Rent Nissan Car From Tokyo Haneda & Our Stay in Fujikawaguchiko

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Since we arrived Tokyo Haneda Airport around noon time, my husband suggested that we should instantly straight make a trip out from the city as we'll be coming back to Tokyo again on our last day of our trip. To date, I have been to few cities and towns nearby Tokyo like Yokohama, Kamakura, Nikko, Hakone (twice) and Fujikawaguchiko (twice). Actually there are more cities and town but because we brought our baby as well as my mom along and we prefer to travel in slow pace, we decided to return to Fujikawaguchiko once again. 

We rented our car from Nissan Rent A Car where the counter can be found on the left-side after coming out from the international arrival hall of Terminal 3. From there, we're being asked to proceed to 1st floor to wait for the complimentary shuttle bus where they will bring us to the office in order to collect our car. By the way, if you are wondering which website we are using to rent the car - we booked from Tabirai Car Rental.   

#1: Let's start the engine! The street of Tokyo 

#2: We rented Nissan Serena from Tabirai Car Rental - Ideally for 3 adults + 1 baby car seat and perfectly fit in all of our 3 huge luggage bags

Nissan Rent A Car

Model: Serena

Total Price: RM2,158 for 3 days 

OUR STAY IN FUJIKAWAGUCHIKO 

We booked this accommodation known as Akafujitei Guest House 赤富士亭 for 3 nights. Conveniently located in the Fujiyoshida part of Fujikawaguchiko, this accommodation is packed with in-house facilities such as washing machine, over, microwave, fridge and rice cooker. The property is well-located with a short drive to supermarkets, shops and restaurants.  

#3: Akafujitei Guest House 赤富士亭 in the Fujiyoshida part of Fujikawaguchiko

#4: Electronic appliances such as washing machine, fridge, microwave, oven, rice cooker, television and hair dryer are available.

#5: Relatively large bathroom with strong hot shower pressure 

#6: Equipped with countless towels, toiletries and hair dryer 

#7: The reason why I chosen this place is because I want to experience tatami 

#8: The downside is that it's located on the second floor with no lift. 

So, it might inconvenient if you have plenty of luggages 

Akafujitei Guest House, Fujikawaguchiko  赤富士亭

Date Stayed: 1 - 4 November 2024 (3 nights)
Total Room Rate: RM720 per night for Family Room (Booked via Agoda)

The drive from Tokyo Haneda Airport to our accommodation was about 3 hours 30 minutes with a quick and fast break at the service area. Right after we did our check-in and left our luggages, it's time to fill up our growling stomach. There are several restaurants within the short drive from where we stayed and we ended up at tonkatsu restaurant. Fyi, tonkatsu is my all-time favourite Japanese cuisine. 

#9: Our first night dinner at Katsuan Fujiyoshidaten

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Overnight Layover at Guangzhou Before Flying To Tokyo With China Southern Airlines

If you ask me what's my favourite country, the answer would definitely is Japan. However, my last trip to my favourite country was back in 2019. Even though I have confirmed ticket to Nagoya, Japan in 2023 but I wasn't fit to travel abroad due to my pregnancy. So this makes me missing Japan even more. 

I tried to manifest my trip to Japan in 2024 and I can't believe that my dreams come true when we spotted promo by China Southern Airlines where a round-trip between Kota Kinabalu - Tokyo costing roughly around RM1,600++ per pax. Considered quite affordable as it's a full-service airline which includes 23kg per passenger and in-flight meals, even though it requires to transit in Guangzhou. Well, we don't mind anywhere since China is visa-free currently and we can kill two birds with one stone - visiting 2 countries (both China and Japan) at the same time. 

        

It's our second time flying with China Southern Airlines (for both my husband and I) as we flew before to Los Angeles back in 2019. But it's baby Daniel's virgin experience. Each passenger is allowed to check-in one piece of baggage up to 23kg (for Economy class). 

Flight from Kota Kinabalu to Guangzhou

There are even quilt and small pillow provided for each passenger. 

In-flight meal for Kota Kinabalu - Guangzhou route

My husband said there's a slight improvement compare to our previous flight back in 2019 

Arrived Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Terminal 2 after 3 hours 25 minutes flight 

We arrived Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (Terminal 2) nearly 11pm after the 3 hours and 25 minutes flight from Kota Kinabalu. Because our next connecting flight to Tokyo Haneda is at 8am on the next morning, hence we decided to book a hotel nearby the airport for a quick recharge. I didn't manage to take any photos of the hotel we stayed for that night as I was pretty exhausted. But what I remember was there's a free pick-up and drop-off services from the hotel staff. 

This is the hotel we stayed nearby the airport. Free pick-up and drop-off services from/to airport 

Back at the airport again to catch our next connecting flight. What a beautiful sunrise! 

At Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, we're not required to go to the counter for another check-in process as all these procedures had been clearly done in Kota Kinabalu International Airport. On top of that, we're given boarding passes for both route earlier on. All we need to do is directly head over to the departure hall. However, it's wise to reach the airport at least 1.5 hours earlier for the security and immigration process and bear in mind, China is pretty quite strict on this. Hence, it might take longer than other airports.  

Guangzhou has 2 terminals and for our flight to Tokyo Haneda with China Southern Airlines, it departs from Terminal 2. It might be small, but I glad I found my favourite convenience store there which is Family Mart. There are even Burger King and Starbucks within the departure hall.  

Waiting for our next flight to Tokyo Haneda 

Flying with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner from Guangzhou to Tokyo Haneda 

However, they didn't provide quilt and small pillow for the passenger. 

We need to request from the cabin crew ourselves. 

In-flight meal for Guangzhou - Tokyo Haneda route.

It's pretty good especially the sweet potatoes and soba.

By the way, this is non halal meal.

If you want to request for halal meal, you can do so by applying 24 hours before departure.

After almost 5 hours, we have arrived at Tokyo Haneda Airport

It's Baby Daniel's 4th country - Japan 

The flight with China Southern Airlines might indeed one-long journey, especially with 10-hours overnight layover in Guangzhou but with the price we paid, we have nothing to complain about. Decent in-flight meals, various in-flight entertainment services and friendly cabin-crew services. Most importantly, all of our luggages made it safe and sound to Tokyo Haneda. 

By the way, if any of you are planning to visit Japan, don't forget to complete a customs and immigration form directly on Japan web. All you have to do is as the following:

1. Create an account.
2. Fill in your details, as well as for accompanying children.
3. Fill in the actual date of entering Japan.
4. Complete the entry procedure that includes Immigration Disembarkation Card and Customs Declarations.
5. Upon completion, there will be a QR code generated for both the Immigration and Customs procedures.

These are the documents you need to get ready for the registration:

• A valid passport
• Flight details
• Address of your accommodation 

Most importantly, don't forget to save the QR code so that this can save your time for Immigration and Customs process.  

With that, Konichiwa Tokyo after 5 years! 

>> Next Post: Rent Nissan Car From Tokyo Haneda & Our Stay in Fujikawaguchiko >>

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Pullman Miri Waterfront

During our road trip to Brunei and Miri, we chosen to book and stay at Pullman Miri Waterfront. This hotel is the one and only 5-star international chain hotel sits conveniently in the vibrant heart of Miri. Instead of just 1-night, we decided to stay for 2 nights after the long-hour drive on the road. In addition, both my husband and I have tons of relatives and friends to visit in Miri. Therefore, 2 nights in Miri is just perfect for us.

#1: Reception 

DELUXE KING ROOM WITH SEA VIEW 

We booked the deluxe king room overlooks the the panoramic views of Baong River in Miri. Decorated in white and grey furnishings with dark wood theme, our room is fitted with flat screen television, mini fridge, air-conditioning, private bathroom with bath and shower facilities, working desk, seating area and ironing facilities. Talking about the size, we didn't expect the room to be generously spacious and huge in size. 

#2: Deluxe king room with sea view 

#3: Our room overlooks the the panoramic views of Baong River

#4: Open wardrobe concept with ironing facilities 

#5: Working desk 

#6

#7: Coffee and tea making facilities with mini fridge and complimentary drink waters

#8: They even provided baby coat for us (upon request) 

#9: Our room comes with separate bathtub and shower area 

#10: Can relax and rejuvenate while soaking in the bathtub with this kind of amazing sea view 

FACILITIES 

Pullman Miri Waterfront boasting an infinity swimming pool and gymnasium which located on 7th floor. There is even a Jacuzzi, sauna and spa within the hotel. 

#11: Infinity outdoor pool 

#12: Well-equipped and functional gymnasium 

BREAKFAST 

One thing we're always looking forward when comes to staying in international chain hotel is their wide spread of breakfast. The buffet breakfast is served at Pullman Kitchen, just next to the reception on the lobby floor.   

#13: Pullman Kitchen - all day dining restaurant 

#14: Bar serves variety of pastries and salad  

#15: An open concept kitchen with egg and noodle section

#16: Coffee and drinks area. I love the vibrant and sharp coloured mugs 

#17: Asian and Western type breakfast 

Overall, both my husband and I were pretty satisfied with the buffet breakfast. Plenty of options to choose from, ranging from Asian to Western cuisines. 

Pullman Miri Waterfront

Date Stayed: 24 - 26 May 2024
Total Room Rate: RM400 per night for Deluxe King Room with Sea View included breakfast and free parking (Booked via Booking.com)

In you are looking for a hotel with spacious room, great facilities and amazing view in Miri, Pullman Miri Waterfront is highly recommend. Not just that, for location wise, the hotel is pretty close to plenty of restaurants, cafes and convenience shops which are just within short walking distance.  

However, if I have the chance to return to Miri, I'm interested to try and experience the newly built hotel in town which is Mercure Miri City Centre. 

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Road Trip to Brunei & Miri From Kota Kinabalu With Baby Daniel

Because I didn't get to travel abroad in the year 2023, I was desperately want to travel somewhere out of Malaysia after giving birth. And that's where I thought of doing road trip to Brunei and Miri. Fyi, this is not the first time I had experienced this road trip as I did it with my family before (post here). But for this round, it's more challenging and yet, adventurous for both my husband and I as we tagged along our 7 months baby with us for this nearly 7-8 hours road trip. 

 

#1: So many things to pack for our 4D3N road trip to Brunei & Miri 

We kicked off our road trip as early as 6am to avoid traffic congestion. To our surprise, baby Daniel woke up early too than his normal waking time. Probably, he was excited for this road trip too, just like his parents. By the way, this is Baby Daniel's first time travel out of Malaysia. 

#2: Road trip with our 7 months old baby 

#3: We stopby at Beaufort for the town's signature dish - Beaufort Noodle

#4: After nearly 4 hours on the road, we arrived our first checkpoint - Lawas Mengkalap Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security (CIQS)

#5: Starting from 9 February 2023, all foreigners are required to register E-arrival card online before entering Brunei by air, land and sea. 

#6: Labu Temburong Border Crossing Station - Finally entering Brunei country  

#7: Sungai Tujoh Control Post before exiting Brunei 

#8: After driving for almost 8 hours, finally we have arrived Miri 

#9: Our stay in Miri for 2 nights - Pullman Miri Waterfront
(Will blog more in details in the upcoming post)

Pullman Miri Waterfront

Date Stayed: 24 - 26 May 2024
Total Room Rate: RM400 per night for Deluxe King Room with Sea View included breakfast and free parking

#10: Stopby in Kuala Belait to visit my aunt and her family before driving to the capital city of Brunei 

#11: 1 night stay in Bandar Seri Begawan

Badiah Hotel, Bandar Seri Begawan 

Date Stayed: 26 - 27 May 2024
Total Room Rate: RM160 per night included breakfast and free parking

#12: View from our room - Quiet and peaceful city 

Since both of my husband and I had been to Brunei in 2019 (post here) and also because we're travelling with our little baby, so we would like to travel in moderate pace. With that, we just picked and went to the one of the main attractions of Brunei which is Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque for capturing few photos.

#13: Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque - top attraction in Bandar Seri Begawan

#14: Baby Daniel's first country out of Malaysia - Brunei Darussalam 

Nearly 8 hours on the road was indeed exhausting and tiring, especially when you are travelling with a baby but luckily, Baby Daniel was well-behaved throughout the journey. Sometimes, I do envy with West Malaysia because with 8 hours of road trip, you'll be able to cover at least 3 to 4 states at a time but in East Malaysia, it's impossible to do so. What to do when both Sabah and Sarawak are the two-largest states in Malaysia? Not forgetting, with our state moon craters alike road conditions which causing the journey on the road not just too bumpy, but also to be longer.

Nevertheless, travelling with Baby Daniel is another adventure rich in discoveries and shared moments. An unforgettable moment that both of my husband and I will cherish for the rest of our lives.  

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