KSL D' Esplanade Residence, Johor Bahru

Everytime when I visit Singapore, Johor Bahru will definitely be part of my itinerary. It's like hard to separate both of these places for me. So after my family and I spent 2 nights staying in The Southbridge Hotel of Singapore, we hired a private car to travel from Singapore directly to the hotel we booked in Johor Bahru. Although it was pricey comparing taking public transport, but it was absolutely hassle-free, convenient and faster than the latter one. 

I prefer to stay nearby KSL Shopping Mall and since there are 6 of us, hence I booked to stay in KSL D's Esplanade Residence. It is a serviced apartment connected directly to the shopping mall, which making this accomodation another favourable list not just only for me, but also for the rest of my family members.

#1: KSL D' Esplanade Residence

Do take note that D's Esplanade Residence is not located nearby KSL Hotel and therefore, better to inform the driver that you are heading to the serviced apartment type, not the main hotel. Upon check-in, once again we were requested to place a refundable security deposit of RM200 and in return, we were given two different access cards; one to access to the apartment and another one to the shopping mall which later on, I found it was quite troublesome.

#2: Spacious living and dining area

Stepped in the apartment and wow, we're quite impressed with the size of it. This fully furnished apartment was pretty spacious and huge. As for the living and dining area, these two are the perfect spots for my family and I to talk, laugh and watch television together. Next, let's us check out the rooms shall we.

I booked the one comprises of three rooms; two queen sized beds and one single bed comes along with two bathrooms.

#3: Master bedroom

#4: A queen-sized room

#5: A super single bed room - This room is so small and not suitable for tall people to sleep

#6: Master bedroom's bathroom and surprisingly, it was exceptionally huge

#7: Another bathroom complete with toiletries for the whole family but the size of it was small

#8: Small sized kitchen but it was well-equipped with fridge, rice cooker, rice cooker, cooking and eating utensils 

#9: Swimming pool but nay, we don't have the time for that 


#10: Tip - Request for higher floors for this city view pleasure 

With the price costing up to RM370 per night which I personally think it's pretty affordable, overall my family and I are satisfied with this serviced apartment mainly due to its location which attached to a shopping mall that it absolutely quite convenient for us with an abundance of eateries, lots of shopping and did I mention the mall even consist of cinema. My siblings even took the opportunity to watch late night movie while my mom and I comfortably stay in our apartment to watch the television which has quite number of channels.

However, there are few weaknesses to share here such as no free WiFi provided within our apartment and only available in the lobby, the confusing and troublesome access cards which you need to hold two at the same time and inadequate lifts that sometimes can cause long waiting time. But if don't take all the weakness into the consideration, actually KSL D'Esplanade Residence is an ideal place to stay especially for those who travel with family or big group of people.

Date Stayed: 22 August - 24 August 2014 (2 nights)

Rate We Paid :  RM370.00 per night without breakfast (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.



#11: On other note which unrelated to this post, just want to share my shopping haul from Singapore. I just love to shop in Singapore. Maybe I should blog my favourite place for cheap shopping in Asia. 

Follow me on Twitter | Instagram | Dayre | cause I am currently away again for another short weekend getaway!

Family Getaway with SuperStar Aquarius Cruises

Unlike the previous three years whereby I started my brand new year by travel abroad; Phuket back in 2012, Johor Bahru & Singapore together with Boyfie in 2013 and travelled to Myanmar last year with a group friends of mine. But for this year itself, I did it differently by having short weekend getaway with my dearest family members by taking cruise vacation with non other than well-known Star Cruises.

 

#1: SuperStar Aquarius Cruises and me! 

It was actually part of the birthday gifts I bought for my mom last year (check out what I bought for my mom for her birthday - click here) and at the same time, my dad always wanna go for Star Cruises vacation but he always busy with his work. And because of that, instantly I grabbed this opportunity to sponsor my whole family, including my two younger brothers who were on semester break currently for a cruise holiday which we've been waiting for more than 10 years.

Among all the impressive fleet, SuperStar Aquarius is the one that sail from Kota Kinabalu port and I booked 1 night highsea cruise only due to my dad's hectic worklife but I glad I do so. It was our first time sailing on the luxury cruise but we had one of the worst and bad experience throughout the cruise. Will talk about that later. 

#2: Check-in Hall in Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal

It's advisable to reach early cause it's ran out of parking lot when we arrived. Ended up, we parked in a muddy and bumpy road.

#2: Before get on the board, an identification card or passport is needed to exchange for access card and bear in mind, this card is super important. You can never ever lost this card not matter how.

Here's come our first horror experience before we could go up to the ship itself. Due to the berth congestions in Kota Kinabalu port, we had to take the tender boat from the port to the ship. For your information, the tender boat could only accommodate up to 50 people and can you imagine there are almost 1,000 people queuing up for that? We were on the queue for almost three hours. Hot and stuffy, and at the same time, we're hungry too. Blame the hidden monsters in our stomach. When we approached few peoples who went on this cruise before, they said this is the first time they experienced this cause all this while, they just directly hopped on to the ship from the pier instead of taking any tender boat. What unlucky day!

And so, after we waited for almost three hours, finally we managed to get up the fine and luxury cruise. My first impression of this SuperStar Aquarius Cruises while inside the tender boat was, "Wow! It looks alike Titanic. Touch wood! Touch wood!", I said to myself. I've seen many huge and giant ships before but I have never seen them so close to me. Oh boy, let's forget about the long queue and I just can't wait to get up to this ship.

Upon entering the ship, our identification card and passport were being retained. At first, I was a little bit worry that they might lost or even misplaces my identification card with other passenger but so far, it never happened. Their security were indeed very tight and strict whereby we have to get through all the scanning and checking procedures, similar to airport situation. Once we done with that, my family and I immediately went to the restaurants which located on Deck 9.

Dining Experiences
Although the packages we bought comes along with buffet, but not all the restaurants within the ship are free for the passengers. From what I came across, only four restaurants were tied with packages - Mariners Restaurant and Dynasty Restaurant on Deck 9 and Oceana Barbeque and Spices Restaurant on Deck 11. You can dine-in all at a time, only if your stomach has plenty of space for foods. The rest, you have to fork out from your own pocket.

#3: Mariners Restaurant serves western style (Halal)

#4: Breakfast buffet on the next morning consists of nasi lemak, sausages, hash brown, eggs, fried noodles, baked bean and more. 

Among four of them, my family and I prefer the Mariners Restaurant cause it has more buffet spread comparing the rest. And I believe because it's the most favourite choice among the passengers, therefore once again, we were required to queue for almost an hour before we could eventually dine-in - our second horror experience. Queue queue queue. That's what my family and I experienced throughout this luxury cruise.

#5: Spices Restaurant on Deck 11 serves mainly on

#6: Dynasty Restaurant on Deck 9 - Mainly on Chinese cuisines and it's non-halal

Cabin Type
I booked two oceanview staterooms which located on Deck 8 for the six of us. When I entered my cabin, I noticed there was additional bed whereas my parent's cabin didn't have. Actually, the cabin we booked can accommodate up to 3 adults and the extra bed will be provided upon request. With the approximate size of less than 200 square feet, we're pretty expecting the fully-furnished cabin to be smaller.

#7: Oceanview stateroom but our view was blocked by the life boat. So unlucky!

#8: The lavatory comes along with towels, basic toiletries and even hot shower

Facilities & Entertainment 
Done with the dining experience and cabin checking, it's time to explore this luxury ship. First, we went and check out the swimming pool on Deck 11 and turned out with disappointment. Just when I thought the pool will be huge and long, it seems like only 10 people or maybe less could eventually swim within.

Besides swimming pool, most of the facilities are located in Deck 12 such as gymnasium, mini golf putting range and basketball court. There even have karaoke lounge, hair & beauty salon, mahjong room, reflexology lounge and etc within the ship.

#9: Facilities within the ship

#10: Production shows produced by the cruise entertainers

#11: You can even do your shopping as they sell fragrances, beauty products, bags and merchandise. But to be honest, I don't find that the fragrances are cheap.

#12: Star Cruises access card -
Keep it with you all the time cause this is one and exclusive card to everything

#13: Magnificent Mount Kinabalu view before heading back to Kota Kinabalu port

Wondering will I be back for another Star Cruises experience? Frankly speaking, Star Cruises should actually have a proper management so that the passengers can actually enjoy the cruise. From my experience, it was like a chaos happened within the ship. Overcrowded, no proper management and supervision, lack of information given by the crew members and so on. Unless someone willing to sponsor me, maybe I could consider to go up one more time for another different experience, perhaps.

Available Sailing date
November 2014 : 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 26, 27, 28, 29.
December 2014 : 03, 04, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18.
January 2015 : 07, 08, 09, 10, 14, 15, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29.
February 2015 : 04, 05, 06, 07, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22,  23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28.
March 2015 : 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07.

Peak Season:
December 2014 : 24, 25, 26, 27, 31.
January 2015 : 01.
February 2015 : 18, 19, 20, 21.

Recap of 2014 & My Plan for 2015

Again, this is my first official blogpost for the year 2015 like what I did for the past 4 years (here, here, here and here). Most bloggers did this kind of post on the final day of last year but for me, I prefer to blog it in a different way somehow. 

Here's the recap of my travel adventures for the year 2014:

• January - Myanmar. After our successful gathering trip to Cambodia last year, we did it again and this time around we chosen Myanmar as our second college gathering trip. 
• January - Kuching. Went back my so-called second hometown with my family and Boyfie for my twin cousin's wedding. Why I called her as twin cousin cause both of us were born on same day, same month and same year. What a coincidence! Not just that, even her wedding day was also the anniversary day for both Boyfie and I.
• March - South Korea. My mom and sister wanna go South Korea so desperately and because of that, we booked our ticket with Korean Air kinda last minute. No doubt it was pricey but for the sake of my family, it's worth it. Besides Seoul, we took train down to Busan which my first time there. 
• April - Northern Thailand. Joined my friend just for Songkran, the Water Festival. From three hours bus ride to small but lovely town of Pai, we back to Chiang Mai for Songkran festival. Besides that, I also took a day trip to Chiang Mai just to witness the most magnificent and enchanting White Temple.
• June - Putrajaya. Represent Sabah State for Girl Guides Annual General Meeting which held annually. And with this, I unofficially complete visited the whole 13 states and 3 federal territories of Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya). 
• August - Singapore & Johor Bahru. Since ever I revisited Singapore back in year 2011 with Boyfie, thereafter I went Singapore every year without fail. This time around was an assignment given by my dad just to accompany two brothers who wanna go Singapore for their semester break. Plus, we even went to Legoland too cause they wanna go there. Yup, I visited Legoland twice within two years.
• October - Australia. Honestly to say, among all the trips for this year, this is the one I anticipated the most cause besides Japan, Australia is my favourite country since ever I was younger child. Back to Australia for the second time it's like another dream come true. I went with my very close friend who I met when I studied in United Kingdom and also with very good friend of all time. Spending 9 days there, we went Sydney, Brisbane and Gold Coast.
• November - Nepal. Within a year, we have two college gathering trips. Early of the year we went Myanmar (like I mentioned earlier) and 10 months later, we went Nepal. For the very first time, I assigned my friend to become the tour leader for this trip cause I was too busy with my full-time and freelance jobs. Plus, I was pretty busy with family commitment as well. That's explained why I didn't update my blog so frequently lately.
• Novermber - Bhutan. This is another last minute decision and frankly to say, the most expensive trip compare the rest. But by the end of the trip I never regret with my last minute decision to visit this stunning and unique country, in both culturally and enviromentally. Absolutely one of the country should at least visit once in the life (because of this trip, I forgone of buying new compact camera).
• December - Singapore & Johor Bahru. Back to Singapore again for my UK housemate's wedding. It's like another gathering with my friends who used to travel together around Europe for 20 days, including our Korean friend where we met her there. I also took this opportunity to go Johor Premium Outlet but I went home empty handed. It's absolutely still pricey, eventhough after discount was given.
• December - Eastern China. Tagged my mom along for Christmas trip cum my year end trip. I always love and want to celebrate Christmas abroad for no reason. Now thinking where will be my next Christmas list for this year. 

Simplified everything, this year I managed to accomplish few of my bucket list which was visited new countries such Myanmar, Nepal and Bhutan as well as new cities like Busan, Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hangzhou and Shanghai. Besides Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia, I took the opportunity to experience other airlines as well such as Korean Air, Druk Air and Silk Air. Looking forward to experience other airlines in future especially Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, Emirates and more, perhaps. 

What's my plan for this year? Apparently, I have few in my list but I'm so sorry to say, I unable to share with you guys now cause of the so-called jinx. But no worry, I will be delightful to share out when I manage to go there either in blog, Twitter, Instagram and even Dayre. But one thing for sure what I must do for this year is to complete my 2013 and 2014 endlessly travel post.

Once again, I wish each and every of you have a wonderful year ahead in this brand new year. A new year that's sparkling with fun, bursting with joy and cracking with laughter! Have a great weekend, everyone.

"Believe the Unbelievable, Dream the Impossible, Never Take No for an Answer" - Tony Fernandes (Group CEO, AirAsia)

Top Commentators Giveaways for Year 2014

Another year, another giveaways for my blog readers who leave the most comments in my blog. As you can see that my blogposts are getting lesser and lesser as year goes by but I'm really thankful to all my blog readers for the continuous support and thoughtful comments throughout my blogging years.

Without waiting any longer, let me announce the top 3 Commentators for the Year 2014;

Oh wait! This year my blog has two readers with the same number of comments which I totally didn't expect of and they are:

•  Hong Chern Wern from World of Travels, Environment and Photography - with 40 comments 
• J-Mei from Interesting Corner of Me - with 40 comments 

For Hong Chern Wern from World of Travels, Environment and Photography

For J-Mei from Interesting Corner of Me - with 40 comments  

The prize consists of:

•  Shawl from China
• Luggage tag and drawstring pouch from Thailand
• Handphone ornament and hand cream South Korea
• Keychain from Australia
• Fridge magnet from Myanmar 
• Plus some mystery gifts 

And the winner for the year 2014 goes to:
Small Kucing & Mamarazzi from www.smallkucing.com - with 61 comments out from 69 blogposts. 
For your information, not just they are the Top 3 Commentators of my blog for three consecutive years but Small Kucing & Mamarazzi are also the last year winner.

• Shawl from Nepal
• M&M Tumbler from Shanghai, China
• Pencil box and hand cream from South Korea
• Beaded pouch from Myanmar
• Passport cover and luggage tag from Thailand
• Fridge magnet from Australia 

But hold on! This year giveaways not just mainly for the Top 3 only but I added another five giveaways for the remaining top commentators as a small token of appreciation.  

1. Jeff Chuah from Jeff's Travel - 38 comments
2. Time Traveller from Travel My Way - 26 comments
3. Shirley Tay from Luxury Haven - 22 comments
4. Cubie from The Cube - 22 comments
5. Ng Choi Yen from Mimi's Dining Room - 18 comments 

 The giveaways are randomly selected for the above 5 readers

So for the eight readers mentioned as above, kindly please comment below as acknowledgement. Plus, don't forget to leave your name, mailing address and contact number to my email: dianateodt@gmail.com within 14 days from the date of this blogpost. In case no response were given within the timeframe given, new winner will be selected.

[NOTE: Delivery is via normal airmail. I'll will not bear the responsible for any lost in transit.]

Once again, this is my final and last post of my blog for the year 2014 and I'm looking forward for more lovely comments and lovely notes as they mean so much to my blog. At the same, I'm really trying hard to complete my 2013 and 2014 travelogues which like never ending one. 

Before I wrap up everything, hereby I wish each and every of readers of mine 

[Source]

2014 X'Mas Holiday in China (Sneak Peek)

Although my family and I don't celebrate Christmas, but I do love the Christmas feelings and celebrate it abroad always part of my wishlist. In 2010, I celebrated Christmas in Taiwan, 2011 in Indonesia and 2012 in Singapore. As for this year, I tagged my mom along to China for the joyful Christmas holiday cum my year end trip as well. This is the fourth trip I sponsored my mom, after Indonesia, Japan and South Korea (from airfare, accommodation, transportation, foods, shopping & etc). Wondering, how many of you sponsored your parents a trip abroad actually?

We started our trip by flying in into Hangzhou first (we burnt our Shanghai tickets actually) and one of ultimate place to go in Hangzhou is none other than mesmerising and awe-inspiring freshwater lake, West Lake itself.

#1: Three Pools Mirroring The Moon, the largest island of the West Lake of Hangzhou.

#3: Ended our night by strolling in Hefang Ancient Street of Hangzhou before leaving to Suzhou

From Hangzhou, we proceeded to Suzhou where we booked 1 day Suzhou ground tour and out from the 24 tourists of this tour, only two of us are Malaysians whereas the rest are the Mainland Chinese.  

#4: Besides few pagodas and temples and not forgetting, we also visited The Lion Forest Garden, one of the four great gardens of Suzhou.

In one of the temples, we were requested to see the fortune teller. Normally I don't believe these but the first thing fortune teller said to me was, "You are the type that don't sit still at home one. Always travel around here & there." How's true is that?

#6: The ancient architectures along the canal in Tongli Water Town. 

Before we move to Shanghai, we managed to go Tongli Water Town, a thousand year ancient town with a long history and the typical style of water town located an hour away from Suzhou. 

#8: Meanwhile in Shanghai, the first place we went was Yu Garden, an extensive Chinese garden located in the heart of bustling Shanghai

#9: We tried the Nanxiang Steamed Bun but turned out to be so so only. Kinda disappointed

#10: Kill our time in Nanjing Road for window shopping. Seriously, just window shopping cause everything was so expensive there.


#11: Last but not least, a view of Pudong from The Bund is a must when visit Shanghai. Oh boy! Shanghai is so amazing and breathtaking especially at night. 

Frankly speaking, my trip to China with my mom is like roller coaster ride with lots of ups and downs. We started off with a pretty good start not until the day I woke up on the Christmas day itself, we were told by Malaysia Airlines of an unpleasant news when I unable to do web check-in. Kinda piss off with the T&C promotion fare. And the next day again, received another bad news stated our flight back to Kota Kinabalu from Shanghai will be delayed. From the original ETD of 1.30 am to 4am. Although we were compensated with food vouchers, but all I want is hotel vouchers instead. 

#12: First time in my life I have such an early flight

Hotel Review: The Southbridge Hotel, Singapore

Since ever I revisited Singapore together with Boyfie back in year 2011, from there onwards I keep flying to Singapore at least once every year. Everytime I went Singapore, I prefer to stay in different hotels; whether it's budget or boutique for different experience and exposure. And for my recent trip to Singapore with my mom and two lil brothers, we decided to stay in The Southbridge Hotel, a boutique hotel located strategically right in the colourful Chinatown.

#1: Exterior of the Southbridge Hotel, Singapore

Because there were four of us, we opted for taxi from the airport directly to our hotel. And upon arrival, we were kinda confused where was the check-in counter but luckily enough, we were approached by a kind bartender who showed us the right way for us to check-in. Before we could possible view our expected rooms, a refundable security deposit of SG$200 is required.

#2: The hotel lift signboard

#3: Standard queen room without window, where my mom and I slept here

#4: Deluxe queen room with window, where two of my brothers prefer this room

Initially, we booked two same deluxe queen rooms but when we entered our room, we were shocked that we were given two totally different rooms. The room that my mom and I slept were exceptionally small and it seems to be pretty enough for the bed and nothing else. But because our rooms were next to each other, we didn't bother to request for the change.

The hotel consists more than 40 rooms beautifully appointed guest rooms, many of which include free internet access – wireless (complimentary), toiletries, hair dryer, television LCD/plasma screen, air conditioning and complimentary of drinking water. 

#5: Clean but small bathroom

#6: Basic toiletries but sufficient for our usage

If not taken into account of the size of the room, this hotel is an ideal place of stay for travellers seeking charm, comfort and convenience in Singapore.

Date Stayed: 20 August - 22 August 2014 (2 nights)

Rate We Paid :  RM307.95 per night for a deluxe queen room without breakfast (Booked via Agoda.com)

The Southbridge Hotel Singapore
210 South Bridge Road,
Chinatown / Tiong Bahru,
Singapore 058759.

Travel Tip
There are two directions to get to this hotel:

1) Exit A of MRT Chinatown station, walk straight until end of the street and turn left until you came across Mosque Street.

2) Exit F of MRT Chinatown station.

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.

Follow me on Twitter | Instagram | Dayre | cause I am currently in Singapore again!

Bhutan, The Land Of Happiness

Initially my plan to Nepal was just mainly for 8 days only but few months before the trip, one of my friends and I decided to extend our trip and changed our ticket date back to Malaysia. And why we do so? Cause we decided to go Bhutan, one of the country that restricted number of visitors to enter into their royal country. Honestly to say, it's the most expensive country I ever visited where visitor is required to pay minimum daily tariff (USD200-250 per person per night), but by the end of the trip I never regret with my last minute decision to visit this stunning and unique country, in both culturally and enviromentally. Absolutely one of the country should at least visit once in the life (because of this trip, I forgone of buying new compact camera).

#1: From Kathmandu, we flew with Drukair, the official airline of Bhutan to Paro International Airport which took 1 hour and 10 minutes.

In order to get into Bhutan, there are only limited choices; either from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Bangkok (Thailand) and Singapore. And because my friend and I are planning to go Nepal soon, hence we decided to continue and extended our journey to Bhutan. It's like killing two birds using one stone instead.

#2: The first thing I noticed when I reach Bhutan: Just like Thailand, the Drukpas love their king and queen so much. Such a handsome king and beautiful queen.

#3: Tashichho Dzong (Fortress), the administration headquarter of Thimpu.

#4: Buddha Dordenma Statue, world's largest buddha in Bhutan

#5: Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Its combination of goat's head and cow's body. Only can be found in Eastern Himalays.

#6: Last but not least, Tiger's Nest Monastery or known as Paro Taktsang is one of Bhutan's most sacred religious sites. A visit to Bhutan is incomplete without visiting this.

It's not easy to visit this monastery and one have to be reasonably fit. It took more than 5 hours of trekking (we consider quite fast cause initially, our tour guide thought we will take at least 7-8 hours) and I almost gave up on the halfway to this stunning site where it was completely a steep climb and in order to reach to the top, one is required to get through another addition of 700 steps. But then, when figured it out I already in Bhutan, no matter how hard and tough this climb, I shouldn't give up and must keep continue until I reach this monastery. It was really pain in the ass but it's the most rewarding journey and experience in my entire life.

#7: Us with Lotay, our tour organiser who arranged the whole tour perfectly for two of us. 

We were being told that my friend and I are the youngest visitors in Bhutan cause most of the visitors who visit Bhutan were mostly elderly.

That's another sneak peek of my 4D3N trip to The Land of Thunder Peaceful Dragon or locally also known as The Land of Happiness. How I wish I could stay more longer, if not cause of the minimum daily tariff charged. If you plan to go Bhutan, spend at least 4D3N to cover both Paro and Thimpu and if possible, the best to spend 6D5N would be sufficient enough to cover the main spot of Bhutan. And with this, Bhutan is the 30th country I visited so far.