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!

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.

Childhood Dream

His childhood dream came true...

Since childhood, I often found myself captivated by the beauty of nature. The gentle rustling of leaves, the vibrant colors of blooming flowers, the fragrance of ripe fruits , the chirping sounds of birds and the misty fresh morning breeze were a constant source of inspiration for me. 

My childhood dream is simple; to own a small plot of orchard land with a small farm house on top of a hill. Little did I know that this dream would eventually came through when one day my wife's siblings planning to look for land away from the bustling life of the city. Since it's weekend we followed them along until we stop by this plot at Lot 705 The Valley, Karak.

Growing up as a kampung (village) boy I would cycled and spent hours wandering in the rubber plantations, swimming in the cold crystal clear stream that flow across the rubber plantations, admiring the way the sunlight filtered through the leaves while we swam. The experience of picking ripe mangoes and guava straight from the branches felt magical.

I fantasized about having my own orchard, a personal sanctuary where I could cultivate fruits and share the harvest with friends and family. This vision was not merely about farming; it was about creating a space filled with joy and connection to nature.

As the years passed, I remained steadfast in my dream. I like plants, animals and farming. I learned about sustainable farming practices through the Internet, added knowledge to my passion and helped me visualize the orchard that I dream of. 

During one of the outing scouting for land near Karak, my heart raced with excitement when we reached a hillside piece of uncleared land. After months of searching, I finally stumbled upon this idyllic plot that perfectly matched my vision. It was a small 1.1acres plot to be exact, sun-kissed hill overlooking the Titiwangsa range surrounded by trees and boasting fertile soil. Also a small natural spring water pond at the edge of this land.  I could almost see my hopes flourishing. I knew that I had found the place where my dream would come to life.

With determination and a clear purpose, I purchased the land and planned according to my dream. The journey was not without its challenges. My wife and I spent countless hours planning with the contractors clearing the land according to my plans, understanding the unique personality of my hillside land, build my little farm house and planting fruits saplings. I faced the unpredictability of weather, pests, and other obstacles that tested my solving skill. Yet, each setback only strengthened and deepened my commitment to nurturing this dream.

This year 2025 is going into the third year, my little plot started to transform into a orchard of my dream. All the fruits trees grew sturdy.  I embraced the rhythms of nature. Looking forwards for years to come during fruits seasons I can share the bounty of my dream together with families and friends. The orchard became a sanctuary, a place for reflection and connection not only with nature but with those dear to me.

Owning this orchard on a hillside was more than just fulfilling my childhood dream; it has fostered a deeper appreciation for the environment and a commitment to sustainable living. My childhood dream of owning a small orchard with a small farm house on a hilltop has blossomed into a reality that I am cherishing deeply. It is a reminder of the importance of perseverance, passion, and connection to nature. My orchard stands not only as a testament to my childhood aspirations but also to the beautiful journey of growth and fulfillment that comes when we dare to dream. I look forward to nurturing it for many more years to come, continuing to create memories that will last a lifetime amidst the serene beauty of the hills. 

Xiamen - Chaozhou - Wuyishan

Never cross my mind about visiting Xiamen. My elder sister in law wished to visit. She has not been travelling for past 2 years looking after her grand daughter. Coincidentally my friend wanted too and have been eyeing on itineraries.

She coordinated 10 pax private tour ( 4 pax from her end) and my side 6 pax. I was busy with juggling work, home, visiting my late father in Hospital Serdang. She liaised on all the details.

She suggested MLS Holidays but since we are not comfortable with that Company, she has suggested to have almost the same itinerary but arrange by her contact at Orient City Tours Sdn Bhd, Kuantan.

The ground arrangement was RM4200 and group air fare with Xiamen Airline RM1800. Total RM6k per pax inclusive travel insurance. Hotels were combination of 4 and 5 star.   

Quoted ground arrangement included

9 nights hotel with hot buffet breakfast

One way high speed rail from Fuzhou to Wuyishan

One way high speed rail from Wuyishan to Xiamen

Tipping for guide and driver

Chinese speaking guide

Our flight via Xiamen Airline

18/2/2025 0800/1205 hrs

27/2/2025 1925/2350 hrs

Day 1 Arrival Xiamen (Dinner: Lobster, Abalone, Seafood Feast)

Island Ring Road - view of Golden Coast, Yandang Mountain, World Trade Twin Towers

Shapowei

Jimei School Village

We overnight at Ling Ling Hotel.

Day 2 Xiamen - Quanzhou (B. L Minnan, D:Quanzhou Style)

Spirited Away Sea Train, Ling Ling Animal Kingdom and International Circus. Quanzhou West Street and Xiao Xicheng

Overnight Days Hotel Great Wall

Day 3 Quanzhou - Putien (B,  L Xinghua, D: Mazu themed)

Xunxi village (photo session with no make up, unedited 10 original photos per person. Putien ; Historial, cultural district of Xinghua, Gujialou, Wenfeng Palance.  

Oernight Depo  Hotel

Day 4  Putien - Fuzhou (B, L Putien Flavor, D Fuzhou Street Food)

Mazu Temple  include speed boat and round trip electric car, Xianliang Port - Birth place of Mazu, West Lake  Pearl of Fujian Garden, Linzexu Memorial Hall, Three Lanes and Seven Alleys

Overnight Sofis Hotel Pingshan

Day 5 Fuzhou - Wuyishan (B, L Wuyiwen Gong Banquet, D Wuyi Tea Banquet

Transfer to train station, scenic bamboo raft along Nine Bend Creek, Wuyi Palance, Song Dynasty Style Fang Song Ancient Street, Spectacular Impression Daongpao show .

Overnight Wyndham Garden

Unfortunately, this whole day was raining

Day 6 Wuyishan -Xiamen - Zhangshou (B, L celebrity favorite private dishes, D : Fujian Buddha Jump Over the Wall

Hight speed train back to Xiamen

Gulangyu Island, World Unesco Cultural Heriate, Langtau Road , Zhongsan Road

Overnight Duoling HotSpring Hotel

Day 7 Zhangshou - Yongfu - Hua'an-Zhangshou

B, L Hakkay, D Taiwanese

Hua'an Tulo 

Zhangping Yangfu Cherry Blossom Garden

Overnight Duoling Hotspring hotel

Day 8 Zhangzhou  - Chaozhou - Shantou (B, L Chaozhou, D: Chaozhou Pun Choi)

Chaozhou Ancinet city with electric card, Guangi Gate Ancient City Tower, Paifang Street, Xiangzi Bridge, Binhai Long Corridor

Shantou - Xiaogong Park, People's Square

Overnight Dreamland Hotel

Day 9 Shantou - Xiamen (B, L Xiamen style, D: Seafood Feast)

Damei Ancient Village

Dragon Boat Pool

Gualai Hall

Day 10, After Breakfast, Bailuzhou Park, Huandao Road Pearl Bay Beach, Lunch, transfer to airport. 

From this trip, I learnt about the history of Xiamen and Chaozhou where significant waves of the Chinese immigrants to Malaysia beginning 19th century. I am glad I have visited.