What's the comfort food you miss while traveling?

I'm sure everyone of us, the travelers, must have somehow come to a point where we are slightly "home-sick". My definition of homesick is no other than missing the food that am used to. 

I'm kind of person that would eat basically anything (oh yes, I have eaten cow's testicle please). So when am traveling, am open for any new food. But there are times when it's raining and you are inside your small cottage by the riverside, it's cold and you just feel that you need something warm gliding through your throat, that it when it hits me, I miss my home-comfort food. 

Since am a Malaysian, I have a few kind of food that kinda warms up my soul and give me the perk-up that I need. Some of these foods might be yucky to some people but here's a take on what I really miss when am on the road, traveling the world. 

1- Tempoyak Masak with Toasted Bread (Cooked fermented Durian with Toast)

Photo credit goes to this talented blogger

I know to some people, Durian is yucky and whatmore fermented. But hear is me here, if Australian could do with their Marmite (I like it though!) and the French with the Blue Cheese, Tempoyak (Fermented Durian)  is something like that. Malaysian mostly eat it with rice but I have this habit of eating it with toast.  I don't know why but somehow that warm gooey-yellowish-savourish paste with crunchy toast just so delightful. 

2- Roti Telur Mata bubuh kicap dengan cili sauce (Bread with Sunny side up with soysauce and chili sauce) 

Photo credit goes to this talented blogger

Don't we all love eggs? I believe I started developing the liking for this bread with egg when I was in University, you know the time when financial wasn't really good. Over the years, I realize that something simple like this could just make your day a lot better. I have once ordered something like this when I was in Vang Vieng, Laos just because I felt like eating it. Thank God Laos' soy sauce and chili sauce were almost the same like what we have in Malaysia. 

3- A bowl of hand-cut fries with salt ( Yeah, American much! :P)

Photo credit goes to this talented blogger

This maybe is highly influenced by my constant rendezvous of watching American soap opera from my teenage years till now. But can you blame a guy wanting some warm-crunchy potato goodness with some really good salt and tomato sauce (Yes, ketchup is the other name for it)?

I realized this when I was in Chiang Mai, Thailand , I was having a really bad craving for a really good fries that I literally said to my bunkmates, lets forget Thai food today (and that's coming from an Asian! haha). So after lurking around the big market in town, we found a good pub where my mates could drink some beer while I ordered my ultimate bowl of fries. Boyyy...that was the best fries ever; served pipping hot with side of Sea Salt and tomato sauce! I felt accomplished that night. :P

So, what's your comfort food that you miss the most while traveling or backpacking around the world? Some of the friends I made while being on the road said that they simple miss some simple food such as a really good pizza, gelato, fizzy water and many more. 

Tell me your comfort food that you crave for while traveling, I would love to read it. You can use the same title as mine - "What's the comfort food you miss while traveling?" and link it too if you like it. Once you have written your blogpost, lemme know so that I could share on my Facebook, Fanpage and Twitter!  I would love to comment on it too! :D

Till then, keep on traveling peeps and travel safe. 

16 Lao PDR (Please Don’t Rush) Backpacking Tips!

Laos is well-known for its laidback atmosphere, friendly people and breathtaking landscapes. Despite being the only country in Asia that has the least temples to visit, Lao PDR (People’s Democratic Republic) – or simply Laos – promises the experience like no other. 

I am grateful for the chance to explore Laos’ capital city, Vientiane, then to Vang Vieng (which used to be a party town but has now become the hub for eco-tourism) and finally Luang Prabang, the scenic UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

What captured my heart to explore Laos were its people whom I met and their heartfelt sincerity and innocence. Below are some tips that I hope would be useful for all travel enthusiasts out there who are keen to explore Laos soon: 

1. Hello is sabaidee. It is normal for unknown strangers to greet you on the street – it is polite to greet them back the same way. 

2. Thank you is kop chai, but if you are truly happy with the service, kop chai lai lai means ‘you are most welcomed’. By adding lai lai , you are saying ‘very much’. 

3. A preferable drinking water brand is Tiger Head. Do not drink straight from the tap. If you are hiking or jungle trekking in Laos, bring a water neutralizer. 

4. It is normal to feel like you are being scammed when you pay for transportation in Laos. For example, you may be given a minivan instead of the VIP Bus that you paid for. The best way is to really ask around – usually most tour agents in the town shares the same transport provider. 

5. Opt for night travel if you are traveling to Laos’ mountainous Northern Provinces. This will give you the opportunity to greatly enjoy stargazing as the bus climbs up the highway that cut through the highlands. 

6. Try the baguette in Laos – it is available everywhere with a variety of fillings to choose from. Do note that baguettes in central Laos are lighter compared to the ones up north. You may find differences in term of texture and taste. 

7. There is an exit fee of USD 1 or 10,000 Kip if you exit overland from Laos. 

8. Rent a bungalow overlooking the river in Vang Vieng, which offers an experience like no other. It is also one of the cheapest options for accommodation. Price starts from 20,000 Kip to 200,000 Kip (USD 2 to USD 20). 

9. Do not be at the riverbank of Mekong River in Vientiane at night. There have been cases reported of undercover police asking for 1 million Kip bribery from unsuspecting tourists. 

10. There are curfews for towns in Laos – ask the locals or your hotel/hostel about it. Please adhere to the curfew time. 

11. Tuk tuk in Laos will quote the price for the whole vehicle, not per person. It is best to share your tuk tuk transportation with other people. 

12. At the outskirts of Vientiane lies and attraction called the Buddha Park. It is possible to get there via the local bus. Though the road leading to the place can be a little grubby, it is an experience on its own! Take the local bus from the bus station and then change to a smaller bus at the Thanaleng border. Price is 8000 Kip one way. 

13. The auto teller machines (ATMs) are available in major towns and the most visible bank is called Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public (BCEL). The ATMs are in blue and red. 

14. When the French arrived in Laos over a century ago, they left one enduring legacy: pastries. Try out the croissants, breads and biscuits in some of the many bakeries in Laos. A notable one is Joma Bakery in Luang Prabang, which Mango crumbs come highly recommended! 

15. Hiking and jungle trekking is popular in Laos but do follow the path stated or follow the instructions from your guide. This is because Laos is still largely infested with UXO or landmines from the previous war between the American and the Khmer Rouge. It is said that there are about 7.5 million UXOs still buried in many of Laos’ provinces, especially in the south. 

16. Mekong river fish, which are fresh and sweet, is abundant in Laos. Do try it out at the local restaurants. The prices range from 25,000 Kip to 50,000 KIP. The best ones are usually by the riverside. 

But above all else, if there is only one thing that I must suggest to you to do in Laos, it is to lay back, take your time and enjoy the journey. This is the only country that I am sure you would not be constantly harassed or forced to buy stuff. Laos has taught me to truly appreciate life at a far slower and appreciative pace, which I think could even be the other meaning for PDR – Please Don’t Rush. 

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*

Overland Thailand : Phi Phi Island.

I has long been overdue, I shall continue my Overland Thailand Backpacking stories after stopping at the last post here.

Phi Phi made famous for its sandy beaches, pristine water and it's island geographical. It became the talk about the world when the 2004 Tsunami hits this Island, causing unimaginable death and devastation. I became aware of my surrounding after hearing a first- hand story from a victim . When he retold his story, I can vividly imagine the chaos on the beach that I stood at. My prayers goes to you.

Phi Phi to me is a wonderful island that I would love to return one fine day. The alley that I walked, full of farangs (white people) suddenly become no stranger to me. Yes, Phi Phi Island relies heavily on its tourism. But as you walk further down the street, you will see the local people, some survivors of the 2004 Tsunami. Cooking, chit chatting with their neighbours, slaughtering chicken (oh yes, live!) and people selling food to foreigners. 

Things can be a little bit expensive on the island, but come to think of it, they don't get it produce it here eh? In order to get supplies from the mainland, the either have to take a boat ride about 45 minutes to 1 hour to Ao Nang in Krabi or a boat away from Phuket (Which I believe is even further). 

How expensive can it be? Well, put it this way ; a piece of  roti with nutella is about 20 Baht on mainland, here it can be from 40 Baht to 60 Baht. Food were good when I was there, I had some really good pancake and sweet drinks while watching people at the beach. I also got the halal buffet food provided in the Island Hopping package I took from Boon Rup Travel. 

 

Being a muslim, I've heard/read about the mosque that stood the 200 tsunami when it happened. I went to seek for it and eventually found it behind some rebuild houses and piles of blue giant water tanks. People were friendly there, they gave salam to me knowing that I am Muslim and tried their best to talk to me despite the language barrier. Because of them, I was allowed to also used their bathroom to cleanse myself from all the salt water I got myself into earlier of the day.

If you want something more memorable, may I suggest you to mail yourself and your friends postcards from the island itself? I believe they already know that people wants to do it, they even prepare a special stamp that says Phi Phi Island Post, Thailand. I got my postcards for 5 Baht at Krabi town, postcards were 10 - 20 Baht on the island. 

All in all, it was a great day going for Island Hopping on the Andaman Sea. Phi Phi island being the last island I made the stop was a perfect ending to a perfect day. I think everyone on the boat had a terrific time knowing each other and enjoying the water of Andaman Sea.

I shall return one fine day Phi Phi.  Till Then, keep on traveling peeps! :D

The USD 15 Borobudur Temple, Jogjakarta, Indonesia.

I heard about Borobudur Temple in a book back when I was in primary school. Since then, I have been wondering how would the real Borobudur Temple would look like. And then it happened, I went to Jogjakarta (some people pronounce it as Yogyakarta) and finally stepped my foot on the Borobudur's ground. 

This is what I saw first and it left me in awe for the rest of my life. 

I didn't expect the whole ground to be that huge. I mean, it's humongous! I'm sure there is still more buried underneath, considering how Borobudur Temple was discovered. It was covered and buried under the ashes  of Mount Merapi. 

Here are some of the history of Borobudur from Lonely Planet:

"Rulers of the Sailendra dynasty built Borobudur some time between AD 750 and AD 850. Little else is known about Borobudur’s early history, but the Sailendras must have recruited a huge workforce, as some 60, 000 cubic metres of stone had to be hewn, transported and carved during its construction. The name Borobudur is possibly derived from the Sanskrit words ‘Vihara Buddha Uhr’, which mean ‘Buddhist Monastery on the Hill’."

It almost 9 floors up the staircase of the temple, and under the scorching sun it didn't help with our DIY tour. Being the noob we are, Dewi and I followed the guidelines to circle the Main Temple clockwise from bottom to top. 

Well, at least we stumbled upon so really weird figurines and carvings that don't seem to fit the whole era of when Borobudur was built. I even saw a figure of a chinese medicine man with his long moustache! (Exactly like those you see on Chinese Soap Opera!)  

The most interesting part for me is the remnants of the Stupas on top fo the temple. Some were ruined when the opponents of Suharto ( the regime president of Indonesia) blew the temple. And the amazing view of Jogjakarta! 

My sister, Dewi and I planned for this trip long long time ago and we were glad that we made this trip. The charm of Borobudur bond us closer, under the shades of Mt Merapi we became closer than ever. A brother sister adventure! :D

Well, why USD 15 temple? We tried to walk in as local, well we thought we had the look and the slang. Too bad the officers at the entrance saw my sister's passport hence we had to pay USD 15 as international visitors. :P

But that was the best USD 15 I have ever spent for temples. A good one. :)

And that's how I fell in love with Borobudur Temple. Till then, keep on traveling peeps! :D

Live in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

twas the excitement,
I shall be back to Yogyakarta, Indonesia. 

Out of all places that I have been so far, Yogyakarta remains the most memorable one;

The first scam, missing the train, the run to the train station, the old lady,the trishaw ride the stranger turned friend and most importantly my sister was with me all the way. 

This is lesehan or Angkrigan where you can eat for RM 1.60 ( 50 cent)

Yogyakarta, Indonesia offers more than just Borobudur and Prambanan Temple. The kind-hearted friendly people, the scrumptious Angkrigan and Lesehan (street stalls) food, the TransJogja and the amazing view of Mt Merapi made it a special city on its own on the vast lands of Indonesia. My memories carved a sign that says " I MUST COME BACK".

my favourite "7-11" in Indonesia, the Alfa Mart!

And so I planned for a comeback, initially thinking of Bali all thanks to Elizabeth Gilbert and her Eat, Pray, Love novel. But as I sat down and talked to my Indonesian friends and reliving the memories I had while I was in Yogyakarta, it sounds like a better plan.

So yeah, am moving to Yogyakarta, Indonesia for 2 months. Well, I want to write my book and publish it first in Indonesia but you know me, I will definitely backpack in Java! So many great things to discover in Indonesia and I am already excited! 

Now I have to think about my KITAS Visa or Social Visa in order to stay more than 30 days in Indonesia. Well, Malaysian only gets 30 days VOA for free. Plus these  visas require an invite letter from a person living in Indonesia who has a KTP (sort of identification card). It is a little bit hassle but I got friends who are willing to help. So fuhhh, glad about that! :D

Malaysians will get this, hence why I should learn Indo fast! hahhaa

In term of housing, I found that it is cheap to rent a KOST ( shared housing area) which will cost me around RM 400 (USD 150) to RM 600 (USD 200) for a sort-of studio house. Equipped with all the necessities such as internet, TV with cable and laundry.

Well,  we'll see how it goes. Till then, keep on traveling peeps! :D

I'm in Hong Kong!

Some of you might know about this, some of you might thought that am still in Laos. But yeah, still couldn't believe myself that I am now in Hong Kong! I flew in last Thursday morning via Airasia on their really morning flight and surprisingly it was one the best flight I've had in a while (and that's coming from a person who suffers a flying anxiety.) LOL

This time I am not travelling alone, I have my 8 years old sister with me as well as another blogger and her son. Heads up, salute to all mothers out there, I honestly say that I don't have the patience to handle children. T_T

Oh yeah, we are now in DisneyLand Hong Kong! Crazy amazing, finally after waiting my whole lifetime to visit DisneyLand, I get to do it here in Hong Kong! ;)

The only thing I couldn't stand about Hong Kong is some of their people's hostility. Rude, bad-tempered, selfish and obvious stressful. I couldn't count how many times that I've been harshly pushed, shouted at, or just being treated plain rude.

I don't know, is it because Hong Kong is too crowded that people are just too stressful even to help a lost foreigner? To give way to children? or to not Q-up accordingly? 

That being said, Hong Kong is actually a pretyy awesome country albeit that scale of its islands. I've so far travelled undersea via its MTR Train, on the rustic-looking ferry and in the Hong Kong-Movie taxi! 

The weather is very unpredictable actually, yesterday it was THAT COLD and today I finally got to see the sun! Still, it is wayyy too cold from my Malaysian body! And yeah, this is the only place on my one year travelling days that I've spent A LOT ON SHOPPING. T_T

Talk about bringing a kid eh? You ended up buying lots of things for her and it is not cheap here in Hong Kong but yeah, money can't buy the smile on my sister's face. I can still work to get the money eh? ;)

*am shivering while writing this, it is cold! Till then, keep on travelling peeps! :D