Everything could be better If only I did not injured my toes!!!

During the last Gawai Season,we visited to the capital of Sarawak, Kuching. We had road trip from Miri up to Kuching.  As in part of the plan, we will be heading to Gunung Gading National Park and it’s waterfall was the main attraction.

Back to Mother Nature.

It was raining cats and dogs at the beginning, the trails  were slippery. There were 11 of us holding the trail one by one hiking up to Gunung Gading. Along the way, someone would say “watch out” broken steps! Few moments later, someone will shout as a sign emergency break, eventually there’s someone falling down and get hurts!

We were just being briefed that there’s lots of steps, but never thought it will be such a tough journey. At that time I was only hoping, if I know it earlier, I won’t bring all the big equipments with me. In fact, the smaller the better.  Regrets No.1

Along the way in the jungle, there’s lot of unique species that we rarely seen. But due to low light condition, most of my pictures came out blurry. I hate to say that, even with a big Dslr if you don’t have the skill, the result came our are just as ordinary digital camera.  Regrets No.2

There’s actually 3 waterfall at Gunung Gading, but we can’t go further up, you should know why, we don’t have the sport men spirit, to fight till the end. The bags were too heavy, each bag weight at least 5kg to 10kg. The tiredness were worthwhile, that’s because the good things is always happen latter. We heard the crispy water sounds. Its from the waterfall!

We left our bags and belongings on the higher part, as we need to walk lower down to access to the waterfall. Someone must stay back at the top to watch over their belongings. We can’t bring our camera down, we worried it will be water damage! Regrets no.3

Photo credits: Robert Lau.
He did not join us in the water as he worry his fortune Dslr camera to get wet. The only thing he could do is stay far away and zoom with his 300mm telelens . His fortune camera cost him more than RM10k. So he better take good care of his belongings and miss out the happiest water moments with the others. Pity him.. someone must do the scarification. =)

William at the peak enjoying his water moments!

Alex was having waterspa! Gosh!

The scenery was great, but where’s my camera? No.. I can’t bring it here as its not waterproof camera. If I own the Sony TX5 waterproof camera, then I’m sure I will have lots of candid moments of us splashing each other in the water! If I have thought of having this camera for this trip, I bet it could solve up a lot of regrets and problems.

Each of us was overjoyed to see the waterfall, the environment was real good for a short retreat. Everything off and jump to the waterfall!  Can’t wait to get splashed by the waterfall. We were like Kampung boys and girls. Forget about all the doubts and let go all the stress.

All those funny moments could have taken with Sony TX5, it can capture a moving subject in a sequence of 10 continuous frames per second. Meaning that, all the fast action moments can be captured just like the moment we splashed water at each other! Oh, Eric, I will remember the moment you splashed the freezing cold water at me!

While trying to cross the stones, I sprained my right leg and it hurt my middle toe. In fact, it is very dangerous to hop around the big stones to reach the highest peak.  We have to be extra careful while playing at the waterfall. The big stones are slippery, and our feet couldn’t grab firm on it.  I soaked my toes in the cold water, but it doesn’t help much. The pain get worsen, and it turns black on my toe.

My swollen leg. Looks like old nanny’s leg.

The moment I lay on the rocks, I noticed the greens were really attractive. Too bad I don’t have a camera with me, even If I have, I don’t have a wide angle lens with me. With Sony TX5, I can take Panorama Photos. It could automatically join up a few photos into one and it even can recognize human faces and subjects!

I couldn’t move else where, can only sit still by the rocks and enjoying the water splash.

Sony TX5 could play a big roll especially for a frequent traveler like me. It has many many proof! Have you ever encounter of your camera getting blur due to cool temperature? Do you ever face problem when there’s dust in your lens? And worst is do you ever face problem if you drop your camera?

That is why I should have bring it to Gunung Gading. I don’t have to worry carrying a big back pack, and running out of breath. I still can capture whatever moments I had even my ugliest moment that I hurt my toes. Even if the camera drop into the water, it still can be use, and of course even if I accidentally drop and knock on the rocks, I bet is still can work pretty fine.

Of course as a blogger, I need a really durable camera to be with me on the go. Imagine, regardless of what condition I would still be able to capture down the moment. I could have shoot some nice photos in the jungle but due to low light condition the photos came out blur. I could be able to shoot nice photos with its Twillight mode.

Sometimes I really hate to bring out the big Dslr with me. It makes me looks so gigantic. A small compact camera would be nice to fit into my handbag.  Counting back, this could be my first crush with Sony camera. Previously I’ve heard of lots of positive feedback from my friends but  I’ve never give them a try. But ever since I heard of  Sony TX5 , I think I’ve fall in love with it. And hey, it does comes with 5 different colours. Which color do you think is suitable for me? A pink? or A black?

Sony TX5 is selling at RM1499. I think this price is very attractive with all the advantages and latest technology. Don’t you think so?

For me Photography is an art, there’s no right or wrong. Everyone can be a very good photographer.Go ahead with your own instincts and capture the best moment of yours in life.

P/s: Again and again, If only I have known of this camera earlier, I bet I won’t have hurt my toes. I won’t have bad mood and throwing tantrums at my hubby. I had the biggest war with Alex a day before my birthday. Holiday ruined, Mood Spoiled, Toes Pain. What a birthday gift to myself ! So now I should get myself a TX5 to pamper back myself!

My weight has always been a big concern to me, I’m generally overweight but still trying to cheat myself that I’m not that bad. Losing weight is not something easy to do, its a mission impossible for me. However lately my good friend had tried a new product called Trois , and she manage to cut 6kg in 2months time. I think that is amazing. However, the price of the product is also my main concern.

During my birthday, I receive a big present from my buddy, it is the Trois Weight Management Programme, Keto Essentials for 1 box supplement. 1 box will cost RM343 and it can only last for 8 days. Meaning that 1 month supplement will cost you RM1372.

The authorized reseller for Trios in Miri is Anew Beauty Works, which is operated by our friend. I witness the slimming progress of her and I definitely envy and wants to be part of it. Shivan is very helpful and supportive, she helps me to measure my weight and BMI. At least now I understand more about myself and my body.

Since my friends have been so encouraging me into this diet plan, they really wants to see a change in me. In this case, I should really work hard and transform myself into a butterfly. To show more support, Alex bought me the remaining 3 box supplement as my birthday gift too. I must not let them down. Seriously!

Most of the results measurement are consider as bad, overweight and slightly risky. Its so shameful to tell you that my bio age is 47! That’s too much difference from my actual age.

I ever tried many other slimming programme before this, the most popular ones are Herbalife and Totalife. Both of this spent me a fortune but I couldnt say they aren’t effective. Its just that it couldn’t suit my lifestyle. It the end I gave up and the weight bounce back spontaneously.

Let’s see, with my height 165cm, I should be in 60kg to reach my ideal weight. But that is so mission impossible for me.

Keto Diet are a bit different from other diet program. Not to say those fattening food like rice and bread, but I can’t eat vege and fruits too!

But the funny part is, I could eat all the meat type ranging from seafood to chicken and pork. And the easiest meal that I could prepare for myself daily would be eggs.

One might not able to cope the changes in a sudden so might face certain symptoms of feeling unwell. But if you feel some tummy discomfort and keep going to the loo, that is very normal.

The prerequisite to take Keto diet is you must take at least 3litre of plain water daily. I got to prepare the big bottles so that I could bring to work.

To make my meal more interesting, I bought myself a cutie orange lunch box. RM6.90 only. Makes me feel like going back to old school time!

I bought the microwave able container from cosway. This would be easy to heat up my food.

The shaker plays the main roll. I need to add in 250ml of plain water then shake it with the xxw2a. It taste even nicer if you shake it with Ice or Cold Water.

As a preparation to my war, I soak all the new containers.

My mom ready my fish and prawns in the freezer. She will be fully in charge of my meal for this coming days.

Time to say NO, say Goodbye to all the yummilicious Candy and Chocolates.

To make it more convenience, I have one new small bottle of 600ml. Bring it on the go!

This is the Keto Powder. Green pack and Brown pack have to be taken alternately. 3 Sachets per day.

This is my 1st box of Keto essentials. Last for 8days.
My friends are very thoughtful to write down the menu on the box.
On the right, there’s the urine tester. If you did not follow the menu, you will fail your urine test.

I wish to cut 11kg to reach my ideal weight. How long will it takes, depends on my self discipline and determinations.

I will start to blog for my daily consumptions in my blog. To make myself success, I must be strict to myself. You would be monitoring from the begin till the end. Let’s work hard together gather!

You’re interested too? Then leave me a comment I’ll guide you more into it!

If you never try Cameron Highland’s steamboat, meaning that you wasn’t there before. In this little town, steamboat restaurant is just one next to each other. In the cool temperature, its best to have hot steamboat at night. The most traditional would be the charcoal steamboat.

We asked around for the most recommended one, as advised Restoran Highlands could be the popular among the locals. It is just located behind the busy street, not that obvious, but their business is consider very good. They serve traditional Charcoal Steamboat with the very long funnel to avoid big wind blow off the fire.

The shop was just a simple coffee shop style. They will asked you the portion you want, and just wait to be served.

We ordered for 2 person’s portion. First plate served with Bihun, Veges, Assorted Meat Balls & Eggs.

The second plates come with assorted seafood.

And the final plate comes with meat plates. These are the plates that served for steamboat.

All looks so fresh and delicious! Tender & Juicy!

Alright, both of us are very hungry. Can’t wait any longer for the things to cook. We finished up everything except the plates!

Let me show you the tall funnel. Very cool right? And look, the charcoal are burning inside.

We enjoyed the meal There’s actually lots of other steamboat shop around. Some serve organic foods.

Anyway, we are happy with the food here. It’s only RM16 per person. I don’t think I could get these yummilicious steamboat back in Miri!  Yet another, MUST TRY! =)

Finally come the best moment that I had in Cameron, that’s having afternoon tea with my dear at Strawberry Moment. I’ve been a big fans of strawberry, for the fact, I love its colour,its shape but not the taste!

The first thing we saw in Cameron, wasn’t the big cactus statue by the road side, but many many shops and stalls selling Strawberry’s product.  And this Strawberry Moments located at Brinchang Town was located strategically  to grab our attention! It was at the back part of Brinchang Town, near to Weekend Pasar Malam.

Before we proceed to take our order, we went to the shop next to it. It runs by the same entrepreneurs. Just that the green one are more into Cameron’s local product. I saw lots of new product that I hardly get it elsewhere. But of course, we are not going to buy as I hate to bring too much things back home. My bag will be very heavy! Ooops!

Proceed to the counter, I saw lots of Strawberry flavoured cakes and dessert. Oh, its my oh my! I love the cakes, they looks so yummilicious. However, we want to keep some space for steamboat dinner. So I ended up order a piece of Strawberry Strudel.

I’ve been seeing lots of blogs recommending Strudel in Cameron. At last, I know how nice is Strawberry Strudel taste like. The puffs are soft, with fresh cream and strawberry topping.  Arrrgh, it is real great!!

As for drinks, of course, the Fresh Strawberry Juice. We couldn’t find this anywhere else in Malaysia. Hello, I know you would tell me, it might be blend from rotten strawberries. I don’t care la, take it as detox lo!

We really enjoyed the afternoon tea, sit by the corridor of the shops, enjoying the cool breeze. It was raining cats and dogs so the temperature were a bit low.  I love this place so much, and I’ve become a Strawberry Freak!! So do Alex!

This is highly recommend, the things sold here are ranging from RM5-8. Price are reasonable! Don’t forget to give them a visit ya!

初恋红豆冰 Ice Kacang Puppy Love

Release Date: 15 April 2010
Language: Mandarin
Genre: Drama, Romance
Running Time: 1 hour 44 minutes
Director: Ah Niu
Cast: Ah Niu, Lee Sinje, Gary Chaw, Fish Leong, Victor Wong, Nicholas Teo.

Source

Synopsis: Ice Kacang Puppy Love is a profoundly emotional tale of teenager’s puppy love, parental love, generation gap, truth and make-believe. Set in a unique small town of 1980’s Malaysia, the story evolves between a nice but shame boy – Botak and a brave and adventurous girl – Da Jia Yu.

I just watch this video from youtube, and I just realize that Ah Niu’s new movie will soon release at Cinema tomorrow. 15 April 2010. I mean, Ah Niu is the director of this Movie!

I definitely would watch this, as Ah Niu definitely gave me a big influence during my teenage age. I bet no one could deny this. Although he is not handsome, but he is talented. All his songs, his sounds, the melody and lyrics are meaningful.

Furthermore, this is yet another Malaysia’s production, we must support! From the trailer, I believe it will have overwhelming response over it. Will get the chance to see most of the Malaysia’s popular singer casting. It reminds me of the old movie, Summer Holiday. 夏日嬷嬷茶.

The sad thing, I think Miri won’t have this movie on screen tomorrow, probably a week later. Hopefully this is another successful movie for Malaysia!

Will you support?

P/s: The Soundtrack is quite nice too! Sing by Ah Niu.
Check out more from their official website.

Before I get caught catching snakes blogging, I better rush up my Day 2 trip. I really miss the cool breeze in Taiwan. Its been more than 20 days not raining in Miri and finally it rained heavily yesterday. =)

Early in the morning we took the MRT to to Taipei Mainstation. It’s 01-01-2010 New Year, which we assume it will be very pack in the station.  Although we have bought the HSR – High Speed Rail ticket earlier, but we still depart from Hotel around 8.30 just in case we lost of direction.

Arriving at Taipei Main Station roughly about 9 something in the morning. It can be seen that there’s lot of people heading back to hometown after one night of hectic countdown. As for us, today we are going to KaoShiung for our Wedding PhotoShoot. Exciting Exciting Exciting!

The train depart from Taipei Main Station and will stop by a few station around Taiwan. So we are going from the top to the bottom, which is the last stop called Zuo Ying. Train Ticket Cost $1490 for one way.

This is the first experience travel with High Speed Train, I’ve yet to try the one in Japan so try this also not bad la! haha. The speed is up to 263km/h or it could be higher. I don’t feel anything but time pass by very fast as it is really comfortable to sleep and watching the view all the way up to Zuo Ying. And I do have chance to try their Railway Bento too. Honestly speaking, although it looks good , but it taste bad! Once is enough.

The bridal shop – NY Vogue 1999’s wedding planner – Alan has arrange to fetch us from the railway station and we were transfer to the Bridal shop. From Zuo Ying to Ping Dong would take about 45 minutes to reach.

Alan is kind enough to show us all some great local delicacies, and he even bought us the very popular 50Lan’s Pearl Milk Tea & the Fried Meat Bun.

So this is the Bridal Shop.

It is a 5 storey building, more or less like what we seen in KL. But to me, they are more professional? But I just love the way of their photography shooting that’s why I’ve chosen to have my photo shoot here.

I was there to pick out the gown for the shooting, I was given 3 white gown and 3 evening gown.  NY Vogue are really professional compare to what I’ve survey locally in Miri. All their gowns are well organized and they even let you choose their gown over the screen. So I do not need to take out all the gown one by one. I just have to check through their catalog and they will show me the real piece. Isn’t that so convenient?

There’s too much too choose, but just that some are too fancy that I think it’s not suitable for me. Anyway, we have get it done within a few hours so its time for us to check out the stay which is compliment in the wedding package.

Basically the stay was fabulous, it could be classified as VIP rooms. Each of the room has different design and the one we got was the Balinese Style.  I think by this Motel stay itself has already worth for the package.

Everything was well planned, so we do have sufficient time to visit Kao Shiung. All the staffs from NY Vogue are real nice.  They sent us to the railway station again and we catch the train to Kao Shiung.

This is the first time we try the old type trains, its even older than our KTM.  However the trains were well maintained except of its speed.

The first destination we go is the night market. 瑞风夜市。There’s too much things to eat here!

You get to eat the big octopus 3 for RM 10 only~~!

Even the guava also super crunchy and sweet.

There’s a lot of local food that we never try before, dare to try?

The fun fair @ the night market.

Next we went to the other shopping street. Xin Jue Jiang Market. Also highly recommended by the local.

Here would be the shopping heaven for me. I found lots of cheap stuffs here.

Believe me, these specs are all RM10 only.. hahah and I bought 2!

It’s getting late, but I’ve yet to finish my shopping. But since I want to be a pretty bride, I got to go back early and sleep early. Hahaha.. Just around 10.30 we’ve reach PingDong and pick up by Alan again. It was a pleasant journey to Kao Shiung and I highly recommend girls to go shopping here. If compare to Taipei, all the things in Kao Shiung seems to be much cheaper. So If you have chance, this is a must visit spot! Do not missed it!

TuneTalk – Now everyone can Talk!

I know you must be saying me bragging Air Asia’s slogan, but Tune Talk who is under the Tune Group Companies come out the brand new mobile prepaid, which indirectly tell me NOW EVERYONE CAN TALK!

We just receive the fresh stock yesterday, so I was still a bit blank of how this things works. Bear in mind, this is something from Tune, it must be ExtraOrdinary from the ordinary Telcos. Truth to be told, the uniqueness of its systems makes me so curious to find out more about TuneTalk!

New starter pack is only RM5 consist of RM5 value.
Call Rate: 22sens/min Flat
SMS: 5sen/sms

You’ll be covered with RM100,000 insurance if your line stay active and top up RM30 per month.

There are a lot more benefit which you can grab here, such as “free AirAsia Vouchers?” … hohoho..;)

This brand new mobile prepaid  with leading number 0105 continue with your own desired number. All you have to do is, login to their official website, and get yourself an account, and start picking up yr favourite number. Sounds like picking yr hot seat huh? Yeah, that’s quite similar.

This is the 1st ever customer from Miri holding the TuneTalk. The procedures are quite fun, just like buying some ToTo / 4D numbers. For me its seems like a game, switching number as I like, and it is just a few clicks!

Let me show you how it works..

The current numbers starts with either 010-52 /53 / 54.

The numbers you had chosen will shown on the screen, and follow by sequence.

Just as simple as 123, I’ve done my selection!

He did the registration online, and pick-up the Sim Card from us.

If you are not an active internet user, you might think all these are not user friendly. Nope, you are wrong. You may come directly to any of the TuneTalk’s dealer and buy a new number on the spot.  The number will be given randomly once you activate your number. If you dislike the number, you may reject and key in 4digits of your desired number. By then the system will assign u a new number.

This is the number he picked and its activated!

TuneTalk.com, pick up your new number today.
Sometimes RM5 its even cheaper than a plate of rice

P/s:  Shhh.. if you don’t like the number you’ve chosen, you can change it online anytime!! It is so easy! But I bet no one would simply change their numbers unless he/she been stalked by someone.

This could be my first review for Tune Hotels, for the fact that I thought there should be a lot of people blogging about it. Somehow, I guess from my experiences with Tune Hotels, maybe I should be sharing it too.

So far, Tune Hotels are expanding. We’ve stayed in KK (one borneo) , Kuching (waterfront) and the latest Penang (Downtown). If its not because there’s an option to stay at 5-star sleeping experience at a 1-star, I bet all the above places I couldn’t have visited.

The most recent trip we’ve done was to Penang. Like I mentioned before, we were supposed to go Phuket, but we have change our mind and reroute to Penang. The room was booked 1 week earlier, and to my surprise, the room rates is only RM36 +/-. (tax / aircond 12 hours incl.)

HDR photos of Tune Hotel Downtown Penang

Getting There
We took a local bus from the Sg. Nibong Bus Terminal. You may choose to take a taxi but I think that would be much more expensive compare to RM1.50 per person.

Rapid bus: T304
Destination: Jalan Burma (Tune Hotel)
Fare: RM1.50

Tune Hotel Down Town Penang:

03-7962-5888
View Larger Map

Check-in to Tune Hotel Downtown Penang

Welcome to Tune Hotel Downtown Penang.

The lobby area is located at the 1st floor of the building.

We were there just on time to Check In, you can’t be there too early, they won’t entertain you. That was my experience in KK where they are quite lenient in cases like this, so don’t ever think to gain more hours of stay by go there earlier. This is not the same as other hotels.

The check in process are simple, and fast but then you gotta pay RM10 as a deposit for the key card then you’ll get the refund when you check out. Also if you would like to rent for the towels and toiletries, do let the service staff know. They will help you on that.

The staffs are well trained and very friendly, regardless of race.
We’ve always face situation where the service industrial will be biased in between foreigner and local customers. But this could never happen at Tune! Well done!

Let’s show you around the Lobby Area.


Other than the waiting area, there’s also a small cafeteria for a cup of tea.

You can also grab some travel leaflets and plan ahead your trip in Penang.

The best part, there’s free internet service. To be fair, you can only have 10minutes per use. At least can update my Facebook saying “I’m here in Tune Hotel Down Town Penang!“.

Check In is done, let’s go to the room! *wink*

I guess the lift is sponsored by Nippon Paint =.=

As advertised, there are 5 reasons to stay at Tune Hotels.

Let’s check it out, how true could that be?

5-star beds

Seriously , it is so comfortable that you wish to bring the bed home !

Although the room might not be as spacious as the other 5 stars hotel, but I think it consist of everything that I need and cut off all the unnecessary!

These are not wallpapers but its painted! Nice!

Power showers

I really like the bath room, especially the power showers. This would be my concept bathroom when my house is ready. Neat and the glass door would be nice for someone to peep you while you are taking bath. Ahak!

Central & convenient locations

Every Tune Hotels locate at the best and strategic place in town. For instance, we have all the best food surrounding us, and it was just a few minutes walks to the heritage site and shopping malls. Check out my food hunting post, and you’ll know how convenient it is.

Penang Eat Only Trip | Jalan Selamat | New World Park
Under the same building of Tune Hotels, there’s also 7-11 convenient store , CIMB Bank Kiosk, Captran – tour assistant and also a massage center.

Clean environment

I would say that the rooms are well maintain, and the cleanliness are always top. At Tunes, they care about Earth Resources. Less Waste, More Earth.

24-hour security

For security wise, other than using the new key card access system, they also have a small safe deposit box inside the room. There’s also security guarding the hotel entrance. If compared to KK (one borneo)’s experience, the Penang’s is doing far more better than my expectations.

Thumb Ups for Tune hotels, and double up credits to Tune Hotel DownTown Penang.

Tune Hotel during day time

Tune hotel at night..

This has been my best experience staying at Tune Hotel. Have you plan your next travel destination? If not, do consider Penang, there’s no regret on it.