SINGAPORE 1

SINGAPORE

Singapore is everyone's favorite city be it children or adults.

The tour is a 4D2N titled “ I Love Singapore” attracted my attention – to explore Singapore's latest tourism product.

POSING WITH MARLYN MONROE

 DAY 1

Try out the DUKw Tour – which take us to the sea – view the majestic groups of buildings, in town area. Obviously, this go hand in hand with the Double Deck Open Top Bus – which by passed China Town, Little India and Orchard Road. By night, had an opportunity to visit the newly open The Sand Casino – a branch from Macau.

SAND CASINO

DAY 2

We visited a few indoor attractions namely Images of Singapore and Tiger Sky Tower, before leaving for Sentosa Island.

IMAGES OF SINGAPORE

TIGER SKY TOWER

I just love Sentosa Island – as our main motive of coming to Singapore is to experience the Universal Studio – a branch from USA. As our tour leader had already bought the entrance ticket – we just moved in – by passing the long cue of crowd. It just tells how interesting the studio is gonna be!! Yup! After almost a full day in Universal Studio – I say it is very enjoyable as I get to greet my favorite movie stars and cartoon character – face to face. Took a lot of photographs with all my 'favorites' – at the studio. Apart from characters, there are souvenirs shop, show time, and endless games to play. Of course, my favorite is the roller coaster and the dummy. I just can't get enough of the whole studio! There are also imitation of the “7 of the Wonders of the World” - where visitors jostle to take photograph with their favorite Wonders.

UNIVERSAL STUDIO

HI MR FRANKESTEIN!!

MADAGASCAR

Nearby, we also drop by the Resort World Casino – just to admire its decoration. Drinks and food are served free for customers, here.

SENTOSA ISLAND

By night, we were entertained by the colorful Musical Fountain of Wealth, at Sentosa Island.

DAY 3

We spent most of our time at China Town – visit the Tooth Relic Temple and shopping particularly for souvenir. Chinatown is a subzone and ethnic enclave located within Outram district in the Central Area of Singapore. Featuring distinctly Chinese cultural elements, Chinatown has had a historically ethnic Chinese population.

TOOTH RELIC

DAY 4                    DEPARTURE

SEPTEMBER 1 - 4, 2011

KUSU ISLAND

KUSU ISLAND

I visited Kusu Island by myself – took a 20-minute ferry ride from Singapore mainland to the island.

Kusu Island is one of the southern islands in Singapore, about 5.6 km to the south of the main island of Singapore. Kusu means “Turtle Island” in Hokkien. From two man outcrops on a reef, the island was enlarged and transformed into an island-land of 85,000 square metres.

The legend behind the island says that a magical tortoise turned itself into an island to save two shipwrecked sailors – a Malay and a Chinese.

KUSU ISLAND

At the top of the rugged hillock on Kusu Island stands three holy shrines of the Malay saints – to commemorate a pious man named Syed Abdul Rahman, his mother and sister who lived in the 19^th century. The shrines are popular with childless couples who would pray for children.

Other attractions – Tua Pek Kong Temple (Grand Uncle), Na Tuk Kong (Dato Keramat) – the temple houses two main deities – Da Bo Gong and Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy). The Da Bo Gong regarded as having the power to confer prosperity, cure disease, calm the sea from danger while the Guan Yin is also known as giver of sons.

It is popular for its lagoons, pristine beaches and tranquil settings. Visits are often made by ferry from Marina South Pier to see the “Wishing Well” and “Tortoise Sanctuary”.

Picnics are also popular here. Overnight stay is not permitted on the island.

AUGUST 16, 2000

BENTONG

BENTONG

Bentong is an old time favorite place among Malaysian intending to visit Thailand. It is located near to Gerik, Perak - about 3 hours drive from Ipoh.

I used to go to Bentong in the early 2000s with my family member until it was declared unsafe to do so. 

Betong is an amazing small town hidden in the valley, the town rich of natural resources, multi-cultural and traditional ways of life. Locals earn their living by cultivating rubber plantations and fruits while others offer tourist services.

Betong is a Malay name meaning “bamboo” - it become an icon of the town – the Betong Municipality constructted a reinforced-concrete bamboo replica as a water tank at Suan Sud Siam (Public Park).

Historically, Betong has struggled against obstacles including distinct weather, wars and town establishment. Formerly named as Yarom, it was later althered to Betong to name it after a Tambon name when its administration centre moved from Ban Ha-ngud, Zone 1 to Ban Kampung Masjid, Zone 6, Tambon Betong in 1930.

LARGEST MAIL BOX IN WORLD

At the Betong town centre – one can take photograph with the biggest and tallest mailbox in the world – located on the corner of Sookayang Road, next to the Clock Tower. It is a symbol of Betong which is now renovated as 3.5 times bigger than the old one, in front of and both can be used regularly.

WADBUDAWAD TEMPLE

Wadbudawad Temple is a developing mode temple of Betong with the most beautiful and remarkable architectures and paintings, located on the hill on Ratanakij Road.

PHRA MAHATHAT JEDI PHRA BODDHADHUM PRAKRAD

Another interesting temple worth visiting is the Phra Mahathat Jedi Phra Boddhadhum Prakrad – is the biggest “Jedi of the South”, located in Buddhawad Temple, Ratanakij Road, on the hill.

Phra Buddha Dhammakaya Mongkolpayura Kesanonda Suphaphithan is the biggest Golden Buddha in Thailand which is parts by parts delivered from China by ship, surrounded with trees on Ratanakij Road. 

PIYAMITR TUNNEL SITE

Next, is the Piyamitr Tunnel is used to be a communist battle filed, it is now called a historical tunnel – both sides are surrounded with natural orchids – located at Piyamitra Village – 3-km from natural spa. Here, visitor can wriggle into the tunnel – to view the utensils, bed and kitchen left behind by the communists.

The Central Mosque – there is no evidence can disclse the history of this mosque except a narrated story from old generation that this mosque was built with 6 round log topped with 6 thatch roofs.

Kuan Im Temple – standing with the Sino architecture housing a 7-tier stupa, shrine with statues of Chinese gods and goddess – this temple gain fame from its superb viewpoint of Betong – becoming a tourist attraction.

HOT SPRING

Another interesting place is the Hot Spring, famous for spa in Betong, which is located at Bor-nam-ron (spa) village - 5-km from Betong – is believe that spa sinking is healthy.

I like the food in Betong especially the Betong Chicken – tender steamed chopped chicken flavored with soy sauce. Other popular dishes include - Steamed China Fish with Plums, Kao Yok (pork with taro marinated in herbs), Phak Nam (watercress)Kao Lam (sticky rice in bamboo), Chao Kuay (a Chinese-vegetable black jelly), Chogun orange, vermicelli noodle and traditional coffee.

Recommended 3D2N is sufficient for visitors to explore Betong, and do not missed the massage SPA, here.

SEPTEMBER 1, 1998, 2001, 2004

CHIANG MAI

CHIANG MAI

I was offered a 5D4N trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand titled “Perseverance, Sustainability and Development” by Fairview International School Baccalaureate Middle Years Program Grade 9 Expedition, in 2015.

Going to Chiang Mai is "fun" as it is a trip with the Grade 11 students as well as teachers.

The objective - is to discover Chiang Mai, encourages students in participating in activities, experienced the culture of Thailand, and apply critical knowledge gained after interaction with the environment in Chiang Mai, in real life context.

ROYAL CHEDIS

DAY 1

Doi Inthano National Park (The Roof of Thailand) - proceed to jungle trekking  – reach the Gate to Himalayan Range - cooling, surrounded with dense forests, and waterfall. The National Park started in 1972 with 482 square, elevates ranges between 800-2565 m above sea level, with Doi Inthanon as the highest mountain in Thailand, and the mountain is part of Himalayan mountain range.

GATE TO HIMALAYAN RANGE OF MOUNTAIN

Next, visit to the Royal Chedis (Twins Chedis) – constructed by Thai Royal Air Force to honor the 60^th birthday of the King and Queen in 1987 & 1992. The darker color chedi with brown tint is Phra Mahathat Chedi Nophamethanidol – the king, while the light-blue is Phra Mahathat Chedi Noppholbhumsiri – the queen. The area is beautifully landscaped with a stunning display of flowers and on a clear day, one can view the northern Thailand and mountains of Burma (west). 

ROYAL CHEDIS

 

BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE AT TWIN CHEDIS SITE

On the way, we stop by the Royal Agriculture Project established under the royal initiative in 1982 – covers the area of Khun Mae Kuang National Forest Reserve, Chiang Mai Province covers – 1,360 hectares. The objective of the project is to conduct study research and experimentation on development methods suited the development needs of the northern region, on conservation of watersheds, reforestation and agricultural development.

ROYAL AGRICULTURE PROJECT

We also drop by the Wachirathan Waterfall – for a cooling session as we watch the majestic waterfall from all angles.

WACHIRATHAN WATERFALL

The next place is one of my favorite Wat Sri Su Phan Temple (Silver Shrine) – founded in 1501 under King Mengrai. The temple has been renovated several times. The most evident in the design of the main ordination hall (ubosot). Many of the work carried out using ally and zinc with precious silver being reserved for the holy images. Here, ladies are not allowed to enter the ubosotha.  Behind the temple is the Lanna Craft Wisdom Nusam.

SILVER TEMPLE

 

LANNA CRAFT WISDOM NUSAM

DAY 2

Can't wait for the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, established in 1993 - covers  elephant show, elephant bathing and playing games and do visit the world's first Elephant Hospital for Service and Action activity.  Currently, there are more than 50 Asian elephants living here. It is also an important facility for elephant welfare in Thailand.
 

THAI ELEPHANT CONSERVATION CENTRE

 

ELEPHANT BATHING SHOW

By afternoon, we visited Wat Phra That Lampang Luang Temple – a Lanna-style Buddhist temple, in Lampang Province.

WAT PHRA THAT LAMPANG LUANG TEMPLE

Teak House or the “Baan Sao Nak” is a house of many pillars - built in 1895 by Mong Chan Ong Chandraviroj as a resident. Since the original owner was a Mon ethnic from Burma, the house was designed in a combination of northern Thai and Burmese architectures. The verandah around the house shows a distinct Burmese architecture, while the roofs and general structure are typical Lanna Thai. The wonder of the house is that it is supported by 116 teak pillars.

TEAK HOUSE "BAAN SAO NAK"

DAY 3

In the morning – we were driven to a village – to do social work – helping a temple to clean up and donating household items to them. Here, the students had to help out in teaching a group of children, some clean up the surrounding and some wash the temple.

  

 SOCIAL WORK AT  VILLAGES

By afternoon – visited the Chiang Mai City Arts & Crafts, Chiang Mai Historical Centre and Lanna Folk Life Museum – located in town area.

CHIANG MAI HISTORICAL CENTRE

CHIANG MAI CITY ARTS & CRAFTS

DAY 4

At the umbrella factory, we were asked to paint on the tiny umbrella - a DIY session. 

HANDS ON PAINTING UMBRELLA

SHOWOFF OUR NICELY PAINTED UMBRELLA

Next, we visited the Shinawatra Thai Silk shop – the oldest hand-woven silk factory in Thailand, to observe the process of silk making by skillful craftsmen at work.

DAY 5              DEPARTURE 


OCTOBER 19 - 23, 2015

KOH SAMUI

KOH SAMUI - ISLAND IN THE SUN

My family and relatives sign up for a 5D4N tour package by coach from Ipoh to Koh Samui, which took about 8-hour to reach the destination.

What I fall in love with in Koh Samui are - the beaches, rock formations and temples. The town itself is very peaceful as the government wants to maintain it's quietness and relaxing mood for tourism purposes.

Koh Samui Island is a holiday paradise – an ideal place to relax which covers 44 sq km and is shaped like a triangle.

Koh Samui is the third largest island in Thailand, is an island off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus, Southern Thailand. It is part of Surat Thani Province – granted municipal status in 2012.

KOH SAMUI

The island was probably first inhabited about 15 centuries ago, settled by fishermen from the Malay Peninsula and Southern China. The name Samui may derive from the name of a tree known locally in southern Thailand.

Koh Samui's economy is based on tourism and exports of coconut and rubber.

It has beautiful beaches coupled with coconut trees which assured visitors of peace and tranquility here and the popular beaches are Chaweng, Lamai and Menam.

Although there are world class resort hotels and restaurants, commercial development has been deliberately limited so that Samui can continue to exude its natural charm.

GRANDMA AND GRANDPA ROCK FORMATION

Koh Samui holiday will be incomplete without visiting rock formation called the Grandma Rock and the Grandpa Rock (Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks), found in the beaches. Of course, the rock formation of this kind – is my favorite place in Koh Samui.

Other worth visiting places are the cascading waterfalls of Hin Lad and Nai Mueng. There is a full day excursion by boat to the u Koh Angthong National Marine Park which features 40 islands with natural caves, blue lagoons, stunning rock formations, and inland salt lake surrounded by sheer cliffs, unspoilt beaches and coral reefs.

One can also go for temple visitation namely Wat Sila Ngu Temple, Pagoda Khao Hua Jook, Pagoda Laem Sor Temple and Wat Khunaram (Mummified Monk) and the Ban Lamai Cultural Hall.

DECEMBER 26 -30, 1995

PHUKET

PHUKET

Phuket is the only island which enjoys provincial status, located at Southern Thailand. It is one of the largest island in the country and another smaller 32 islands – lies off the west coast is the Andaman Sea. In the past, the island was one of the major trading routes between India and China, and formerly derived its wealth from tin and rubber and now from tourism.

The island has superb beaches, shopping, island hopping and active nightlife.

Attractions include - handicraft centre, orchid garden, international class golf courses, villages crocodile farm, monument and temples. There are – Gypsy Village, wildlife parks, national museum and monastery of the Golden Buddha, pearl farm and a marine biological research centre.

JAMES BOND ISLAND

The best thing I like about Phuket is none other than its stretch of white powdery beaches, magnificent shore and bay, sparkling dotted seas and sumptuous seafood restaurant, here.

Many 'whites' came here, mainly for sunbathing in naked along Patong Beach.

The other most 'happening' event is the nightlife – karaoke, pubs, gay pubs, tiger show, sexy show, pondan show and nightclubs are mushrooming in the town centre or Patong Beach – where the men and women openly grabbed the customers hand and usher them into their destination. I have never seen such open soliciting of customers – in the world.

POSING WITH SIMON CABARET ENTERTAINERS

Of course, I must not missed out the Pondan Show at Simon Cabaret – whereby tourists can pose with the pondan for some tips. I can say the show is damn classy and professional in nature.

Another must visit place is the Phang Nga Bay, located about 660-metre drive across the Sarasin Bridge from the mainland to the island. A day out here is definitely a worth while trip – to see the limestone cliff, emerald green waters and rocky caves along the sea. The island is home to sheltered fauna. One must take photograph with the impressive James Bond Island which is a popular spot in this bay apart from Koh Panyee.

Another recommended island is the Phi Phi Island which is called Thailand's superstar island for the famous role in 2000 movie The Beach. Unfortunately, due to time constrain, I did not make it to Phi Phi Island – hopefully my next trip to Phuket.

NOVEMBER 28 – DECEMBER 3, 1994

TRANG-SATUN-HATYAI

TRANG-SATUN-HATYAI

I was contacted by Tourism Authority of Thailand marketing personnel to sign up for a 4D3N tour to promote Southern Thailand province, in 2014.

It is a familiarisation trip meant for the journalists on board.

It was a memorable trip as I joined a group of journalists and travel agents to understand more about what was in store of southern province. 

KOH MOOK ISLAND

DAY 1

We reached Trang in the afternoon – start-off with a city tour followed with the Sunset Candlelight Dinner along Pak Meng Beach. Check into Anda Resorts facing the beautiful Andaman Sea.

TRANG - TOWN CENTRE

Trang is first earning popularity after the Tourism Authority of Thailand listed the sleepy town in its Visit Thailand Year. Trang's Provincial Office of Tourism & Sport's has come up with a cute pocket book titled“10 Amazing Attractions in Trang”. Trang is one of the oldest town in the Southern Thailand region. Called Mueang Thap Thiang (in Thai), the town faces the Andaman Sea.Trang is one of the 12 satellite towns that existed 900 years ago, where King Rama II gave the province its first governor.

PAK MENG BEACH SUNSET DINNER

DAY 2

Trang is popular for 'island hopping cum snorkeling' activities found in these pristine islands namely Koh Mook, Koh Ngai, Koh Chuak and Koh Kradan.

PANORAMIC SCENE AT PAK MENG BEACH

All ready for island hopping, we are attired in swimming costume and equipped with a life jacket each – departed from Pak Meng Pier – to the four islands.

PAK MENG PIER

 

READY FOR SNOKERLING

Our boat headed to the first island – Koh Mook, which is also called Emerald Cave. The island is the most beautiful among the four islands we visited. Here, it offers a unique experience as visitors have to swim in a line to get to a natural cave tunnel on the other side to view the majestic Emerald cave. 

 

KOH MOOK

Our next stops are snorkeling areas namely Koh Kradan and Koh Chuan. The excursion ends with a sumptuous lunch at Koh Ngai Resort.

KOH  KRADAN

 

KOH CHUAN

DAY 3

We bid farewell to Trang as we could not possible visit all the town's 10 amazing attractions – Wat Phukhad Thong Temple, Wat Tham Phra Buddha, Tham Khao Chang Hai Cave, Tham Le Khao Kob Cave, Saltwater Fall, Koh Sukom, Black Beach, Bar Laem Sai Freshwater Well and Want Pha Mek Amazing Mist.

PHU PHA PHET CAVE

A three-hour bus ride from Trang to Satun, the last province on the western Andaman coastline, before reaching the Malaysian border. Famously known as the “emerald city” of south Andaman Satun is also famous for her white sandy beaches, caves, mountains, waterfall and jungle. The highlight of Satun leg is the visit to Phu Pha Phet Cave, the largest in Thailand and third largest in the world. Historically, the cave was discovered 73 years ago by a Buddhist monk while meditating nearby. In the past, people were resideing inside the cave; they entered the cave using ropes. Today, the cave is equipped with proper lighting, a wooden bridge and a local tour guide to take tourists for an-hour long tour of the 3km-long cave.

PHU PHA PHET CAVE

WANGSAITHONG WATER RAFTING

From caving, we move to Wangsaithong waterfall to have an hour of kayaking and cruising along 7km stretch of the river. Along the way, we get to see beautiful flora and fauna and unspoilt forests. Some of the more adventurous also participated in the water rafting into Wangsaithong canal.

HATYAI TREE

DAY 4

Arrived in Hatyai for a last minute shopping and massage - before leaving for Ipoh on Day 5. Hatyai derived its name from a big tree called Tong Han, which can be found in Satun. In early years, people used the Tong Wu Tau Pau River as transport in Hat Yai. Hat meaning beach and Yai means Big = Hat Yai.

Attraction places are – Terazut Market, Odeon Market, Kim Yong Market, shopping and massage SPA.

HATYAI

DAY 5 DEPARTURE

MARCH 3-4, 2014