Langkawi short trip

It's a long weekend - Hari Merdeka and also Awal Muharram. We've decided to take a short trip to the island - Langkawi

Journey started on 30th Aug, Friday morning. Concluding our short trip as below..

30/8, Friday

5am Took Grab to KL Sentral stn
712am ETS from KL to Alor Setar
1220pm Arrived Alor Setar

Took a 15min Grab ride to Kuala Kedah Jetty (~RM12)

130pm Ferry to Langkawi Island
330pm Arrived

Pick up rental car at the jetty

We took Toyota Vios for 2 days at RM120/day. Drove to The Villa Langkawi Hotel at Chenang Beach (rate RM300/day)

Kids enjoying the pool here, next time we should book a room with direct access to the pool. Our room was family room, therefore quite far at the back.

31/8, Saturday

It's the Independence Day, Hari Kemerdekaan Malaysia. Luckily shops were still open as usual.

We took a mangrove trip at Kilim Geoforest Park. Private boat at RM350 for 3 hours trip (930am to 1230pm). Lunch at floating restaurant were not included. It was pretty expensive if you order fresh seafood here. This trip includes :
- Eagle feeding
- Crocodile cave
- Bat cave
- Floating restaurant

It was raining when we came back so we cancelled the Matcinchang Cable Car trip. Went straight to Melitus Pelangi Beach Resort (rate RM1300/2 nights) for the check in. They didn't allow early check-in (before 3pm) so we went out for lunch.

Came back later and they've upgraded our room to beach view (no. 3806) due to unavailability of pool view.

It was pretty far from the main lobby but the view was nice. There's also buggy on demand which we can use all the time.

There are 50 listed activities to do here at Melitus.. So I must say let's make it worth paying.! The pool was amazing. Beach wasn't to suitable for bathing as the water was rough. It is facing Pulau Rebak Besar in the Andaman sea.

For late lunch today, we went to MONtel Cafe by Chef Khairul.. Our old friend from Padang Sumatera riding trip.

1/9, Sunday

It's a free and easy day for us today. We didn't do any booking or planning to go anywhere. Weather was cloudy, still not suitable for a cable car trip nor waterfalls, not island hopping.

Kids most of the time playing at the pool and the beach. Syasya stayed in the room most of the time (teenagers!)

We returned the car at 4pm at the jetty. Took a grab back to the hotel (~RM24). continued enjoying the pool. Theres also mini zoo here but we didn't go.

Had dinner at Telaga Seafood at Pantai Chenang. Crab was so expensive, we paid RM114 just for it. Total bil was RM224 just for the 3 of us eating! We tapau nasi goreng for syasya and nana but it wasn't too good, they say.

2/9, Monday

Head to the airport for an early 9am flight via Malindo Air. The check-in was smooth, alhamdulillah and we made mistake by entering the boarding area too early. Should have enjoyed the shops before passing the immigration /custom as there's only one Costa coffee shop inside boarding area here in Langkawi airport.

~~~

Alhamdulillah kids enjoyed the journey. As for me, ease a bit my cloudy mind. Im having too much in my head right now. Praying to Allah for an easy journey ahead.

O Allah.. Pls grant me health, patience, strength and pahala for all these tests. I'm a humble servant who can't do anything without your blessings.

Aamiin ya rabb

Day 4 || KK

It was raining and windy pretty bad in Kundasang. We didn't get to do much other than staying in the room. Temperature was 16°C in the morning.

We left the hotel at around 9am and head straight back to Kota Kinabalu. Arrived 3 hours later, searching for lunch.

We tried the famous SUP ATAT and I really liked it. My favourite was the ikan merah sweet sour, and tom yam ikan.

Then we went to Imago Shopping mall.

I was a leisurely event until we head to airport for our 6pm flight.

That concluded our SABAH journey

Day 3 || Kundasang

Day 3 journey~
Kudat Marina Hotel to Dreamworld Kundasang
187km, 3h30m

3 Aug 2019

1140am Leaving Hotel Marina Kudat, heading to Dreamworld Hotel Kundasang.
187km away, 3.5hours by road.

Dairy farm
Entrance fee rm5/adult, rm4/child from 7yo

Cat village
Over 60 cats from different species

Dreamworld resort - stay at Lantana 9
Nice view... Lantana 8 would be much better.. Direct view to Mount Kinabalu

Day 6 || Pangong Lake - Leh

20July
Panggong-Changlang La-Leh
👉Network available after changlang la

740am Leaving campt site at Leh

Arrive 1st checkpoint at Chang la pass, 2nd highest motorable road in the world

Too much of offroad. We even fell off our bike when abg was trying to make a turn. Our lady biker friend, LMS fell off twice - first at the sharp corner going down hill due to sand. Second also down hill but this Tim even more dangerous. She almost went under the moving lorry (army/military lorry). Luckily she was fast and lean outward going further from the lorry. I shouted as loud as I can to alert the lorry driver. Luckily he stopped.

1230pm we stop over for short lunch at Changla Kitchen restaurant by the road side. We are now two hours away from Leh town

Highlights:
1. Vins dropped his battery cover
2. Sharif dropped his exhaust
3. Our bike fell when making a u turn after seeing a ladies toilet
4. Mei Shenm fell off her bike twice in front of us

Day 5 || Nubra Valley - Panggong Lake

19july
Nubra to panggong via shayok river
👉No network, talk to each other

8am Start journey

So many river crossings along the way. 80% offroad

1145am Short 20mins coffee break at Silk Road Restaurant, 20km from Durbuk

1250pm arrived Yummy Restaurant at Durbuk. Had lunch

2pm continue journey to panggong lake

4pm Arrived Panggong lake campsite. Everyone was advised to take shower early as when it becomes darker, the temperature here is absolutely low

Weather is awesome

Day 2 || Journey to the Tip of Borneo, Kudat

Day 2 journey~
Polumpung Camp to Kudat Marina
145km, 2h30m

Today we left PMVCS at 12pm, heading to Kudat to explore the famous Tip of Borneo!

2 Aug 2019:

Stop for lunch at Kota Marudu

230pm Visited Kota Belud villages - konsep satu kampung satu produk..
They have small industries like Hong making, manik, bee farm etc.
We visited:
- Gong Factory Sumangkap
- Kg Bavanggazo Long House

But we didn't visit:
Bee Farm, Kampung manik

For me, its kinda boring. Kids did not enjoy it

We then continued our drive to the northern most - Tip of Borneo at Tanjung Simpang Mengayau. Its my second time here (or maybe third), but its Nana's first. Wind is as strong as I remembered. They now have lodges nearby and strong sea waves as it is where two seas meet - athe South China sea and the Sulu sea

At 5pm,we head to Kudat Marina Hotel. Hunting for seafood

For dinner, we had an amazing seafood galore at Abang seafood at Esplanade Sidek. Here, there are several shops to choose. We go for NO PORK restaurant and its halal.

We took multiple meals from baby lobsters, kerapu, bug prawns, kepah, sotong and many more.. It all cost only RM300. Butter basah and butter kering were our most favourite.

For lobsters, they did goreng garam.. A little bit too much of garam for me.. But the taste of lobster was amaczing.

Aril finally had his wishlist meal - the LOBSTERS!

Day 1 || Sabah road trip - Polumpung camping

Our Sabah adventure

Day 1 journey~
KKIA to Polumpung Camp
80km, 1h40m

1 Aug 2019:

We took tlan early flight to KK, left home at 4.30am then arrive at KLIA2 by 5.11am. Boarding at 6am, flight was on time at 6.40am

Arrived KKIA at 945am. Picked up our rental car. We took Innova at RM200/day while Tt took Alza at RM150/day.

Drove straight to Kota Belud, arrived at Polumpung Melangkap View Camp Site at 1pm.

After registering, they set up our tent. We took 2 big, 1 small tent with pillows, blankets, sleeping bags etc.

Kids had fun in the shallow river... While us, mom's busy cooking with our rental burner.

At 4pm, we went for flying fox at Bayau Bayu nearby, unfortunately it was closed due to maintenance. So we went to the Ikan Jinak nearby, which was amazing... Hundreds of Kelah fish coming to bite our dead skins once dipped into the water.

Entry fee was RM3/adult and RM1/kids. But we spent too much on the fish food... 23 packets!!! Luckily it was only RM1/packet.

At 6pm we went back to the camp. Kids continue playing in the river.. And us getting ready for the bonfire.

At 7pm the BBQ started and they set up the bonfire. It was awesome.. We played teka teki until 10pm.

We did stargazing before bed.. So lucky there was no cloud and clear sky.

Amazing day 1!

Day 3 || Leh recharge

Himalaya offroad biking

The itenary

NIL - just recharge and get acclamatize!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

So, there was a change of plan for today. According to the original plan, we were supposed to continue our journey to Nubra Valley today. However unfortunately (or fortunately) some of us were struggling to cope with the high altitude (~3,600m asl). Some our the bikes also needs repair.

So the organiser decided to put a pause and allow everyone to acclimatize our body to this new altitude and temperature (it was 8°C at night, in peak summer!!)

So we had a good rest, wash our laundry (it's super fast dry due to the very low humidity) and of course had a nice coffee at the little Leh town.

Better have a good rest tonight as another big day is coming tomorrow.

Allhummayassir wala tuassir

Note: food I love.. MOMOS

Momos : The karipap-like appetiser, steamed. Contains minced mutton, cheese, onion

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The highlights

I, myself suffered from mild AMS even after taking pills and precautions.

During the first night, we woke up at 3.30am for subuh prayer. I can feel my heart rate was super fast and I was breathing much faster than normal. I couldn't sleep. I just then lay down and try to rest as much as I can.

Later the next incident.. It happened the next morning when I went up to the 3rd floor to hang our clothes for drying. Then my heart rate increased rapidly. I then noticed that even during resting period my heart rate never go below 120.

So, coming down from the roof top, I almost tripped on a wire lying on floor. Felt almost black and difficulty in breathing. Went back to the room slowly and lying on the bed. I tried to sleep and woke up almost an hour later. Alhamdulillah I was all recharged and good to go.

The second night here, I slept like a baby!!

(except for the super cold summer, 8°C and no water heater element that we were surviving...!)

Day 4 || Leh - Nubra Valley (via Khardung La, the highest motorable road in the world)

The itenary

18July
Leh - Khardung La - Nubra Valley
👉Only Bsnl sim have network but no data

Travel distance ~ 125km+

+++++++++++++++
Special note

For the next 3 days, we need to pack and bring clothes for 2 days only. All big luggages were left at Puma house Hotel in Leh. This is because there was only 1 pick up truck following us as back up.

So we can imagine how the road will for the next 3 days of adventure!

+++++
The real experience

10am start ride from Leh (We were 2 hours delay due to rain. We continued somehow in the rain as we need to arrive Nubra Valley before 4pm to catch the camels)

About half hour later, we arrived at the first check point - Check post at South Pullu. Here we need to show the permit, thanks to our organiser who has already arranged for everything. We were allowed to pass and continue our journey to the top of the world!
(Special note : This gate is closed at 8pm so be early or you won't make it especially if there's a flight to catch the next morning)

Along the way, the weather gets worsen. It was too cold for us. After rain, then comes snow, plus the wind. My fingers were blue. Hubs made several pitstops to warm his hands up by touching directly the motor engine or the exhaust. It helps a little bit for us to continue with our journey.

We did also one quick toilet stop in between but there wasn't any facilities for ladies. I saw a small show and went inside. I saw them cooking something on the stove and without much thinking, I touched the pot directly to warm my blue fingers. At this time, the gloves were wet, the shoes and socks we soaked and luckily my RM2 raincoat saved the day. My jacket and riding pants were protected by the plastic coat and raining pants.

There were many blind spots corners that we need to watch out. The road was also slippery due to ice. We can't also go too slow to minimise exposure to the weather. We need to arrive there as fast as we could, but safely!

After hours of riding in snow, blind corners, and off roads, we finally arrived Khardung La top. At the altitude of 5448m above sea level, this point was declared as the highest motorable road in the world.

There were too many people when we arrived and of course that includes the "super-excited" local who wouldn't give way for us to take a memorable moment at the landmark. After several minutes of waiting, our guide, Tampil asked us to keep moving. We can't stay there more than 15mins as the weather was getting worse.

So we took a quick snap at the yellow stone and left the spot in heavy snow.

Going down the mountain, the pressure due to altitude gets better. And snow got less. It was good news to us but the offroad never was tamed. We need to pass several difficult un-tarred roads and keep going.

At 2pm, we arrived at North Pullu Khardung Village, 13500ft. It was such a relief to see Grace and the rest of the tram waving at us from one of the restaurants at Khardung village. Chear greeted me with a warm coffee. It was indeed the best coffee I've ever had!

After everyone was warmed up and settled, we then continued our journey to Hunder at Nubra Valley. We were supposed to arrive there at 2 to 3pm but due to bad weather, we were 2 hours delayed.

We arrived Hunder at around 530pm and luckily it was still open. We had a camel ride at Rp300/pax for 15mins (RM18).

Here in Hunder only you can see 2 humps camel, not like those in the Arab deserts.

We can also see sand dunes and grey valleys. Those grey valley and grey rivers were made up from grey sands which is very unique to Himalaya geographical conditions only.

Man, we were so lucky to experience this ourselves. Allah almighty, alhamdulillah!

After 30mins Hunder pitstop, we continued our ride to the camp - the Magpie Ladakh campsite near the camel station. It was almost 630pm and the temperature was super cold.

We had to stay in tents with no heaters in the room and cold waters too. It was extremely freezing but we had to clean ourselves to prepare for prayer.

After bathing, the entire body felt numb. We can barely feel anything, even our fingers at this time. Even the warmer pads I brought from home couldn't provide any warmth.

At 8pm, the dinner was ready. It was so good to have warm meal and hot teas at this time. We wanted to have camp fire (they charged Rp2400) but everyone was exhausted. So we went back to our room to have a good rest for our next adventure.

I was waiting for the milky way but was unlucky to have too many clouds that night. It was freezing anyway outside (same as the inside, just the difference was that we have blankets inside)

Being unlucky with the milky way, even after waking up at 3am, I just went back to sleep and pray for a better chance tomorrow at Pangong Lake

That was it for day 4. It was thrilling, it was cold, it was stressful but to summarise, IT WAS A SUPERBLY AMAZING EXPERIENCE!!

Day 2 || Kargil - Leh

Himalaya offroad biking

The itenary || Kargil - Leh

Day 2 : KARGIL - LEH

Dist : 220km
Time : 6 hours (est)

CHECKPOINT
1st : Namikala
2nd : Fotula
3rd : lamayuru (lunch) + moonland
4th : magnetic hill
Last : leh

90% tarmac 10% offroad

7:30am - breakfast
8:00am - start ride
11:00am - namikala
1:00pm - lamayuru (lunch)
5:00pm - leh

Accommodation : Puma house, Leh

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The master plan

2nd day
Leh - Kargil 220km
Road Condition : Very Good

👉 Fill up fuel at kargil

Attraction :
Namika La 60km
Fotula 90km, Alt 4100m
Lamayuru Monastary 110km (lunch)
Moonland 120km
Magnetic Hill

Accommodation
Name : Puma House, Leh
Altitude : 3500m

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The real experience

9am Leave Kargil Chattuk Hotel heading to 1st checkpoint at Lamayuru.

After about 25km of riding, we noticed that we were the only one on the road. And it's definitely not Kargil town. Our guide already told us that we shall be fuelling up our gas before leaving Kargil town. Then finally we decided to turn back as our fuel are getting lesser and we are heading further away from the town.

Luckily, after maybe 10 minutes, we saw our group heading towards us. Alhamdulillah. So we are back on track now.

We then continue riding with the gang and chased Shahidan, the group leader. We told him we missed the petrol stn so we are almost empty. He asked us to keep riding as there'll be another gas stn in front.

Minutes later, we saw Indian Oil gas stn and make a pitstop. Alhamdulillah.. All fueled up and ready to start the journey now.

We keep riding and along the way made multiple stops at scenic points with/without the gang. We also had tea break at Wakha village tea stall at Mulbek.

Continued the journey and passing over Namikala pass (tandus), which is the highest peak of the valley. We also passed Village Kanghral - seeing local people with the face of Nepalese/Tibetian (very fair, small eyes). They are also wearing colourful dresses, and most of them are either Muslim or Hindu (can see them covering heads, and saw masjid and temples along the way.

This is also when we met a very friendly Korean photographer who took our pictures on the bike. He asked for my email address and promised to send it to me soon. Fingers crossed!

After almost 2 hours of riding, we had a stop over several km before Fatula when I discovered that I left my pouch bag at the tea stall at Wakha Village, Mulbek.. That is 2 hours away from here!!

Luckily there was Wei Lung and gang who have their walkie talkie which I used to contact Hanif. Later Shahidan arrived and we told him same story. He tried to get a taxi to pick up the bag and bring to Leh, however not able to bmget due to bad reception. The. We rememred that the Yusoof guy whom we took picture with at Ali's tea stall at Wakha saved his mobile number in my phone. So, we called him using Imran's phone. After several tries, he answered!

Then we asked him to go to Ali's stall and look for the bag. I've actually left it in the toilet and luckily it was still there. Alhamdulillah.

After several tries with the taxi, our guide Sonan finally decided to go himself to Wakha. He took one of the bike to go there. Pray to Allah that he will find my pouchbag again, safely. Bismillahirrahmanirahim.

2.15pm Stop over for lunch at Lamayuru. Its a very decent place where they served fried rice, western and Indian food. And this is main pitstop for most bikers who came here. We could see biker groups stickers on the wall from various countries.

3pm On the bike

5pm passed by Village Nimmu. Mostly Hindus or Buddhas (I can't differentiate). Rocky mountain all the way

Then passing by Punjabs area

Phey village - army base camps

543pm Entering Leh - Ladakh district

Lost in Leh.. We got separated from the team. After trying our luck finding the hotel, we stop by a tea shop to ask for WiFi. The boy gave us his hot-spot. We managed to contact shahidan and they are actually several km away from us. So we waited at the tea shop while enjoying our mint tea.

6.54pm Arrived Puma House in Leh. Time to pray and rest.

Get ready for next day.

Alhamdulillah

All went well

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The highlights

1. Missed the team in Kargil Town while they were fueling up. Went further off 25km away from the team before realising we were separated

2. Accidentally left my pouch bag in the toilet in Wakha Village in Mulbek. Only noticed the missing pouch 2 hours away from the village. Sonam the guide took a motorcycle to return back to Mulbek and pick up the bag from Yaaqob, one of the villager whom I unintentionally saved his phone number to transfer his photo that I took at the tea stall

3. Arrived at Leh roundabout before noticing that we overshooted the lead marshal. Tried to find Puma hotel ourselves but not successful. Got help from local Tibet boys by borrowing their hot spot and call Shahidan, the marshal via WhatsApp call

Day 1 || Srinagar - Kargil

Himalaya offroad biking

The Itenary ** SRINAGAR- KARGIL

Dist : 2++km
Time : 6 hours (est)

CHECKPOINT
1st : sonamarg (brunch)
2nd : zojila top.
3rd : Drass
Last : Kargil

Hardest part : zojila pass
80% tarmac 20% offroad

6:30am - start ride
9:30am - sonamarg
11:00am - zozila top
2:00pm - drass (lunch)
5:00pm - kargil

Lead : shahidan (bike)
Swiper : tampel (pickup)
Lastman : hanif (pickup)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The real experience

9am Srinagar passing via Kangan little town

10am Sonamarg checkpoint. Rest, toilet, omelette.. The best omelette in the world.
Altitude 2,700m 

1036am Hitting the road again. From Sonamarg to Drass

We arrived Kargil entrance at noon where we need to register ourselves and our bike at the army base. It was quick and easy and the soldiers are friendly too!

Arrived Drass for lunch, we had nasi putih and kari ayam.. Exactly like Malaysian style (gulai mok som).. We had also mutton curry but its too chewy. Might be kambing gunung.. Then continue our journey to Kargil, our last pitstop for the day

4pm we stop over at the Drass memorial to witness the ceremony but we did not stay long as we need to head straight to hotel at Kargil.

614pm Arrived Hotel Chhutuk Heights, Kargil

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The highlights

Zozila pass, known as the top 10 most deadliest road in the world, has given us the biggest challenge today.

First, it was all tarmac and offroad. Then, there was a landslide somewhere in the middle. When we arrived, they were already widening the road. Before that, the had to blast the rocks using dynamite and of course there's another risk of rock falling from the blasting activity.

At that time I felt so vulnerable, no where to go or hide, we were stuck and just pray so Allah would easy the road widening process.

Alhamdulillah after almost 1 hour of waiting by the cliff, they allowed motorcycles to pass.

And we have to go in between lorries to pass the new road. It was several kilometres that we need to super balance our bikes and stay in the road.

There was no other choice than keep moving forward.

After passing Zozila pass, everyone felt so relieved and me, the uttermost, felt how small I am as the servant of Allah.

Feeling thankful and grateful to be given this chance to experience the real journey of hardship in life and to feel the littlest of a human being.

Alhamdulillah alhamdulillah alhamdulillah

Srinagar sightseeing tour

15 Jul 2019, Day 3

Another trip booked via Klook.
Paid RM165 for a group trip of 4 person.

The guide meet us at Ghat no 17, he 1st brought us at. The Shri changaraya temple. No mobile phone allowed here. We need to climb several step to reach to the top for an awesome lookout view

Ended the trip earlier because it was too boring for us. Supposed to end at 5pm but we asked the guide to send us back at 1pm. Arrived at the houseboat and just chill eating Maggi, sleeping, reading...

At 6pm, we took the shinkara boat ride. Adil, the paddler brought us to visit the floating market. Bought 4 pashmina at Rs1,000 each. Can pay visa!

The trip was 1hour at Rs500 only.

After the trip, we gathered at Light House houseboat at 9pm to hear the briefing by the organiser.

Need to go to sleep early tomorrow as we will be starting early, as early as 5am!

Good night

Day 4 || Let the adventure begin!

Let Day 1 of Himalayan adventure begin.. Bismillahirrahmanirrahim

Day 1 : SRINAGAR- KARGIL

Dist : 2++km
Time : 6 hours (est)

CHECKPOINT
1st : sonamarg (brunch)
2nd : zojila top.
3rd : Drass
Last : Kargil

Hardest part : zojila pass
80% tarmac 20% offroad

6:30am - start ride
9:30am - sonamarg
11:00am - zojila top
2:00pm - drass (lunch)
5:00pm - kargil

Lead : shahidan (bike)
Swiper : tampel (pickup)
Lastman : hanif (pickup)

The Agra city || Taj Mahal & Red Fort

13 Jul 2019, Day 1

We booked a tour via Klook for this trip where it costed us RM432 for 4 pax. The trip includes a driver from Delhi and a guide who joined us at Agra.

The driver picked us up at our hotel in Delhi at 3am.. Drove for 3 hours down to Agra and finally arrived Agra City at around 6.15am

The journey was a very smooth ride along a highway which I can't remember how many toll we have to pass.. At least 3, or 4. It was also interesting to see that Indian people loves to jog along the highway and they even lay down or sleep on the road! Cows were everywhere so the driver needs to be extra careful driving.

Sadiq, our guide greeted us at the tour company office, Keeper Landwey Ptd Ltd, Agra. He helped us with the entrance ticket to Taj Mahal. Explained (almost) everything about the Shah Jahan + Mumtaz history, and he was a great photographer too! We got many god pictures because of him.

After 3 hours, we need to leave the monument and proceed to the Red Fort of Agra. The Fort was very interesting where we can see red bricks area, white castle area and also the open garden.

Sadiq then brought us for lunch at Mughal Spice restaurant, a halal one. For lunch, price per dish is around Rp300 - Rp400, before tax (20%). We then took another option which was the company voucher. We paid Rs800/pax for this bou9and we can choose unlimited food from the menu. So as usual we choose the mutton curry, cheese naan, lasso, masala tea and few more. It was all great!

The trip ends at 1pm then we head back to Delhi at 1pm.. Arrived at the hotel at round 430pm as the traffic was quite bad.

After prayer and a little leg stretching at the hotel, we went out again at 6pm to the city center via UBER, that cost us only Rs300. Had a night stroll at Jama Masjid area before we had our dinner at a local restaurant. This area is very dense and dirty, definitely a No-No for younger children.

Near the masjid, we took the Metro to Central Secretariat where we found the India Gate. This was where we got tricked by trishaw (like tuk tuk) drivers. They were asking for Rs50 for a trip to the India Gate, but when we hopped in, they offered a trip to the Parliament house and Presidential Palace, and this trip costs us Rs250 per trishaw. However for me it's fine, at least the experience we gained riding a trishaw in India, is priceless!

After India Gate, we took an UBER back to the hotel at Rs250. It was a half an hour ride, compared to over an hour when we came entering the city earlier.

Hit the sack at 10pm, resting for next day to catch an early flight at 740 am

India adventure || Let's begin

12 Jul 2019, 1910hrs depart KUL

Arrived DEL airport at 2230hrs local time (5 hrs flight). Local temperature is 36°C, at 12 midnight!!

Took a taxi ride from the airport, and the price was quite pricey as we paid RS1,700 (that's RM102 for a very short ride!). Fine, they gave us big car to fit in our luggage for 4 person.

[Well guess what, we later discovered an UBER ride to/fro the airport from Viva Hotel is only around Rs108 to Rs130]. So pls just use UBER here in Delhi.. It way much cheaper than taxi.!!

Finally safely checked in at Viva Palace Hotel, nearby Delhi Airport at around 1030pm. Paid around RS4,600 (~RM287 for 2 nights) at the hotel. Our friend booked using booking.com and they get lower rate by RS300 from our total.

Heading to bed at 1am and be ready for our next day adventure

Srinagar || Dal Lake, Khayam Showk

14 Jul 2019, Day 2

We were supposed to fly off from Delhi to Srinagar at 740am today. At the last minute we received an email informing flight delay to 1015am.

We then leave the hotel at 7am and arrived T3 Delhi Airport at 730am. Delhi Airport is very convenient - prayer rooms are available, halal food or vegetarian are also available.

Landed Srinagar Airport at 1145am (1hr+). Its very strict here where photography is not allowed at the airport. Roaming is also not available for foreign simcard, and to make it worse, foreigners are not allowed to buy local simcard. This is due to recent  conflicts happening here in Srinagar region so the government increased security level.

At the airport, foreigners are also required to register upon arrival.

We then took the prepaid taxi, going to boathouse at Dal Lake cost varies ie. Rs830 (2 pax), Rs930 (4 pax)

Together with Abg Zarin and wife, we head to Ghat no. 17 (boat stn.) to get our boat transfer to our houseboat (Light house)

-----

At 5pm, we went to Khayam Chowk for out street food tour. Our guide, Zahid came to greet us at the BBQ restaurant and offered us grilled mutton. We then took a stroll around the old city while trying the local foods.

Our trip ended at around 8pm before we head back to the hotel.

Himalaya || The big plan

🚩 DISCOVER KASHMIR AND LADAKH

One Way Drop Off Ride
👉 For those who short in time to explore Himalaya and it cannot get cheaper than this.

Group 1
Leh - Srinagar
Date : 6-13 July 2019

Group 2
Srinagar - Leh
Date : 15-22 July 2019

Routes :
Srinagar - Dal Lake Houseboat - Sonamarg - Zojila Pass - Kargil - Leh - Khardung La - Nubra Valley - Shayok River - Panggong Lake - Leh

Cost : RM2900
Includes accommodation, 2x meal, permit, guide, back up 4x4,mechanic,back up rider, tools and sparepart, medical kit, 2x event tshirt, travel insurance

Info Details,
📞 +60132506976 Hanif


---
So we are in Group 2, at RM5k per couple. Bismillahirrahmanirrahim and iwsh us luck!!

Himalayas || The first hurdle

Well originally I booked AirAsia, Air India and Jet Airways for the flight. Then last month Jet Air goes bankrupt!! They cancelled all flights and promised a partial refund.

That was suck!

First I lose my money, second I need to pay more and find another flight from Leh to Delhi.

This is crazy but we have to deal with it.

May Allah ease this journey. Aminn

~~~~~~

Syahril/Iryani total cost flight *RM3,270 (2 adults)*

Confirm date
12/7/19 - KUL-DEL via AA 1905hrs D7 182 (MYR1,564)

13/7/19 - 7am gi Taj Mahal blk Delhi (daytrip)

14/7/19 - DEL-SXR 0725hrs VIA Air India AI827 (INR5950)

15-22/7/19 - Srinagar to Leh ride

~22/7/19 - LEH-DEL via Jet Airways 0745hrs 9W 612 (USD 334)~

22/7/19 - DEL-KUL via AA 2310hrs

ETA KUL 23 Jul 0705hrs

The Himalaya Expedition || In a nutshell

Well, alhamdulillah were finally doing this (InsyaAllah)

It's a month away from our great adventure to the highest motorable road in Himalayas.

The group will consist of 17 bikes, 3 with pilions including me. Ground fee is from RM2,900/pax... Ours is RM5,000/couple.

Those includes ""

HIMALAYA EXPEDITION
👉Discover Kashmir and Ladakh

➡ PERSONAL DETAILS

Name :
Ic :
Passport No :
Address :
Emergency Name & Contact No :
Email Address :

Note : Insurance include package. Coverage only valid for departure from Kuala Lumpur.

➡ PACKAGE
( Please tick ✔ )

BIKE
1) Royal Enfield 350cc
i-Double Sharing RM3200

ii) Triple Sharing / Extra Bed  RM2900

2) Royal Enfield Himalayan 411cc
i) Double Sharing RM3600

ii) Triple Sharing /Extra Bed RM 3300

3) Pillon package
RE Himalayan RM5000
Rider Name :

4) 4x4 RM2500
Mahindra Bolero

➡ EVENT TSHIRT
1) Jersey
Official / Size :

👉Short sleeve
Or
👉Long Sleeve

2) Pre Ride Tshirt
Size :
👉 Short sleeve only

Extra Order : Pm Hanif

👉Balance payment before
15 MAY 2019

Account No :
Cimb
Himalaya Explorer Resources
8009391260

➡ CHECKLIST
(Own Cost)
✔ International Flight
✔ Domestic Flight
✔ Visa
✔ International Lisence

➡ ANY SERIOUS ILLNESS?
Please Declare

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Then the route, we shall start from flying in to Delhi.. We'll be taking AA, taking a day rest in New Delhi to allow an Agra visit to see the Taj Mahal.

Then we shall continue flying to Srinagar where we picked our bikes.

Taking the route here via Panggong Lake at 4200 alt.

From there to Leh via Kashmir, Gulmarg etc. We then finally should be arriving Leh before flying back to Delhi on 22nd July 2019.

May Allah bless this journey and give us the best opportunity to feel small over His great creation. MashaAllah

Himalayas || The package offered

PACKAGE :

ROYAL ENFIELD 350

RM2900
( triple sharing room )
RM3200
( double sharing room )

ROYAL ENFIELD HIMALAYAN

RM RM3600
( double sharing room )

RIDER + PILLON + ROYAL ENFIELD 500

RM 5000
( couple room )

CAR ( XYLO)

RM 2500
( double sharing room )
RM 2200
( triple sharing room )
_____________________________________________

INCLUDE  / TERMASUK

Hotel & Meal ( Breakfast & Dinner)
Guide, Mechanic & Helper
4x4 Back Up
Sparepart, Tools & First Aid Kit
Group Travel Insurance
Permit
Event Tshirt
Taxi to Airport

EXCLUDE / TAK TERMASUK

All Flight Tickets
(Beli awal murah)
Visa
Fuel
Lunch & Duit Belanja
_____________________________________________
Full  payment before 15/5 /2019

CIMB
Himalaya Offroad Resources
Acc No : 8009391260

What I like about Doha

What I like about Doha..

Besides that the country is so peaceful and quite... Other things I love are

1. Its using 3 pin plug like us MY! Ha ha

2. Most people speak English.. Including the bus driver. They are very friendly and assisting

3. Juices are great... Especially the avocado.. Oh my!

4. Souq waqef was my favorite

But...
Food /drink are very expensive.. We spend QR50 for a plate of biryani.. And QR35 for 2 glasses of fresh juice, and a bottle of water.

Public transport is not so easy here.. Depending highly on taxi and busses.. Which are not quite frequent.

Careful crossing the road too.. They're left hand drive.. Syasya got confused as she thought cars would be coming from the other way

PLACES WE WENT

Since we only had several hours, we took advise from the information counter lady at the airport. Took the 747 bus, head to Islamic Museum (MIA).. Took nice picture of the Pearl from here.

The entrance fee for the museum is QR50, and free for children from 0 to 16yo. Well, I'm not really a museum person, so went there purely just for photos. Hi hi. The view is very nice, really.

We then walked to the Pearl statue.. Again, took some photos at the monument. Along the pedestrian walk, there are wooden boats ready for little cruise. I didn't ask for the price, but it looks quite modest.

Continuing our walk, we finally reached Souq Waqif. It's a market selling spices, clothes, food, perfumes.. And several restaurants. After 6pm, more and more people coming.. Mostly for a drink. Its quite relaxing for both tourists and locals.

I just love seeing them wearing abaya and men white jubah with the extra pieces on their heads.

We had a lazy dinner (lamb biryani) and stop for hot tea, and juices along our walk. It was nice and relaxing I must say.

Around 7pm,we took the bus back to the airport. Syasya was tired maybe due to jetlag.

Well I guess that's all about Doha from me this time. Just hoping that we can all come together here again soon.

~~~

So let me conclude what's Doha famous for :

1. Museum of Islamic Art (MIA)..
Entrance fee is QR50 for visitor above 17 y.o

2. Souq Waqif
Local stuff, spices, clothes, food, etc.

3. Corniche
Great view of the modern building on the other side of the Souq. It's a 7km waterfront promenade which hugs Doha Bay. It offers spectacular vistas of Doha's progressive city skyline

4. Dhow boats
Take a cruise along the banks

We didn't go to..

1. The Aspire Park

Doha in 12 hours

Setting off on a jetplane again.. This time I'm bringing Syasya.. Let her see the world in a different angle..

We took Qatar Airways to Paris with 12 hours Doha transit. I've never been to Qatar before... Its going to be interesting InsyaAllah.

We arrived Hamad International Airport, Doha at around 1pm. Passing the custom clearance.. Quite easy, the immigration and customs. Much less busy airport compared to Dubai.

I took a simcard by HALA mobile at QR35 plus QR10 for 500mb data (validity until midnight) from the counter. That's about RM45+ after conversion. They take credit cards too.

We walked out to the bus stop and took bus no. 747, heading to Islamic Museum. The information counter told us we can walk to the Souk and Croniche from there.

There are two types of bus ticket available, one is QR10 for return ride to/from the airport.. The other is QR20 for an unlimited ride for the day.

We took the QR10!

Will update about Doha soon. Bye
(read in my next post)

~~~

Coming back from the city, we took bus no. 777 near Souq Waqif. Just use the same ticket we bought earlier for QR10. Done!

Hua Hin, Thailand || Day 3

It's a lazy lazy day 3 here in HH for us.. Woke up late, enyoying the pool until mid day.. Then only close to noon we took the hotel free shuttle to the biggest mall in HH, the Market Village.

There was a food festival where we enjoyed awesomely scrumptious Thai food including phad Thai, mango sticky rice, Thai pancake, keng spm, papaya salad etc. It was damn cheap too!

Stayed here at the mall until 220pm and head back to hotel via the shuttle service. Kids had their 2nd fish spa for 100THB for 15 mins. I also got my dream Anello bag at 50% off, yay! It costs only 1100THB.. Happy bunny here :) :)

At around 3pm,we called grab and head to the HH beach.. Kids had their pony ride for 300THB/round. Well, she actually was willing to offer 200THB for 2nd round.. Grrr!! Remember to ask for discounts next time!

Mat rental is 40b, buying new one is 100b to 150b each.. Nana also got her shovels and beach toys for 60b to 100b each.. Super cheap..

And hey, we got this shell craft made by an old lady for 2b!!! That's literally RM0.20!! Poor old lady..

After the beach, we went to Plearnwan... A very nice shopping area, colourful and lots of cute stuff. Eating here wou9be nice and cozy too..! But not halal mostly.

We then went ot Mooz cafe, a halal restaurant where we got to know that it's actually a B&B.l with sea view. It's very good for Muslim travellers who's looking for peace of mind. Great food BTW.. We loved the Tom yum, keng som, and everything else that we've ordered! To tal bill was only 1000THB. Happy tummy, happy wallet :)

From Mooz, we walked to HH night market where it's just opened (6pm onwards). Abang picked up his tailor made suit (3,600THB) which he ordered on Friday night. Amazing..!

Kids enjoyed fish spa (again) and later, we all went for a foot massage. 1 hour foot massage was only 250THB, or much cheaper at less exclusive massage parlour.

Called it a night at 11pm.. Everyone was super tired, and happy :p

I now need to pack everything as tomorrow's flight is at 11.50pm

If u asked me... I'll do HH again, without doubt!

Hua Hin Airport

Interestingly... Only AirAsia flies here in HHQ...! There's only 3 check in counters.. You can come whenever u like (less than 40mins for drop bag) ... No queue, nothing...! Super

Keeps me wonder when/why the airport was built...it looks really old though, the airport..

We saw MJETS (private plane) posters, maybe previously just for private charters...

You can find only...

3 check in counters
1 AA ticket sales counter
1 beverage shop
1 Hertz car rental counter
.. and
3 immigration counters

Whenever the flight announcement is made, AA staff will go to each passenger and invite them for immigration check in... How cool eyh!

😉

Hua Hin, Thailand || Day 3

Started the day a bit later at 9am to allow more resting for the kids. 

Hua Hin other attractions and transportation

Nearby Hua Hin city center:

1. The Chocolate Factory
2. Grand night market
3. Market Village
4. HH temple
5. HH railway station
6. Black mountain water park

Car rental is ~RM90/day.. Fuel cost arnd RM40 for 3 days

Airport Taxi was THB200
Coming back we called grab, it costs us only THB90

Within town, all our transportation was via grab.. Per trip was around THB100 to THB140

Renting car is around RM90/day plus fuel RM40/3 days, according to a friend we met tlat the hotel.

Motorbike rental is from THB200

It's easy here to drive in Thailand, just make sure you have an active network connection for easier navigation... And to call grab too!

Hua Hin, Thailand || Day 2

Today we chartered a tour with Aey Taxi +66916041127 starting at 8am until 6pm. The original fee was 2000THB, however we ended up paying 2200THB as she charged overtime (close to 7pm)

So we went to...

1. Damneon Saduak Floating Market (1h45m drive)

Location: Ratchaburi province
Nearby area: Samut Songhkram

We arrived at the boat station where several options are available to choose according to budget and time to spend. Those options are:

a. Long neck karen 500b/pax

b. Monkey show 500b/pax

c. Crocodile show 500b/pax

d. Elephant show 1,000/pax

e. Elephant ride 1,000/pax

You can also opt for bathing with the elephant. We didn't ask for the price!

There are 3 types of boat ride, 3000b/4000b/5000b. The difference is that 5000b includes visiting monasteries and coconut sugar farm. So we took 4000b ride as 3000b ride was too short and does not include main market.

So, the entire boat trip took 2h30m

Everything here costs us 4,000THB + 2,000THB (5 x 400b/pax for long neck) = 6,000THB

2. Long neck village

Karen long neck village is located just nearby the elephant farm and tiger farm. We just passed that area and went straight to the little village via buggy. These long necks ladies were selling souvenirs and sewing for living. kids we amazed by their long neck and they even wearing rings on the arms and legs. I was made to understand that its their culture to be seen beautiful (for girls and ladies).

On our way back, they offered to take photos with the tigers, it costs 1,900THB each! and we passed!.. too expensive and plus, not interested with taking photos with drugged tigers. Pity

This entire village (plus elephant and tigers) are called Chang Puak camp, Damneon Saduak.

We've completed trip 1 & 2 at 12pm, back at the parking bay at the boat station.

3. Talat Tom Hup (Maeklong Station)

This is a definitely MUST see when you come to Hua Hin. The entire 2 hours drive was worth it when we get to see the "life-risking" market here at Maeklong Station. This place was famous as train passing through this busy market 8 times daily!! The shop owner was so relaxed, they only packed 2 to 3 minutes before train comes. We arrived here at 1pm, took a relaxing walk and eating at the street market until 2pm. We waiting behind the red line to make sure we can witness the train passing through, which were scheduled at 230pm! We even saw how the market was cleared within several minutes and finally the train comes, people waving from the train as they were too excited when the train passing through this market.

No extra costs to visit this wonder, just have to patient staying under hot sun for half hour as the spot can be easily booked by eager tourists :) just like us!!

*** We stop by for lunch at A bang Mana Muslim food just outside the Sheep Farm, it was great food! Performed our prayer also here as there's a big mosque, just comfy for us to perform the solah. After eating and praying, we decided not to enter the Sheep farm. Ha ha.. it seems normal and the sun was too hot for the kids.

4. Santorini Park

Went straight to Santorini Park and arrived at 1650hrs, need to pay the entrance fee of 150b/pax. The fee includes 1 free game for each. Extra game ticket can be bought for 120b/game. Kids enjoy playing the water ball, and there are also free games ie. ball house, etc. There are also little shops ie. Adidas, etc for shoppers. It fun and relaxing here for family with small kids to play. And beautiful for taking pictures too.

So we finally came back to the hotel, arrived at almost 7pm..

Took a quick shower and went back out at 8pm to Cicada Market (this market only opens during weekend nights).

Cicada Market is where foreigners (mostly mat saleh) came for food. The payment system is using coupons (refundable), but for the souvenirs, payment is by cash.

There's also live theater show going on entitled, Hua Hin I Miss You, The musical at the Cicada Amphitheater. Performance by local artist and it's FREE!...

Aey charged us 400THB for Cicada return trip (8pm to 10pm)


Before we called it a night, me and hubs, we went back to Hua Hin city center via grabcar (120THB) to have a good massage. It was really nice to enjoy a body and foot massage after a loong day. Massage costs us from 300THB/person for 60mins. There's also cheaper ones for 170THB but you might not like the open environment.

We took a tuk tuk back to the hotel for 200THB, arrived at 12am ish, and there.. calling it a day!!

Hua Hin, Thailand || Day 1

28 - 31 Mar 2019

We've got ourselves promotional ticket to Hua Hin, TH last week. It was from RM109/tix/way, totally RM2K for 3A2C. It was OK for a last minute school hols trip.

So what do we have here in Hua Hin..? Here goes..

Day 1:
Flight was delayed (well typical AA!) from 1350hrs to 1540hrs.. Took 2 hours to reach HH.. The airport is so small, only 1 plane to land at a time. Upon arrival, we have to go directly to immigration line where there were only 2 to 3 counters available. Then straight to luggage, exit.. Done airport business!!

We took a taxi from the airport for 200THB (~RM20+), it was a nice 7 seater van (or mpv) with a very friendly lady driver. Our hotel is only abt 1 to 2 km fr the airport.

A Ayrest Hotel HH is where we are staying for the next 4 days. AGODA rate was RM170+/n, totalling RM681 for a superior twin bedroom. They allowed only 2A1C for this room. Options available for room with bathtub and pool access room.

For syasya, we need to add extra bed for 1000THB/n and extra bfast for Nana & Aril at 200THB each/n. Total additional was 4,000THB (~RM400+)

What's good abt Ayrest is that, they have free shuttle svc from 10am to 1030pm from hotel to several places (booking required at lobby).

Where we can go with the shuttle:
1. HH night market /clock tower (~5km)
2. HH Beach center (~500m)
3. Pleamwan (mall)
4. Market village

Night Market was not too crowded. Loved it. Got good food (halal) and nice massage too from 190THB. I surely recommended this night market.

That's end of Day 1... Good night