The Return of Jadebottle (Part 4) Malaysia Truly Asia

2011 Sept 3D2N Tioman

I went to Tioman for 3 days 2 nights for a teachers getaway. Thanx to M for doing much of the planning. We wake up really early at 6 am to make our way to golden mile to catch the coach from five stars. We stopped by to have some brunch and wanton mee is really delicious. The driver thinks he is a F1 driver, he is going at more than 100km/hr, and turning so fast at the turnings, we really got traumatized by the ride.

 We reached Tioman! Look at our resort and the beautiful beach!











This is where we stayed. The resort is still pretty clean. All four of us stayed in the same room.










After that, we took a boat to check out the towns nearby had a walk around before heading back to rest.

The beach around the town is not so fantastic though. The beautiful sunset view is better.
Our first night in the resort wasn't good, the aircon does not seemed to be working but because the weather was cool, we make do without a strong air conditioner.

The second day is where all the water sports come in basically snorkeling. We had this guide who brought us to see baby sharks and sea turtles. Actually he brought us to swim further individually to see these creatures. Anyway, to all gals, play safe, do not swim out alone with him, as there were stories of this guide which are not good.

 

After all the water sports, we went back to our resort to change, and went to hike to the other side of the town using the forest. AND to add to the challenge,we hike in our flip flops!

 We reached the other side of the town and realised there is really nothing much,
so in the end, we did yoga poses and take photos in the sun set. The second night was even more challenging, not only the aircon was not really working, two little bees or wasps came to visit us in our room. 3 of the gals went running and hiding and only one brave soul HW, used bottles, towels or whatever we have on hand in the room to chase those insects out of the room. We laughed so madly and loudly

 Day 3 started with a beautiful day and the view from the restaurant in the resort is stunning. We had our breakfast in the resort before heading back to the ferry terminal in Mersing to take the coach back. What an exciting trip with the gals!!! Super memorable!

2011 Nov 4D 3N Penang

This is a family trip with mum, mum's friend and my auntie. As there are more older people, you can expect a trip with lesser sports and walking. We took Jetstar and flew to Penang in the late afternoon. From the airport, we took a cab to Bayview Hotel Georgetown where we checked in our stuff.

We had a very nice view from our room, It faces the 5 star Eastern Oriental Hotel and the sea. Not only that, below is where the swimming pool is.

 After that, we went nearby to look for food. Penang is famous for food. Carrot cake just taste so different from Singapore

 Day 2: By cab, we went to Kek Lok Si temple in Air Itam. It is one of the largest Buddhist Temple in SE Asia. The monuments and temple are very well kept.

 

 The seven storey pagoda has the influence of Chinese, Thai and Burmese architecture. Not only that, we can also see the white statue of Guanyin nearby.

 

 After that we make our way to Penang hill by taking this funicolor train. And from the uphill, you can still see the Penang bridge. There were quite alot of tourist up in Penang hill. Over there, we also saw the Indian mosque and western building structures.

 

 After which, we went to the Dharmikarama Burmese Temple and also the Wat Chayamangkalaram where you see the largest reclining buddha statues

 We ended the day with a buffet dinner at the Revolving restaurant at the hotel. Food is not exactly fantastic, we thought it was a good deal as we saw seafood the day before in the hotel  during dinner time. So we reserved seats for the next day,but as the next day was a promotion deal, there were no seafood. I mean there are prawns but they were not fresh. I was very disappointed with the food there, would have just walked out to try the hawker outside, maybe more delicious!

 The third day starts with us taking a bus to go towards the Batu Ferringhi area, stopping by Jalan Burmah area to have breakfast. I think i tasted the best wontan mee in Penang.The noodles have a Q Q taste and it is really delicious. This place is called Kwai Lock Coffee shop 295B Jalan Burmah.
After that we make our way to the tropical spice garden where we have a guide to introduce us the different spices in the garden.

 Cannot remember what this plant was called. But i had fun playing with the different plants there and eating leaves plucked fresh...

 
 After the spice garden, we went to the tropical fruit farm, we manage to get a bus to go up to the garden but after eating the fruits and all the activities, we came down and could not see a bus or cab in sight. Fortunately, there was a couple who saw us when they left the garden and they gave us a lift down to the tourist areas where it is easier to get transport. Really very thankful to them.

 We stopped by the beaches along Batu  Feringgi to take photos along the way, and then we went to a famous old shop to buy tao sar piah.










After buying the tao sar piah, we went to Gurney Drive to get some hawker fare. There is this open air  hawker court where there are lots of interesting food. I had the best laksa there, stall number 75.

 

We get prepared to be back on the 4th day via Air Asia. Before we headed home, we stopped by the snake temple. The temple really has snakes but there are harmless as long as we do not do anything to them. After this trip in Penang, i have put on weight due to all the food and fun. I would love to be back again cause i definitely miss the food there!