It Took Me More Than 24 Hours To Reach Middle Earth

Five years ago when I went Japan for the very first time, I stopby at 5 different airports in 4 different countries within 24 hours when it only took within 5-6 hours to reach Japan directly from Kota Kinabalu (check out my old post here). And now, I repeat the same things again, stopy and landed in 5 different airports in 4 different countries but then, this whole journey took more than 24 hours to reach New Zealand. Of course, no doubt I was tired and exhausted but it's really worth adventures to experience for.

#1: First stop - Kota Kinabalu International Airport Terminal 2

#2: Second stop: Johor Senai International Airport

#3: Took public bus to Singapore to meet my sister before catching another flight

The reason why I chosen to fly into Johor Bahru instead of Singapore was because I managed to grab one way fare for only RM56. I'm not kidding! 

#4: Third stop: Singapore Changi International Airport

#5: Our official airline to New Zealand - British Airways 

#6: My seat (How I wish!)


#7: Fourth stop: Transit for three hours at Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport

 

#8: Changed to another airline, Qantas before reaching the desired destination. We were served by a handsome Korean steward. (P/S: I still remember his name and he talked to me when I took this photo) 

#9: Finally final stop - Auckland International Airport. Kia Ora New Zealand! 

It's been quite a while I didn't fly in an extremely long haul flight and away for a long long long holiday. This trip to New Zealand took approximately 16 days including spending a day in Sydney and Singapore. Unlike what I used to do previously, this time around no sneak peek to share with cause I shared most of my photos in Instagram (@dtdianateo) but there are few things I love to share are something which we're least expecting from this trip:

#10: It's blooming sakura everywhere in New Zealand. Para para sakura, come and dance with me!

Two of my friends who haven't been to Japan mentioned that no need to waste time and money to Japan for sakura viewing anymore. LoL! 

#11: Enjoyed the beauty of sakura in our favourite town, Queenstown

Last but not least, one of the things I'm looking forward in New Zealand is Air New Zealand. We're lucky to spot The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey aircraft before leaving to Sydney. And their Men in Black themed in-flight safety video is so freaking funny.

 

#11: Air New Zealand, the airline of Middle-earth

 

#12: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey aircraft 

Do you want to stay connected always while in overseas?

As I'm the type that can't live without Internet, most of the times I bought local sim card but for countries like Japan, South Korea, Australia and including New Zealand, local sim cards tend to be quite pricey and hence, rent a Pocket WiFi would be economical option.



This is the second time I used Wiyo Pocket WiFi to stay connected, find directions and upload all my travel photos instantly in New Zealand. Thanks Wiyo for the mobile internet access throughout my  two weeks trip in New Zealand. #sponsor [Will blog more about this soon]

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.

Travel to Bangkok with Royal Brunei Airlines

Date Visited: 12th February 2013

When I went Bangkok for the very first time in October 2012 (click HERE), this beautiful and exotic city made me fall in love instantly and from there onwards, I wish and pray hardly that I could able to go there again. I even wish that I could go Bangkok every year cause it is one of my favourite cities I've been to. Who knew right after I back from my maiden trip within less than half year, my wish was granted whereby my family and I went Bangkok last year for Chinese New Year holiday.

Chinese New Year is the only time where all my siblings will be back for holiday and gather together.  And because of that, my father took this opportunity to have a family trip, or else it's difficult for us to do so. Initially, my dad almost signed up with tour company that cost almost RM3,000 per pax and luckily I managed to stop him from doing so. Imagine with that amount of money, I could travel and shop like crazy in Bangkok twice. So ended up, and once again I in charge of becoming the tour planner or tour leader as well as their so-called "tour guide"; from booking the airtickets, reserve hotel rooms to arrange tour for 10 people.

As there is no direct flight from Kota Kinabalu directly to Bangkok, we didn't have plenty of choices to choose from, either taking Malaysia Airlines or AirAsia and transit in Kuala Lumpur for few hours, or the last resort would be taking Royal Brunei Airlines and transit in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. After taking all the considerations especially in terms of fare, finally we chosen Royal Brunei Airlines as our official carrier for our Bangkok Family Trip.

#1: Air stewardess of Royal Brunei and we flew with Boeing 777 from Kota Kinabalu to Bandar Seri Begawan

It's been a while I never flew with this prestigious airline cause according to my parents, I used to travel with them like almost every week when I was a little young girl. Talking about their aircraft, the seat was pretty comfortable and the legroom was so wide and spacious. Even for those who have long legs like my dad and his friend, they didn't seem to have any problem with that as well. Because the flying distance betwen Kota Kinabalu to Bandar Seri Begawan was relatively short, we were being served with fresh and sweet fruit juices only. I didn't take many photos cause I thought we will flying with the same aircraft for the flight from Bandar Seri Begawan to Bangkok.

#2: But then I was totally wrong! Changed to smaller aircraft with 3-3 seats instead.

#3:

#4: In-flight meal. Frankly speaking, totally tasteless.

#5: After 3 hours and 15 minutes flight, this was the sign that finally we reach Bangkok.

#6: Stay connected in Thailand with Happy Tourist Sim for only 299 baht

Lucky me cause before flew to Bangkok, I always use one of my all time favourite blogs when comes to Travel & Food - KampungBoyCityGal as part of the reference for my trip planning and I happened to come across their blogpost about the sim pack which I can stay connected throughout my trip in Thailand. In case you are just like me who can't live without Internet, purchase Happy Tourist Sim 299 which cost for 299 baht only (approx. to RM30) to get 100 baht free call plus 7-days unlimited internet.

As we were landed in Suvarnabhumi Airport, this sim card was purchased at the arrival hall on second floor, Gate 7. If Suvarnabhumi Airport is not your arriving port, no worry as you may easily get this from 7-Eleven, Mobile Retailer Shops and DTAC service centre. 

To find out more about this sim card, http://www.dtac.co.th/en/prepaid/products/touristsim.html

Right after we done with purchasing of the sim card, we saw someone holding a paper with my name on it. Earlier, I had arranged our shuttle service with the hotel beforehand as there were 10 of us. As much as I love to travel using their public transport especially the airport rail link, somehow I have to take into account of my family members' conditions - especially in terms of convenient and hassle-free, unlike when travel alone or with friends.

#7: Our stay throughout the 6D5N visit in Bangkok - Centre Point Pratunam Hotel Bangkok [Will blog more about this hotel in the upcoming post]

We were so surprised that our deluxe room was being upgraded to Presidential Suite upon check-in but then, it was literally for first night only. Except for the unprofessional services rendered, this is one hotel which I would highly recommend.


#8: It was quite late by the time we arrived Bangkok and decided to hunt for foods in Platinum Mall, which just few minutes walk from our hotel.

#9: My shopping haul on the first day.

Singapore Day 1 - Jetstar, Clarke Quay & Fullerton Hotel

Date of Visited: 26th September 2011

Since I had done fulfilling my own travel bucket list by travel 6 out of 8 countries and territories of East Asia (click here) - China, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Taiwan & South Korea, I was thinking where should be my next destination. For sure, I would love to travel back to Europe again but it was way too far from my budget. Then, for Australia and New Zealand, I was putting my eye on cheap airfare by AirAsia but I need to wait during the promotion period. 

So after taking all the consideration, I was thinking why not travel around South East Asia countries or known as ASEAN in short form then? There are 10 of ASEAN countries and Malaysia is one of them. Hence, if not included Malaysia, Singapore is officially my first country to start my tour around ASEAN countries. The reason I picked Singapore it was not like I'd never been there before but I chosen it as my holiday with my boyfriend as he never went there before in his life. We went Hong Kong together in 2010 and therefore, we decided Singapore a year later cause I desperate wanna go to Universal Studio which had been widely spoken all over especially in Facebook and blog.

Two days after boyfie came to KL to pay me a visit while I was doing my professional accounting paper last year, we went to Singapore and flew via JetStar. I picked Jetstar because it departed from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) instead of LCCT just to fulfill boyfie's wish who never went to KLIA before. Plus, JetStar was having promotion where the return ticket from KL to Singapore cost RM242 for 2 pax which I thought it was relatively inexpensive and so I booked without thinking twice. 

Our Jetstar tickets and passport with the covers I bought from Everland, South Korea. Boyfie hesitated to use it but I forced him cause it was super duper awesome cute.

JetStar is a low cost carrier from Australia and it is a subsidiary of the prestigious Qantas Airlines. It's almost alike AirAsia where you have to pay for the seats selected, the meals and baggage allowance, which in short, its another type of no frill airline. 5 minutes before boyfie and I went on board, we received an international call which was surprisingly from Jetstar saying that the day we will be back to Kuala Lumpur had been delayed. Got not choice but to accept that.

The journey from KL to Singapore was pretty short, roughly around an hour we arrived this Lion City and we bought EZ Link Card to start our adventures around. EZ Link Card costs $12 for the first time being which included $5 for non-refundable and the remaining value of $7 for own use. We topped up another $10 in case we might travel more than that.

After done with the procedure of checking-in our hotel (which I will blog about it soon), we went to Clarke Quay to meet up with my close collegemates who were working in Singapore currently. Went Singapore few times before but I never went here. Therefore, I chosen Clarke Quay as our meeting point plus to have a look at this revamped buildings which located at riverside that turns into various of floating restaurants, nightclubs and pubs.   

How To Get To Clarke Quay:
Clarke Quay MRT Station (NE5) on the North East Line

Hooters, an American chain restaurant that not only serve delicious foods but you can also wash your eyes at the waitresses at the same time. Won't believe me? Just check out their official website, where the waitresses are wearing a tight white tank top with short orange sorts, exactly like what in the website. Regarding the price, well, you will know that the price of a meal in Singapore is quite expensive, if we convert it back to Malaysia.

A group photo with my close collegemates which we had been knew each other for almost 10 years.

Another group photo around Clarke Quay area.

After the dinner, two of my friends brought us strolled along Clarke Quay until we reached this marvellous and luxury five-star hotel, The Fullerton Hotel. When my friend told me the history of this hotel, I was damn shocked that it was previously a General Post Office Building before it turns into a luxury hotel. We did went it for a short toilet break and the interior of washroom is pretty amazing. Guess how much would it cost per night? Perhaps, I need to work and earn harder to stay here next time. *cross fingers*

Final group photo before bidding goodbye to my friends. Thanks for the amazing night that my boyfriend and I had.

That's the end of my first day adventures around Singapore. Can you guess where we're heading to on the next day?

Airlines To Jeju Island From Seoul

If you like to go Jeju Island by your own just like what my friends and I did, you can do so by taking domestic flights from Seoul to Jeju Island. There are other alternatives way by either taking train or ferry but mostly not recommended for doing so. You will be surprised that taking round-trip flight would be much more cheaper than taking train or ferry.

Basically, there is vast majority of domestic flights from Seoul to Jeju Island which you can choose from but you may encounter problem in some of the online booking especially in language barrier and some only accept Korean Credit Card for online payment. Therefore, it will be an advantages for those who know Korean language or have any Korean friends. But afraid not, cause even myself managed to get through all these hassle and booked myself without knowing any Korean language or getting help from my Korean friends.

Jeju Island - you must go at least once.

Here is the list of airlines flying out from Seoul city to Jeju Island:

1. Korean Air - http://www.koreanair.com/

There are like more than 20 flights fly in and out from Seoul city to Jeju Island everyday and you might able find your own preferred and suitable departure time. Website is available in English language too. However, the airfare is quite pricey and not suitable for those who are on shoe-string budget. 

2. Asiana Airlines - http://flyasiana.com/gateway/gateway_en.html

Website is available in English language. However, just like Korean Air, the airfare also could be pricey. Mainly because both of them are considering the largest airlines in South Korea and comes with all frills.

Like I did mentioned above, you still can travel to Jeju Island with a cheap and affordable thrill by considering the smaller and low-cost airlines. Just like AirAsia, although these airlines listed below come with no frills but sometimes they offer an absolute great deals where you might manage to purchase return ticket for less than RM200 (including taxes), especially if you search for a few months in advanced and have a sufficient research.

3. Jeju Air - http://www.jejuair.net/

Offers a very cheap airfare but no English language available on the website.

4. T'Way Air - http://www.twayair.com/

Just like Jeju Air too, you might need someone who know Korean language to assist you in booking the ticket.

5. Jin Air - http://www.jinair.com/

This subsidiary of Korean Air also doesn't comes with English language in its official website too.

6. Eastar Jet - http://www.eastarjet.com/book/index.htm

Thanks to Tommy Ooi (a luxe traveller I met through online) for recommended this airline to me and yes, I managed to buy my flight for approximately RM100 per pax. Got no problem with the online booking as English language is available and it accepts international credit card too. If you book in advanced, you might get as low as 19,900 won (approx. RM60).

7. Air Busan -http://en.airbusan.com/
A subsidiary of Asiana Airlines, you may try to book air ticket to Jeju Island from this airline as well. Just like Eastar Jet, no worries of the language barrier and also the credit card payment. You can also choose your own preferred seat for free. Depart either from Seoul - Gimpo International Airport or Busan - Gimhae International Airport.

Tips:

1. Before booking online, some of the above airlines require to register as a member first. 
2. Flight to Jeju Island from Seoul city is depart from Gimpo International Airport, not Incheon International Airport. So, remember to inform your taxi driver which airport are you heading to if you want to fly to Jeju Island.

See, it is actually so easy to plan a trip to a country eventhough our language is different from them and it's definitely not a big deal as long as you got the heart and soul and also not forgetting to spend a lil bit of your time to plan a trip. Seriously, I managed to book a return ticket for my friends and I from Seoul to Jeju Island without any help from travel agent or even from my Korean friend.

So, my upcoming post will share about "Island of the Gods", the Jeju Island since I almost done with my trip around Seoul city. Hope this post is helpful for those who want to plan a trip to Jeju Island from Seoul.