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!

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! =)

I’ve been told by my friend, Eunice, that there’s a weekend pasar malam in Brinchang Town, Cameron Highlands. Which it is very popular that almost all the tourist will aim to pay a visit.  The pasar malam only open for business during the weekend or school holidays. So if you come on weekdays, probably you don’t get to see all these interesting things.

In Miri, we do have Pasar Malam selling varieties of things, however, among 20 stalls, i bet 10 stalls are selling the same thing and they aren’t selling things that are extra ordinary than usual. But in Cameron, choices and prices are much more attractive.

This is one of the favourite stop. I bought Cactus for my 2 beloved friends in KL. At the same time, Alex bought me dozens of roses too! Haha, roses here are just too cheap! RM 10 I can get 2 dozens and they give you free some other flowers as well.

Not to forget, if you wanna eat cheap strawberry, then please get all in Pasar Malam. They said the strawberries here might be rejected or those overnight strawberries. So if you really want to buy, please check carefully and don’t bring it home. By the time you get home, its already rotten.

Vegetables are everywhere, they have sweet corns, cabbage, spinach and many many more. The sellers would claim that they plant at the backyard of their house in Cameron. That is just to assure you that the vege are fresh from Cameron. However, its not 100% true, the fact is lots of plants were import from Ipoh! Don’t believe? Then you go explore around Cameron, you hardly see other plantations other than TEA. Do correct me if I’m wrong.

I found my favorite here, Tomatoes!!!
I take it as tidbits. They are selling 4 boxes for RM10. These are cherry tomatoes, not so sour, just nice.  In Miri I could hardly get such tomatoes, if yes, they are selling like RM10 per box!

The specialties from Cameron would be sweet potatoes, sweet corns and FRIED MUSHROOM! Most of the stalls are selling the tempura style mushrooms, vege and prawns. Price start from RM3. For the first few bites it could be very nice, but the more we eat, I think its a bit too oily.

Kenny Roger’s sister was here too. You check out the way they grilled the chicken. So professional la!

Surprisingly again, I saw lots of replica Crocs here. They are selling for RM20 per pair.  During this trip to KL, I finally realize there’s so much crocs in the market that we could hardly differentiate the replica and the genuine. Food good sake, buy the replica one is enough! Its 5x cheaper than the original!

Of course quality does matter! Please be a smart consumer lo!

We enjoyed the shopping at the pasar malam. We’ve filled up the tummy with many many tempura mushrooms, strawberries and sweetcorns. Other than the flowers Alex bought for me, and I manage to grab some magnets as souvenirs.

Take a look at those fruits magnets, it looks so real especially the Langsat! These are what we call valued for money! Its only RM2.50 for one magnet! Hahaha… I believe after reading my post, you would love to visit the pasar malam too right?

Don’t worry, school holidays is coming, do plan your trip earlier!

Other than Strawberries, I bet the most common thing that can be found in Cameron is the Cactus Farm.

Supposedly, the Cactus Farm tour is included in our tour packages, which falls on day 2. Somehow, not far away from our Hotel, we found a free admission cactus farm.

From far we saw the funny and colorful cactus symbolize that this is the cactus farm. So Alex and I walk further up to the end and found the cactus heaven.

From the entrance, it looks more like a grocery stores to me. They sells lots of things, junk food, souvenirs and even antiques.
I assume this shouldn’t be the actual cactus farm, but since we were there why not to explore it?

In fact, the shops here are mainly for visitors. Its just located few steps away from the Pasar Malam. No wonder I had mistaken it as  the Cactus Farm. Somehow they do sells lots of plants, not only Cactus, but also flowers.

The cactus plants are mostly in small pots, which enable the tourist to bring back home.

I had my good time taking pictures too!

These are the few species that I never seen before.

The strange thing about the shop is, there’s no shopkeeper around except the front cashier.  At the back of the shops,  it comes with big area on plantations.  Not even a single CCTV!

Poor little Nephentus sell for RM18.

This is the wedding flowers.  I love the shape!

Some common flowers, Hibiscus.

And many other types of flowers.

They named this flower as Lipstick.
Do you know why? Probably it will left some red stain after you touch it?

As the farm is totally no restrictions, I just go further into their backyard. Alex saw that there’s large grows of Strawberries at the back.  There’s even larger cactus plants at the back. But to respect peoples properties, we better behave.

The strawberry farm’s gate were lock so I didn’t manage to take close up photos for that.

So if you’re not thinking to take any tour, probably you could consider to come and have a look here.
All In One. No admission fee. No surveillance TV. No Salesgirl. Its just so free and easy!

Actually I’ve been travel a lot for the past few years, but I rarely travel domestically, NO.. please don’t say I’m showing off, but its truly that travel within Malaysia actually cost more!

A few things to share and compare here.

* The Air tickets to International sometimes are cheaper than to KL.
* Lots of places like in Peninsular needed to access by car, if you don’t have a car, then anything else would be expensive.
* Hotels and tour packages for domestic are usually very expensive. Compare to those travel packages that offered for our neighborhood country, everything in Malaysia seems more expensive.
* Travel information are hard to get online

Anyhow, there’s actually lots of great places to explore within Malaysia. Cameron Highlands is one of the place that I wish to go but always ended up to other places. I’ve been study online for the information for the highlands, with the helps of friend who always travel up and down, only then I manage to get ourselves the free and easy trip!

Maybe some of you might be thinking, drive from KL to Cameron easy only la, why make its sounds like you are going oversea? Excuse me, I’m really going over the SEA. To go Cameron Highlands, we need to travel from Miri to KL over the sea. Then only we could take BUS up to the highlands. Journey seems long to us, but its worthy for our never ending honey moon.

Arriving Cameron , Tanah Rata Tourist Centre

The very first important thing we need to take note for the free and easy trip is you need to get a a simple local tour from Cameron. The one get from here seems good. I don’t need a luxury tour, but just bus transfer from KL, pick up, accommodation and simple country side tour.

Note: They charge extra RM50 during the weekends, same things goes to Hotel rate.

I know I know, its ZERO FARE, sure congest so don’t complain.Right?

Do you know why the DAP in SIBU wins the battle? Its because the know what the people wants. Hence they win their votes.

Now the case, why does it relates to Elections again?

Same thing, nowadays if its not Air Asia then go for MAS.

People loves to make comparison, thats human nature, you can’t stop it.

Anyhow, I still love Air Asia. I mean there’s no harm in competitive market, at least they will do something better to serve us better. Right?

Dato Tony also loves all his supporter, hence he wrote on his Facebook page, ask us to be patient. Hmmm… I bet this is not the first time we read such msg. Ok, nevermind you don’t have a google – like server, but I bet you should have a lot of brilliant IT support at the back right?

Now, why make a fuse here? Why Everyone Can’t Fly?

Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t me who think of this Slogan, its Air Asia’s fan who came out with such slogan. And I think it rhymes well.

Betul tak?

Are you familiar with this page? This is the new Air Asia’s wallpaper. Damn Cool with lots of XXX. If newbies, might tot this is a 18sx rated site. Ohmygawd!

Disappointment. Very disappointed.

The truth:

I’ve got my tickets. I spent 3 hours include searching , booking and payment.

How I did it?

I was there at Air Asia web page, waiting for the promo to launch too.

We have discussion with the travel mates along while distributing the search job too.

It ended up all went to sleep at 2 am cos it totally can’t move.

Hence, I turn on my alarm at 5am so that I could avoid the traffic jam.

5am to 8am. Do you really everyone afford to spend the time like this?

The asnwer is NO.

Oh yea, since i got my free tickets why am i making so much noise here??

I am here, not only for the zero fare. I am here to lodge a complain to Air Asia, to Dato Tony, that I actually wanted to buy ordinary fares too. But I can’t even search as usual. And this is urgent case, as they need to book tickets for a meeting. Partially I’ve booked it with MAS, but still I wanna give AA a chance!

Stop showing me this, I will throw eggs at your office later! I mean it!

IMHO

I think the next time if you wanna avoid this kind of complains, maybe you should have another gateway for special promo. At least your loyal customer won’t piss off like now.

“Aiya, AA so big no need to hear my feedback la..”

Betul juga, then this is my blog, and I am AA fans, I think I have the right to voice out too!

Dear Dato Tony,

I’m sorry If I ever offended you. But please la, tak ada complain mana ada maju? Right? Heheh, so I sincerely hope, you go and lecture your IT supports, brainwash them, do some BETTER improvement.

Thank You very much.

Your AA Loyal Supporter,

Mary Goolooloo =)

Taipei City itself is not that big, but its comprehensive!

As it was the last moment to see Taipei 101 before it turns to world’s second tallest, after Dubai.  Alex and I are just in time to catch it.

We took MRT to Taipei City Hall.  In fact, there were free shuttle bus that could bring us to the tower. But the sign was not obvious and it was dark, so we just walk all the way heading to the tower.

Taiwan Up 2010 was this new year’s theme.

You won’t feel the distance, along the way, you walk across the parks, building and shopping malls. Pass along the popular streets and malls, 新光三越 Singkong Mitsukoshi.

Taipei 101 getting nearer, and we took this chance to shoot more photos.

Finally we reached Taipei 101. 台北101

As I said, it was the tallest by the moment I reached there. But just a few minutes later it was taken over by Burj Khalifa in Dubai on 4th Jan 2010.

This is the entrance to the mall. The shopping heaven where you will be showered with lots of branded goodies.

Although this is a shopping heaven, but for us, is just for Window Shopping. Can see cannot buy. But at least I know their 7-11 (convenient store) is much more high class than the other places. We grab a cup of coffee from the City Cafe. Just nice, comparable to Starbucks.

We went back to Ximending as our Final stop.  Alex and I would plan to settle our dinner here, and a movie after that.

We went hunting for food, too much choices but we ended up choosing Alex’s favourite Korean Food. Very nice!

We watched AVATAR 3D version.  Ticket consider expensive but inclusive of Popcorn and drinks for TWD330.  The cinema experience was great, sound system are good, chairs are comfortable, aircond not too cold and most important thing, there’s no one ringing their mobile phones in the cinema!

It was really an enjoyment to hangout with my dear exploring around the City of Taipei. But its time to say Goodbye again.

5th Jan 2010. Departing from Tao Yuan International Airport to LCCT.

This is really the thing that I hate most, BIG LUGGAGE.  We’ve tried the best to cut down the luggage size, but due to unpredictable weather, we brings lots of thick jacket. But since there’s only 2 of us, we choose to transit to Airport via Bus. It’s a long walk path from Taipei Station to the bus terminal. But its definitely cheaper compare to Taxi fares.

We had our lunch at the airport, shopping and getting on board.  If compare this airport to KLIA, I would they actually looks more comfortable to me. At least there’s a lot of things to see, eat, and buy. Most important thing, the price are reasonable!

Good bye Taiwan, we will be back again, for sure!!
We love Taiwan!!

Wedding photoshoot was done in Ping Dong, and we still have 2 days in Taipei before we fly back to KL.  Initially we plan to visit Jiu Fen 九份, but we overslept and miss the schedule, hence we have to reschedule for our day tour.

One hand on map, one hand on itinerary.
Next destination :  Yang Ming Shan National Park 陽明山國家公園.

Traveling around Taipei its easy, as long as you go to the tourist information counter, and get a map, most of their info were updated. The best part is, most of the tourist attractions can be accessible through public transport.

As we stayed at Future Star Hotel 明日饭店 in Ximending 西門町, so we will transit to Jiantan MRT station, and catch a bus to Yang Ming Shan. Do mark this station, as it is very convenient for any bus transfer. Most of the bus would be passing this route and it could save you lots of time and cost efficient.

Future Star Hotel 明日饭店 is highly recommended for budget travelers. We paid for RM120 per night, for its location that save you time and just 2 steps to shopping heaven. But please do not expect for a 5 stars hotel,  at least its clean and neat.

Before we proceed to Yang Ming Shan, we did explore around Shih Lin, the big cities seems quiet during day time. Not much shop open for business. Most probably they operate at night and from what I heard their culture start business in the afternoon.

Camwhoring ^.^ while waiting for bus.

The bus journey to Yang Ming Shan will take around 45minutes to an hour from Jiantan Station. You just have to catch the local bus where you would pass by lots of residential area.  We took bus number R5 (red) to Yang Ming Shan. All the way up to the hilly road, you could see universities and research center.

When you reach the final station, you can hop on to the Mini Bus which travels you around Yang Ming Shan by using bus number 108. The climate is getting cooler roughly around 12′c. Even the vegetables sold here looks greener.  And I still challenge myself  by just wearing one thin long sleeves and scarf.

Look at this map, it shows the hot spot at Yang Ming Shan and the bus route. We do not have that much of time to go to each of the spot, as some are just for sight seeing only. Hence we chosen a few popular hot spot by tourists.

Yang Ming Shan is popular for the cherry blossoms in Spring, but since it is Winter, you could just go up the mountain and see the beauty nature scenery.

1st stop: Erzihping Trail (二子坪步道)

Basically, this stop attracts more people for mount hiking.  There’s proper trail that allow you to walk up to the peak. We weren’t prepare for that, with our attire its totally not match.

We asked some other tourist, what’s up there, they replied us, “oh, its just a piece of land which the scenery is just so – so”. Worth to go ?  He chuckled.

We gave up after walking for 15 minutes. And stop halfway to have photoshoot. Scenery are absolutely nice and simply breathtaking.

2nd stop: Xiaoyukeng (小油坑)
The fog is getting thicker, weather is getting cooler up here.
Smells of rotten eggs are every where. Haha, do you dare to challenge the sulfur? You could see some small volcano spot left over but its not dangerous.

The pictures are getting blur here, hardly focus.
Anyway, it was a great experience exploring Yang Ming Shan.

I heart this kind of weather so much. I bought a cup of instant noodle, with hot soup from the cafeteria. Its so enjoying to have it in such a weather!

We choose to go back to City centre for our dinner. For those who opt to go for Hot Spring bath, you would see a few outlets on the way down. Some offers free admission, some you might have to pay. You should try it once in a lifetime.

Overall the trip to Yang Ming Shan consider as a very relaxing trip. You skip away from the busy and hectic city. Avoided jams and air pollutions.  Yang Ming Shan is also a good place for the elderly too!