Hainan

Initial plan was to go by VIP coach to Hadyai 5 days 3 nights scheduled for 21 August 2026 which cost RM1599, stay at Lee Garden. Itinerary covers Songkla, Patalong. But due to shortage of fuel in Thailand, we have second thought just Cuti Cuti Malaysia.  

3 days 2 nights for RM1278 Club Med Cherating was our choice but the 30 seaters coach 2+2 to this place cost RM4350. We have 24 pax which will cost to RM180 per pax.  Total  RM1450 not including lunch before check in to Club Med. To include own lunch maybe around RM1500.

As this Hainan 4 days 3 nights via firefly cost RM1499 suggested by TST Travel, the tour agent  who quoted us the Hadyai tour.   If we roughly cost in bus to KLIA, estimated RM1400 for return trip and now we have 28 pax about RM50 per person. And we need to get group insurance for our staff.

It will be via Firefly including 20kgs checked baggage and meals on board

Friday 21 August 2026 KL/HAK 0815 hrs FY3970

Monday 24 August 2026 HAK/KUL 1255/1625 hrs FY3971

Day 1 KLIA/Haikou/Sanya

Atlantis Sanya - As the 3rd intergrated resort of its kind in the world, following those in Dubai and the Bahamas, a new landmark for tourism. Get up close to witness the marine mythology come to life.

Hotel: Sanya Xin Yi Jing Chanyi Hotel

Address: No. 108 Hexi Road, Tianya District, Sanya, Hainan 572000, China

Tel: +86-898-38856111

Day 2 Sanya

Sanya Tree Hotel Complex aka Tree House, a unique architectural design inspired by nine large trees

Nanshan Cultural Toursim Zone inluded buggy ride, national 5A  tourism atrraction integrate natural scenery, Buddhist culture and folk customs, famous for Guanyin, world tallest Guanyin statue on the sea, 108 meters high, standing on the South China Sea.

Sanya Night Market. 

Day 3 Sanya/Haikou

Helicopter low altitude flight experience 1km. Guests weighing over 100 kg not allowed to board, no refund will be given if flight cant be carried out due to weather or air traffic. Due to recent helicopter incident in China, the helicopter flight was halted. 

Seafood products (about 90 minutes) show case health benefit endless charom of marine life.

Binglang Valley Li and Miao Cultural Tourism Area include buggy, China 1st 5A ethnic cultural scenic area, enchanting rainforest, vibrant ethnic minority performance.

Healthy living hall, which promotes lifestyle based on technology, environmental protection, health and fashion, connect body with nature (90 minutes)

Dongpo Old Wharf  for Dongpo culture

Day 4 Haikou/KLIA

Suppose to be Home sweet home but due to typhoon narra our flight was moved to 25 Aug, subsequently 26 Aug and final notice was flight cancelled.  We have no choice but to buy another ticket with Hainan airlines to fly home as we need to resume business. Lucky 25 Aug was a public holiday.

It was hectic having to manage the group as to check for restaurant which may fit 26 people and suitable food for all which are not so costly.  We had our own meals on 24 and 25 August with no tour coach provided. We paid for extra 2 nights hotel stay. 

With unbudgeted cost involved, thank God we managed to claim for flight delay from our travel insurance.

Tibet, Journey to the Roof of the World

Tashi Delek is a traditional Tibetan phrase used to greet, congratulate, or wish someone good luck. It literally translates to "auspicious blessings" or "may all good things come to you," often interpreted as "good luck and good health.

Tibet nicknamed Roof of The World for its towering peak. It shares Mount Everest with Nepal. Tibet is highest region on Earth, with an elevation average 4500m (14000 ft).

Tibet in May, a high altitude area and we have prepared ourselves by taking the chinese herbs supplement (Hoong Jin Tian)/Rhodiola, a type of arctic roots,  12 days before departure.  Friend suggested we buy at Kedai Ubat Cina Tai Sen Foh located in Jalan Kepong. 50 capsules in a bottle for RM50, to be taken after meal twice a day, 2 capsules each time.

Taking Sichuan Airline to Chengdu, approximately 4 hours 30 minutes

18 May 2026 KL to Chengdu 3U3994 0005/0445 hrs

29 May 2026 Lhasa to Chengdu CA2532 1745/2010 hrs

30 May 2026 Chengdu to KL 3U3993 1745/2230 hrs

Initially the 8 of us are early birds, SL, LKW, OTL, CC, T,  AC, EK and SC booked since November 2025 but mid April 2026, OTL's son admitted for massive brain bleeding. So she has to withdraw and lucky we managed to find replacement SL.  Total size of group of 16, we mixed with another group of 8 pax.

This legendary challending G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway through snow moutains, lakes, forests, valleys and Tibetan villages, a journey that worth doing once in a lifetime.

Day 1 KL/Chengdu

Upon arrival , enjoy breakfast, check in Holiday Inn Express Chengdu hotel. By 1 pm we leave for lunch and visit Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street and Taikoo Li for free shopping time for local snacks, clothing etc.

Day 2 Chengdu-Luding-Kangding-Xinduqiao-Yajian 400 km/7 hours - Altitude 2600m

Depart Chengdu, travelling along Yaan-Kangding Expressway and famous national highway 318 service areas and the Erlang Mountain Tunnel. Continue to Luding and arrive Kangding Lilliu town, head west over Zheduo Mountain, stop at West Exit Zheduo Viewpoin. Proceed to Xinduqiao, on the way catch a glimpse of Mount Gongga, highest peak in Shu Mountains, and stay overnight in Yajiang Country Yudu Hotel.

Day 3 Yajing-Litang 300km/6.5 hrs) Batang - Altitude 2740m

Depart from Yajiang, travel along the scenic 18 Bends of Heaven Road, and arrive at vast Litang Grasslands, known for their high altitidue and breathtaking open landscapes. Continue to the beautiful Sister Lakes in the Haizishan Nature Reserve, a glacial relic surrounded by snow-capped peaks, often called a jewel of Sichuan-Tibet Highway. Check into Batang Shengxidun International Hotel.

Day 4 Batang - Mangkang- Zogang (260km/7hr)  Altitude 3850m

Depart from Batang, cross the Jinsha River Bridge to, Markang crossing Lawo Pass with views of Lancang River Bridge and Jueba Mountain, Dongda Mountain viewpoint,  continue to Zogang for an overnight stay at Zogang Yuexi Holiday Hotel.

Day 5 Zogang-Basu (100km/3hr) Rawu Town - Altitude 3850m

Located near Ranwu Lake, the Laigu glacier area in Pasho includes several glaciers such as Meixi, Yalong, Ruojiao, Dongga, Xiongjia, and Niuma with the Yalong Glacier being the most spectacular. Ranwu Lake, composed of Upper and Lower Ranwu, is a large glacial lake that forms the source of the scenic Palong Tsangpo River, a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo. Known for its crystal clear blue water and picturesque reflection of snow capped mountan and grassland, the lake is primarily fed by meltwater from the surrounding glaciers. The journey concludes for hotel check in at Bome Viena Hotel.

Days 6 Bome-Lulang Nyingzhi  (237 km/4hr) - Altititude 3100m

Passing Guxiang Lake on the Parlung Tsangpo River known for its clear blue water and tranquil surroundings, continuing past Tongmai Bridge, the route reaches Lulang Town and Lulang Forest, the Valley of Dragon King, famed as heavenly peaceful place that makes visitors forget homesick. The trip concludes with a stop at Sejila Pass to hang prayer flags, ring the peach bell, enjoy view of Mount Namcha Barwa and Golden Summit in sunlight (unfortunately cloudy) before arriving in Nyingchi overnight at Nyingchi Zangnan Taogu Hotel.

Day 7 Nyingzhi (400km/6hr) Lhasa - Altititude 3650m 

Nyingzhi aka Switzerland of Tibet, visit the Tibetan Folk Village - tour the Basomtso Scenic area whose name means green water in tibetan.  One of the largest glacial freshwater barrier lakes in eastern Tibet and sacred lake of Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism.  Pass throught Gongbo gyamda, which means sunken valley mouth in Tibetan - travel along Lhasa-Nyingchi Highway - pass through Milashan Tunnel then Maizhoukunggar Country meaning central white land where green dragon king of Mozhu dwells in Tibetan - arrive Lhaza. check in Home2 Suites by Hilton Lhasa.

Day 8 Lhaza - Altitude 3650m

Enjoy in depth cultural experience in Lhasa, visit Jokhang temple include entrance ticket and audio guide. Sera Monastery to witness famous monk debating. Explore Barkhor street with Tibetan costume experience. Lhasa famous pilgrimage circuit and commercial centre, which has well preserved traditional appearance and lifestyle of old city in Tibetan. Barkhor means middle cicumambulation path. Take part in a hands on Tibetan incense of Thangka painting experience. Went for late lunch.  Enjoy coffee and drone photo taking, a distance from Potala Palace. 

Day 9 Lhasa Altitude 3650m

Enjoy afternoon coffee/drinks at Potala Palace.  Visit Potala Palace (include entrance ticket and audio guide). 

Day 10 Lhasa (300km/4hr) Yamdrok Lake - Lhasa Altitide 3650M. Domestic Flight from Lhasa back to Chengdu

Zhaqi Monastery only temple in Tibet dedicated to God of Wealth. Then travel from Lhasa to Yamdrok Yumco, where you take photos with yaks and tibetan mastiff. Stop at popular 5 shaped bend for photos then visit famous Rituo Temple. Rituo means stone on mountain in Tibetan. Built on peninsula on northern shore of yamdrok yumco, only building on the peninsula

After touch down at Chengdu, went for famous hot pot dinner prior to check in Intercity Hotel Chengdu Kuanzhai Alley.

Day 11 Chengdu/Kuala Lumpur

Morning after breakfast, free for shopping and visit to Kuanzhai Alley walking distance from hotel.  Depart from hotel 12.30 pm to lunch and then airport for flight home.

Some of the hotels located in high altitude will be equipped with wall-mounted oxygen systems that pump oxygen into the room. Our VIP coach equipped with oxygen canister.

Ending this with message from our local tour leader Mr Lok from Yakin Terus Holiday Sdn Bhd. This trip was their Company maiden trip.

May 19th, the most beautiful 318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway – a successful challenge and a wonderful return! Thank you everyone for choosing "Yakinterusholiday" and joining our guide, Mr. Lok, on this journey across the mountains and along the most beautiful 318 Highway. 

Thank you to all the group members for your cooperation and understanding, enduring the high altitude and traversing the mountain roads to Tibet! These 12 days took us from Yajiang, through valleys into Tibet, past the Jinsha River, the Lancang River, and the Sister Lakes. The stunning alpine meadows along the way offered breathtaking views at every stop, leaving us with many laughs and wonderful memories. 

Looking forward to setting off with you again next time to see more beautiful scenery and create even more wonderful memories!

#Yakinterusholiday

~Lok

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Catch up in Brunei & Labuan

These two places that i have never been!  It was during CNY that i visited my ex boss, CY and she suggested we go meet up ex colleagues there.  Ok why not as all three of us except CY has been to Brunei and Labuan.

So the planning was to go in April 24-27.  Flying to Brunei via Air Asia, via ferry from Brunei to Labuan and then via MH Labuan back to KL.

We have not been seeing each others for ages.  Plan is to meet Lan of Brunei and Astrid, Jackson, Jenny, David of Labuan for this short 4 days 3 nights trip.

Brunei

Lan has suggested we bring Singapore dollar which is acceptable in Brunei with same exchange rate rather than taking Brunei dollar as we will hardly go to this country.

She suggested us Higher Hotel which we have booked. But later she suggested another as her friend said Higher Hotel is a bit run down but we stay put since is only a night stay.  She arranged the transfer from airport, tour around Brunei, ferry from Brunei to Labuan, venue for meals etc. Lan is so kind and thoughtful that she planned the itinerary for us.  

We are satisfied with Higher Hotel, clean, friendly staff, large room.

Most countries requirement now is 3 days prior to arrival, you need to fill up health info and e arrival card. 

You may access 

https://www.healthinfo.gov.bn/travel#/user/login

https://www.imm.gov.bn/ords/dl_portal/r/public_portal/home?session=12384008772682  

Ist Well at Seria Oilfield

Billionth Barrel Monument

Higher Hotel

24 April 2026 (Friday)

8.55am Indera Envoy's driver, Suhaini pick us from Brunei Airport using Nissan NV350 Van, BAV 3476 able to fit 8 persons.

10.45am Arrive at Lan's house at No 35 Lot 2153 Jalan Jerambak, Seria KB1733, Brunei Darussalam

11 am Lunch at The Blue Indian Restaurant in Seria, serving Nothern Indian cuisine.

12pm After lunch, tour I Love Seria, OGDC, BSP Oilfield, Billioth Barrels Momentum,  Panaga Area, Kuala Belait

1.30 pm  Drop off Lan, then head to Higher Hotel at Kianggeh, on the way visit Jerudong Playground, Polo Club and Empire Hotel, a luxury 5 star resort, frequently hosts VVIPs, including foreign heads of state, celebrities and royalty due to its private, high security setting. 

Evening night tour to Gadong Night Market and sightseeing in Bandar.  We had Nasi Katok which cost BND1 (rice, a piece of chicken, sambal) which we find delicious.  We packed that and went to The Mall foodcourt to enjoy the nasi katok.  After some sightseeing including the RIPAS bridge.  The driver drop us off near Fuchow Restaurant, after dinner walking distance to our hotel.   

25 April 2026 (Saturday)

8.15am Indera Envoy's driver to pick up 4 guests from Higher Hotel. Then pick up Lan & Ai Lee from apartment at Lot 22419, Simpang 131, Jalan Kiulap for a city tour:

Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

Royal Regalia Museum

Istana Nurul Iman

Kampong Ayer

Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex

Lunch at Kaizen Water Front

Drop Lan & Ai Lee to apartment at Lot 22419, Simpang 131, Jalan Kiulap

3 pm Send 4 guests to Muara Port Terminal to catch 4.30pm ferry to Labuan

One way boat ticket cost B$25 and B$2 tax per person.

We visited 2 beautiful mosques. For ladies, we will have to cover up by using their provided long dress. 

Royal Regalia Museum is also interesting display lots of gifts from other countries to Sultan Brunei.

We had Japanese lunch at Kaizen WaterFront facing the Kampong Ayer.

From airport pick up, sightseeing, transport, meals were all paid by Lan.  We paid for ferry to Labuan which took about 1.5 hours, cost BND25 per person.

Brunei River Cruise (just for photo)

Labuan 

25 April 2026 (Saturday)

Reached Labuan by ferry  (1.5 hours) from Brunei around 6 pm. Astrid is so kind to offer pick us up from port.

We have booked Tiara Hotel. She sent us to hotel for check in and came back with her husband Jackson with 4WD at 7.30pm,  let us refresh first before dinner.

They took us to Mawilla Yacht Club Restaurant. After dinner, we went to nearby Labuan International Sea Sports Complex which feature  A "Glow In The Dark Garden" provides a night-time light spectacle. Then we tour around town, drop by their house for a while before going back to hotel.  Tiara Hotel with landscape around, room big only that the wooden flooring in room and wall tiles in bathroom need refurbishement.

26 April 2026 (Sunday)

David & Jenny came at 7.45am to pick us for breakfast at Fisherman Harbour Restaurant located at Paragon, Labuan for fish noodle.  After breakfast, Jenny left to church while David took us to Pasar Tani,  passed by the machine shop area, asian supply base, saw Halliburton etc, visited the temple, passed by the church, had a break at Financial Park and round the costal road before dropped us back to hotel.  We packed our lunch from Financial Park to eat in the hotel.

6.30 pm they both came to pick us for dinner which they have reserved table and ordered food at Chen Ong Restaurant.  Astrid came to meet us there.  Jenny bought a 4 kilo fish from wet market and get them to cook besides having beancurd, kampung chicken and pork with yam (Kau yook), mushrooms fritters., cantonese noodle (sang mee). The 7 of us cant finish all the food!  Both Jenny and Astrid need to takeaway the leftovers.

After that, they sent us back to hotel.

27 April 2026 (Monday)

8am Astrid came to pick us for breakfast at Chai Wang Jalan Merdeka, delicious we loved the fried fish requested to separate from the bowl soup with ko lo mee. Jenny came to meet us there.  Both their husbands are working. CY picked up the bill. After breakfast, CY & Sng followed Jenny's car whereas me and  husband followed Astrid.

She took us to TNT Seafood & Cold Storage at Jalan Patau-Patau where we bought fish, prawns, crab claw meat frozen and properly packed. Then to Hao Yin Duty Free for liquor which is opposite Jackson's workshop, Jackson Car Accessories and Services. Each of us entitled for a liter of liquour.  Then we went to Sky at Financial Park (Ujana Kewangan) to buy imported chocolate before light lunch at Blueberries Snack House.  Jenny has requested to put our 2 boxes for seafood at Grill Restaurant just besides reception.

We were given late check out till 2 pm.  So the girls after dropped us to hotel we continued chatting till 1.30pm before we head back to room for bath and final packing. We were given complimentary drink voucher (Soft drinks, beer, coffee or tea) so we waited there till 3.30 pm complimentary shuttle to airport which is 5 minutes away. Checked in our luggage and had McD for lunch before gate open for boarding. 

Overall a great trip that we were able to catch us with all these friends since I left the Company in 2012. We have known each other since 1991, about 35 years ago!

Our flight via MH departed 6.05 pm was fully booked even business class. Given the choice of Beef Pasta, Nasi Lemak with Curry Chicken or Sweet Sour Fish Plum with Rice for our dinner which was served before 7pm.  Our flight reached KLIA at 8.30pm.  

We parked at LTCP KLIA which we paid about RM82.  We went for supper at Tiong Nam (Chow Kit Road0 before heading home.

 

Pak Sin Mow Temple

Financial Park Labuan

By the way, if you want tea with milk and ice, you must order Teh Tarik ais not the usual way of telling them Teh Ais  as they will give us tea without milk.

Missing Brunei for their Nasi Katok and Labuan for Fish Noodle, delicious! 

Anyway, not sure will there be another trip to these two places as nothing much in both. Overall, a good satified trip having to meet up with old friends especially David who has recovered from Colon Cancer but still follow up with doctor every 6 months.  

Relaxing in Cameron Highlands

A yearly getaways for few years now during fasting month where the whole place is quiet and peaceful.

This trip there is no one available to join us.  So here we go 2 person in a 3 rooms apartment at Heritage apartment, Tanah Rata exchange through Leisure Holidays all by ourselves.

We travelled up on a Thursday 5 March 2026.   Had a good lunch at Ringlet Huan's Kopitiam, love the Sang Mee Cantonese Style. Then proceed to check in, was given A21 which was 2 floors up the stairs and the living hall view was all trees, we were laughing real privacy for us.

For dinner we found a new restaurant, Thai Food, Wan Wan Aroy which we were happy about that we went the next day dinner the same place.  After dinner, we went to Smokehouse to have a drink with him as he and his wife will normally travel to Cameron during fasting month.  

Next day breakfast we had at Uncle Chow, Tanah Rata for Nasi Lemak. After breakfast we drove all the way to Tringkap and then travel back down to visit  Sam Poh Temple situated in Brinchang. After that to Tanah Rata, had a drinks and scones (not too good) at Barrack Cafe. Prefer Scones and Lord Cafe or Growing Seed Cafe.

As for 1pm lunch we had Singh Chapati Briyani Rice sharing a plate with 2 types of vegetables which were brinjal masala and potatoes cooked with cauliflower. The plate of Briyani Rice was too much that we told the owner to only give us half.

After lunch, back to our homestay before heading out for Brinchang night market which we bought maize and then thai food dinner.  Wanted to have Chim Chun but ingredients not enough so ended up with rice and dishes.

When we checked out the following day, we stopped by along the way down bought petai (stinky bean) and strawberry.  Stopped at Fang Xiang Ringlet for breakfast instead of Huan's Kopitiam as wished because is closed for the day.  

We reached home by 1 pm to have lunch with my son.

There is no place like homes.

 

Migrant Repatriation Program 2.0

Undocumented migrants in Malaysia can return home without prosecution under the Migrant 2.0 carried out from May 19, 2025 to April 20, 2026

RM500 for entering or staying in Malaysia without a valid pass, RM500 for overstaying, and RM300 for breaching pass conditions, RM20 for issuance of special pass.

However, programme will not apply to those who had previously registered under repatriation initiatives but failed to leave the country as well as those blacklisted or subject to warrant arrest.

Migrants should have a valid passport or travel document and a travel ticket to their origin country. They can walk in to any Immigration Office throughout Peninsular and Labuan with the travel ticket. The date of the travel ticket should not exceed 14 days from the day they walk in Immigration Office. Migrants are required to pay the compound based on the offence committed. Payment for compound is via cashless method.

However the system has been down since 11 December 2025 till 16 December 2025 still not working. It was only working on 18 December 2025. This really have to be looked into as too long downtime!