Sabahananjung Girl: Travel

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Sunday, 11 May 2014

Jakarta-Bandung Budget Trip Day 1

See ya Bandung. We had so much fun. Cool climate, cool people. I'll be back ;)

I said that in June 2012. I actually went back to Bandung! Again with high school friend but this time I'm married! Masin ya kau mulut ;p

Initially I bought 15 return tickets for my high school friends including their couples and mine too, for RM89 each, from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta back to Kuala Lumpur. Cheap riteee. Only 4 of us went, because 2 recently give birth, 2 were pregnant, 1 about to get married and 1 family couldn't get the connecting flights from Kota Kinabalu. Leaving us indecisive on whether to go or not.

We ended up having the best time of our lives, at least I feel that the trip was amazing. I must repeat that going on a vacation with close friends AND a husband, is really enjoyable.

Day 1: 18 April 2014

AirAsia X landed at Soekarno-Hatta Jakarta International Airport. Feeder bus to the terminal

The Airport or Bandara in Indonesia was huge and comfortable. But we both were at lost when we went outside. It was noon and I know my husband starts getting moody when it's hot, so I quickly ask around. Asking if there is a bus to town. We both were clueless because for the first time in my life, my trip wasn't planned. We followed our friend to lead the way but she and her husband were on the earlier flight. During our honeymoon in Korea, hubby did his homework well. Here, we both were headless chickens.

Hubby said, "What do we call women if men we call Pak?". I said I don't know shit.

We started talking to the airport guards and we quickly got hold on their daily languages. It was 'Mas' if we're calling men in general.

"Mas, gi mana ya kalau mahu ke Monas, ada gak bas?" I mixed my Sabahan and my Eiffel I'm in Love.

The men showed us the buses across the terminal. The bus was called Bas Damri. We were told to get on a bus to Gambir. An area where Monas, Indonesia National Monument was located. Our hotel and train terminal to Bandung were nearby. So we got into the bus, relieved.

The International Terminal

The bus rupanya went to the domestic terminal, picking up passengers along the way. I was shocked when I came into realisation that that terminal was one of the movie scene for Eiffel I'm in Love!!! This movie was my all time favourite in my Matriculation days. The song 'Pujaanku' haunted me for years!

Eiffel I'm in Love Movie Site

The bus ride took about 45 minutes? We reached Gambir just in time for lunch and decided to stay inside the cool building for awhile.

We went into the huge park surrounding the Indonesia national monument to snap a few photos under the hot blazing sun.

We then went to check in our hotel.

Friday, 12 July 2013

Mount Kinabalu Budget Trip! 1 of 2

Yes! I conquered the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, the ever picturesque Mount Kinabalu! Which appears on our RM100 note (dulu RM1).

Will come to that.

By the way, I owe this post to Umi! She's been waiting for this itinerary. Sorry hee. Nah hambek! ;p

Kota Kinabalu Itinerary

Day 0: Arrival. Accommodation at my sister's home-stay in Cybercity

Day 1: Visit Rumah Terbalik in Tuaran, Shop at Pekan Nabalu, Lunch at Kundasang, Check-in at Pine Resort, Chillex at Poring Hot Spring

Day 2: Visit Sabah Tea Garden, Visit Kundasang Memorial Park, Mesilau Dairy Farm, Check-in at Mesilau Nature Resort

Day 3: Climb to Laban Rata Resthouse via Mesilau Trail

Day 4: Climb to the top at 2.00 am, back to Kota Kinabalu

Day 5: Island-hopping and shopping

Day 6: Pack frozen seafood, back to Kuala Lumpur

Mount Kinabalu Itinerary

Day 2: Welcoming Dinner at Mesilau Nature Resort, tidur
Day 3: Buffet Breakfast, Packed Lunch, climb until Laban Rata via Mesilau Trail (another trail is Timpohon trail), arrived at Laban Raya for Dinner, climb 200 m down to Waras Hut, tidur
Day 4: Supper at 2.00 am at Laban Rata, climb to the top, come down for breakfast at Laban Rata, climb down to Timpohon Gate and finally Kinabalu Park HQ

Since kitaorang naik via Mesilau, tidurpun kat Mesilau Nature Resort tapi turun kat Kinabalu Park via Timpohon Gate

Mount Kinabalu Tour Budget Calculation

Mount Kinabalu Package - RM512/pax
Return Flight Tickets - RM130/pax
Accommodation -
Car Rental -
Food -
Miscellaneous (entrance fee, climbing attire and needs)

Grand Total:

The Six Items

1) Mount Kinabalu Package - RM512/-

We opted to purchase directly from Sutera Sanctuary Lodge, the official manager of the accommodations at Mount Kinabalu. The mountain itself is taken care of by Sabah Parks Authority, they both are linked in a way that Sutera will forward our details to Sabah Parks to arrange for our insurance and climbing permit. Without that, tak boleh panjatlah.

Anyway we called Sutera half a year before and only manage to book for 7 pax (we were a group of 8) because they were full house! Maybe except for certain quota that they saved for travel agency, which climbers will find it a bit pricier. The warm friendly staffs asked us to call them back on a certain dates, some cut-off dates for other climbers if they don't deposit 50% of the money. So we called them once in few days and our effort paid off, we secured one more place. So we deposited the money straight away to confirm our place. Alhamdulillah. Happy (n_n)v

The climbing packages prices were varied according to the type of rooms. Confirmlah nak yang paling murah kan. So the cheapest would be RM512/- is inclusive of the following:

3 days 2 night accommodation (NON-HEATED WOW TIDUR SEJUK MANDI LAGI SEJUK)

11 May 2013 at Bishop's Head Resthouse, Mesilau Nature Resort
12 May 2013 at Waras Hut (memang tak waras laa)
Climbing Permit
Insurance
Makan: Welcoming Dinner at Mesilau, Buffet Breakfast at Mesilau, Packed Lunch at Mesilau, Buffet Dinner at Laban Rata, 2am Early Supper at Laban Rata, Buffet Breakfast at Laban Rata, Afternoon Tea Break at Kinabalu Park
1 Way Transfer to Kinabalu Park

Tapikan, makan terbaiklah, 5 star.

2) Return Flight Tickets (RM130/pax)

We bought Zero Fare AirAsia promo in 2012 for RM130 per person from KL to KK and return. 1 and half month before our departure date, Malaysia Airline did their promo too, RM135 return inclusive of meals on board and 30 kg check-in baggage. Sakit hati tak? Actually it was a blessing in disguise because one of the team backed down, so the replacement was found immediately to purchase this once in a blue moon MAS flights. Murah sangat la.

3) Accomodation

My sister owns an apartment in CyberCity 2, which was stone's throw away from Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

4) Car Rental

We were so lucky having to came across the cheapest

5) Food

Food expenses depend on your appetite?

6) Miscellaneous

Saturday, 4 August 2012

Bandung Budget Trip Day 3

Day 3 - 29 June 2012

The entire day was dedicated for shopping in factory outlets.

But I don't have much photos to show.

Anyway, we had our lunch at Karamba restaurant, this time it was Sundanese cuisines! Our Sundanese Supir helped us to choose. I remember reading somewhere that a deep-fried Gurame is a must try! So we ordered Gurame!

Later I found out that it's actually Ikan Kaloi =.='. Gurame is Osphronemus gouramy, a gourami, a freshwater fish. Believe me sedappppp.

And the Mendoan, oh my food...sedap gila.

I vote this restaurant the best we went in Bandung!

Bandung very own otak-otak. More like fish cake

Nasi Goreng Karamba 30000 rupiah or RM10

Rice for 4 16000 @ RM5.40
Karedok 14000 @ RM4.70
Peda Bakar 8000 @ RM2.70
Tahu 12000 @ RM4
Mendoan (Left below) 15000 @ RM5

SEDAP. Gurame Cobek (Ze Kaloi) 67000 @ RM22.40

Ayam Goreng 15000 @ RM5. Ayam Bandung kurus-kurus semua.

We decided to go back to Cibaduyut. Grutty Shoes was the best store there.

Ballerina shoe 30000 @ RM10

We bough Chocolatos from a random store on our way back, same as love letter but more chocolaty

With nothing to do, we went back to the market outside Pasar Baru.

Tidbits outside Pasar Baru

Day 4 - 30 June 2012

Our last day was only to pack. We used 50% of our luggage. Rugi. Cause we didn't shop much.

On our way to the Bandung airport

No road is long with good company

See ya Bandung. We had so much fun. Cool climate, cool people. I'll be back ;)

note: changed 900000 with 0.33 rate got back RM297.00

Bandung Budget Trip Day 2

Day 2 - 28 June 2012

We started our morning with tasty breakfast at the hotel. Had only one mission for that day, to visit Wisata Kawah Putih (Tourist spot, White Crater). Kawah Putih is one beautiful lake crater 3 hours drive from Bandung city.

Paperboy in the middle of morning traffic

It was a common sight in Bandung to see the locals selling newspapers, tidbits and even beggars on the road trying to meet their end needs. At some tricky junctions there's always a guy tipped for sorting traffic flow. One time we were watching an overloaded vege cart coming into a junction when all of the sudden a random man pulled some vege leaves and helped the cart gets into the busy main road. That vege was taken as a token for his service. Pun boleh.

Petrol station where we bought some breads for the 3 hour journey

At the roadside entrance

Had to take Angkutan Kota, feeder to Kawah Putih up in Mount Patuha. No door or seat belt. Just me holding for my dear life

Click to read the history of Kawah Putih

Stunning colour contrast

Picturesque Kawah Putih

Sulfuric and we started coughing after 15 minutes, had to put on mask purchased at the entrance

Guess what, Kawah Putih is actually a movie site for My Heart! So I get to cross my Bucket List 2012 number 6: Take Photo at 1 Movie Site! I just couldn't believe my destiny. Cehhh.

Tea plantation in Bandung

We requested Pak L to bring us any nearby Wisata and he drove us further down to Situ Patengan (Patengan Lake). We stopped once in a while to photograph the refreshing scenic tea plantation. Our guy was at this point, tired. Had to drag him out from our vehicle. It looked as though we were having good time conquering the hills. Deceiving. Roots and rocks were covering the ground and it was hard walking up and down. I wonder how they run gracefully in movies, seriously.

Had always wanted to photograph a dandelion. Back-dropped by serene tea plantation and Situ Patengan

Situ Patengan

Situ Patengan (Sundanese words for 'looking for each other' lake) is a beautiful recreational lake in Ciwidey. Popular with a romantic legend about two lovers finally reunited in Love Rock and Love Island, people go boating around those two places to find eternal love. Aww...so sweet.

They were washing something. What is it, what is it? I'm really curious

Coffee beans? No? Please what is it?

Bandung Strawberry

Bandung cabbage

On our way back, Pak L brough us to Jalan Cibaduyut.

He carves names onto China fountain pens.

Day 3

Friday, 3 August 2012

Bandung Budget Trip Day 1

It was a hell of a lot of fun in Bandung. Turned out going with high-school friends filled the trip with tons of contagious laughs and utter insanity! I love how we look after each other's back till the end, rumour has it that you shouldn't travel more than 3 days to avoid dispute in the group. But thank God we were okay! 4 of us from the original 6, had the time of our life! Ceh lebih-lebih pula.

I must tell you guys that we got RM105/pax return flights KL-BDO! Sila jealous! I then got a Supir number from my office mate and asked my travel buddy to ring him up. It was fated that we had the cheapest vacation ever. RM1210 for transportation to everywhere we want to go and 4 days 3 nights stay in Hotel Unik, 2 twin rooms with breakfast! So it was RM303 per pax. Mama said it was really cheap. Yeah...nama pun Budget Trip kan. Rate 4400 x 0.34 = 1,496.00.

We packed lightly and went on board the earliest flight, 1 hour 20 minutes journey to Bandara Husein Sastranegara Bandung. For unknown reason, I was separated from my group and sat with a nice lady. She tagged along a big group on a business trip. They had one guy heading the group to specific suppliers in Bandung. I had a really nice chat with her, about travelling, life etc. Guess what, the morning got more interesting. I went to the loo to fix my make-up and seeing the green light, I opened the ladies' door only to find a woman squatting on the toilet seat! I can't erase her horror looking face from my memory. Oh my god...

Coming back to our adventure story, meeting our Supir, Pak L, was a new thing to us. We never had hired driver so we went guessing at the entrance. Mana satu kau ni hah. "Look if any of them got my name" said my friend. Wow I said to myself. Feels like we're in a movie.

But nope, Pak L didn't hold any name board, he just came up to us. Ah well.

First Day

Our itinerary for the day was to go straight to Pasar Baru, that was all. No rush.

Bandung city view from Pasar Baru parking lot

Pasar Baru is a big mall, selling clothes, accessories, handbags, fabric, telekung/tudung, shoes, each in different floor (or they called it Lantai).

This picture don't do justice to the fact that we fought huge crowd down there

My two girls wanted make baju kurung for their family so we went fabric hunting.

They quote us 'Pecah Telur' price. Pasar Baru was just opened when we got there

Japanese/English cotton at RM30/4 metres

Amazing that we were done in Pasar Baru. Starving, our Supir brought us to Simpang Raya for Padang cuisines!

Pleasant Simpang Raya Restaurant

Pay by plates

I just love Padang food

Paid 154000 incl 10% tax. 5 plates of rice for 27500, 2 dendeng batokok for 25000, gule kambing for 17000, 2 telur 9000, 3 drinks 39000, terong teri 1 for 85000, perkedel 2 for 9000, oseng 5000.
We went to our hotel afterwards, to shower.

Random Bandung street-side. Some places have a touch of Dutch colonial architecture

Bandung, Parijs van Java. Love the cool climate

Could have taken Angkutan Kota, their common public transport

Universitas Islam Bandung

Kartika Sari HQ and Hotel Unik on a same street (or back alley?)

Unfortunately our rooms were not ready so we went to Kartika Sari, the infamous bakery in Bandung, known for its mouth watering brownies.

My favourite! * squeal* Fruit tarts 4500 rupiah or about RM1.50 each

and another favourite! Macaroons! Banana chocolate 6000 rupiah or RM2 per piece

They're also selling traditional delicacies

Too many

...and cakes, pastries, ice-creams, chocolates

Enough with Kartika Sari, we went out to the main road, just to have a look and found Durian ice-cream!

Durian Ice-Cream. Too bad I don't dare to try for my stomach is the weakest

They said it was extremely yummy.
Finally we got into our room. Least expected that the room would be a great value for money.

Our bedroom in Hotel Unik. Clean, comfortable and exceed expectation :)

However...I repeat however...they've the most sensitive problem to any of us, water! The bathroom was so-so and we don't complaint much except for the occasional night water shortage and when the hot shower just decided not to work. Thank goodness we were all cool and laugh about it. Enjoyed taking photos of a friend in towel and shampoo all over her head.

All fresh, we went back to Pasar Baru! One of my girls decided to send the fabrics to Harmony Style 3rd Floor Block C2 for express tailoring. RM96 for a kebaya, custom made and sent to our Hotel in 2 1/2 days. This time we asked Pak L to drop us outside the mall.

Market just outside Pasar Baru, along the road

The crowd and trishaw passing by

A cart selling fried tofu

We don't stay long in Pasar Baru. Not to waste time, we decided to visit Rumah Mode, a well known factory outlet in Bandung. Actually it wasn't that easy. We were playing the game I-don't-mind-going-anywhere-you-decide.