Legoland Malaysia - My First Trip for Year 2013

Date Visited: 25th January 2013

Boyfie and I just love to visit amusement and theme parks whenever we go. Just like Universal Studio in Singapore as well as Ocean Park and Disneyland in Hong Kong few years back. So when we knew about Legoland opened in Johor, both of us instantly listed this international theme park as one of our wishlist to go. Lucky us where we managed to secure a return ticket KK-JB-KK via AirAsia for only RM15 each, when initially both of our budget was RM50 each. So without any second thought, immediately we booked and here we are at one of the latest attraction in town. And with this, this is my official first trip for year 2013.

#1: Legoland Malaysia - Malaysia's first international theme park and the first Legoland theme park in Asia

#2: The entrance tickets where you can keep and bring back home

Just like every other theme parks, Legoland Malaysia has seven distinctive themed area of attractions to cater all ages, whether for the kids, teenagers and even adults who are young at heart. 

[Note: By the time we visited, Legoland Water Park is still under construction]

The Beginning

This is where the adventures begin. Right after passed through the main entrance area, this is where typical amenities located - locker rental, stroller rental and ATM machine are available on the right-side whereas the restroom is located on the left-side. There are also a cafe and souvenirs stores available here but both of us intended to save it first and return back by end of the day. There is no any attractions, shows and rides in this themed area. 

#3: Ticket counters. I would recommend to purchase the tickets via online to save up to 20% and also to avoid the long queue.

#4: Big Shop - Legoland's largest store selling all kind of Legoland merchandise.

#5: All of these life-size characters were made from Lego bricks. Impressive!

Imagination

We started with this area first before it was getting more crowded. Most of the attractions and rides here are designed specially for kids. However, there are two rides which attract us here - Observation Tower and Lego Studios 4D.

Available Facilities: Baby care and Prayer room.

#6: Imagination Themed Area

#7: Observation Tower - where the guest could have the view of the entire Legoland as well as the areas surrounding it. [Warning: If you are afraid of height, then don't try this]

#8: Studios 4D. There are four appealing 4D shows for the guests to choose from and each show runs every 45 minutes (for weekday) and 25 minutes (for weekends and public holidays).

Boyfie and I managed to catch two of their 4D shows but frankly speaking, they ain't interesting as those 4D in Universal Studio Singapore and Hong Kong Disneyland. Quite disappointed. 

#9: Another colourful Lego bricks creation

Land of Adventure

This particular themed land reminisces the combination of Jurassic Park and The Mummy movie series where both are separate into two different section. The attractions and rides here are designed for both kids and adults especially the Dino Land ride. Unfortunately, we didn't experience this ride cause we afraid of getting wet as we didn't bring any spare of clothes.

#10: Land of Adventures Themed Area. The parrots on the right side were made from Lego bricks as well. 

#11: Dino Island ride and prepare to get wet by the end of the ride. 

#12: Kids will love this Lost Kingdom Adventure - a ride with a laser-blasting.

#13: Good place for phototaking

Miniland

Situated right in the heart of Legoland, this is where the guests can enjoy some of Asia's notable and well-known landmarks in masterpiece and detailed miniature. This is my most favourite themed area compare the rest and we were also being surprised when the whole Miniland comes to life with the touch of a button. Pretty interesting, right?

#14: Petronas Twin Towers and Kuala Lumpur Tower

#15: Can you name all of these South East Asia's landmarks?

#16: Pirates of the Caribbean boat?

#17: Taj Mahal of India

#18: Singapore City and Merlion

Lego City

Lego City is mainly designed for the little one where they can become a captain of a boat or even drive a car at the very young age. Like really? Passing through this area and Boyfie told me how he wish that Legoland open during his young age so he will able to enjoy this ride. So if you have the little one with you, now you know which themed area you should head first.

#19: Remove Control Boat - where adults can play along. Of course, we didn't miss out this for sure.

#20: The Shipyard - An adventure paradise for the little one to climb and crawl.

#21: Legoland Express - Board on Lego train for all sights of the theme park

#22: We took a break and ordered lunch in Market Restaurant. A set of chicken rice cost RM23.00 and a small bottle of Coke cost RM5.00 - No doubt the price of the foods in Legoland are slightly expensive cause this is theme park afterall. 

Lego Technic

If you are looking for exciting and thrilling rides, this is one of the themed area that offer all; from wild high-speed ride in Project X, crazy spin wheel in Technic Twister or even get wet in Aquazone Wave Racers. 

#23: Project X. The one and only ride we experienced here and we indeed love this. 
It's one of the rides not-to-be-missed.

#24: Albert Einstein Lego bricks

Lego Kingdom

This is where the legend and myths come alive. I personally love the design and structure of this particular themed area especially the looking strong and tall grey colour royal castle. This is also where the whole themed area are filled with dragons and knights which mainly built using Lego bricks. The main highlights here would be The Dragon and Dragon's Apprentice rides (these two are two different rides apparently).

 

#25: Lego Kingdoms Themed Area

#26: Once upon a time...

#27: Royal castle, dragons, knight and is that Joker?

We ended our fun and adventures in Legoland by visiting Big C which located in The Beginning Themed Area

#28: Couldn't recall how much the T-shirt and keychains cost but the fridge magnet cost RM55 for a set of 3. That's the one and only thing I bought and it was eventually quite expensive right?

TIPS:

1. Grab a guidemap once you enter the main entrance. Never underestimate the size of this theme park cause there is high possibility you might get lost.
2. Bring along spare clothes cause some rides might get you wet; such as Dino Island in Land of Adventure, Aquazone Wave Racers in Lego Technic and even Boating School in Lego City.
3. Apply sunblock or even bring cap and umbrella along cause firstly, lack of shaded area within Legoland and secondly, Malaysia's weather is always hot and humid. Luckily, I always brought my umbrella whenever I travel. 
4. It's best to arrive early cause besides to avoid the overcrowded, it's also to avoid the unpleasant heat.

Overall, I think the trip to Legoland is worth for a visit although most of the rides are not that as wild and scary as we thought. Both Boyfie and I were indeed fully utilised the amout of the entrance fee we paid by spending our whole day there in Legoland; from 9.45 am until 5.00 pm. Furthermore, we managed to experience majority of the rides except for few where we thought they might be kinda childish rides. As a theme park lover, I noticed there is no any character mascots or even parade in Legoland Malaysia but they don't bother me anyway cause the life-size characters Lego bricks creation were enough to impress me.

If you have little one and can't make up your mind where to bring them during this school holiday, why not plan your holiday by bringing them to Legoland? Trust me, they will enjoy all the fun and excitement here. 

How To Get To Legoland Malaysia

For more information especially if you plan to take public bus, check out HERE. 

I can't share my previous experience on how my Boyfie and I get to Legoland Malaysia cause I found out the bus number has changed apparently. But from my experience, it is advisable to reach the starting point station as early as you can cause at the late hour, it will be more crowded. If your station is JB Sentral, it takes about 45 minutes to reach Legoland Malaysia.

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

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Minsu (民宿) I Stayed in Taiwan

Normally, I would blog most of my travelogues in sequence (unless it required to blog urgently) but because lately I received quite numbers of emails asking about the minsu I stayed during my trip to Taiwan last year (My 2013 Year End Trip: Taiwan 台湾 - Sneak Peek), hence I decided to blog about them now.

Taiwan is well-known and popular for minshu (民宿), which is the type of accommodation that equivalent to homestay, guesthouse, B&B and some known as farmstay if there are animals within the property. The experiences of staying in minsu are completely different and unique comparing staying in a conventional hotel. Bear in mind, most of the minsu are mainly to accommodate couples, a small group of families and travellers. Therefore, if you are travelling alone, minsu might not be the best option unless you are willing to bear the cost of paying for 2 pax. One of the main reasons I chosen minsu instead of normal hotel because I love the way how majority minsu in Taiwan are decorated in varierty and colourful themes and decor to light up the atmosphere. 

NOTE: However, the main drawback I encountered with Taiwan's minsu was the owner or host replied me in Chinese when I sent all the emails in English. Therefore, you might need some help from those who know how to read and write Chinese.

Brief details of the Three Different Minsu (民宿) I Booked

1)  Minsu in Taichung 逢甲夜宿館 (In Chinese Name) - Check their Facebook Page

I came across this minshu from Facebook page and after inquired for the room rate (with the help from Boyfie to read, write and translate for me), I found it was indeed utterly cheap and I instantly booked without any second thought. Plus, no deposit of upfront payment required. However, they refused to give me the map of their exact location when I requested quite number of times via email and we need them when we reach Taichung. Overeall, the room is pretty simple, clean and convenient.

Room Rate: NTD1,000 per night (approx. to RM113)

Location: Less than 2 minutes walk to the famous Fengjia Night Market

Facilities: Free WiFi access, Air-Conditioning Room attached with Private Bathroom

Advantages: Cheap, great location and we are allowed to check-in and check-out at anytime if the rooms are not being occupied.

Drawback: Small bathroom and there was no proper place when taking shower. 

2) Sunny Room in Jiufen

(九份) - http://www.sunnyroom.tw/

Our room theme - Dark Chocolate 

 

Free breakfast provided by the owner

This was eventually recommend by a friend of mine. A bit pricey and the most expensive minsu I stayed but somehow, it was one of my travel wishlist to stay around Jiufen area and successfully accomplished now. The room was so spacious, beautifully decorated and most importantly, we had our own private balcony to enjoy the magnificent and breathtaking mountain and sea view. However again, this is also exactly the same as above whereby I send so many emails in English but the owner keep replied me in Chinese. Deposit of NTD1,000 is required and it is non-refundable.

Room Rate: 2,600 per night (approx. to RM294)

Location: 10 minutes away from the Jiufen Old Street. It is best to stop at the station between a post office and Hi-Life convenience store when taking a bus.

Facilities: Free WiFi access, Breakfast provided, Mini Bar 

Drawback: Not located right in the heart of Jiufen Old Street and required to walk up and down of countless of staircases and extra careful needed at night due to minimal lighting. Not suitable for elderly people.

3) Fox House Hostel Taipei - Facebook Page

This hostel was shared by a Penang based lifestyle blogger, Henry Tan. This minsu is very cosy and the host, Fiona was very friendly and helpful. If you are the type that love night life activities such as pub and clubbing, it just few stones away but unfortunately, both Boyfie and I dislike those.

Room Rate: NTD1,600 on weekday and NTD1,800 on weekday

Location: 5-8 minutes walk from MTR Zhongxiao Tunhua Station

Facilities: Free WiFi access, Air-Conditioning Room attached with Private Bathroom, Free Laundry Services. 
Advantages: No deposit or advanced payment require. Family Mart is situated right outside the minsu.

Drawback: Except for nearby Family Mart, there is no restaurant and cafe nearby the surrounding area. We always had hard time and difficulty looking for breakfast. 

Overall, I'm pretty satisfied with all the above three minsu but in case if going back Taiwan again in future, I will tend to choose and stay in other different minsu cause I believe there are plenty of them waiting for another truly lifestyle experience of stay. 

If you ever experienced staying in any wonderful and lovely minsu in Taiwan, feel free to share with me.

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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

Snapshot Sunday: Putrajaya, Malaysia

I was in Putrajaya few days ago in conjunction with Girl Guides Malaysia National Annual General Meeting & Conference which held annually and the host for this year is none other than Putrajaya itself. Previously, I lived in Kuala Lumpur for almost 5 years but I never have the chance to visit this federal administrative centre of Malaysia, not until recently. And with this, I unofficially complete visited the whole 13 states and 3 federal territories of Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya). 

The host was so kind that they even offered us few sightseeing tours around Putrajaya, including night cruise along the magnificent and magical Putrajaya Lake (Tasik Putrajaya) and here are few snapshots I took during the sightseeing:

#1: Perdana Putra which houses the office complex of the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

#2: This pink-domed Putra Mosque is the principal mosque of this federal administrative capital.

#3:Panoramic view of Putrajaya from Putrajaya International Conventional Centre (PICC).

The bridge on the left is Seri Gemilang Bridge and the fun fact of this bridge was it was built beforehand the man-made lake of Putrajaya.

#4: Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque which also commonly known as "Iron Mosque" is the second principal mosque in Putrajaya.

#5: Seri Saujana Bridge, a main bridge in Putrajaya. The design of bridge is unique cable-stayed arch bridge and it is resembles to the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia.

#6: Categorized as a 'signature bridge', Seri Wawasan Bridge is another main bridge of Putrajaya.

In the case where you didn't own any car to travel around just like me, there are few options available for you for a short tour around Putrajaya:

Putrajaya Sightseeing Tour

I'm not sure who and which offer the best affordable tour but I came across this half day tour around Putrajaya which is available in Putrajaya & Cyberjaya KLIA Transit Station.

Rate: RM15 nett for adult and RM7 nett for children. 

Daily Pick-Up: 10:30am and 2.30pm except on Friday. 

Cruise Tasik Putrajaya

As Putrajaya Lake is situated right in the heart of the administration city, the best ways to see the city's sights by day or night is by taking leisure lake cruise and for more info about this especially the rate, click here. 

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

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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.

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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