Where's next

Having really bad withdrawal

Yes, I dislike Winter (and that was my first)

But yes, I do miss the weather, how contradicting

Humans are really weird aren't we

We miss things we can't have

Totally not in the mood of doing any work

The guy I am supposed to meet is not at work too, probably still on leave

So I am stuck doing nothing

Well not exactly nothing...

Guess where is my next destination?

Yeap, solo and female are the key words

I am reading this from http://theblondeabroad.com/

Before that I was...busy looking at flights to New Zealand *guilty*

Feeling so frustrated that my skydive adventure didn't happen

I teared a little, prayed so hard it still didn't happen sigh

But then I remembered I have a Europe trip in mind

And it will be a big thing, I will need all the money I can save

I will need all the leaves and holidays I can take

So I decided to forget all the small trips I was gonna plan,

like New Zealand, India and Japan..

And do the big one first before I age

I can always go for short and relaxing trip to those countries

But backpacking over Europe? 

I better do it as soon as possible

God knows how many kg of backpack can I carry in the next 5 years.

And, I need to get a camera

A proper semipro or a SLR

Not being able to capture those nice scenery frustrates me

Will be back on Melbourne's post after I get photos from my travel partner!

Short hair don't care

Cause you said "I like girls in short hair".

Been ages since I last blogged.

Went through some blog posts and got a little emotional,

so I played Ed Sheeran's X and read some poems, which worsened the emotion.

Just got back from my most recent trip, Melbourne Australia.

Main agenda was to sky dive but as always, Australia's weather is unpredictable.

Really terrible timing because it was a chilly windy winter.

The dive got postponed twice till we decided to call it off.

But managed to go skiing!

Which wasn't really plan for but it's offered in a package.

At least we did something during the trip.

One off the bucket list,

yes we took the chair lift and went down the slopes!

Till my next post on my short Melbourne trip~

My Kinabalu Experience

So, after a super long hiatus (busy with work) I'm back with a post with lots of information which I would like to share on my hike up Mount Kinabalu! Yes, I made it to the summit Low's Peak! Through Mesilau-Laban Rata-Low's Peak-Laban Rata-Timpohon. 2D1N hike, a night for acclimatization. If you ascend via Mesilau, you'll get 2 certs, but only one if you ascend via Timpohon (provided you arrived the summit) I would suggest ascending via Mesilau, it is 2km longer than Timpohon but nicer view.

Mesilau Trail (Mesilau Gate-Laban Rata): 8.2km

Timpohon Trail (Timpohon Gate-Laban Rata): 6km

Laban Rata-Low's Peak Summit: 2.7km

Cut off time at Sayat-sayat Check point is 5am (if later you may not be able to proceed to Summit)

Cut off time for you to descend from summit and check out from Laban Rata is 10.30am

How it all started: Mount. Kinabalu has always been in my bucket list. However being someone who rarely exercise and don't hike, I did some hard thinking. I finally decided to join because since I am this close to Sabah (currently in Miri), with the right group of people (some of us are not-at-all athletic) so it would be now or never! After I paid for the booking fee, there was no turning back!

Preparation: Since I was busy with work, being offshore very often...so I had no time for proper training. Every weekend we had, we'll be away from home on hike at some hill. Twice at Canada hill and once at Bukit Kasut. But 2 weeks before the date of our flight I was offshore, I only get to ride the "static bicycle" at the bridge of the work boat once a day, 1km each ride wtf. So basically that's it for the 3 months preparation. The most important training you'll need is stamina!

I am not a qualified trainer/athlete or alike but I felt that my hike was not that bad. The only pain I have (and most of those in my group) is on my thighs, which you usually feel after a marathon. My knees and ankles are all perfectly fine. I read up on many blogs to find ways to make my hike easier. Here I'll share some tips to make your hike more comfortable and fun! 

Especially for non-athletic first timers like me~

Best advises I received:

1. Hike at your own pace, but keep track of your time. If you feel that you will be slow, hike earlier. It doesn't matter if your friends are way in front or behind you and you need to hike alone. If you hike alone, take time to enjoy the view, greet strangers..During night hike, look at the stars..I managed to catch a shooting star!

From Laban Rata to the Summit, I was mostly separated from my group. I met strangers who were at the same pace, their guide gave us encouragement to keep going. I had difficulty breathing, stopped to catch my breath every 10m. Just told myself "It's okay if I'm slow, as long as I make it to the top. I can surely make it". It involved lots of self motivation and strong mental wtf

2. Step forward to where your toes point. Do not ascend and descend the stairs sideways, step forward and go heels down first. I read this method written by a blogger who tried both ways, and stepping forward created less pressure on the knees. Indeed it helped, no aching knees! Use your walking stick and upper body as much as possible.

Here is a list of things I think are compulsory and will make the hike so much earlier:

1. Walking stick/pole: metal ones can be rented at Kinabalu Park for RM10 each, as of April 2015. If you doubt the quality, do get your own and get it wrapped and checked-in on a flight. It is a prohibited hand carry item. It was what kept me going, especially at slippery areas or with steps.

2. Waterproof gloves: Ski gloves was enough to keep me warm and provided enough grip during my climb. You only need these when hiking Laban Rata-Summit-Laban Rata.

3. Knee and ankle guards: Besides the walking stick, these probably saved my joints. I have slight arthritis and past injury on my left ankle, but with the guards and numbing spray, all those just kept me going. I got mine quite expensive, around RM30 each from Guardian. Some of my friends got RM10 for a pair at discount stores. For a one-off use, it will be sufficient.

4. Medicine: 

a) Altitude/Mountain sickness tablets to be taken 1-2days before. I bought Apo-Acetazolamide from the pharmacy which really helped, especially since I have short breath. 

b) Muscle Relaxant tablets to lessen the pain on your muscles, cannot be taken with Paracetamol. I took this only after I arrived Laban Rata. After a 7 hours sleep, took another before going up the summit.

c) Muscle cream Yoko-yoko/Numbing spray/Hot rub or anything alike would be helpful. Apply these at pit stops before you feel pain, prevention is better than cure. Before taking your rest at Laban Rata, apply again to prepare for summit hike.

4. Rain coat This is a must because the weather at Kundasang /Mt. Kinabalu is quite unpredictable. It rained after 5.30pm on our first day and on second day after 4pm. If your pace is slower, there is a possibility that your raincoat will be fully utilized.

5. Windbreak and sweater These are mostly needed during night hike to summit, which could reach 0 degree. I wore both but if you are more cold resistant, a slightly thicker windbreaker would be sufficient. A scarf or face mask would be helpful, can be use to prevent breathing the cold air which will make breathing difficult.

6. Hiking shoes or Adidas Kampung I used Adidas Kampung all the way with 2 layers of soft, worked totally fine. I tried them on a shorter hike up Canada Hill before the actual hike. Try out your shoes! My toes rub against each other so I used surgical tape to tape each toes, like how ballerinas do.

7. Headlamp You will definitely need this during night hike. Hike to the Summit usually starts between 2.30am to 2.45am, which is pitch black and you'll be dependent on your headlamp. I bought mine at Miri Airport, cost only RM5 for a really bright one.

Other than that make sure you bring enough water (mineral water, energy drink, oral salts etc.) Mineral water and can drinks at Laban Rata can reach triple the price due to the difficulties to transport them. Some goes for energy bars. They packed us sandwich and an apple for lunch.

Pack light, 5kg or less (you just need 1.5L of water, some energy bar and your raincoat with you) for hike up to Laban Rata. Porter for Mesilau Trail is RM12/kg (min. 10kg, we shared among 14pax) and Timpohon trail is RM10/kg.  (also min.10kg)

Going up to Summit from Laban Rata, I didn't even pack a bag. I had a bottle and an energy bar in sweater pocket (with zipper). Since you will need both hands to hold the rope, a pouch would be more practical and shouldn't wear you down. 

Price breakdown:

Package price: RM394/pax (price quoted for 14pax)

Flight from Miri to Kota Kinabalu: AirAsia RM130

Insurance and Guide (shared): RM106

Shuttle to and fro Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu Park: RM60

Certificates (Mesilau and Summit): RM12

Sinurambi Homestay at Kundasang (a day before hike): RM34

Shuttle from Sinurambi Homestay to Kinabalu Park: RM10


For self record:
Day 1: 28 April 2015 Ascending Mesilau-Laban Rata
Day 2: 29 April 2015 Ascending Laban Rata-Summit, Descending Summit-Timpohon

4D3N Impulsive HongKong+Macau

I'm back for a compact post on Hong Kong + Macau. This trip with my brother was really last minute, we bought our flight tickets less than a month than the departure date and did no planning at all. I just booked the highest rated hostel, Yesinn Causeway Bay from hostelworld.com and there we went!

The expenditure for this trip was around RM1200 for a person, including flight tickets! Since we flew from KCH-KK-HK and HK-KK-KCH, it was considered real cheap for a flight bought less than a month~

When it comes to a trip with me, of course I would prefer a backpacking trip and on real budget. This is probably the most "city" country I could ever be at. It felt so much like being in KL, except that there were more luxurious shops and you see Chinese (be it from Mainland China, Taiwan or from close descendants the Japanese and Koreans). No doubt Macau was the highlight of the trip, given that it was the first Casino we ever entered.

All the plannings were made a day before the trip, in bed, at the hostel in HK. Thank God for high speed WiFi throughout the whole hostel. And scary enough I only realized I was sleeping in a 9-bed mix dorm but turned out it was filled with 8 guys (I was the only girl yikes!), on the last day. Good thing my brother was really the protective type and took good care of me :)

The triple-deck bed! Frames are DIY-ed using steel pipes screwed to the ceiling and floor, creative I should say. Very sturdy and made no squirky noises like most double-deck beds do.

triple deck beds. sorry this was taken using lousy phone camera xD

Anyways, because the trip was so last minute, my camera broke right on the last day of my Taiwan trip and I had no time to borrow one, all pictures were taken using phone camera =.= Nothing artistic (since we were in a city anyways) but enough to snap memories. Too bad the weather was cold and it was quite foggy in HK and Macau so we could not get much nice scenery shots.

DAY 0 - KOTA KINABALU, SABAH

Arrival in Kota Kinabalu. Took Malaysia Airlines (MAS) so had to transit in Sibu, or was it Miri >__<

First time riding MASwings. Spent a nice at KK Airport while waiting for early morning flight to HK.

Coincidentally met a Uni mate who is currently working in KK. So we had dinner together at Tanjung Aru!

Avocado + Milo, must have when I'm there!

Spent miserable night at the airport, sleeping on floor.
What backpackers could get use to~

DAY 1 - HONGKONG

Arrived HK! Because we had no plan so we kinda got lost looking for our hostel.

 We took the bus (all the buses are double deckers!) and stopped a few stops earlier. 

Had to carry our backpacks and the road (with small alleys) were really confusing. 

Finally rested at McDonald's to take lunch first and drew out our huge HK map trying to figure out the street names. Asked the cashiers but their English is very basic and to my surprise, I was kinda scolded(??) for speaking Mandarin, please brush up your Cantonese if you plan to go to HK >__<

Bus routes (1)

Bus routes (2)

sorry for all the containers photos, I was amazed by how huge the port was 

So here is directions from Causeway Bay MRT

Found our hostel at an alley, just a tiny signboard at the door =.= But get the streets name right and you can actually find it. Right after refreshing up and setting down our backpacks, went to Ocean Park! Ocean Park is one of the Top 10 themepack in the world so it's a must go! We were contemplating between Ocean Park and Disneyland HK. But Disneyland seemed too kiddy and girly, isn't so much of a place siblings would go.

Admission fee: 250HKD (Adult), 125HKD (Child)

Getting there: Shuttle buses 10.60HKD (Adult), 5.30HKD (Child) 

from Admiralty MRT (9AM-4PM)

and Central Ferry Pier (9.35AM-10.55AM)

Beauty >>> Pain (??)
Ain't no beauty, my feet felt as they were gonna break at the end of the day  >__<

Ignore that oily hair, we slept at the airport the day before and came straight to Ocean Park *^^*

If you watch Running Man, you'll remember Yoo Jaesuk "conflict" with the panda here xD

Panda! 

After Ocean Park, it was dinner time! We went back for a refreshing shower and decided to eat just nearby because we really need that good sleep (though I went back to the hostel and had to plan for the next day >__<)

This noodle shop was located just right behind our hostel

While everyone were covered up, we wanted to challenge walking down HK streets in slippers LOL

in slippers, and went back feeling my feet aching. Not sure from the cold or whole day in heels =.=

Night street snacks is a must when in HK (and Taiwan!)

DAY 2- HONGKONG

The next day we headed to Central MRT for Tim Ho Wan's Dim Sum! Long queue and we had to take numbers, order your Dim Sum in advance and wait for your turn. We were not really sure what to order so we took a peek at others' orders Lol

They had pictures of some of the Dim Sum so I guess those are must-eat. The Char Sao Bao (Pork Bun) is definitely must have! Salivating thinking of it <3

Char Siew Steam-Baked Bun *yummy*

Lo Mai Kai, this portion is quite big, 2 persons sharing was just perfect

And Siew Mai is a Dim Sum must-have

silly us ordered Dessert which cost us so much yet weren't the main attraction.
But bill came out cheaper than our expectations

After Dim Sum at Central MRT, we went to The Peak! The reason we chose The Peak, because we were already at Central MRT and from there just walk to The Peak Tram Lower Terminus.

For more information about The Peak HK visit : http://www.thepeak.com.hk/en/2_1.asp

At The Peak, you get to shop and enjoy the scenery. However it was rather foggy so we decided to visit Madame Tussauds wax museum. We were both hesitating because we are both not museum kinda people but we were there and there was nothing much to do. Paid 240HKD but it was quite fun!

Tips: book online for savings up to 40% http://www.madametussauds.com/HongKong/en/BuyTickets/Default.aspx

(do note that we did no planning so it was our lost)

there were little people so we did all the funny selfies

so Jay is actually just slightly taller than me Lol

And I am at Lee Minho's shoulder height

Remember back then in Korea's Wax Museum I also took a photo with President Obama? xD

Get to do silly stuffs

work on props

Forgive me that I acted inappropriate Lol

After exiting the Wax Museum, it was still kinda foggy so instead of going for a tram ride, we just went out to the balcony and enjoy the breeze and view from there!

Went back to Central MRT and to Tsim Sa Tsui MRT to visit The Avenue of Stars! 

This is another HK must-go!

I'm busy eating/drinking most of the time =.=

Near the Art Museum so there were many artistic displays

Took soooo many photos with the Stars' handprints that it's impossible to post all here.

And I actually look similar in all the photos FML. Using these 2 for example =.=

Lin Ching Hsia (not our era but this is for you Dad!)

Jackie Chan's

After that went to Tsim Tsa Tsui East to meet up with my HK friend Tszlam I miss you!!

Yummy braised pork!

Me & Tszlam <3

End our Day 3 and plan for Macau! Initially was thinking whether we should spend more time in HK since we have not visited Victoria Peak and some other places but decided that Macau is a must go. It could be a whole different sight and we were right!

DAY 3 - MACAU

Day 3 we went to Macau! Do note that Macau consists of 3 parts: Macau peninsular and islands - Taipa, Coloane and Cotai (most recent claim). Initially I had the plan to fly from Macau back to Malaysia, but staying in Macau would have been more costly. To our surprised, we spent least in Macau. The transports were all free!! They had shuttle buses to most of the attractions! It is afterall a tourist-generated income country.

To take the ferry, had to go to the Ferry Pier at Seungwan. We planned for a day-trip so bought 2-way tickets. What's surprising, we spent only 5 hours in Macau and managed to cover quite many places. Thanks to proper planning? :D Not so, it was because we woke up late, took a later ferry and only arrive Macau at 2PM, our return ferry was 7PM. LOL

We took the Turbojet Ferry from Seungwan (HK) and arrive at Macau Ferry Terminal. From here, there are free shuttle bus to the casinos along Cotai Strip (Venetian and City of Dreams) even if you are not a guest so it was really convenient.

We took the Economy cabin, if not mistaken it cost around 150-190HKD (depending on the season - low, peak etc.) Tickets HK >> Macau is more expensive than Macau >> HK.

The KFC rice bucket that we don't have in Malaysia!
Other restaurants had really long queue and we were rushing so this was all we had

Remember your passport! Macau is a SAR of China (different immigration) so passport is needed 

From Macau Maritime Ferry Terminal, we took Bus No. 8 to Sao Paulo Cathedral (the ruins of St. Paul) remains. Also got lost, we wasted time walking the opposite direction and finally went back to where we saw many people. We were following a family without knowing that they were also lost =.=

Largo do Senado (Senado Square)

saw the long queue here, the Macau famous BBQ Pork Ribs Bun, but not my taste. A lil too dry to my liking

Sao Paolo Cathedral remains
To note: cannot enter with food 

This, is where Running Man played the "throwing shoes" game LOL

Went back to the ferry terminal by taking a bus from the opposing direction where we got off (when we went to St. Paul from ferry terminal). From the Ferry Terminal, take the under passage to the free shuttle buses to most of the casino. We took the one to The Venetian. You can see the buses clearly from the ferry terminal's exit as all the buses are brightly coloured with huge fonts of the casinos' names.

The Venetian

Macau's Portuguese Egg tart is a must have! It's really the best <3

*candid*

Venetian's Casino entrance! 

We did enter the casino and had a walk around though we didn't plan to gamble. The security had to look at me suspiciously and requested for my passport. Should probably start appreciating people for mistaking me as a kid. =.=

From Venetian, we just crossed the road over to the City of Dreams. Though we did get lost and had to ask the foreign looking security guard for directions. Wasted lots of time because of no planning but we found better ways compared to what mentioned in blogs. Since Macau is still upgrading all the transport systems, there could be recent changes.

Instead of going to the Macau Tower from the Ferry Terminal as mentioned by many, there is shuttle bus from City of Dreams to Macau Tower even though they are located on 2 different regions.

Arrived Macau Tower! Welcomed by Macau display made from Legos.

Macau Tower!

It was quite foggy and we didn't have much time to spare before of ferry back to HK so we just took a view from below.

Check out Asia's highest bungee jump!

For activities at Macau Tower such as the Bungee jump, Tower climb and Sky walking (all those they did for Running Man missions Macau episode), you can visit the website here https://www.macautower.com.mo/en/home/index.html. Surprising on that day there were so little people, I guess because it was a weekday and weather was not really good for sightseeing so mostly were busy gambling indoor Lol

It was really high and this was all we could manage with a mobile phone's camera

*candid*

Grand Lisboa. Casino Lisboa is like the oldest casino in Macau but not sure whether this is the same one

Just like HK, Macau is so colourful at night! All the LED lights kept us amazed at their advertising creativity. But at the same time I was also thinking about the amount of energy required. Even in HK, (almost) all signboards are LED with moving wordings and blinking-colour changing lights, even at roadside shop lots.

From Macau Tower, we took a bus which goes to the Ferry Terminal. There is a bus stop right outside and we actually just checked out the board (did no research on the number). We also waited so long while worrying whether that bus was ever gonna arrive. So imagine the adventure we had when we had to stop at the main bus terminal and change bus. Got to see the colourful Casino Lisboa which is close to the bus terminal!

Arrived HK and got knocked out. Did no research for the next day. Only knew we were gonna go to Tsim Tsa Tsui and Mongkok because everyone said so that we should go there Lol

So our Macau trip: HK ferry >> Macau ferry >> St. Paul ruins (Senado Square) >> The Venetian >> City of Dreams >> Macau Tower >> Macau ferry >> HK ferry.

Most places we used free shuttle buses and the buses fares were much cheaper than buses in HK, turned out it was the most budget day we spent (considered we didn't gamble so no profit nor loss)

DAY 4 - HONGKONG

Since we were back into the city, we were looking forward for shopping! 

Truth was, we compared the prices to Malaysia and India (brother is studying there) and turned out some things are actually more expensive, but they have more choices, more designs and I guess they receive new models/designs quicker (??) So for shopping on common brands, I'll probably not do it in HK but if I am looking for designer brands or luxurious items, HK is the place.

After get some cheapo stuffs (we were on backpacking trip afterall), checked out from our hostel and off to the airport!

At Central MRT station, you can get the direct train transit to Hong Kong International Airport. And, here you can also eat Hong Kong's famous Dim Sum @ Tim Ho Wan (it's actually the same place we ate on Day 2 cause this is the only easy place to find Tim Ho Wan)

steam fogged up the lens 

Final lunch in HK @ Tim Ho Wan

From Central MRT, we took the HK Airport Transit to HK International Airport. And at the Airport, we had some time so we ate again! Wantan Mee and Roasted Duck. Duck was super yummy!!

And finally back to KK-KCH!

Sorry this post is not so informative because it was so last minute, we did most plannings on the day before or on the spot. Got lost many times (even when looking for the Causeway MRT station near our hostel =.=). But nevertheless, it proves that you can travel HK and Macau with less than RM1.5k even at last minute plan! We had quite an adventure and lotssss of walking.