Bhutan, The Land Of Happiness

Initially my plan to Nepal was just mainly for 8 days only but few months before the trip, one of my friends and I decided to extend our trip and changed our ticket date back to Malaysia. And why we do so? Cause we decided to go Bhutan, one of the country that restricted number of visitors to enter into their royal country. Honestly to say, it's the most expensive country I ever visited where visitor is required to pay minimum daily tariff (USD200-250 per person per night), but by the end of the trip I never regret with my last minute decision to visit this stunning and unique country, in both culturally and enviromentally. Absolutely one of the country should at least visit once in the life (because of this trip, I forgone of buying new compact camera).

#1: From Kathmandu, we flew with Drukair, the official airline of Bhutan to Paro International Airport which took 1 hour and 10 minutes.

In order to get into Bhutan, there are only limited choices; either from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Bangkok (Thailand) and Singapore. And because my friend and I are planning to go Nepal soon, hence we decided to continue and extended our journey to Bhutan. It's like killing two birds using one stone instead.

#2: The first thing I noticed when I reach Bhutan: Just like Thailand, the Drukpas love their king and queen so much. Such a handsome king and beautiful queen.

#3: Tashichho Dzong (Fortress), the administration headquarter of Thimpu.

#4: Buddha Dordenma Statue, world's largest buddha in Bhutan

#5: Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Its combination of goat's head and cow's body. Only can be found in Eastern Himalays.

#6: Last but not least, Tiger's Nest Monastery or known as Paro Taktsang is one of Bhutan's most sacred religious sites. A visit to Bhutan is incomplete without visiting this.

It's not easy to visit this monastery and one have to be reasonably fit. It took more than 5 hours of trekking (we consider quite fast cause initially, our tour guide thought we will take at least 7-8 hours) and I almost gave up on the halfway to this stunning site where it was completely a steep climb and in order to reach to the top, one is required to get through another addition of 700 steps. But then, when figured it out I already in Bhutan, no matter how hard and tough this climb, I shouldn't give up and must keep continue until I reach this monastery. It was really pain in the ass but it's the most rewarding journey and experience in my entire life.

#7: Us with Lotay, our tour organiser who arranged the whole tour perfectly for two of us. 

We were being told that my friend and I are the youngest visitors in Bhutan cause most of the visitors who visit Bhutan were mostly elderly.

That's another sneak peek of my 4D3N trip to The Land of Thunder Peaceful Dragon or locally also known as The Land of Happiness. How I wish I could stay more longer, if not cause of the minimum daily tariff charged. If you plan to go Bhutan, spend at least 4D3N to cover both Paro and Thimpu and if possible, the best to spend 6D5N would be sufficient enough to cover the main spot of Bhutan. And with this, Bhutan is the 30th country I visited so far. 

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Namaste Nepal

#1: Hello Nepal!

And Namaste stands for "Hello" in Nepali. Once again, I was away for almost two weeks for another yearly gathering trip with my fellow collegemates. Previously, we went Cambodia and Myanmar together and for this time around, we chosen Nepal as another of our travel adventures. For your information, Nepal is the first South Asia country I ever visited, when most traveller started off by visiting India instead. And for the very first time, I assigned my friend to become the tour leader for this trip as I was too busy with my full-time works and freelance jobs. Plus, I was also pretty busy with family commitment as well. That's explained why I didn't update my blog so frequently lately.

Here are the sneak peek of what my friends and I did and went in Nepal:


#2: Wandered around Thamel, tourists' mecca in Kathmandu. This is the best place to stay, dining and hunting for souvenirs.

#3: From Kathmandu, we went Chitwan National Park which situated in south central of Nepal. This is the first national park in Nepal and has been listed as World Heritage Site.

#4: Not one but we were lucky spotted two endangered Indian rhino after jungle trekking and elephant jungle ride for almost whole day. One of the experience in my life.

#5: Boating on Phewa Tal Lake of Pokhara

#6: Look ma! I'm paragliding in Nepal. Can't believe I did it

#7: Sightseeing in Kathmandu - Bhaktapur Durbar Square

#8: Last but not least, Boudhanath Stupa, the iconic and symbolic of Nepal

Unfortunately throughout the trip, we didn't manage to get a clear view of the well-known Annapurna and Himalaya mountain view. I guess this a sign that my friends and I should revisit Nepal for second time, perhaps. But for me, the most important is we had great and fun time being together.

#9: The chicken thigh Nepal gang! We even have our own hashtag #xploreNepal2014 in Instagram

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Foodie Friday: Yoogane Chicken Galbi @ Singapore

I should continue my Siem Reap, Cambodia travelogue right after I back from Australia but I was procrastinating to the max. Oh dear! So many backlog travelogues. 

Date Visited: 20th August 2014

Since ever I came back from South Korea end of March this year, I keep craving for the Korea cuisines I had there, especially jjim dalk, budae jjigae and dak-galbi (Refer photo here). Not just me, but even my mom, sister and her boyfriend as well craving for the hot and scrumptious huge Korean cuisines we had there.

Yes, Kota Kinabalu has quite number of Korean restaurants but not all do served of those dishes I want. But so luckily few days before my mom and I flew off to Singapore, we came across that one of my favourite Korean cuisine restaurants have expanded their business and open new international branch right in Singapore. Now, we don't have to fly so far just to satisfy our craving.

#1: Newly opened Yoogane Singapore is located in Bugis Junction, Singapore 

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Watches Malaysia - Define Your Style With Gold Watch

Known as the time telling instrument, watches serve as one of a woman's major fashion accessory. Besides telling us the time, it also acts as a form of bracelet on our wrist. As there are wide selection of watch designs sold in the market, the gold watches are perfect for the ladies who love to brighten up their style. And how can you style using this elegant and stylish gold watch? There are 3 different way of look which a woman can eventually mix and match with their outfits.

1) Firstly, the perfect way a woman can wear a gold watch is by matching it with a pair of beautiful and pretty blouse and pants, whether it's long or short pants. This kind of look definitely suits for those career women especially to flaunt at the office as it shows professional and maturity. 

2) Next look for women to pull together with their stylish and elegant gold watch is by matching it with a beautiful jumpsuit. Jumpsuit is a perfect piece of clothing where women can simply wear on day out during the weekend or even to a dinner party without ever looking out of place. As the jumpsuit is beautiful as it is, women do not have to style with over accessorize it with lot of jewelleries. With just simply lively it up with a beautiful exclusive gold watch, making the jumpsuit will definitely looking stunning and awesome for a woman on everywhere she goes and any event she attends.

3) Another way a woman can style their luxury and exclusive gold watch is by adding some extra glitzy glam on their wrist. The best way is to style your gold wrist watch with some dazzling and shining gold bracelets for an elegant appearance or bright it up with some bold coloured multi-stacked bangles. With this amazing fashion sense, it will impress everyone by showing off the fantastic arm candy. The kind of look is definitely suitable for the ladies who love to reveal their outgoing fun and happy-go-lucky personally on a night outing with their friends.

Wondering where to get these fantastic and stylish piece of these gold watches in order to suit your personal style? Simply browse at ZALORA as it offers you with wide rage of selection of gold watches Malaysia online, whether from various local and international brands such as Casio, Fossil, Citizen and more.

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Gold Coast, The Sunshine State

This is my final sneak peek from my recent trip, Australia. From the capital city in the state of Queensland, Brisbane, we took train to the sunshine state, non other than Gold Coast. This is our final pit stop before leaving this beautiful and amazing country. I can't deny that travel around Australia is indeed pretty easy and convenient with their extensive, efficient and reliable public transport system.

#1: Sea view of the Surfers Paradise beach - directly from the aparment we were staying

#2: Once we arrived Gold Coast, we went Harbour Town for shopping in DFO (Direct Factory Outlet)

#3: Warner Bros Movie World - A visit to Gold Coast is incomplete without visit any of these thrilling theme park.

#4: The well-known Surfers Paradise beach

#5: Up close with the penguins, dolphins, sharks and more in Sea World

#6: Sydney, Brisbane & Gold Coast unlocked. Another fruitful & unforgettable Australia trip. I'll be back someday.

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From Sydney, We Headed To Brisbane!

From Sydney, we flew to Brisbane, the capital city in the state of Queensland and we will staying there for 3 days 2 nights. When many people commented that nothing much can be done and seen in Brisbane, I tend to ignore that and went with my friends to see what Brisbane can offers.

#1: Flew off to Brisbane with Jetstar. Their check-in process were so efficient, fast and hassle-free. 

#2: I always assigned to get the window seat cause I just love to witness the aeriel view

#3: Kick off our Brisbane adventures by visiting Queen Street Mall

#4: Look ma! I'm cuddling koala bear this time around.

#5: Kangaroo feeding in Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

#6: Sushi roll - my favourite. It's everywhere in Brisbane and I can have these almost everyday.

#7: Just when I thought staying in South Bank is not a wise choice, I was wrong. This South Bank Parklands is amazing structure.

#8: Ended our day by taking Wheel of Brisbane 

And now we are wandering around Brisbane city centre once again before leaving this beautiful and peaceful city permanently to another city again. 

Follow me on Twitter | Instagram | Dayre | for more of my Australia travel adventures and journey !

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G'day Sydney!

G'day everyone! I'm currently in Australia for my short vacation, after not flying anywhere for almost two months. You know for someone who being bitten by travel bugs, the addiction of travelling would getting worst if not travelling for a certain period. This is my second time to Australia but it's my maiden visit to Sydney.

#1: My third experience flying with AirAsia X, after Seoul and Melbourne.

#2: Once we settled everything, we went Paddy Market for souvenir hunting, as always

#3: One of my favourite photos. Nope, we didn't rent any bike here but instead we walked a lot

#5: We took bus to this mesmerising and awesome Bondi Beach

#6: Seafood platter for lunch in Sydney Fish Market

#7: Finally one of my travel wishlist accomplished - Seeing Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge

Currently, I am blogging this from the domestic airport while waiting for another flight to another city. 

Follow me on Twitter | Instagram | Dayre | for more of my Australia travel adventures and journey !

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Siem Reap, Cambodia (2013) Day 2: Angkor Wat at Sunrise

Date Visited: 2nd March 2013

On the second day of our Siem Reap trip, we woke up as early as 4am, before the sun appeared. Luckily for us, Cambodia time is 1 hour behind our Malaysia time and technically we had to wake up and be ready before 6am Malaysia time. Our driver was ready earlier and picked us from the guest house for the main highlight of this trip, none other than the sunrise at Angkor Wat.

Tip Before Going To Angkor Wat

Despite how rush you are especially when you wake up late in such an early hour, make sure you bring along your Temple Pass before heading out or else, it will waste your time to go back to your lodging again and take your temple pass. Worst to worst, there would be possibility you might miss the sunrise.

Once we arrived the destination, it was really dark. Using our smartphone, we turned on the flashlight to lead us into Angkor Wat. Just when we thought we were the earliest one, we were so surprised there are almost hundred of tourists gathered before us. Almost all of them prepared and ready positioned their camera to get the best shot for the sunrise. Therefore, I would advise you to be there by 4.30am Cambodia time, at least.

Waited for more than an hour, here's the time that everybody waited for;

#1: Sunrise at the world heritage of Angkor Wat with the reflection of the entire temples

Honestly speaking, it's not easy to take the above shot cause beside being short, everyone was holding their camera so high up. Thanks to a friendly Caucasian who was eventually standing in front of me, he gave his best spot for me. 

#2: Group photo. Credit to Kming

#3: Local kid with selling postcard for US$1 only. So young but he can speak different kind of languages; English, Mandarin and even Japanese and Korean.

Right after we done with the sunrise shooting, we spent few hours ventured around Angkor Wat.

#4: Aspara and devata statues are characteristic of the Angkor Wat style

#5: 

#6: Part of Angkor Wat structures

#7: One director, two photographers and two actors. "Lights, Camera, Action!"


#8: Final glimpse of Angkor Wat before leaving 

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Siem Reap, Cambodia (2013) Day 1: First Day in Siem Reap

Date Visited: 1st March 2013

Since ever my collegemates and I graduated 6 years ago, we always wanna have a gathering trip but it's not easy anyway cause sometimes it's difficult for us to find the suitable date for us to gather for a trip. Finally, like finally we managed to arrange our hectic schedule for a gathering trip and for my part, I managed to secured airtickets to Siem Reap, Cambodia for 7 people, at least. Although not many of my collegemates able to join this, but at least I managed to gather few of us. And here we are to the "Kingdom of Wonders".

The flight to Siem Reap from Kuala Lumpur was as early at 6:50 am. As usual, I reached LCCT one night before the actual flight as I had to fly over from Kota Kinabalu. Two flights in a row was extremely tired and exhausted but I can't wait for our adventures around Siem Reap. The journey took almost 2 hours and finally we reached the destination we've been waiting for almost a year.

#1: Siem Reap International Airport, second largest airport in Cambodia and its modern architecture is based on the traditional Khmer style.

#2: Welcome to the Kingdom of Wonders signboard

Once we got out from the arrival hall, we were greeted by a friendly local driver which we hired directly from the guest house we reserved. His name is Sao Titan and we called him, Sao. He is very good in speaking English and he always told us many kind of jokes, including some dirty jokes as well. He dropped us in our guest house before starting our tour at 5pm of their local time. By the way, Cambodia time is 1 hour behind our Malaysia time.

#3: MotherHome Guesthouse

We booked 4 rooms and three rooms were ready by the time we reached. We even allowed to check-in earlier. More review of this guest house will be in the next upcoming post.

Once we done with everything, we went out for lunch hunting. Can't wait to explore more of Siem Reap city.

#4: Motordop which commonly known as tuk-tuk

#5: KFC? Perhaps next time

#6: We settled down in a small eatery which served most on local foods - especially Khmer dishes. 

[Clockwise from left: Fried Rice Loklak, Rice with Chicken, Coconut shake, Angkor Premium Beer (local beer) and Bread Omelet with Vegetables]

#7: From there, we took tuk-tuk to Old Market for another souvenirs hunting. So many things can be found here - fridge magnets, keychains, T-shirts, handicraft and silks which are incredibly cheap.

Right at 5pm of local time, Sao, our driver picked us up from guest house to purchase the 3 Days Temple Pass.

#8: For more info about the temple pass, refer above.

#9: Paid directly and on the spot, they will snap photo of you directly. Must keep this pass properly cause any time, they will do investigation or checking before entry to certain temples.

Done with passes, we went to Phnom Bakheng for sunset viewing.

#10: What a long queue before can go up to Phnom Bakheng

#11: Before back to the guest house, we requested Sao to drop us at Art Center Night Market which similar to Old Market but its only open during the night time.

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