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

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.

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.

Terminus Invisible Urban Roller Bag review

I remember at the end of my recent Japan trip, I bought so many things that my check-in luggage could not fit everything. This left me with little choice but to buy another smaller roller luggage bag that had cat designs all over it (main reason why I wanted it). However as I was lunging my luggage (two rollers bags, one big sling bag and a handbag) through the train station, onto the train and into the airport, I found myself wishing that my little cat roller bag had straps to double as a backpack because pulling along two roller bags of different sizes and weights was no easy feat.

The next time I traveled, I told myself that I could get myself a roller backpack but that never materalized as I never found one that I fancied. Much like finding the right guy. #foreveralone #crazycatladyWIP

Then it so happened that a few days before I was set to jet off to Aussie, I learnt about Terminus and a visit to their outlet in 1Utama for their launch introduced me to their Invisible Urban Roller bag. A.k.a....the One.

The moment I saw it, I knew instantly it was the travel bag I needed. 

Japan 2014 - Day 9: Osaka - Ramen Museum, Kyoto Hanami & Kiyomizudera Night Illumination

Our last day in Osaka and it was pouring. However, that didn't hinder our plans to head out of Osaka to visit the Momofuku Ramen Musuem in Ikeda and back again to Kyoto for the Kiyomizudera Night Illumination that only happens for a short period four times a year. Unfortunately my friend wasn't feeling well and opted to stay in Osaka and relax there and Cousin and Sister became my travel companions for the day.

Using the Kansai Thru Pass (as it can be used on non-consecutive days), we took the subway from Namba to Umeda and hopped on over to the Hankyu train, taking the Takarazuka line. Ikeda was about 10 stops away and took approximately 40 minutes. As I have visited the museum on my previous trip, I knew exactly where to go. 

Creatively Functional Bags by Terminus, 1Utama

I love bags. Seriously, what woman doesn't? But more than that, I love functional versatile bags that can hold everything I need for almost all occasions as I am not one that changes her bag frequently. Save for a few brands, there are not many bags out there that can blend functionality with fashion and decent prices. 

Enter Terminus Bag. 

Animangaki 2014 - Day 2 Highlights

Day 2 of Animangaki 2014 and I was beat. After a whole day of being on my feet on Day 1, got my butt kicked at the Energizer Night Run by dehydration and getting up super early for Spartan training with the team, I was sure all feelings in my legs was imaginary.

But by some miracle/determination, I summoned up all my last remaining energy and its reserves and got myself to Sunway Pyramid for the second day of Animangaki...somehow.

And if it was even possible, there was even more to see, do and look forward to on Day 2. Here are my highlights.

Philips Airfloss Launch, Empire Hotel Subang

Look into the mirror and flash your pearly whites. Think looks sparkly and clean? Well, look closer. Because in between your teeth and gums, plaque has set up shop there and it is slowly eating away at your teeth and gum, causing bleeding and oral health issues.

Although brushing is a must, it does not completely remove the food debris and bacterial plaque that may accumulate between the teeth, whereas flossing can help remove this plaque and debris. And even then, sometimes even flossing won't do the trick as proper technique and commitment is needed.

My AirAsia Free Seats!

If I had 10 AirAsia Free Seats, I would go to Bangkok and I'd bring along my bootcamp teammates and here's why!

Why my crazy bootcamp teammates? 
Because there's no other group with whom I would travel with other than this crazy group of people. Whether it's for a holiday or to surrender our lives take part into whatever crazy obstacle race in whatever far away country that it is being held in, they have become my favourite people to do globe-hopping with (admittedly we have only globe-hopped to Australia and Singapore so far...)

Taking advantage of Airasia's reasonable flight tickets, we have flown to Perth, Australia for Tough Mudder 2013 and to Singapore for the Commando Challenge 2013 and Urbanathlon 2014.

Star Wars Miniland, Legoland Malaysia Opening Soon

Hear ye, hear ye... Live long and prosper! 

No, wait..that's not right. What I meant to say was..may the force be with you. 

*cue March of the Empire soundtrack*

What am I going on about? Why, the long awaited opening date of Star Wars Miniland in Legoland Malaysia in Johor Bahru of course! You can mark your calenders for 6 September because that's when this will be happening. And by the way, if you so happen to be visiting around that time, it's also Legoland Malaysia's second anniversary on 16 September (Hello, Malaysia Day holiday) so keep an eye out for special offers!