Central Europe [Part 1]: Singapore Airlines To Munich, Germany

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. 

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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

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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

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2D1N Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort

As we're not allowed to travel abroad during the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) phase, therefore we proceed by planning more trips to travel within Malaysia. Since we did our trip to Sandakan, thus for this round we plan our trip to Tawau and Semporna. In addition, my husband managed to grab round-trip fares for RM24 between Kota Kinabalu to Tawau. 

OUR TRIP FROM KOTA KINABALU TO TAWAU

Driving from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau is doable but not for those who are in rush cause the drive will takes you nearly 7 hours. So the faster and convenient way is by taking flight from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau with Malaysia Airlines or AirAsia. 

#1: Finally my backpack is out from the storeroom after storing for almost two years due to the pandemic. 


#2: Always my favourite aerial view 

#3: The flight duration from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau takes nearly an hour. 

Upon reaching Tawau Airport, it need at least another an hour and a half drive to Semporna town. Due to RMCO, there was no direct bus services running between Tawau and Semporna and therefore, we opted for Grab which cost us RM100-110. 

CHECK-IN SIPADAN-KAPALAI DIVE RESORT

By the way, this is not my first time to Tawau and Semporna but my trip there was like more than 10 years ago. And since we will be returning there again, I was thinking why don't we splurge a little bit by staying in Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort as they were doing special promotion for Sabahan only at that period of time. Keep seeing the photos of this luxury water village all over the social medias and this making me more excited and thrilled to experience it.  

#4: Check-in process for Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort at Semporna Jetty, not at the resort  

Thank goodness, we managed to arrive at Semporna Jetty 15 minutes earlier before the speedboat depart to the resort at 10.30am. All the check-in process will be done here, not at the resort. Therefore, it's advisable to reach the jetty earlier. 

 

Speedboat Schedule:

• Semporna Jetty to Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort - 10.30am
• Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort to Semporna Jetty - 1.30pm

#5: It takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour speedboat ride from Semporna Jetty to Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort. Look at the crystal clear turquoise seawater.  

#6: We're blessed with blue sky throughout our two days one stay here. 

#7: Wooden walkway where you can ride bike around 

#8: Feels like in paradise 

#9

ROOM & AMENITIES 

There are 59 wooden chalets built on this floating resort, and as for the room that assigned to us, it was relatively distance away from the reception and restaurant. Fret not cause they do have buggy services where they will pick-up the guests from reception/restaurant to their respective chalet. However, the buggy services only available between 8am to 5pm. 

#10: The charming wooden chalet built resembles a traditional Kampung-styled house. 

#11: The aesthetic and chic bathtub 

#12: Love the design of the bathroom - two round mirrors and two wash-basin 

#13: We're given a triple sharing room - one queen bed size and a single bed. The room is pretty spacious and I personally think can fit up to 4 guests. 

#14: Other basic amenities such as mini fridge, coffee and tea making facilities, in-room safe, sofa, ceiling fan and air-conditioned can be found in the room, except for television. 

#15: Each chalet has its own private balcony overlooking the glimmering ocean with countless of sea creatures swimming underneath it. 

#16: Mile-long white powdery sandbank 

RESTAURANT & FULL-BOARD MEALS

Our two days one night package also inclusive full-board meals; 

• 2 lunch (12.30pm - 2pm)
• 1 tea break (3pm - 5pm)
• 1 dinner (7pm - 8.30pm)
• 1 breakfast (7am - 9.30am)

#17: Restaurant or the dining hall where I believe can accommodate more than 100 guests. 

#18: Meals are served in buffet-style and there are mixture of both Asian and Western cuisines. 

#19: Their breakfast were not disappointed too. They even have egg station where you can request for scramble, sunny-side up and omelet. 

OVERVIEW OF SIPADAN-KAPALAI DIVE RESORT

#20: Drone shot of the resort which took by my husband 

#21: Another drone shot of the resort with the artificial island 

#22: Artificial island 

#23

The two night and one day package costs RM530 per pax for non diver rate (minimum 2 pax) includes:

• One-night stay in chalet accommodation
• Return boat transfer between Semporna Jetty and Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort 
• Full-board meals

However, there are few flaw areas such as:

• No television and WiFi within the chalet 
• For mobile network, only Maxis and Celcom are workable whereas for Digi and U-Mobile are pretty weak.
• Air-conditioned wasn't strong enough especially during the noon time where we're so hot and stuffy staying inside the chalet. 

From endless crystal clear blue sea to scrumptious food and friendly services, Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort is no doubt one of the most mesmerising and beautiful resorts I've had experienced so far. No wonder, this charming water resort is dubbed to be "Maldives of Malaysia".

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