2024 China Trip [Day 1]: KK - Hong Kong - Shenzhen

Our trip to China was out of the blue when I told my husband, "Let's go oversea for our baby's 1st birthday". Little did we know that AirAsia was having promo when we scouted a round-trip to Hong Kong for roughly around RM400 per pax. As usual for travel addict like us, without thinking any longer, immediately we clicked book and there it goes our trip to China. 

Wondering why we chosen to travel around China instead of focusing on Hong Kong when we had a confirmed tickets to Hong Kong? All is about budget as we found Hong Kong is kinda pricey for us to travel around. And since because I have never been to Guilin, so we decided to grab this chance to travel there.  

DAY 1: 15 OCTOBER 2024 

Oh well! Things don't always go as planned. Our trip kicked-off with unexpected flight delay by none other than AirAsia. Not 1 or 2 hours, but turned out our flight was delayed for freaking long 3 hours and this cause us unable to catch the trains to XingPing, a town sits between Guilin and Yangshou on the Li River.  

#1: Because of the flight delay, we landed in Hong Kong International Airport 3 hours later than the original flight time.  

#2: Compulsory to fill in arrival card when visiting Hong Kong  

Due to the delay, we made a quick decision to overnight in Shenzhen before continue with our original plan on the following day. And this means that we have no choice but to burn our first night stay we booked in XingPing, an ancient town situated in the northeast of Yangshou County.

From Hong Kong International Airport, we took Airport Bus (A43 towards Luen Wo Hui Bus Terminal) and align at Sheung Sui stop. From there, we catch MRT from Sheung Sui Station to Lo Wu, which is the Hong Kong border before entering Shenzhen. 

#4: So, this is the hotel we booked last minute. Nay, just kidding!

#5: Vienna Hotel (Shenzhen Luohu Port Railway Station) - This is the hotel we booked last minute 

My husband booked this hotel from Ctrip but you can search from Trip.com

#6: Shopping and food just few steps away from our hotel.

#7: Crab lover anyone?

#8: Obviously using Google translate. Hahaha....

#9: Shenzhen Railway Station 

Basically on the first night, right after we checked-in into the hotel and dropped our luggage, we're casually wandering around the street nearby our hotel. Simply settled our dinner at a restaurant served Hong Kong cuisine before we call it a day. 

Do you think we'll be able to make it to XingPing? Stay tune on the upcoming post...

>> Next Post: Day 2 - From Shenzhen to XingPing Ancient Town >>

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Ausvilla Kundasang

My first official post for the year 2025 - of course non other than sharing about my beloved hometown. 

Among few of the accommodations I've experienced and stayed in Kundasang, I have to say that Ausvilla is one of my favourites. Strategically located just adjacent to the Mount Kinabalu Golf Course of Mesilau, the villa set against the backdrop of the iconic Mount Kinabalu making the stay here is more unique and memorable one.  

There are 8 different type of rooms that able to accommodate guests ranging from 2 pax up to 10 pax which makes the villa a perfect stay for couple, family and even large group of friends. Since there were 5 of us and an infant, we decided to book 2-Storey Deluxe Home Suite which comes with 3 rooms and 2 bathrooms. 

2-STOREY DELUXE HOME SUITE 

Now, let me show you how is the ground floor looks like:  

Spacious living room with Smart TV and seater sofa

Dining and kitchen area complete with kitchen & cooking utensils, kettle and fridge 

Separate toilet and shower room. There is even hairdryer and hand & bath towels provided inside the villa. 

The room that we booked even have private balcony with breathtaking view of Koi Lake and Mount Kinabalu

Whereas for the second floor, this is where all the 3 modern-looking rooms located and sharing a bathroom: 

Room 1: King Bed overlooking the majestic Mount Kinabalu 

Room 2: Queen bed 

Room 3: Bunk bed with two single beds 

Date Stayed: 9 - 10 July 2024 (1 Night)
Type of Room: 2-Storey Deluxe Home Suite (Mount view)
Room Rate: RM600 per night (Booked from the official website)
Breakfast: Not Included

Check-in Time: 3pm 
Check-out Time: 11am (late check-out will subject to extra fee)
Deposit Required: RM100 upon registration and check-in time 

VILLA RESTAURANT:

Opens from 8am to 9pm daily, Ausvilla Restaurant serves variety of food ranging from local Malaysia cuisine to Western, Chinese and Japanese fusion for the in-house and non-in house guests to savour throughout the day and night. 

Ausvilla Restaurant opens from 8am to 9pm 

There is even an outdoor dining area for you to enjoy the panoramic views of both lake and mountain

For your information, the breakfast wasn't included in the room rate. 

Besides hearty Western breakfast, they do serve fried rice and fried noodle too

My current favourite pose with little baby Daniel 

However, there are few downside of Ausvilla:

• No lift and not wheel chair accessible. 
• Plenty of flies in the restaurant which make the dining experience is unbearable one. 
• No room slippers provided - Considering it's getting more colder at night (sometimes might reach 12 degree), you might need these room slippers especially going to the bathroom.

Overall, Ausvilla Kundasang is more than just a place to stay - it's an experience that immerse yourself in the beauty of Sabah's nature while providing all the comforts you need for a relaxing and rejuvenating short gateway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Highly recommended for anyone who is seeking to unwind and spending quality time with your loved one and families in a picturesque landscapes of Kundasang. 

By the way, do make sure to book from their official wesbite here. Don't fall for any scams that you happen to find in Facebook or any social media. 

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Recap of My 2024

 Here's a quick recap of my travel adventures for the year 2024:

• 8-hours road trip from Kota Kinabalu to Brunei & Miri at the end of May. At that period of time, our little boy was just 7 months only. It was indeed exhausting but thankfully, baby was well-behaved throughout the long car ride.  
• 4D3N Singapore trip to visit my sister and her newborn baby boy. This is the first time for my little boy to meet his aunt (my sister) and cousins (my two nephews). 
• Unlocked two new countries - Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan of Central Asia 
• Guilin, China for our lil sonshine 1st birthday
• Guangzhou & Tokyo trip - Not just a trip with my husband and my baby but we tagged along my mom too. 
• Kaohsiung, Taiwan - A new direct route from Kota Kinabalu by AirAsia
• Bali, Indonesia - Revisit this island again after 12 years. 

I have to say that this year our travel adventures are getting more adventurous and challenging compare to the previous years. Instead of travelling just in two, this year we're constantly travelling in a group of 3 - yes, travelling with our mini traveler. Initially I thought I will be travelling less after having baby but thanks to my husband for being a great and supportive partner for constantly bringing me and our little boy exploring the world. I'm deeply grateful to my dearest family too for helping me to take care of my baby while I was away for my trip to Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan and Kaohsiung, Taiwan. 

To date, our 14 months mini traveller has been on more than 20 flights and ticked off at least 5 different countries - Brunei, Singapore, China, Japan and Indonesia. 

They might not remember for every trip we took but their childhood is part of our parenthood too. 

Dear 2024,

My heart is full of gratitude for everything that happened this year. Yes, there are always ups and down in life but it's a journey of discovery and learning along the path. Be thankful in every moment of life. Don't cry over the past as it's over. Don't stress about the future as it hasn't arrived. Live in the present and make it unforgettable memories as it's part of the life. 

Before the clock strikes midnight, here's wishing each and every of you always blessed with vibrant health, lasting happiness, radiant joy and prosperity in the coming year of 2025. Cheers to new year and new beginning. 

"Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one." - Brad Paisley

READ ALSO:

• It's A Wrap For 2022
• 2020 Recap - From Miss to Mrs
• 2019 - The Most Travelling Year For Me
• Thank You 2018, Next!
• Goodbye 2017! Hello 2018!
• Throw Back of My 2015 Travel Adventures
• Recap of 2014 and My Plan for 2015
• My Reflection on 2013 and Resolution for 2014
• My Reflection on 2012 and Resolution for 2013
• Recap of My 2011 History & My 2012 Resolution
• Recap of My 2010

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Central Asia - Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan (Sneak Peek)

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that one day I will visit Central Asia countries. Thanks to AirAsia once again for making another of my bucket list turn into reality with their direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Almaty, Kazakhstan. 

Here is a quick sneak peek from the trip I went end of August recently covering both Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan: 

#1: Aeriel view of the snowcapped mountain. Tips: Book on the right seat for this marvelous view.

 

#2: Almaty International Airport - the gateway to the Central Asia countries 

#3: One of my favourite shots from my new toy, Sony ZV1 

#4: Riding horse is one of the activities must do when visiting Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan 

#5: My favourite place in Kazakhstan - Kolsay Lake 

#6: We're blessed with great weather on the day of visiting

#7: Cross border from Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan 

#8: Kyrgyzstan is also known as "The Land of Horses" 

#9: Skazka Canyon (Fairy Tale Canyon) on the south shore of Issyk Kul Lake 

#10

#11: We got to experience staying in the Mongolian yurt

Apart from Almaty where we explored the city on our own, we engaged a local tour guide throughout our trip in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. In case any of you would like to get the details of the local tour guide, you can leave a message. 

Not sure when I will be able to do a full post on this as I still have long list of backlog waiting for me to blog about them. You know the life of a new mom after having a baby. I can only have my own free time to do my work and stuff after the baby sleeps at night. However, I will try my best to update my blog, if my baby allows me to do so. Hahaha... 

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The Kuala Lumpur Journal Hotel

Everytime when I go and visit Kuala Lumpur, I will definitely choose to stay at the lively streets of Bukit Bintang area. Right after we came back from our Switzerland trip, we decided to overnight in Kuala Lumpur for two nights before heading back home to Kota Kinabalu. Luckily that we have decided to stay over for 2 nights instead of 1 cause our flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur with Turkish Airlines was delayed for 6 hours. 

While browsing through few hotels to stay in Kuala Lumpur, this is where I discovered The Kuala Lumpur Journal Hotel (obviously from the social media). And the best part is that we hit the jackpot where we got to book this retro-inspired boutique hotel for less than RM200 per night from Klook. 

24-hour reception and cafeteria

Love this tagline "Eat Well, Travel Often"

DELUXE KING ROOM

Decorated with natural wooden elements, the 28 sqm room is stylishly furnished and equipped with ergonomic mattress and microfibre pillows. What blow our mind the moment we stepped in into the room was we're assigned with a room overlooking the monorail track through the large and high floor-to-ceiling windows. 

Deluxe King room - Fit for the king bah!

Backdrop of an exclusively commissioned Kuala Lumpur street photography project by the famous local photographer

The room is equipped with ergonomic mattress and microfibre pillows

Wardrobe with iron and ironing board

40-inch flat screen smart TV with the functional workspace 

Coffee and tea facilities with electric kettle 

Ensuite bathroom equipped with premium toiletries and hairdryer 

Room amenities:

• 40-inch flat screen smart TV with free satellite channels and Netflix
• Luscious king-sized bed with ergonomic mattress and micofibre pillows
• Spacious ensuite bathroom equipped with high-pressure rain shower, premium toiletries and hairdryer 
• Free high-speed Wifi and functional workspace
•  Coffee and tea facilities with electric kettle
• Wardrobe with iron and ironing board 

HOTEL FACILITIES

Even it's just a small boutique hotel, The Kuala Lumpur Journal Hotel is packed with numerous facilities; such as rooftop infinity pool overlooking the city with poolside bar, a fully equipped gynamsium, cafeteria, laundry services (additional charge) and free basement car-parking.  

Rooftop infinity pool overlooking the city with poolside bar

Fully equipped gynamsium

Cafeteria 

Conveniently located in Bukit Bintang where it is just short walking distance to shopping malls like Pavilion, Lot 10, Sungai Wang and popular feast street of Jalan Alor.

Date Stayed: 8 May - 9 May 2022 (1 Night)
Type of Room: Deluxe King
Room Rate: RM196 per night (Booked from the Klook)

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