Cameron Highlands 2D1N Road Trip

Although I have travelled to all the 13 states and 3 federal territories of Malaysia, but still there are few places that are on my bucket list. One of them are Cameron Highlands. We decided to extend our trip after watching Westlife concert in Axiata Arena (always and forever big fan of Westlife).  

A night before our trip to Cameron Highlands, we overnight in Bidor, a small town in the southern state of Perak. The journey from Bidor to Cameron Highlands takes nearly a two-hour drive. If from Kuala Lumpur, it will takes at least 3 hours of driving. 

#1: Our first and quick pit stop - Lata Iskandar Waterfall Tapah. There are few food vendors nearby where you can stop and grab some snacks and fruits before continue your journey.  

Our main intention for this trip is purely just to visit the tea plantations only - trip to Cameron Highlands is incomplete without doing so. So if you are looking for most comprehensive itinerary for trip to Cameron Highlands, sorry guys to let you down as this post might not be the one. 

The first tea plantation we dropby is Cameron Valley Tea House. Apparently there are three tea houses but because we're pretty lucky to find parking in Tea House 1, hence we decided to have our brunch there. Tea House (TH) 1 and 2 sit along the way from Ringlet to Tanah Rata whereas Tea House 3 sits Kuala Terla. TH 1 has less parking than TH2 but it's less crowded at the open aired cafe. In case you unable to find parking in TH1, you can continue to drive to TH2 which is less than 5 minutes drive away. 

#2: Cameron Valley Tea House 1

#2: Their strawberry scones are must try here

#3: Food menu 

#4: Entrance and tram ride fee for exploring the estate 

#5: We managed to catch a quick glimpse of Tea House 2 before proceed to Tanah Rata and Brinchang

Opening Hours for Cameron Valley Tea House 1:

Monday to Thursday 9am to 6pm

Friday to Sunday 8am to 7pm
[Less parking and not many seats available at the open air cafe but this gives you a quiet environment]

Opening Hours for Cameron Valley Tea House 2:

Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 6pm

Fridat to Sunday 8am to 7pm

[Plenty of parking spaces and many seats available at the open air cafe. But because of that, it's overcrowded with visitors] 

#6: We dropby Cameron Centrum, the new town in Brinchang for Pepperlunch. This place is pretty new but you can find shops like Tealive, Starbucks, ZUS Coffee and look, we spot the unusual Family Mart signboard in black and white. 

#7: We stayed in The Cocoon Capsule Hotel because it's more nearer to BOH plantation.   

#8: Tried the famous popstick - we picked the strawberry yogurt and it's quite good. 
My husband almost finished the whole popstick.

#9: Most people will have steamboat when overnight in CH but for us, we had BKT at Xin Teh Bak Kut Teh. Not just their food were great, the bosses are super friendly too. We really enjoyed this dinner. 

On the next morning, we departed to BOH Sungai Palas Tea Centre, which is less than 15 minutes drive from our hostel. I have to say that driving into the teahouse is kinda nerve-racking experience cause the road is significantly narrow that only allow 1 car to drive through at a time. Fortunate, they have ample of parking spaces for the visitors and it's free of charge.  

#10: BOH Sungai Palas Tea Centre. The nicely paved of stairs that lead up to the cafe, small gallery and shop.  

#11: We ordered Nasi Lemak Pandan, BOH Green Tea Tiramisu, Chicken Pie and Classic Scone. 

#12: Scenic view of the BOH tea plantation 

#13: Must take photo with BOH tea signage before saying goodbye 

Opening Hours for BOH Sungai Palas Cafe:

Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 4.30pm

Closed on every Monday

Will I return to Cameron Highlands? Definitely yes but not too soon. There are few attractions that we miss out this round such as Cameron Highlands Flora Park, Cameron Lavender Garden and more. Furthermore, I would like to experience staying in the English cottage house.

My advise? If possible, try to avoid going to Cameron Highlands during the weekend or even public holiday cause the traffic jams are seriously terrible. And if you are planning to overnight in Cameron Highlands, do bring along thick jacket cause we're underestimated with the weather during the night time. We didn't expect it can be as low as 16 degrees. So cold!  

By the way, do you know that Sabah has its own tea plantation too? Here's my blog about Sabah Tea Resort.

Share:

Singapore Airlines To Munich

Finally, it's time to blog about my trip to Central Europe which I went between October and November last year. Actually, I have booked my ticket before with Qatar Airways but due to the pandemic, this trip unable to materialise. Luckily, Qatar Airways was willing to give full refund. 

Just when I thought I won't be able to grab any cheap airfares after the pandemic, little did I know that Singapore Airlines was doing promotion while I was having my vacation in Penang. Immediately I scouted and the icing on the cake was the fare included flights from Kota Kinabalu. That's mean I don't have to buy additional ticket as everything is included. 

We flew from Kuala Lumpur instead of Kota Kinabalu because was having holiday with my husband's family earlier on. Stayed in Genting Highlands for 2 nights before both my husband and I continued with our "mega trip" to Europe with Singapore Airlines (SIA). This is my third time flying with SIA (after my trips to Istanbul in 2018 & 2019) but it's my husband's maiden experience with them. 

#1: Flying with Singapore Airlines (SIA) for the third time 

#2: Flight from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore 

#3: Fill up our tummy at Changi International Airport before continue with our second leg of flight

My fav food - noodle and fishballs at Terminal 3

Singapore Airlines' Amenities & Services For Flight From Singapore to Munich:

• For economy class passenger, each is entitled to check-in luggage weight of up to 25kg.
• Access a full range of complementary in-flight entertainment and in-seat USB ports for passenger to charge their electronic devices.
• Two in-flight meals provided - dinner and breakfast. 

#4: In-flight entertainment with earphone given. 

#5: Grilled chicken breast with pesto sauce alongside with grilled potatoes 

#6: Noodles with braised chicken and mixed vegetables 

#7: Breakfast - Omelette with chicken sausage, grilled tomato and roasted vegetables.  

#8: That's the reason why I always prefer to pick window seat

After more than 13 hours of flight, finally we have safely landed in Munich International Airport. The process of custom clearance was pretty fast and smooth without any further questions asked. Just that the waiting time to collect our luggage from the conveyor belt were relatively slow. 

#9: Each of us brought one large luggage size. Wondering can we stick to only one bag till the end of our trip? 

#10: Not my first time in Germany but for Munich, it's my first time here. Can't wait to explore this city. 

My next post will be sharing about how to get to the city centre from the airport, where we stay and what we do and see in Munich. 

Share:

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu

Apparently, Sabah has two luxuriously styled 5-star hotels under the Shangri-La Group; Shangri-la Tanjung Aru and Shangri-la Rasa Ria. For this post, I will blog and share mainly about Shangri-la Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa. If you prefer to stay within Kota Kinabalu city center under this group of international chain hotels, then this is the one that you're looking for. 

#1: Shangri-la Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu

Approximately 10 minutes by road from Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), Shangri-la Tanjung Aru Kota Kinabalu (STAR) offers luxury beachfront accommodations in Tanjung Aru. And in case if you are wondering, Tanjung Aru beach is famous for being home to one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. 

If you are driving with a car, fret not as there is ample of parking space for the hotel guests to park for free. No transport? Then, you can even arrange for shuttle service from the airport to hotel.  

TANJUNG KING ROOM SEAVIEW ROOM

The resort is divided into two separate areas; Kinabalu Wing with the rooms facing either the mountain or the sea, whereas those rooms in Tanjung Wing are overlooking the tranquil South China Sea and islands. 

Initially the room we booked was Kinabalu Wing Mountain View Room but we got free upgrade to Tanjung King Room Seaview Room. The room is pretty spacious with 47sqm and we got the luscious king-sized bed. 

#2: Tanjung King Room Seaview Room

Other facilities that are available within this room:

• Flat screen satellite television with countless of in-house movie channels
• Wired and wireless Internet access
• Writing desk with armchair 
• Cozy couch
• Minibar including mini fridge, kettle, coffee and tea facilities
• Complimentary bottle waters 
• Wardrobe/closet with ironing facilities
• Safety deposit box
• Bathroom with Shangri-la toiletries, towers, separate shower cubicle and soaking tub

#3: Flat screen satellite television with countless of in-house movie channels

#4: Minibar including mini fridge, kettle, coffee and tea facilities

#5: Wardrobe/closet with ironing facilities

#6:

#7: Bathroom with separate shower cubicle and soaking tub

#8: Full set of Shangri-la toiletries 

#9: The icing on the cake - Spacious private balcony with uninterrupted, panoramic view of the ocean and islands beyond

BREAKFAST @ CAFE TATU 

The breakfast is served at Cafe Tatu in buffet-styled. It's enormous and extensive with wide spread of selections from pastries, waffles and omelettes to noodles, fried rice, curries and nasi lemak. Better yet, it's all freshly made, cooked and baked too.  

#10: Breakfast buffet served in Cafe Tatu 

#11: Wide spread of selection of both local and Western dishes 

#12: 

RESORT'S FACILITIES 

There are numerous pools at Shangri-la Tanjung Aru that cater both adults and children. There is even a water slide and splash playground with water bucket. 

#13: The map of the resort 

#14: One of the many pools available within the resort 

#15: Chi, The Spa, a beautifully appointed private spa experience based on traditional Asian healing philosophies.  

#16: Chi, The Spa sits on Pulau Bayu, the resort's private island. It's one of the two 5-star spas in Kota Kinabalu. 

#17: Amazing sunset from Sunset Bar 

Date Stayed: 1 May - 2 May 2021 (1 Night)

Type of Room: Tanjung Wing Seaview Room 

Room Rate: RM333 per night (Booked from the hotel's official website)

Breakfast: Included

Share:

Semporna & Bohey Dulang Island

After spending an awesome two days and one night stay at Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort, it's time to bid goodbye to the resort. Since my husband went to diving and so, I departed back to Semporna town by myself with the speedboat arranged by the resort. The speedboat was scheduled to depart from the resort at 1.30pm, right after we had the scrumptious lunch. 

In Semporna, we'll be staying there for 3 nights. Sounds pretty long, right? This is because my husband was planning to dive for 2 days and on our second final day, both of us will do island hopping. While my husband went for diving, most of the times I just spent most of my time by staying in the room. Luckily, I did bring my laptop with me. Luckily also, there was a TV inside the room for me to kill the time.  

SEMPORNA ISLAND HOPPING 
If there is one thing you must do when in Semporna, it will definitely be the island hopping. Or else, your trip to Semporna is totally pointless cause Semporna is well-known for its abundance of beautiful and mesmerising islands as well as postcard-perfect scenery and endless crystal clear seawaters. 

Generally, these island hopping day trips will visit at least 2 to 3 islands or snorkelling spot. The most popular would be:

• Mataking / Pom-Pom / Timba-Timba
• Sibuan / Mantabuan / Bohey Dulang 
  

We chosen the latter option mainly due to Bohey Dulang which is currently the most popular spot in Semporna. We booked this island hopping day trip from Uncle Chang which includes boat transfer, lunch, jetty fee, marine park fee, guide fee as well as life jacket and snorkeling equipment. 

#1

Our island hopping day tour began around 8-9am with the pick-up from Semporna Jetty. It was pretty close from our hotel, but somehow they were kinda late to pick both my husband and I. We waited like more than half an hour and it seems like we're the last group that they picked up before heading to the islands.

#2

Our first stop is Bohey Dulang Island, which is currently the most popular island for hiking and climbing activities. We're absolutely been blessed and grateful for the good weather cause my husband told me that this is his third trip here as the previous two trips, he unable to hike due to the adverse weather. Once it's raining a day before, the gate will be closed for all the visitors to hike up. 

Before we're allowed to climb, we need to register ourselves first at the counter. There are public toilets available before the hike and it's advisable to bring along and wear appropriate and suitable footwear, at least the type that cover your toes. Otherwise, you can rent a rubber shoe for RM5. I personally think the 650m hike up to the submit was indeed pretty challenging and there were some areas were quite steep, but when you're finally reach up to the top, it's definitely worth every of your effort and sweat too. 

#3: Our first stop - Bohey Dulang Island 

#4: Bohey Dulang Island, currently the popular island for hiking and climbing activities 

#5

#6: Breathtaking and mind-blowing view from the peak of the island 

#7: The contrasting colour of the water are spell-bouding. 

#8: Finally reached the peak after hiked up for almost 45 minutes 

For our next stop is Mantabuan Island where we're going to do snorkelling there. If you are afraid of getting into the water, then you can stay and have a rest inside the boat while waiting for the rest. Despite being the smallest island in Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Mantabuan Island is the best spot for sighting countless of colourful aquamarine creatures. My husband and I even spotted Nemo, clownfish swimming around the sea anemone. They are so adorable! 

#9: Lunch provided - it's pretty good, or probably we're too hungry after snorkelling. 

Our last and final stop is Sibuan Island where it's time for the guests for phototaking and swimming on the long strip of the white sandy beach. Some even took this opportunity to do kayaking on the  transparent kayak. You know, for the sake of the Gram! There are no any resorts and public facilities within the island.   

#10: Sibuan Island 

OUR STAY IN SEMPORNA TOWN

As for our hotel in Semporna Town, we stayed at Wave View Hotel for 3 nights. The room is generally simple with basic amenities but for its strategic location, we're pretty fine with it. Another hotel I would recommend is Grace Hotel Semporna which is quite close to the jetty and restaurants. 

PARTICULARS	AMOUNT (RM)
	For 2 Adults	Per Pax
Air Fares KK-Tawau-KK via AirAsia   Accommodations Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort (1 night) Wave View Hotel (3 nights)   Transportation Fee Grab from Tawau Airport to Semporna Grab from Semporna to Tawau Airport    Food Dinner – 2nd Night Dinner – 3rd Night Dinner – 4th Night Coke at Bohey Dulang   Activities Bohey Dulang & 2 Snorkelling	48.00     1,060.00 270.00     102.00 100.00     31.00 40.00 41.00 10.00     240.00	24.00     530.00 135.00     51.00 50.00     15.50 20.00 20.50 5.00     120.00
TOTAL		961.00

Share: