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!!

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!

As scheduled, we have to wake up at 5.30 in the morning. Breakfast is provided at the Motel’s breakfast shop.  I like the concept of this Breakfast station, maybe we could have one of these too someday in Miri. The shop is very simple, mostly it serves for take away. In the menu it has variety of foods, from noodles to bread, all Homemade meals. There’s even sushi for breakfast! Yum Yum!

We’ve chosen to sit outside the shop which is just next to the road. It’s winter morning, roughly around 15c but the morning breeze makes us feel great!

As this is part of the complimentary voucher from the Motel, Alex and I would not miss a chance to try most of the choices. Haha, silly us, we’ve eat too much, bloated and feel sleepy for the photo shoots.

My Make Up Artist – MUA – Xiao Yi came to fetch us and transfer to the Bridal Shop. Make up starts about 7 in the morning and follow up with photo shooting.

Feeling nervous and excited. What would my outcome after her make over. Its always a nightmare to ladies when you open up your eyes and found that the make up looks awful. Lucky enough, I have more than 100% confident with Xiao Yi after I see the outcome.

This is the first gown shooting with the Blue Barbie gown.
Personally I do think I’m kinda looks like “fat” Barbie. What do you think? Hmm..??

Here it goes for the 1st set of the Indoor photo shoot. Haha, Alex looks charming too right?

The 2nd set goes to elegant series. I would never expect to have that “longkang” thanks to WonderBra! Anyway, this long gown was indicate by me which I wish to have a cool and elegant series of myself. Usually we won’t have chance to dress up this way, so this could be the only chance to looks a bit overdo.

3rd gown is the white, which is one of my favourite!
I think I have the most photos from this series.

This is their studio, looks simple but every corner would come out an absolute photography.

Let’s have a close up look for our make up.
Bear in mind, my face and his face both applied with Ampoule – essence for makeup which cost us RM250!!! It’s overpriced but what to do , you’ve already sit down and they say you MUST apply this or else your makeup won’t be nice. Sounds threatening huh!?

The outdoor photography starts in the afternoon. We did not have time to have lunch, yet we are still full so we have some takeaway Sushi Rolls from 7/11 on the way to Kenting Park.

Kenting is the most popular beach in Taiwan, where lost of tourist and local people would spend their leisure time. The journey to Kenting would take around 2 hours.

The 4th white gown. I heart the Hair Accessories very much !!
Our photographer – Ah Sou who is also our Driver was really thoughtful that he suggest to have some shots from the church while on the way to Kenting.

As for the 5th gown, it is grey in colour. So we have this photoshoot at Kenting. The weather was quite bad when we just arrive. It was a bit foggy and rain start right after a few shots.

But since we were there, shooting must be continue, although its under the rain. No worry, as long as the camera can be anti rain, it shouldn’t be a problem! Hey, did I tell you that we saw Rainbow? It comes out right after the rain! =) So sweet !

Here comes the last gown, the Green one. Hey, don’t ask me why I choose green, that’s just because I found it rocks! Green is my color!

This is also part of Kenting, but more further up to the hilly ways. I just change my gown and touch up by the road side. Feel myself like a superstar! Hahaha..

Till the final scene, Kenting Beach!!!
Finally, the last scene which is also the happiest scene. But thinking of another 2 hours journey back to PingDong, it wouldn’t help to release the tiredness.

Its been a one whole day event. From morning till night.
I think the crew should deserves more credit since they were with us throughout the session.

This is Ah Siang  , very cute guy. He is the assistant photographer.

Thanks to him again, we’ve chance to try out lots of different food from Ping Dong.

Believe me, all the above are meant for our dinner! Crazy ! Crazy!!!!

Ulcers popping out. Few camwhole shots before I turn back to the reality.
That’s the end of the photoshoot.

Apparently it is very tiring but I this is a wonderful journey of me and Alex and we appreciate it very much. =)

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!

It seems fated that I’ll bump into the wedding fair in Miri. Coincidentally they are from Taiwan too! It was really attractive that I’ve agreed to sign up the package with them. Months and months to go, looking forward to our Taiwan trip. Finally, 30th Dec 2009 has come.

We transited at KL and flew over to Taipei with AirAsia X from LCCT on the next day. It’s new year eve. Both of us are really excited. Its winter time in Taiwan, estimated to be 13′c on this new year eve. That’s gonna be very memorable!

The flight was full, this could tell that lots of people really heart Taiwan. This is my second visit to Taiwan, but a different feeling cos this time I’m going with my love ones. =) We reached TaoYuan International Airport around 2pm. Apparently, Nee – my buddy in Miri were in Taiwan for vacation too! She & YW came to meet us at Airport and then we transfer to the 8 elephant HOSTEL that Alex booked online.

Due to Peak season on this new year eve, lots of hotel in Taipei City were fully booked. We could only locate this Hostel at slightly higher price but comfy. 8 elephant hostel is run by a pretty young lady, and most of the guest who stay here were more to backpackers. For short – Ang moh lang!  Its location is quite good, just a few minutes walk from the Guting MRT station. The very popular ShiDa Night Market also just a few steps nearby.

From the Taipei Main Station, its totally packed when night gets nearer. Everyone were out for Countdown. 4 of us went to Ximending and have our new year dinner at one of the very popular steampot shop – Fei Tian 飞天。The steampot selection here are absolutely much much better than what we had in Malaysia. You may select 2 types of soup out of 4. You can have unlimited selection of foods from meat to vege and to desserts.RM40 per head.

That’s it, our wonderful steampot new year dinner at Taiwan. Thanks for the treat , Ah Nee!

Greeting each other a Happy New Year, and we separated and have our own countdown.

I was eagerly waiting to watch the fireworks at Taipei 101. So to use up the remaining time wisely before it reach 12, Alex and I spend some time exploring Ximending.

Ximending is a shopper’s heaven. Its true, there’s lots of great stuff can be seen here. Other than great foods, there’s even magician performance by the street, live band, cosplay & etc. You will never get bored here as long as your pocket is thick enough.

As time getting nearer to 11, lots of fireworks can be seen playing at Ximending. The whole phenomenon seems brighten up! Its time for us to move on to Taipei 101.

I’ve been told that it might be very jam. We’re just trying our luck. Getting stuck half an hour inside the MRT station, packed & humid in the underground and the authority announce that the gate has been closed. Obviously, they are controlling the traffic.

20 minutes to Year 2010. We decided to go back to Hostel and see anything happening. The weather is getting colder. Both of us are freezing on the way walking back to Hostel. To my surprise, the residents seems quite. No celebrating. I bet most of them are clever, avoid the jam and watch TV at home.

The moment that we’ve been awaiting was ended up in the bathroom, listening to the fireworks but can’t witness it. Sigh. Worst case is, Hostel does not provide towel and we did not bring our own towel. There’s no reception, this is not a hotel. Let’s guess how we dry up after bathing in the freezing cold winter midnight?

It has been a tiring long journey from Malaysia to Taipei. We gotta rest earlier for the next day. We’re going to Ping Dong 屏东. Although its a little disappointment, but at least I have a memorable year of 2010 with my love one.

Coming up next, Ping Dong 屏东 . Our wedding photo shoot trip. =)

Initially,Alex has chosen Phuket as our next travel destination. We were very looking forward for this trip, but at the same time H1N1 was announced.

It has been a dilemma for both of us. At first, we thought, we pray very hard, hoping that the H1N1 would be solved in a short while, but we were wrong. Cases are increasing. It has now reach the Pandemic. Schools are closing. Travelers are canceling their flight. What about us? Shall we be alert too?

Now, talk of Phuket. I’ve been following online news, reading the H1N1 situation in Phuket. At first, i was so happy, as there was no cases declared. Weeks after weeks, cases keep growing. Phuket is one of the effected zone.

So what’s the next plan?

Since the tickets bought, we will still proceed our travel plan, but just to KL. When I’ve made this decision, my pig friend told me, “Eh I tell you ah, KL is even worst than Phuket ah!”. Splashhhh… another pail of cold water poured on me. Like this also cannot like that also cannot, that is damn mtfksien ley!

However, come to the conclusion. We have decided to go KL (my shopping mission) and travel up to Melaka or Penang for a short trip. You must be saying the same thing, why so waste? Go Phuket la! So kiasi meh?

Alex insist to stay back in Malaysia. In fact, he is right. We have very tight schedule and limited time. What if we were request to quarantine, that would not be extra holiday, but will lead to many many pending jobs on hold. Think twice, I’ve agree to stay back in Malaysia.

Wish me good luck! I’m looking forward to my holiday!!!

Pray hard hard now, no flu, no fever, no cough. Vitamin C on the go!!!

p/s: Michael Jackson’s Heal The World keep playing in my mind now. May him rest in peace, and hope that he can really heal the world.

Before we landed in Gold Coast, I’ve read the 3sixty magazine , the in-flight magazine of Air Asia. Good enough, they are covering places to go in Gold Coast. Harbour Town is one of the recommended shopping heaven that not to be missed.

At Harbour Town, you can see many many branded factory outlets and  other designers brand. And the best thing is , they will have sales almost everyday! I was very curious, money ready, shopping bag ready, time to go shopping!!!!

We went into all the outlets, mostly are fashion outlets.

Surprisingly, the fashion and sizes are not suitable for Asians. Yet, I found that even after 50% discount, it’s still expensive! But according to Eet, he said the prices are slightly cheaper after converted to MYR.

Seriously, if all the items are in MYR, I think I will find Harbour Town more interesting. The environment are nice, walking at the open air alley, breathing the fresh breeze. You won’t feel the hectic when you squeeze with many many people inside a shopping mall. Even the dogs are enjoying here too!

This should be St.Bernard if not mistaken. He’s so handsome right?

Cinemas, Restaurants and other Entertainments are also available here.

Conclusion is , my shopping bag was still empty. The tummy was empty too!

Alex says its the best juice bar in Australia, and forcing me to try out the AUD6 per giant glass. Taste not bad, especially to chill out on a hot sunny day.

Want to have some?

We had our lunch before we headed back to Surfers Paradise. It was quite disappointing that we did not even hunt for a single item. However, it was a 30 minutes bus ride to reach Harbour Town, at least, I covered up the other part of Gold Coast.

I’m not a big fans of Bugs Bunny or any of the looney toons character. Maybe I just don’t have much of my childhood time, so I can’t walk back to the memory lane.

But since we were there. I will try my best to entertain myself. Enjoying the looney toons show~ although I’m no longer 3 years old ley!

That was just part of the show. We did enjoy ourselves watching the 4D show.

It’s the Shrek! Quite entertaining, feeling that you are really into the Shrek Movie.
But again, I think kids will be more excited, isn’t it?

This is really a wonderland for kids, but not for me, until I have my own kids, maybe I’ll consider it again.

I know some of you might ask, what about the theme park? All those adventurous roller coaster’s ride? The most popular ride at the movie world might be this, the Superman Escape!

Sorry la hor, I don’t dare to try, I have height phobia, I just don’t have guts. Satisfied??

There’s really nothing much left if I don’t like looney toons, and I don’t dare to go for Roller Coaster ride.

What else to do if this I don’t like that I don’t dare? Take picture lo! There are scheduled shows in every hour.

Scooby-doo show..

An imitate Marilyn show

She looks gorgeous anyway..quite bitchy tho..

and the Batman show.. Oh ya. I did snap the Batman’s car!

It’s the real one oh!!! It was located at the Gotham City … of Movie World. :p

Some candid camera before we catch the bus back to Surfer’s paradise.

Me and the antique taxi

A potrait for yen.

I know I missed out someone again. Eet was damn mood swing that day, sorry no photograph of him is allowed.

Will you come again? The asnwer is…

NO~!!!!!!!!!!! No! no! no!!!!
Honest speaking, if you love the roller coaster’s game, it is worth for a try. At least the superman will carry you flying around.

Coming up next, Sea World. Gold Coast.

As our trip to the theme parks will fall on the 3rd and 4th day, hence we decide to get some information from the hotel receptionist. It is glad that one of the young men there are please to help us.

Supposedly we plan to visit Brisbane for a day trip, but the guy told us that it would just see nothing other than the skyscrapers. True enough. He introduced us to visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, and since from the TV advert it seems quite fascinating, and given discount for tourist.

So why wait, for sure I’ll grab the chance to meet the Koala Bears. We took the local bus which will stop right in front of the sanctuary.

Passed! I’m entering the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary of Gold Coast, Australia.
The admission fee AUD$21 , discounted price for tourist.

Get set go, right after the entrance, there will be a mini train service that will bring us around the park. The train will stop at the sub station, and tourist are free to enter the park they wish.

Stop #1 Koalas

Wake up!!! Why are you so lazy?

Nebermind! I saw another one here, but its quite far..

I borrow the lens from Yen, her new gun, 200mm and zoom nearer.
This koala looks cute also leh, but a bit “juling”?

Another arrogant koala! Cis!

What is this Koala doing? Hugging the tree only?

Oh, he is hugging the tree trying to eat the leaves. What a naught koala…

Ok, one last shot. The Sleeping King! WAkakakakkaa..

Next
Stop #2

What is this? It looks so fierce..

But she’s friendly, although she looks weird.

Do you know what it’s called?
Its EMU. Credit to my dear, he taught me one. =.=

Stop #3

Dead or Alive?

Ya! I’m entering the Kangaroo zone.
This is the first time I have body contact with Kangaroo. We can feed the Kangaroos as long as we buy the feeds from them. Haha, I even hugged the Kangaroos.

Hmm, why does he looks so old? Maybe she’s the Grandma.

Here comes the Grandpa?

The mother playing the baby Kangaroo

and the Baby sleep inside the mother’s pocket.

The father busy cleaning his little brother.. ahem.

And the young one resting and jumping around.

Isn’t that cute?

Stop #4
Enough of the Kangaroo, lets have a peak at the birds.

This is duck la,…according to my dear. Another lesson learned.

The pigeon. This one i know.

What about this? I really dunno, can you tell me please?

What an Iguana? Sorry I hate reptiles…

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is home to one of the world’s largest collections of Australian Animals featuring over 1400 individual animals from over 200 species! But why am I only featuring these few types? Its because I’m lazy to discover more.

I did took some great Bokeh for the wildlife flowers..

and this..

Oh ya, some portraits of the handsome boys and pretty girls.

Yen, so busy taking pictures.

Ah Yen inside the train…

Eet, acting “cool”

The cute and friendly kids..

Handsome or not?

Last, the sangat cantik one.. me.. !!!! Wakakakaka

1pm. Its time to go for lunch. I was so hungry, I need foodddddddddd!

Taking the train back to the front entrance. Phewit, Eet sitting with his new gf.

We reached the Sactuary cafe. There are not much food varieties, yet the price are really scaring.

The cheapest meal that we can afford

Sandwich… Sandwich!!! Varieties of Sandwich!

But at least its filling. AUD $ 9 = RM 22.50 per sandwich meal! Kill Me Please!!

Let’s call it a day. It’s time to go home.. What about some souvenir?

Budget list:
Admission Fee: AUD$21
Lunch: AUD$9
Local Bus fare : 0 (fare included in the 5 days transport pass)