Iceland - Land of Fire & Ice

Youngest sister has suggested that we travel to Iceland and then from Iceland to meet her in Norway since we are already going to fly to that part of the world. She is planning a trip to explore Norway on campervan with her husband and invited us to join her.

I am a bit worry to leave the house for almost 27 days (Iceland & Norway). But my husband said we should. Lucky that younger son is back to KL for good  and started work with hubby 1 September 2025.  At least another person at home or else the whole house will be quiet with elder son alone.  We are to fly off on 3 October 2025.

Waterfalls everywhere!

 

Jokursalon Glacier Lagoon

Aurora seen at Akureyri

We flew with British Airway, transit Heathrow and arrived 9.40 am at Keflavik International Airport (KEF).  We board flybus from airport to BSI bus terminal which takes about 50 minutes. Then transfer to another bus to bus stop #8 - Hallgrimskirkja.  The bus tickets cost us ISK5199 (RM171) per person.  Just about less than 10 minutes walk to check in Freyja Guesthouse (bathroom and kitchen sharing).

Flight details

KUL/London/Reyjkjavik 

BA 034 

Depart 2250, October 2, 2025 KLIA T1 

Arrive 0525, October 3, Heathrow T5

Transfer 2 hr 10 mins

BA800

Depart  0735, Oct 3, 2025 Heathrow T5

Arrive 0940, Oct 3, 2025 Keflavik 

British Airway check in luggage 1 bag @ 23kgs, cabin bag @ 23 kgs.

 

Iceland is 8 hours behind Malaysia time. 

After dropped off our luggage we went stroll around the area with plenty of food, bakery, souvenirs near the Hallgrimskirkja Church. We had lunch at Hotland Piazza, 12 inches margherita pizza (ISK2790/RM92) , 6 inches garlic bread with olives (ISK1700/RM56) and Latte (ISK790/RM26) to share.  We both could not finish the pizza but we were surprised seeing 2  girls each of them having a 12 inches pizza!  We are just too small eater.

The next morning we checked out and waited at bus stop #8 at 8 am for Artic Adventure to pick us. However with the powerful wind it was so cold and we waited till almost 9am for our driver to reach.  After us, there were 2 stops to pick up customer. Total 16 pax in this small mini bus where we have Koreans, Singaporeans, Hawaians, Americans, Australian.

We have booked 6 days Around Iceland Adventure Package ISK 279,990 per pax add VAT 11% total paid ISK559,980 (RM18,452). Pick up & drop off, minibus transport, expert English speaking guide cum driver, hotels, breakfast, sightseeing stops, guided glacier tour, all necessary glacier safety equipment, whale watching tour and free Wifi on board of bus were included.

This 6 days tour (started 4 Oct and end on 9 Oct) around Ring Road covers majestic waterfalls, black sand beach, glaciers, fjords, geothermal hot spring, whale watching, ice cave and volcanic terrain. 

Day 1 on 4 October

Golden Circle - Skogafoss - Reynisfjara-Vik

Pingvellir National Park was our first stop. Follow by Gullfoss waterfall, erupting geyser at Geysir, Seljalandsfoss waterfall (you can walk behind this waterfall) , Skogafosd waterfall. We ended the day with a stop in Vik and Reynisfjara beach. 

Lunch was at Gullfoss Panorama Restaurant Cafe. We had Fish and Chips (ISK2990), Soup of the day (ISK2590) and coke (ISK550). Total bill ISK5,730. 

We were given a quick stop at Kronan Vik to buy snacks etc. We stay in Geirland Hotel near the small town of Kirkjubaejarklaustur. 

Day 2 on 5 October

Skaftafell - Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Eldhraun Lava Field, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach (black sand beach).

Ice statues float across, waves of Atlantic Ocean, shimmering on the coal black sands.

We stayed a night at Hotel Hofn. 

Day 3 on 6 October

East fjords - Djupivogur-Wilderness Centre

Scenic route to Djupivogur, charming little village and unspoiled East Fjords. We visited the sculpture granite artwork Eggin of Gleovik which represents eggs of 34 birds in that area and stunning Beruforour Fjord. After lunch, King Prawn; 8 pcs small fried prawn (ISK2095) at Hafio Bistro we went to souvenir shop opposite. Bought stainless steel flask for ISK4500 (approximately RM150). Everything is costly here after exchange rate. 

Later the rest of day explore Wilderness Centre. We stayed in charming historic building, unwind in traditional hot tub or sauna and enjoy local cuisine specialty is their roast lamb. However  we were not in luck to view any aurora though this is the best place with least light pollution. Last few days guests staying here were able to view beautiful aurora. 

Dinners usually in hotel after check in. However, we prefer to have a simple cooking of Asian food which we brought from home. 

Day 4 on 7 Oct 

Stuolagil - Myvatn - Goofoss - Akureyri

First stop at Stuolagi Canyon, geothermal paradise of Namaskaro before Lake Myvatn region with mesmerizing volcanic landscapes and hot springs. We made a stop at Myvatn Nature Baths renowned as Blue Lagoon of the North. We immersed in the warm geothermal water (optional extra) which we paid RM586.17 for 2 pax.  Lunch was just simple waffle (ISK1690) and cocoa drink (ISK700). 

We then proceed to Dimmuborgir, stunning lava formation and mystical Goofoss waterfall. 

Late afternoon we arrived Akureyri, the Capital of North, the biggest town outside Reykjavik during trip around Ring Road, we'll know for stunning Fjord and mountain landscape. 

Tonight we stayed at Berjaya Hotel Akureyri where tonight we managed to see Aurora on this windy and chilling night. 

We walked down to the shops area as when the bus passed by a Thai food. We ended having dinner at Krua Siam. Tomyum with rice cost us ISK3890

Day 5 on 8 October

Whale watching - Siglufjorour - North West Iceland

Exciting day for whale watching boat tour in Eyjafjorour Fjord.  Yes we saw whales but it was too cold. 

We drove through Skagaforour. 

The night spent at Hotel Laugarbakki. Hubby ordered mushroom soup for his dinner ISK2790 whereas i had fish. 

Day 6 on 9 October 

Final day at West Iceland.  Started our day with a hike to Grabrok crater, 170 meters above the ground. Bought myself a Puffin keychain for ISK1190. 

Then to Borgarfjorour area, stopped at Deildartunguhver hot spring, waterfalls. Had lunch at Snertilaust ISK2600. Then to Reykholt, home to Snorri Sturluson (historisn, lawyer, politician, poet, author).  Visited Sturlureykir horse farm. Drove aroynd scenic fjord, Hvalfjorour (Whale Fjord), on our way back to Reykjavik, arrive around 6pm.

We requested our drop off at BSI Bus Terminal so we took flybus to airport. Paid 2 tickets at ISK7, 998. We put a night at Hotel Aurora USD270. 47 (RM1150. 45), 5-10 mins walk from airport to minimise transport and timing just to get to airport as our flight depart 0755 hrs from KEF. 

Breakfast in Aurora Hotel served as early as 4am next morning. So we had quick breakfast before proceed to airport. 

Details of Scandinavian flight (SAS) 

10 October 

SK4788 KEF/OSL 

0755/1235 hrs

SK4418 OSL/TROM

25 October

SK4413 TROM/OSL

1130/1320 hrs

Personal 2kgs, Carry on 8kgs, Check in 23kgs

At Oslo Airport my name was called to go to security. Turned out they suspected vape or lighter in my checked in bag.  I have to open up for them to check manually, go through scan again and clear the baggage.  When i wanted to board the plane, i was hold up as my name was in their system over some issue.  It could be due to earlier incident.  They waited to check with security but no response till everyone boarded only I was allowed to board the plane.

We flew to Tromso to meet my sister and her husband for our Norway exploration. 

Till we meet again Iceland!

 

North Xinjang

My ex colleague and her husband have planned to 12 Days 10 Nights North Xinjang in September 2025. We touched down Urumuqi on 10 September 2025.

Via Savvy Travel, booking fees was RM500. Next payment was 3 months before departure the 50% of tour fare and final payment 50% 1 month before departure.

Initially the itinerary mentioned to take China Southern Airline (CZ) but it was changed to China Eastern Airline (MU) which I dislike as returning trip 4 hours transit time at Nanjing but not knowing that we actually need to collect our luggage and recheck in again at Nanjing.

Flight details

10 Sept 

MU 2970 0140/0720 hrs (KUL/NKG)

MU 2959 1045/1555 hrs (NKG/URC)

20 Sept

MU 2730 1020/1445 hrs  (URC/NKG)

MU2969 1905/0040+1 (NKG/KUL)

Itinerary

Day 1 (MOB, MOB, Dinner) 

Board flight from KLIA1 to Urumuqi, Upon arrival either dinner first then transfer to hotel. 

Day 2 (B, L, D) Urumuqi/Burjin

S21 Desert Highway, Ulungur Lake, Irtyah River, Five Colored Beach, Grilled Fish Night Market

Day 3 (B, L, D) Burjin/Hemu

Hemu Village, Tuvan Village

Day 4 (B, L, D) Hemu/Kanas

Kanas Lake, Guanyu Pavilion

Day 5 (B, L, D) Kanas/Burjin

Moon Bay, Walong Bay, Shenxian Bay, Kanas Morning Mist

Day 6 (B, L, D) Burjin/Kuytun

Wuerhe Devil City via Buggy

Day 7 (B, L, D) Kuytun/Yining 

Sailimu Lake via Private Bus, Yili Tianshan Flower Sea Scenic Area, Guozi Guo Bridge

Day 8 (B, L, D) Yining/Nalati

Nalati Grassland via Buggy, Kongzhong Grassland

Day 9 (B, L,D) Nalati/Kuytun

Duku Highway (switch to 7 seat car), Sightseeing Tianpu

Day 10 (B, L,D) Kuytun/Urumuqi

Autonomous Region Museum, International Grand Bazaar

Day 11 (B, MOB, MOB) Urumuqi/Transit City/KL

After breakfast proceed to airport for home sweet home

I personally like the scenic area in Hemu and Kanas. And the highlight was Duku Highway is not always assesible which is strictly subject to weather condition and we only know that morning itself.  We were blessed as day before and after our planned day for Duku Highway was closed but we were able to experience that 561km highway which crosses Tianshan Mountain, connecting northern and southern Xinjang.  Magnificent view of grassland, snow capped mountain, curved roads, lakes, an unforgettable experience of four seasons.

Company Trip - 4 days 2 nights Batam

We have been going for yearly trip be it overseas (Indonesia, Thailand) or just in the country.  But since MCO, we have stopped going for company trip.  We started back in year 2023 to Adeline Villa, Gopeng, Perak and  last year 2024 at Janda Baik for team building 2 days 1 night.

I have always prefer Club Med Cherating but boss not too keen. This year boss saw this travel agent in Rawang advert with 4 days 2 nights Beautiful Batam Tour which coincides with Independence day, I was told to contact TST Travel and arrange for it.

Highlights includes

Terminal Fees/Port Charges

Complimentary Santorini Afternoon Tea

Complimentary Pink Beach Drink

Inclusions

Round Trip Bus SVIP 30 seater Coach  

3 or 4 star hotel accommodation

6 meals included

Local transport and tour guide

Day 1

We assembled at office to board Coach for 11pm departure to Johor Bahru.

Day 2 Johor-Batam (L)

Gather at Stulang Laut in the morning for 2.5 hours ferry to Batam. Upon arrival greeted by local tour guide who speak fluent Mandarin to seafood lunch at Kelong Restaurant and to  these attractions: 

Rainbow Bridge (Balilang Beach) a newly developed bridge connecting six islands

Santorini with afternoon tea

Pink beach with drinks

Check in hotel. Dinner will be street food though at own expense but it was paid by our Company.

Day 3 (B/L/D)

Visit the largest Buddhist temple in SEA, Vihara Duta Maitreya built in 1999 with donations from Chinese communities there. 

Puncak Beliung Rainbow Slide (ticket at own expense)

Lunch at local restaurant

Coffee Factory understand Indonesia Coffee Culture

Batam Mall 

Dinner provided at local restaurant.

Day 4 (B/D)

Meet 9am Indonesia Time after breakfast to Batam Centre Pier to board 10.30am ferry back to Stulang Laut. Have early dinner at Chinese restaurant in Yong Peng, Johor on the way back to KL. 

The traffic though heavier but was moving.  We safely arrived back to our office to collect our car parked there.

Overall, a fun trip which everyone enjoyed and good time for colleagues bonding.

Bangkok free and easy

No itinerary planned for this June  2025 trip as we have been to Bangkok numerous times.

Gotta clear my RCI points and hardly you can find Anantara Riverside Bangkok available. I have paid SGD236, was charged RM797.08 for my seven (7) nights stay there.  Flight through Batik Air where it cost RM482 per ticket is a good deal.

Not sure what to expect, upon arrival at Don Meung airport, we took grab to the hotel and was allocated room at their 3rd floor (anantara vacation club rooms). There is tea break provided at the same floor at 3 - 5 pm with 2 types of drinks, 2 types of cookies and 2 types of finger food (mini bagel with shrimp, smoked salmon, tuna sandwhich, ham & cheese sandwich).

Anantara also provide complimentary boat shuttle to Sathorn Pier which is few minutes walk Saphan Taksin BTS, Icon Siam, Rivercity so is actually quite convenient.  There is a covered walkway to Riverside Plaza where you can have your meals, massage, snacks, shopping. 

With so many times waiting for shuttle boat, is quite serene looking at the boats passed by at Chao Phraya River. 

Day 1 (Plaza Riverside)

Lunch at Bangkok Bold after hotel check in, their som tam is fragrant with very fresh lime, tomyum was good too and we had Koong Ob Woonsen as well. Total bill THB650.

Dinner we had simple pizza (THB238) to share. We had rum and raisin ice cream at Swenzen (THB69) 

Fare from Don Meung airport to hotel THB564 (Fare THB408, Toll THB140, Foreign payment fee THB16)

Day 2 (Chatuchak)

Saphan Taksin BTS to Siam BTS, change Sukhumvit line and stop at Mo Chits BTS, walk few minutes to Chatuchak.  Good that the morning rain and the day is very comfortable to explore that huge area. Plenty from pets, plants, clothing, food, souvenirs, massage. Had brunch in that area cost us THB300 only.

Dinner was kar moo (braised pork knuckles rice) THB325.

Day 3 (Chinatown)

We took hotel complimentary boat ride then another public boat ride to Chinatown.  Each had small bowl of fishball noodle soup (THB212). Then we tried the tiny Siew Mai (steam pork dumpling) sold by old uncle using a cart. 6 pieces for THB21.  Dessert at Nam Doa Huu THB210 with 3 Pattongo (THB20), if you need kaya add on THB25.  After Chinatown, we alight to Icon Siam.  Had Pang Cha tea there (THB200).  Back to hotel for a rest before we head out later to sister's condo at Lao Prat via BTS & MRT then hop onto their car.  Dinner we had with my younger sister, her husband and his family (parents and sister) at Niitaya Kai Yang Nawamin branch closer to the parents' house. Quite a few years we last met his parents in Bangkok.

Day 4  

We met up with sister after her lunch appointment at Central Embassy. Took BTS to Phloenchit. We had brunch at the food court for their crispy osyter omelette (THB190), had a stroll, bought some souvenirs, then for some dessert (THB406) before back to her condo for dinner with my another sister who was coincident in Bangkok to visit her daughter/my niece.  Dinner was just next to the condo (THB600).

Day 5

We explore Thalat Phlu food  market as recommended by my Bangkok sister. Grab from hotel to that area was THB100. Had the delicious Tongleng fish ball noodle THB180. Lunch at Tek Heng Michelin Bib Gourmand for its Crispy Rice Noodle and Fish Maw soup THB415. Bought the dumpling (THB65) and Tako THB36 at Khanom Wan Talat Phlu on Soi Thoet Thai 25 back to hotel. Evening we went to Asiatqiue then stop at Icon Siam  before taking grab (THB92) Bangkok Chim Chun for dinner (THB598).  The boss was friendly and we chatted a while about some chinese immigrants history as his father was from China. Grab back to hotel cost THB140. 

Thalat Phlu is the area of shooting the movie How to make million before grandma dies.

Day 6

Hubby suggested grab (THB230) to Thon Buri, quite a huge area selling live seafood, vegetables, clothing, lots of street food.   We had river prawn, osyter, crab, squid cost us THB1300. Massage at Tonsakpakkai for 2 pax THB1020, hubby 2 hours, myself 1 hour). After massage, we had noodles, banana fritters, sweet potato ball  before heading back to hotel. 

Day 7 

Went to Peppery Thai Bistro Icon Siam for brunch (THB824), tried their delicious curry crab. Met sister and her husband for dinner at CentralWorld. 

Day 8

Grab to airport (THB477 + Toll THB50) for our flight home via Batik Air.  Glad that it was on time.  Hubby's dragon pass managed to get us access lounge and he was able to bring a companion. More of thai food again before boarding.

Back home we still miss Thai food and had our dinner at Thai Restaurant next day. LOL.

Our Journey to Nature Retreat

It has always been my spouse's dream of homestay business.  This opportunity came when a few of my sibblings wish to retire on their own land, doing some farming and self sustain during retirement.  We traveled to KKB, Sungkai, Karak to explore the land available.  Finally we settled with Valley @ Bentong together with my brother who bought the same area.

We explored a few names and finally came up with La'Vista.

Lets read his version of story:

La Vista Nature Retreat 🏡 

@ The Valley 🎄

Meaning of La'Vista~The sight/the view in Italian. 

 

 

Most retirees are bored with ‘too much free time’ so they are…

… starting businesses for fun and extra income. 

After the novelty of retirement is over…

… and after taking all the trips and relaxation they need…

… retirees who have been busy a big part of their lives are now feeling…

 

😕 Bored and not stimulated

😕 Cooped up

😕 Unproductive

 

So comes the time to..

Reside   |   Retire   |   Relax

 

Time to turn a hobby into a small  business is a great way to earn some extra money - while having a good time.😃

This is how the idea of La' Vista Nature Retreat @The Valley came across. Getting this small plot of land overlooking The Valley and Titiwangsa mountains range with daily fresh breezy environments. 

 

The journey begins when my spouse and I decide to get a small plot of land in this quiet little town of Karak just an hour slow drive from the bustling city for our retirement. 

Returning to nature's embrace among the emerald glades where the air is fresh and crisp. Enjoy our golden years in a neighborhood gifted with rain forest's tranquility and the nourishment of earth and soil in the surrounding pastures. 

We made countless trips to this little town meeting up with property agents looking for a small manageable plot of land. Going in and out of every plot of land available for sale. Some that need a 4wd to access into the deep jungles looking for the plot that suits us until we spotted Lot 705 @ The Valley. Going into retirement age where our earnings is limited we need to make the right choice. After months of scouting around we have finally decided The Valley but with 138 lots of divided uncleared lands in Phase 2 to choose from is not an easy task. We repeated our scouting again but this time is within the vicinity of The Valley. Going in and out countless time to get the real feel of this area. Coming here in the wee morning waiting for the sun rise and looking for the piece with lots of morning mist. In the afternoon to be sure that it's not scoring hot and in the evening looking for the sunset view is not an easy task. Until we stop at plot no 705 he has this strong feeling that this plot suit our requirements. Just manage to glance through the thick uncleared plot i just fell in love for the view overlooking the valley and mountains. After having a deep thought we finally decided to embark on next adventure here. 

 

 

We had enjoyed pumpkin, hog plum, Roselle for the start while waiting for other fruit trees to grow,. Now we having lots of vitamin from passion fruits.  

Building a house took us a long time as the contractor is busy with other projects in the same area.  Finally in August 2024, all is finally done. Then we still need to think of what else to beautify the area and it still continues.  

Till February 2025 while we still celebrating Chinese New Year and had not much time to overnight so we can complete whatever task needed there.  We were busy too when my father was admitted since end November and then passed on 2 January 2025. So the plan to stay over halted.

Finally we have the curtain for first room, had our fridge in before we started to plan our sleep over.

First time we overnight on 3 May 2025 with elder son, nephew, his wife and daughter. With help from elder son, he set up the big camping tent which we intended to put as permanent that fit for 3 to 4 people.

We slowly improve the place with necessities for the small pantry area. With the place ready for overnight, we now usually travel down Friday evening and thus have enough time to look after the fruits trees, discussion with contractor etc on Saturday morning and leave by noon or late afternoon.

Before that we usually leave from home 6-7am, be in karak an hour later for breakfast and then start our routine and left by 1 pm. 

We have now decided only to rent out the empty land for camping but not in a hurry to do so as we realised by 9am is already hot, so we have just planted a few trees.

Hubby is always waiting for weekend as this is his favorite second home.