Dream achievement...still a long way to go.

Cities visited (pink spots) 

I remembered the first time my mother asked me if I want to go to Bangkok with her and a few other relatives, and I thought that would be once a lifetime traveling abroad. But I did not expect my first ever international trip has becoming my cravings until today. I guess that the infectious traveling virus was transmitted to me, being my mum as the vector of the virus. Who else? With a contrasting opinions of traveling with my old man, she never complains about me wasting time and procrastinating my current priority. In fact until today, we are becoming travel companion to each other, though in most trips previously, we had minor argument about this and that. But of course, as a daughter, and of course she as a mum, we need each other to ensure we get to see what we want to see while traveling, and return home safely.

In the past 20 years, when I was a school girl, my mum traveled here and there, to the States, India, China and Australia, without my dad. She really did enjoy herself seeing this beautiful world. At that time, backpack traveling was uncommon so she relied so much on the tour agent. But heyy..at least she managed to achieve her dreams. And when I started to travel, she, too,  travels the way I travel. Thanks to the world-wide-web for being one of the most important information provider and made us work our dream.

In 5 years time, I manage to visit 13 countries only. I cannot deny that I am aiming to visit more countries in this 5 years but it seems that it cannot be fulfilled. And perhaps, I realized that one I visited a country, I would ensure that I reach every part of a country. I cannot afford to travel like those Europeans, Americans or Australians, where they travel for like a month minimum and get to see almost everything in the countries visited. But maybe once I have got my own 'treasure chess' I will do the same thing too, especially in Europe. Ok..ok...keep that Europe thing for later.

At the moment, I have visited countries in South East Asia but I predicted that I will be traveling again to other parts of Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Philippines. Burma is supposed to be re-visited but given the current religious turmoils and some difficulties while traveling there, I guess that plan needs to be kept aside first.

Cities to visit (blue spots)

In Indonesia, I wish to enjoy myself in the stunning Lombok island, dive in Komodo and Raja Ampat, and explore the other side of Indonesia, i.e Flores, Sumbawa, where Islam is not the main practice here. Oh I hope to get a cheap flight to Semarang and hop on a boat to Karimunjawa island. And in another few years time, I will definitely experience diving in Sangalaki where the closest city is Balikpapan. And lastly, I expect to see the different cultures in Makassar of the Sulawesi, where this is the place of one of my ancestors. And looking at this list, I know at least RM20k is needed to cover all places I want to be at. Diving trip is very costly and I guess some shopaholic skanks might downgrade this diving activity. Well, if shopping can fulfill ones 'lusts' and desires, so does traveling and diving. But I do not know what is shopping got to do with gaining life experiences. I hope someone will enlighten me about this.

As for Thailand, I want to fly to Bangkok, and check-out what do they have in Hua Hin and Pattaya, and course to visit the ancient city of Ayutthya. And secondly, I want to re-visit Koh Samui in the right season, as my visit in year 2007 was a disastrous visit as it was monsoon and I did not get to enjoy the beautiful scenery, calm sea and sunny sky. I have no plan to dive in Thailand as most of the diving trips are overly priced and the dive sites are incomparable to the Indonesian dive sites. But I cannot deny that Thailand is generally much cleaner and it has one of the beautiful beaches and islands as far as I can remember.

Vietnam is another nice country to be visited only if one can manage to avoid scams and cheaters. But it is unavoidable, just go with it and enjoy  every single thing Vietnam has to offer. I wish to visit the coastal area of Nha Trang and highland city of Da Lat as a rejuvenation of exhausted soul and re-sparkling the dim and lazy pair of eyes. And I will not forget to shop for the beautiful cloths to *wink*wink*

And finally in Philippines, I want to dive in Anilao and Puerto Galera, and spend some time for eye remediation in Boracay and Palawan.

As for East Asia, I only manage to visit China but a 2-3 trips are needed before I totally done with this charming country. I have jotted what I have in mind when I manage to book cheap flight to and from China for traveling within November and December 2013. This will be a trip where I will try my best to left mt footprints at the numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites around China. The cities where I can easily access the Heritage Sites, include Hangzhou, Suzhou, Huangshan, Nanking, Chengdu, Xi'an, Chongqing and a few others where I cannot recall at this point of time

I still need to make plans for Taiwan and Japan too. If everything goes well, I will be traveling to South Korea, covering 4 cities (Seoul, Busan, Gyeoungju and Jeju) and Japan, covering cities nearby Tokyo, ie. Nikko, Kamakura and Hakone. My 2nd trip to Japan will be somewhere end of next year, covering Kansai region and Sapporo. Japan is such an expensive country to visit but once visited, it is going to be very valuable and fun.

My mission to visit most of the places in Australia is still in progress. Managed to book couple of tickets to Melbourne and Gold Coast where these cities will be my point of entry to get to other destinations. Of course my ultimate goal is to dive in the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, but it seems that it will be a bit expensive to reach Cairns, or alternatively Townsville.

I have endless traveling dreams and it is rather difficult to spill everything here. It seems that the more I travel, the more I will dream, make plans and push myself to ensure those dream come true. Ashkuru ilallah (i am thankful to Allah) for giving me the chance to see the bits of this Earth.

Krabi

Amazing!! That's the only word I have in mind about Krabi. I have been loving many places in Thailand,especially the islands and beaches. They are serene, clean and have their own kind of atmosphere which I can't experience it in Malaysia. I don't say Malaysia islands and beaches are lousy or bad, mind that. Of course, being one facing the Andaman sea,and  the other facing South China sea, things are surely not the same. 

I visited Krabi when Thailand was celebrating Songkhran Festival, which is the celebration of New Year in 15th (or 14th April) every year. It was WET!! Really WET here and there.

These people are celebrating Songkran Festival, which falls on 15th April (and it's my birthday)

Ladies enjoy being wet and wetting people.

 A popular place in Krabi is Ao Nang beach. Well,it's not

Kids and water cannot be separated

 because the beauty of the beach, but it is strategically located very convenient as a gateway to infamous Phi Phi island. There are other things doable in Ao Nang, including rock-climbing, shopping, boat-riding, kayaking and others. Halal food can be found easily in Ao Nang area, just get a little bit out of Ao Nang centre (uphill), where a mosque (still under construction, or maybe abandoned!!) can be seen on the left. From this point onward, many small shops serving halal foods are abundant. And like other typical Thai dishes, foods served are fresh and delicious.

Uncles on the pickup full of melons...so happy there!!

Ao Nang seems to be quite alive at night, with all the bars and the night markets. As usual, I 'am eyeing for souvenirs like the fridge magnets, pario and the carved soaps. Daily trips to Phi Phi islands are sold by most tour operators by the road side. Surveying for the best price is a must here. The price for a day trip to Phi Phi Island (covering Monkey Bay, Maya Bay,Bamboo beach, Phi Phi Don, Lohsama Bay and a few others I don't remember) should be around 1200-1500 Baht per person. But again, it is possible to get cheaper than that if we keep looking around.

Lohsama Bay

Clear emerald water.

Viking cave

Viking Cave with millions of bird's nest on it's walls

Maya Beach

The nicest part is to enjoy the beauty of Phi Phi islands and the surrounding places. The boat will pass through the limestone carsts with clear, transparent, emerald water. IT IS REALLY AMAZING!! It will be nicer if swimming is allowed but it is just not possible. The Viking Cave also is nice to see but unfortunately, one cannot enter the mouth of the cave. This cave is a place where it generates income for the birds' nest harvesters. Freaking risky job to do but worth the money earned (I guess). Lunch is included in the price and it is buffet style, spaghetti, noodles, rice, soups, chickens, fish etc. Phi Phi Island is mainly inhabited by Thai Muslims, so one do not need to worry about the status of the food served. They are delicious too.

Koh Samui, Thailand

14th November 2007
I & mom took the 11.15 AirAsia flight to Penang. Thinking that flight delay would be possible, I book for the 11.15 am trip instead of 2.15 pm trip. With that, we have to wait at Penang airport for 4 hours before boarding on Firefly flight to Koh Samui at 4 pm. I did think of lazing at Batu Feringgi since we had an ample of time but I was kinda shocked when the trip to Batu Feringgi from airport would be RM60 per way. Bloody hell..that is expensive enough. Damn bored waiting, and doing nothing at all. Time was ticking slowly but finally, we checked-in and lepak2 at Nando's, until the boarding time.
The journey to Koh Samui from Penang took 1 hr and 20 minutes by Firefly. Well, I dunno whether it's my nasal problem or not but the cabin smells funny. Tried to ignore the unpleasant smell and enjoy the trip. I was worried with the weather because at this point of time, Koh Samui is facing the monsoon season which I really hate it. Not to say I didn't do the study about Koh Samui, it's just that the information in the internet were deceiving, unlike the information given about East-Coast of Malaysia which is very clear about the weather. I only knew that Koh Samui is in monsoon a few days before departure, and that was told by a friend from Malaysianunderwater.com.
When we arrived Samui airport, rain fell heavily but just for a few minutes. No sun at all and this had ruined my mood. We took a cab to Centara Villa Samui, which is located at Tambon Maret, southern part of Samui, and that took around 30 minutes. This resort is located at a very secluded area. Generally, Samui has such a narrow road system, and that was why it took some time to get to the resort. Believe it or not, Samui was declared as disaster due to flood a few days before we arrive. There were still remaining of the stagnant water from the flashflood. We arrived around 5.30 local time. The resort was just superb but the problem was, since I came with my mom, there were a lot of stair cases.The staff were really friendly. We were treated with a welcome drink...delicious yummy young coconut with some pandan flavor. We got in to our room and relax. At night, we had dinner at Reef Restaurant. The choices of food are very limited so I just had toasted breads with tomato soup. While mom had grilled Barracuda and tomato soup. If the next time I met with Barracudas, I would say to them ' Ur flesh sucks!!'. Really, Barracuda flesh is not delicious at all...yuckksssss...mackerel & tuna are 10 times better. And the price...well..2 tomato soups, 1 grilled barracuda, 1 mango juice and 1 pineapple juice, cost us 850 Baht..around RM86...bloody expensive.
15 November 2007
Woke-up earlier hoping that I can go diving, or at least snorkeling at the nearby island, Koh Matsun or Angthong Marine Park. I went to the resort sports centre and it was not opened yet. It was too hot after it was raining heavily in the morning. Nothing much to do so I just stroll along the beach. Out of nowhere, 2 stray dogs came & I got panic. Bloody dogs!!! My mom remind me not to run, or else they would run after me. So I simply went into the water, and my pario got wet. I thought one of the dog would never follow me into the water but it just approached me. I lift my hand, and the dog ran away...Agaknye anjing2 ni x pernah nampak org pakai tudung kot...huhu...sebab tu laa dia jakun..pathetic!!! And as for my mom, the 2 dogs followed her until she got lost in the resort itself.Wakakakaka....I told her to chase the dog but then, dia buat toye jerr!! One of the dogs were bloody and wounds everywhere..very disgussing!!
I was so disappointed because the dive centre in the resort was in renovation, or maybe no longer in operation. Then we got to the resort reception to get some information. At the end, we went to the butterfly garden opposite the resort. Butterfly park in Kuala Lumpur is 100 times better with more butterflies and variety is colors and sizes. Half an hour later, we went to Lamai, to have our lunch..of course at the Muslim restaurant. We got there by the resort cab (Toyota Wish..huhu..) and we paid 550 Baht per way. Bloody expensive for 10-15 minutes journey from the resort. We had our lunch and as I expected, Thai Muslims (refering to the cooks) never fail to serve us with good, delicious and halal food. The foods are cheap as compared to the resort. I even tapau fried rice so that I wouldn't feel hungry while isolating in the room. What a boring day!! After lunch, we got back to the resort. Mom wanna buy some fruits so we stop a few minutes at the town. She managed to get mangoes and she complained they are very expensive.
There is one village at Koh Samui, i.e Hua Thanon village, where the residents are mainly Muslims. It's quite near to the resort and there is a big mosque...the only mosque in Samui perhaps.
I did nothing during the day so I just stay in the room and mom went to the SPA. She really enjoyed the trip..i guess!!
16 November 2007
Nothing much to do..nothing much to see..I just waited for the departure back to Malaysia. It was really a terrible trip for me..no diving...no snorkeling...no tours...4.40 pm, fly back to Malaysia. Well, I would come back some other time to witness the true beauty Koh Samui at the right time, and not during monsoon.

Northern Thailand; Chiang Mai &Chiang Rai a little bit of Laos.. Thailand

My 3rd time to Thailand, has proven that there are major differences between Malaysia & Thai. But let me just keep the differences aside because most Malaysians are sensitive to critics. Well..it took around 3 hours flight from KL to Chiang Mai. We were supposed to depart at 8.15 but got an SMS from AirAsia a day before informing the delay. We departed at 10.20 pm...(by the way, 'we' are my mom, her Swedish friend, Neide and...of course..me). Arrived at Chiang Mai International Airport, we jumped in to a taxi straight to Suriwongse Hotel, a 3 star hotel but looks as though it is more than 3 starsss. One thing I love about Thailand, no matter how many stars  hotels they have, they are always very comfortable for accomodation. The taxi fare from the airport to the hotel is 120 Baht. Then, we had our lunch at a Chinese-Muslim restaurant, the food was yummy!!
Our programs on the 1st day, visit to Wat Pra That Doi Suthep (Doi Suthep temple) or known as Golden Temple. Everything looks gold, the statues, the umbrellas, the monuments, but no idea whether they are pure gold and gold plated. This is the temple where the King of Thailand would go if he visits Chiang Mai. Pictures, pictures and pictures here.

Later, went to Jade factory and observed how jades are processed. I didn't know there is purple jade. Huhu...felt like buying a jade ring but that was not in my traveling budget.

At night, went to the Night Bazaar just in front of the hotel. I guess, mom made the right choice to stay in Chiang Mai. Everything was easy for us there. I just couldn't resist to do the shopping. Bought a few pieces of shawl and carved soaps. I tried to polish my bargaining skills but I couldn't do any better. Still need my mom to get the cheapest price for me. We surveyed the price for massage service at massage centres that we had passed, planning to get some massage before going back to Malaysia


On the 2nd day, it was a long journey. Really really long. We went to Chiang Rai, Mae Sai and Laos. Chiang Rai is 3 1/2 hours journey from Chiang Mai. We chartered an airport taxi to get to Chiang Mai. Our taxi driver, Jo, was strong enough to do the driving. Sometimes felt pitty for him but actually, he used to do lots of drivings from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.
We visited a temple...I can't remember it's name. It looks like a white temple and it was built with a cost of 300 million Baht. It has such a beautiful design. And I almost pissed off when my mom's digicam couldn't function, running out of battery. I forgot to charge those batteries (when the digicam is not mine, I don't really concern about charging the batteries) If I had my digicam, this wouldn't happen. So we had to rely on Neide's digicam.

Later, we continued the journey to Mae Sai, to visit the union of hill tribes. There are 5 tribes and the name that I can recall, Karen tribe, Ahka tribe and Lao Min-Yuen tribe. The most popular is the Karen tribe where they have the long neck

Next, we headed to Mai Chen, where the Mekong river is located. The current looked strong because it is rainy season in Northern Thailand. We decided to take a small boat to cross the river and get to Laos, another country next to Thailand. That small boat didn't look secure enough but the locals know better whether it is safe or not. Neide seemed to doubt the safety and she almost decided not to go. Mom convinced her and at last, she joined us. Around 20 minutes, we embarked from the boat at the riverbank of Laos. Did some shopping there. They have this kind of whisky called 'snake whisky'...Well, snakes or scorpions were being preserved in bottles. Yucckkkksssss...I asked the boatman if the whisky is dangerous but he replied, it makes a man stronger...well..whatever..aphrodisiacs I guess...

After the shopping in Laos, we returned to the boat and headed to Golden Triangle where we can see the association of 3 countries, Burma (Myanmar), Laos and Thailand. Golden Triangle was famous for the plantation of Poppy plant, and used to be the largest opium production in Asia...or perhaps, in the world. Now, there's no more poppy plant though there are some hidden places where poppy is still being planted...my assumption anyway...Went to the opium museum and gained info about the history and things related to opium productions.

Then we had our lunch at Chiang Rai, at a Muslim restaurant, really nice Thai food. We had it quite late, around 3 pm local time. After lunch, we went to the Northern most part of Thailand, which is the borderline of Myanmar. These 2 countries are separated by a river..I forgot the name of the river. Pitty for the Burmese, especially the children, they were begging for some money but I couldn't give any.
Once I give, then there would be crowds of children approaching me for money. It's a common phenomenon there. Finally, we got back to ChiangMai around 5, and arrived at 9...It was raining and dark on the way back to Chiang Mai.

On the 3rd day, we went to Maesa Elephant Camp. I really love this place because they have lots of elephants and they are so cute especially the young elephants. We are allowed to feed the elephants with bananas and sugar canes only and that can be purchased at a price of 20 Baht. They seemed to eat all the time. Then we watch the elephants bathed at the river. Just love to look at the jumbos, manja btul...mcm baby. The best part was the elephant show. Very nice and very impressive because the elephants are taught how to play football, how to paint (their paintings are 10 times better than mine) and they are very obedient to their 'masters'. Good elephants...If anybody wants to visit this camp, I would like to suggest that you snap as many pictures with the elephants as you can BEFORE the show. Not after the show because the elephant masters would demand for tips for each picture taken with their jumbos. 
Next, went to Bai Orchid, an orchid farm. Many orchids but not as many that we have in Malaysia. Just wondering why most of the orchids are in purple by right orchids are available in many colors, single or double-blended color

s.

Nothing much to see and not worth buying the souvenirs here. Then, had our lunch at a restaurant near the hotel. Then we went to Borsang where the Sa paper industries are centred here. The famous place for umbrella making is located in San Kampaeng, very near to Borsang. Things are quite expensive here but much cheaper than at the airport. About Sa paper, it is made up of mulberrybark. We have some products made of Sa paper in Malaysia but of course, they are expensive.

Got back to the hotel and rest, later went for wimming at the hotel pool for 1/2 hour.Around 7 local time, went to the night bazaar and massage. I got a foot massage and Thai massage. Oh my goodness, I felt my bone cracking because of that Thai massage. I think next time I would go for Oil Massage.That is better I think. And after the massage, did some shopping for a few minutes and got back to the hotel. Last day, nothing much because we are out of time to go anywhere or do anything. Checked out and left for the airport early. At 1.20 local time, we departed to KL and that's it...byebye Chiang Mai!!

Phuket, Thailand

Just arrived home from Phuket. And until now, everything about Phuket is in my mind. Leaving Phuket was not what I wanted to think about..but now...I'm already here..in Malaysia.
Departed to Phuket at 12.45, 1 March...Though I was sick and having terrible cough, the plan must be worked out. I don't have to mention how hard it was when traveling with poor health. Almost suffering on high altitude. It took about 1 hour 15 minutes to reach Phuket Airport. Straight got a taxi to send us to Nanai Road, which is near to Patong beach. As usual, my mom would think of her tummy first and as for me, I had no appetite at all. Since there were only two of us, I accompanied her to look for halal food stalls or restaurants...n luckily we got one...a stall...owned by Aminah Daud...typical Phuket Muslim...I had duck rice instead of chicken rice and surprisingly...I could finish it though earlier I didn't have the appetite to eat. And this was the starting where me & my mom started to become really friends to her.

On the 2nd March..about 10 pm, Aminah came with her brother. Yakob, in a...shall I say 'truck'?or wagon?whatever...as our transportation.The fun began as I stepped in into that vehicle....1st..we went to Kamala beach..which is one of the famous beaches in Phuket. Took a few pics there. then headed to Surin beach...The beaches are damn clean with fine white sand...clear blue green water...felt like bathing but mom didn't allow me and plus, I didn't bring
my swimming attires...buat penat je ngangkut dari Malaysia...hampehh...



After Surin beach, we went to Patong beach...and there were more tourists...especially from Europe..were sunbathing...cheh...tengok kulit diorg dh mcm ketam bakar....isshh..isshh...I coudn't stand the hot temperature but no longer bother about it once looking at the cooling beautiful gorgeous sceneries on the beaches..


Went to..not sure the name of that place..where I got the chance to ride on elephant...huhuhu...I had waist exercise..that elephant named 'Intela' (not sure of the spelling)..was too 'bumpy'..it walked uphill and maybe affected the posture...so we felt the bumpiness too...but it's fun anyway...There were 4-5 times where it sprayed water droplets to us...nasiblaa water droplet...kalo air..mmg aku ketuk dh kepala gajah tu..muahaha..

45 minutes on that elephant...was long enough because I was a bit tired...sick...Then return to Patong. Aminah and her brother tried to show us how beautiful Phuket is, so they brought us the the uphill part which is known as Prom Thaep Cape. Speechless, marvellous, superb and it is really beautiful.



After enjoying the scenery in Phuket, we went to the fresh market. I tell u..the market there is veeeerrryyyy clean...not even any market in Malaysia is as clean as that market. If I've not mistaken...the market is called..Bansaan...or Banzaan...Fish, crab,prawn,lobster...owh my God...it was really nice...I bought some fish, crab blablabla..with the help of Aminah...n we went back to her stall..n she cooked for us..Wowwww...that's all I can say...


Surprisingly, I thought I had recovered form sickness..but when I was on my way back to Malaysia...I started shivering...headache and coughing badly again
At night...shoppiinnnggggg....at O'Top...not so cheap as compared to Bangkok...then came back....zzzzzzz
3rd March...time to say goodbye...one thing, I really love to go to Phuket again n meet my relative there...Aminah...Love Phuket...mmuaahhhhh