Xmas Getaway Day 4

And so this was the last day of our short trip. We basically did not have a good idea where to go, and we only have that much time in the morning. So we went back to Sungei Wong and we finally saw a pet shop this time. We did not really buy anything there, but we saw something of interest... You will never guess.. Its a pair of Prairie Dogs... They are.. well... hyperactive... We did not take any photo because they shop owner probably won't like it, but here are some info and photo about Prairie Dogs:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prairie_dog

Then we went back to the shop and bought the "Prawn Cracker King". We tried a few that other day and loved it. The normal one that is. I didn't like the Tapioca one though. So we both bought one deluxe pack of 3 x 3 pieces each and carried it all the way back.. And I also found out that although the packing looks great, it wont really last... You will still have to finish them soon.

So for the last meal here, we decided to try out the Toilet Cafe here... I had heard rumors that its real bad in Taiwan and Hong Kong, but what the heck, you have to try it to know it. And guess what, the rumors were right after all. It look cute, but the taste just won't make it.. Maybe its because when you associate it with toilet and such, you lose appetite somehow. 

Here are some photos of the food we got:

And of course, even the restaurant is designed as a toilet :

After that, I took a little bit of time to quickly buy some flashrive (which was cheaper there) and we rushed back to our hotel to finish our packup and finally bought the bus back. The bus was a double deck, but our seats end up in the lower deck. We had our usual stop and such. What we did not anticipate was that it turns out to be a holiday on the day we were coming back and there was a bad jam at the course way. To make it worse, there was this China lady which was like skipping queue (with a stupid excuse like, you all do not want to move in front, so I moved). At first, it was only her. Then I grumble to get the people to unit against her. EVIL. But social engineering was one of my better trade of skills. And when she tried to ask her group to slot in as well, everyone turns and gave her a good scolding. But the real reason I did not took it against her at first was actually because SHE IS ON THE SAME BUS as me! So you can imagine because of her, we got delayed. And more jammed. And really really late when we get back. It was ok, I did not really care because I was with Jane. With her, every second feels nice.

So we came back and took a cab home. That finally ended our 4 days short trip to KL.

Here were the previous posts:

http://nemesisv.blogspot.com/2011/02/xmas-getaway-day-3.html

http://nemesisv.blogspot.com/2011/02/xmas-getaway-day-2.html

http://nemesisv.blogspot.com/2011/02/xmas-getaway-day-1.html

Alisan Express is finally fucked!

Its not that I have no faith in the old man up there, but divine retribution is simply taking far too long...
If you recalled, Alisan had really pissed me off in a previous holiday when I blogged in:

http://nemesisv.blogspot.com/2010/02/xmas-getaway-09-epilode-really.html

Now it is about fucking time they close shop, but not in a good way. Apparently, the boss had ran back to Malaysia with all the customer's money leaving them with no coach, no money and a wreaked holiday. Totall sucks, man.

Details:
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1074007/1/.html

I hope they get the bastard for it. See, thats why I do not believe in divine retribution.

Xmas Getaway 09 Epilode - A really dishonest Singapore bus service - Alisan (S) Pte Ltd, Singapore

This is related to my bus trip which I mentioned in:
http://nemesisv.blogspot.com/2010/02/xmas-getaway-09-day-5-kl-to-home-on.html

Basically we had some issue with delayed bus in KL and was told to go for a coffee and make the claim when we are back in Singapore. So we did and this was what follows.

I called up the bus company a few days later and the staff told me that the boss's mom or mom-in-law (I cant quite remember, but right now I preferred mom if given a choice) has passed away and hte boss is at the funeral in Malaysia. I thought its a bad things to really push people when they are grieving and I said I will call back in a few days. I updated the otehr group making the claim too.

A few days later, I made the call again. Guess what? One of their staff (a guy this time) totally denied it. He said that their staff will never do such a thing suggesting peopel to go drink coffee and make claims. And he did that almost immediately without even checking which staff was on the call on Xmas day. It was as if he was prepared and isused to handling this day in day out. I wondered how many more people are affected. I tried to reason with him and say it is after all their staff who make the suggestion. I would have nothing to make up a story like this. By this time, I am pretty mad. Originally I never really thought I wanted to make the claim. RM20 is like a trip to Starbuck and it is nothing to me. But this is a matter of principle and I am no liar. So I told him I will be back. I contacted the other group and he suggest we make a trip to CASE to see what we can do.

I did my homework and found out that CASE actualyl is not very helpful (unless you are a member for $25 / year). So I guess it doesn't make sense in this case. How about sueing? I guess it is possible, but then the only thing I have was a phone call and I have no recording whatsoever that their staff told me to make the claim. So I figured I do not have much to go actually.

But that doesn't mean I have to take it silently and let others continue to suffer the same scam. Alisan is basically very dishonest and they seems to be doing this very regularly and then making deny which they know we can't do much about it. The bus services was very late (for about 3 hours) and I get nothing like even an apology. All they said was its bus, schedule cannot be helped. WTF? The bus might as well be late for a week then? And to my knowledge, no other bus company was late that day. So just WTF happened to them? Was there really a big jam or was it some excuse they made up? I can go on and on, but its just the very unsatisief and angry me. I want you to read this in the most neutral way possible and judge for yourself.

Now, you know why I wished it was the boss's mom now. I guess there is divine retribution. Not many people get to die on Xmas day and if they do, it has to be karma. For the sins and lies of their children, they have to pay the price dying like this. I guess this makes my feel a little bit better. Its just unfortunately its over that I cannot send my congratulation to the family of the boss of Alisan.
We want to travel with such a company, be my guest. I just pray you do not get involved in one of their divine retribution!

Xmas Getaway 09 Day 5 - KL to Home (on a very bad bus service - Alisan)

This is the last day of our vacation and we basically were a bit sad it had to end so fast. After another breakfast at Swiss Garden which was exactly the same as the day before, we spend the rest of the time looking at the small pool and deciding if we wanted to go. In the end, we decide we rather just relax and watch TV. So that's how we spend our morning packing and relaxing until its 12pm where we need to check out. Our bus we scheduled at 2:30pm at Renaissance Hotel KL. So we took a taxi there. We got a real bad price at first, but in the end we still got the same price from another taxi driver.

However, the taxi driver was not sure of the hotel and drove us to the wrong place at first. We insist that it was another hotel and he drove us there in the end. I would had paid him more for the extra effort actually, but he was very frustrated and was driving quite dangerously throughout the journey. So in order not the encourage this type of driving attitude, I just let it pass and kept my changes.

The hotel was beautiful and we kinda love it. Of course I did not mentioned to Jane that we could had stayed here actually. We tried to grab lunch here and the only thing available was the almost RM100 christmas buffet. In any case, I thought we jus tgot for it since normal food already cost half that price. The buffet was fantastic and we took our time to eat and relax because we had our luggage locked at the hotel and we wanted to let the time pass.

At 2:15pm we started waiting for our bus. However, it was until 2:45pm that I called and noted that it was delayed. The bus was stucked in the morning at the 2nd Link and was late so it will take time for it to pick us up on the way back. After another hour, they girl from Alisan (the bus company) called again and say that the bus is likely to be delayed for another hour. I am actually not quite happy by then, but she added that we can go for a cup of coffee or something and claim it from the company when we get back. I am sceptical, but I took Jane to the hotel cafe and had something. It was good hot chocolate, but kinda costly at RM9 each. So that adds up to about RM20 all in all. Actually I am not really expecting to claim it back from Alisan.

A little bit of background about how I ended up buying the ticket from Alisan Bus. I actually booked the tickets ahead while I was still in Singapore via http://www.easibook.com/ and there were not much good choices left. So I ended up with Alisan one which is not at Swiss Garden, but at Renaissance Hotel. Maybe I should avoid this website as well in the future.

The bus did arrived. It was not even the standard Alisan bus, but a bus from KKKL. There were a few ladies dropping off the bus but they insisted that they also booked via easibook and the bus was suppose to bring them to another hotel and not here. The bus driver just ignored them. I feel sorry for them and advise them maybe that they can call Alisan and check if they can take a cab to claim the fare instead. I really did hope they got their case settled. As you can imagine, either Easibook is totally screwed up in bring people around or Alisan is a really bad company that doesn't care where you book, but they just drop you where they prefer instead. OR more likely BOTH.

We boarded the bus and all went normal. We had a stop yet at another eating place where we had something because I already learned the lesson that we can end up in really bad jam etc and getting hungry in those cases is a really bad choice. I did not buy much at this rest stop because most things are expensive and old. I only added a packets of raw prawn crackers for my mum ( and indirectly myself :) ). The rest of the way was a simple bus ride with lousy screener like Ninja Assassin and 2012...

When we finally arrived back in Singapore at Golden Mile complex. I thought of going straight home, but since I am here, I might as well make the claim. So I did. And so did the other group of passenger who was actually driven to the wrong hotel as well and was also told to claim the coffee. Guess what? The clerk say she doesn't know of anything and the boss is not in. So we left each other's contact and photocopied the receipts for claims.

I send Jane on a taxi back and I hopped on to the next. It was way past 12am by the time all was ended today.

Xmas Getaway 09 Day 4 - Aquaria and KLCC

We started the second day in KL early. There is breakfast included with our room and we had a fantastic meal at the international buffet in Swiss Garden. I decided to take Jane on the LRT since its something cheap and we can reach the KLCC Aquara directly. We only needed a few stop and a short walk, so we were at KLCC quit early. There are signs of fatigue and illness then which I had ignore and only took more painkiller.

It took us a while to find Aquaria as it is connected but not actually KLCC itself. This is one of the attraction I did not visited in KL. So this is one place I guess I wished to go. The Aquaria is somewhat like a aquarium. There is the standard conveyor belt walkway that goes into the tank, but it is far from spectacular. I must say I am disappointed. Who wouldn't after visiting Sydney's Aquarium? The fishes are ok, but hardly enough to satisfy me. Although they had other attraction to add in such as the insect and reptiles exhibits, which is in a way the insectarium as well, but I find it out of place for fishes and insect to be together. All in all, I guess its not much cheaper to Singapore's Underworld World either. In short, its a one-off thing.

There is a booth inside which encourage people to stop eating shark and petition etc. I find that interesting although I did not commit on eating shark fin though. I avoid, but I find myself half to say no especially when there is so many weddings etc. I guess I needed more determination for this. Jane wanted to make a hand mould of our hands there, but it was costly. I also do not think it is a great idea to carry that back since it may break because it is make of wax. Fortunately in the end, we did not make that. Instead I got her a soft toy by Russ of a sea seal of the Yomiki series. Here is a photo of what it looked like:

Next, we did some shopping at KLCC and this place is full of Xmas spirit then. There were lots of display and Xmas music going on. Jane visited her favorite brands and confirmed that things are pretty expensive in Malaysia, at least the branded stuff. As my headache and illness is starting to get worse, we had a simple lunch at Sushi King (which is now inside the food court) and headed back to hotel. We had a little more shopping at Kinokuniya bookstore where I bought the remaining magazines I wanted. It was then about 5pm. We hunted around for a taxi stand and did not really find one. We headed to a nearby hotel (I cannot remember which was it) and tried there instead. We had no luck either, so in the end we took their recommendation and took the hotel exclusive taxi which was metered. The metering system was a bit confusing as there is an amount on the top, followed by distance travelled and extra charge I think. I took a glance at the meter and my heart was pounding hard all the way while the taxi was stuck in the jam. It was a relief in the end it was just a little more expensive because I mistaken that distance travelled to be additional charges. But the taxi driver was friendly and everything, so in the end I can say I did not regret taking this taxi which was comfortable by the way, unlike the rest.

We basically spend the rest of the time in hotel relax and rest. I had a short sleep and felt much better (and hungrier) soon. We had to head out for food in the evening at around 7pm. Based on the map, we took our chances and walked to Time Square, where we had Secret Recipe for dinner. It was only then I realize Malaysia is where Secret Recipe started. The food was good, but unfortunately the staff were very junior and did not serve very well. I guess we can say that its a 8 for food and 2 for service type of experience. I took the chance to show Jane the indoor roller coaster which I will never get on. We also bought some magazine and books at Borders before leaving at 9pm. We were just in time to catch a movie "Horton Hears a Who!" on TV and that was how we spend silent night. One of the reason we did not join in any of the parties because simply there isn't any. At least not at Swiss Garden. We had a good rest and decided to wake up late next morning since its our last day in KL before we head home.

Xmas Getaway 09 Day 3 - From Malacca to KL

I woke up slightly early on the third day was managed to take a few morning photo of the rising sun. Then it was the same trip to Cowboy town for yet another breakfast. However, today was special as we did not have it in the restaurant, but in the Town Hall. The food was still the same though and we still stick to western. We wanted to buy some biscuit, but the stores were not open, so we headed back. We saw something that look like round balls of weeds and grass on the way and it took me a while before I figured it out. That is elephant poo. Well, I am glad we did not get too close to them.

We started to pack and keep everything. By 11:00am, we are comfortably waiting at the lobby, checked out and waiting for the taxi which we called in at the standard RM70 rate. In any case, since it was a published rate, I guess I did not feel too bad as if I was getting ripped off. The ride was fast and we passed by some stores selling floats and other water toys on the way. I guess it must be cheaper by a hell lot as compared to the ones in Water World which is expensive even for my standard. We arrived quickly at the Malacca Sentral and lucky for us, there is a bus going to KL at 12:30. The funny thing was it was the same bus company which we came to Malacca from Singapore. I barely have a chance to go to the toilet, so there were no time to buy anything at all from the Bus station and before we know it, we were on the bus to KL.

The ride was longer than I imagine due to the jam into the city (as usual). Lucky for us, our hotel is at Swiss Garden, which was a short walk to the Puduraya Bus Station. We had to walk along side the buses coming in because some part of the roads, there were no proper walkway. I had to also ensure that we do not become prime targets because pickpockets and other crime were common at the station and the surrounded areas. We managed to check in and got a room facing some constructions site. Well, I guess nobody can foresee that and I did not expect much of a scenery anyway. I was told there are shuttles going to some area and I booked the shuttle going to China Town that evening. We basically put down our stuff and locked the room before rushing out for our very late lunch.

We walked a bit back towards the bus station, but I eventually gave up the idea because there doesn't seems much of a eating place nearby. I do remember KFC and stuff, we then again we cannot take KFC due to our commitments to PETA. So, we headed in the other direction. Well, not before Jane saw something rather disgusting. A Indian teenager was jerking himself off behind a car and spraying the walk before running off. It sound kinda gross I am sure, but I did not see it, thanks goodness. We eventually found a food place opposite Swiss Garden which was a Vegetarian coffee shop. We had prawn noodles which is vegetarian and packed 2 packets of fried kway tiao (also vegetarian). I must say, even if it is really really cheap food. It taste fantastic. Even the packets of fried kway tiao which we keep until 5pm taste great.

After washig up and some TV, its time for us to go to Chinatown via the shuttle bus which was exactly a van. But I have no complains since we are the only 2 person going. Chinatown did not changed too much. Basically, what we have there is fake watches, fake bags, fake belts and fake other stuff. I did not know why I used to like this place, but this time round, the only thing we bought were from Watson. The cheap imitation stuff did not attract us at all because the quality wasbad and simply not even worth spending the amount on. We also had a chance to shop in a chinese book store and we bought some comics and stuff. The evening was not very fruitful, but I guess we did nto expected much anyway since we were here late and many shop had closed. Before we know it, we were back to the Swiss Inn where the bus will wait for us again. We sat for about 15 minutes and the bus drove us back to the hotel.

Finally we have the catalogue for the TV and managed to catch some programme before we went to sleep.

Xmas Getaway 09 Day 2 - Animal World and Water World (Afternoon)

After lunch, we proceed to the last show (which we had not watched anyway) in Animal World. That is the Cowboy Show. Well, I still wondered why this is hosted in the animal world, since the only involvement of animals in the show is but horses only. But in any case, here we were. I think I would had enjoyed it a lot more if I could actually make out the English, but I guess I was too busy watching and taking photos altogether. The story was messy, but the actions was ok. We have some pyrotechnics and high jumping stunts (oops, I let the cat out of the bag). I would say its unique.

After the show, I headed out and we passed by a place where we can again buy animal food for feeding. We bought some carrots for the goats and the rabbits. Well, actually the goats, but since they rush at us and was actually standing on us with their hoof (which had mud), we ended up dropping quite some for the rabbits. Well, we are city folks after all and laundry is actual no joke. But this is probably the closest I had even been with goats in a enclose area. Since it is already afternoon, we decided that we wanted to speed through and go to Water World. We passed by the Chicken House again and well, we thought no harm looking at it one more thing. We were wrong.

There were children now playing inside the enclosed little chicken tank. But what we saw still haunts me today. Well, its not like I am a Vegetarian, but seeing children pick up chicks on their wings and dropping them from standing height is quite a cruel sight to behold. In fact, I even managed to capture some video and photo footage of chicks which were literally killed right before my eyes. I can't believe the person in charge is more interested in selling chicken feed and letting in children then to take note of what the children were doing. The parents were probably partly to blame too not educating their kids about taking good care and not to run about and storm on children while they were inside. Though not many were killed (we only saw a few), but this was almost as bad as the KFC farm chicken torturing incident. We basically walked off very upset about this. Perhaps we should post this on PETA or something at least to get some support to pressure the owners not to let in children who cannot be responsible for other lives. With a heavy heart, we left and went next door to the Water World.

The Water World is basically pools and slides. I actually regretted paying to go in here, but then what else would we have done if we did not go? There are some minor hidden cost of renting the lockers and floats similar to anywhere else and before we know it, we are in the water. I had been to many other places with similar set up in Singapore and Malaysia. And trust me, even if this was the biggest in Malaysia, it can hardly be the best. The water were murky and while submerged, I actually can't even see more than half a meter ahead. Not to mention that it probably taste funny too. Maybe its just me, I don't think the standard is anywhere close to even some of the neighbourhood swimming pools I had been in Singapore which were much cleaner. There is also a wave pool. which has exactly the same name and same set up. There will be whistle and a jet of water running through when the wave starts. The wave was less violent here I guess. So if you think some of the other pools had been too rough, this may be for you. The other attraction I tried is the lazy river, which also has the same name in the Singapore pools. Not as good.

There were other attractions like slides and all, but since I am not a fan, I skipped all these. This may also be the main reason why I did not enjoyed Water World as much as expected. Maybe if you are a big fan of slides, go try it and give a fair review of it. Anyway our stay was cut short when it started to rain and I figured that its time to leave. Even if the rain were to stop shortly (which it did), I probably did not want to swim in rain water anymore.

So, we proceed to wash up and it was crowded as ever. To make things worse. We forgot the most important thing to bring to a swimming pool. Yes, the towel. So I had to try to dry with whatever we can. Before we leave, we tried to hunt for some food, but was terribly disappointed because even the packed boxed food has a long queue and the restaurant were all closed. So, we have no choice but to leave and figure it out later. We took the Banana bus which drove us back to the D'Savoy Condo and I gladly paid the RM1 for the trip.

The night was long, but we were dead tired. WE simply had to try our luck and see if the room service actually works. Since I did not want to use my hand phone which is charged at IDD, I simply made a trip to the counter opposite our block again and ordered room services for some food at average prices. Well, its comparable high by Malaysia standard I guess, but a hungry man doesn't care. Meantime, we had some biscuit and other snacks to last us until the food arrived. I tried to watch TV, but simply could not because the cable catalogue is not present and I have no idea what is on. After enjoying the food, which was nicely packed and well heated when it arrived, we heard the fireworks goes off in the distant and headed to bed. I wanted to catch the next movie on TV7, but by the time it started at 12:30am, I was dead tired and simply passed. The next thing I know was morning...

Xmas Getaway 09 Day 2 - Animal World (Morning)

The second day came and we had to walk down again to Cowboy Town for the FREE breakfast that comes with the room. I just realized I have to repeat this again tomorrow. The food is not fantastic, but will do. Even though there are choices, we decided to stick with western. It's hard to screw up a western breakfast. At least that's what I think. It was a fast breakfast because we still wanted to start our day early. We have 2 places to go today. It's the Animal World and the Water World.

We got out of Cowboy Town and managed to catch the Banana Bus which will drive us to Animal World. The strange thing is we have to pay RM1 for it. Some guest do not because they have passes (they probably paid more for their package anyway). There were lots of complain about the RM1 fare. For me, well if cheating is going to buy me that ticket to Hell, I might as well do it for a bigger deal. RM1 is not worth it. So, actually I voluntarily paid for all the Banana Bus ride here in A'Famosa, which actually did not even hit RM10 I guess...

We were early at the Animal World and Water World. They are side by side anyway. Given that yesterday was rainy, I guess it will be today too. But against all logic senses, I bought the both theme park ticket with the Buffer Lunch. It is clearly stated that if it rains, there will not be refund. So in we go to Animal World. We saw the Red Indian performers and we took a photo at the entrance. Then we took another one with the parrot on my shoulder. I bet I look like the super fat version of Jack Sparrow without the eye patch. Then we saw something which we don't get everyday. The elephants. The trainers were walking them across the park in front of the restaurant. It just walk right in front of me! No cage, no chain, nothing. It seems pretty happy though. It smells bad though... Haha, I guess that's why its not easy to keep elephants as pets.

We proceed and found a place where we can board the Lorry. OK, to be dead honest, I did not do my research about the Animal World. Its just another Zoo I supposed. I remember I visited a private Zoo in Malacca more than a decade ago. It was cheap but pathetic. I wondered if that evolved into Animal World. In any case, we were too early and the staff told us to visit the nearby Chicken House first.

The Chicken House basically has all the basic, well chicken stuff. I had seen them mostly in science labs etc. The eggs, the hens, roosters etc. But there is something of great interest here. In a glass cage, there are lots and lots of cute little fluffy yellow chicks! They will run around as you moved around! We basically burnt the 10 minutes there watching the chicks and ignoring all other chicken exhibits.

So, we were out there again at the Lorry station. I noticed what this was then. It is a Safari. Or Reverse Zoo as I called it. The animals gets a chance to see us in the cages for a change. The lorries where modified so that we can sit in behind and it is covered by a cage. There were a group of monks / nuns there too. I guess times changes too. And all professional move on. They need a vacation too. We managed to get on the second Lorry because it was filled by them in the first.

The ride was great. I mean, I had never been to a Safari before. What I saw was really fantastic. HAPPY animals. Can you believe that? The lion lazily enjoying the sun, the bear sitting down and enjoying it meals. Antelopes runs about and Crocodiles lying in their pool with their big mouth opened. These animals are actually very happy from the way I see it. It is so different from those caged in the standard zoo! I am pretty much a animal lover and this really thrilled me a lot. I did not think it is possible. To recreate the animal's natural habitat etc... Its pretty much like Zoo Tycoon if you played that game. The truck goes through zone by zone, each designed for different type of animals and separated with gates. Well, except the gate requires manual opening and closing here. The ride can get a bit fun and rough. So we held on pretty tight. Taking photographs here is very challenging due to the ride. But fortunately, the driver will stop every here and there. But the cage really limit the creativity. Well, I just sit back and enjoy the ride.

After the almost 45 minutes ride, we are back to the station. We noticed that the animal show is starting and rush off to the show. Well, in fact 2 shows. In between, we had a short walk to visit some of the other "Caged" animals. The first animal show was the Elephant show which showcase the various talents of Elephants. Basically, I had seen similar ones in Thailand. The Elephants will carried the staff in various position, play football, basketball etc. We also bought some sugarcane at RM4, but was really worth it when you feel the Elephant grab it from your hand. The only thing that is perhaps upsetting is that they actually stick the "A'famosa" sticker on the sugarcane. Perhaps they are worried that people bring their own sugarcane? Well, I think its a bad idea if the Elephant does swallow these, although I doubt it. The Elephants probably just drain the juice, eat the inside and throw away the skin. Oh, during the show, one of the elephants actually poo and pee. Haha, that was not something we see often. There was also this man who went all the way in front to take photo and was blocking everyone. People started to shout and complain, but he turned deaf year until somebody walked over and ask him to squad down. Shame on you! Must be Singaporean.

After some casual walking, we visited a second animals show with all the other animals (except elephants). Its like the Bird Park and Zoo show combined. They had parrots, seal and other animals performing on the show. Its nothing new, but still its fun and joyful to see this once in a while. One thing they did well was to have the Eagle and Parrot pick up donations from the audience hands. Its a nice way to get donations. The doners also get a bird painting (done by the bird itself) for a souvenir. However one incident happened here which I am pretty upset about. One rather naughty boy was holding the notes but he grab the bird when it landed and the bird immediately peaked him in defense. He swing and threw the bird onto the floor. And he dared to CRY! I feel sorry for the bird. In fact you can see that the staff standing behind was very unhappy with the boy's behavior. He may cried, but I am sure nobody pitied him. He pretty much asked for it.

Then I notice there is a place called Monkey Island. Well, that's the name of a PC Game I really loved too. To get there, you need to take the speedboat which uses the Yamaha 40 OBM. They actually build a treehouse on top of it which shelter the driver and the passengers. Its was a clever idea. Monkey Island actually houses some monkeys obviously. Some were even allowed to roam around. Its not big, but the most lovable creature here is probably the Slow Loris. It is caged though. So touching it was not possible (and not advisable actually).

We looked for the lunch restaurant next after coming back from the Monkey Island. The coxswain actually asked us to move front so that the water splash in. Well, I knew what to expect since I was a coxswain once too. Jane jump up onto the chair when the water came in. So we head for the restaurant which was not too far and found ourselves inside the buffer lunch restaurant. I must say, we hasn't have some real decent food for a long time. This is a good place for that. Plenty to choose from and plenty to eat. Well except I screwed up on the part of making the glass jelly drink because I mixed Tea into the Syrup water. It was ok, but I doubt this invention will catch on. I call it "Ching Chou Tea". :) We took our time and refilled. We had a water issue and did not drink much. So we took the chance to restock and reload here. I just wanted to get ourselves ready cos we have still lots to cover for the rest of the day.

Xmas Getaway 09 Day 1 - Cowboy Town

Cowboy Town was pretty much like Sovereign Hill (Australia) type of concept where they model a town like the good old west days. The only difference being that Sovereign Hill WAS a real old west town and A'Famosa was never. In any case, we were hungry as a pack of wolves. WE managed to get our tickets and without hesitation, I took the bundle with the set dinner. It target to start at 6pm, but we managed to get in early, although the restaurant was not open that early. We walked around and found the souvenir shop where we can buy cheap biscuits and snacks. That kept us going for the time being. In fact, we also found a Charity booth selling the same exact biscuit and snacks, packaged into RM5 packets. It was in fact cheaper and we bought a few. But we did not finished them and some of that came back with us back home.

Because we were early, we managed to get the ticket to enter the 4D cinema early as well. Our show was about the undersea and it start early at 6:10 with only 2 person inside. Ya, we sorta have the whole cinema to ourselves. I guess maybe other people preferred the other Office Haunting show. In any case, what is 4D? Yes, its the sense of touch. There are water spray and air blowing etc throughout the 15 minutes show. I recalled having attended one such in Sentosa, but its crazy expensive. While this is cheap and pretty good, we are happy because it is something that really kick start our vacation nice. Ya, I know, maybe I should have proposed under this environment. Its not like anyone can get a chance to "reserve" the whole 4D cinema everyday, but Jane was kinda freaky when the water spray and the chair moved and rocked a bit.

After the ride, we saw a long queue outside and was glad we had got it over. We headed straight for dinner. We basically have 3 choices, which I do not remember, but I chose Fish and Chips where Jane had Chicken Chop. Because the staff were not really the restaurant staff (they were only here to help out), service was not that fantastic. But its not poor. Just a bit slow etc. The dinner was not bad, although my Fish and Chips can be greatly improved. We even order the soup which we needed to pay since it was not included. The soup was great.

When we exited the restaurant, it had began to rain. The game booth and rides are already suffering much from the rain. There is one interesting booth though. One which you get to photograph yourself with a Tiger. Fortunately, the Tiger was under the shelter. Lucky him. But not so great for the mini ponies. They had to stand in the rain. But I guess, its part of their nature, there shouldn't be anything to worry about.

Since we had a free play at the game, we went ahead and of course scored nothing much. In any case, its just for fun. The game are old and so were the prizes. I think maybe its good we did not win anything anyway. We continue to walk about and eventually found ourselves back at the souvenir shop. The queue to enter the carnival has started and we were lucky to be able to squeeze in. But the time we got in the rain had stopped, but the floor is wet. We just have to wipe it a bit and wait until its time.

To be honest, the biggest thing for Cowboy Town is the Carnival. There are fire breathing Indians, cute and majestic animals and of course the finale fireworks. The first part mainly consists of the Red Indian performers doing fire tricks. I had rarely seen one of these, so it is pretty fun. During the show, the staff where getting their animals into the crowd to take photo together. They will put chimps on your shoulder and snake around you. Basically you get the idea. There were lots of screaming and jumping off your seats. Pretty interesting. There were a few visitors (I believe from Eastern Europe) and they will really have lot of fun (perhaps a bit too much...). In any case, their shouting and cheering is all over my video. Well, can blame others for having fun, can you?

There were food again in between the shows and naturally we bought again. I do not even remember what we bought, except for the corn, which was no as good as magic corn anyway. After the break, the animals and other features characters starts their parade and it was fun and enjoyable. The best was perhaps the elephants I guess. It is really rare to see the animals having so much fun. At least it seems to be. They were dancing to the music and walking down the road.
To top all these, there is the Firework finale. I had not seen a real firework before, so this was a real eye opener for me. With the beautiful firework just over your head and the gun powder smell in the air. This is something I cannot describe in words. You got to be there to know what I mean. The firework may seems brief, but it was really beautiful. In fact much more beautiful then some of the national day's one.

After the firework, we did not wait for the bus. We simply have a stroll back to our condo in the pale moonlight. It did not take too long for us for fall asleep.

And that is only Day 1!

Xmas Getaway 09 Day 1 - The Journey to A'Famosa

So, this is finally the day. I woke up early, hoping this will all be a smooth ride, despite the last minute planning. Work, yes that's one thing I was running as hell away from. There has been some very unhappy and disturbing argument which had confirmed my direction towards resigning in the past 2 days and after knowing all that how it will end, I guess I simply do not care anymore. Work, stay here and die here. I am on vacation.

Jane drop by early, well, not too early, but nevertheless early by our normal standard. She has to change luggage bag due to the amount she is bringing and also we had extended the vacation to 5 days. So, we were suppose to be at the Bus station at Malay Village at 7:30 and we reach at about 7:45 actually. It started to rain and we were in time to board the bus to Malacca.

I hadn't been to Malacca for a long long time. So much so that how the bus trip goes and where it ends is rather new to me. It no longer stops at the riverside bus station. In fact, there is a new multi million Malacca Sentral which holds all the bus and taxi now. Before we reach there, there is a small stop over and we had some simple food because we did not manage to catch anything in the morning. The noodles was not great, but its as good as we can get now. Jane also bought a cup of sweeten corn, but we failed to realized that the corn need to be stirred, so in the end, we had non-sweeten corn for the first half and VERY sweeten corn for the 2nd half. The corn was good however. I think it even has a website, going by magic corn or something. Oh, ya, this is the one:
http://www.magiccorn.com/
We stopped by the small grocery stop to buy food stuff, which wasn't great since I can tell the flow here is not great. The food is not expired, but close and they even have magazine for 2008 around. But little did I know the big packet of Mamee noodle I bought here is a blessing in disguise.

In any case, we reach after a 4 hour ride. I was suppose to do something VERY important straight away. Because this was a 100% self plan DIY trip, tickets, hotels etc has to be settled. But as soon as I got out, I did not even remember this. Jane failed to remind me too. A friend cab driver came along and I check about the trip to A'Famosa Resort. So, before I knew it, I was on the cab to the resort, without the bus ticket for the trip from Malacca to KL 2 days later.

The cab ride was not so great because the air-con was not quite working. Although the trip cost RM60. but I guess there is no other way around it. Search up and down in google, all that turns out was "34 from Tai Lye Bus Service" was not exactly helpful or reassuring. A'Famosa is a long way from Malacca Sentral. In fact, its about 45 mins ride. I tried to find out a bit about the transport and managed to get the information that there is almost a hourly bus trip to KL from Malacca Sentral. That is a relief. The cab driver pass me his card and mentioned he could get us to KL straight from A'Famosa for RM200. Although we told him we will think about it, we knew we won't. Its not the cost, but rather the cab ride was a lot worse than the bus trip. We finally arrived at A'famosa and fortunately, I managed to remember to check in to the Condo instead of the villa, which is also not that close if you walk.

We are staying in the D'Savoy Condo. It doesn't look like anything on the website or brochure. It is rather old and stuff. In any case, I just hope everything can go smoothly. So, we got our keys and up we go. Just as I expected (and also based on info on the web), some things were not so great about this Condo. The first thing we found out was:

1. The phone is not working. So room services or any help is out of reach.
2. The toilet keeps flushing. Not that I care a lot about water bills or the environment, it is also noisy and I do not think its a great fun sleeping with this.

We down we go again to the info counter across our block to the reception on the ground floor. They mention they will send someone to fix the toilet. But as for the phone, its not working and its a know issue. They gave me a local handphone number to call, but I am hoping I do not need to do that. So, up we go again. It's already 13:30 and we had no food. Luckily we had some snacks like the Mamee Noodle we bought earlier. That kinda save us from dying from starvation immediately. We waited for a while and eventually gave up. We went down, not with our luggage, but hoping they can change our room in any case. And there the plumber was on the ground floor. So up we went again. But I still want to give credit to the plumber. He got it fix within 15 minutes. In any case, by the time this was settled, its about 4pm and we rest up and took a short walk to Cowboy Town.

(Almost) car-napped in Malaysia

Firstly, sorry for the long time that passed between entries. Had been busy with other things. Anyway, also a bit in and out of country for a while. I would like to relate an incident that could had turned out to be a lot worse. Again, unlike some peopel who would make up news to see front page, I don't do that BS.

I was with my cousin pumping up the petrol at a petrol station. Our parents were in the backseat. My cousin got out to talk to the petrol guy and I too got out to pass him some cash for the petrol. Then out of a sudden, a old man start walking towards the car. As both of us were on the wrong side (opposite site of the driver seat) we can only monitor him. Then he looked at the window at the backseat and suddenly ope nthe front door and jumped in. Then there were some talking in the car. I thought our parent knew this guy...

Then I open the door to the front seat and to a shock realized that nobody KNEW who this guy was. He suddenly say "sorry sorry" and got off the car. WTF??? We then saw he walk towards another car (same color, but very obviously different build) one lane away andgot in and drove off. My cousin return to his seat soon then we hear the part about what happened from our parent.

Seems like our parent got a worry he was a bad guy and may drove the car off of something and they challenge him who and what is he doing in the front seat. And both of us let our guard down and thought our parents knew this man. If this man is indeed a bad guy, something bad could had happen. OK, maybe it would be a bit hard to drive off with the refilling happening (I wonder if it would explode). But this incident is truly scarly if you put some thought into it. We should had locked the door whe nwe got out...

Anyway, just out of curiousity, we too drove on and followed that car from a while... nothing new. But I bet following him closely should give him a scare as if we would go after him or something... :)

While nothing happened here. Something could had if it was someone else. I just hope to share this story so that I can remind you to lock you car when you get off to pay the bill, top up or whatever.

Paloh Railway Station

This is the play where the trains brings me for the over the last 30 years. Althought the train station has changed a lot, it hasn't really changed for the better much. Its still the classic look with the classic feel. Anyway, these are 2 of hte pictures I had taken with my Canon 400D.

Malaysia - Truly Rape-sia

With the recently rape cases that took place in JB Malaysia, it brought my attention to some stats I read somewhere... Something like having 3 cases of rape per day... Well, it turns out I was so damn wrong... and so outdated... According to the 2006 stats, its 2435 cases which comes to about 6-7 cases per days... assuming they rape on Sat and Sun as well... Thats horrifying shocking... consider Malaysia is Islamic ruled .. OK, maybe it just backfired. Thats a possibility.



Whatever the case, let's take a look at how bad rape and other crimes are in Malaysia. I think its not hard to project this years result...

http://micpohling.wordpress.com/tag/malaysia/