A rejuvenated trip in Bali

"I think Bali is just a small island," that's what I have been telling myself and my friends. To my surprise, the size is actually 3 Singapores, and from the terminal of North to South will take apprx 6 hours! The island is packed with people, and not less, travellers of course. My mission to Bali this time, is to try the SPA in Bali, so I shall not reveal much about beaches and shopping districts as it may be found easily in all magazines and internet.

Let's beging with my first stay at Kuta...

KUTA

Well known as the famous surfing spot in Bali, here, you will see so many surfers walking around the town. The beach is just a few walks from the town, and is usually packed with so many people. Along the side are all the 5 stars & 4 stars luxurious hotels. Is the most crowded and happening spot in Bali. Hotels in Bali is about the same except in Ubud, which I will tell more later. The front of the hotels may look small and narrow, road leading to the hotels' lobby is narrow too. But if you go towards the lobby area, you will be so wrong. It's as amazing as Alice in Wonderland. You can never imagined beyond the lobby area is blocks of rooms and big gardens. Everything suddently has become so huge and spacious. With its rich herritage and traditional vibrant of colors and nice sculptures plus decorations, hotels in Bali is uniquely distinguished from the rest of the world.

In Kuta, you may find lots of shops selling pirated branded stuffs, such as D&G, AX etc. And the price is more reasonable than Shen Zhen & Shanghai in China & Thailand. Besides, Balinese is easier to negotiate with too. Best place to go for, Kuta Square.

Moving around in Kuta to other hot spots is easy. About 10 minutes from Kuta,there is the most famous night life district in Bali, Legian, this is also the place boomed by the terroris that caused hundreds of people dead. (Horrible incident). Few years after the incident, Legian has revived it's past time glory. At night, the street is so packed with people due to many clubs & shops. I visited the monument of the victims, and been to a few pubs around. Frankly, the booming still haunting me. I couldn't relax myself and alerted myself the whole time. Not really a pleasant time for me.

In Bali, there is more than 1000 hotels & SPA. All of the SPA centers as luxuruios as the 5 star hotels, of course, it's pricy too. In Kuta, most of the SPA centers are just in the town. Hundreds of them can be easily spotted. There, i tried one of the famous SPA named Ratu Bali SPA. The masseurs are very skillful, their experience ranging from 4 years to 10 years, so you need not me to tell you how enjoyed i was being massaged by these professionals. On top of that, after applied with their natural herbs and remedies, you will have a instant refreshed feeling. But, I couldn't tell the different as it feels the same as Thai massage. The Balinese's signature massage search goes on....

Ratu Bali SPA

UBUD

Roughly 40 mins away from the beach toward the middle of the island, there lies one of the must visit places in Bali, Ubud. Temperature in Ubud is cooling, road leading to it is narrow too. However, I am so fascinated along the way. Firstly, the padi fields, the greenish trees, and then the sculpture workshops, culturistic shops & restaurants, the galleries, the temples & the antique houses, best thing is, it's not as crowded as Kuta. Ubud is the place to enjoy, to see and feel more about Bali. Ubud is sorrunded with natural beauty, mountains and padi fields is everywhere. The place is particularly quiet and peaceful at the night. To enchance the experience of staying in Ubud, take the Villa. Villa in Bali is exceptional spacious and unique. Each Villa is like a small mansion. Well equiped with bathroom, jacuzzi, swimming pool and of course the enormous greenish gardens and Balinese decoration.

Sceneries around the villa, the mountains, the jungles & the padi fields

The garden around my villa. An open shower in the garden too.

Enjoying my balinese food at the hotel's restaurant

Besides the Villa, another thing that make my jaw drops is the Karina SPA. To me, it is not just the most beautiful and expensive SPA in Bali, but I woud say it is surely one of the best of the Asia. Doing SPA in Ubud is so different compared else where. Imagine, lying under the open air surrounded with jungles, trees and padi fields, enjoying the massage while listening to the jungles whispering softly in your ears and the cool breeze. It feels like heaven! Here in Karina, each guest will have a chance to enjoy themselves in their private SPA villa. The Villa is 2 stories tall. Lower ground would be the washroom, shower room, steam room and changing room, while upper is another heaven. The Massage room, the swimming poor, the jacuzzi and the fantastic jungle & mountain views!

In Karina, I have finally found the Balinese's signature massage. The technique consists of punturing and stretching. And the unique part is the hand rolling, I thaught i was being rolled by some massage balls! What more can I say, is simply the best massage I ever had.

The garden around the Karina Spa

The individual spa villa, equipped with swimming pool, massage room,

and the jacuzzi that is facing the open view of mountain and the florest.

Enjoying my swimming, sun bathing and jacuzzi after massage....is like heaven!

Bali is such a different world. The people is so nice and simple, is such a pity it is living under the pressure of financial & politics problems and terrosists threathen. Anyway, from the good view, is it truly the best SPA destination in Asia, and to the world. It is a loss if you didn't come for the Heavenly SPA, Bali!

My sister's 25th birthday party

To celebrate my family's birthday has been always the most delightful thing to do in my life. I enjoy having fun and happy moment with people that close to me. Like everyone said, nothing feels better than HOME.

It is one of the most challenging and talent searched birthday party I've ever been. The party is held at one of the most famous karaok center in town, and talking about karaok, you know this is the time you can not embarass yourself, not to your family especially!

Tremblingly i took over my mic the first time of the night, thinking to showcase my strong vocal with the song 'REASON' to wow my sister. To be honest with you, I seldom sing to my family, it could be the 2nd or 3rd time and the 1st time after a decade. That was some pressure for sure when my mom and her boy friend focusing on my singing, I nearly got key off everytime! But thank god, I'm not a time waster, with my powerful and flawless ending (exagerrating), I easily WOWed my family and become the song bird of the night. Partially, that thanks to my family's lousy singing skill. Haha.

Nah, to be exact, it wasn't an idol contest at all, it was just a fun family outting while celebrating my sister's birthday. If it wasn't this party, i would never noticed my mom can't sing and how improved my sister and my cousin singing. (LOL) Most of the time, we just scream and yield like nobody else's business. ehhmm, I still have a bit of sorethroat now.

My cousin (the one with mic) was so into the singing mood. I would give her 100% score for her emotion. But deduc 100% from her "quarky" voice. (hehe)

This is the moment we've been waiting for, candle! cake! and birthday song! And to the birthday girl, what is more excited than open the gift after this? ( I gave a Jean Paul Gautier summer edition fragrance to her and she likes it a lot, that what brother is for.)

The party lasted around 4 hrs (from 9.00pm - almost 2am). If it was not becos my future-brother in law rushing home for the France match in the world cup, we would've stayed until it closes at 3am! What can i say, good time is never enough.

A journey to the moon

This morning I woke up wondering, will I ever be able to go to moon in my life? Unexpectedly, I made it!

Well is not i really go to the moon, but I went to this IMAX cinemea at Times Square Kuala Lumpur, and I watched a 3D movie named "Walk to the moon".

As real as it can get, the 3D solved my wonders on how a moon look like. I almost thaught I was at the moon! Looking at the sands, the surface and the astraunaults "cleaning my helmet", I just can't tell you how excited and happy i was.

The movie lasts for 45 minutes. It brings us back to the history of the mankind's expedition to moon, and of course the first walk on the moon and the rest of the astraunauts who made it to the moon. It is a meaningful historical journey.

Undenialble that it is truly a bless to have a chance to be on the moon, but this is also a very heavy burden. Being to the moon can never be a personal objective and a man's selfish dream. Every astraunault who stood there, they carried the great responsibilities of all mankind. Each step they made, they wrote a new chapter for our history. To discover, to build and to implement each mission for the mankind, is truly a great contribution that we all must respect and remember.

I salute u, Mr & Mrs Astraunault.

Eating out at Alamanda, Putrajaya

It was a refreshing and relaxing dining at Alamanda Putrajaya. One of the reasons could be it is away from the stressful and boring city,& secondly, it wasn't crowded, gave me a perfect balance of food & leisure.

I really had a great time fun chatting with my best friends, and of course taking photos as much as we like (as if we own the restaurant :P)

Oh, i almost forgot to recommend this Rasberry Cheese Cake. I wonder why it isn't a signature cakes of [Secret Recipe]. It tastes marvellous to me. I definately will have it again at my soonest!

My funny pics

The city of angels, Bangkok

Duration: 2 - 7 of May 2006
Mission : iSPA conference

Yay! Finally I made it to Bangkok. Here's a snapshot of me when I was attending the iSPA conference. I didn't manage to visit anywhere during the first 3 days, but I do enjoy meeting so many wonderful people and nice Thais during the conference.



I stayed at the Imperial Queens Park Hotel. In front is a busy street with lots of shops, massage centers, pub areas and nice restaurants. And to my surprise, there is elephant too! Haha

(a scene of me feeding the elephant. How i wish I can carry it home with me)

Night Market

Besides its notorious red light district, Bangkok surely a heaven to anyone who likes to wonder around at the night market. Pat Pong & Silom which stands out side by side combined making it a good night market to those who enjoys night life. They are separated by a main road but connected with lanes. At the lanes, here is the famous red light district, shows and almost everything you like to see about man & woman. (You know what I mean)

Silom

Pat Pong

Enjoying drinks at a pub nearby

If u looking for a one-stop center such as looking for wholesale, don't miss out Suan Lum. It is a huge night market where you can find almost everything. Don't miss out the food centers and entertaiment too.

Transportation

Transportation is cheap in Bangkok. The price of the cab is reasonable & comfortable. Tuk Tuk is another way to travel especially during the heavy traffic, however, i strongly do not recommend if it's raining.

Fast Food

Like else where in the world, you can find fast food easily, except they have their own dessert cater to their local market. Here's one dessert which I found it interesting, it is KFC's "Strawberry Cheese Cake". I haven't found it else where yet in Singapore & Malaysia, try it if you have a chance. Yummy.

A heat escape at Fraser's Hill

Date: 29 & 30 April 2006
Venue: Pahang, Malaysia

It was a long weekend, and that's how a gang of us decided to go Fraser's Hill for leisure, and of course to escape the terrible heat lately.

Fraser's Hill is a very very small place, situated 1500 above the sea level, it's temperature is cooling and varies from 16 - 23 celcious.

It is a great place to enjoy natures, with lots of jungle trails to choose from, and bird watching. It is overall a great quiet place to relax and ease the pressures.

Oh look...we found something, is a bird? no, flower? no..is a map! And that's where we are at the moment. Phewwww....

Rich in flora, everything is greenish here.

There's other small interesting places such as horse riding, lake, waterfalls etc. But if you are leech-phobia like I do, stay out of wet fields! hehe.

Doraemon's favourite snack

Introducing Doraemon's all time favourite cake.....(forgot the name, hehe). You can find it in Kinta City, Ipoh, Malaysia. Price at 1.20 Malaysia Ringgit. 3 flavours to choice from, chocolate, strawberry & peanut butter.

It tastes like pancake, munchy and not bad.

Kek Lok Si Temple

Location: Penang Island, Malaysia
Date visited: 24 April 2006

It is one of the historical temple to visit in Penang. It is basically divided into 2 parts. The Pagoda, and the Kuan Yin statue.

There are also others attraction in the temple such as garden, and the liberation pond, which consists of turtles that were released by the prayers. Was told some of the turtles has reached almost 100 years old or older!





PAGODA



The pagoda comprises hundreds of statues with different poses. However there is an entrance fee.

Kuan Yin Statue

After decades, the Kuan Yin Statue has finally being "renovated". It is now replaced by the metal structure and sit on a square that specially taylored for the structure. In a few years time, the statue will be sheltered which makes it the largest structures that overlooked the whole Ayer Hitam.

Other Attractions

Use the old staircase that cut through from the market. And don't forget to get a good bargain at the shops.

Feed the hundred years old hungry turtles.

New hair cut

Hoping to cut my bad luck away too. (That's my purpose actually...hehe)

Last night me and my family celebrated my closest cousin's birthday.

I felt bad cos I forced her to gave us a treat, hehe. Worst still, I suppose to buy her an ipod as her present....but I haven't yet. :P

I am so use to bully her, am i bad? Alright alright, will give you an ipod dear cousin, but gimme sometimes before i shop for it. hehe

Kylie's new look

This is the first official photo from Kylie after the surgery. She looks great as before. Can't wait for her come back. For more info, do log on to http://www.sayhey.co.uk or http://www.kylie.com

What a bad week

(so down)

Last week was such a nightmare to me, bad day, bad time....
First someone stole my less than1 month old Motorola V3i,
then some thief smashed my car window, and broke into my car.....Haizzzz

What a week....ahhhhh

Got to have some cake to calm myself down.......

"Hmm, good taste, yum yum"

(photo is taken by my brandnew nokia n70)

FHM Sexiest Woman

Top 3

No objections. Nice.

I wonder will Sharon stone make it to the top 10 after exposing herself for the final time in Basic Instinct 2. (hope not) hehe.

Flashback: Gem Isle Scrapbook

Watching turtle hatching is another fun activity here.




Some times ago in July 2005. Situated not far from Pulau Redang, in between of Pulau Perhentian & Pulau Kapas, there is a small island named Gem Isle.






Along the trip was my two dearest friends.





Not much beach scene to share, "PG18rated" hehe - kidding ya.






Gem Isle is not just an island, it is also a place to enjoy good massage...mmm...so nice. (The masseurs are mainly from Thailand, quality is assured!)..ouch..take it eay dude.





If you wanna know more about this place. Drop me a line then.

Stray dog? I say is my lucky star.

Not long ago on late December 2005, while everyone was busying jotting down their christmas list...Santa gave me an early surprise. A baby dog from no where came to my house. It wasn't a pleasant surprise at all! haha.

We have been keeping our own dog for 7 years, it is a lovely and obedient pug. To have another new baby dog is certainly a very painful repeated history. First we have to tolerate it's crying when we separating it at night, potty train the baby and have to take extra care of it.

We did thaught to put notice on the missing dog, but we afraid some bad people might miss claim it. We dare not to give away to friends or pet's sanctuary, cos we feel pity on all those abandoned stray dogs. In the end, my mom taken the full responsibility, and voila, it has been living with us since then.

It is a very very playful dog. Very active, extremely smart. It brings lots of joys to my family. And of course sometimes it is a pain in the neck. But in the end of the day, this is fate that brought us together. For better or worst, we shall live happily ever after, hehe. Who knows it might bring luck to us right? Welcome to my home, Lucky.