2014 August: Singapore and Malaysia: Itinerary

Actual Travel Date: 13 Aug – 17 Aug 0040H
Route: MNL to SG to Malacca to SG to MNL

2014 August: Malaysia: Malacca

Weeks before the trip, I already bought my bus ticket for Singapore to Melaka vise versa in http://www.easybook.com/.  (Just be warned that after few days after my online transaction, I got a call from my provider that someone out there tried to use my account.  So be careful on this site) 

 I started my journey from Bugis area in Arab street going to Queen St. to take the 707 bus. 

  

Make sure to surrender your printed ticket to the bus ticket counter to get the bus plate no. Take note that assigned buses normally wait for only 20 mins along Queen St and not inside the bus parking lot.

After an hour you'll reach the Singapore Immigration. After crossing the bridge, it is around 10-15 minutes, before you step out again, this time for the Malaysia Immigration. 

  

Two hours more before we reached Melaka Sentral.  I told the driver I should be dropped off in Casa Del Rio, but he still checked inside the ticket office, before he headed to our way. 

  

I'm not sure what are his plans, there are other passengers saying specific hotels as well.  What I did is to volunteer to drop off at Megamall since I'm familiar on its location from research, than let the driver roam around the area and waste my time inside the bus.

Dataran Pahlawan Megamall Melaka 

F10-01, Hatten Square, Jalan Merdeka, Bandar Hilir,  75000 Melaka. (Open: 10-10p) 

*Padini Concept Store - BW-009 & BW-011/ Lower Ground Floor   

*Vincci - BW-008 & BW009 

Padini and Vincci are disappointing, I was not able to see something to buy.

Flora del Mar Maritime Museum
Location: Muzium Samudera, (the Flora De La Ma), Jalan Quayside, 75000 Malacca
Open Daily: 09:00 hrs - 17:30 hrs
Fri: 09:00 hrs - 12:15 hrs, 14:45 - 17:30
Fee: 6RM (90 PH), for few bucks you'll get to rent this ausio guide.
Tip: On traveling, make sure you carry with you your own ear phones, to keep things clean.

Malaysia: Langkawi

Wednesday, just arrived in Langkawi International Airport from KL via Air Asia for only 26MYR (300php, 2012).  What to expect on this type of booking?  The airline might possibly send notifications about rescheduling your flight so make your itinerary flexible.

Taxi is the main form of public transportation in the island.  Better buy a coupon at the desk in Arrival Hall, then hand it to the cab driver at the waiting area to go to your hotel.

I choose to stay in Best Star Resort because it is facing Cenang Beach.  Not much to say on the area, water is not so healthy and a bit dark.  I prefer more the islands in Kota Kinabalu.

Itinerary: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Suggested itinerary on visiting Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for 2 days:

Day 1

GENTING HIGHLANDS (http://www.rwgenting.com/en/themepark/index.htm)
How to get there:  From KL Central Station, take a bus that has set of packages going to Genting Highlands.  You may opt to take cable car as well, but make sure that you read the maintenance schedule so you will not get disappointed when it is not available.

SNOW WORLD (http://www.genting.com.my/en/themepark/snowworld/index.htm)
Fee: Adult RM16
Location: Level 2A, First World Plaza;
Rules: No bermudas or shorts. No slippers. Socks and long pants are compulsory
My favorite attraction at Genting Highlands in the Snow World.  You will experience a wide room in negative 5 degrees Celsius.

MENARA KL TOWER (http://www.menarakl.com.my)
Open: 9am to 10pm
Fee: RM8 (Adults)
Location: No 2, Jalan Punchak, Off Jalan P Ramlee
Directions: The nearest PUTRA LRT station to Kuala Lumpur Tower is the Dang Wangi station or take the KL Monorail and disembark at the Bukit Nenas station. Then you have to walk up the hilly road to the tower.

PETALING STREET
Known as the Chinatown of KL
Open: 7pm until early next day

City Collection: Sabah, Malaysia

During primary school days, I used to see Sabah as part of printed Philippine maps, it is in southern part of Tawi-tawi. Who knows I’ll be able to step on that part of the land.
I got this mug from Kota Kinabalu last April 2010. Too bad, there is no Starbucks in Brunei, so I had only 1 pair for that trip.

I must commend the post office of Brunei as they have Stamp Museum in it. While the door signs for KK’s post office are so familiar with “tolak” (which is “tulak” or “push”) and “buka” (which is “bukas” or “open”).

City Collection: Kuala Lumpur, MY

Collection: Starbucks Mini Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia Mugs
I must acknowledge that I got this Starbucks Coffee City Mug collection idea from my sister’s friend Alnor when I had a trip with her in Singapore. Although I bought my first official Mug in HK, I’m posting this KL mug first since this is the first city I have visited.
I’m not a total coffee addict but I started to love this collection. The mini mugs costs 350-450php, while the big mug ranges from 450-550php. Aside from the not so cheap price, you also need to be careful in handling this breakable material in your hand-carry luggage, not unless you want to take the risk of placing it in your check-in bag.
I have visited Kuala Lumpur in July 2006 but did not bother to buy a mug. I got this KL and Malaysia mug when I requested my friend Che to buy one pair for me. She used to work in Singapore then, but has a quick trip in Malaysia before visiting Manila. Good thing that I was still able to grab a pair!
Thank you Alnor and Che!

2010 April: Kota Kinabalu: Last Day and More Shopping

Travel Date: April 23, 2010
Destination: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Friday, my last day in KK. I was able to attend a very small mass ceremony in Sacred Heart Cathedral Kota Kinabalu. They have an English mass every day at 6am. Go to the back door of the church as this is where the mass is held.

Sacred Heart Cathedral Kota Kinabaluhttp://sacredheartcathedral.net/component/option,com_contact/Itemid,28/
14b
Jalan Menteri, P. O. Box 10049
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, 88800

I had difficulty going back to the Hotel, but was able to resturn after getting lost for an hour.

After late breakfast, was able to roam around KK Plaza, Wisma Merdaka, Sinsuran Complex and Sabah Suria. Was able to send my postcards at their post office. Some of our Filipino words are related to their Malayan language, our “tulak” is their “tolak” and our “bukas” is their “buka”. I appreciate our door signs being on English language as open and closed.

While I was eating in a pasta restaurant, I saw this clip in a magazine.

While packing, here are my loots: Lexus biscuits which are my favorite, 3 pairs of Vinci shoes and Starbucks City Mug for my collection.

Upon check-in at the airport, all luggage should pass this x-ray machine. 8pm is my flight back to the Manila via 5J 734.

Thank you HK Lee for touring me around the city, the Filipino people at Next Café, the Cititel Manager who emailed me back on my suggestions. I appreciate the bus driver who made me lost on my last day, and to all the cab drivers who safely sent me to my destinations.

2010 April: Kota Kinabalu: Beach and Shopping

Travel Date: April 21-22, 2010
Destination: Manukan Island, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Wednesday, upon my arrival from Brunei, I get my taxi coupon and go to Cititel again. I got my luggage without any issues and without anything missing. After check-in procedure and settling my things at my new smaller room with a cheaper price, I immediately went out for window shopping. Why I’m here in Malaysia? To buy Vinci! Haha! I went to Centerpoint and Warisan Shopping Mall checking out the prices. I also tried the food at their food court.

Thursday, is my beach day. From Cititel to Jesselton Point, the cab fare is 20RM. I bought my own snorkeling gears and good thing there is a group who is also going to Manukan, so as suggested by the counter I just joined their boat. Return fare for Manukan Island is 23 RM. The separate entrance for non-Malaysian is 10RM. Life jacket can be rented for 5-10RM. I choose Manukan over Sapi or Mumutik Islands due to security; since I’m on a solo journey I’d rather be safe. Manukan Island has more people (but still serene), has restaurants and stores, and has very good shower rooms, and no lizard or crocodile in the sand area. Beach closer to the arrival area has much jellyfish than when you stay on the farther area of the beach. The sand is white and pure and the water is so clear, that even if you are not yet snorkeling you can already see school of fish.



Before 12nn, I went back to the hotel to freshen up, took my lunch and now ready to go to their new mall, 1Borneo.

There is a free shuttle ride from Warisan Square near the taxi stand. The coach leaves every half hour.

1Borneo MallWebsite: http://www.1borneo.com/
Direction: http://sabahbah.com/kota-kinabalu-shopping-centres/1borneo/371/how-to-get-to-1-borneo

One Borneo Rainforest has its free entrance but you can skip this, there is nothing to see here. The Borneo SeaWorld is still closed (April 2010). I was able to buy my Starbucks City Mug collection here at 1 Borneo for 42RM.


Outside the mall, is the Tune Hotels which is also cheap and new. By 6pm, I took again the free return transfer from the shopping complex back to Warisan Square.

2010 April: Kota Kinabalu: The Arrival and Cititel Hotel

Travel Date: April 19, 2010 Monday
Destination: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

I took flight 5J 733 via Cebu Pacific from Manila to Kota Kinabalu. I arrived at Tanjung Aru Terminal 2 at around 8pm. It took me around an hour to pass the Immigration due to long queue of tourists and slow action of the Officers. I was about to be pick-up by the cab driver who I booked at the hotel, but he was no longer there. Since the Foreign Money Exchange is already closed at that time, I used the ATM to withdraw some money. It will automatically convert your entire peso to ringgit. Then, I looked for the coupon-sales and taxi-booking counter. I told them which Hotel I’ll be going, paid 20RM and finally got the coupon. Then, I gave it to the cab driver who is on queue.

Tip: try to study the map, so at least you will have confidence on which road you are in, aware if you are going to the right direction and conscious that you are finally reaching your hotel. After traveling for 15 minutes, I reached Cititel Hotel. In less than 10 minutes, I was able to complete the check-in procedures. The restaurant at the lobby still offers food and it tasted so good.

Restaurant at the Cititel Hotel Lobby: Next CaféBuffet Breakfast: 10RM (150php)
Dinner/Lunch: 9RM (Main Course + Soup) (135php)

I booked for a Standard Room (12 sqm) with Double Bed with windows at a very low price since it is just new during that time so they still have opening/early-bird discounts. I must say, that this is a good choice of Hotel. Very clean, very new (at April 2010), and also has modern facilities. Air-conditioner is working fine. Bed and pillows are soft. LCD TV works as both cable TV and radio in one. They also offer free toiletries, mugs, and hair dryer. Other services in the floor are free hot and cold drinking water, microwave oven, iron, and iron board. It's location is very near Centerpoint Mall.

CITITEL EXPRESS, KOTA KINABALU
No. 1, Jalan Singgah Mata 1, Asia City 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (Borneo)
Tel: 6088 521 188 (Hotel)
http://www.cititelexpress.com/KK/index.html

2006 July: Kuala Lumpur: Day 2: KL Invasion

Travel Date: July 20-21, 2006
Destination: Kuala Lumpur

Second and last day in KL, after a long discussion we finally decided to check out and bring our big bags while we stroll around the city. We tried to wake up early so that we can still go up the Twin Tower Bridge. There are no entrance fees, but you need to be in the first 500 guests visiting the bridge. Otherwise, you’ll not allowed to enter the bridge.

The queue is too long, but there are games and intelligent maze on the lobby that will surely entertain you while waiting.
KLCC Mall and KLCC Park are just also near the area.

Next target is to have more of shopping experience. We checked out Berjaya Times Square (also included in Amazing Race Asia Season 1), malls along Bintang Walk, do food trip and return to KLCC Mall.
It’s finally time to say our farewell to Kuala Lumpur, we took a cab going to back Puduraya Bus Terminal. After 6 hours travel, around 3 in the morning we reached again Singapore!

Thanks a lot to my sister and her friends who are with me for this wonderful travel experience in Kuala Lumpur, Malayasia.

2006 July: Kuala Lumpur: Day 1: KL Invasion

Travel Date: July 20-21, 2006
Destination: Kuala Lumpur

My 2 day invasion in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

We reached Kuala Lumpur by roughly 6 hours travel via Transnational Coach Service from Lavender Street, Singapore. It was my first time to travel during night to reach a destination before sunrise. What is the hassle thing about it? It is to wake-up in the middle of your deep sleep to register on the immigration of Singapore and Malaysia on it’s borders.

We reached the Puduraya Bus Terminal by around 4 in the morning, its not like the busy terminal because we arrived there too early. It is scary at first, so I do not recommend night travel for a solo traveler. First thing we did is to exchange our money to Malaysian Ringgit. In 2006, PHP14.35 is equal MYR1. From the terminal we took a cab to send us to Florida Hotel (71-73 Jalan Thambypillai off Jalan Brickfields KL). Personally, I do not like our hotel, it is a three star hotel and the service is not that good. We were not allowed to check-in when we arrived there at 4:30am. So what we did is to stay in the nearby 7-11 store, their’s is not like having a table and chair. It is just really a store, so what we had to do is to seat on the actual side walk area and eat our early breakfast and wait until 6 in the morning.

Once we reached the hotel elevator it becomes too smelly, up to the hotel walk way until you close your hotel door, the smell still stinks. Room and bathroom are not so clean and are also very old. Plus, I do remember that there are some creepy crawlers in the bed.

View from Florida Hotel:

Officially the first morning of our KL adventure, we woke up at 9 and get ready to check the available trips going to Genting Highlands. Good thing about the hotel is the location, it is just a walk away from KL Central Station. It is a terminal for buses and trains. We had our brunch at McDonalds, they do not have rice and the taste of their burger is a little spicy.

Genting Highlands Ticket Booth in KL Central Station:

We took the Genting Highlands bus service, and travel around an hour to reach the Theme Park. See the below photos on our way to the top of the mountain. Too bad the cable car is not available, thus, we were not able to experience the thrill.

Genting Highlands is a very huge place with indoor and outdoor theme park facilities.

It is also very near to the largest hotel in the world, First World Hotel (The World's Largest Hotel, Guinness World Records 2006/2007/2008/2009).

Best experience here is the Snow World.

We missed our 4pm return shuttle to Central Station, thus we waited for the 5pm service. They are very accurate when it comes to schedule, thus you need to be more punctual.
From Central Station, we took a train going to Putra Station, our next destination is Menara Tower (http://menarakl.com.my/). (Trivia: It is included in the stops for the Amazing Race Asia Season 1). Can’t remember how much is the entrance, but it already includes the use of a recorded sound presentation that serves as a guide as you walk around the top of the tower. You will also see the Petronas Twin Tower from afar.
After this, the night is not yet done. We took a cab to send us to Petaling Street (China Town), shopping time. We bought a mini Petronas Tower as our souvenir.

For our dinner, once again we bought McDonalds goodies and eat in our hotel.

Then, it is time to sleep.