TiMeZoNe

Ramadan 1430H

2009-09-17T22:10:00.001+08:00

Ramadan is towards the end.... I just realized that being a student while having other committment is not easy.... insyaAllah I will survive...

Some photos from my flight KUL-KBR MH1396...

~MT @ Kelantan

~~ Kota Bharu, Malaysia

~ To Travel Is To Discover Oneself ~

MY: Out....

2009-07-01T23:30:00.000+08:00

The results from last semester is out.. alhamdulillah.... it looks okay....

tak sabar2 nak habis kan course ni..... aaarrghhhhh.... 7 more subjects to go.....

~MT@Malaysia

~~ Ampang, Selangor

~ To Travel Is To Discover Oneself ~

ID: Day 4 BDO

2009-01-27T19:23:00.001+08:00

Today is the last day. Actually, final day and our flight is in the morning. Had a simple breakfast and my bro's driver drove us to the airport slightly after 8am. We need to be early since my brother is going to work after that, so drop us first, went back home to pick up my brother.

The counters are not open until about 2 - 2.5 hours before departure. In fact, the morning shift for airport security just began. We have to wait outside for quite some times before being allowed into the terminal.

Checked in at 9am. It was a breeze since we don't have much things to check in. And we were second in the queue.

The flight to bring us back to KUL is PK-AWN, a Boeing 737-200 AirAsia Indonesia. It arrived from KUL at 10.45 am and supposed to depart for KUL at 11.20am.

Our flight number is QZ7597 and this aircraft will be in KUL for 30mins before continue back to CGK.

Boarding was called and it was done according to the section. Every passenger was given a departure card stated either "A" or "B". Don't really mind since all seats are assigned. It was a full board and the pushback was at 11.10am. 10 minutes ahead of ETD.

Landed safely at KLIA-LCCT at 2pm, 25 minutes earlier than scheduled. We were taxied to gate F66 and had a long walk to the international arrival of LCCT --> a new terminal which certain part till under constructions. Since it was a long walk, after clearing immigration, our luggage is already there.

We took a bus to KL Sentral and then LRT to Kelana Jaya. Thought to save cost however, we were doomed. The taxis there refused to use meter and all want to charge RM15 for a short drive to Tropicana area. really pissed off. Reported to the ministry via its website and hope action has been taken (since I didn't receive any acknowledgement from the ministry).

The taxi registration number was HB698o (#908) with "Upt0wn Ace Taxi" printed on the side doors. So folks, beware of this taxi driver. Don't get on unless he agreed to use meter.

Well.. thats the end of my journey to Bandung. It was a nice city and probably will go there again.

~ MT@Malaysia

~~ Damansara, Selangor

~ To Travel Is To Discover Oneself~

ID: Day 3 BDO

2009-01-26T20:49:00.006+08:00

Third day in Bandung... nothing much to buy anymore... thinking of relaxing, but my younger brothers wanted to buy some jeans.. so off we went to Toko Tiga. This outlet is famous among Malaysians who want cheap original jeans, especially Levi's.

Toko tiga is not within the normal outlets area. This shop situated within the centre of Bandung city. If I am not mistaken, near the existing streets of Bandung (looking from the surrounding shophouses).

Since it was Sunday, and the driver is off, my elder brother drove us there. Lots of brands over there and before you buy, may want to check the offers available. Bought Levi's jeacns jacket on sale for around RM50. Pretty decent I would say.

Cashier would ask which tour bus you came with since the driver will get some sort of commission when their tourists spend there. So, no surprise to see lots of tour buses parked along the already congested narrow street in front of the outlet.

For the jeans, you can get the alteration done for free and for a small fees if you want to attached back the original hem. Good bargain!

After Toko Tiga, we drove to Jalan Riau area, another cluster of outlets such as Secrets, Brand, Heritage, Cascade etc.. Bought Liz Clairbone and GA pants... and i think I am done for the whole trip :-)

Tomorrow would be the last day and our flight is in the morning. No more shopping... just go back, packing and relaxing .....

~ MT@Indonesia

~~ Dago Golf Resort, Bandung

~ To Travel Is To Discover Oneself ~

ID: Day 1 BDO

2009-01-24T23:59:00.002+08:00

Arrived in the morning and in the afternoon, time to go for shopping. Went out with my brother and sister in law to Pasar Baru. Bought some "pelikats" and Izam bought some "telekung" and cloth for "baju melayu" and wool for pants.

Spent couple of hours there and then my brother dropped us at Rumah Mode. One of the favourites for Malaysians. And I was correct. Majority of people I bumped in Rumah Mode are Malaysians :-)

We were out until around 8pm and went back home at the golf course. A beautiful view of Bandung city at night.

Half of day on the first day in Bandung. Not bad..... :-)

~ MT @ Indonesia

~~ Dago Golf Course, Bandung

~ To Travel Is To Discover Oneself ~

ID: Day 2 BDO

2009-01-25T22:39:00.003+08:00

My brother's driver dropped us at Victoria Outlet, our first stop of conquering the shopping streets of this Paris van Java.

Nothing to buy here, so we walked along Dago street where majority of factory outlets are situated. Stopped by one outlets to another, but nothing interest me. So, I am the less shopper compare to Izam :-)

Lunch time, we stopped by Kartika Sari. Wow, this place has changed a lot since my last visit. It is bigger and have couple of shops on the first floor. To my dismay the service for today's lunch was super duper slow. I ordered three dishes, "sup buntut", "kangkung belacan" and "sapi black pepper". The soup came first and followed by the other two 20 minutes later!

After lunch, need to burn those calories... so we walked to uphill (Kartika Sari was situated at the beginning of Dago lower part). Nothing much to buy along the Dago street, so we took a taxi in front of Episode outlet to go to Rumah Mode. Izam needed to change one of the shirts he bought for his nephew yesterday. The Guess shirt has a cross on the abstract printed on the back of the shirt. Getting taxi was not difficult, but to get the one that will use meter is not an easy task. The first two taxis were asking Rph40000 for that single trip. The third one, Taxi Putra was the saviour. It was raining at that time and the driver used meter, however the minimum is Rph20000, which is half than the first two taxis were asking.

When it rained in Bandung, there will be no fun. Shopping is not as great as a clear day. We were supposed to meet my brother and family for a dinner at The Valley, one of the restaurants near the golf course that offer a scenic view of the city. Another one is Sierra. Any visitors to Bandung must make a trip to these two (either one) for dinner and enjoy the view.

Since it was raining and "macet", my brother agreed to pick us up at one of the petrol station near Zenith outlet, not far from Rumah Mode. Unfortunately, there was a miscommunication and he was waiting at another station along the same road.

We did meet and drove to The Valley. It was situated half way towards our house, so, no worries if we were a bit late for dinner. The view was splendid and thank you Izam for the dinner.

~ MT @ Indonesia

~~ Dago Golf Course, Bandung

~ To Travel Is To Discover Oneself ~

MY: End...

2009-06-13T22:34:00.000+08:00

Today is my last paper.... pretty tough to take three papers in a semester while working... next semester I will be taking four subjects, two of them are my specialization paper...

Now I am thinking to resign and concentrate on studies for this semester.... only from mid July until end of October... I probably living without income for the three months.. can I survive?

~ MT @ Malaysia

~~ Ampang, Selangor

~ To Travel Is To Discover Oneself~

MY: Panic Attack

2009-06-06T22:16:00.001+08:00

Panic attack...... :-(

I hope Prof Dr. ASM is lenient enough to give good grade....

First paper this semester.... next is Thursday and lastly Saturday.. wish me luck!

~ MT @ Malaysia

~~ Gombak, Selangor

~ To Travel Is To Discover Oneself~

MY: Al Fatihah

2009-05-31T08:14:00.002+08:00

My uncle passed way peacefully in his sleep early in the morning....

Al fatihah

~ MT@Malaysia

~~ Ampang, Selangor

~ To Travel Is To Discover Oneself ~

MY: The Day

2009-02-17T09:55:00.008+08:00

Today is the day I submitted my resignation..... got calls from the bosses to meet... want me to reconsider... I have to be firmed with my decision... prioritise..prioritise... I have to go back to my first intention of coming back to Malaysia.... and I want a fast result... if I stay, I may not able to reap the benefits sooner :-)

Bye team... I know you can do well without me!

~ MT@Malaysia

~~ Damansara, Kuala Lumpur

~ To Travel Is To Discover Oneself ~

MY: First Day

2009-03-16T17:20:00.001+08:00

First day at the new client... in fact first day as freelance...

to early to predict anything.... let see how it goes....

Buzz me for lunch for those in KLCC vicinity.... :-)

~ MT @ Malaysia

~~ Jalan YKS, Kuala Lumpur

~ To Travel Is To Discover Oneself~

ID: A Trip to BDO (KUL - BDO)

2009-01-24T23:30:00.003+08:00

Long Chinese New year weekend. I decided to join my family and brother in Bandung, Indonesia. My brother and his family have been staying there for nearly two years and my parents just joined them last week.

So this trip is a shopping trip cum visiting family :-))

Left Damansara around 6.30am to KL Sentral via a taxi.

Decided to spend less in transportation as possible :-). Took Aerobus to LCCT from KL Sentral at 7.05am. Upon arrival at the LCCT, rushed directly to the check in counter. Luckily the counter was already opened and no one queuing there. Good!

Once checked in, walked to LCCT Food Garden for a breakfast. The price is reasonable.

By 9a.m. walked back to the terminal. Surprisingly, the departure hall was not as crowded as I expected. This is Air Asia Indonesia, hence the seat was assigned. Cool.. no rushing to get the good seat.

The aircraft, B737-200 christened PK-AWC arrived from Jakarta on time. The boarding started soon after and by 9.55am, push-back started. Was assigned seat 19E and Izam at 19F.

Landed at Bandung 11a.m. local time. It was indeed a small airport (I was told about the airport before). In fact, the only international flight into Bandung is from KUL. It shows the high demand from Malaysians to spend money in Bandung :-))

The overall arrival is crowded due to immigration and baggage claim area at the same place. All bags must be scanned by the only X-Ray machine. So, once you have cleared immigration, you sort of have to do a u-turn to put your hand-luggage into the machine.

The bags will be delivered based on the checked-in tag. So better get it ready. Once you spot the bag, just go and take it. If necessary, you need to open your bag for manual inspection. No worries, if you are not carrying anything illegal, no problem with it.

I have to open my bag since I carried couple bottles of soy sauce :-))

Within 30 minutes, out of the airport to my darling nephew and niece outside the hall :-))

It was an uneventful flight!

~ MT @ Indonesia

~~ Hussein Sastranegara Airport, Bandung

~ To Travel Is To Discover Oneself ~

MY: It has been.....

2009-01-03T14:23:00.001+08:00

XX years I live in this world!

Happy Birthday to me!!!!!

~ MT @ Malaysia

~~ Ampang, Selangor

~ To Travel Is To Discover Oneself ~

MY: BKI - KUL

2008-12-29T20:00:00.003+08:00

We checked in at Counter 9. Only two counters opened for this flight to KUL. The gate assigned for our flight was Gate 2. ETD for this flight is at 1425, hence to boarding to start only at 2pm.

Today's bird is 9m-AHG, dubbed as "The 1st. Airbus at Kota Kinabalu". Cool.....

For this flight, it took off on time. At 1425, we were airborne with ETA at 1645 at KUL (LCCT). The flight was full with lots of families going home from vacation. In front of us, we have one family who can never stop talking. Only after an hour into the flight, it became quiet. Probably the talkative ones have dozed off!

We were flying atFL340 and landed into KLIA at 1640hrs. Five minutes ahead. Taxied to gate F81 by 1650hrs. Our baggage claim area was the middle carousel and our arrival was after a flight from Langkawi and followed us was a flight from Kuching.

Took Skybus to KL Sentral at 5.15pm and from KL Sentral, took a taxi home.

It was a wonderful trip!

~ MT @ Malaysia

~~ Ampang, Selangor

~ To Travel Is To Discover Oneself ~

MY: Happy New Year

2009-01-01T00:13:00.001+08:00

Wishing all readers a prosperous New Year 2009!

~ MT @ Malaysia

~~ Ampang, Selangor

~ To Travel Is To Discover Oneself ~

MY: Day 4 BKI

2008-12-28T23:12:00.002+08:00

Had a coffee at Starbucks 1Borneo. Could not find any restaurants open yet early in the morning. Even Dome is opened at 10a.m.

Sunday, so the plan is to go Pasar Tamu in the city. Was told the best is Kota Belud, but didn't feel like driving all the way there. Apart from Pasar Tamu, the plan is to visit some interesting areas in the city.

After Pasar Tamu, drove a short distance up hill towards Observatory Hill for a view of the city. Then on way down stopped at Atkinson Clock Tower. Apparently this old clock tower still ticking. Drove by so-called Australian Place area, but don't really know the exact spot or what to see :-)

Then, went to the State Museum, yes... I did the boring stuff.. visiting museum, mosque and also stopped by at the airport (the new terminal) and Tanjung Aru beach. Had lunch at Tanjung Aru beach hawker centre, stall #41. Lesson learnt --> don't eat here. Slow service and not good food.

At night, had dinner at Rainforest and once got back to 1Borneo, had supper at New York New York. You should try their gigantic burger! Enough for 4-5 pax sharing :-)

So, tomorrow is our last day in Kota Kinabalu.

~ MT @ Malaysia

~~ 1Borneo, Kota Kinabalu

~ To Travel Is To Discover Oneself ~

MY: Day 5 BKI

2008-12-29T19:51:00.000+08:00

Last day in the Land Below the Wind. The plan is to drive to the market for lobster. A friend asked us to buy. Unfortunately you need to order the lobster at least a day earlier. So, we were not able to get any.

Had breakfast at one of mamak's in the city, Restoran Maimunah. Drove back to the hotel, packed and checked out at noon.

Reached airport and returned the car to a friend. Checked in at 12.40pm and then had a light lunch at KFC. Prayed Zohor/Asar before proceeding to departure hall.

Say good bye to Kota Kinabalu. God willing, I will visit his wonderful state again....

~ MT @ Malaysia

~~ KK International Airport, Kota Kinabalu

~ To Travel Is To Discover Oneself ~

MY: Day 3 BKI

2008-12-27T22:39:00.007+08:00

In the morning, felt like to eat Nasi Lemak. The only place in 1Borneo for Nasi Lemak is either Old Town White Coffee or one small stall at the basement near the Giant Supermarket entrance. Since Old Town open at 9a.m., that was our best option.

After breakfast, we drove to the Jesselton Jetty to catch a boat to Manukan Island. In addition to the boat fare plus tax, we were also required to pay an entrance fee to the Marine Park. This is a one -time payment if you decided to islands hop within the Marine Park.

We did enjoy half a day at the Manukan Island Beach. And it is good if you can bring your own food from the mainland. It is quite expensive on the island.

On the way back, there was some commotion at the jetty. It was around 3pm and there visitors were leaving the island. The jetty was packed and luck was not on our side, we could not find our boat. Lesson learnt --> NEVER buy the ticket from the first counter once you entered the Jesselton Jetty (on your right once you entered the ticketing area at the jetty). At the island, there was no one to assist us and every time we asked people there, they either don't know or simply brush off and said "That's not our company". Hell!

We managed to find our boat by recognizing the same people that came with us. Luckily we got back to mainland around 4pm plus. So, to enjoy the Marine Park, use the proper managed company i.e. SeaQuest. This is not an advert for them but the good thing about them is they jotted down the name of passengers for each trip. So, you know which boat and when. Moreover, they have lots of staff around to ask. Identified by their t-shirts.

We had Nasi Padang for late lunch at the jetty. Pretty expensive. It cost us RM50.40 for two pax. Don't think both of us eat that much :-) We drove back to our hotel and before going back to our room, we stopped by at YogurBerry to enjoy some delicious yogurts.

For dinner, we drove back to city centre to enjoy another round of seafood :-)

What a day!

~ MT @ Malaysia

~~ 1Borneo, Kota Kinabalu

~ To Travel Is To Discover Oneself ~

MY: Day 2 BKI

2008-12-26T23:12:00.002+08:00

Woke up as usual per timing in KL. However, 6.30am in Borneo seems to be the same as 7.30am in Peninsular Malaysia. So kind of losing an hour. Since the hotel room uses black-out curtain, we did not realize how bright it was out there in the morning.

Had breakfast at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, then we drove to Kundasang.

1Borneo mall, although has lots of restaurants, none open for breakfast in the early morning except Starbucks and Coffee Bean at 8am while Old Town White Coffee open for business at 9am. Others, around 10am. So, for those who are staying in the four hotels, better arrange for breakfast at the hotels (with exception to Tune Hotel - don't think they offer breakfast).

Kundasang is popular for the Mount Kinabalu view and the War Memorial. However, we did not stop at these two places but instead drove straight to hot spring. The hot spring was crowded. Probably due to extended weekend. And the public area, which is free of charge was full as well. So we opted for the private cabin.

Even if the public pool is available, I don't think I want to dip myself. Apparently, most Malaysians, as usual, become possessive and sharing is not part of it. Even though they know it is available free to all. They eat inside the pool thinking that if they stepped out, someone else will take the place. What a selfish behaviour!

Overall, it is good to dip yourself in the sulphur rich water :-)

On the way back, stopped by a town called Ranau. Had a lunch and the only recognizable restaurant was KFC :-) my favaourite. Unfortunately the air-condition was faulty, hence pretty hot in the restaurant.

Stomach full, time to move on. Visited the War Memorial at Kundasang. Very nicely maintained as compared to the surrounding area. The view of Mount Kinabalu from the memorial was wonderful. If you happen to be in the area, do stop by at this memorial.

Since we had some more time to spend, we did a bit of detour. From Kundasang, instead of driving the same way back to Kota Kinabalu, we decided to take the by-pass road to Kota Belud. Reached Kota Belud after driving in the rain on an unfamiliar road. Nothing much to see there (or is it me don't know what to see there? :-)), so we planned to drive to Kudat - visiting the most northern-tip of Borneo. From the map, it looked not that far. However, just a kilometre from Kota Belud towards Kudat, we saw the mileage marker that states more than 100km to Kudat. Oppsss..... better turn back. We will never reach Kudat before the night and then need to return to Kota Kinabalu. So, cancelled the trip and drove back to the city.

Dinner for the night was near Likas, by the sea-side. There is a place called "Anjung Selera". The food was so-so and expensive (compare to the night before). So, better go to the city for the seafood.

Feeling tired, retire a bit earlier. Tomorrow's plan is to laze at Manukan Island :-)

~ MT @ Malaysia

~~ 1Borneo, Kota Kinabalu

~ To Travel Is To Discover Oneself ~

MY: Day 1 KUL - BKI

2008-12-25T23:14:00.002+08:00

A night before, I spent a night at Izam's place. It is easier this way since he is travelling with me to Kota Kinabalu.

Called the taxi 30 minutes before the requested pick up time. The journey to KL Sentral was smooth. No heavy traffic.

Took Skybus from KL Sentral to LCC-T KLIA at 8.20am and reached the "Puduraya Plane Station" an hour later. Proceed directly to check in and went for a quick breakfast at a Asian restaurant near the entrance.

The flight was delayed first time due to late arrival of the aircraft from Medan. Then, it was further delayed due to technical problem. A common reason used to inform passengers of the delay.

We finally took off at 12.50pm, around 1hr 40 minutes late from the original schedule. Around 30 minutes later, when the food was being served, the aircraft hit an air-pocket. Wow!!!!..... It was a wonderful experience... :-) Drinks spilled all over :-))

We landed at BKI Terminal 2 at 3.05pm. The flight was at 37,000 ft with speed of 850 km/h (average). Went to the hotel immediately after that and it cost us RM40 from BKI T2 to 1Borneo. We have booked Novotel 1Borneo via internet for RM173 per night excluding breakfast. I thought it was a good deal.

Checked into room 0926 and this will be our home for the next four nights. Pretty new hotel and the whoel 1Borneo is yet to be fully constructed. Only the hotels (Novotel, Mercure, Tune and Courtyard) and the shopping mall are competed. So constructions are still in progress.

Izam managed to get a car from his friend. This saves us some cash from renting a car. In fact, if you are planning to stay at any hotels at 1Borneo, it is highly recommended to rent a car. It is further away from the city and to move around, definitely need a transport. A taxi will do, but how much you want to spend on taxi?

After changing, we walked around the shopping mall. Pretty huge and there are mixtures of locals and visitors from neighboring country, Brunei.

In the evening, we drove to the city for a seafood. Original plan is to have a dinner at Port View Seafood, however, this place is too expensive, so we settled for dinner behind Handicraft market (if I am not mistaken). A lot cheaper and "hawker" style. In fact, few foreigners were seen enjoying the seafood there.

With one medium size fish (can't remember the name), a prawn, one big squid, five small squids and a crab, altogether cost us RM60. Not too bad considering two plates of rice, a seaweed ulam and three cans of drinks.

So far so good... tomorrow's plan is plan to drive to Kundasang.....

~ MT @ Malaysia

~ 1Borneo, Kota Kinabalu

~ To Travel Is To Discover Oneself ~

MY: Travelling Again

2008-12-24T23:51:00.000+08:00

Yes... MT is travelling again.... :-)

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate it...

MT @ Malaysia
~ Ampang, Selangor

~~ To Travel Is To Disocver Oneself ~~

MY: The Sacrifice

2008-12-03T22:21:00.000+08:00

Am planning to go back to my hometown for this Eid-ul-Adha. The planned date is on 6/12 and returning to KL (via SZB) on 9/12.

Three days before the departure date, my younger brother suddenly wanted to go back as well. His exam scheduled on Tuesday (9/12) was cancelled. No more tickets available, so be a good brother (ehem..) I changed my name to his.

So, my sacrifice, celebrating Eid in KL... quite a long weekend for me... 4 days in a row.... let see how I survive :-)

Selamat Hari Raya Korban...

~ MT @ Malaysia

~~ Ampang, Selangor

~ To Travel Is To Discover Oneself ~

MY: World AIDS Day

2008-12-01T18:17:00.000+08:00

peace...............................

~ MT @ Malaysia
~~ Kg Attap, Kuala Lumpur

~ To Travel Is To Discover Oneself ~

MY: Anniversary

2008-11-27T19:35:00.003+08:00

Today marks one year I am with my current firm and also a year with the current client.

Time flies.....

~ MT @ Malaysia
~~ Kg Attap, Kuala Lumpur

~ To Travel Is To Discover Oneself ~

MY: Wallet

2008-11-22T11:13:00.002+08:00

This morning, I went for a "nasi dagang" breakfast at Kemaman Kopitiam, near Damansara police station. The breakfast was good, except that the portion is small for the price.

It is not about breakfast I want to talk about, but about honesty. While walking to the kopitiam from the car, which is parked three doors away, my wallet dropped from my pockets. I never realized it until I went back to the car, about 1.5. hours later.

Went back to the kopitiam to search for it, and asked all the other three shops whether any of their staff found my wallet. Negative answer.

Walked to the nearest police station for a report, and alhamdulilah, the policeman told me there was one "hamba Allah" submitted one wallet to the police this morning. And it happened to be my wallet. Praise to Allah...

And to Panil, who found my wallet, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. May God bless you and your family.

There is still honesty in this society.. and I am glad to experience one today.

~ MT @ Malaysia
~~ Damansara, Selangor

~ To Travel Is To Discover Oneself ~