Koh Samui- Day 1

Arriving at the Koh Samui Airport- they arrange the tram to take us to the immigration. Considering Koh Samui is an island, the Airport had an island feel to it. After taking our baggage, you will see some booths for rental of cars. We thought that that was the place to wait for our pre-arranged transport to the hotel. Then we found after a few minutes that we had to walk further up, following the signs to the "Real" arrival hall. Therefore, just follow the sign.

We met our driver and travel about 20-30 minutes to our hotel in Lamai- Promtsuk Buri (for more information about the hotel, pls look at the hotel page)

After checking in to our hotel, we decided to take a rest, enjoy the hotel beach and to plan for the next day activity- Island hopping-Ang Thong National Marine Park. In the evening, we travel to Chaweng by taxi. (see transportation tip)

Chaweng beach road-near Chaweng Lake- is a long stretch of shops selling all sorts of things, food, thai products, leather shoes, haagendas, swensens, tailors, bars... It is crowded, as many of the tourist stay here or around this town.

Dinner: Thai food at a restaurant in chaweng-Beach Road. We asked around and they recommended this shop. (sorry I forgot to take down the name, it was I think opp ) The food was really delicious. The Mango Juice is a must try, it is really fresh juice from fresh mangoes. Then we ordered a plate of stir fry vegetables, fry fish, tom yam and pineapple fried rice. All was really splendid except for the fry fish.

Koh Samui- Day 2- Island Hopping

It was a rainy day, we decided to book the tour from the Hotel using Samui Island Tour to Angthong Marine Park. You can choose between with Kayaking or without. (Do compare the prices before booking.) A van fetch us and sent us the jetty. Then we took the tour boat, they served breakfast, with bread,coffee and tea. (Advise: Do not eat too much or you will regret later!) The tour guide mentioned to us that if any were to back out now, please go ahead ( we did not know why she said that, but we realize later)

Koh Samui Island Tour Boat

The sea was rough, we thought that it will be better after a while, not long after it started to get even worst, the sea was really choppy and many people started to throw out, including my family members. With many of feeling really uncomfortable and feel like vomiting, it seem like forever to get the National Park. By the time, we reached there, it was a sign of relief as the water was much calmer. However, because my family members, were feeling so uncomfortable, they didn't get to enjoy the scenery at all. (A word of advise: Even though our friend mentioned to us that the weather is quite good in December, it is better to check again, especially when travelling on the boat and with elderly ones, they might not be able to handle the journey. Please check the weather condition and the sea condition before deciding and if not sure you have a chance to back out.)

As for me, even though my stomach felt uncomfortable due to the boat ride, I really wanted to see the scenery. I went up and caught sight of the astonishing emerald green lagoon-"Talay Nai". Wow, magnificent!

From the Viewpoint

The Emerald Lagoon

Next, it was lunch on the boat and we were taken to the next island in Wua Ta Lap island. You can choose between staying near the beach and taking a swim or climbing up to the top view point which is about one hour. Since, my family members were not feeling well, we decided to stay near the beach. It was a little let down as this island isn't much of a sight or beauty, it was ruin by dirt, rubbish and glass.

Lunch Provided on Board

After an hour, we headed back to Koh Samui.

Dinner: Tarua Samui Seafood Restaurant. About 10 mins walking distance from our hotel, recommended by the hotel staff. We thought we are here on an island, must try seafood.

We ordered fish, prawns, vegetable and lobster. The outdoor table was so windy and cooling, very romantic. As for food, is not that good. Our lobster, did not have any taste in it. The bill- expensive.

Sneak out to Lamai Night Market- went shopping, like Chaweng it is a whole stretch of shops, just shorter than Chaweng. Banana pancakes was recommended on other website but I did not try as it looks similar to malaysia's banana roti canai. Must have a look. Might be able to find things that you like. I bought bags, hair bands with flowers, and broach.

Koh Samui- From Subang

Ever since I saw the picture in an e-mail showing the beauty of Koh Samui, I have always wanted to set foot on that island. My wish came true, when I travel to last December to Koh Samui.

I had a friend who was living in Koh Samui and she mentioned that Firefly was offering special fares to Koh Samui, therefore we quickly booked our tickets. Firefly is the only company that offers direct flight from Malaysia to Koh Samui. Departing from Subang International Airport.

I have not been to Subang International Airport, ever since KLIA used as an international airport. was expecting the worst, but to my surprise they renovated the interior and it looks really splendid.

However, as only firefly as the main airplane departing from Subang, it is not as crowded as LCCT, I would say it is underutilized. But definitely a shorter distance from the city centre, which saves lots of time.

We had lunch at Noodles Restaurant. They gave so little noodles and it was so watery, it didn't taste good and pretty expensive.

Curry Noodle RM 9.90

Dumpling Soup RM 5.90

Nasi Lemak RM 9.90

Asam Laksa RM 9.90

Firefly airplane was alright. There were plenty of empty seats. The air pressure was a little low. Other than that, was happy to see them giving us snack and a drink as it is a code sharing flight with Malaysia Airlines. With snacks to fill my stomach, I am satisfied.

Coming Next- Trip to Koh Samui

Coming Next: Trip to Koh Samui

Change of blog colours

I have change the colour and theme of my blog. Love the new colors and hoping to bring more travel reviews and destination guides - my style for travelers...

Hopefully you like the new color and theme...

Tioman Island

I went to Tioman Island with a group of friend last February.
There are quite many beaches to choose from that we can stay on, from the popular ones to the isolated ones... choosing from the pictures of those who been there before, I chose to stay at Paya Beach Resort and because they offered me a good deal for such a big group of us.

Note: As it was in late February (chinese new year), the tide was low and trip by ferry was really bumpy and rough, many of my friends vomited and was not feeling well. Even the company offering ferry services was not sure whether they will be going to Paya beach resort. It is better to check all these information before going and choosing the place to stay.

Travelling to the Jetty in Mersing, we took Bluewater Express. Then as I mentioned that the journey was really rough, many of my friends were not felt really uncomfortable because of the boat trip. At last after one hour of suffering, we arrived at Paya beach.

I was dissapointed because as you can see from the photos the water was really low, so couldn't swim till the water recover to the normal level.

The rooms were alright, clean and affordable, at times though, the electricity went off and we were left in darkness. the management did not restore the electricity supply immediately.

Another thing that I was very disappointed, as we went during low season, there was not many restaurant for us to choose from only the hotel restaurant another small shop (that always ran out of food). So my friends and I were left without food and as you probably know, hotel food are really exorbitant. We had no choice but to eat at the hotel. I'm not happy that there is a lack of affordable food.

Besides that, any extra activity that you would like to do like snorkeling or travelling to other beach, Money,money, money is involve...

The worst was the bluewater express(the ferry company), they made us wait for 3 hours as they were 3 hours late. there were many ferries from that company that came by they just wouldn't take us till 3 hours later. Unbelievable. I was so angry at them, but we were at their mercy. What can we say?

What a disappointing visit to Tioman Island. Was really looking forward and highly expecting bringing back beautiful memories with my friends.

paya beach- low tide

Deluxe Chalet (we did not stay in this)

Paya beach jetty

Beach - water when it is a little better

The new block that they were building

You can walk from Paya beach to Genting, we did that. You will need a good pair of shoes and it is not really suitable for the elderly, as it is a rough path, lots of climbing stones, steps and it can be quite slippery too.

Guilin Yangshuo- Must See & Must Eat List

A reader requested for the MUST SEE LIST & MUST EAT LIST in Guilin and Yangshuo:

This is my MUST SEE LIST & MUST EAT:

Guilin

1) Yao Mountain

2) Li River Cruise by Bamboo Rafting

Yang Shuo

1) Moon Hill

2) Yu Long River

3) Liu Shan Jie Show

MUST EAT

1) Lipu Taro Pork

2) Beer Fish

Tour Guide

Many asked me about my tour guide( "my tg")...

However, I'm sorry but I'm unable to recommend my tg to you. As I felt that, my tg lack experience and knowledge in this field. We went to many places and there was no explaining, just going along from one place to another. Quite many places, we were just left taking pictures and not knowing why. I was not satisfied at all. From my viewpoint, my tg packages are very expensive, I found on websites other cheaper option. There were other times, that we did not have anywhere to go and if we chose to go a certain place, we have to add money and entrance fees. Really expensive.

Therefore, with such lack of experience and pricey package, I wouldn't recommend my tg. Sorry.

My advise on choosing tour guide:

1) It is better to know what you are paying for.

For example: Is the entrance fee included? Is it by big boat or bamboo rafting? does the rooms comes with breakfast? If I want to add other places, do I need to pay for it, etc.

2) How reliable is the tour guide? Does he have experience is this field?

Does he have good reputation? everyone who tried did they say give comment about his services?

Note: Doesn't mean that one website has good reviews on a certain tour guide that he is the best, check on other websites, he may put his own reviews. I heard from other ppl that some tour guide spam or put good comments about themselves. If he has a little bad review, do take note...

Yangshuo Hotel

Magnolia Hotel
A Simple hotel with traditional chinese decoration, with modern bedding and toliet. It is quite affordable and value for money. The rooms and bed was very clean. The only slight problem with was the bathroom, the water got stuck as a result of drainage problem, but other than that thumbs up for that price we were paying for.

Reception

Bathroom

Bed

The hotel has other rooms too, that look really great and had a modern bathtub too.

Overall rating:
Cleanliness: 3 stars
Decoration: 3 stars
Location: 4 stars

Yangshuo Day 3

Cycling to Moon hill was in our itinerary, unfortunately due to rain, we decided to use the car instead. We explored the yangshuo villages, climb moon hill, to have a panoramic view of Yangshuo and Yulong River.

The view from Moon Hill

The view from Moon Hill

Then we ate lunch. I will write my review in the restaurant page. Rest of the day, was shopping... and the next day we headed back home.