Cheapest Flights, Exotic Setting and Fun-Filled Adventure: Kuala Lumpur to Phuket

Ever since selecting holiday destinations online became massively convenient and affordable with wide range of the cheapest flights offerings, a lot of more exotic travel spots received a huge boost in its tourism sector. Thailand is one of the countries prospering from this, with Bangkok and Phuket being its top picks, each being a wonderful destination in its own respect. 

 Phuket in particular, has proven itself to be a favourite among travellers in general. With some of the cheapest flights out there from Kuala Lumpur to Phuket, it’s an all rounder sort of venue, with something to offer for everyone. Traveloka is one of the travel companies that offers amazing deals on Kuala Lumpur to Phuket air tickets that will leave you shook. Monthly promotions offered in their site will present you the most affordable price. From sheer entertainment to rich culture, thumping parties to nature walks, and vibrant urbanity to sandy thrills, they say there’s always a little bit more to discover. 

In fact Phuket is the first ever overseas destination I flew to back in 2006 and I actually blog about how much I missed the places in Phuket 

With some many places to visit and limited time to waste, here’s the list of top eight things you can expect to see when you take the next Kuala Lumpur to Phuket flights. 

1. Phi Phi Island

 I took this picture in Phi Phi island back in 2006!

Phi Phi Island As far as beauty and serenity is concerned, to give you an idea of how charming Phi Phi Island is, it was selected for Leo Dicaprio’s 2000 movie The Beach. This island is as magnificently pretty as the movie made it out to be, and is Thailand’s primary tropical tourist attraction. Rich in flora and fauna, it has ensured a reasonable minimum in commercial development to maintain its enchanting allure. It’s a popular choice amongst travellers as they get a little more than just a mere tan. 

2. Phang Nga Bay

How I looked 12 years ago!

Phang Nga Bay Located in the north east side of the island, this bay highlights beautiful limestone cliffs that emerge, steadfastly, up from the emerald waters. Like Phi Phi Island, this little segment of Phuket also holds in it a glorious range of protected Flora and Fauna that can be watched through guided tours as part of its nature walk and hiking packages. There are two smaller islands off its coast that are worth checking out and considering the possibility of scoring the cheapest flights here, you might as well. 

3. Old Phuket Town

This town is far from being a little quaint. It’s seen a rise in tourism-based businesses that caters to much of the traffic that comes in. Cool and vibrant shops of various types are available, especially where gifts and knick knacks galore are concerned. There’s a nice mix of modern architecture with portuguese colonial and chinese influenced heritage. It’s a pretty cool place to wander through during the day.

 4. Phuket FantaSea Show 

Prepare yourself for an evening of wholesome fun and goofing around. A professional assembly of stunt artists, performers, animal acts and astounding pyrotechnics get their best show out in an ala cirque du soleil fashion; guaranteeing a show like you’ve never seen before. It’s a story told through a display of skill, dare and a experienced showmanship. 

 5. Big Buddha 

As one of the most sacred and revered landmarks, the Big Buddha attracts its fair share of visitors from all around the world. For both religious and sight-seeing reasons, this 45 meters tall humongous statue of a sitting Buddha sits at the top of Nakkerd Hills, overseeing Chalong, Kata and Rawai. The drive up to Nakkerd Hills is an experience in itself, with a majestic view of the island at your disposal.

 6. Wat Chalong and the Phuket Temples

Also in Chalong is one of Phuket's most important temples. A Buddhist temple with a seemingly endless glass decor adorning the building, it’s quite a sight for the everyday vacationer. There are fairs held during certain holidays where pop-out stalls sell the best of thai snacks and other local flavours. It’s an important component to any trip over in Phuket.

7. Phuket Viewpoints 

Amazing view at Promthep Cape

As adventurous as some may be, there are those here for a little romance, and none does it better than those banking on a beautiful sunrises and sunsets. There’s an array of viewpoints available throughout Phuket, with the most popular being Promthep Cape. Some of these viewpoints also sell cocktails at the bars for those wanting to take it up a notch. 

8. Muay Thai 

Thailand has also made a name for itself in the martial arts arena with Muay Thai, and what amazing art it really is. Dedication and discipline that is portrayed for viewing pleasure through awe-inspiring matches between well-trained experts. It’s a performance of mind, body and spirit, showcased for visitors to help them understand why Thailand is a heavily visited destination. 

With such excitement waiting for you there, avoid all the procrastination you might be feeling at the end of this entry. The cheapest flights promotion and deals are ticking and it will not wait for you anytime soon. The time to enjoy life is now and I'm actually really thinking of revisiting Phuket soon! 

How to travel from Beijing to Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in China

Can't believe I'm standing on staircase made from ice!

I actually wrote a super long post quite some time ago but my browser crashed and everything was gone! So here am I writing again to tell you one of my most unforgettable trip after 2 months missing from my blog. So much things happened and I can't wait to tell you guys more! 

It has been my dream so many many years to go China to see Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. I have always love winter but Harbin's weather is another level! 

I was so happy that I finally made it to the 18th Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival Grand Opening on 6 January 2017. The entrance ticket is really expensive. Official selling price is CNY 330 (RM209) and if you buy through any travel agency in Harbin town it's only CNY 310 (RM196) including return transportation. Will share about the details of Harbin-China Ice-Snow World later on in another blog post.

Ways to get to Harbin, China

Most people asked me how do I get to Harbin from Malaysia. There is no direct flight from Malaysia to Harbin. I chose the cheapest way to get to Harbin via Beijing. So I fly in to Beijing and take a train directly to Harbin. The fastest  and most expensive way of course is to fly in to Harbin from Beijing airport.

The fastest train to Harbin from Beijing is about 7 hours but I picked a night train which is 11 hours because I do not want to waste my day time taking train. 

Upon arriving Beijing I went to Beijing Railway Station right away to buy night train ticket to Harbin.

I found out later on, I could book the train ticket in advance via Ctrip app for a small fee. And I have successfully booked a return train ride from Harbin to Beijing via Ctrip where I just need to present the voucher at the counter to redeem my train ticket.

Ctrip is actually an online China based travel services provider (like Agoda) offers accommodation reservation, transportation ticketing, packaged tours and corporate travel management. You can use your Visa & MasterCard to purchase. Good news that they have english language on their website : http://english.ctrip.com/

I bought night ticket to Harbin so that I can save one night accommodation. The ticket price is CNY 241.50 (RM153) for one way. 

Finally my train arrived at 8.30 pm. Super punctual! Be sure to be early because there are so many coaches and you will need to take some time for you to look before boarding.

First look at the train. Clean! 

Because of our last minute train ticket purchase and it's super peak season, we can't get sleeper on the train and only managed to Soft Seat.

Actually it's pretty comfortable and feel like our local ETS. There is also WiFi on the train but needed local sim card & WeChat account to login. 

Toilet in train also looks pretty clean. 

After 11 hour train ride, I have arrived in Harbin!

OMG so cold...it's -18 Celsius!!!! 

First look at Harbin city once I get out from train station. Looks like a big city.

In Harbin I booked my hotel via Ctrip and the room rates are cheaper compared to Agoda & Booking.com. 

Was glad the hotel allowed early check in.. Hotel looks really decent and great for the price CNY 178 (RM114). It is located near the Central Street in Harbin where all the shops and restaurants located. Most happening area in Harbin.

It was so cold in Harbin. You have to be properly dressed so that you don't catch the cold ; have to pick a really good gloves to keep your body warm. Probably I will share next time how to dress up for winter in Harbin! 

Was so excited to see ice sculptures everywhere in Central Street, Harbin! Will share more in my next blog post

Hope you love my travel sharing, do leave me a comment if you want to see more of my travel story ya! 

My Travel Tips : Top 4 Places to Visit in Desaru, Johor!

Last weekends I had some fun with some girls in Desaru courtesy of Johor Tourism. As a Johorian, I have really fond memories of Desaru because it is my family favourite beach holiday destination! After so many years, I'm glad I have chance to revisit Desaru again!

In fact, Desaru has developed so much actually, I can't recognize the place anymore.. however those memories lingering on my mind remains forever :)

Desaru is located approximately 88 kilometers east of Johor Bahru (JB), on the South China Sea and now it's only 45 mins drive from JB through the new expressway. From Kuala Lumpur, it took about 4.5 to 5 hour drive to Desaru.

I'm going to share 4 places to visit in Desaru, Johor! 

First thing first, let's check out the accommodation I'm going to stay in Desaru. We had a short 3 days 2 nights stay in Desaru courtesy of Tiara Desaru Seaview Residence (TDSR) which is the first condominium in Desaru that provides hotel service to buyer & residence. The main town Penawar is abou 5 mins drive away where there are restaurants, banks, grocery and police station nearby. With 24 hours gated guarded security, tenants can stay without any worries.

With 10 acres of land, TDSR build only 579 units to ensure the quality living of tenants at the best conditions. I was very impressed that there are a total of 4 pools within TDSR and the one in the picture is the main pool which is also opened to the public. Besides pools, there are also gym, tennis court, bicycling, garden and beach side cabana BBQ area and private beach! 

I stayed in 1 room apartment where we have a huge living room and bedroom! There is a dry kitchen with fridge and kitchen cabinets. A little different feeling from staying in hotel cos the space here is huge and it feels like home! Great for gathering with families and friends!

In our living room, there is sofa, TV and nice balcony with pool view. And yes all the rooms are equipped with air-conditioned! 

The room has huge space, I think can fit like 4 double bed! I love spacey bed room with plenty of natural light. 

There are 2 bathrooms in this unit and the toilet also super huge! Look at the space! Although the WIFI service is not available at the room during our stay, we were told it would be ready by Q1 of 2017.

Besides the main pool, there are 3 more private pools that are located between each condo blocks! 

Happiness overload because pool is my favourite hangout area! 

The private beach is just 5 mins walk from the condominium.  

The first place you need to visit in Desaru is definitely the beach. Desaru has 22km of beach and if you want to enjoy clean and unpolluted beach best to stay at accommodation that has private beach! 

The private beach at Tiara Desaru Seaview Residence is really clean and private! In case you are wondering, there is also black sand at the beach too. Scenery of tiny marine creatures such as baby crab and hermit crabs crawling over the unpolluted beach can be seen if you are lucky!

And if you are looking to invest for a beach home in Desaru, you might want to consider TDSR. We were told it is now open for sale from RM500k. Long term leasing also available from RM1,600 and daily homestay RM250. 

Tiara Residence Desaru Seaview
Jalan Tanjung Jump, Bandar Penawar, Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia
http://www.tiaradesaru.com/

Next I would recommend you to check out the Desaru Fruit Farm.

With 180 acres Tropical Fruitland, Desaru Fruit Farm is awarded the “Best Agro- Tourism site” in Malaysia 2006 and Innovative Tourism Attraction – Agro Tourism Conservation by Malaysia Tourism Awards 2010. They are more than 100 fruits and vegetables plantation in the farm for you to discover and learn! 

Let's try out our tropical fruits at the Fruit buffet! I really love this because their fruits are so sweet and juicy because it was harvested daily. And depends on seasons, different fruits are being served. Unfortunately we missed out the durian season! 

Lunch served are cooked with tropical fruits. It's really unique & refreshing. My favorite are stirred fry shredded papaya with seafood and deep fried squid with dragon fruit sauce.

After a scrumptious lunch, we went for an Agro Educational Tour at the fruit farm with Steve ; the son of the fruit farm who acted as our guide. 

We have fun hands on activities at the fruit farm such as harvesting dragon fruit.

This fruit farm is really different from the rest I visited because it's well planned with proper signage and sharing from guide. The farm is really clean and easy to walk! If you plan to visit, please don't forget to wear a cap/hat to cover yourself...

Besides learning about the fruits, there is also a small mini petting zoo at the farm. Lots of cute  rabbits to play with! You can buy carrots to feed them too! 

Meh meh.... Super curious goat looking at visitors! 

Others animals available at the farm. 

Just before we left, we were told there is a Go Kart Ride we can try.

Racing in the farm

Desaru Fruit Farm

Nearest Bidder, No 1, River Pollution Desaru, Kota Tinggi, 81900, Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia

http://desaruff.com/
Price for this is Tour + Lunch + Fruit Fiesta Buffet for Adult is RM58.30 while for child (3-11 years old) is RM50.90 including of GST.

Next sightseeing you can consider visiting is the Desaru Crocodile Farm which the Largest Crocodile Farm in West Malaysia where there are more than a thousand crocodiles are kept as pet. 

This lady introduced herself as the 3rd generation owner as the crocodile farm is passed down to her by her grandfather. She is really knowledgeable and passionate about his father favourite pet i.e crocodiles.

So many crocodiles are rear at this farm and all of them are rear as pet not for commercial use.

The huge pool at the middle of the farm. Looks calm but not really lah... cos gor hundreds of crocodiles in the pool.

This one here is 155 years old and it's one of the oldest crocodiles at the farm. Looks at the huge head. Scary eh....

Desaru Crocodile Farm
Teluk Sengat, Kota Tinggi, Johor, 81920, Ayer Tawar 2, Johor, Malaysia
Entrance fee is RM8 for adult and RM4 for children.

So we have a visit to Fruit and Crocodile Farm, what's next?

Why not to Malaysian largest Ostrich Farm?

There are a total of 100 of ostriches in this farm. The farm is clean and the birds are really gentle and friendly.

Are you looking at me ?

You get to have the opportunity to get close and personal with the ostriches like this. Buy them some food to feed, they will come close to you.

This largest bird on earth is even taller than me :(

Chickaboo... say cheese to my camera! 

Oval egg, oval face :P

This huge ostrich egg looks as big as my face... 1 ostrich egg is equivalent is 24 chicken eggs. We were told this egg is really healthy to consume as it has lower cholesterol compared to chicken egg.

1 ostrich egg is about 1.2kg and it can withstand up to 130kg weight on sandy ground.

To open an ostrich egg, you need to use a drill to open because the shell thickness is 2-4mm. 

Guess what the ostrich shell egg can be made into lamp decor! This ostrich farm has restaurant offers ostrich egg omelette, satay (bbq ostrich meat)....

Desaru Ostrich Farm
EMR 15, Teluk Ramunia, Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia.

Office Number: +607 826 5846
Opening Hours: 10:00am - 06:00pm (Daily)Entrance Fee is RM12 for adult and RM8 for kid

And one of the most memorable dinner I had in Desaru was in Seafood Restaurant in Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa. From the outer look of the building it seem like a fairy tales concept whereby the building looks like a Castle from the Fairy Tales story line which the children and also the parents were enchanted with the concept.

Seafood Restaurant is located next to the beach. Super huge dining hall and I believe can fit more than 100 people at one time.

 I don''t usually think hotel food is nice but this seafood dinner is really superb! Fresh and cooked to perfection. Thanks Lotus Desaru for the dinner!

Bessides that there is also a waterpark in Lotus Desaru Resort. For patron living in this resort, they have fee entry to the waterpark.

It also features water play areas, such as water slides, splash pads, spray grounds (water playgrounds), lazy river, or other recreational bathing, swimming, and bare footing environments.

 Lazy river is a water ride found in water parks, which usually consists of a shallow (2½ ft. to 3½ ft.) pool that flows similarly to a river. There is generally a slow current, usually just enough to allow all too gently ride along lying on rafts. And best of all, it’s free & fun.

Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa

Address: Lot 1854, Jalan Desaru Bandar Penawar, Kota Tinggi Johor Darul Ta’zim, 81930 Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia 

Phone: +60 7-884 2800

http://lotusdesaru.com/

Desaru has so much to offer besides being a beach holiday destination. All the farms (Fruit Farm, Ostrich Farm and Crocodile Farm) we visited provided really interesting educational tours and it would be great destination for family. There is also a new golf club that is newly opened ELS Club Desaru Coast which offers 27 holes of championship golf designed by Ernie Els. Not only that, we were told that Hard Rock Desaru Hotel would be opened by fall of 2017. Woohoo... Desaru going to be a really happening travel destinations in next few years! See you again Desaru!