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. 

Train Ride from Tanjung Aru to Beaufort

Date Visited: 11th May 2013

Been quite number of times Sherrie keep invited us for a train ride but most of the times, we were too busy and occupied with early commitments. Not until the recent Mother's Day, we decided to choose on this particular date cause that's the only time where I was free and hopefully to be back on time for dinner with my queen of my heart.

It was Sherrie first ever train ride on this North Borneo Railway but for me, this is my third ride but then my last ride was back in 10 years ago - during my secondary time. And currently, with the new trains which comes in air-conditioned, cushion seats and a small toilet facilities making this train ride another whole new adventures to experience the country side and very comfortable throughout the journey. However, the old coaches without air-conditioned still remained and operating as usual.

#1: Our train tickets

The starting point of the Sabah Railway Station is from the old station of Tanjung Aru, which located just next to the airport runway. Basically, there are 14 stations between Tanjung Aru to the last point, Tenom - Tanjung Aru-Putatan-Kinarut-Kawang-Papar-Kimanis-Bongawan-Membakut-Beaufort-Saliwangan Baru- Halogilat-Rayoh-Pangi-Tenom. Both Sherrie and I decided to stop at Beaufort. And guess what, I wasn't widely awake yet cause instead of buying tickets to Beaufort, I accidentally told the counter that we are heading to Membakut. Clumsy me!

#2: The new coach of Sabah state train

The train was initially expected to leave at 7.45am but it delayed like 10-15 minutes and we arrived in Beaufort around 10am plus after the 2 hours and 15 minutes train ride. The new coach  was pretty similar to the West Malaysia Keretapi Tanah Melayu's coach and it's free seating. Probably because I experienced different kind of train rides abroad, hence nothing much fascinated me here.

#3:

#4:

#5: Passed by Beaufort many times but finally got the chance to stay longer here

#6: Several rows of blue two-storey wooden shops which give this small town a rustic look

Beaufort is just a small town and there isn't nothing much to see here apparently. Normally, most tourists visited Beaufort mainly for white-water rafting along Padas River, which is rated as Grade Two to Grade 4 river.

#7: There is even a market in Beaufort which the interior looks exactly like the one in Kota Kinabalu

#8: Beaufort's mosque 

#9: Beaufort Noodle is a must eat meal in Beaufort and it served in two types - dry fried and wet fried. #nonhalal

Can you imagine we arrived Beaufort around 10am plus and the next train ride from Beaufort back to Tanjung Aru was at 11am - the time given to explore around Beaufort was completely so limited and both of us were kinda rushed looking for the best Beaufort noodles in town. Yup, that's what Beaufort is popular for. I'm not sure which eatery served the best Beaufort noodles but having at Restoran Kim Wah Beaufort (located just behind of the market) wasn't bad choice at all and I prefer the wet fried one.

#10: Huge coconuts in the middle of Beaufort roundabout. In case you are driving to Brunei from Kota Kinabalu and vice verse, you will come across this roundabout.

Once we done with the delicious meal and photoshooting, we headed back to the Beaufort Railway Station but turned out, we missed the train. Oh no! And because of that, we planned to wait for the final train which was scheduled at 4.30pm but then again, we were told that there is no more 4.30pm train back to Kota Kinabalu currently due to repair and maintenance. Oh no oh no! Of course, I was panicked at the beginning but after calmed down myself, we tried to ask the local whether any bus ride back to Kota Kinabalu. We're almost being conned by the taxi driver which charged us RM20 per head but we told him gave us some time to wander more around Beaufort before leaving it permanently. While wandering around, we came across this bus ride which only charged us RM12 per head. Luckily we were smart enough not to be conned by the taxi driver. The bus stop is just located nearby the mosque.

#11: And so, that's our adventures around Beaufort town for less than 2 hours.

Travel with the train is really one of the cheapest means of transportation in Sabah comparing taking the bus. A trip from Kota Kinabalu (Tanjung Aru) to Beaufort cost only RM4.80 for adult and RM2.40 for children. However, the only one thing I dislike about Sabah State Railway is the time schedule which seems to be completely irrelevant where visitors only have less than an hour to explore the town, or else this will be another famous tourist spot among the foreigners. No wonder throughout the journey, the train was completely filled with the local only. If you plan to overnight in Beaufort, there is a hotel available and the one I came across is River Park Hotel.

The train schedules:
From Tanjung Aru to Beaufort (2 services)
1st service: Departure time at 7.45am and expecting to arrive at 10.00am
2nd service: Departure time at 1.40pm and expecting to arrive at 4.00pm

From Beaufort to Tanjung Aru (2 services)
1st service: Departure time at 11.01am and expecting to arrive at 1.25pm
2nd service: Departure time at 4.30pm and expecting to arrive at 7.38pm

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

Sony NEX 5ND for Sale!

16.1 Mega Pixel Camera (White Colour) with SEL1855 & SEL16F28 Lens
Original Price: RM3,005
Bought in August 2012

Selling Price: RM1,800 (Price is negotiable)
All includes:

• Double Lens Kit - SEL1855 & SEL16F28 Lens
• External Flash
• Two Rechargeable Battery Packs (RM285.00 each) 
• 8GB SDHC Memory Card
• Rear Lens Cap
• Soft Carrying Case
• HDMI Cable (Mini)
• Pink Jacket Case (RM139.00)
• Compact Battery Charger
• Extra Camera Strap which I bought abroad (RM80.00)

Condition : Still in good condition, minor scratch but definitely no cracks.
Prefer: Cash on Delivery. 

The reason behind I'm selling this because I still prefer small and compact camera. To be frank, Sony NEX 5ND it's kinda lil bit bulky for me cause whenever I travel, I tends to bring tons of things including a laptop. This camera indeed produced great outcomes/results, no regret owning it - you can check out all the photos I took while on my adventures around the world - Sony NEX 5N.

Interested? Kindly please contact me at dianateodt@gmail.com or tweet me at Twitter @dtdianateo

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.