Train Ride from Tanjung Aru to Beaufort

Date Visited: 11th May 2013

Been quite number of times Sherrie keep invited us for a train ride but most of the times, we were too busy and occupied with early commitments. Not until the recent Mother's Day, we decided to choose on this particular date cause that's the only time where I was free and hopefully to be back on time for dinner with my queen of my heart.

It was Sherrie first ever train ride on this North Borneo Railway but for me, this is my third ride but then my last ride was back in 10 years ago - during my secondary time. And currently, with the new trains which comes in air-conditioned, cushion seats and a small toilet facilities making this train ride another whole new adventures to experience the country side and very comfortable throughout the journey. However, the old coaches without air-conditioned still remained and operating as usual.

#1: Our train tickets

The starting point of the Sabah Railway Station is from the old station of Tanjung Aru, which located just next to the airport runway. Basically, there are 14 stations between Tanjung Aru to the last point, Tenom - Tanjung Aru-Putatan-Kinarut-Kawang-Papar-Kimanis-Bongawan-Membakut-Beaufort-Saliwangan Baru- Halogilat-Rayoh-Pangi-Tenom. Both Sherrie and I decided to stop at Beaufort. And guess what, I wasn't widely awake yet cause instead of buying tickets to Beaufort, I accidentally told the counter that we are heading to Membakut. Clumsy me!

#2: The new coach of Sabah state train

Sony NEX 5ND for Sale!

16.1 Mega Pixel Camera (White Colour) with SEL1855 & SEL16F28 Lens
Original Price: RM3,005
Bought in August 2012

Selling Price: RM1,800 (Price is negotiable)
All includes:

• Double Lens Kit - SEL1855 & SEL16F28 Lens
• External Flash
• Two Rechargeable Battery Packs (RM285.00 each) 
• 8GB SDHC Memory Card
• Rear Lens Cap
• Soft Carrying Case
• HDMI Cable (Mini)
• Pink Jacket Case (RM139.00)
• Compact Battery Charger
• Extra Camera Strap which I bought abroad (RM80.00)

Condition : Still in good condition, minor scratch but definitely no cracks.
Prefer: Cash on Delivery. 

The reason behind I'm selling this because I still prefer small and compact camera. To be frank, Sony NEX 5ND it's kinda lil bit bulky for me cause whenever I travel, I tends to bring tons of things including a laptop. This camera indeed produced great outcomes/results, no regret owning it - you can check out all the photos I took while on my adventures around the world - Sony NEX 5N.

Interested? Kindly please contact me at dianateodt@gmail.com or tweet me at Twitter @dtdianateo

Summary of My 5D4N Bangkok, Thailand Travelogue (2012) Version 1.0

Here is the compilation for all the post relating to my trip to Bangkok, Thailand for 5 days and 4 nights.

Day 1: 17th October 2012

First Day in Bangkok

Tip For Taking Taxi from Don Mueang International Airport to Bangkok Downtown:

And talking about taxi, I would highly recommend to take the one outside the arrival area instead of booking from the taxi service booths in the main hall cause the latter one is freaking expensive. Double the fare cause that's what my friend and I paid initially but somehow, they refunded to us and asked us to wait for other taxi. A trip with the taxi outside the arrival area cost roughly 250-350 baht, depending on the traffic. 

Stay: The Period Pratunam of Bangkok


Day 2: 18th October 2012
Around The World in Terminal 21

How To Get To Terminal 21:

BTS Station: Asoke (Exit 1) or;

MRT Station: Sukhumvit (Exit 3)

Day 3: 19th October 2012
Chao Phraya River Cruise & Grand Palace

The entrance fee we paid on that particular date was 400 baht, which besides the Grand Palace, it also inclusive access to The Temple of Emerald Buddha, The Royal Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion and Queen Sirikit Museum of Textile, which are located within the Grand Palace compound, and to Vimanmek Mansion Museum on Ratchawithi Road.

Day 4: 20th October 2012
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

The cost for this tour was 400 baht (approx. to RM41) which included pick-up service from hotel, transport and boat ride. Booked from Mama Travel & Tour, local tour operator.   

Chatuchak Weekend Market

How To Get To Chatuchak Weekend Market:
BTS Station: Mo Chit (Exit 1) and follow the crowd until see rows of canvas stalls selling clothes and accessories or; 
MRT Station: Chatuchak Park (Exit 1) and follow the crowd as well.
Open on every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm

Day 5: 21st October 2012
Goodbye Bangkok


Extra Posts

• Maiden Trip To Bangkok (Sneak Peek)
• The Shopping Malls I Visited in Bangkok
• My Travel Loots & Expenses Version 1.0

Conclusion, I spend 5 solid days in Bangkok itself and didn't go further areas such as Pattaya, Hua Hin, Ayutthaya and etc but I believe, Bangkok, I will be back and see you again someday. Bangkok is one of the cities that I don't mind to go back every year (if only time is permitted and grab another best deal from AirAsia). Oh boy, I guess Bangkok has put spell on me!

My Bangkok Travel Loots & Expenses (2012) Version 1.0

I warn you that I indeed shopped a lot when I went Bangkok for the very first time. Plus, most of the clothes sold at that particular period were in chiffon type, which was my favourite type of clothes. And now let me reveal what I bought from Bangkok, Thailand: 

#1: Overall of my shopping loots from Bangkok, Thailand Version 1.0

Bangkok, Thailand (2012) Day 5: Goodbye Bangkok

Date of Travel: 21st October 2012

Everytime when comes to travelling, I felt the time passed freaking fast. Don't you think so? From the day we arrived, now it's the time to pack our bag and leave. And the thing was we haven't got enough of shopping. Luckily our flight was around 4pm, hence we still have more spare time to satisfy our shopping craze before leaving this shopping haven.

#1: Last day of having breakfast in the hotel we stayed, The Period Pratunam Hotel

The Shopping Malls I Visited in Bangkok

Bangkok has numbers of shopping malls to cater all type of lifestyle and budgets shopaholic. Whether you are looking for global brands, finest fashion stores, speciality stores, accessories stands, bookstores and all kinds of luxury designer goods, Bangkok is definitely offers the best shopping experiences and exposure. From the legendary MBK Center, to trendy Siam Discovery and Central World Plaza, or unashamedly upscale Siam Paragon and even innovative Terminal 21, Bangkok's accommodate every taste, pocket and style. Not just that you will be spoiled by thousand of choices, most of these shopping malls are easily accessible via the efficient and convenient Skytrain (BTS) system. So put on your comfortable shoes and shop till you drop!

I did research beforehand and went most of the shopping malls listed under Top 10 Bangkok Shopping Malls and the list below are from the least favourite to most favourite one:

MBK Center

Nearest BTS: National Stadium

Weekend Staycation in Grandis Hotels & Resorts, Kota Kinabalu

UPDATED: Soft Opening Room Promotion from as low as RM238 nett which the price inclusive of breakfast for 2 and government tax. This promo rate only applicable to Sabah and Sarawak residents only. Other terms and conditions apply. 

Lately, I noticed there are numbers of new hotels are springing up like mushroom after rain in Kota Kinabalu city in order to meet the demand of increasing tourists. And among all of them, one eventually caught my attention, Grandis Hotels and Resorts and I personally thought this is the hidden gem one that I would highly recommend to those who plan their trip to Kota Kinabalu soon.

Located right in the heart of bustling and colourful city centre of Kota Kinabalu, Grandis Hotels & Resorts is the latest well-designed and luxurious hotel adjacent to Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, the award-wining premier leisure mall. Named after Ascidieria Grandis (Eria Grandis), an endemic orchid found on Mount Kinabalu, this hotel is perfectly sits in the shopping, business and entertainment area. And recently I was sponsored for a two days and one night stay inclusive of breakfast for 2 persons.

#1: Grandis Hotels & Resorts located right at the corner of Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, just besides Starbucks Coffee

Chatuchak Weekend Market of Bangkok, Thailand

Date Visited: 20th October 2012

16th February 2013 

Besides few numbers of shopping malls around Bangkok which I went couple of times throughout my two visits, eventually there are three famous spots which I visited twice - Terminal 21 (a shopping mall with 9 different interesting travel concepts and themes), Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (largest floating market) and last but not least, the Chatuchak Weekend Market, which I don't mind of going back again and again in case I wanna visit Bangkok again in future.

#1: Chatuchak Weekend Market is grouped into 27 sections and roughly divided into 11 categories which selling all kind of items.

As the largest market in Thailand, Chatuchak Weekend Market or the right way to pronounce will be "Jatujak" is only open on every Saturday and Sunday and most stalls here operate from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm. If possible, plan your trip wisely and try to squeeze at least half of your day to visit this weekend market and trust me, you won't be disappointed and who knows, you might wanna go back again just like me. 

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Date Visited: 20th October 2012

14th February 2013

For sightseeing purpose, besides temples which commonly known as "Wat" by the local, there are numerous floating markets throughout the country, with many of them are situated just few couple of hours from the capital city. One of the most well-known and largest floating markets among the tourists is Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

Located in Ratchaburi Province, 100 kilometers southwest of Bangkok (which took more than 2 hours car ride), Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a very fascinating spot for the foreign tourists especially to see and experience the traditional way of selling and buying goods from countless of sellers paddled along the congested canals while enjoying the ride inside a paddle or longtail boat.