@ Bali, Indonesia

Me and my wife decided that for my birthday celebration this year we will be going to Bali, an island off Indonesia.

This is the second time I have been to Bali.

As usual, I will try to make the post as informative as I can, including the photos and budgets so you guys can utilize this as a reference.

PLACE WE STAYED (ALAYA KUTA)

For the accommodation, we have chosen a hotel named Alaya Kuta. Situated in the centre of Kuta town, it is one of the known tourist destination with long stretches of white beaches, restaurants and bars etc.

And it is only 15 minutes (with traffic) away from the Ngurah Rai airport.

I received a birthday card from the hotel and also one small complimentary cake. (It is a small cake by the way, but who cares? It is the thought that count.

The room is really a bargain at approx. USD 60++ per night of stay. Plus, it is only 5 minutes walk away from a shopping mall (Lippo & Discovery malls), restaurants and bars. Quite convenient I must say.

And of course, if you fancy a night swim, there is a big pool on the ground floor next to the breakfast area.

But a dip in the pool after 8 bottles of Bintang Beer is not recommended...

TRANSPORTATION

As for transportation, there were a few to be considered. Now listen very carefully.

1. Taxi is the most convenient mode of transport, but could be one of the most expensive too. We tried the "Grab Car" apps on the phone, the difference? Eg. From airport to our hotel would cost Rp 100K in a normal taxi, but only Rp 28K via "Grab Car" application.

If you happened to have all the time in the world but travelling on a tight budget, i would suggest install the App.

2. For the dare devils, rent a bike for Rp 70K per day.

Along the way you will see many shops selling petrol for the bike in an absolute vodka bottle which will cost you about Rp 15K per bottle and probably a quarter of the tank filled.

I would strongly suggest, go to the nearest petrol station such as PERTAMINA, filled about Rp 10K and you will almost immediately get a full tank of petrol.  

But riding a bike under the hot sun and with the terrible traffic condition can be both risky and exhausting. We took our bike from Kuta all the way to Seminyak, and I have lost almost half of my body fluid due to the hot weather.

3. Travel in style and not worry about anything? You may contact some rental car that come with driver. Renting a car (Toyota Avanza) normally cost about Rp 300K, and to include a driver, add in another Rp 100k.

We had a nice driver who called Mr. Tattoo (Not his real name but insist we call him that) who is very accommodating and speak really good English. You may contact him via +628123972131 or email him at mrtattoo95@yahoo.com.

And yes, he really does have some great tattoos on his body.

PLACES WE WENT

Apart from the more conventional places like Tanah Lot and Uluwatu, there are a few more interesting places which I would say, is a must visit.

1. ROCK BAR @ AYANA RESORT & SPA BALI

http://www.bali-indonesia.com/magazine/rock-bar-bali.htm#

With the Indian ocean as the backdrop, you and your loved one could enjoy a nice evening drinks while enjoying the sunset view. The bar opened at 4pm, but I would suggest since it is always pack with tourist, go as early as 3.30pm to join the queue.

As you will need to be "descended" to the bar on the cliff on a special vehicle, a cabin car.

 



Whenever there is beer, I am a happy man.

It is not the cheapest place in the world, but for the sake of experiences, USD 30 is not too bad for two bottle of beers and some light snacks considering the posh environment you are getting.

2. KU DE TA BALI

Another place would be the Ku De Ta Bali. Located in Seminyak, this is one of the restaurant and bar situated just right off the shore of the beach.

I think I will never get enough of the tasty Bintang Beer!

And some "traditional selfies" on the beach.

3. SEAFOOD DINNER IN JIMBARAN

When you are in Bali, you should never miss the seafood dinner in Jimbaran. Located half an hour from Rock Bar, this is the place well known for having seafood dinner on the beach while admiring the sunset in the process.

And no, I am not talking about the Raja Bomoh here. (I swear).

I wouldn't say it is cheap to eat here, anyway, eating in Bali is never cheap.

The seafood restaurant we went is called the Lia Café. Their menu comprised the ala-carte price and also the so called "package price".

For about Rp 300k, you would be able to enjoy a nice dish for two person which comprises coconut water, fish, clamps, prawns, squid, vegetable and also rice.

Looks small in the picture, but we were struggling to finish it to be honest.

5. ULUWATU TEMPLE

For those of you who has done some research on Bali, you will never miss out on this place.

The entrance fee from 2012 is Rp 30,000 and you need to be properly dressed to enter. Sarongs and sashes are available free at the entrance.

The temple is inhabited by large number of monkeys, who are extremely adept at snatching visitors' belonging, including bags, cameras and eyeglasses.

Keep a very close grip on all your belongings and stow away your eyeglasses if at all possible. If you do have something taken, the monkeys can usually be induced to exchange it for some fruit.

My advice, if you have no patience negotiating with a human being, don't try with monkeys.

6. HARD ROCK BALI

As spiritual as it may seem, I have the tendency to take a photo of Hard Rock Café in every country that I have visited.

And yes, one of my ultimate life goal is to own something like Hard Rock Café in the future.

Ha.

7. SOURVENIER HUNTING IN KRISHNA BALI

If you are thinking of buying souvenirs in Bali, try to avoid places like shopping malls. Krishna Oleh Oleh Khas Bali is one of the place where you can purchase lots of local souvenirs with very affordable price.

This is the place recommended by our driver for the day, Mr. Tattoo.

Sometimes I think It is better to buy in this fixed price store than bargaining in Kuta or Legian tourist shop which is more expensive.

8. BEBEK GORENG & PORK RIB AT NAUGTHY NURI'S (AKA HOG WILD)

Five years ago, I missed out on the "Bebek"-Duck in Bali. So this time we went to a place called Naughty Nuri (Renamed as "Hog Wild").

Needless to say, it is a must try dish when you are in Bali.

Quite a special set up, dine in the garden.

But honestly, I have no idea what it meant by "Wild Women - Wednesday".

Maybe there is some "special service" offered on the other end? Side business perhaps? :P

9. NASI PADANG SEDERHANA

The first time I came across the "Nasi Padang" is when I visited Jakarta. Originated from Padang, West Sumatra, it is a very popular dishes among the local.

 

 

So, during one night when we running out of idea where to take our dinner, I suggested Nasi Padang instead. Initially my wife have this sceptical look on her face when I told her it is something like the "Mixed Rice" of Chinese.



 

 

But, she loves it. She was even surprised by how tasty the food were. And for you to know, you only pay for the dishes you eat.

 

The one you didn't touch, it doesn't count.

 

 

End of the day, the trip is a fulfilling one. I think mainly it is because we took it the "free and easy way".

 

But if you were to ask me what is the one thing I would bring back to Malaysia if I had the chance?

I would say, the hotel bed.

I slept like a baby for the 4 nights I was there.

All in all, (apart from air tickets and accommodation), for the two of us we have spent about USD 500++.

And we had fun.

So where's next?

Say hi to Bali for me the next time you guys are there!





 

Busan, Korea

 

 

 

 

This is my first time in Korea.

 

Before this trip, the closest I have ever came across to learn about Korea was from my wife's Korean drama series.

 

But what I saw and learnt about Korea in real life, is nothing short of overwhelming.

 

Especially their foods, like the Korean Barbeque.

 

 

 

I am not a big fan of Korean food before this.

 

For one, I have never understood why they need to make their chopstick from steel and make it so heavy to handle (Even for a Chinese guy like me).

 

Secondly, Why they tend to use so many plates for one simple course of dinner and etc etc.

 

And why don't they translate their dining menu into English?

 

Back to the food.

 

For the Korean Barbecue, it is a must try when you are here. I have ended up with the BBQ dinner almost for the whole week I am there.

 

And nothing beats grilled pork meat down with glasses of Soju (A Korean type of liquor) during a cold windy night.

 

 



 

 

My Korean friend told me that Soju is the best beverage to go with a grilled pork meat. If you are going for Beef, beer would be the best choice.

 

I would believe that everyone has their own preference.

 

If you asked me personally, I would go for the marinated type of grilled beef + Soju.

 

So after the dinner, I had a short walk around the night market to have a look.

 

 

This is where you will come across with lots of street foods and clothes for sale. Something like a mini version of Petaling Street in Malaysia.

 

But, the shops here have limited choices and I don't really speak Korean. (Although many people thought I am there people, and ended up speaking to me in Korean with me looking like a confused and drugged retarded man.

 

The place where I stayed is at Haeundae, a vey popular tourist spot as in beach side.

During the summer, people flocked to the beach for a short holiday get away.

 

 

There were no crowd during my stay over there, as the weather can be as low as 10 Deg C. I jokingly asked my friend if I would be able to have a chance to take a swim.

 

He told me he has no problem with it, but his only advise is "why trade a nice hotel room with a hospital bed?"

 

Not far from where I have stayed, there is a casino. Casino in Korea are only meant for foreigners only.

So, being a China man, I decided to go in.

Ended up with USD 100.oo losses under one hour playing black jack. Talk about a beginner's luck!

Another main attraction in Haundae Busan would be the Sealife Aquarium.

Here you will able to see closed to 3,500 marine species on display.

And also the divers on display.

 

 

Not sure how much they earned monthly, but hopefully with this kind of job they are entitled to exemption from paying income taxes.

 

 

Fancy for shark fin dinner?

As for avid shoppers, there is a big departmental store in Busan called Shinsengae.

This departmental store looked just like any others. But there are one difference though.

 

 

They held the Guinness World Record for the largest departmental store in the world.

 

I am not sure if it is the case still for today. But having a departmental store certified by the World Record of Guinness? It is something interesting.

 

I wished I could have written more about this trip, but as always, it is only a business trip. Forgive me for the brief introduction to this country.

 

But I will definitely come back again one day, as a "real" tourist. So I will be able to learn and appreciate more on the Korean way of living.

 

Maybe it is just about time to start watching Korean drama!

 

 

 

 



Sharing is Caring

You came across one nice song and wanted to download it as mp3, but you have no idea on how to do it?

Go to this link http://www.youtube-mp3.org/. Put in the URL of the video into the box, click "Convert Video", then click "Download".

It is that easy.

Good things are meant to be shared.


 

Theory Vs Reality on Globetrotting

I was back in UK again last month for couple of weeks.

Took this picture while having morning coffee outside the hotel. Sunny day!

People used to come up to me and said how much they envy my globetrotting lifestyle. You received lots of "Likes" on Facebook on your travel pictures, and people telling you how cool it would be for them to be able to do the same.

I wouldn't disagree.

Sometimes to be able to get our from your normal surroundings and explore some new places can be exciting, at first. But doing it over and over again may not be just what you think.

When you get to travel so frequent, everything would be like, autopilot. You just tend to know things like:

1. What is the Wi-Fi access code ain airport and places to avoid the network congestion.
 
2. Where is the nearest and largest smoking lounge available.

3. Which restaurant serve the best coffee that suits your taste buds. (Or offering smoking zone)

4. The exact seats that offered you more leg rooms on the plane.

5. There were no charging port on the aisle seat on a Boeing 777 old plane on "E" airlines.

6. You get free set of eye mask and ear plug from "E" airlines, while it is only available for business class in "K" airline.

7. There is no harm asking for a seat upgrade for free at times. It happened at times.

Last month, I set a personal record. I was away from home to three different countries (China, Indonesia and UK) all in the same month.

This is what people think in general.

Happy traveller!

But in reality, for 90% of the time in the 3 countries this was my itinerary:

1. Back from China, I have two days to do laundry and repack for Jakarta.

2. Back from Jakarta, I have two days to do laundry and repack for UK.

3. Stuck in a bad turbulence en route to UK without proper sleep for almost 13 hours.

4. Went into meeting, with jet lags and fever. Took a half day off work because I was just so ill.

5. Sick for two days, missed the Man Utd vs Aston Villa match 17 miles down the road due to illness and unable to secure ticket for the match. Stucked in hotel and went to ASDA (Tesco equivalent store) to shop for PAINKILLERS.

6. Hotel food alone in the room for whole 9 days. Occasionally dinner at the restaurant outside the hotel.

The only nice moment was on that sunny day, I am able to have a coffee early in the morning with the cooling breeze brushing my face without feeling ill.

Like I said, theoretically, it can be fun. But in reality?

Unless you are on vacation, that would be a different story all together.

If you think it is fun, think again.

Yes, I had a happy smile on me face when it is time to go home to my own home again.

 

Why Malaysia Became the World Laughing Stock

"Proud to be a Malaysian".

I must clarify beforehand that I am a "neutral" in politics, and I am not a financial expert or political driven towards any party in any ways.

The following blog post only served my opinion as a Malaysian citizen who were extremely frustrated by the attempt of IRB, who try to squeeze every penny out from my pocket, who paid hefty price on almost everything due to GST implementation, someone who lose the luxury of subsidized RON 95 fuel and etc.

Yet, I have to work hard in order to be able "feed" the corrupted minority.

Welcome to Malaysia, the subject of the laughing stock from all over the world.

1. 42 Billion in Debt, and we do not know where the money has gone.

1MDB was supposed to be set up as the special investment vehicle for the benefits of the nations. But recent audit by Deloitte and KPMG has unearthed that Malaysian are sitting on a huge debt that any possible investment return will be close to meaningless.

Even better, this one.

"USD 1.1 Billion is kept in Singaporean bank in US Dollars" - says the CEO of 1MDB.

Then the Finance Ministry found out that it was actually "Asset on papers".

If you can't even trace 1.1B, how are they going to justify the amount loss up to 42 Billion?

And when the ex-Prime Minister asked for a Q&A session with you, you are nowhere to be found.

And ended up...

You got yourself named after "Roti Kosong". - No telur.

Not a bad achievement as the leader of government.

2. Achieve gold medal in sports, but facing criticism.

She did the nation proud scoring gold medal in recent SEA Games in Singapore.

Instead of receiving message of appreciations, she has to take the flake from some minority who claimed to be more religiously well-behaved.

Some claimed that she should be "wearing more clothes so her shape of vagina will not be exposed".

Stupid. If you didn't take notice of her private part, why would you know?

Or should her wear like this to perform the gymnastics stunts?

3. The "Coconut Man"

When the MH370 lose contact with ATC, only 6 hours after the SAR (Search and Rescue) operation started. And in the wrong place.

So, in order to find out the exact location of the plane whereabouts, Malaysia unleashed their secret weapon/agent.

The man with the coconut.

Who claimed that the plane has been held up by some "Jin" and he can help to solve the mystery.

So, did we found MH370?

No. But at least we are proud to have a Malaysian who instantly became the worldwide sensation.

Even Obama was confused by the show.

 

 

And he seems to enjoy it.

 



 

4. "Raping by finger" is legal in Malaysia.

A 60 year old guy was convicted with raping charges on a 14 year old.

But not a problem. As he is USING HIS FINGERS ONLY. The rape victim eventually got pregnant and gave birth to a baby.

But from the court ruling, he will not be charged and allowed to walk free from all the sentences.

I think next time we also need to wear condom on a finger so somebody will not get pregnant.

5. Change of government is as fast as a flick of switch.

During the General Election (GE) 2013, this is what happened.

Blackout, and BN won.

Last But Not Least, the "very smart" MIC president. Samy Vellu.

He once said "Pos Laju Banyak bagus, esok hantar hari ini sampai".

(Means: The national Courier Service very efficient. Send tomorrow, we will receive today).

Can someone please tell me, why am I not laughing?

Someone please tell me, I should be proud of my nation.

Tell me how?