Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Travel 2014: 5 Countries in a Year

Yes, it's that post. That last post of the year, the post that recaps the year. That post. 
 
Because, truth be told, 2014 has been a good year for me - wanderlust-wise. With everything that has been going on at posting time, it may seem insensitive but it has made me grateful that I got to travel safely and got to experience what I did in five different but distinctively beautiful countries.

Not as many as some people who have jetted to seven countries in a span of 12 months (I am looking at you, mom!) but still a feat for me who is used to traveling once or twice a year.

Monday, December 29, 2014

Comic Fiesta 2014: My Highlights

Comic Fiesta 2014 has come and gone as it always had in the past many years. The past two days on the last weekend of December, of 2014 came to a close with its usual flourish of cosplayers, bands, anime designers, artists and of course, the fans. 


Thousands of them. 

Friday, December 26, 2014

Bangkok 2014 - Som Tam Nua, Siam Square Soi 5

The famous Som Tam Nua restaurant in Siam Square Soi 5 was the first place we hit upon reaching Bangkok. After checking in at Lub D, we headed to Siam Square by foot since it was just across the main intersection and is accessible via the elevated walkway. 

Even though it was only about 5pm when we came across Som Tam Nua in Soi 5, there were several groups of people inside, munching happily on the colourful variety of Thai dishes on their tables. The clientele was a mix of local and foreign visitors, indicating Som Tam Nua's popularity which is further contributed to by the restaurant winning CNNGo.com's Best Eats 2010 awards. I've heard that at peak hour, a queue forms outside the restaurant hence our decision to have a early dinner.


Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Gold Coast 2014: 6D5N Itinerary

So to share with what is possible and recommended to do in Gold Coast, here is my itinerary for a 6D5N Gold Coast trip and the accompanying posts.

Day 1: Arrival 
10am - Breakfast at  Piccolo
11am - Check in to Grande Florida Resort Apartment
1pm - Harbour Town for lunch and shopping
5pm - Cruising through Surfers Paradise
Free and easy at apartment

Monday, December 22, 2014

[Guest Post] Bohol, Philippines 2014: Things to Do in Bohol

Elie's back and this is her last post about Bohol. Not her last post on this blog I hope. If you have any questions about Bohol, Philipines, feel free to drop it in the comments below or hop on over to her blog at Shneep's Corner for more of her exciting adventures.

~.~.~.~.~

It’s me again! I hope you guys haven’t gotten bored of me because I haven’t finished up on my adventures in Bohol so let’s cut the chase and get onto pace. (Yes, I worked hard on that!) We often question of the things to do regardless the country we’re in and I always believe that there isn’t a better way to know than to read what others have to say which is why I have compiled the top 6 things you should do when you’re in Bohol!

STEP INTO THE PAST
You’ll be amazed how much of Bohol is still kept the way it is from thousands of years ago what with structures such as churches, houses and other build ups still standing strong today. While some buildings have unfortunately been ruined from the earthquake that hit Bohol in October 2013, the locals; or the Boholanos as they address themselves; are making great effort in bringing it back to perfection.


Sunday, December 21, 2014

Ordering from FoodPanda: A Beginner's Guide

We, Malaysians take our three daily meals very seriously. And yet, come meal time, most of us find it difficult (especially for those working) to drag our lazy bums to the car, turn on the engine, abandon your perfect parking spot, brave the infamous Malaysian traffic, pick a place to eat, find a parking spot at said eatery, find a place to sit in said eatery, pick what to eat, order, wait for your food to arrive, eat, pay, leave, brave the infamous Malaysian traffic (yet again), find a parking place (because your previous spot was taken up by someone else) and return to work. 

Wow, I got exhausted just typing that out.

Okay, that's basically the dilemma I find myself wrestling with at work everyday. In the end, I usually end up tapauing the same food from my Malay food auntie in my office block. On very rare occasions, I'd prepare my own lunch at home. Emphasize on very rare.

I could do delivery order but let's face it. The usual options would be fast food and pizza which aren't exactly meal one would want to eat everyday.

Of course, all of these was before I came across Foodpanda thanks to a campaign by the Butterfly Project Malaysia (FB here)


Holy crap, I will officially never have to leave my office for lunch anymore! Much excitement!

Friday, December 19, 2014

Eat Me Dessert Club, Telawi Bangsar

I love my desserts. Those who know me will tell you that I would move heaven and earth for desserts. And if there is one dessert that I absolutely and truly love, it would be creme brulee. Creme brulee and Project C's Teh Tarik cheesecake are probably the only two desserts I would willingly toss aside all diet plans for. 


And it just so happened that a new dessert parlor has opened up in the ever busy food hub of the Bangsar Telawi and it offers, perhaps, one of the best creme brulees I have ever tasted. But before I drive into depth how lovely the desserts are, let me introduce this magical dessert place. It's called Eat Me Dessert Club (wah, sounds so exclusive...) and it's right next to and affiliated to the famous Killer Gourmet Burger (KGB) in Bangsar.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Bangkok 2014 - Lub D hostel, Siam Square

On my previous trips to Bangkok, I have had the privilege of having a working parent located there and that meant free accommodation at fancy serviced apartment and for a brief time period, a driver to drive us around the city. 

Fast forward three years later, said parent has returned back to Malaysia and I have not visited Bangkok since. Well, until recently, when I had an insatiable urge to revisit the city. And also to visit a  husky cafe there *insert excited scream*

Anyway, without a luxury apartment waiting for me, it fell to me to find a place to stay in Bangkok. Fortunately my trip to Japan has turned my preference towards hostels as a means of a budget accommodation and after asking around amongst friends and family, I opted for Lub D, Siam Square (www.lubd.com) for my 5D4N trip to Bangkok in December 2014.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

TGV Cinemas End 2014 With 5 New Locations Nationwide‏

OMG OMG OMG! 

It is finally happening! TGV Cinemas has finally graced my area with their presence with the opening of their outlet in the new (old) Jaya Shopping Mall in Section 14. It is reportedly scheduled to open by Christmas which means I would have an official neighborhood cinema just 10 minutes from my house before the end of the year. 

Yay! No more driving to crowded major shopping malls to catch a movie. 

Jaya is but one of five TGV Cinemas that will be opening up before the year end. The first to open will be in Bukit Mertajam and Miri as their first foray to East Malaysia on Dec 18 and followed by Kulaijaya, Seri Manjung and Jaya by Christmas. 

Monday, December 15, 2014

Nanny's Pavilion, KLIA 2

KLIA 2 has become a food mall of sorts with so many things to do and eat in comparison to its predecessor, LCCT. I no longer dread going to the airport early for check-in, instead now I planned to be there early simply to allow me time to explore the newly built shopping mall airport.

And explored I did before I flew off to Bangkok earlier this month until I found myself standing in front of a quint spacious eatery that screams traveler and hipsters in every sense. Nanny's Pavilion looked nothing like a nanny's child daycare nor does it look like a pavilion. Instead it looked very much like a traveler's lounge. Literally. 

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Old School, Jaya One review

Jaya One has a new kid on the block and it is called Old School, an eatery that has taken root in Puchong and is now in Petaling Jaya. For once, going back to school isn't a drag with the promise of good food and a walk down memory lane drawing in pork lovers and insta-crazy foodies. 


Already outside, there is the mural at the entrance that practically entices people to be a part of it. Queuing for the bus, anybody?

Friday, December 12, 2014

Gold Coast 2014 : Day 5 - Sea World and Surfer Paradise

Sea World has always been sort of a controversy for me. Ever since I watched the documentary Black Fish, visiting the famous aquarium theme park has never been on my must-do list. But during my trip to Gold Coast in September 2014, we had ordered a VIP pass that allowed us access into three theme parks in Gold Coast for a whole year. Sea World had been one of them and forgo-ing it seemed like a waste of the money we paid for the passes. 

Monday, December 8, 2014

Philips Steam Plus 2-in-1 Sweep and Steam Cleaner review

So the last time, I had a chance to review Phil, Philips' steam cleaner. This time, I got a chance to try out his more... multifunctional cousin, the Steam Plus 2-in-1 Sweep and Steam cleaner and I am quite excited to review this unit because it could be the answers to all my household woes.

There is a weekly routine in my household that I absolutely loath and that is sweeping and mopping the floor. My house is quite big with a lot of hard-to-reach corners that gather dust quite easily. Navigating a ratty old broom can be quite a challenge as I always had to make sure I got every bit of dust there is before mopping otherwise it would be giant wet ball of hair, fur and dirt. Other than that, there is the issue of re-dipping the mop into a bucket of dirty water. Is that like, mopping the floor with dirty water anyway? My mom says the floor detergent will take care of that but ew. 

Friday, December 5, 2014

[Guest Post] Bohol, Philippines 2014: South Palms Resort Panglao review

What’s up, beaches?


Yes, that was my very lame attempt at a pun to show you this amazing picture of the beach BUT if my lame attempt made you laugh anyway…thank you for taking in my shenanigans! But back in business, let me just take you around the residence of mine over 3 days and 2 nights when I was in Bohol. Welcome to South Palms Resort Panglao.

Spotted within 45 hectares of beach space is a 9.3 hectare tropical enclave with just 90 rooms and villas set in the land of Barangay Bohol in Panglao, just a 20 minute drive away from the city center of Bohol Island called Tagbilaran. For those flying in and arriving at the Tagbilaran Airport, fret not for the hotel does provide a 2-way transit for the convenience of guests. You will however find that there isn’t much that you can do outside of the hotel if you’re on foot because it’s not exactly placed in the most happening spot in Bohol but if you’re up for a peaceful escapade, this is just the place you want to be in.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Magnum cafe, Midvalley review

When was the last time any of us queued for ce-cream? The last I remember was when I was a kid and the ice-cream potong guy would come around on his motorcycle and all the neighbourhood kids (and their maids) would crowd him to get their ice-cream fix. 

Because we were kids, we had no concept of queuing. Fortunately, as adults the concept of queuing (ie waiting for our turn) is not lost on some of us. Point in case: the new opened Magnum Cafe in Midvalley Megamall. 

You know what they say, a crowd draws a crowd and this rings very true with Malaysians. Since its opening in November 2014, the Magnum cafe has seen hordes of adults and teenagers queuing patiently outside its two-floored cafe on the highest floor of the mall. All to customise their dream Magnum. 

The concept that allows customers to 'design' their own Magnum ice-cream has spawned outlets in Bangkok, Singapore and now Kuala Lumpur. We Malaysians are generally very proud about our creativity with food and this gave us that opportunity to flex that creativity. 

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Gold Coast 2014 : Day 4 - Wet & Wild and Warner Bros Movie World Theme Parks

After a day of trashing our bodies at Spartan and a day of animal touring, it was time to spend a day getting our adrenaline up and in our separate cars, headed down to Wet andWild theme park which was perfectly located right next to Warner Bros Movie World. From our apartments slight south of Surfers Paradise, it was a hour's drive.

 

Before this trip, we had searched the Internet for discounted prices and deals and then my friend spotted a VIP Magic Pass at $79.99 that covered three theme parks (Wet and Wild, Warner Bros Movie World and Seaworld) entrances for a whole year. To order the pass, you would need to fill in the form online (using an Aussie address), make the payment and a confirmation email with your name and details on it will be sent to your email. You would need to print this out to collect your VIP pass at any one of the theme parks.

Friday, November 28, 2014

Shop Philips online at Blip.my

Hey over to my brothers and sisters over in Sarawak and Sabah! 

Looking for your must-have-but-hard-to-find Philips product has never been easier. Because you can now order it online on Blip.my, the first Philips-exclusive online store in Malaysia. Fret not about paying extra because shipping is free to any part in Malaysia and there are always bargain steals on Blip.my. 

Basically what you see in the physical stores and in the mall, is what you'll get when you order online. Heck you can even order your products in the wee hours of the morning! 

Thursday, November 27, 2014

adidas Skincare for Men x Malaysia's 1st National Dodgeball Tournament, Jumpstreet PJ

We all know about Adidas but not many of us know about dodgeball. Or that you can play dodgeballs on trampolines.

In conjunction with the launch of adidas Skincare for Men, Malaysia's first National Dodgeball Tournament was announced to be held at Jumpstreet Trampoline in Petaling Jaya. Jumpstreet has become a popular place amongst those in Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur and it only seemed fitting that the launch of both related occasions were held there. 

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

[Guest Post] Bohol, Philippines 2014: F1 Manila Hotel review by Elie

Guess who’s back and back again? Okay, I’m sorry but that was my lame attempt in being funny. Back to business and I’ll be taking you around to have a look at the hotels I stayed in while I was in Philippines. As I’ve mentioned in my previous post, you would have to stay the night while you’re in Manila before you could take off to Tagbilaran with AirAsia Zest and the folks in the Philippines had proudly put us up in…

The F1 Hotel Manila

Located in the urbanized area of the Bonifacio Global City, the F1 Hotel Manila definitely sweeps you off the floor with thoughts of a rather run down city, especially given reports of what the media depicts of Manila.

Monday, November 24, 2014

Gold Coast 2014 : Day 3 - Alpaca Farm and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

In the months leading up to the Gold Coast trip, whale-watching had been on the table as one of the must-do activities. However after scanning for a Groupon deal and further research, I opted out whale-watching in favour of....alpacas. Well, alpacas and a visit to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary


Despite being semi-crippled, sunburnt and bruised from Spartan Beast the prior day, I was determined to follow through with my day plans for our third day in Gold Coast. My sister was a huge lover of alpacas (god knows why) and I decided to make a visit to the Mountview Alpaca Farm, a hour and a half drive from Gold Coast. Getting to the area went smoothly thanks to Waze that took us over Mount Nathan and into Canungra.

Friday, November 21, 2014

[Guest Post] Bohol, Philippines 2014: Jetting off with AirAsia Zest by Elie

Philippines as a travel destination has never been more appealing now that Airasia has flight routes there. Manila, Boracay and now Bohol. Airasia has certainly opened up plenty of traveling opportunities and as part of its Bohol media familiarization trip, invited a group of media members and bloggers to join them. Sugoi desu ne! 

But due to prior commitments, I was unable to go personally and instead suggested fellow cipet blogger, Elie Lam for the media fam trip in my place.


And after 4 days of frolicking on the sandy beaches of Bohol, here's the first of Elie's Philipines adventure posts.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

An Indulging Charity at Indulge, TGV 1Utama

Now who says you can't treat yourself while doing some charity?

Taking the initiative to give back to charity, TGV in partnership with Omnicom Media Group have launched A Delicious Charity campagn in order to raise funds for PERTIWI Soup Kitchen and Fungates Superflow Foundation. 

From November 2014 to October 2015 (a whole year!), 12 different dishes will be featured each month, of which 5% of the 'dish of the month' will go to charity. The 12 dishes were selected and  made reality from the pages of the OMG Can Cook recipe book which only cost RM10.

In the coming months, here are some of the dishes you can expect to look forward to.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Gold Coast 2014: Day 2 - Hurricane's Grill & Bar, Surfers Paradise

So after running/walking 21km and overcoming 35 obstacles (or burpeeing our way through), it only seemed right that we treat ourselves to a scrumptious meal at one of the famous eateries in Gold Coast, Hurricane's Grill and Bar in Surfers Paradise. 


A good many blogs and TripAdvisor reviews recommended this place so we were excite to dine there especially after an exhausting day. Reservations were made a week in advance and a deposit was paid to secure our booking as we had a huge group of over 20 people. 

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Gold Coast 2014: Day 1 - Arrival in Gold Coast

What do you get when a team of 20 people boards the same flight from KLIA 2 to Gold Coast, Australia? Absolute chaos and havoc. And that was exactly what we were when we boarded our overnight AirAsia X flight for Gold Coast to participate in the Reebok Spartan Beast race, held in Brisbane. With missing wallets and passports right from the start, we knew the trip was going to be an interesting one.




We landed early in the morning at Coolangatta airport and quickly sorted out our vehicles from Europcar while the rest of the team flew in from Sydney and Melbourne. Some of us who could not live without connectivity quickly purchased a prepaid Optus SIM card (AUD22 for 10 days of 1GB data a day) from a store before piling into our rented two 12-seater vans from Eurocar with our massive luggage and off we went to our apartments at Grande Florida Resort, Miami Beach [read my review on it here]

Thursday, November 6, 2014

So You Think You Can ChiChi and Chacha

So you think your kid has what it takes to be the next star of ChiChi and ChaCha?



Kyanite TV and Big Fish Media is organizing "Be The Next ChiChi & ChaCha Star”, a star search for kids and teens aged between 6 to 18 years old. The show will give its contestants an opportunity to perform live with the hosts of hit TV show, ChiChi & ChaCha (CC2) in 2015.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Viper Challenge 2014 - BIGGER & BETTER

After a total of three hours of sleep and two scones for breakfast, I found myself at Sepang International Circuit in the wee hours of a Sunday morning for the second Viper Challenge. Hailed as the biggest obstacle challenge in Asia, Viper Challenge 2014 saw its tickets sell out like hot cakes within the first week and after last year's, um, incident, had to make a comeback in order to redeem itself.


And did they ever with a completely new circuit mixed with old and new obstacle challenges along the way.  I was a bit apprehensive at first about it, unwilling to get my hopes up until I heard the raving good reviews from Day 1 participants. It was a massive improvement from the previous year and has risen the standards of obstacle challenges around the region. Or so I heard the evening before. 


Friday, October 31, 2014

Firing a Gun for the First Time

In life, there are those girls that grew up playing with barbie dolls and tea parties. And then there are some girls who spent the better part of their teen years chasing boys and learning how to apply make up to lure in said boys. And finally, there are those girls who spent their weekends and pocket allowances in the arcade, practicing their shooting and driving skills.

Care to guess which girl I am?

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Logitech M280 Mouse review

After 4 years of faithful servitude, it finally happened. My laptop's touchpad lost its touch. Like literally. I can barely control my cursor with the touchpad now and on top of that, whenever the laptop is plunged in and charging, the cursor runs amok and just starts clicking at random, causing me to accidentally erase my work multiple times. Several times, I have come very close to chucking my laptop out the window...


It's amazing how something as simple as a touchpad could be taken for granted. Then fortunately, I managed to get my hands on the latest Logitech M280 mouse. Compared to the M235 mouse, this one had a more ergonomically form for comfortable use. In other words, it fills my palm much better this time, making it perfect for long hours of usage.

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Gold Coast 2014: Spartan Beast Brisbane QLD

About a year ago, I took part in the Viper Challenge and Tough Mudder in Perth and have since then grown addicted to obstacle challenges and after much persuasion from one of my friends (I hate you, Sunil Bangah), signed up for the Reebok Spartan Race. So on 4 September 2014, I jetted off to Gold Coast with my team over 20 people to take part in Spartan Beast, the second longest and most grueling version out of the all categories of Spartan (Sprint, Super, Beast, Ultra-Beast).

Beast was....21km of rugged terrain, trail running and 35 obstacles to overcome along the way. Failure to successfully complete each obstacle on the first try led to a penalty of 30 burpees for each obstacle. 

So if I failed all 35 obstacles, that would be... (does mental calculations, gives up and uses calculator) 1050 burpees.

Friday, October 24, 2014

Happy 2nd Birthday, Ma Blog!

This October 2014 has been a huge month for me. I ran my first ever half marathon at the SCKLM and survived. I also managed to raise funds for Malaysian Nature Society in the process. I also learned the right way to use and fire a Glock gun. But perhaps the most significant moment for me would involve this blog. 

Because you see....

Two years ago after leaving my job as a writer, I set out on a mission to continue writing (simply because I enjoy writing) and two years later, over 200 posts, thousands of travel and food photos and a new job in a new field later, here I am still blogging as frequently as my schedule would allow me.

And to commemorate my blog's second year in existence, I've finally purchased an official domain address and also changed its overall name to be shorter, catchier and with a touch of my long term fixation with Japan. 

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

The Porki Society Boat Noodles, Seapark review

A new eatery has opened up in Seapark, Petaling Jaya and its name is an immediate hint to the kind of food offers. At The Porki Society, expect only pork dishes and of course, the main star of the restaurant, boat noodles. 


Boat noodles is a concept that originated from Thailand and an increasing number of boat noodles eateries around and about Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya has introduced many to the concept of eating many bowls of noodles in small servings. Jaya One has one Boat Noodle outlet there which serves only chicken or beef with its noodles. The Porki Society as its name indicates, serves only pork. Which is perfect fine for a pork lover like myself. 

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Philips Steamcleaner Active review

Meet Phil. Short for Philips Steamcleaner Active.



For about a month now, Phil has been the center of attention amongst us girls in the Wee household, mainly due to his potential to make the weekly chore of cleaning the floor easier for us. You see, Phil has many good qualities  and a few not-so-good ones. 

Friday, October 17, 2014

Strangers at 47 cafe, Section 17 PJ review

I love Petaling Jaya. 

So many new cafes and makan joints have opened up all within vicinity of my house and each weekend, I am spoiled for choice over which new coffee and dessert joint to try. This week, that joint would be Strangers at 47, located in Section 17 along the same row as Kanna Curry House.


Cool cement walls and wooden furniture offered up a cosy feeling. I learnt that more wooden fixtures were added to be the interior two days after my trip there.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Surviving Comic Fiesta: Tips for All

Whether you are a first timer or a long time attendee of Comic Fiesta, each year is a whole new experience all together. For many all anime, manga and game fans around Malaysia, Comic Fiesta is the ultimate convention of the year. Comic Fiesta was even moved from previous smaller venues (Sunway Pyramid and Times Square) to the huge Kuala Lumpur Convention Center to accommodate the ever-growing crowd and has even become an event for outstationers and tourists to visit.

Last year saw an astonishing 39,8555 visitors for the two days event. That means a packed and crowded hall that looks something like this.


Now before you freak out and wet yourself, there are ways for you to make it an enjoyable experience whether you are a reasoned attendee or a newbie. Here are some tips to help you survive Comic Fiesta.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

SCKL 2014: My First Half Marathon

Remember my earlier post in May announcing my intentions to attempt my first ever half marathon? (You can click here to read it)  Well, on 12 October 2014, I did it. My first 21KM of pure road running.


It was surreal arriving at the start 4am in the morning to accompany my mom the marathoner and watching the full marathoners flag off at 430am. As I waited for my turn to flag off, I could hear the emcees announcing the ongoing positions for the full marathon.

"Kenya, Kenya, Kenya, Kenya, Morocco, Kenya, Kenya, Kenya, Ethiopia... this sounds like a rap song."

At some point, I found a bootcamp friend and we positioned ourselves near the start to avoid the backlog but as a result, nearly suffocated myself from accumulated BO.  By the time we started, I was relieved for the space and 'fresh' air.


Thursday, October 9, 2014

Japan 2014: Portable Wifi Router Japan Wireless

For a very modern country, wifi sure comes sparingly in cafes and hotels around Japan. During my first trip to Japan in 2013, I got lost and couldn't find my bearing without wifi. So knowing how hectic our schedule was going to be, I opted to rent a portal wifi router from Japan Wireless.

Honestly it was all Cousin's hardwork because he did all the research being the tech geek that he is and so I left him in charge of it. And he suggested the Mobile Wifi Router LTE (75Mbps). For a 9 day rental, it was 5,650yen (RM170). That came up to about RM18 a day.


 The order was made online through the Japan Wireless website and paid through Paypal. A 500yen shipping fees was added on top of the total price as the company would ship it to our first accommodation in Japan upon arrival which for us was Yume Nomad in Kobe.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Super Kitchen Chilli Pan Mee, SS2 review

I never used to be a fan of Pan Mee. I never understood the appeal of a soggy, not-thin-nor-thick noodle with ikan bilis and minced pork or chicken. Until two years ago when my sister introduced me to Jojo Pan Mee in SS2 and to its Lat Jiu Pan Mee and century egg dumpling.



Only recently I stumbled upon a new Chilli Pan Mee hunt, also in SS2. Well, new to me as this place has been in business for a long time now. Super Kitchen Chilly Pan Mee is located in Chow Yang along the same row as the Original Kayu Nasi Kandar, SS2. Parking is easy to come by compared to the main SS2 area.


Saturday, October 4, 2014

Gold Coast 2014: Grande Florida Resort Apartment

"Spacious unit with a balcony overlooking two swimming pools, one cool, one heated."

"A hideaway amidst lush tropical palm trees and greeneries that provides the illusion of privacy."

"A minute's walk to the pristine unspoiled Miami beach with a stunning view of Surfers Paradise and within walking distance of shops, a tennis court and a Coles supermarket."

These were the common reviews I kept reading online when researching the resort. A friend had secured resort vouchers for our trip at about 469AUD for a two bedroom apartment for 6D5N. We booked five units for our trip. When we split the cost of the apartments amongst our group of 22, it became a freaking steal.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Japan Kit Kat Flavours - That Yummy Weird Treat

Most of us enjoy a good bar of Kit Kat now and then. And even if it's not your utmost favourite chocolate wafer biscuit in the world, I am sure you would have at least heard of it or even snacked on it on one of those hungry days. But there is no other country out there than loves Kit Kat more than Japan.


The Japanese, the wonderful bunch of people that they are, has taken their love for Kit Kats to a whole new level simply because Kit Kat sounds close to Kitto Katsu, a term in Japanese that translates to 'surely win'. For a country where gift-giving was a customary ritual, presenting someone with the gift that wishes good luck is just ideal. Kit Kat is in fact the No. 1 brand confectionery brand in Japan.

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Fashion Overhaul at the Rakuten Super Sale!

My family and friends know that I am a sucker for a good sale and bargain. I like finding clothes that suit my style and comfort without breaking the bank. And ever since hearing about Rakuten, Japan's largest online shopping mall, I have been ordered clothes from them once every two months at least!

Because their shops and brands have just so many things to pick from! Personally, my favourite Rakuten outlet to surf on was Luvclo. Got quite a number of my tops from there and at decent prices too. Like this one here:


Monday, September 22, 2014

Japan 2014 - Kobe, Kyoto, Nara & Osaka Itinerary (10-days)

So I've gotten a lot of email requests asking for my Japan itinerary as a guide to help them plan out their trip. So here it is!

Mind you, my itinerary was rather pack as we wanted to make the most out of our trip. There was a lot of walking and public transportation involved as those were the best, cheapest and most efficient way of moving between three main cities of Kansai (well, four if you count Nara).



To get around, everyone in my group had two 3-day Kansai Thru Pass and an Osaka Unlimited Pass which is available for purchase at the Travel Desk at the information counter of the Kansai International Airport  are only activated once they are swiped at a subway entrance gate. For a more in-depth post on their prices and benefits -----> here

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Star Wars Miniland Lands in Legoland Malaysia, Johor Bahru

Dum Dum Dum, Dum-te-Dum, Dum-te-Dum..

Suit up in your Storm Trooper outfits, Star Wars fans because Star Wars Miniland has finally opened up on Legoland Malaysia down south. The launch was officiated by Mark Germyn, General Manager, LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort and Dato’ Dr. Ong Hong Peng, Secretary General, Ministry of Tourism Malaysia and was attended by Malaysian media and bloggers as well as our Singaporean counterparts.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Japan 2014 - Day 10: Osaka - Bye Japan :(

Leaving Japan after a magical 9-day holiday in the beautiful and culturally rich country, I was depressed and the dark morning clouds on my last day of the trip made it feel as though that the country was depressed that I was leaving.

Due to Malaysian Airlines not allowing us to do mobile check-in, we had to get to the airport by 8am to check-in. With a heavy heart, we bid farewell to our Osaka host, Saito whom we bumped into on the way to the train station. Staying Nul-Live Guesthouse a.k.a Namba Guesthouse was wonderful and I will miss Saito, Hyun and of course, Hanamizu. Anyone looking for accommodation in Osaka, do consider Namba Guesthouse and can check out my review of the guesthouse here.