Melbourne, Australia Day 7: Tesselaar Tulip Festival

Date Visited: 6th October 2012

One of the main reason I choose to visit Melbourne during spring season was for the colourful and heavenly Tesselaar Tulip Festival. Since I didn't have the luck to visit the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens in Amsterdam from my previous visit, so no matter how, I was so eager to visit this Tesselaar Tulip Festival. Hence, I spare the whole day of my last day in Melbourne before flying back by visiting this timeless beauty of the tulip festival together with my friend.

Tesselaar Tulip Festival is held once every year from middle of September to middle of October and the location is situated in Monbulk Road, Silvan which less than an hours drive from Melbourne city center. Don't worry if you do not have any access to a vehicle, there will always be an alternative method to get to Tesselaar Tulip Festival by taking the public transport. (Refer below on how to travel by public transport) But then, it is advisable to pre-plan your public transport trip to ensure your day is hassle free.

#1: After more than 2 hours train and bus ride, finally we reached Tesselaar Tulip Festival

The entrance to this festival is not free, if you are wondering. It cost AUD$18 (approx. to RM60) but the admission fee will be revised every year. From the official website, the admission fee for this year is AUD$20. Looks like the luck wasn't on our side cause by the time we arrived, it was raining heavily and it won't stop for the rest of the day.

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Seoul & Busan, South Korea Trip 2014 (Sneak Peek)

Going Korea for the second time wasn't really part of my plan but my mom and sis really love to go there and hence, they assigned me to become their personal tour guide. It was kinda last minute decision that I don't even have the time to do a well-preparation. Simply amended my itinerary which I did for the previous trip.

#1: So here we off to South Korea with Korean Air and the flight duration from Kota Kinabalu directly to Seoul only took 5 hours, comparing with AirAsia X from Kuala Lumpur which took 7 and half hours. 

Initially we plan to fly with Asiana Airlines or Cathay Pacific but Asiana Airlines was too expensive whereas Cathay Pacific required transit in Hong Kong for few hours. After comparing both fares between Cathay Pacific and Korean Air, we chosen Korean Air since we never flew before with them. It was a pleasant flight and we really enjoyed it. 

#2: Once we landed Incheon International Airport, we took commuter train to Seoul Station for the Korail exchange bound to Busan city, South Korea's second largest metropolis after Seoul.

#3: Sun & Fun at Hauendae Beach - the most popular and well-known beach in South Korea. But too bad the weather in Busan is so cold and windy.

#4: Exploring the colourful and cherry alleyways of Busan's Gamcheon Culture Village. It's also known as "Korea's Santorini". My most favourite attraction comparing the rest.

 #5: Another Busan famous attraction, Taejongdae Resort Park which located 20 minutes away from Busan Station. The thing must see here is the Yeongdo Lighthouse. 

 #6: The second gong or palace I visited in Seoul - Changdeokgung Palace. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

 #7: When my mom and sis went to Everland Resort Park, I decided not to join and wandered around Seoul alone. I went to Ewha Womans University and oh man, it's so enchanted and beautiful making me wanna return back to uni life again.

#8: Since I missed out Itaewon during my maiden trip, so for this time around I must go.

 #9: Took bus alone to N Seoul Tower

 #10: A day before we left, we went Coex Aquarium. Again, another of my travel wishlist accomplished.

 #11: Can't believe I got to try free hanbok experience for the second time. Thanks to Kampungboycitygal's blog (one of my favourite blog when relating to travel)  for the sharing this.

#12: I'm not really fond of Korean cuisines but then these were the best meals I ever had in South Korea - jjim dalk, budae jjigae, Korean BBQ and dak-galbi. The one on the bottom right, dak-galbi seems halal cause I saw many Muslims were eating there.

We went South Korea seems to be pretty early for spring season but then we bumped into sakura (eventhough it was few) in Seoul. This is the third time I stumbled upon sakura or known as cherry blossom (after the first one in Japan last year and in Inle Lake, Myanmar early of this year)

Till then, hope to see you soon, South Korea. Wish I could go back for the third visit. Perhaps I should plan to go during middle of April next year for sakura. #daydreaming again

Guess I love East Asia countries so much (Hong Kong, Macau, China, South Korea, Japan & Taiwan) than South East Asia countries that I don't mind to do another repeating visits.

P/S: Might not able to blog my latest Seoul & Busan travelogue at this moment cause catching up to blog my outdated and overdue travelogues. However, if you have any enquiry regarding this trip of mine, you are welcome to leave me a message at dtdianateo@gmail.com, or you can even check my first ever trip to South Korea (Seoul & Jeju Island) travelogue - Summary of 8 Days of Seoul & Jeju Island Travelogue. 

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Melbourne, Australia Day 6: Fitzroy Gardens, Cooks' Cottage & DFO South Wharf

Date of Visit: 5th October 2012

A visit to Melbourne Aquarium was kinda rush cause I promised to meet my friend in front of Flinders Street Station. It was due to my poor time management for spending too much time in Queen Victoria Market. After met my friend, we went to Fitzroy Gardens again by hopping into the free city circle tram. In one day itself, I lost count how many times I hopped in and off the circle tram.

 Conservatory of Fitzroy Gardens

Fore over 80 years, Conservatory has providing spectacular and magnificent floral displays. The Building imitated the Spanish mission architectural style. 

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Post The Card (Part 4)

This is another entry of the postcards which I received from my fellow friends as well from the humble and friendly bloggers.
Previous posts:

• Post The Cards (Part 1)
• Post The Cards (Part 2)
• Post The Cards (Part 3)

Hanoi, Vietnam from #travelholicawesome

I was supposed joining them for the 14 days trip via overland from China to Vietnam but due to work commitment, I couldn't made it. So glad that they were so kind to send a postcard to me.

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Melbourne, Australia Day 6: Melbourne Aquarium

Date of Visit: 5th October 2012

Basically, there are two reasons why I choose to visit Melbourne Aquarium. First of all, it was because I love to visit any kind of zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks and anything that relate to animals. It's just simple as that. Then, the other reason was because I got another free admission ticket to visit the aquarium itself. Again, it was given when I bought the two full one day tour packages (Great Ocean Road and Phillips Island) from a local tour operator which recommended by my friend.

#1: Melbourne Aquarium is located in between Flinders Street and Kings Street

Actually, Melbourne Aquarium is just a short distance away from Flinders Street Station. But since I saw the free city circle tram was stopped right in front of Flinders Street Station, instantly hopped on to the tram without any second thought. To be frank, I not sure which station should I hop off but I was very confident that the tram will passed by the aquarium. Unfortunately, the tram didn't stop right exactly in front of the aquarium and it still required few minutes walk from where it stopped. Luckily it just required less than 3 minutes walk.

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Melbourne, Australia Day 6: Queen Victoria Market & Flinders Street Railway Station

Now, let's me share with you what can you do and see in the heart of the city of Melbourne. In case, time constraint is the main reason that pull you off from travel so far away from the city center such as to Great Ocean Road, Phillips Island and Mornington Peninsula, you still can enjoy as much as you want. From art galleries, museums, sporting complexes to aquarium and zoos, you will definitely find something unique and fascinating about Melbourne.

One of my favourite would be infamous Queen Victoria Market. A trip to Melbourne is not complete without a visit to this market which has been the heart and soul of Melbourne for more than a century. It's not just the city's market that host an impressive range of fresh produce but it's also a historic landmark, a popular tourist attraction and a Melbourne institution.

Also known affectionately as 'Vic Market' or 'Queen Vic'

This is where the where Melburnians shop for everything from Australian fruit and vegetables, and local and imported gourmet foods, to cosmetics, clothing and souvenirs.

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Melbourne, Australia Day 5: 1 Day Mornington Peninsula Ultimate Tour

Date of Visit: 4th October 2012

Overall from my 8 days trip to Melbourne, I booked three different full one day tours from the local tour operator - Great Ocean Road Classic Tour, Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour and Mornington Peninsular Ultimate Tour. Honestly speaking, if I have the choice, I wouldn't choose to do so but that could consider the last resort I had. For this Mornington Peninsula tour, it was my last minute decision to book it just for the sank of these brightly colourful bathing boxes.

Mornington Peninsula is just oven an hour's drive from Melbourne city center. Eventually, there are so much to see and do, hence it is ideal for a short day trip from Melbourne or for an extended stay. 

#1: My friend gave me a box of macaroon and I had it as breakfast. Oh dear, they were so huge and most importantly, so delicious! 

#2: Our first pit-stop, the famous colourful bathing boxes in the seaside resort township of Portsea. Do you know some of these bathing boxes could eventually cost up to AUD$250,000? It's unbelievable.

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Melbourne, Australia Day 4: 1 Day Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour

Date of Visit: 3rd October 2012

Just like Great Ocean Road Tour on the day before, the driver picked me up directly from where I stayed and once again, I was the first passenger inside the tour bus. The guests that join this tour were  not as many as Great Ocean Road one, approximately less than 20 but it wasn't a bad sign after all. Before the tour start, I bumped into a girl who was also travelling alone just like me and she was from China who is currently study in Sydney. To be honest, no offense but I kinda dislike China tourists based on my past experiences where most of them were so rude, impolite, dirty and etc but except for this one I met, she was the odd one. Unlike the typical China people, she was friendly and helpful indeed. Too bad after the trip I lost her contact.

This Phillip Island Penguin Parade tour most likely highlighted the best of Victoria's wildlife where we got the chance to get up close and personal with most of Australian animals. No wonder, the famous Malaysian travel blogger, Wilson Ng from Places and Foods claimed that Australia is a zoo without fences.

#1: Our first pit-stop after more than 2 hours bus ride from the city center, Moonlit Sanctuary  - Victoria's award-winning Wildlife Park.

#2: What can be seen in this Eco-certified santuary were angaroos, wallabies, koala bears, ostriches, lizards, dingoes, southern bettong, eastern quoalls and more.

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[ADV] New AirAsia Breakfast Combo

The most important meal of the day is none other than breakfast. Not just it gives your brain a boost but also energy to your body to kick off your day. So when you are flying, there's no more any excuse to skip breakfast as AirAsia has just been introduced the latest Breakfast Combo starting from 1st February with some of Malaysia’s all-time favourite meals such as Pak Nasser’s Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai with Chicken Curry and Rice Congee with Scallops and also Pancake with butter & maple syrup.


These new hearty Breakfast Combos are available on all AirAsia (AK flight code) flights from 5.30am – 11.00am every day, and each of them comes with Complimentary T&Co Coffee or T&Co Teh Tarik too from as low as only RM10 per set! 

Combo A - Pak Nasser's Nasi Lemak + Free T&Co Cofee or Teh Tarik (RM12) 

Malaysian's No. 1 favourite fragrant coconut rice served with Pak Nasser's special chilli sambal and tender chicken rendang, accompanied with half of a hard-boiled egg and crunchy bites of fried anchovies and nuts. A truly complete set of nasi lemak and this is always my favourite choice when comes to AirAsia in-flight meals especially when back from travel overseas!

Combo B - Roti Canai with Chicken Curry + Free T&Co Cofee or Teh Tarik (RM10)

Another Malaysia’s favourite breakfast choice - soft and fluffy texture of paratha bread served with juicy chicken and potato curry on the side.

Combo C - Scallop Congee + Free T&Co Cofee or Teh Tarik (RM10)

Indulge for healthy and simple breakfast? This warm and savoury rice congee is an ideal breakfast meal for everyone. It served with flavourful scallop and mushroom bits accompanied with condiments such as soft groundnuts, spring onions and minced chicken.

Combo D - Pancake with Butter and Maple Syrup + Free T&Co Cofee or Teh Tarik (RM10)

AirAsia's Breakfast Combo not just limited to local dishes, but it also serve breakfast in Western style. A stack of 3 irresistible piping hot pancakes topped with creamy butter and sweet maple syrup is another great choice to satisfy your hungry tummy.

So while you are flying onboard, don't forget to enjoy these AirAsia's Breakfast Combo like a king!

Start off my day before going to Laos with Pak Nasser’s Nasi Lemak

This post is brought to you by AirAsia.

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Melbourne, Australia Day 3: 1 Day Great Ocean Road Classic Tour

Date of Visit: 2nd October 2012

To enjoy most of Melbourne's fascinating places and attractions, most of them were located on the outskirt of the city center; such as Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, Mornington Peninsula and more. So in the case where you are travelling with a group of friends and family, you can opt to rent a vehicle and plan for unforgettable road trip. But if you are travelling alone just like me, the downside was getting to those places by general public transport would be difficult. Hence, I got no choice but to book from the local tour operator and my friend recommended Bunyip Tour. From there, I bought two full one day tour packages - 1 Day Great Ocean Road Classic Tour as well as 1 Day Phillip Island Penguin Parade Ultimate Eco Tour. In return, besides the 5% off for each tour, but I was given a free admission ticket to Melbourne Aquarium, Eureka Skydeck and option between Old Melbourne Gaol or Polly Woodside. It was indeed a really great deal for me.

 

#1: Bunyip Tours bus 

The spectacular Great Ocean Roas is one of the world's most beautiful and naturally maintained secrets. This prestigious road is built by the returned soldiers dedicated to soldiers killed during the World War I, making this road is the world's largest war memorial. Every twist and turn exposes to stretches of broad, pristine beaches, dramatic coastlines and the lush rainforests of the Otway Ranges - all of which provides an amazing postcard backdrop for all the photo memories.

#2: The first pit stop, Bells Beach, one of Australia's famous surfing beaches and world renowned for the Rip Curl Surfing Pro. We even had morning tea and watched few surfers catch waves for surfing.

 #3: Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch at Eastern View

 #4: Wye River, a popular place for Melbournians to holiday

#5: Cape Patton Lookout offers spectacular views east towards Apollo Bay and Skenes Creek

#6: For the very first time in my life, I saw wild koala bear. Not just one or two, but we spotted more than 5 koala bears. Lucky us!

 #7: The iconic Cape Otway Lighthouse, mainland Australia's oldest surviving lighthouse.

#8: We even had Aussie BBQ as lunch at the park nearby the lighthouse

 #9: The Twelve Apostles is a collection of gigantic limestone stacks off the shore of the Port Campbell National Park

 #10: Walking down the boardwalk for this beautiful views of the coastline along The Great Ocean Road 

#11: Magnificent rock stacks that rise up from the Southern Ocean on Victoria's dramatic coastline

#12: Originally, there was 12 but then decreased over the time due to erosion and up to date, leaving eight remaining.

Option

If you don't mind to pay extra for breathtaking scenic view over the 12 Apostles from the top, take a helicopter flight which cost AUD$95.

#13: Loch Ard Gorge, a small network of clifftop walks and there is a staircase leading down to a beach gave us the opportunity to view the fantastic rock formations all around

#14: Our final pit stop of the day, Gibson Steps

#15: Perfect place for wedding photoshoots, perhaps?

Before spending another two and half hours ride back to Melbourne city centre, we stopped by a small Chinese restaurant for dinner. As I had Asian meals for the two previous nights, I opted for fast food instead and there were two world famous fast foods nearby that particular neighbourhood - McDonald and KFC.

#16: At the end, I choose KFC cause I found out it was more extraordinary compare to McDonald - Bacon & cheese burger, something which couldn't be found in elsewhere.

Note: The cost for this tour was AUD$120 which included all park entrance fees, morning tea & biscuits and also Aussie BBQ lunch. It even included pick-up and drop-off from where you stay.

This tour package I booked from Bunyip Tours.
You can book online at their website www.bunyitours.com or go to their office:
Bunyip Tours
570 Flinders Street,
Melbourne Victoria,
Australia 3000 

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