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!

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.