New Zealand : part 3

A crazy ride to the west
Hit the road early in the morning as a way to maximize the usage of sunlight. Next destination is Punakaiki located on the west side of South Island. We took the road Kaikoura - Lyford - Culverden - Hanmer Spring - Reefton - Inangahua - Westport - Punakaiki. It was a challenging route to drive and yet the view have not failed me yet. It was another 6hours drive with a few pitstop along it. It is wise to stock up and fill-up your gas in Westport as there will be no other gas station till you reach Greymouth.

Punakaiki

Punakaiki lies at the edge of Paparoa National park. Check-in at the only motorhome available in Punakaiki which situatued near to the beach. Rainy night and I hate it. Its just too cold. Here I met other two lady from Germany enjoying their holiday maker moment for 6mnth in NZ. The main attraction here is the pancake rock and blowholes. The Pancake Rocks are heavily eroded limestone area where the sea bursts through a number of vertical blowholes during high tide. Unfortunately, we only manage to get a glimpse of the magic.

Spent another night in Greymouth. We did another stock up on gorcery & fill up the tank full which was about NZD140 and head south to Franz Josef.

Franz Josef

Another amazing place which mesmerized me! Stunning view and a cozy small little town. Park our campervan in Rainforest Retreat Holiday Park. As night fall, we walked out to Rainforest pub for nice cozy drinks while watching the Rugby World Cup game on big screen. Though its a little town, but it was packed with stores, bars, pubs and extreme activities for adrenalin junkies. Sky dive will cost you around NZD300 till NZD600++ (inclusive of souveniers). Ice climbing with minimum 6hours on the glacier is about NZD260. Its freezing here at night. The next morning we had a walk up to Sentinel rock Wall with scenic view. And again it was amazing despite the glacier has been shrinking by day.

Next stop for the night is in Wanaka. Beautiful reflection lake and it was quite a big town with plenty of holiday park choices.

Cardrona

From Wanaka we took a road thru Cardrona towards Arrowtown. This road only open to public under certain road conditions. Heard from friend of mine, the road was closed during winter. And yes, we gamble our way and we reached the top of the Crown Range Summit, is the highest sealed road in New Zealand at 1076m above sea level.

New Zealand : Part 1

New Zealand : Part 2

New Zealand : part 2

Woke up to the fresh air of New Zealand. Freshen up and waited for our free ride to Tui Campers office located few kilometres away from Christchurch International Airport. At this moment of time, there were plenty of Rugby World Cup posters decorating the airport interior. As we reached the Tui Campers office, I was greeted by the most delicious pie smell in the world!

Read all the terms & condition, understood it well and sign the contract for two weeks. It was a 3-person toyota hiace converted campervan which cost us about NZD800++. The girl in charge offer us a tyre chain just incase it snows on the road towards Milford Sound, and we politely turn down the offer hoping luck will be on our side. Get ourselves a map, road directory & of course our campervan keys. 1st stop is the supermarket, need to stock up before heading North. We spent about NZD150 on first grocery shopping spree (boleh thn gak harga kat sana). Fill up the petrol (about NZD 1.20 - NZD1.50 per litre, price varies) and head to North, Kaikoura.

Kaikoura

After about 3hours driving (about 181km), we reach to the beautiful picturesque scenery. Simply stunning little town with snow top mountain as the backdrop, deep blue see and rocky shore. (Masyallah!) Check-in to Top 10 Kaikoura Holiday Park. Since the last 2 night we spent at airports, and tonight we finally get a proper bed, pillows, duvet & small little heater in our campervan. Next morning, not bothered to get up early. And again the view is simply amazing! Kaikoura is known for it famous crawfish dish.

You can try them as you drove towards Kaikoura Peninsula where you can see seals or have stroll up the hill for another amazing view overlooking South Pacific Ocean.

Just another place to explore before night fall. About 30minutes away from the little town is the Ohau Stream Waterfall Walk another seal pups area. Its a 10minute walk into the forest. A bit eerie since it was only 3 of us walking into the reserve. Rewarded with two baby seal taking a dip in the icy cold water (proven icy because I dipped my fingers in it! - menyesal). Back in the holiday park and another cool night in Kaikoura.

New Zealand : Part 1

New Zealand : Part 3

RocEvent : Rockafellas Night ClimbOn in Damai Wall

About 25 climbers gathered in Damai Wall, Batu Caves around 10pm. Me and my friends (so called the gogo committee) was there since 6pm. It was drizzling awhile for about an hour, hoping that the sky will be clear as night falls. Based on individuals contribution, we've collected seven climbing ropes (55m - 75m) for use in this event.

By 9.30pm Temenggong 44 & Sham Pitam take a head start to set some route for top rope, while some others help with the BBQ pit. Oh yeah~~ 7 chicken, 6kg of lamb & 9 packs of cocktail hotdogs besides some other food as well. By midnight things are getting to heat up. Abg Yen, the person who I respect the most in Damai was with us and he himself can't resist the temptation to lead a route that night.

Climbers with headlamp & glowsticks were scattered around. Sham Pitam is the only person who climbed to 2nd pitch of Redemption Song that night. Overall, everyone had a good time climbing, getting to know each other & of course with good food all night long. Last climb was clocked at 0430hours just before the muslims climbers had their sahur. Hope that we shall get more supports for upcoming rock event.

For those who attend the event, me behalf of the organizer team would like to express our gratitude for your support.

the highlands [tea.scones.strawberry]

Another ad-hoc road trip to Cameron Highlands. It was about midnight when we drove from Kuala Lumpur to Tapah through North-South Expressway. It was an easy ride up till you exit the highway, continuing on the trunk road towards Tanah Rata. It was around 0230 hours when we drove through the winding road from Tapah till the way up. The road was dark & silence. Its only me, co-pilot and the rest of the universe. From Lata Iskandar onwards, I decided to turn the air-conditioned off and wind down the windows for fresh air. 4am and finally reached Tanah Rata. Need to stop for rest room, unfortunately the public toilet in Tanah Rata was closed. Had to drove to Petronas Brinchang. Next destination is Sg Pauh campsite.

To reached the campsite, just follow the Taman Sedia signboard. Car park is nearby the campsite, about 200m away. The campsite was well lit with easy access. Got a nice little pondok as our shelter with BBQ pit. Set our hammock, make some hot chocolate drinks and sleept till about 9am. The weather was perfect! Cameron at dawn felt like England during Spring.

Freshen ourselves and had one last sip of hot coffee before hitting the road towards Teh Boh Centre Sg Palas. As predicted, the traffic was bad at the Kea Farm area. Crawling uphill in a manual car definitely not my favourite. From Kea Farm, take a left turn into a small winding road. The road can only fit 2 car at certain corners. The traffic was stuck at some corners due to oversized vehicle being kiasu. I suppose they should stop buses from using those road. Permanently! The sun was shining brightly on us, but the air was cool. Had our sunglasses on and also our jacket.

Walked up to the cafe and straight away que for the counter. I had been craving scones for quite sometimes. Three of us queue, while Ida looking for the best spot to lepak. After about 10 minutes queueing, finallay we placed our drinks & dessert order. Three differencehot tea infusion and one hot chocolate, blueberry scones, scones (both scones serves with cream), chocolate mud cake & banana carrot cake. We sat there for about almost an hour, wishing the time will stop upon us. Enjoying the hot tea with delicious dessert while being pampered with cool breeze.

As the day was just about to start picking up the heat, it starts to rain and the temperature went down. As I drove away from Sg Palas centre, there was smokey effect due to the hot road and cool air. Next stop is the Kea Farm, where you can get cheap vegetables, strawberry, flowers and packed flavours tea. Fruits here were gigantic & fresh! Without realizing, it was almost 4pm (initial plan was to leave Cameron around 4am) and yet we have 2 more places to go. No pictures because we are busy looking at the big huge farm products.

Next stop is the Strawberry Moments in Brinchang, for mouth watering dessert. Ordered honey strawberry pancake & strawberry struddles despite of having scones & cakes a moment before. While our mouth is still stuffed with pancakes, someone cant stop thinking of steamboat. So, right after having dessert, we stopped by at Lucky 78 for a steamboat treat!

Solely, I blamed the weather. It was wet & very cool for us Malaysian yet very weird to have such an England weather in Cameron whole day. Hot Tom Yum steamboat was perfect! Ordered two set which was more than enough for four of us. Enjoyed our hot tom yum and start to descend.

Had our fun ad-hoc trip and really wish to repeat this trip again. Next time we shall do home-made steamboat at campsite.

total damage :

RM30 each (petrol + return tol)

RM50 for food & spending

free accomodation at Sg Pauh campsite

eat.sleep.dive [Mabul, Sabah]

After 323days of waiting, the excitement can't be kept anymore. After what thought to be like forever, the day has arrived.

The weather was a bit gloomy when we arrived at LCCT during dawn. Did online check-in the night before, dropped our check-in luggage, and yet havent got the time to have breakfast before departing. Went through the security check and get seated in the A320. The flight was delayed for about 20minutes and it was about 70% occupied. Once we are up, the weather was a perfect blue sky with lovely clouds that look alike cotton candy! Since none of us had breakfast, we switched to seat nearer to the pantry (where the food first to be served!). Eat, and sleep through the flight.

Tawau

After 2hours and 30minutes, we landed in Tawau airport. First to do is to go through immigration. Just need to hand them MyKad and they will print a permission slip which you need to hand them when you are leaving Sabah. Freshen up and paid the taxi fare at the counter. Standard price is RM95 per way per taxi. Along the way to Semporna, there is plenty of palm tree plantation. It was another 1 hour ride to reach Semporna.

Uncle Chang office in Semporna was located near Dragon Inn. Settled our bills, had lunch and hop on the speed boat to Mabul.

Mabul

As we are approaching the chalet, the staff entertain us with a song played by the local band. Our room was amongst which having the best view. Open sea with turquoise clear water and plenty of patrick! (starfish).

Night came and party is about to start at Uncle Chang (no idea what was the occasion for). The local band start playing some familiar and ethnic songs. The disco ball keep on spinning and some of us occupy the dance floor. Free drinks on the house and some fire show keep the party going on. By midnight everything slows down.

It was the best experience ever. Waking up to the sound of the waves. Opens the door and the picturesque view come to live. Mabul are actually +1hour from Kuala Lumpur, so dawn is around 4.30am. Mabul is a small island. The locals build their houses by the shore. Walked around the island will took you about 1hour. Plenty of groceries shop, and the price are cheap (compared to Perhentian Island). There's also a school & surau on the island. Most of the chalet have electricity between 6pm - 8am.

Diving

It was raining on the first day, no sun at all only silver lining. We had our first dive in Ray Point, where we spotted a super size moray eel, few small turtles & plenty of fish! Went back to the chalet for lunch and head towards Kapalai House Reef later. Here is where we spotted a super huge turtle (sebesaq meja!), cuttlefish, more nudibranch & lion fish. By the 2nd dive me & my buddy were exhausted due to the strong current, yet it still raining. Talked to the management and she agreed to reschedule our dive to the next day, early in the morning.

On the second day, it was perfect! Blue sky with plenty of sun. Next dive is at seaventure house reef (an abandon oil rig which had a face lift transform into a resort). Beautiful sight underneath, with plenty of colourful fishes. I love them fish!

Checkout 8am, and the next boat to Semporna is at 4pm. Its kinda tiring when you did nothing, waiting for the time to pass by. Luckily we had a good bargain with the locals and had fresh seafood for lunch with the help of Uncle Chang's kitchen crew.

damage done :

RM35 AirAsia return ticket (bought during promotion in August 2010)

RM15 for check-in luggage (split among 4 of us)

RM50 return land transfer (TWU airport to Semporna)

RM460 4D3N + 3dives (Mabul & Kapalai) + 3x meals per day at Uncle Chang

Perhentian : Beach.Sun.Dive

It was before dawn, and I'm the only one drive thru McDonald's Equine. Bought the RM4 breakfast deal and head straight to LCCT for an early flight AK5280 0740 KUL - 0835 KBR (cost me only RM15 for airasia tickets) on Tuesday 26.4.2011. Next destination is Long Beach, Small Perhentian Island! Had been there few times over the pass 5years and this is the first time I managed to leave my black beauty (my car) at home & taking my time embracing the Malaysian public transport. Get on the flight, taxing away from the airport & flew high up in the blue sky.

Kota Bharu Airport

Once arrived, we walked towards the taxi counter inside the airport. There was this lady, offering us a taxi ride to Kuala Besut for RM78 per car, but we managed to bargain till RM60 (the best deal i suppose, Rm15 each) The ride was about an hour away, and we reached there around 0940hours. Bought ourselves the return boat transfer for RM70 (the price hasn't changed since my last visit in 2007). We were told that next boat is at 1000hours. A must to try nasi dagang here, but since we havent got much time to spare so we tapau. I felt guilty of paying the makcik RM2.00 for a delicious nasi dagang with gulai ikan (in Kuala Lumpur usually will cost you RM4). Bought the marine conversative tickets (RM5 & be sure to check the date stamped) and hop on our boat heading towards the big sea.

Paradise

It was a bumpy ride (a bit of a rough tide). Took the water taxi (transfer fee RM2 each) and reached Long Beach. The white fine sand & the crystal clear water, what a bliss! Checked into our double-bedroom in Matahari chalets (RM80 pernight) about 10m from the beach. Later that evening, I and my friends had our first class on theory if diving.

Long Beach, Perhentian Kecil has changed alot since the last time I was there 3yrs ago. More chalets are being build on the beach. Souvenier & food outlet are expanding. Its good that business are blooming here, but without proper planning the island will soon be in disaster. Coral Bay is just about 15 minute walk across from Long Beach. Before there was only small trail, but today they had build a cement pathway. Coral Beach is not so quiet as it was before. More chalet, beach bar & food outlet are being built. Definitely Perhentian Kecil having better nightlife than before.

You can find all kind of food here. From local to orient to western! Almost every night I had dinner in Panorama Restaurant. Their home-made burger & other western food are simply delicious and definitely will fill up your belly after whole day diving. If you are a morning person, than you could save on breakfast. Restaurant normally will offer english breakfast raging from RM6- RM10. Why? Because every morning at 8.30am, there is an old lady from nearby village walked around with a basket full with pre-packed meal. For RM2.50 you could get a delicious nasi dagang Terengganu either with fish curry or chicken curry. You won't get any cheaper in Perhentian Kecil. She also sells kuih-muih.

Dive

Diving is new to me! Had an awesome divemaster, Mr.D & Warda. We had our confined water session by the jetty & Blue Lagoon. Our very first fun dive was at the Batu Nissan dive site. For graduation we had a chance to go down to Sail Rock dive site and there I spotted a black-tip shark, trigger fish, huge king of thorn starfish & plenty of rabbit fish, parrot fish, nemo. In D'Lagoon, here you can find a wreck piano. No kidding!

Trip home

We took the 4pm boat out from the island and reached the mainland about 45minutes later. Walked around to find a decend tour operator, but unfortunately its late and only one remain open. Deal with the operator and got ourself a cab to transport us to Tanah Merah where will be taking a train back to Kuala Lumpur.

Adivse : do bring a few can of mayo-tuna or few packed of meggi. Food price are way over the top since alot of foreigners prefer to stay there for holiday.

5D4N later, I am a certified PADI diver!

Chill in Sungai Chilling

Sungai Chilling is located in Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor. Went there on Saturday only for a daytrip with bunch of lovely friends. We took the Gombak - Ulu Yam - Batang Kali - Kuala Kubu Bharu route. Calculated through Google Map, the distance (from my house) are shorter than driving through the north-south expressway (beside you save a lot of $$$ on the toll). Roughly it was about 97KM from my house in Puncak Jalil. Had breakfast and we make a pit stop in Damansara Damai (pick up another friend). Since this is an adhoc trip (participant pun adhoc jugak) lunch are on own expenses. We stopped by one of the stall and tapau nasi lemak (berbungkus2) and some kuih muih. Head to Gombak, turn into Jalan Sungai Tua and pass by Ulu Yam. The view will be much beautiful in the dawn. It was almost 1100hours when we finally reach ground zero. Matahari dah terpacak atas kepala (that is one of the reason why I like to leave early in the morning). The six of us start walking towards the welcome signboard.

Not only that it was almost noon, but there was plenty of cars parking along the side. Walked about 5 minutes and we reached the entrance to the Sg Chilling Sanctuary.

Visitors need to pay RM1 as the entrance fee (toilet & surau facilities provided). New rule to take note, all visitors which going to the waterfall are asked to report themselves at base camp before 5.30pm. Strictly no BBQ allowed at the waterfall area. We paid our fees and off to the waterfall. Crossed the suspension bridge (4 person max to walk onto). Walked about 45minutes with 5 river crossing and finally make it to the waterfall. The last river crossing is the deepest (depth up till my chest). It was fun having to cross the stream, but always bare this in mind - safety first. It was a hot afternoon and the cold ice water make it a perfect combination.

First thing before taking a dip in the cold water, to eat our tapau-ed nasi lemak. Delicious nasi lemak with a beautiful nature as backdrop; Nature at it best! 3years ago, which I remembered clearly the water was much more deeper. Somehow the pool is getting shallower. Boys will always be boys. Most of them jumped off the small cliff right beside the waterfall. Ikan kelah pun x byk this time, regardless the place as its sanctuary.

We took a dipped, jump into the deep water & just chill'in on the rocks. More and more groups kept on coming, I felt as if I was in Sunway Lagoon. We had our time, and soon it start drizzling. We prefer not to take any risky chances when it start raining. So we packed our belongings and start walking back to base camp. Advise : don't wear slipar jepun because it may tear apart. While walking we met a group of students from UM. The road was narrow, so we decided to let them walk pass us. Sadly, none of them have the courtesy to say thank you to either one of us.

Reached base camp about 1500hours, change into fresh clothes and its time to head home. The adventure just dont stop there. While driving back through Ulu Yam, it rained heavily with visibility with less than 5m! Luckily it wasnt me whose driving this time. As we swerved down the curves, one of the MPV in front of us lost it control and skidded off the road. It went up the divider and the vehicle tip tp its left, with driver's door facing to the sky. Few car stopped aside to help give a helping hand. Really hope the driver & the passengers will be OK.

Total damages : RM30 for fuel + RM15 for food & drinks

Thanx friends, next time jgn serik lagi yea ♥♥♥

Vietnam & Cambodia : Siem Reap (Pt3)

Another seven hours bus ride from Pnom Penh to Siem Reap. Soon we were on National Highway 6. Had a short break at Kampong Thom. We only bought kerepek pisang (the only food edible for us). About 7.30pm I saw the sign "Siem Reap Province" by the roadside, which took us about an hour later to reach the town. Along the way, we stumbled upon seven army tanks on the road. I was excited to see the tanks, despite of not knowing what actually happen at the Thai - Cambodia, Preah Vihear. As requested, our tuk-tuk driver waited for our arrival. He hold a paper with my name on it. His name is Panga. In the darkness, he drove his tuk-tuk to Golden Mango Inn. Wann the family owner greeted is with welcome drinks & wet towel. Hand us our room key (106) and brief us about the service & facilities provided by the hostel. Freshen ourself and had dinner at the hostel restaurant.
The Angkor

They are three different passes to enter Angkor. Passes are sold in 1day (USD20), 3day which valid for a week (USD40) & 7day which is valid for a month (USD60) block.You may purchase the pass at the Angkor Wat Conservation Center from 0500 till 1800. As for us, time is short so we decide to purchased the 1day pass. We reached Angkor Wat as early as 5.30am. It was cold & dark. Luckily our tuk tuk driver offer us an extra torchlight (I had my headlamp). Still dark and most of these keen tourist we flocking the very best spot to wait for the sun to rise behind Angkor Wat (silhouette effect at it best). About 0700 the sun finally arises behind Angkor Wat and the view was breathtaking, the same exact view when the Khmer first build Angkor Wat thousand years ago. The water reflection makes it perfect.

We went back to our hostel for breakfast and we decided to cycle around Angkor. We were on a budget and besides the hostel offer free cycle. The roads of Cambodia are almost the same as scary as Vietnam. I had never been this scary while crossing to the other side of the road. My sense of direction is still in shocked mode (traffic comes from your left). Survive the first crossing! The road was less busy until we turn into Charles De Gaulle road. Cycle for about 7km and reached our first destination. 7km and my butt hurts! It has been long since I rode one.

Angkor Wat

I stood in awe looking over the three story massive building made of entirely huge rocks. Im in a dreamy state,believing that I finally foot my step onto the most historic building in the world after which I had been planning since 2007 (the plan has been cancelled since). The weather was perfect blue sky,dry hot! Angkor Wat on its own covers 1kmarea. In one corner, the magnificent carving of ancient war tales tells its story. Inside Angkor Wat, the walkway having high ceiling with huge stones as steps. Surprisingly the stones were cold, and it was breezy. Sanskrit writing are still visible to the naked eye. We spent about an hour here, mesmerized by it scale & the symmetrical of the carvings.

*beware of the kids selling souvenirs, books & drinks. They tend to bug you till you buy something from them.

Bayon

About 1km away (cycling) stood the South Gate with huge human carvings as the bridge railing. The gate is only wide enough for a car to pass through. Then we reached Bayon which is located 2km from Angkor Wat (the road is abit bumpy here). Bayon is known for its huge stone faces of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, with one facing outward and keeping watch at each compass point (NSEW). We had our lunch snack here. Luckily we brought sandwiches (tuna mayo & Gardenia bread all the way from KUL!) because none of us had no idea what lunch will look like here in the Angkor. Lunch by the faces of Bayon, before I was attack by an army of huge red ants!

We had to skip the Elephant Terrace and King Leper Terrace due to time constraints. Sugar cane drinks look so tempting under the hot weather. We cycled pass the Victory gate making our way to Ta Keo when suddenly my bike brokedown (the chain slipped out). The situation was saved by Shahrin. Ta Keo located about 3km from Bayon (literally I cant really sits on my butt now). Ta Keo known in its time as the mountain with golden peaks. Suits to its name - mountain, Ta Keo stairs were steep & narrow. Climbing up is easy but not when coming down the huge block of stairs. I decide to just walk up to the 1st floor.

Ta Prohm

Parked our bike and walked about 200m towards Ta Promh. Along the way, you'll be entertain by the groups of mines victims. The famous Ta Promh serves as a shooting set in Tomb Raider movie. Great trees tower above Ta Prohm, may be as wide as an oak tree. You'll need to be there to see how huge those tree were. Wonder how the tree grows wrapping around the building. Ta Prohm is extensively ruined, so the ruins are basically everywhere. Its like a maze. You enter a room at the other end, and you'll end up on the other parts of the temple. Just follow the tourist trail, and you'll be fine. Taking pictures with the amazing background was not an easy task, when you have tourist all over the world flocking into one place.

Its almost 4pm, and its time to go back. Its a long cycle back to our hostel. All three of us manage to complete the rounds, despite of Fifi's initial plan was to hire a tuk-tuk. Give yourself a pat on the shoulder for completing a 27KM rounds in a day with 3 major temple covered!

Shopping & Khmer massage

I only manage to cover the Old Market area while my stay here. I dont do much shopping here as my budget were limited. bargain starts at 25% off the retail price. But definitely we went for a massage. Tips for cheaper massage price is to go between 12noon - 3pm (consider as off-peak time) You may get discount about $1 - $2 from normal price. We had foot massage/body massage + manicure for $7. It was awesome after all the cycling and walking on the day before.

Pub Street (once I told the tuk tuk driver, Temple Street. Silly me!)

Its a stretch of pubs & international cuisine restaurant along Pub street. You can find Mexican, Italian, French, English & Irish pub/restaurant here. If you are looking for Khmer traditional cuisine, explore the alley behind Pub street. We spend three nights just hanging around Pub street (tgk mat salleh mabuk are very entertaining indeed). Drinks are cheap here. For eg: local draught beer during happy hour is selling from USD0.50. Cocktail from USD1.50. Coke and such sold at USD1. For USD5, you could get a decent meal & drinks. One of the pub, the Red Piano is famous for its Tomb Raider Cocktail which was initiated by Angelina Jolie while shooting Tomb Raider back in 2000.

The ride back to Siem Reap international airport are complimentary from our hostel. Unfortunately, i don't get to see our kacak, tampan & macho tuk tuk driver, Panga for the last time before heading back to reality. Our flight REP - KUL is ETD 0835.

USD 8 per night per person in Golden Mango Inn Hostel

USD20 for a one day pass into Angkor

USD11 entry fee into Cambodian Cultural Village

USD2 per tuk tuk each time to get back to hostel from town

USD25 airport tax fee

Part 1 : Saigon
Part 2 : Pnom Penh

Vietnam & Cambodia : Saigon (Pt1)

Flight AK880 KUL - SGN (ETD 0910). The one way ticket only cost me RM35 when I bought 8 months earlier (really loves the tag price when Airasia do their zero ticket fare sale).

0730 hours reached LCCT (international check-in counter opens two hours before and closes 45 minutes before boarding time). Now travelers can opt to wrap their check-in luggage at the airport for a small fee (RM10 per bag). The lady at the counter was polite & being very helpful towards us. She helped us to reduced all our check-in fee from RM80 to RM60.

The flight went well and reached Saigon at 1035 local time (-1 hour difference with Kuala Lumpur). Immigration was fine, despite of the officer in charge 'ketat' face. Approached one of the taxi booth (we decide to get a taxi instead of hoping on the bus 152) and was given a markup price of USD10 for one trip to our guesthouse which located in district 1. No way that we are paying that much for a taxi. As we walked a way, the lady again approached us offering USD7. Much better bargain and we walked to our taxi. The airport was clean & clear from any 'ulats'.

Scary road of Saigon! We were on the right side of the road (Malaysians drive on the left). Motorcycles are everywhere! 30 minutes later, we reached Ngoc Thao Guesthouse. Complimentary welcome drinks. The staff helped us to buy Saigon - Pnom Penh bus ticket (USD12) and booked Cu Chi tunnel tour the next day (USD5).

Freshen up and we start venturing around Saigon. Surprisingly most people get excited when I told them I am from Malaysia. This is due to the fact that we nailed their football team during the recently Suzuki cup match. Congrats to team Harimau Malaya! Went into one of the tailor shops, to make a tailored dress/blouse. A blouse from USD13 & a dress from USD25 (siap overnight!).
We walked towards Ben Thanh Market located about 10minutes walk. Alot of things could be found here (am not in the shopping mood yet) t-shirts, souveniers, food, fabric & jewelry. Its a long walk from Ben Thanh - reunification place - water puppets theatre - and back to our guesthouse. Near to my guesthouse, there is a halal Indian restaurant (had our lunch & dinner there).

Next morning, breakfast served from 0600 - 1000. Had breakfast baguette (the second best baguette I've ever ate) & telur dadar. The tour guide came and pick us up from the guesthouse at about 0745. Journey to Cu Chi tunnel took about hour and a half to reach. We stopped by a handicrafts center for a 20-minutes break. Expensive but amazing piece of arts.

Entrance fee is VND80,000 (USD1 = VND20,000). My tour guide name is Hai. He used to be in the army and lives under the ground inside those tunnel! He brings us around the area. Vietnam people are slim & slender, that is why they can fit into those tiny holes. There is also a bobby-trap exhibition (scary ok!) and a target-shooting range. I was so determined to try one of those bad boy toys. A minimum of 10 bullets per purchase are required. I split the 10bullets with my friend. I Choose to shoot with AK-47 (USD1.50 per LIVE-bullet). The experience was truly new to me. Im glad that I tried (a must do if you step foot into Cu Chu Tunnel). Hai also told us that the lady selling coffee by the entrance was born in that tunnel!

Next to do list is to crawl inside one of those tunnel. The tunnel was about 100m long, the height is barely my height and the width has been widen two times the original size to cater for mat salleh to experience. Those having high-blood pressure, pregnant, cardiac history & claustrophobia are advise not to enter the tunnel at all. It was dark and dusty inside. This is the the moment to see the lights at the end of a tunnel.

We were also served with ubi rebus (tapoica) there. The half day tour ended at about 1330 and by 1500 we were back in town. Hunt for good halal Vietnamese food, and we manage to stumble upon Un-Halal restaurant within walking distance from our guesthouse. As expected, plenty Malaysians was having later lunch here. We order egg rolls, beef noodle soup, fried egg noodle seafood & grilled beef noodle. AWESOME~~~

Weren't able to go to the night market near Ban Thanh area due to all the tailors appointment. If you are looking for cheap affordable rejected backpacks (deuter & the north face) Saigon is the place. U can bargain a 30L TNF for below USD8! There is also TNF goretex windbreaker, but you must inspected the inner part weather it is sealed-tape or not. The most promising TNF goretex I've seen having the price of USD60 (about RM190).

Budget :

USD7 per taxi from airport to town district 1

USD5 per person Cu Chi tunnel tour (guides & return transport)

USD4 (80,000VND) Cu Chi entrance fee per person

USD10.50 per person per night @ Ngoc Thao Guesthouse, District 1 (breakfast included)

USD12 per person bus ticket Saigon - Pnom Penh

Our bus to Pnom Penh was at 0900 ETD on 31.1.2011.

Part 2 : Pnom Penh
Part 3 : Siem Reap