Must do things in Langkawi: Sunset Cruise with Tropical Charters!

Never in my life thinking that I would be able to be on a cruise, what more twice in a row in one trip! That’s the specialty of Tropical Charters cruise company, great at their sunset cruise and even more fascinating on their Day Cruise(More on that one my another post). How did it happened?

This is how it happened

I was just lazing around on the beach when suddenly ‘Makcik’ Vanessa (everyone in Langkawi likes to call her Makcik for some reason :P) said those magical words:

“You want to go on Tropical Charters cruise? I can get you ON”. She asked eloquently.

I was like “Hell yeah, please do!” I answered with my mischievous grin. Who wouldn’t want to cruise eh?– then it happened, I was in awestruck; Hello, I am going on cruise, I Rayyan Haries going on a sunset cruise! What more exciting than that, besides my constant travel! :P Haha

The day started with us gathering at the port at Awana Porto Malai, departing time was 5pm (I was told to be there earlier just in case if there is changes). I was surprised to see the whole team to be down there, from their crew members to their marketing people, not because that I was there-it's their common practice to welcome clients onboard- that to me is really a great strategy. I felt really welcomed!

Onboard Tropical Charters cruise, they have free-flow bar from juices to alcoholic drink – I had a great time drinking virgin mocktails! Their crew members were very friendly, attentive to your needs and some can dance too! Onboard were 2 medicals too, just in case you feel seasick or require medical attention, they are well prepared!

The cruise took about 2 hours till the sunset appears on the shorelines of Langkawi Island. I also had the chance to dine on the cruise, at Tropical Charters, food were prepared fresh onboard; you have grilled chicken, chicken satay and fish- all grilled on the open sea on the boat deck. There were so many foods, I don’t even think I can walk after that, okay I can but I was walking or should I say dragging my foot like Garfield! Rest assured I was laying on my back all the way till they board us back at the port.

Along the journey, we passed through Pulau Dayang Bunting (Maiden’s lake island) and some smaller island which were fascinating. It was really beautiful as the dark sheds down slowly into darkness. Boyyy what an evening!

If you are curious on what your must do things in Langkawi must include- put in Tropical Charters in it if you are party-goer, young travelers or just a solo backpacker like me. The price is RM 260 per pax, you might wanna ask your travel agency for an updated price or just contact Tropical Charters Cruise. 

*Tropical Charters Cruise is weather and sea-condition permitted.

Till then, keep on traveling peeps and travel safe. 

Borneo Jazz Festival 2013 with Airasia!

Yes, I was at the it Borneo Jazz Festival 2013 in Miri, Sarawak!

I've been wanting to backpack to any of these famous World Music Festivals but because of the time and money constraint back then when I was a student, I had to forget about it. Now at 22, I got to fly in to Miri and experience it myself. Dreams do come true ya know? So now keep dreaming! :P

I flew in via Airasia, again on a very very early morning flight! Do you you know that AirAsia flies to Miri, Sarawak 4 times a day? I would take that as a sign to fly in Miri just to eat Lalapan and Mee Pok Kolok again.

 

 

So the package I took includes hotel stays at Parkcity Everyly, by the beach side and exactly beside the stage! I could hear people sound-checking when I arrived. I was lucky too when I got to get into the Press Conference and took photo with the celebs! Not to forget some really awesome acapella.

 

These are The Nylons who flew 30 hours to sing to us!

Since show wasn't starting yet when I arrive, it got in touch with some really awesome Sarawak Bloggers who took me around town, feed me with grace and bought me so many souvenirs! Aiyohh, people in Sarawak are so nice!

They took me around to catch the sunset and see the Grand Old Lady on top of the Canada Hill. Like Visa, my time with them was priceless. 

We gathered together on both nights for Borneo Jazz Festival. We danced, eat, talked and just let ourselves out over the awesome Jazz music. 

So we got people like Lisa Young Quadtret, The Nylons (Ohhhh they were so good!) and some many awesome Jazz singers and music players. I have to be honest, my music knowledge is a good as newborn babies! But I sure know what music to appreciate, especially those that got my grooves on! ;D

On the 2nd day, towards the end of the end of the show, it rain! Yes, rain in a rainforest in a Jazz festival! I still remember how I ditched my bag and ran to the ground and dance with the strangers. Music binds us together that night coz a lady remembered me when I landed in LCCT. She remembered seeing me dance in the rain. 

 It was truly an amazing event for me! Definitely keeping all the Music festival dates on my calendar.Can't wait to be back next year and this is happening from 10- 15 May 2014! So start saving now people! :D

Till then, keep on traveling peeps! :D

*brought to you exclusively by AirAsia*

Visit Malaysia Year 2014!

It is already 2013 eh! Wow, that was fast! :)

I have yet to backpack to anywhere this year, but am sure planning something great! Well, you know me lah. Hihihi... 

So, since I am still in the country, I was invited to attend this 3-days Visit Malaysia Year 2014 Carnival at Bukit Jalil. I know it is still 2013 but what I was told that this year will be sort of the promotion year to engage more visitors to come to Malaysia. 28 Million okay! They are aiming to bring in 28 Million visitors in 2014!  Challenge accepted! :P

I used my  "cuteness" and some magic with mask and kain pelikat, baammm! 10 people joined me for VMY2014! Now...that is like 27,199,990 people to go! Go Malaysia Go! hehhehe...

I was being playful, as usual, I wore kain pelikat (a Malay traditional sarong) with Guy Fawkes mask! fuhhh glad didn't get arrested for being funnieh! LOL

Since, it was the launching night, we (penmerah and I) got invited to sit on the stage where all these Malaysian ministers sit. You know, usually you see this people on stage in the tv and whatnot. Yeah, WE WERE UP THERE! I was like minister-struck for a moment. I mean, what would a blogger like me be doing up there aites? It was definitely a view from up there, you can truly see everything and everyone. It was a massive group I tell you! 

Well, that is Tock and his gf Jingy, yours truly and PenMerah on the stage yaww!

Not only that, while I was going around the stage, taking photos and instagram-ing,  the wife of Minister of Home Affairs  the Dato Hisammuddin, saw me and quickly called her husband

 "Abg! Abg tengok ni! Budak ni pakai kain pelikat!" (Honey!Honey! Look here quickly, this boy is wearing a sarong!) 

I think I got his attention coz he asked all the photographer there to take our photo together! I felt like I was on red carpet for a moment with all the flashing flash! I have to say that Dato Hisammuddin is very very friendly, he was rubbing my tummy and saying how cute that I'm wearing sarong!LOL 

All and all, it was a great weekend spent with PenMerah and Zaid (a reader-turns friend).  We ate, laugh and play around the carnival! It was truly a Malaysian festival !

 I know I'll be homesick when I travel again. Malaysia has so much to offer that I only managed to complete my 14nd state last year in december. Even that I know there is so much more to discover in Malaysia. 

So, you friends out there,whom I have met along the way while I was backpacking, come down to Malaysia! I would be happy to host you around and show you how Malaysia has it all and it is definitely truly Asia!

Till then, you know the drill. Keep on traveling peeps and this time around, come down to Malaysia! :D

Malaysia Tourism Hunt 2012, Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary.

I've always wanted to see wild animal in close distance, especially elephant! If you think you need to go to Africa to see Elephant closely,you may keep your money now and just drive yourself to Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary in Pahang! 

"Look Mommy, I found Dumbo!"  said the child in me! 

Awwww... I nearly cried when I caught the first sight of "Dumbo"! 

Kuala Gandah Elephant sanctuary houses a few wild Elephant that were saved from the demolishing forest. They are treated and taught survival skills before being released to a better forest. 

I wish I had more time to play and interact with them. Since the troop were in a rush for next destination, I only managed to pat and feed them. 

That is Kak Ita, she is scared of Elephant. I couldn't help but to tease her, you should see her pale face when "Dumbo" tried to swallow her hand.  

Besides seeing the elephant up close, you can also learn about their nature and habitat. 

So, have any of you guys been here?  If you haven't, you should!

I'm heading Pulau Redang next! Till then...keep on traveling peeps!! 

Malaysia Tourism Hunt 2012, Fraser Hill and Homestay Sungai Pasu.

So, after almost puking trying to get over Jalan Gap (Gap Road) up to Fraser Hill, we finally arrived at Shahzan Inn! Too bad I didn't capture any photo of the hotel. I was so tired and without any rest, we were told to race AGAIN! 

Fraser Hill is freaking beautiful!! It is just a small town up on the hill. It was open by the British to accomodate their officials back then. With many building looking like those buildings in England, no wonder Fraser Hill is being called "The Little England'! I was in England y'alll!! 

The task for this pitstop was to locate a few places in Fraser Hill. I was thinking that it

was going to be easy, you know, with the cool weather and all..Boyyyyy I was wrong! We got lost, hiked and walked over 3-5KM and did so many things! 

We gave up on the fnal route though since many people decided to turn back. But we had fun playing archery and some people got to ride the horse! Btw, that's Emily enjoying her horse-riding, looking so ever fabulous!  

 This is obviously a FAILED try to capture the light and stars of Fraser Hill! LOLS

So, the morning we were flagged off to our next destination, Homestay Sungai Pasu! Along the way, we had to clear the road since the night before, there were some thunderstorm. And there were few fallen trees and bamboos. We became THE HULK for a moment! 

Homestay Sungai Pasu

I was greeted by this amazing view upon arriving at Homestay Sungai Pasu! It somehow reminds me of places I've been in life. The people I met, the memories captured!! Ahhh..so many memories just by looking at this one photo! 

Haha...sorry for reminiscing my pastss... now back to the Homestay! 

These kids played Kompang, welcoming us to their village. Aren't these kids cute? I hope you guys grow up and travel the world too! Can? hahah...

The food we had was very traditional! One of the food I ate was called Pecal (Salad with peanut sauce). I reckon it taste similar like eating spagheti with peanut butter. Okay, not that I have tried that before but ...ya, it kinda have that Peanut Butter taste.. 

Research time perhaps? wink2

Other than that, we had some other food such as Pulut Tumbuk that taste like Lemang but have the Ketupat shape.Confuse already? Haha... They also served us some Malay Cakes but am not much of sweet-tooth, so I skipped most of it. Well,another story if you serve me ice-cream.. 

Since the objective of this race was to introduce more Malaysia Tourism product to International Market, we just had to ask our international friends tried on the Sarong! 

That is me, Yoko from China, Adam from Gaya Travel and Rebecca posing with sarong!! 

I had so much fun and it didn't stop there, we made our move to our next destination to see JUMBO the ELEPHANT at Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre!! Awwww.... that was the closest I've been to elephants. 

You have to wait for my next post to see me in action with those elephants! Till then, keep on traveling peeps!