind of food must try in case I'm going back again for the forth time. 

From Taichung Station to Fengjia Night Market (逢甲夜市)

There are few available mode of transportation to reach this biggest night market in Taichung but we chosen to take taxi which charge roughly around NT$250-350 depending on the meter. 

Alternatively, you can take free shuttle bus 160 towards Overseas Chinese University and stop at Feng Jia University if you are travelling with HSR train. Therefore, remember to keep the HSR train tickets for this exclusive privilege.