#aabc Penang Takeover

Thanks to AirAsia and Penang Global Tourism, I was in Penang last weekend for an adventure to experience and explore Penang cuisine, heritage, culture and more. 

#1: Welcome To Pearl of the Orient! 

My last visit to Penang was like two years ago for my very best friend's wedding and I'm barely remember whether this is my 4th or 5th trip to this food paradise city but then, I still love to return again for more.
For this particular event, total of 16 #aabc members were exclusively invited - 10 from Kuala Lumpur, 2 from Kuching and 3 from Kota Kinabalu. All those from Kuala Lumpur and Kuching were arrived earlier whereas for us three from Kota Kinabalu, we arrived pretty late due to flight delayed for almost two hours. Upon arrived, we immediately check-in into Olive Tree Hotel, threw our luggages and get ready for seafood dinner.

#2: A very new hotel in the island - Olive Tree Hotel 

Restoran Bali Hai

#3: Restoran Bali Hai

For our first night dinner, we were brought to this Restoran Bali Hai located along of popular Gurney Drive Seafood. Stepped right into the restaurant, we were greeted with vast of fresh live seafood aquarium tanks consists of lobsters, prawns, crabs, fishes and lots more, which I can relate that is looks alike to most of the seafood restaurants in Kota Kinabalu. 

#4: What we had? Chilli crabs, salted egg crabs, butter prawns, fresh fish, petai and more. 

#5: Group photos of #aabc. [Photo Credit To: Amir Nawawi]

Address:

90, 90A, 90B, 90C, 90D,

Persiaran Gurney Georgetown 10250,

Penang, Malaysia

Open daily

Here comes our real adventures on the second day. Besides 16 of us, we were joined by another 10 amazing Penang bloggers. Divided into 5 different groups, each group being assigned to finish 5 challenges - the best breakfast in Penang,  heritage trail, eat Penang style, guide for tourists visiting Penang and what resemble Penang.

Being in Group 1, teamed up by Calista Liew, Ana Jonessy and Jian Goh and not forgetting yours truly, we were joined by a Penang food blogger, Ken and he led us all the way in order to complete the assigned challenges.

#6: When most the other group went for either roti canai or toast, Ken brought us to Sin Seow Fong Lye Cafe for chee cheong fun and char koay kak for best breakfast in Penang. 

#7: To travel around Penang, ride on their free shuttle bus

#8: We even ride the unique heritage mode of transportation, ferry from George Town Island to Butterworth and back and we got to see clearly of their famous iconic, Penang Bridge.

#9: That's us with the local! [Photo Credit To: Ana Jonessy]

After more than 10 years later, I can't believe I will be back again for another sae ferry ride. My virgin ride when I was still in secondary school having vacation with my family.


#10: Eat like Penang in Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Kuih where dipped fried popiah (spring roll) in Asam Laksa soup.

All the 5 groups managed to finish the assigned tasks on time. And before they decide to announce the winner, we were brought to Queensbay Mall for AirAsia's Battle of The Year 2015.

#11: AirAsia's Battle of The Year - The biggest street dance competition in the country 

Then, it's time for dinner at Yeng Keng Cafe in the bustling Chulia Street along together with the rest of the Penang bloggers. Yeng Keng Cafe is well-known for its delicious and scrumptious Hainanese cuisine and coincidentally, the chef who prepared all of our dishes is from Kota Kinabalu. Known as Chef Tan, he is claimed to be the oldest chef in Penang.

#12: Hainanese dinner at Yeng Keng Cafe

Thats's explain why I can't be a proper food blogger cause overall for me, the food taste pretty fine and good for me but for the rest, they said either the food were so-so only or kinda disappointed.

Ended our night by lucky draw to the 10 amazing Penang bloggers who have been working so hard with us to finish the 5 challenges and the three lucky winners got themselves flight ticket to Medan, Bangkok and Kota Kinabalu. As for the team who won the challenges, the prize is flight tickets to Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Super envy with them!

Although my group didn't win anything, but we have one the most amazing time having fun travel and eating around Penang. Not forgetting, I would like to extend my gratitude to Ken for his passion to bring us around Penang without involvement of his car.

#13: Thanks to AirAsia and Penang Global Tourism once again for the goodies

Planning To Travel To Penang?
AirAsia is flying directly from Kota Kinabalu to Penang with two flights daily.

So what are you waiting for? Hurry up book your ticket for another food, heritage trails and street art adventures.

P/S: I'm using my new toy, Sony DSC WX-500 (a compact camera eventually) and honestly, I found out my mirrorless camera, Sony NEX 5N which I have use for more than three years perform better than the compact one. What do you think?

My Posts on Penang:

• Penang's Art Street, Wall Paintings & Steel Sculptures 
• Old Penang Guesthouse

Vang Vieng, A Laid Back Riverside Town of Laos

Date Visited: 28th July 2013

Vang Vieng is a small tourist-oriented town in Laos which is about four hours bus ride north of the Vientiane city. It is a riverside town in Central Laos offering stunning scenery of river and rock formations. After staying for a night in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, we packed our bag and moved on to Vang Vieng.

Travel To Vang Vieng From Vientiane

For budget traveller like us, we prefer to take the cheapest option such as taking buses. Tickets for tourist buses and minivans can be purchased at almost every guesthouse, hostels and hotels and this include pick-up services from your lodge to the bus station. But I personally would recommend to buy directly from local tour company along Rue Setthathirat or Rue Samsenthai as it would be slightly cheaper than buying from your lodge. 

#1: Price list for buses/minivans from Vientiane

Minivans with air conditioning leave Vientiane all day and it cost about 35,000 kip (approx. to US$5 or RM16) for four hours journey. A minivan which I think can fit up to 10 people at least might be slightly uncomfortable for those who is tall with long leg as the seat is kinda cramped and wondering where they placed our baggage, it's on the top of the minivans by the way. The road from Vientiane to Vang Vieng is fairly in good condition with few bumps and there is one stop for the passengers for toilet break and grab quick bites. 

#2: Minivans 

Reach Vang Vieng and Accommodation

#3: Welcome to Vang Vieng 

The minivans stop at Northern Vang Vieng Bus Terminal which is 2km away from the city centre. Upon reaching, all the passengers including us were approached by tuk-tuk which can take us to the town for 10,000 kip each (approx. to US$1.50 or RM5) but both Jeff and I decided to walk instead. Vang Vieng is an average small town that everything is easily reachable by foot. From there, we searched for accommodation as we didn't book in advanced. Luckily it was low season in July and majority of the guest houses allowed us to have a look at their rooms before we agreed to book and stay. 

 

#4: There were 120 guesthouses in Vang Vieng Town!

#5: The double room we booked cost 60,000 kip per night (approx. to US$8 or RM27) without air-conditioning

Things To Do & See in Vang Vieng

Generally, Vang Vieng is well known for wealth of outdoor-oriented activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, trekking, caving, mountain biking, zipline and more but the most popular would be river tubing on the Nam Song River, an activity that long-dominated the town and its visitors. Initially, Jeff and I decided to try do the tubing but unfortunately it's been raining cats and dogs all day long when we were in Vang Vieng and for safety purposes, we have to forgone about this activity. 

#6: Some tourists still proceed with the tubing activity despite the heavy rain

#7: Kayaking the river 

 

#8: Or like what we did during the raining day - Watching US popular TV series Friends in most restaurants and cafes

Eating in Vang Vieng

As this small little town is getting more popular among tourists, there are numerous of restaurants, cafe and bars can be found in the town center. Most of these eateries offering a selection of local Lao and Thai cuisines as well as American and Italian dishes such as pizza, burger and so on.

 

#9: Enjoy our meal which watching Friends 

#10: For quick eats and late night snacks, numerous pancake and sandwich stalls lined up the streets. 

Although Vang Vieng seems to be a small and quiet little town but I don't regret for coming here as I was truly enjoy its peaceful and serene atmosphere. The town itself is so laid back with pretty simple and easy lifestyle - no worry, no stress, no tension. How I wish I could have this kind of life every single day? However, it's just a short stay in Vang Vieng cause on the next day, we proceeded to another town by the name of "Phonsavan".

#11: Nam Song river 

[Credit To: Wikitravel, Wikipedia]

Laos: Vientiane & Surrounding Area

Laos, the 9th Southeast Asia country I went last two years when Jeff Chuah, a travel blogger told me that he is planning to go there and instantly I asked whether can tag me along and he agreed. Thanks to Jeff too for helping me to buy the airticket cause I was in Hong Kong at that particular moment. This is the first time I travelled with a travel blogger, who shares the same passion and interest - travelling.

#1: I didn't pre-book in-flight meal but was given by an uncle who sat next to me cause I helped him to fill in quite number of arrival cards.

For Malaysian citizens, visa is not required when entering Laos and allow to stay up to 30 days. From Kuala Lumpur, the flight to Vientiane took 1 hour and 45 minutes and without realised it, we had landed safely in Wattay International Airport.

#2: Wattay International Airport

Get In To Town From Airport 

Wattay International Airport is roughly about 4km north-west of the Vientiane city center and in order to access to the city center, there are few transportation mode to choose from; either taking taxi, tuk-tuk or bus. We took taxi which cost US$7 or 57,000 kip. Yes, US dollar is acceptable in Laos but it is advisable to change some kip, their local currency. We changed in airport before taking the taxi as well bought local sim card which comes with data but unfortunately it only last for a day. Paid 20,000 kip (approx. to RM 9) but seems like being conned.

US$1 (Approx. to RM3.50) = 7,760 kip

Where To Stay In Vientiane
There are countless places to stay in Vientiane; from budget accommodation as low as below 120,000 kip (US$15 or approx. to RM50) to splurge hotels as high as over 400,000 kip. I personally would recommend to find accommodation along Rue Setthathirat or Rue Samsenthai which not far away from the Mekong River where most of the budget guesthouses and hotels, bars and restaurants are located. It is advisable to book in advance during the p

#3: Vientiane Garden Hotel - Mid range hotel that cost US$36 per night (including breakfast)

#4: Budget guest house cost 70,000 kip or US$9 (approx. to RM30) per night

Get Around Vientiane
Wandering around Vientiane is practically easier than I thought with less traffic and helpful street signage. Jeff and I mostly walked to all those nearby attractions instead of taking tuk-tuk.

#5: Street sign displayed in French and Lao


#6: Tuk-tuk in Laos almost similar to the one in Bangkok

Sights

1) Patuxai, the Victory Monument 

For panoramic views of Vientiane, climb up to the submit on the 7th floor with admission fee of 3,000 kip and you will surely impress with the spectacular and amazing view.

Opening Hours: 8am - 5pm
Admission Fee: 3,000 kip to climb the submit


2) Wat Si Saket 



Wat Si Saket is the oldest temple in Vientiane containing more than 2,000 sliver and ceramic Buddha images.

Opening Hours: 8am - 12pm & 1pm - 4pm everyday except for public holidays
Admission Fee: 2,000 kip for the local and 5,000 for foreign visitors

3) Haw Pha Kaew



Just across of Wat Si Saket is Haw Pha Kaew, a royal temple built specially to house the famed Emerald Buddha, but today used as a national museum of religious art where it has the best collection of Buddga images in Laos.

Opening Hours: 8am - 12pm & 1pm - 4pm everyday except for public holidays
Admission Fee: 2,000 kip for the local and 5,000 for foreign visitors

4) Black Stupa (That Dam)

The mythical abode of a seven-headed dragon that protects Vientiane but today, it slowly being overgrown again by lush grass vegetation. Black Stupa is located nearby the US embassy. 

5) Pha That Luang



The golden fully covered Pha That Luang is the most important national monument in Laos. This three-layered gilded stupa is a symbol of Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty. Located about 4km northeast of the city center at the end of Th That Luang, it took us almost half an hour to walk from our hotel to here.

Opening Hours: 8am - 12pm & 1pm - 4pm everyday except for public holidays
Admission Fee: 2,000 kip for the local and 5,000 for foreign visitors

Lao Food 

We came across this small stall selling crusty baguette nearby the bus stop. This French influence food is one of Lao's staple street foods which found at street side stalls. Locally known as Khao Jee, the popular filling of baguette is a set of pork meet, Vietnamese sausage, shredded carrot and radish, few slices of cucumber together with squeezes of mayonnaise and chilli sauce. And how much this baguette cost? 7,000 kip, which less than a dollar. Incredibly cheap!

Night Market

Oh boy! I love night markets and luckily the hotel we stayed, the night market is only a stone’s throw away. This riverside night market begins around sunset when an army of stall vendors ready to set up their red-roofed stalls directly on the Mekong riverside promenade. Fairly typical products can be found here such as Buddhist-inspired paintings and knick-knacks, cheap sunglasses, and Beer Lao T-shirts. No worry about the language barrier as English is widely spoken but be armed with your bargaining skills.

We only spent a day in Vientiane cause on the next day, we bought a bus ticket to Vang Vieng. Stay tune for more!

[Credit To: Wikitravel, Live Less Ordinary, Lonely Planet Southeast Asia On A Shoestring Guide Book]

Capsule by Container Hotel klia2

Looking for a place to crash overnight before catching the next flight but travel alone and in tight budget, Capsule by Container Hotel klia2 is definitely the ideal place for you to have short nap and quick break.

Previous years, I used to either stayed in Tune Hotel (this would be worth staying if two people shared the hotel cost), recharged in Plaza Premium Lounge (quite pricey) or even stayed awake for the whole night before catching my flight on the next morning but that's when I was young and full with energy. However as age is catching up, I found out no matter how tough I was, I still need to find a place to recharge energy and sufficient rest and there's where I found this - Capsule by Container Hotel klia2. Thanks to social media network, nowadays everything can be found by just one click away.

Located on the lower ground floor which just next to the bus and taxi counter, this capsule hotel consists of 79 capsules inspired by contemporary design & sustainable living on the mezzanine floor, upper and lower decks. In order to make reservation, one can either book online or walk-in for three different packages; opt for 3 hours, 6 hours or 9 hours. For someone who always like to book beforehand, I booked via online earlier for 6 hours packages. Upon check-in, guests are required to pay RM50 for security deposit and will be refundable upon check-out. Besides the key for the pre-asssigned capsule given, I was also provided with clean white towel and locker key.

Their locker which for guests to place baggage is located outside and before proceed to the capsule, remember to take all your valuable belongings along with you and things you need to use afterward. Each locker I believe can fit up to 28" of luggage size. 

This access key is very important cause besides in order to access into your pre-assigned capsule, it also use to activate the light and electricity of the capsule.

 The capsule - Perfectly fit for someone short like me. 

I have no problem with their capsule as it was pretty clean and comfortable. Each capsule equipped with two pillows, blanket, foldable table, personal locker/drawer, reading light, power socket and there is even blind which you could fold down if you want some privacy.

Separated bathrooms and toilets

One thing that concern about me is the cleanliness of sharing bathrooms but for this, there's nothing to worry about cause it exceptionally clean with pretty and stylish environment too. The bathrooms are equipped with hairdryer, hot and powerful shower as well as shower gel and shampoo are readily available.

Separated male and female toilets


Common area/Library with book exchange

Will I be back again? Of course I would and eventually I went back and booked for second time when I back from my Bangkok trip last May. It's fairly affordable, clean and most importantly I enjoyed my sleep comfortably before catching my flight back home on the next day.

The one and only downside I experience throughout my stay was the air-conditioner was not cold enough in the beginning and I found it quite stuffy. Another downside if you are light sleeper this capsule hotel might be not suitable as you could hear noises outside of the capsules. And this place is worth to stay in the case of travelling alone cause if two or more people, perhaps Tune Hotel would be the suitable option to stay.

Book online:
3 hours = RM50
6 hours = RM75
12 hours = RM95

Walk-in Rate:
3 hours = RM55
6 hours = RM80
12 hours = RM100

Capsule by Container Hotel

Lot L1-2 & 3, Gateway,
Terminal KLIA2, KL International Airport,
Jalan KLIA 2/1, 64000 KLIA, Sepang,
Selangor, Malaysia.

Official Website Page: http://www.capsulecontainer.com/index.html

Tokyo After 5 Years

#1: Direct flight from Kota Kinabalu to Narita Tokyo with Malaysia Airlines 

I never thought I will going back Tokyo again after 5 years. Initially my plan is flying to Hokkaido which from the research I found, July will be the perfect time to visit there but because this is annual family trip and two of my brothers have never been to 'Land of Rising Sun' before, re-do, re-route and re-change my plan from Hokkaido to the capital city of Japan, Tokyo.

#2: Narita International Airport for the very first time.

Honestly speaking, I can see there is slightly changes of Tokyo five years ago and five years later. First of all, language barrier is no longer an issue as majority of Japanese can speak at least simple English nowadays. Whether we were taking buses, in restaurants, in convenience store, train ticket offices and more, unlike 5 years ago. 

But somehow there is one major issue which I didn't enjoy Tokyo is overcrowded almost everywhere. Even more crowded than Shanghai. I'm kidding not. Three trains approached but we didn't manage to jump in cause it's overpacked with working people especially. What a nightmare!

Talking about my 8 days trip to Tokyo with my family, there are number of places I went for the second times such as:

#3: Akihabara Electric Town - My brothers spent more than 7 hours here.

#4: Shibuya - For crossing street, Hachiko statue, Disney store, best ramen and more 

#5: Tokyo Tower - Came here twice but never got the chance to go up. Came here just for One Piece Store

 

#6: Asakusa Senso-ji Temple 

and even including Harajuku, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and more. 

As for the following, it's my maiden visit to:

#7: Gundam Statue in Odaiba Park 

#8: Rainbow Bridge and Statue of Liberty

#9: Yokohama - Second popular city after Tokyo which less than an hour away

#10: Tokyo Disneyland 

#11: Hakone for Mount Fuji but unfortunately, the weather wasn't on our side

And of course, by end of this trip eventhough we're tired and exhausted, my family and I were really enjoyed each and every part of Tokyo. No wonder people said, "Once Went Japan, Almost Every Year Feels Like Going Back". This is my third times to Japan and I can't wait to look forward for another Japan Trip - prefecture such as Nagoya, Okinawa, Hokkaido and more.

#12: Look what we found in Tokyo - Super-sized soft ice-cream with 8 different flavours

Oh wait! I haven't start to blog about my 2013 Japan (Kansai Area) yet. So many outdated travelogues!