tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9235684076985955772024-03-05T19:16:47.356+08:00For Your InformationUseful things about Penang and Malaysia you'd never have know / you'd find useful.
Man Suranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247783563975048209noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923568407698595577.post-85898376371246095072020-04-19T00:51:00.000+08:002020-04-19T01:01:05.895+08:00Journey into Parenthood Again<b>Part 1 </b><br />
Yes again. The first journey was 8 years ago. And here I am, back to diaper duty. Finding some time to blog while watching Mandalorian.<br />
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Now our New Born (NB) is 4 months 2 weeks old. Obviously, many questions come about if you are an attentive reader:<br />
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1. 8 years is a decently long gap.<br />
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2. Why wait? Why 8 years.?<br />
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Many reasons, but in hindsight, having an elder brother who was just turning 8 when Baby K was born has its benefits. He is at an age where he can understand and appreciate having a baby sibling (though he initially was hoping for a baby brother who would be interested in superheroes). He has been and is super caring for his little sister after getting over that. And I think probably the lil sister will follow suit in his interest in superheroes.<br />
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8 years has also given us a time gap to re-look at things, be more open and an opportunity to be more informed on ‘babying’. Even hospitals have changed for the better, they are more pro mummy and baby, take more effort to encourage breast-feeding and rooming in. Yes, as short as 8 years ago, these things were rather un-common in many a private hospital, for example the policy to encourage rooming in with mummy was un-heard of (at least for me).<br />
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This time around we wanted to ensure that we were be better informed and and better understood birthing. See before this, the books we read were on how to care for the NB, not much on how to prepare for the birthing. Yes, most books cover what to do once the baby is discharged from the hospital, yet lack the much-needed info on preparing ourselves for birthing, what to do in the birthing ward, how to prepare for the delivery and what to do immediately after the delivery.<br />
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Antenatal classes do cover some aspects but are generally more to preparing for the post-natal, for example on breast feeding, which don’t get me wrong is equally important. But have you ever wondered how best to prepare yourself for one of the most eventful and memorable (and probably challenging) occasions in your life – yes, your child’s birth itself. To many of us, it has been regimented into us that basically child birth is:<br />
<ol type="1">
<li>Confirming the pregnancy via a home test kit</li>
<li>Going to the hospital where the doctor will either provide another test kit or directly do an ultrasound</li>
<li>Some additional steps that are useful and important in their own manner<ol>
<li>Register with your nearest Klinik Kesihatan to get a very comprehensive pre-natal care</li>
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<li>Get the little one in mummy’s tummy and mum insured for any pregnancy complications, congenital diseases or post-delivery complications. <a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=601118953997" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Click here for any queries</a></li>
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<li>Getting to the hospital in time by recognizing the signs - membrane release [rupture of the amniotic sac (the water breaks)] or having surges</li>
<li>Differentiating Braxton hicks and real surges</li>
<li>Having your Birthing bag ready</li>
<li>Rushing to the hospital.</li>
<li>Handing over the process to the hospital, doctor and nurses.</li>
<li>If you are the adventurous hubby then you’ll be in the Birthing ward, and likely stay there and not pass out.</li>
<li>Likely decide or be encouraged to consider epidural or some sort of pain killer and then as can’t feel the surges (contraction), maybe consider to take oxytocin. Though less likely if you’re giving birth in a Government Hospital.</li>
<li>Be encouraged to consider Caesarean maybe.</li>
<li>Hopefully InsyaAllah all goes well. Baby is born, cord is clamped immediately (maybe doc takes stem cell if you opt for Stem Cell Storage)</li>
<li>Let you briefly look and hold the baby, perform any religious prayer (e.g. Azan)</li>
<li>They then quickly take baby away, then mummy and daddy wait anxiously.</li>
<li>After what seems for an eternity, bring baby back, nicely wrapped and cleaned.</li>
<li>Mummy breast feeds baby.</li>
<li>Take baby out and put in nursery.</li>
<li>Repeat 14-17 and maybe transfer to normal ward.</li>
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So is there a different way or approach to this? Yes, I have learnt and experienced a better way for our journey into parenthood, a gentler way if I may, which is <a href="https://fyi-penang.blogspot.com/2020/04/journey-into-parenthood-part-2.html">Part 2</a>. <br />
<!-- /wp:paragraph --><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Man Suranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247783563975048209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923568407698595577.post-43714195938275537392020-04-19T00:50:00.002+08:002020-04-20T11:07:58.623+08:00Journey into Parenthood Part 2<!-- wp:paragraph -->
Continued from <a href="https://fyi-penang.blogspot.com/2020/04/journey-into-parenthood-again.html">Part 1</a><br />
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<a href="https://bertakaful.com/journey-into-parenthood-again/https://fyi-penang.blogspot.com/2020/04/journey-into-parenthood-again.html">Part 1</a> talks about the 18 steps we typically have regimented into us for birthing. So, is that all that there is to child birthing?<br />
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You might say mostly, and some might say don’t forget breathing. Actually, there is much more to know, understand and experience in child birthing. This is where the term Gentle Birthing comes in. Some refer to it as Hypno Birthing (I’ll explain later why). The bottom line is our right and responsibility in educating ourselves on the child-birthing process, all the terminologies, understanding our options and making well informed decisions.<br />
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I’m an engineer by study and spent many years of my life as an engineer, so science works best for me. Follow the medicine book and go back to step 1-18 of my previous post. Leave it to the sciences, doctors and hospitals. They know best and do this on a daily basis.<br />
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My journey into understanding birthing started from a 1-day seminar (Boot Camp) organized by <a href="http://www.babywithbee.com/">Baby with Bee</a>. I went - obviously because my wife had signed us up. My wife came to know of this Boot Camp from my son’s parkour buddy’s mum, Ruz; who happens to be a Hypnobirthing instructor. <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">You can reach Ruz at 017-8806061 or </span><a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=60178806061" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank">What'sApp</a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> her to get more info.</span> She invited us to join the upcoming Boot Camp as we were looking for Antenatal classes that met our requirements. And the event was free. One more thing – for our first kid we didn’t get an opportunity to sign up for an ante-natal class, as work required traveling and we couldn’t find a suitable timing of classes to work around it. We did read a lot though. So, I wanted to do it better this time around. And why not start of with a free Boot Camp.<br />
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The term gentle birthing or Hypnobirthing was rather confusing for me. After the boot camp, one thing came to mind for me to consider – it made sense that child birth is generally not a medical emergency or complication. It is just natural. It is <strong>not </strong>easy nor a breeze, but in most cases, it is not necessary something you’d deem as a medical emergency. Among others HypnoBirthing is about mummy getting herself into a deep relaxed, relaxed, limp state. Read the <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/08/12/hypnobirth.pregnancy/index.html">CNN article here</a>.<br />
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What hit me hardest in the boot camp is that there <strong>are</strong> <strong>many</strong> successful birthings (deliveries) in hospitals that were very pro natural, mummy and baby friendly, with minimal intervention. It was really an eye opener, as seldom does gentle birthing get much attention. Gentle birthing is one of those things that you have to read about or hear about from a friend, and not something you'd come across in your hospital's delivery options. Birthing doesn’t necessarily have to be like in TV series or movies – yes you know what I mean.<br />
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Two things also resonated with me so much:<br />
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1. Mummies managed to give birth with minimum or no screaming (and without any pain killer or anaesthetic). They were calmer, had a better birthing environment, a birth partner and had good breathing techniques among others.<br />
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2. Babies have a natural instinct to crawl up from mummies tummies to mummies breast and look and suckle for milk.<br />
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So, what was our next step? We signed up for the HypnoBirthing classes, the package was for 10 sessions. To be clear – this were really birthing classes, i.e. how to prepare for the immediate pre-birth, birth and immediate post birth, yeah not your normal antenatal class how to feed and bath baby.<br />
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<a href="https://fyi-penang.blogspot.com/2020/04/hypnobirthing-gentler-way.html">Part 3</a> will cover how we found the classes, and some key takeaways from the classes. <br />
<!-- /wp:paragraph --><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Man Suranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247783563975048209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923568407698595577.post-39764168588668188872020-04-19T00:49:00.002+08:002020-04-20T11:05:46.730+08:00HypnoBirthing - The Gentler Way Part 3<b>Part 3 </b><br />
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<a href="https://fyi-penang.blogspot.com/2020/04/journey-into-parenthood-again.html">Part 1</a> starts of with what many of us are familiar with in Birthing and we we normally do in preparing for our latest addition to the family. </div>
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<a href="https://fyi-penang.blogspot.com/2020/04/journey-into-parenthood-part-2.html">Part 2</a> covers our journey again, understanding that there are better options and alternatives to birthing, and ways to being better prepared. Part 3 (this post) covers our actual learning and the tremendous knowledge we gained in the understanding of HypnoBirthing through the classes. Firstly, no, it's not a class about hypnosis. Read on.<br />
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Signing up for the Hypnobirthing session with <a href="http://www.babywithbee.com/">BabywithBee</a> was pretty simple and straight forward. The classes you’ll join mostly depend on your location, where different instructors cover different areas. Lucky for us, closest to us was Ampang, which was Ruz’s class. She was also one of the speakers during the Boot Camp.<br />
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Is this the blog post where I share in details the 5 sessions that we went through? Well if I do that; basically I would be conducting the gentle birthing classes wouldn’t I? Firstly for some of us out there (myself included) - for the sum of money you’re putting in, some will ask "Is it worth it"? To me, IF you want to be more informed when you go see your O&G , if you want to have a clear plan on the birthing, and if you want to know what are your rights and what is scientifically a fact or otherwise, if you want to have a more memorable and smoother, calmer birth, yes it is a well worth investment. In analogy, if you would be investing and spending an amount in taking a certification course for your career, wouldn’t investing in this very eventful occasion (your child’s birth) be a good investment? I’ll not go through each session here, but here’s some of the key learnings for me and how it worked out on D-day: </div>
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<li>Helped us stay calmer overall </li>
<li>It helped us understand and practice better breathing techniques - Different techniques are applied at different stages of birthing </li>
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<li>It has helped the partner / husband provide the much-needed support to be the core backbone to the mummy in delivery - </li>
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<li>Yes, like it or not, many husbands are really unsure what is expected of them in the delivery room. If you go by what you see on TV, mostly it is to tell your wife PUSH, and hold her hand until u cannot tahan (can’t stand it) anymore. </li>
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<li>Understand that most pregnancies don’t need much intervention. </li>
<li>Understand things like episiotomy and other birthing terminology – and yes you want to understand this and discuss with your doctor if things like this are really necessary. Tears lead to tears. Intentionally or not. </li>
<li>Come up with a birth plan, one that we actually understood and believed in. </li>
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<li>Equipped with our own self-customized birth plan, we discussed with our O&G doctor, and were more well planned going into delivery. </li>
<li>We also shared the birth plan with the nurses in the delivery ward, and they acknowledged it. </li>
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<li>It helped us talk to the doctor better during our visits, knowing what to ask, what to expect and how to manage expectations. </li>
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<li>When you are more well informed, your doctor will also respond better to you as they appreciate and acknowledge that you have done your homework. </li>
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<li>Helped us understand what to look for in a doctor, and to be upfront with doctors on your expectations. </li>
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<li>We were recommended to quite a few doctors, but all doctors are different - what we’ve come to understand is that all doctors have different perspective and approach to gentle birthing. You’ll need to sync up your birth plan with your doctor and see what items the doctor is agreeable to and otherwise. Nothing fancy, but things like delayed cord clamping. Different docs will respond differently. </li>
<li>It is best to iron out these things early on, so as to avoid frustration during the actual birthing. This also gives you enough time to find your most preferred doctor. We actually met around 4 O&Gs before settling for the one we were most comfortable with. </li>
<li>On a side note, though all the O&Gs were from private hospitals, their consultation rates and final bill per visit differed amazingly a lot. </li>
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It is also important to evaluate the hospital. One way is to visit the delivery ward and talk to the nurses. Ask them about things like room-ing in, and based on their response you’ll know whether the hospital and their staff are pro-natural or not. See what messages and pictures are posted on the walls to get a feel of the birthing and post-natal culture there. <br />
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And if you’re like me; being a rather calculative person, you might ask, why not just google and read up about Hypnobirthing or Gentle Birthing. Some things are better left to be ‘learnt’ from a person. The sessions included guided practice, discussions, brain storming and also sharing of experience and ideas. Ruz herself gave birth using Hypnobirthing, so she can also relate very well based on her own experience. And I guess every parent (to-be) joining the session already has done some amount of reading, so all of us will have our unique questions to be answered.<br />
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In summary, when it mattered most – i.e. during the Birthing, we were more well-structured, calm and knew what to expect during every stage of Birthing. Yes, even when you are already in the delivery ward, there are stages in the birthing, and with knowledge and newly gained confidence, you will know how to adapt to and manage each stage better. We knew how to talk to and respond to medical suggestions and options. And kudos to the hospital staff as they went all out and were very supportive towards gentle birthing. They went along the birth plan and worked together with us to keep us on the path of a more gentle and calm birthing experience for mummy, daddy, and baby.<br />
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We were very happy with Ruz’s sessions, she is well informed and good in parting knowledge and explaining. <a href="https://fyi-penang.blogspot.com/2020/04/what-happens-after-birth.html">Part 4</a> talks about what happens immediately after the birth. You can reach Ruz at 017-880 6061 or <a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=60178806061" target="_blank">What'sApp</a> her.<br />
<br />Man Suranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247783563975048209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923568407698595577.post-76009687374598203422020-04-19T00:48:00.000+08:002020-04-19T15:01:19.459+08:00What happens after the birth Part 4We covered birthing in <a href="https://bertakaful.com/hypnobirthing-the-gentler-way/">Part 3</a>. Now the next phase - Immediately after birthing. <br />
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<strong>After the Birthing</strong><br />
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The phase immediately after Birthing is an important stage for bonding, not only between mummy and baby, but for daddy as well. Yes, this is a crucial time for mummy and daddy to bond with baby. Science has shown New Borns (NBs) have a strong sense of smell and they will recognize and remember the first smells. So, whose smell and what smells would you like your precious NB to first smell, remember and bond to?<br />
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For our case, the doctor and staff gave our precious healthy baby to mummy immediately once she came out of the birth canal (yes that’s what they call it). Other procedures like wiping off baby and weighing were done later. And what happened when mummy needed some rest, did they quickly cart baby to the nursery? No, they offered and we asked, that baby be left with daddy to allow for more skin to skin. Yes, even daddy and baby should have some skin to skin.<br />
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<strong>Going to the maternity ward</strong><br />
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Once mum has rested, as per norm, mummy and baby are moved to the maternity ward. How do you plan out the few days in the maternity ward? Where do you leave your baby? How about when your baby has to go for his or her immunization, what do you do? How about Vitamin K?<br />
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Yes, there’s lots to learn and lots to cover. Starting from pre-birth, how to prepare yourself, your spouse, your children. How to talk to your doctor, what to consider in choosing a doctor and hospital. And when the moment occurs, what are the dos and don’t. What are the signs. Yes, there is even a sign and time when most mummies will insist on an epidural, yet you will know and be able to comfort mummy that it’s no longer required (or even allowed) as baby is nearly here. And what to do immediately after birthing?<br />
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Was it all worth it for me? Yes, even as a parent with 1 kid, the journey into parenthood (Rev2) was definitely well worth it, and more fulfilling as we were more prepared and informed. <br />
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<strong>What's Next</strong>?<br />
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So what's next after this (or actually before). For me, many things, among others<br />
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<li><a href="https://fyi-penang.blogspot.com/2020/04/getting-mummy-and-baby-protected-during.html">Protecting mummy and baby</a></li>
<li>Planning out post delivery - confinement, pantang food, post-natal massage (urut pantang)</li>
<li>Follow up check-ups</li>
<li>Jaundice (kuning)</li>
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I'll continue writing and cover more of the above in coming posts. Follow this website or check-in again soon. <br />
<!-- /wp:paragraph --><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Man Suranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247783563975048209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923568407698595577.post-35871906785158107162020-04-19T00:47:00.002+08:002020-04-20T11:16:43.720+08:00Getting mummy and baby protected during pre-birth Part 5<!-- wp:paragraph -->
In <a href="https://fyi-penang.blogspot.com/2020/04/what-happens-after-birth.html">Part 4</a> I talked about the Immediately upon Delivery Stage, i.e. likely your last stage before heading back home with +1 (or more). One of the checklists in your pregnancy should be to consider taking up an insurance or takaful policy for your coming new born and mummy. Yes, at first thought, why would anyone want to take up an insurance policy very early on?<br />
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Just a couple of weeks ago, I got a query from a parent whose child was born with a cleft lip (<em>sumbing</em>), and asked if she can take a policy to cover for that. I had to be frank with her, that generally in Malaysia, insurance policies will not cover existing illness or situations. So, in a nutshell considering what a pre-born policy covers to what you’d pay in premiums, generally the benefits do outweigh the costs. One of the main reason to take a a pre-birth policy is to cover the coming New Born for congenital conditions and mummy for pregnancy care benefits. <br />
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What are these so-called congenital conditions? Basically, a condition present at birth regardless of its cause or simply called a birth defect. An example that many of us might have heard of is a cleft lip. However, there are quite a few conditions that you would want to get your coming baby to be covered for:<br />
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<li>Ventricular Septal Defect (<em>Jantung Berlubang</em>, hole in the heart at the Ventricle)</li>
<li>Atrial Septal Defect (<em>Jantung Berlubang</em>, hole in the heart at the Atria)</li>
<li>Tetralogy of Fallot (a combination of four congenital abnormalities in the heart. The four defects include a ventricular septal defect (VSD), pulmonary valve stenosis, a misplaced aorta and a thickened right ventricular wall (right ventricular hypertrophy))</li>
<li>Transposition of Great Vessels (abnormal spatial arrangement of any of the great vessels) – basically the great vessels in the heart got transposed / swapped in position</li>
<li>Coarctation of the Aorta (the aorta in the heart is narrow)</li>
<li>Infantile Hydrocephalus (Water in the brain - Frequency. 1.5 per 1,000 babies). Hydrocephalus is a condition in which an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) occurs within the brain.<ul>
<li>Children often have a full life span if hydrocephalus is caught early and treated. Infants who undergo surgical treatment to reduce the excess fluid in the brain and survive to age 1 will not have a shortened life expectancy due to hydrocephalus.</li>
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<li>Cerebral Palsy (a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood)</li>
<li>Spina Bifida (a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don't form properly) – remember doctor giving Folic Acid?</li>
<li>Cleft Lip with/without Cleft Palate</li>
<li>Congenital Cataract (clouding of the lens of the eye that is present at birth)</li>
<li>Congenital Deafness</li>
<li>Anal atresia (congenital defect in which the opening of the <em>anus</em> is absent or misplaced)</li>
<li>Oesophageal Atresia (a baby's <em>oesophagus</em> (the tube through which food passes from the mouth to the stomach). The upper part of the <em>oesophagus</em> doesn't connect with the lower <em>oesophagus</em> and stomach.)</li>
<li>Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia</li>
<li>Tracheo-oesophageal Fistula (is an abnormal connection (fistula) between the oesophagus and the trachea)</li>
<li>Down's Syndrome</li>
<li>Retinopathy of Prematurity (eye disease that can happen in premature babies. It causes abnormal blood vessels to grow in the retina, and can lead to blindness)</li>
</ul>
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Remember again that once there are any signs of the above or once baby is diagnosed, you cannot get coverage anymore. So, to me, that is the MAIN reason to get pre-birth cover.<br />
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Every year, 7.9 million infants (approximately 6 percent of babies worldwide) are born with serious abnormalities. These can be related to the anatomy (such as clubfoot or cleft lip), chromosomal abnormalities (such as Down syndrome – Trisomy 21) or biochemical/genetic mutations (such as sickle-cell disease) – <em>Source <a href="https://www.ntperi.com/conditions/birth-defects">https://www.ntperi.com/conditions/birth-defects</a></em><br />
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Currently Prudential offers coverage for your baby in tummy starting from 14 gestational weeks onwards, and covers mummy for pregnancy care (coverage for possible pregnancy complications). Note that there is a cut off, i.e. you can apply for this policy up to around 35weeks of pregnancy. After that, you'll have to wait till baby is born and not be able to get certain coverage like congenital illness and pregnancy complications. So best give it some deep thought and decide a little early, as all pre-born policies will need a simple report from your O&G which could take a few more weeks or even a month to get from your doctor. Drop a comment or just What’s App at 011-1895 3997 or <a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=601118953997">click here to What’s App</a> if you would like to get more information.<br />
<!-- /wp:paragraph --><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Man Suranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247783563975048209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923568407698595577.post-2014668995655014372020-04-04T22:39:00.000+08:002020-04-19T00:44:05.511+08:00Learn Hindi<strong>Learning Hindi Language in Kuala Lumpur (KL), Selangor and Klang Valley Malaysia.</strong> <br />
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Ever wanted to learn a new language? Understand the language of your favorite movies, especially <strong>Bollywood</strong>?<br />
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I myself, besides being a vivid English movie fan, do enjoy watching Hindi movies to a certain extent. My latest favourites would be <em>'Jab We Met'</em> and <em>'You, Me or Hum'</em>. To many Hindi movie lovers, we've seen the movie relying on the subtitles, but then, wouldn't it be nice to understand the dialogs itself? </div>
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So if you're one of those like me who have a liking for the <strong>Hindi Language</strong>, be it because of the beauty of the language, be it because you like Hindi movies, or Hindi Stars, like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, or maybe Katrina Kaif, Kareena Kapoor and Aish. Or you are planning a trip to India, be it Kashmir or to see Taj Mahal. Or maybe have a business and work relationship there. Even maybe you're eager to learn a new language.</div>
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Here is our opportunity to learn this language.</div>
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Read on...</div>
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Based on the picture I got below, Hindi is a widely spoken language in India. It is also one of the National Languages. The light blue shows areas in India where Hindi is widely spoken.</div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242177018735583714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSB8Qg2YhGq7tyoZgg6AD-uqyuxanUyrwFdB9tssrq6DtrdJkiq9msc03CiZZB639C9LRGZUdvcXPKH9sZb-qLzbWaqTFusPDrwGMi3xKY8MrZ0Nviw8PrY0V-W7IMXZxhLPmR4BdhJN8/s400/IndiaLanguageMap.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /> </div>
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<strong>The tutor</strong> offers <strong>Hindi Language classes</strong> to a wide audience, ranging from children to teenagers, and all the way to working adults.<br />
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You can contact 012-4117086 or WhatsApp.. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyr9oUptyOmADBV8MEEK5iKgtK_eUF9zNK7MMxB0OzATE5eSKQHtH5VZjDnntEJnjVJQmBaYdt0T8eOmCULOuM6em31OZAo00v415XJK2yjj000UgVOEhsinp2SWrxWlsjZz-3ZK6cn98/s1600-h/zaminib.JPG"></a></div>
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This entry answers the below question:</div>
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<strong>1. Where do I learn Hindi Language in Penang?</strong></div>
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<strong>2. How do I understand Hindi movies?</strong></div>
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<strong>3. How can I learn a new language?</strong></div>
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<strong>4. How can I translate Hindi songs.</strong></div>
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<strong>5. How do I get learn about Bollywood.</strong><br />
So yes, it's true. Malaysia, Truly Asia, a Melting pot of many cultures. </div>
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ps- Some people locally here, refer to Hindi Language as Hindustan or Hindustani.</div>
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Man Suranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247783563975048209noreply@blogger.com0Klang Valley, Malaysia2.6817337 101.66129341.6669417000000002 100.37040040000001 3.6965257 102.9521864tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923568407698595577.post-66782775302849272842019-01-25T01:07:00.001+08:002019-01-25T01:07:31.616+08:002019 Malaysia Tax ReliefWith the recent budget announcement, one of the key changes to the regime of tax relief was the splitting of EPF / KWSP and Life Insurance into 2 different line items.<br />
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Previously the limitation was that if you earn up to a certain amount, the RM6,000 relief is already fully used up for EPF. This is a downside and discourages people to pursue life insurance (and critical illness to a certain extent).<br />
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<a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2018/11/02/budget-2019-separation-of-tax-relief-good-move-says-liam/" target="_blank">So for 2019 onwards, the Government will put in place a separation into RM4,000 for EPF and RM3,000 for Life Insurance / Takaful.</a> Remember, as far as we are aware, the RM3,000 relief for medical and / or education insurance / takaful still stands at RM3,000. So in a summary, for year 2019 onwards, even though you have maxed out on your EPF, you can still on average save RM1,440 on your taxes by maximing your insurance / takaful protection. Don't believe ah?<br />
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Well below are the numbers, thanks to a <a href="https://bertakaful.com/" target="_blank">Man Takaful</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoxyjTN0Ct7Z29liT7EUlFrzIgxPhPm8XZRLVpM3FOz-yi6gLf3HrA2-eY_knBPYfFM90q9_5HFcuGD8ZKQW9ZB75mOB1J36uZC_cnczoPKUrQmJ4Kyiq7k619NqScv7igw5jlUmbzkI/s1600/LHDN+2019+Tax+Relief+Savings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="651" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoxyjTN0Ct7Z29liT7EUlFrzIgxPhPm8XZRLVpM3FOz-yi6gLf3HrA2-eY_knBPYfFM90q9_5HFcuGD8ZKQW9ZB75mOB1J36uZC_cnczoPKUrQmJ4Kyiq7k619NqScv7igw5jlUmbzkI/s400/LHDN+2019+Tax+Relief+Savings.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So yes, it goes back to which bracket of income you are in. So you can use the same approach but change the percentage value to see in essence how much do you save. In reality your total coverage / protection shouldn't solely be dictated by maximizing your income tax relief, but more so understand you and your family's current needs, medical, life, what ifs; e.g. can't work for 1 year, and also future anticipated needs, e.g. coverage at older age.<br />
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If you need further advice or a quotation, you can try to contact Man Takaful at 011-1895 3997 or <a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=601118953997" target="_blank">what's app</a> him.<br />
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<br />Man Suranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247783563975048209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923568407698595577.post-61251012411356149892018-06-17T02:23:00.001+08:002018-06-17T02:27:16.758+08:00Malaysia 2018 - Post ElectionsWere you effected? Were you impacted by the recent elections. Like it or not, actually many of us were impacted, be it directly or indirectly. One thing I realized, which I knew well about but didn't practice myself is fund switching.<br />
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As many of us either have unit trust investments via our hard earned cash, via EPF or as part of our Investment Linked Insurance Product (ILP) The question is how many of us thought that the results were going to be in favour of PH, and if yes, did we anticipate that in the near short term the markets could fall. Thankfully I managed to sell of some of my funds, which was decent timing as the market was high right before the elections. But I had still had a decent amount especially in my ILP Insurance funds.<br />
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Here's an example of a comparison between the performance of equity heavy funds vs bond or money market fund performance during a market downturn which we are currently (as of Jun 2018) going through.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYAfKPJxqRuOoJHGqus_i_XzHSPROK_Lt2iYXfburDwaSZsJJBVTiD8ZyQ_W-GNl8mhGSQq78emHAa2vxiw-UwKGk0i7tGA3KdiKXnPWF4BBm7WaAE5yHZTbyeCnTBftsue-ZAWyswKg/s1600/Fund+performance.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="1027" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYAfKPJxqRuOoJHGqus_i_XzHSPROK_Lt2iYXfburDwaSZsJJBVTiD8ZyQ_W-GNl8mhGSQq78emHAa2vxiw-UwKGk0i7tGA3KdiKXnPWF4BBm7WaAE5yHZTbyeCnTBftsue-ZAWyswKg/s400/Fund+performance.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As you can see, give it a guess. The red and green line are Malaysia equity heavy funds. Where as the Black Line has been going up steadily during this 'tough' time of market drop. The black line is AMB Income Trust fund is a fixed income fund. Generally over long periods of time, equity funds do outperform fixed income funds, BUT if you time it decently enough, and use the free switching facility provided by your unit trust company, you should be able to maximize your returns, OR at least, minimize your risk when you could anticipate market volatility. This concept should work for other fund managers as well. Please double check. </div>
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Why is this important, especially in your investment link insurance? The reason is, it is from this investment account $$ that will be used to pay for your premiums at a later stage when we age as our premiums get more expensive. If you are looking for someone who can guide you further and give you perspective on how best to make your insurance selection including fund selection, try <a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=601118953997">WhatsAp'ing here.</a></div>
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<br />Man Suranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247783563975048209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923568407698595577.post-4803395267113521362016-02-03T15:44:00.001+08:002016-02-20T20:44:08.770+08:00White Rann Kutch<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14N5fG73kTWz4-yZTAvPTJjC4EDoJzaJubGfoiiZhrM6fXMnHsP_FMrjIRkTh9o1eCCADsfbVD5_ESMuCXIjPSWMUw9Pp4_E5Hnn3S51EMlpkafg93oNNJnGQSoZrBVWcGsZ044m-o8E/s2560/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14N5fG73kTWz4-yZTAvPTJjC4EDoJzaJubGfoiiZhrM6fXMnHsP_FMrjIRkTh9o1eCCADsfbVD5_ESMuCXIjPSWMUw9Pp4_E5Hnn3S51EMlpkafg93oNNJnGQSoZrBVWcGsZ044m-o8E/s400/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="400" /></a><br />
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<b>White Rann</b><br />
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This seems to be a natural phenomenon where the salt in winter hardens and turns into salt dessert. From Wikipedia :The Great Rann of Kutch is a seasonal salt marsh located in the Thar Desert in the Kutch District of Gujarat, India and the Sindhprovince of Pakistan. It is about 7,505.22square kilometres (2,897.78 sq mi) in size and is reputed to be the largest salt desert in the world. This area has been inhabited by theKutchi people.<br />
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The name "Rann" comes from the Hindi word <i>ran </i>(रण) meaning "desert".<br />
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<b>Malsi Rann Homestay</b><br />
First night was at <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Hotel_Review-g3382545-d7383267-Reviews-Rann_Home_Stay-Kutch_Gujarat.html" target="_blank">Malsi Rann homestay</a>. You will observe and they will probably share that all the huts are circular shaped. It seemed during the devastating kutch earthquake in 2001. These huts are called Bhunga (<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001_Gujarat_earthquake">https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001_Gujarat_earthquake</a>) and <a href="http://www.world-housing.net/WHEReports/wh100080.pdf">http://www.world-housing.net/WHEReports/wh100080.pdf</a> the circular structures stayed more intact then all the other structures e.g. sharp edges. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sk7FVMjd_3jkkoP-btTJur_Iu2-CPJIiOoF8aoQuNj6VehNQvq3VhdjrU7Xl7WjT03vXPdT4fUF-6TtchByrzkcin-qj7fwqwUP0NaYk5pf1DViM8UwOr0SZ3A1OqP-uT7WAYMHmgzA/s2560/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sk7FVMjd_3jkkoP-btTJur_Iu2-CPJIiOoF8aoQuNj6VehNQvq3VhdjrU7Xl7WjT03vXPdT4fUF-6TtchByrzkcin-qj7fwqwUP0NaYk5pf1DViM8UwOr0SZ3A1OqP-uT7WAYMHmgzA/s640/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
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This seems both observations post-earthquake and advice given by visiting Japanese researchers. You can google a decent amount of literature about this among others <a href="http://conf.idec.org/2012/earthquake-resistant-housing-a-study-of-bhung/">http://conf.idec.org/2012/earthquake-resistant-housing-a-study-of-bhung/</a> does validate this. Traveling is always a good eye opener. The elders thought process might have either been a coincidence or will thought observations and past experience. <br />
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Another interesting thing to note is that the huts walls are mostly made from mud, which works as an excellent climate control in both chilling winter and scorching summer. We stayed there in cold winter and yes the huts were not freezing. Outside the huts was really cold, and the bonfire was a nice warm touch. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3g3vGsyiErMXomCoaKBN401nOKN6V2JnhrQoZhTqLxNVUAIH46EG2FmM8ylPveZRG1HYEeIOnXwF46hmfqiBD9iK1TNFPF1OxJ9X9EMffxDfAy_zCtCvmSDADMOETCChqEoieH6284pA/s2560/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3g3vGsyiErMXomCoaKBN401nOKN6V2JnhrQoZhTqLxNVUAIH46EG2FmM8ylPveZRG1HYEeIOnXwF46hmfqiBD9iK1TNFPF1OxJ9X9EMffxDfAy_zCtCvmSDADMOETCChqEoieH6284pA/s640/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
Also they shared that the roofs were made with dry grass and a layer of plastic below with wood support. Dried grass is a premium here. And guess what the best wood they say is called Malaysia wood. They didn't know specifically which type, we've got a number of famous trees namely Jati, Cengal and even the very eco-friendly Rubber Wood (from rubber trees) <a href="http://www.mtib.gov.my/malaysianwood/">http://www.mtib.gov.my/malaysianwood/</a><br />
Hihi this seems to have turned into some civil engineering geography write up. <br />
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Now to the stay and experience. <b>This was one of the best homestays</b>. They were very hospitable, friendly, sat and chat with us, and prepared some of the best food.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp68BxVhUjG_nOnEeUqQO2IDqEFou8BeAUYMwIc8RlJvuwTu4lbSCOagCofo_3Q1tgrdVynLWKXuGQOpNOQ6pmrp67YcXZDMhAAd82JxqmYATb6cPjO9GIgpDoXonP3FJRzKDsDfbRQFw/s2560/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp68BxVhUjG_nOnEeUqQO2IDqEFou8BeAUYMwIc8RlJvuwTu4lbSCOagCofo_3Q1tgrdVynLWKXuGQOpNOQ6pmrp67YcXZDMhAAd82JxqmYATb6cPjO9GIgpDoXonP3FJRzKDsDfbRQFw/s640/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
At night they make a bonfire and seat around it with you, chit chat and share their stories. They have very strict cultural practices but seem open to outsiders / visitors. <br />
Meals are included in the package. So inform before hand if you require less spicy, as Kutch food does seem to on the spicier side. Malsi bhai knows basic English to get around. <br />
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One thing that took me time to understand is that it seems there is a rule of thumb that if your driver comes along for the night, they provide basic accommodation and maybe meals (same for Rajasthan). <br />
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What we did is got a driver for the day, visited a few places and asked to be dropped off at Malsi Rann. But make sure to make prior arrangements with Malsi bhai if he can take you to the white desert for sunrise and then kaloo dungar (Black Hill). Especially true if you took the one night package with Rannutsav which means sunrise and kaloo dungar is not included. Otherwise maybe take a driver for two days. We initially opted for one night at Rannutsav due to it being way to expensive. And things turned out for the better as we experienced Malsi Rann. Even our driver initially thought we were making things complicated but it was all worth it. <br />
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One question that comes up is it necessary to do both Sunrise and Sunset. If you have some spare time and cash yes well worth it.<br />
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Do note there seems to be two main areas for viewing / experiencing the
white dessert and Malsi Rann took us to another one compared to
Rannutsav organizers. The one Malsi took us had a better overall open
and vast uncivilized view, but you couldn't walk way to far as the salt
started getting soft, like quick sand. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQK4HWIFUe-vEIKm5kEzy3Mi_s2ri08Xrg84gUgXj98SS2IfIlE4EXLUWK0iZykJ9-5YynWa9ZTfXj6IE_03Bjpqpetx4blVqX9sf1POkH7R-4DPX0sp7EVb-qt5Toj_VR8BzbSANNNRs/s2560/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQK4HWIFUe-vEIKm5kEzy3Mi_s2ri08Xrg84gUgXj98SS2IfIlE4EXLUWK0iZykJ9-5YynWa9ZTfXj6IE_03Bjpqpetx4blVqX9sf1POkH7R-4DPX0sp7EVb-qt5Toj_VR8BzbSANNNRs/s640/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a></div>
But the pictures and view are better - you judge. But this spot might not be suitable for larger crowds.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBLD3O6kr_3Odq-mWToOj8PDFwzhA8OgEakTBWNAxq2vJTUP-gOD9oTVbHWWtHoE9epjFHVADTJx8EW_0qVI_PHcjsrRdttayaF7XpiuxCwkxERQQAlMFXaoNvtRo-QtHUGV2Sx2GOP8/s2560/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBLD3O6kr_3Odq-mWToOj8PDFwzhA8OgEakTBWNAxq2vJTUP-gOD9oTVbHWWtHoE9epjFHVADTJx8EW_0qVI_PHcjsrRdttayaF7XpiuxCwkxERQQAlMFXaoNvtRo-QtHUGV2Sx2GOP8/s640/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
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Rannutsav took us to a slightly different spot which was beautiful but there were too many structures like tents, fences that spoils the view. I'm not sure if this obstructions are a norm or was there to an event they were hosting at that time (Gujarat chief minister visit). <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguca_zoMaNJ5WbQi_JOTLszn3L3KhpCd2iDvNCN6pLFaCzUptg5IcZefMoXPKHax8R30G9Yg10-DubR7NXmVveCfydA09aOrcwf1LDoYivOy_9nDmsVPctVfSpwaLEFPdtodsWMSus4tA/s2560/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguca_zoMaNJ5WbQi_JOTLszn3L3KhpCd2iDvNCN6pLFaCzUptg5IcZefMoXPKHax8R30G9Yg10-DubR7NXmVveCfydA09aOrcwf1LDoYivOy_9nDmsVPctVfSpwaLEFPdtodsWMSus4tA/s640/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
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Getting a vast open view with the sun on one side and the moon on the other is something. <br />
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<a href="http://www.rannutsav.com/" target="_blank">Rannutsav</a> does offer good cultural shows and a fare of locally crafted goods. But staying only one night would limit your time. WIFI coverage was limited only to the main area and intermittent. No wifi at lodging camps.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOggMmV0CBLIlCIUbRKojWAvCmgGjdPEVHYJ5B7moFEr8mkT7XRIHcJxFXGJzz5h7h77U2DwcTDx3bvaiYcnObtlk61OH1D0pZAap0nnV87QwKjFLTaboF8JqBTC3hcMahndmdnM6S5Go/s2560/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOggMmV0CBLIlCIUbRKojWAvCmgGjdPEVHYJ5B7moFEr8mkT7XRIHcJxFXGJzz5h7h77U2DwcTDx3bvaiYcnObtlk61OH1D0pZAap0nnV87QwKjFLTaboF8JqBTC3hcMahndmdnM6S5Go/s640/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
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Though the event was overall well organised, I found it difficult to get email responses. Calling probably would have yielded better results if you are already in India. One of the things they are not clear about is around what time will you be dropped off at either the Railway Station or the Airport. So what I've figured so far is of you skip the complimentary sight seeing during drop off you could reach the train station at 1pm. Not sure how far is airport. If you are returning via bus then you'll have to take the auto rickshaw to the bus stand. If you go for the 3 complimentary sites namely Aina Mahaal, Sri Swami Narayanan temple and the art craft Bhujodi, maybe by 3.30pm. <br />
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All in all kudos to the Gujrat Tourism, organisers and all.</div>
Man Suranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247783563975048209noreply@blogger.com0(23.798208 69.5057)23.798208 69.5057tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923568407698595577.post-15632468763484830892016-02-03T11:53:00.001+08:002016-02-03T11:53:31.226+08:00Kashmir<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Day 2-6<br/>
Kashmir Day2-6<br/>
Mostly entry into kashmir is via Srinagar and Jammu mostly. I think people who want to visit Hindu temples mostly enter through Jammu. If you're more info just the view and snow enter through srinagar airport. <br/>
Note as far as I know all foreign sim cards will not work in kashmir (yes even if you have enabled roaming). Even prepaid cards bought outside this area in India will not work. So plan accordingly your meet up with your host / guide. We were lucky that our guide made it convenient for us to contact him. <br/>
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There is a foreigner registration counter after you pick up your luggage. Registration here doesn't seem strongly enforced especially if you are 'indian looking'.. I'm not sure the reason for registration, likely just for precautionary safety. <br/>
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Heading back to airport <br/>
When you arrived and being driven out likely got world notice a long que coming to the airport. The entry to the airport area has security check points, so plan ample time. Some suggest 4 hours. Here it is something like land border crossing where you have to alight from your car and put your luggage into the x-ray machine and security check. Again this is prior to entry to the airport compound. <br/>
<br/>
All airports in India will require to see your booking and photo ID prior to entry<br/>
<br/>
We checked out two hotels at Srinagar, namely Centre Point and Hotel Royal Batoo. Didn't notice much on tripadvisor for Centre Point but it is definitely value for money. They have central heating which they turn on at nights and in mornings. Noticed even Royal Batoo does not on the central heating in mornings. <br/>
If you go for Centre Point suggest get with the breakfast option (and maybe dinner if you don't want to walk out). The breakfast is really good. Try the masala omelette. <br/>
Both hotels also have shower heaters (commonly called geezers here). <br/>
<br/>
Choose to visit pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonmarg or all. The most commercialised one with the cable car is xxxx. <br/>
<br/>
Seasons for visiting. The least visited is didn't winter. I guess it's too cold and got can't enjoy the beautiful gardens and blooming flowers. The good thing about visiting in winter is it is less crowded, so you can negotiate better guide and hotel rates. But if you are not local probably do all your negotiations with a good reference on pricing first or pre negotiate with hotels before arrival. Remember got won't have data to check rates online once you arrive.<br/>
<br/>
We got a pretty good driver overall. He owner himself took us around the first few days and did a splendid job. He shared a number of tips to navigate the tourist taps and rates Somehow mid way he deployed his worker to take us around, whose service was just average. So besides getting a good company it is equally important to get a good designated driver. <br/>
<br/>
Interesting either it is hard to get money changers in kashmir or it is not common info. Our foreign credit card and atm card did work at one of the HDFC ATM. Initial try at J&K bank to no avail. <br/>
<br/>
One of the main itinerary for tourist is the boat ride on dal lake. I think it's really worth it if you want to re-live Hindi film scenes. Personally I'd give it a skip of you've have boat ride before.</div>Man Suranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247783563975048209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923568407698595577.post-75672350520744051202016-01-19T02:50:00.001+08:002016-01-19T04:00:48.743+08:00Delhi day 1<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Here begins 2015 Trip to India.<br />
<br />
Arrived at Indira Ghandhi International Airport, New York, I mean New Delhi. Nowadays it is a little easier to get a prepaid phone sim again. There were 3 booths at Terminal 3 where international flights arrive. Airtel, vodafone and aircel. If you are travelling in cities then coverage should be good for all. But if you are travelling to more remote places e.g. like Kutch, Vodafone works better. <br />
<br />
I bought a prepaid sim. It takes around 4 hours to activate I think (I slept and next morning it was working). You need to then call an automated interactive number (ivr), key in your last for digits of passport number to activate it. Remember you need to do this from the state that you purchased your sim card I believe.<br />
<br />
For taxi i took the prepaid taxi. Immediately after arrival gate (still inside airport doors next to the Vodafone and aircel counter is the prepaid taxi. There have been mixed reviews on these taxis and don't know if there are better options. I took this, booking was easy seemed honest. Now when u come out had towards the black and yellow cabs and minivans. You'll also see another prepaid booth of the same operator. Easier and less people inside the gates to buy your prepaid taxi coupon. I suggest you get the taxi driver to confirm he knows where to go or at least have the hotel phone number handy.<br />
<br />
My driver didn't give me a positive experience, he asked (very insistingly) to let him wait and pick up other passengers after he drived few hundred meters in front. I had to be firm and said no. They will then <i>act </i>frustrated but will usually take you to the destination. Keyword act. I think they tend to try their luck. <br />
<br />
Arrived at <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Hotel_Review-g297602-d6577185-Reviews-Hotel_Chanakya_Inn-National_Capital_Territory_of_Delhi.html" target="_blank">Chanakya Inn hotel</a>. The front desk manager seemed to have this don't care attitude. Interestingly for hotel reviews <i>in </i>India on Tripadvisor there are a lot of one time reviews that speak either way to positively or negatively of hotels. So it is pretty hard to get real reviews. Anyway after a lot of searching and cross checking reviews on agoda and booking.com (i found booking.com reviews quite unreliable too though they say it is all reviews by actual guest). Maybe the hotel gets someone to book, then refunds their booking and puts on a fake review. <br />
<br />
Anyway that's why I guess blogs are still useful, as it is supported by the credibility of the writers previous posts. So based on my searching I found 2 hotels near the airport that were decently rated. First hotel Delhi Aerocity and secondly hotel Chanakya inn. Aerocity was full so i went with Chanakya Inn, whose rates were better. <br />
<br />
Overall hotel was ok, quite close to airport (both terminal 1 & terminal 3). Bathroom was decent. Bed was ok BUT had stains on sheets.<br />
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<br />
I THINK this is still overall better then some of the other hotels nearby the vicinity if you want to stay near the hotel. Room is basic, and if you don't look too much in detail, it's a nice stay. Interesting I didn't feel very cold in December, though don't think there was heating.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwYnoGwStKC8z_hiJSHjHXFZ3i6Ux1eCw50iSdFtyBnj_CloncEK1XLkrdVtbpSpcBgDHgO2iCeDXT3k2GZDOJDS-bcKPsKzcPVeOYK54-ItvvGUPZHVBQRDNPtlpt-1YlJK5z1kq7t8/s2560/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwYnoGwStKC8z_hiJSHjHXFZ3i6Ux1eCw50iSdFtyBnj_CloncEK1XLkrdVtbpSpcBgDHgO2iCeDXT3k2GZDOJDS-bcKPsKzcPVeOYK54-ItvvGUPZHVBQRDNPtlpt-1YlJK5z1kq7t8/s640/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
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The toilet was surprisingly new and rather clean. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGD5sw-hPbqxg24APk3TPzoBi_c9tt4yQNcaBvQsO4WVWhJtbkK7Yk42t09EEMApK3uVXko9pTygbLTkhLBoSaFkyCri02T8Lh0JntMpkBdFecv5pn4YwKJ-qpVdCy9C6ZuCnQrWJgZFw/s2560/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGD5sw-hPbqxg24APk3TPzoBi_c9tt4yQNcaBvQsO4WVWhJtbkK7Yk42t09EEMApK3uVXko9pTygbLTkhLBoSaFkyCri02T8Lh0JntMpkBdFecv5pn4YwKJ-qpVdCy9C6ZuCnQrWJgZFw/s640/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
Would be nicer if they provided a floor mat or bathroom slippers as your wet feet just stains the room's floor once you come out of the shower.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ43kbMko1uooVv6ZEFSjYQKGwqpNpNt1xbzvxW7DXikVP7Y64NnXUhoi6QAhe4PVvx99TEyGyL1h2cTEuHzQCulqvdUAxM4UH4k0RwCT3pCzW3AZW4zq_NR3z1UMFsFHILjooMbYPj7g/s2560/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ43kbMko1uooVv6ZEFSjYQKGwqpNpNt1xbzvxW7DXikVP7Y64NnXUhoi6QAhe4PVvx99TEyGyL1h2cTEuHzQCulqvdUAxM4UH4k0RwCT3pCzW3AZW4zq_NR3z1UMFsFHILjooMbYPj7g/s640/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
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<br />
They were nice enough to offer me replacement of the morning breakfast as I was checking out before breakfast time. Got nice tea, and butter bread toast. Make sure you negotiate when you check in, and remember the staff's name as the next morning he might not be around. Overall I would say value for money if you need a place to bunk for the night for your next flight. My next flight was around 6am, so I wouldn't risk staying in the city. For longer stays, if you can figure out the metro you might want to consider staying in the city depending on your luggage again. All in all, I think one of the reviews I read sums it up - this is a hotel you'd stay for proximity to airport and for a quick in and out.<br />
<br />
Fare from airport using prepaid taxi was inr200+. The hotel charged inr400 for back to airport early morning . Their car was AC car. I tried checking uber the night before but their surcharge was wayy too high. Didn't check in the morning. <br />
<br />
Headed back to Delhi airport safely. Some notes:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Terminal 1: dedicated mostly for domestic and budget airline. Not sure if there is a booth selling prepaid sim cards.</li>
<ul>
<li>T1D- for departures</li>
<li>T1C - for arrivals</li>
</ul>
<li>Terminal 3: for all international flights. Non budget domestic flights use this terminal. There are 3 prepaid sim card booths.</li>
</ul>
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</div>
Man Suranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247783563975048209noreply@blogger.com0New Delhi, Delhi, India28.5455 77.12312tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923568407698595577.post-34453648463536028542015-10-25T22:20:00.000+08:002015-11-10T22:16:31.843+08:00Pindah Rumah Moving HousesMoving your stuff<br />
<br />
Yes <b>Pindah Rumah</b>. I think most of us here in Malaysia, sooner or later will experience the need to move houses. Not sure if you enjoy it, but to me it's stressful and back-breaking.<br />
<br />
And the options for moving houses generally are broken into a few approaches:<br />
<ol>
<li>DIY - use your own vehicle (or borrow someone's) and do your own moving likely a few trips, and get your friends to help as well.</li>
<li>Hire a basic lorry but you (and your friends or family) do most o the moving, loading, unloading, unwrapping and so on. </li>
<li>Hire a professional moving company to help do it all. Yes, they wrap, package, box it up, load into the lorry, off-load at destination, then unwrap and unbox. </li>
</ol>
<br />
We've moved a couple of times, and this time around we decided to go for option 3 - getting full fledged movers as to minimize stress and back-ache. Yes, moving yourself is tough, and bad for your back especially if you don't practice good posture.<br />
<br />
And this is when I realized there isn't really much info, review or sharings on choosing movers. To sum it up, mostly we are looking for - firstly movers that are professional, will not pull a sour face when doing their job and do it completely, do not damage your possessions and price is right.<br />
<br />
I scouted around mostly reading reviews / comments on Lowyat and also asking friends. Below are the movers I requested for an RFQ (Request for Proposal). I was clear on my needs especially that I want door to door and was very specific on the movers doing ALL the works and providing all the wrapping stuff and boxes.<br />
<br />
My case was also a little unique as I wanted a 'return trip' move, i.e swap things between 2 states.<br />
<br />
Here's the assessment based on my first correspondence (via email or phone). When I sent my email query - I attached as much details (in a word file) of the items I wanted to move - item names, pictures and dimensions if possible. Yes best is to ask them to come to your house to see, however since I wanted to do a pre-qualification and didn't want ALL the moving companies to come one by one, I sent the details via email. <br />
<ul>
<li>R7movers - no reply from my email.</li>
<li>Pindah.com.my - no reply to my email </li>
<li> CMM (Pro) Movers - prompt and fast reply. Overall pricing was good also. I can't recall now why they didn't move to my stage 2 of qualification / vendor selection...hmmm.</li>
<li>Myrelo - quick and prompt reply but was little costly for me. I think their price shot up for the 'return' trip.</li>
<li>Kam Transport - this company was not google-able, and was introduced to it by another mover (that does more of commercial) moving. His rate was mid range not the cheapest, but close to the cheapest. </li>
<li>Kajara Movers http://kajaramovers.com.my/ - This was one of the companies with the best rates. </li>
<li>Subalipack http://subalipack.net/about/subalipack_int.html - Seemed very professional but were little expensive for this move. </li>
</ul>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGPP4hylFyo0dIChh7mcaQz_oe7WaFOETfQP-QoCvef7IAF4EBPFuuU-e3Ptxy_n1ld4eVDa618ajknOkGYHdZJLwXaxbadSXcx-NJjvNeH0jjUO0GCH-DNhrceWcOSvVRpGKXK7K97s/s1600/Pindah+Rumah+Moving+Houses+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGPP4hylFyo0dIChh7mcaQz_oe7WaFOETfQP-QoCvef7IAF4EBPFuuU-e3Ptxy_n1ld4eVDa618ajknOkGYHdZJLwXaxbadSXcx-NJjvNeH0jjUO0GCH-DNhrceWcOSvVRpGKXK7K97s/s320/Pindah+Rumah+Moving+Houses+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lori sudah sampai - this is how large a 3 tonne lorry is</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
So based on the pricing I got, there were 2 main contenders - Kajara Movers and Kam Transport. First reason was pricing. I finally decided on Kam Transport mainly because I was introduced to the owner and dealt directly with him. He sounded professional and I was a little more comfortable since if later I have issues with his worker - I can call the boss directly. Also he was very flexible on my needs as I wanted a return trip, so they come pick up few days earlier, deliver to destination one and return trip deliver on different dayswith no storage chargers. This really made it easy for my, so I didn't need to hurry and scurry, reducing the stress level significantly. <br />
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Overall the stuff was wrapped very nicely, they were not stingy (kedekut) on the wrapping material and bubble wrap. <br />
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<br />
One of the 3 workers, seemed rather knowledge-able and was able to
install and uninstall our washing maching and gas stove quite well, and
was responsive when we highlighted some concerns. <br />
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Some pointers / notes.<br />
<ul>
<li>If you are not moving too many stuff, maybe a 1 tonne lorry might suffice - let the mover assess. </li>
<li>Some movers only have maybe say a 3 tonne lorry so won't quote / suggest a 1 tonne lorry and vis-versa. </li>
<li>Most apartments might not allow anything larger then 3 tonne lorry. </li>
<li>Be very specific that you want the movers to do ALL the works. Remember to tell them to allocate extra boxes / wraps for things you might notice last minute. </li>
<li>Don't pay full. I paid 50% first during pick up, and remaining 50% during final delivery. </li>
<li>Suggest to tip the movers IF they are responsive and meet your needs. </li>
</ul>
Here are some of the contacts for movers. I'm not putting email as bots might fish them. If you want emails, please leave a message and your email address, will email you directly.<br />
Contacts by order of recommendation:<br />
<ol>
<li>Din from Kam Transport 012-2987810</li>
<li>Kajara Movers: 03:41085626</li>
<li>CMM Movers (google) and Subalipack : Farid 019-3815017</li>
</ol>
Good luck. Hopefully my review of moving houses in Malaysia, pindah rumah comes in useful.Man Suranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247783563975048209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923568407698595577.post-89891468612543241752015-07-18T18:08:00.002+08:002015-07-18T18:37:21.767+08:00Proton Iriz and Spec ComparisonNo, let me start with I'm not planning to emulate <a href="http://paultan.org/" target="_blank">PaulTan</a>'s website to review cars. I blog for the passion (when I'm free) and share useful information (at least what I deem useful) that I've spent time coming up with due to personal interest and needs. This entry gives you an analysis comparing the difference between the Proton Iriz models. Prior to making a purchase decision, I tried to look for a good summary of the difference between the models, the Proton website does give a good interface to compare specs between selected models at <a href="http://www1.proton-edar.com.my/en/Models/The%20all%20new%20Proton%20IRIZ/Model%20Pricing%20and%20Specification%20Page.aspx#PRICING%20&%20SPECS" target="_blank">Proton Iriz</a> but it is REALLY a long list of specs, many of which are the same.<br />
<br />
What I'm looking for is a snapshot of the DIFFERENCE to make a purchase decision. Now this is not a complain to Proton but a f/back as I think most car sites have the same limitation. So what I've done is created a simple table outlining the <i><b>difference </b></i>between the models. One wise saying that I read few days back is "what makes a millionaire is someone who recognizes a problem and solves it for everyone". I'm still on the journey to being both an RM millionaire and getting a million hits on this blog.... :P<br />
<br />
So anyway, below is a snap shot of the difference between the Iriz Models. Click to enlarge.<br />
<br />
Firstly this is correct on day of publishing (assuming I didn't make any errors). Price and specs will likely change. <br />
<br />
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<br />
Previously when I've made purchase decisions, I mostly go for the full specs of a car, due to a few reasons:<br />
<ul>
<li>Safety : Only the full specs had airbags and safety features. </li>
<li>Price : Yes though the full specs car is more expensive delta was not huge, and buying a full spec Proton or Perodua is cheaper then buying a low spec foreign car - and (at least specs / feature wise) your full spec Malaysian car will be 'higher' spec'ed than the foreign car (same segment and so on)</li>
</ul>
This time the purchase decision becomes complex, as all IRIZ claim <a href="http://www.aseancap.org/proton-iriz/" target="_blank">5 Star Asean CAP</a> which is higher than Axia and quite a number of foreign cars. Enjoy the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUleNxyo-Wk" target="_blank">crash test on Youtube</a> too. Aah, back to my point, so though all the models have airbag and meet 5 Star Asean CAP, the difference in safety if I'm not mistaken is only the 1.6CVT Premium has the side and curtain airbags. Note all the models have front air bags. <br />
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Secondly the price delta between the basic or even mid range 1.3CVT model to the high spec 1.6CVT model is RM7k-10k.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurrdnqsZuoisUadM56ZD5pycNJlQSwO5RupI9WRNmS4yeMCmdDbuN-dqYkbywNioQRrwhey4mIUsML6-z5LDlMiXIV3wVmeOugCn6mqt-vMcCLQINVbnwgc4IllH8H3mQ9T8nJ_VoF0U/s1600/iriz+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurrdnqsZuoisUadM56ZD5pycNJlQSwO5RupI9WRNmS4yeMCmdDbuN-dqYkbywNioQRrwhey4mIUsML6-z5LDlMiXIV3wVmeOugCn6mqt-vMcCLQINVbnwgc4IllH8H3mQ9T8nJ_VoF0U/s400/iriz+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I think if you have the cash and place high value on leather seats and of course the additional airbags, go for the full premium. The folding side mirror and better infotainment is also an added benefit. Note leather seats cost around RM1.5k (semi leather) and RM1.8k (full leather) if you were to get them yourselves.<br />
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My request would be for Proton to offer a 1.3CVT model option with full airbags and leather seats and the infotainment. But in all honestly unless their volume picks up and based on my minimal manufacturing knowledge, it is very costly to offer multiple models, as each SKU is costly to design, manufacture and support (after sales).<br />
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Anyway kudos to Proton for a good offering and a good Raya package. Only complain is at low speeds the CVT engine does jerk a little last I drove. Btw, sorry no summary on the Manual model which people says drives even better due to my lack of interest in manual cars....Man Suranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247783563975048209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923568407698595577.post-13816684885273157312015-07-18T17:34:00.002+08:002015-07-18T17:41:51.608+08:00Calculating CIMB Cash Rebate Platinum Mastercard and Maybank 2 Cards<div style="text-align: justify;">
Per my previous review, of <a href="http://fyi-penang.blogspot.com/2015/07/malaysia-best-credit-card-review-2015.html" target="_blank">when to best use the Maybank 2 Cards and pair it with the CIMB Cash Back Platinum Card</a>, here are some further details if you want to get down to nitty-gritty. </div>
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In essence you want to calculate how much an RM / a ringgit spent on your credit card gives you in return, so you can figure out the point or cash back system of the card. </div>
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Firstly let's start with the <a href="http://www.maybank2u.com.my/mbb_info/m2u/public/personalDetail04.do?channelId=CRD-Cards&cntTypeId=0&cntKey=CRD01.61&programId=CRD01-CreditCards&chCatId=/mbb/Personal/CRD-Cards" target="_blank">Maybank 2 Cards</a>. Note I am not considering the 5% cash back on weekends as I want to see what is the value to use your AMEX (not the Visa or Mastercard that comes along) on <b>weekdays</b>. You can redeem e.g. an AEON Big voucher of RM100 for 43,680 points. Since you get 5x points per RM, this normalizes to a spend of RM8,736. Basically from my maths, this equals to returns of RM0.0114 for every RM1 you spend. In percentage that translate for a return of 1.15%. Which in reality is not too bad. Remember this is for weekday spent, as weekend you get 5% cash back, so in reality weekend spend equals to 6.15% which is REALLY good as you get this for ALL things you spend with your AMEX. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIylc9qK1KwoXRbaE4Zfc_ISBWa3Unf6nETYrKKgABfe6E_NnCRxvs6iC0qnUD4TZsN6qYovBauG2hOhVsWnb4Mtjn5cDIN3cm5sgvFCxhuPrKQqUZANGSCUyO5apIiAt11JSzEU8yFEw/s1600/maybank+2+cards+point+system.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIylc9qK1KwoXRbaE4Zfc_ISBWa3Unf6nETYrKKgABfe6E_NnCRxvs6iC0qnUD4TZsN6qYovBauG2hOhVsWnb4Mtjn5cDIN3cm5sgvFCxhuPrKQqUZANGSCUyO5apIiAt11JSzEU8yFEw/s320/maybank+2+cards+point+system.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
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So what's your take away from the above, to complement your Maybank AMEX for <b>weekday </b>spend, get a card that gives you best returns with a minimum or higher then 1.15% value per RM spent.</div>
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So what did I get? I got myself the<a href="http://www.cimbbank.com.my/en/personal/products/cards/credit-cards/find-the-right-cards/cimb-cash-rebate-platinum-mastercard.html" target="_blank"> CIMB Cash Rebate Platinum Mastercard</a>. I never really considered this a strong contender for the 'complemantary' spot, but it has turned out to be a good card. I got the Cash Rebate card when I (long ago) cancelled my Direct Access Credit Card (yes if you recognize this card, you are probably 33years old and above - hahah) which no longer had much benefits. The CIMB Cash Back Card has turned out to be quite handy, has good promotions from time to time (e.g. Agoda, Lazada and so on. </div>
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Here is a summary of how the CIMB Cash Rebate Card comes in. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2XuRrWlhv_Pk4SXCG4zCLp3X9S262EbPAPEukf4s_0AN-hEopqiKaFdQNL2Uumm6fx_dQxtVzhpyczRDDlrqlfDkbRjoIwAlkHjw-XItHHAF9Ykjrt88j3ZfiHjlXkOlBdgxz9YjOAY/s1600/CIMB+Cash+Back.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2XuRrWlhv_Pk4SXCG4zCLp3X9S262EbPAPEukf4s_0AN-hEopqiKaFdQNL2Uumm6fx_dQxtVzhpyczRDDlrqlfDkbRjoIwAlkHjw-XItHHAF9Ykjrt88j3ZfiHjlXkOlBdgxz9YjOAY/s320/CIMB+Cash+Back.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
As you can see, for Online spend, it is constantly good. Except for online airline tickets, as I THINK the insurance coverage is limited or non-existent. It delivers pretty well for Groceries and Petrol as well. What I like about the CIMB card (and Maybank Amex 2 Cards) is that there are no tricky terms and conditions to meet, like any minimum spend, any minimum transaction and so on, which is the case for many other cards that <i>claim </i>to offer equal or better cash backs but require you to jump through hoops to be eligible.<br />
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From the time to time promotion, CIMB hasn't failed to keep me happy, like the current Enjoy 25% off at <a href="http://www.zalora.com.my/" target="_blank">www.zalora.com.my </a>with an additional 5%* cash rebate and so on. Also decent deals with hotels. Another thing I noticed (if I'm correct) is CIMB offers up to a max of RM50 cash back for each card, so if I have one primary and one supplementary, we can max up to RM100 cash back.<br />
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Have fun, just don't overspend and make sure you settle your bills in full end of the month.<br />
<i>This is part of my <a href="http://fyi-penang.blogspot.com/search/label/Value%20Tips" target="_blank">Value Tips</a> entry, for more value tips that will save you lots of RM $ <a href="http://fyi-penang.blogspot.com/search/label/Value%20Tips" target="_blank">click here</a>.</i>Man Suranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247783563975048209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923568407698595577.post-42648561895043689972015-07-16T01:01:00.001+08:002015-07-20T22:31:53.198+08:00Malaysia Best Credit Card Review 2015After the <b>change in Maybank Treat Points</b> System, where previously it would cost you around 10,000 points to redeem RM50 worth of voucher escalated to ~23,000 points needed to redeem RM50 worth of vouchers, I started to have questions on <b>what would be the best credit card combination and use strategy</b>. I did search high and low, but couldn't find any good summary updated based on the changes by Maybank. (maybe no one has written or maybe my lack of googling abilities).<br />
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Previously I did do some research and summarized it at <a href="http://fyi-penang.blogspot.com/2013/01/pairing-your-maybank-amex-with-ocbc.html" target="_blank">pairing-your-maybank-amex-with-ocbc</a> but with the changes in Maybank Treat Points value and reduction of OCBC cash back, I have now changed my credit card combo to<b> Maybank 2 Card (Amex + Visa) and CIMB Cash Back</b>. And so I decided to do some research (and maths) on my own and have come
up with my summary. What next? Obviously I would like to share what
I've calculated. Note this is based on my own understanding, if anything
doesn't add up, do comment.<br />
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<b>UPDATED</b>: Come 1st Aug, <a href="http://www.maybank2u.com.my/mbb_info/m2u/public/personalDetail04.do?channelId=CRD-Cards&cntTypeId=0&cntKey=CRD01.60&programId=CRD01-CreditCards&chCatId=/mbb/Personal/CRD-Cards" target="_blank">Maybank 2 Cards AMEX will <b>only </b>give 5% cash back on weekend <b>dining</b></a><b> </b>and not all weekend spend. What a shame.... Details below <br />
<b>5% Weekend cash back²</b> when spend on Maybankard 2 American Express Card.<br />²A cap of RM50 per customer (Principal Cardmember) per month.<br /><b><a href="http://www.maybank2u.com.my/WebBank/M2CCashBack-TnC.pdf" target="_blank">Click here</a></b> for Weekend cashback Terms and Conditions.<br /><i>Note:
Starting from 1 August 2015, the 5% Weekend Cashback Card Benefit will
no longer applicable for Maybank2 American Express. The 5% Weekend
Cashback will be replace with 5% Weekend Dining Cashback. <b><a href="http://www.maybank2u.com.my/WebBank/M2CdineCashBack-TnC.pdf">Click here</a></b> for the 5% Weekend Dining Cashback Terms and Conditions.</i> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTrZHHwl1GRwzLlDPgkQA_L8f_onsI2CqqtfPKeY3lxSMIWDMyA5A0cTPf_0BWAE60SCmUuJdgCAwBKH952zlOJqPxcaIw9BX-X2KhYgmtLW0R__9grBC55Az0bv0V4-FpLngYCfSwkg/s1600/Credit+Card+Comparison+July2015.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTrZHHwl1GRwzLlDPgkQA_L8f_onsI2CqqtfPKeY3lxSMIWDMyA5A0cTPf_0BWAE60SCmUuJdgCAwBKH952zlOJqPxcaIw9BX-X2KhYgmtLW0R__9grBC55Az0bv0V4-FpLngYCfSwkg/s400/Credit+Card+Comparison+July2015.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Just did that above table, now need to update...Anyway for first line - ALL Weekend : Change to Weekend Dining ONLY. Now the CIMB Cash back is getting sexier wouldn't you say...<br />
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I think overall, if you do decent amount of online shopping e.g. lazada, groupon etc <b>it is really worth </b>getting the CIMB Cash Back. As usual most of this cards have a cap / limit (RM50). I also think eventhough if you do autobilling or pay at counter for your phone bills, you do not get the 5% cash back, what I do is buy my prepaid re-load online using my CIMB Cash Back and I think with this I am eligible to get the 5% :)<br />
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I'm also tempted to consider the Maybank Visa Signature due to the 5% cash back (everyday) for Petrol and Groceries, but might make my CIMB Cash Back not that needed - but in that case, I can leave my CIMB cash back at home just for online transactions.<br />
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I just created a new entry on calculating exactly how much each Ringgit spent translate into your rebate / cash back - read it here <a href="http://fyi-penang.blogspot.com/2015/07/calculating-cimb-cash-rebate-platinum.html" target="_blank">Calculating Your Credit Card Points Value</a> <br />
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<i><b>Note:</b> I did not compare in detail to other cards like WISE for couple of reasons, some of them have a minimum spend / transaction frequency to be eligible. Also cause when I applied WISE years ago they rejected me, so no card no comment.</i><br />
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All my value tips entries are captured at <a href="http://fyi-penang.blogspot.com/search/label/Value%20Tips" target="_blank">Value Tips.</a><br />
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<br />Man Suranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247783563975048209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923568407698595577.post-46581879106448745552015-03-23T19:52:00.001+08:002015-03-23T20:08:52.362+08:00Air Asia Premium Flex Not so FlexGenerally I buy the normal low fare ticket, but as my purchase for this time I felt my schedule was not that firm due to commitments, I opted to buy the Air Asia Premium Flex, mainly for the flexi-flight option.<br />
Among the main benefit as per<a href="http://www.airasia.com/my/en/premium-flex.page?gclid=CPjp88StvsQCFVgVjgod5BsANg" target="_blank"> AA Premium Flex </a>website :<a href="http://www.airasia.com/my/en/premium-flex.page?gclid=CPjp88StvsQCFVgVjgod5BsANg" target="_blank"> </a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsMx7Vl_S8KzkigV09JpsDFKsS4L-wWY76bTjlwEc1QnR0_GFs19QuTZgXeV6UPaF7xRT0b_m26KHwI0OH8tS-Z1zx3BHYauMSwLqpDapcZdirOFlXqznyj_gUZCfOXj7_c2owijQ3Qs/s1600/Premium+Flex+1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsMx7Vl_S8KzkigV09JpsDFKsS4L-wWY76bTjlwEc1QnR0_GFs19QuTZgXeV6UPaF7xRT0b_m26KHwI0OH8tS-Z1zx3BHYauMSwLqpDapcZdirOFlXqznyj_gUZCfOXj7_c2owijQ3Qs/s1600/Premium+Flex+1.PNG" height="311" width="400" /></a></div>
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And also at <a href="http://www.airasia.com/ask/template.do?id=731" target="_blank">AA Premium Flex FAQ</a> states <span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">
2 Flight Changes - up to 2 hours before scheduled time of departure
time of the original flight with no Flight Change Fee, <b>fare
differences</b> may apply.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiumqvs2fbmwHhhpUJSiX4ruhJoj2llM5wHErDJYSeSRfY323U1OA3C5DeZkACaqlGJlwWaDQvkaQ-X8UzUJNw9n6VT43z0o3ETi7HdKld_T7WfV5XS4yggYJzk-18pU50Egc2ONCpmo/s1600/flight+change+charges.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiumqvs2fbmwHhhpUJSiX4ruhJoj2llM5wHErDJYSeSRfY323U1OA3C5DeZkACaqlGJlwWaDQvkaQ-X8UzUJNw9n6VT43z0o3ETi7HdKld_T7WfV5XS4yggYJzk-18pU50Egc2ONCpmo/s1600/flight+change+charges.JPG" height="219" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">So, I found this a good benefit of AA. Yes, no refund if new fare is cheaper, but at least I avoid the exorbitant (to me) change flight fees (can't recall how much I kena the other day). So to my understanding (which proved poor) was "<b>Hei, if I have to re-schedule, as long as I go to AA website and find fares that are LOWER or the SAME as my current fare, I am good". </b>So yes, it would be worthwhile paying the premium now for this flexibility. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">But guess what, let the pictures do the talking - note pictures taken at same time of day doing enquiry on AA website. </span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuCXkEDYvmfpSWhHXjIRYQQDzd894Wr7Egn5lrdfJfGTVfIRzaeoGq0UW_1B_tvx3zIOKfqf9KqQQCJFFXKa7UvlE0EyPDcC_EsLv71kI-J8p9ygzmr1kY7irW9v-FwNJO14sYWOpSJU/s1600/AA+Change+Flight.png" height="370" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Change Flight using Premium Flex</td></tr>
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So to change my ticket, which is supposed to be no change fees applied, I would be paying RM288 per ticket. BUT If I go directly to AA website and purchase new tickets (as below) for same day and time, only RM209. So relatively the <b>same </b>seat on AA via change ticket costs me RM79 more per person! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_b93C_At-5RNREWmcc7u8qr67DZrniZx9cSSXDDjCfnnhSx0tKexMBu6TCaE9OKt89BDe6tJlVKnaECdcrYFnxVBNk0WgPkTqWiTkw6i2ULtttbQiWRFBEubMmmj-rGHV7ABQSXf_to/s1600/AA+New+Flight.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_b93C_At-5RNREWmcc7u8qr67DZrniZx9cSSXDDjCfnnhSx0tKexMBu6TCaE9OKt89BDe6tJlVKnaECdcrYFnxVBNk0WgPkTqWiTkw6i2ULtttbQiWRFBEubMmmj-rGHV7ABQSXf_to/s1600/AA+New+Flight.png" height="338" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purchase New Flight</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
I did send a query via AA online form. Kudos (I was happily surprised with the timely response ~3 days). Below is their response<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Thank you for writing to <span class="il">AirAsia</span>.</span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">In
response to your email, we do apologise for the inconvenience caused,
however please be informed that promotional fare is only applicable to
new flight booking and not when guest attempt to perform flight change
on date/time. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">We may advise guest flight change date/time as below;</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">5.3 Flight Change</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">:
Once a booking number has been issued, flight changes are subject to
the following terms: Inside of forty-eight (48) hours prior to the
scheduled flight departure time, no changes are allowed. The charges for
flight change outside of forty-eight (48) hours prior to the scheduled
flight departure time are provided for in the Fee Schedule at this link <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="14c35c4339d93457_OLE_LINK39"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="14c35c4339d93457_OLE_LINK38"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="14c35c4339d93457_OLE_LINK37"></a><a href="http://www.airasia.com/ot/en/our-fares/fees-and-charges.page" target="_blank">http://www.<span class="il">airasia</span>.com/ot/en/<wbr></wbr>our-fares/fees-and-charges.<wbr></wbr>page</a>?, subject to the following conditions: </span></span></div>
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</span>
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<ol type="A">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">If a lower fare is available, the difference in fares will not be refunded to the passenger; </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">If
the new flight booked is in a higher fare class than that of the
cancelled booked flight, the difference in fares shall be paid by the
passenger before the cancellation or change can be made; </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">The change is not confirmed until we issue you a new Itinerary and/or booking number. </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Changes on route(s) are not allowed. </span></span></li>
</ol>
<span style="color: red;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Flight change can be done via “Manage My Booking” or at our nearest sales counter/office. </span></span></div>
<span style="color: red;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">While
performing flight change on date/time, at the right side of the screen,
a booking summary will be shown for guest reference if changes if
confirm. Guest may also check by the difference between the New Fare –
Old Fare (<span class="il">air</span> fare only). </span></span></div>
<span style="color: red;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: red;">Should you need any further assistance, please submit online form (<a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.airasia.com%2Fmy%2Fen%2Fe-form.page&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGhJ_JlpIMCjG59-JBbkR3dCICwSQ" target="_blank">http://www.<span class="il">airasia</span>.com/my/en/<wbr></wbr>e-form.page</a>). For simple inquiry, please feel free to check our AskAirAsia portal at (<a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.airasia.com%2Fask%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGqJXS606ITGNApoZKhUIkY6Sj-CA" target="_blank">http://www.<span class="il">airasia</span>.com/ask/</a>), follow us at our Twitter account, or approach our Live Chat service at (<a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.airasia.com%2Fmy%2Fen%2Flive-chat.page&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFQ1fxgCPfm-0r2CiNzK847WblxzA" target="_blank">http://www.<span class="il">airasia</span>.com/my/en/<wbr></wbr>live-chat.page</a>).<br /><br />Thank you for choosing <span class="il">AirAsia</span>.</span><span style="color: red;"> </span> <wbr></wbr> </span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span>Key thing here is "<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">
however please be informed that promotional fare is only applicable to
new flight booking and not when guest attempt to perform flight change
on date/time. " </span></span><br />
<br />
So to me, it is not really that worthwhile, (agak rugi) coz once you buy premium flex, yes you can change BUT you no longer can enjoy any promotional fare. So let's do some maths, <b>say </b>if you didn't need the other premium flex benefits like luggage, meal and selecting your seats, based on the above picture (I can't recall my original price difference between premium flex and low fare).<br />
<br />
If I bought low fare at RM109, and just couldn't fly on that day, I loose RM109. Then I again purchase another ticket few months later at RM109, I would have ended up paying RM218 in total. (yes ticket prices change, but I could wait for a sale to buy a new ticket - so it could be higher then RM109 or WAY lower then RM109). BUT, in my case I would have paid RM209 for first time premium flex fare, then another RM79 = RM288!<br />
<br />
So that's an additional of RM70 effectively in my total cost of buying a premium flex and making changes, versus saving RM70 if I just buy two tickets! Which in reality if I never change my tickets upon buying premium fare, would already be ~RM100 more expensive. NOTE : I didn't do that math to calculate how much meal + baggage + seat selection + any additional taxes is buy new ticket vs change ticket is. But bottom line, my own understanding based on my knowledge today is that if you are buying premium flex mainly just for the flexibility of changing dates in the future, probably not really worth it. Just buy the cheap fare, if you can fly. Save already. If have to forfeit and book new ticket, as long as your are flexible to wait for promo fair, just buy a new ticket. Lagi PUAS.<br />
<br />
<br />
PS - another thing I don't get - haven't follow up is , their <a href="http://www.airasia.com/ask/template.do?id=731" target="_blank">website</a> says below<br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">
2 Flight Changes - up to 2 hours before scheduled time of departure
time of the original flight with no Flight Change Fee, fare
differences may apply.<br />
· <i>Flight Change has to be done at least 3 hours before the scheduled time of departure of the new flight</i> fo<i>r AirAsia (AK, QZ, FD, PQ,</i> <b><i>Z2, I5</i></b><i>) and at least 4 hours before the scheduled time of departure of the new flights for AirAsia X</i> <b><i>(D7, XJ)</i></b><i>.</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;"><i> </i></span></span><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;"> <br />
<b>Q14. If I have already checked in my Premium Flex flight, can I still change my flight?</b><br />
Yes, you may. If you change your flight more than 48 hours before
departure, you may change your flight through ‘Manage My Booking’, sales
office, call centre or airport sales counter. If you change your flight
less than 48 hours before departure, you may only change your flight
through ‘Manage my booking’ and airport sales counter.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
but the email reply I posted in the beginning says : <br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Once a booking number has been issued, flight changes are subject to
the following terms: Inside of forty-eight (48) hours prior to the
scheduled flight departure time, no changes are allowed. </span></span><br />
<br />
Am I missing something or? <br />
<br />
How about you? Do share your experience. I've got another experience 'in motion', will update once I get a reply from AA.<br />
<br />
Oh, I and just realized, I can't reply to Air Asia's initial email reply to seek clarification on the 2 hrs vs 48 hrs to cancel or book a new flight, since the email is a 'DoNotReply' email. If I want to follow up on their reply means I either have to in their own words do the below. Let's see la, If I <i>larat, </i>for now will just publish this blog, and tag them / post it on their FB. Hope this helps people make informed decision as of date, I couldn't find any info on their website saying changing flights via Premium Flex makes you in-eligible for promo fare (based on my googling, I could be wrong)...<br />
<br />
"<span style="font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Should you need any further assistance, please submit online form<span style="color: #262626;"> (</span><a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.airasia.com%2Fmy%2Fen%2Fe-form.page&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGhJ_JlpIMCjG59-JBbkR3dCICwSQ" target="_blank"><span style="color: navy;">http://www.<span class="il">airasia</span>.com/my/en/<wbr></wbr>e-form.page</span></a><span style="color: #262626;">). </span>For simple inquiry, please feel free to check our AskAirAsia portal at<span style="color: #262626;"> (</span><a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.airasia.com%2Fask%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGqJXS606ITGNApoZKhUIkY6Sj-CA" target="_blank"><span style="color: navy;">http://www.<span class="il">airasia</span>.com/ask/</span></a><span style="color: #262626;">), </span>follow us at our Twitter account, or approach our Live Chat service at<span style="color: #262626;"> (</span><a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.airasia.com%2Fmy%2Fen%2Flive-chat.page&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFQ1fxgCPfm-0r2CiNzK847WblxzA" target="_blank"><span style="color: navy;">http://www.<span class="il">airasia</span>.com/my/en/<wbr></wbr>live-chat.page</span></a><span style="color: #262626;">)."</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #262626;"> </span></span></span><br />
Man Suranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247783563975048209noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923568407698595577.post-47426781299071001842015-03-23T18:59:00.002+08:002015-03-23T20:04:51.666+08:00Groupon Purchase Cars World Car Wash Wax Polish PackageMy short quick experience with this company. Upon buying the Groupon (<a href="http://groupon.myhttp//t.groupon.my/r?tsToken=MY_AFF_0_200939_266615_0&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.groupon.my%2Fdeals%2Fklang-valley-kuala-lumpur%2Fcars-world-max-mega-world-16%2F719652126%3FCID%3DMY_AFF_5600_225_5383_1%26nlp%26utm_medium%3Dafl%26utm_source%3DGPN%26utm_campaign%3D200939%26mediaId%3D266615">groupon.my</a>) requested a date via email (process requires booking via email). Was told non available until 1 month later. Ok, scheduled based on their proposed timing. Then at the day there was heavy rain and I believe flash floods, so immediately emailed the shop and informed them. Also no reply. Sent a follow up email 6 days later and no reply again. It is now ~16 days with no reply from them. I acknowledge the policy states rescheduling is required 1 day before, but weather not in my control. Who goes for car wash when its raining. Also if it was raining lightly, I would still try to go (redah) but was too heavy and likely flash flooded.<br />
<br />
Below is my email to Groupon help I just submitted today. Let's see what happens. Also at the back of my thought, during booking, the seller asks both our voucher code and security code, and thus they probably have already made $ from us by claiming the amount from groupon, without rendering the services, making them even more reluctant to layan us..Anyone any similar experience? <br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Hi, I bought the Meguiar's full auto detailing package as per voucher, and after contacting the shop and requesting a date, was offered a date later on. I agreed to it. However on the day I was supposed to go, there was very heavy rain and flash floods in my area. I contacted the email provided immediately on 7th March (date of appointment) to inform and request a reschedule, but no reply. I sent a follow up on the 13th March but no reply either. Could you please advice & help. </i>Man Suranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247783563975048209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923568407698595577.post-91605721220753704372015-02-25T00:15:00.000+08:002015-02-25T00:15:35.084+08:00Wasiat Will WritingInteresting topic. Starting this write-up mostly for my own research. In Malaysia, 'generally' speaking Wasiat refers to a Muslim's Will. The parameters and guidance around it is slightly different, but equally important.<br />
Previously there was much more dependence on Faraid law to provide the guidelines for divisions of wealth upon the passing of someone, however recently there has been continued awareness of the benefits and necessities of willing (gerund for writing a will?).<br />
<br />
A good website with quite clear reference is at https://janganterlepaspandang.wordpress.com/2009/06/07/wasiat-faraid-dan-harta-sepencarian/ (mostly in Malay). One of the comments does mention that to a certain level, division of the 'peninggalan' can we done via Seksyen Pusaka Kecil which I think is a division under Pejabat Tanah dan Galian for each district. The commenter suggests to go this this section of office and document down a hibah wasiat (hibah = gifting). Some good details provided here http://www.kptg.gov.my/?q=content/pembahagian-harta-pusaka-kecil-0<br />
<br />
I will try to call them tomorrow and ask how do you 'pre' assign the divisions (if possible). For Penang it is here http://www.kptg.gov.my/?q=direktori-staff&title=&field_email_value=&tid=142<br />
<br />
One of my friends recommend to use the services of <a href="http://www.wasiyyahshoppe.com.my/ver2011/hubungikami.php">WasiyyahShoppe</a>. Will try to give them a call as well.One of my concerns was, the challenge here besides finding a good, reliable, honest 'service provide' lays the question - will the firm executing (if you decide to use a trustee) still be around when the need arises (sooner or later eh). <br />
<br />
Some details and elaboration on Hibah - https://zulkiflihasan.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/gift.pdf (note - please verify validity). Also http://e-muamalat.gov.my/sites/default/files/kertas_ilmiah/2010/08/KK_Hibah__Wasiat_21042010.pdfMan Suranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247783563975048209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923568407698595577.post-28001183578365007552015-02-15T15:29:00.000+08:002015-02-15T20:07:18.897+08:00Aliexpress review and experience Add in many new products or services introduced in the market we will have an inertia to adopt it, many reasons be it fear, distrust or just resistance to change. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I had the same reasons above and never really have aliexpress a second look. But then i noticed credit card companies and even at one time master card promotions. Then the tipping point was aliexpress buyer protection. </div>
<div>
So far I've made a couple of transactions </div>
<div>
1. Health bunion socks for a family member. Arrived and looks OK. </div>
<div>
2. BT earphones for myself. Price was good. Quality too. Only thing didn't fit my ears that well. But can't complain heard recently that even the branded give end with same design does not fit everyone's ears (uncomfortable and drops off). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, till date in quite happy. Only limitation is it becomes hard to track your shipment one or arrives in your country of destination sure to the hand over. Yes I know we need to track at our home country postal services, but trust me for my case it should status only AFTER they tried to deliver<br />
<br />
In case you are wondering what my home country is (i.e. Ship to address an in Malaysia) </div>
Man Suranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247783563975048209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923568407698595577.post-83941590199047585692014-04-12T21:32:00.002+08:002014-04-13T23:53:13.758+08:00Sabah Kundasang, Ranau - Trip Planner Series<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Here's part 2 - Kundasang, Ranau and an easy route to viewing the Rafflesia!</b><br />
<a href="http://fyi-penang.blogspot.com/2014/04/sabah-kota-kinabalu-trip-planner-series.html" target="_blank">Click here for Part 1</a><br />
<br />
And yet as this
moment, we had not planned in detail what to do. My friend, TC and his wife
were renting a car and headed to
Kundasang to check out the view of Mount Kinabalu and the Desa Cattle Farm –
people claim it is the New Zealand of Sabah. Based on that and some inputs from
Nilu’s friends, we also planned to add an overnight stay in Kundasang. One of
the friends recommended Mesilau or Walai Tokou Homestays. Sabah's Homestay site seems pretty decent, clicking on Kundasang gives me two main homestay groups - <a href="http://www.sabahhomestay.my/homestay-in-sabah/kundasang/" target="_blank">Kundasang Homestays</a> . Do note they seem to do this collectively, i.e the two homestays mentioned for Kundasang are actually a group of houses and family offering the services, probably one of the village lead takes to role to divide or manage.<br />
<br />
Below is a prelude to the view that you can get from Kundasang. And nicer views as well.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSbWUQKBUua6mc5hE0D9nryGvkg20x__a4c7SS-MKHbtVS9w7IbYpgQ7UVO7zQoZyHPgLTzWsV0iRngZeLbbdbXlpyoD9j5cxKTlZWfvKYG7eO6MW-KcxliL94IyuWXlV1IJ9MjwhMrc/s1600/Good+Morning+mount+Kinabalu+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSbWUQKBUua6mc5hE0D9nryGvkg20x__a4c7SS-MKHbtVS9w7IbYpgQ7UVO7zQoZyHPgLTzWsV0iRngZeLbbdbXlpyoD9j5cxKTlZWfvKYG7eO6MW-KcxliL94IyuWXlV1IJ9MjwhMrc/s1600/Good+Morning+mount+Kinabalu+(2).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Read on...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-<i>Skip this paragraph if you are familiar with <a href="http://www.go2homestay.com/" target="_blank">Homestays</a></i>- It
is a rather recent concept introduced in Malaysia, that has become a good
option for accommodation. Homestay basically means you would stay in someone’s
home. Usually either people who have spare houses or build one specifically for
this (at times next to their house). For Sabah - check out <a href="http://www.sabahhomestay.my/" target="_blank">Sabah Homestay.</a> The options range, with the best of the
best being a full blown HS with meals with owner’s family, tours, and
activities that would be related to that district / village, e.g making kuih,
rice, or … And the basic ones are probably still of basic lodging. The one with
stayed with did not provide towels and any toiletries, so do take note to
check. They were nice enough to give us a ‘complimentary’ soap when asked <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We enquired about some homestay options and planned to decide once we get there. I’m more of a pre-planned dude, and my better half the opposite…
We rented a Saga FL 1.3 Auto after calling a few companies searched via
google. I ended up renting from <a href="http://aurabiruservices.blogspot.com/p/car-rental-service.html" target="_blank">Aura Biru (Mohd Don)</a> @ +6-016-8470945 as I
found he offered the best rate. My friend managed to get a good rate for a Viva
as well. Based on our drive to Kundasang, my suggestion is to get at a min a
1.3L car. Even Kancil’s (small CC cars) drive up there, but it is a steep climb. No regrets in
having some extra horse power. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He was nice enough to drop the car at our hotel the night before.
So no worries about if he comes late in the morning and no rush of doing the transaction early morning and
then rushing to Kundasang etc. <a href="http://www.hotelscombined.com/Hotel/Hyatt_Regency_Greenwich.htm?a_aid=26791" target="_blank">Hyatt</a> does have complimentary parking. We left
around 9.30am from Hyatt and with average driving speed & overtaking
skills, I think it took us around 2 hours to reach. We took a left slightly
before Kundasang town into Kinabalu Park – which you can drive your car in. GPS be it Waze or Google Maps will probably not be able to find the homestay's and smaller hotels. Probably just try Kundasang, or Kinabalu Park or a nearby large hotel, like <a href="http://www.hotelscombined.com/Hotel/Kinabalu_Pine_Resort_Ranau.htm?a_aid=26791&label=Kundasang" nbsp="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kinabalu Pine Resort</a>. Once you are on the road up to Kundasang, the signboards are enough and there aren't really many junctions, mostly a direct road. I did find signboards lacking from Kota Kinabalu Town to go to Kundasang, so that's where your navigation app will come in useful.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We arrived at Kinabalu Park around 11.30am, and the view was quite
spectacular. It is around 5 minutes before you reach Kundasang town. I believe this is the spot most hikers start their trail. I do not hike, due to few reasons, among others the car has been created, lack of interest and plain lazy. I was wondering why it's declared a world heritage, don't think 'people' stayed there - well here's why from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinabalu_Park" target="_blank">Wiki </a>: <b style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Kinabalu Park</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> or </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Taman Kinabalu</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> in </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malay_language" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;" title="Malay language">Malay</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">, established as one of the first </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_national_parks_of_Malaysia" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;" title="List of national parks of Malaysia">national parks of Malaysia</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> in 1964, is Malaysia's first </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Heritage_Site" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;" title="World Heritage Site">World Heritage Site</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> designated by</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNESCO" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;" title="UNESCO">UNESCO</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> in December 2000 for its "outstanding universal values" and the role as one of the most important biological sites in the world with more than 4,500 species of flora and fauna, including 326 bird and around 100 mammal species.</span><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-1" style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1em; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinabalu_Park#cite_note-1" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[1]</a></sup><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EqrB3UzQMehSo30rFx8fgFG4G5IQtImxNabtLA-lqRO32MrG-BC1umrXLSyCOJoGcYsq95LBQd2DQl4GPxJO5NPPnbubiTNsKgWQRWtsVg289MYerKGaEsGY8CkDsmrNDyhB9P7ldEo/s1600/Kinabalu+Park+World+Heritage+the+Entrance.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EqrB3UzQMehSo30rFx8fgFG4G5IQtImxNabtLA-lqRO32MrG-BC1umrXLSyCOJoGcYsq95LBQd2DQl4GPxJO5NPPnbubiTNsKgWQRWtsVg289MYerKGaEsGY8CkDsmrNDyhB9P7ldEo/s1600/Kinabalu+Park+World+Heritage+the+Entrance.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Kinabalu Park - World Heritage Site</td></tr>
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</td></tr>
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Entry was around RM6 per Malaysian if I recall. The peaks of Gunung (Mount) Kinabalu was not visible though at this time due to clouds / mist / fog. Driving around the park did provide around 2-3 good viewing points. Below was the viewing point which has decent parking and a well done observation deck.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3kHFCCbdBcCSd4eVCxuCg2JgG5hyphenhyphenRM5pfQHw6iKbZvkGYsz2i4ktxiBFh50YUtnCta4iy4lAPwSVfjR9krYu-etOaUFoMs9pf5S1641u5chxXTFj6emfwdMHhKE6o0L9-rllhyphenhyphenMGLg8/s1600/Kinabalu+Part+World+Heritage+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3kHFCCbdBcCSd4eVCxuCg2JgG5hyphenhyphenRM5pfQHw6iKbZvkGYsz2i4ktxiBFh50YUtnCta4iy4lAPwSVfjR9krYu-etOaUFoMs9pf5S1641u5chxXTFj6emfwdMHhKE6o0L9-rllhyphenhyphenMGLg8/s1600/Kinabalu+Part+World+Heritage+(2).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice place to park & stop for pics</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_g9gvOg7e1vLwcCbDCE3ZtRpOHizuET6k3FGEf-IwgGQFMwSlixo0eV4qVQ8ARBO6sf6uBOjuxe1WBY2si-h451vBaVgyTtXQ96r6InZRDpTVfUzqh0Rcywb3EQ12G-WLboiIvTdTPKM/s1600/Kinabalu+Part+World+Heritage+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_g9gvOg7e1vLwcCbDCE3ZtRpOHizuET6k3FGEf-IwgGQFMwSlixo0eV4qVQ8ARBO6sf6uBOjuxe1WBY2si-h451vBaVgyTtXQ96r6InZRDpTVfUzqh0Rcywb3EQ12G-WLboiIvTdTPKM/s1600/Kinabalu+Part+World+Heritage+(3).JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TwRLlp8bgAhUHOkI4OVR0INYyj6AJxLsnyfP9hhbhUetpMxFlXnyhpYF9xcUzhepxzSu-Ty8EAXOoyeSyc80lpO_VgpgJsyibesiknJJymIdP4QnM_pGD4fC0vBnXAXPO7TgkhF9MYg/s1600/Kinabalu+Part+World+Heritage+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TwRLlp8bgAhUHOkI4OVR0INYyj6AJxLsnyfP9hhbhUetpMxFlXnyhpYF9xcUzhepxzSu-Ty8EAXOoyeSyc80lpO_VgpgJsyibesiknJJymIdP4QnM_pGD4fC0vBnXAXPO7TgkhF9MYg/s1600/Kinabalu+Part+World+Heritage+(1).JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a> Some of the views from here.<br />
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What was a disappointment was
that once you drive up through the park, you are STUCK. At one point, going fwd is only for
hikers, so all cars need to turn back, and there really isn’t much place to
turn back, with cars parked on the road shoulder, the management should really do
something about this. I can’t imagine how it gets during peak seasons like
school holidays, or do they just block out cars then?</div>
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<b>One thing becomes clear a midst the mist and clouds - if you are there by around 10+am most likely you will NOT be able to see the peaks. The clouds and mist would have set in. The locals do say if you are lucky, you will see the peaks again in the evening, depending on weather. </b><br />
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So what do you do after going around Kinabalu park - look for something to eat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLv1WzKqt36uBHcXSCt_lPDaXwqMiVeT2ebPmeRgyenzq8M4rR0dpnW_VZJp3C4GxKcUXGlPprYL5mGOXjepdGL5D-PnGUBiDTpmlfW_TSJKGsCGvHC20ia7DeLRc8vOjkvvDY1C8T4E/s1600/Buffet+at+Kinablu+Part+RM38.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLv1WzKqt36uBHcXSCt_lPDaXwqMiVeT2ebPmeRgyenzq8M4rR0dpnW_VZJp3C4GxKcUXGlPprYL5mGOXjepdGL5D-PnGUBiDTpmlfW_TSJKGsCGvHC20ia7DeLRc8vOjkvvDY1C8T4E/s1600/Buffet+at+Kinablu+Part+RM38.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buffet</td></tr>
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<b></b><br />
<b></b>They seem to have 3 options - there is a hotel + restaurant inside the park, drive on and near the gallery (which was closed) there is a simple canteen / cafeteria. Drive further closer to the exit and there is a restaurant that has a good environment offering buffet during lunch. RM38 per pax if I recall.<br />
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Probably during peak season - e.g school holidays and public holidays the whole area down here would be packed!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3JCmQZN7e9zQrG7-HshbpFwLGkwivNRaeYIUMfVZMsFNSSVxioQmlUiJH7Pb4WVrl8vwu11iFY39PjX0bPz4xFwK5FTPCi1rJRBtcs5agSWjq5vGNP6NZGL7lbSFoiU5eBoM6-e8-Zk/s1600/Open+Parking+outside+Kinabalu+Part+and+good+view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3JCmQZN7e9zQrG7-HshbpFwLGkwivNRaeYIUMfVZMsFNSSVxioQmlUiJH7Pb4WVrl8vwu11iFY39PjX0bPz4xFwK5FTPCi1rJRBtcs5agSWjq5vGNP6NZGL7lbSFoiU5eBoM6-e8-Zk/s1600/Open+Parking+outside+Kinabalu+Part+and+good+view.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Kinabalu Park of Kinabalu Public Car Park...</td></tr>
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Then we headed to Kundasang City which is around 5-10mins
from Kinabalu Park. Just exit Kinabalu Park, turn left (right would head back to Kota Kinabalu Town). Drive for around 5minutes and you will see some crowd and a round about.<br />
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Again here I could not find any informative signages. Luckily I asked around in the Park how to get to our next destination - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/desacattlefarm" target="_blank">Desa Cattle Farm</a>. One of th best persons to ask for directions is usually taxi drivers and tour operators.<br />
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At the round about we took a left up a very steep hill and that’s just the beginning. We were headed to the Desa Cattle Dairy Farm. Yes, this is the New Zealand of Sabah…The view going up was quite New Zealandic, but the cows were missing!? Now the road was REALLY STEEP and mostly of gravels / stones, not a bitumen / tarred / asphalt road.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnNfofcI1CYZtXl5NBaDvumEST14VIJ1Nytvp0tzXsCA4UaPDnX0UIL-pVFeT47Mv31qpfcNUYYoOLU1Btuxn5GWdh67vpQs3JvDCVJWmnl6b19RrH-iJKeQ8tO29jFoDhBY_n-PJEUM/s1600/Reaching+Kundasang.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnNfofcI1CYZtXl5NBaDvumEST14VIJ1Nytvp0tzXsCA4UaPDnX0UIL-pVFeT47Mv31qpfcNUYYoOLU1Btuxn5GWdh67vpQs3JvDCVJWmnl6b19RrH-iJKeQ8tO29jFoDhBY_n-PJEUM/s1600/Reaching+Kundasang.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">From Kundasang up to Desa Cattle</td></tr>
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Turning left at the round-about and straight UP and up....We stopped below for a pic. As you can see, on the way up to the Desa Cattle Farm there are also a number of accomodations.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-eq-YInhq2ElVcsgCddUlV41knHx_p40_nx0LJRoUF_ncjZmyuUk9nugbHoa3RfGBBk9nbZz7UwUMVIQH_AyIIaiLpmeXB_agDqi0lg3mQYW-DkEp4UbtQNMz71Jkgbcn-9kXwIBfm6s/s1600/Climb+up+to+Desa+Dairy+Cow+Farm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-eq-YInhq2ElVcsgCddUlV41knHx_p40_nx0LJRoUF_ncjZmyuUk9nugbHoa3RfGBBk9nbZz7UwUMVIQH_AyIIaiLpmeXB_agDqi0lg3mQYW-DkEp4UbtQNMz71Jkgbcn-9kXwIBfm6s/s1600/Climb+up+to+Desa+Dairy+Cow+Farm.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More to go UP</td></tr>
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So once we get to the Desa Cattle Farm route, the climb is still steep and some of the roads is more of a stone road. Anyway, the view does get nice, clean and green. But where are the cows!?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizP38x3secAtCBY1fpjfgbxyGo2LVk4jxnBr8PhAOKTBTkQS_Qzdhv_Yrf427GGZauVp-wUM9nnjqAeDXTFNlKtTzeKFMznNt1i7BBP_hcbf-uncW0TxhZ3sNIwtDLFViFwurvPpl9hhk/s1600/the+like+NewZealand.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizP38x3secAtCBY1fpjfgbxyGo2LVk4jxnBr8PhAOKTBTkQS_Qzdhv_Yrf427GGZauVp-wUM9nnjqAeDXTFNlKtTzeKFMznNt1i7BBP_hcbf-uncW0TxhZ3sNIwtDLFViFwurvPpl9hhk/s1600/the+like+NewZealand.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Zealand'ic</td></tr>
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Ride up was not that comfortable, pretty bumpy and scary (steep) for first timers. Once we got there, noticed a lot of
expansion constructions works. And finally we found out where all the cows went. They were headed back to the barn for feeding and milking. <br />
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Ah, even cows que better then humans. All waiting for their turn to feed and be milked.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaHRNOQpnAPFGLPLDb-W998Vuv3piGnyHQD20S4R1AQYIXIBaPKf6ge3q-kMFt-7MAqG7XfAdmQ6d6mCmVSpDx2D4MTpE_8Fa4xOwXT4xm91bEfqfwR6Zj1L2xQcO7hS63V4aUlavl9U/s1600/Herding+eating+and+milking.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaHRNOQpnAPFGLPLDb-W998Vuv3piGnyHQD20S4R1AQYIXIBaPKf6ge3q-kMFt-7MAqG7XfAdmQ6d6mCmVSpDx2D4MTpE_8Fa4xOwXT4xm91bEfqfwR6Zj1L2xQcO7hS63V4aUlavl9U/s1600/Herding+eating+and+milking.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Interestingly, the milking happens while they feed. So that explains the Desa Farm’s schedule, if I recall 2-4pm milking, 2-4.30pm feeding…Heheheh. I was expecting something more detailed, but well we did get to see feeding and milking.. They do charge for entrance to the farm. Diary products and by-products as well – yogurt, gelato etc are sold there. We tried the Gelato, RM5 each - was average. Probably if you want to see cows grazing the fields then come before 2pm since they probably start heading back to the barns after that.<br />
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Now it was around 3.30pm, time to find accommodation. During the climb to Desa Diary Cattle Farm, we were undecided where to stay, just a normal hotel (which were limited), or just check out homestay options on the way, Mesilau or Walai Tokou. We were also considering checking out <a href="http://mistermonsjourney.blogspot.com/2013/03/kundasang-your-window-to-mount-kinabalu.html" target="_blank">Kiram's Village as per recommended by this blogger.</a> (his blog is very informative and nice to read - and was a key reference besides friends' inputs for planning our trip).<br />
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Interestingly, exactly where we turned left to go into Desa Cattle, there was a Mesilau Atamis Homestay signboard. The chap I called did mention it is not too far after you reach the Desa Cattle farm. So it seems Mesilou Homestay is a little further up of Desa Cattle farm. We headed there. As soon as you arrive in Mesilau (I believe it is the village’s name) you will see signs for a number of Homestays. So Mesilau (Atamis) Homestay is a group of families offering this service, and usually caters for large groups, however they are also receptive to smaller groups / couples. We turned right at the entry of the village (After the entrance bar / pole), and headed to a yellow workshop / garage, checked out the offerings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIF3iVclglCRdvLRaTaXA1K60IsJAVUTlflyKVm7vmBjZ7MU3w2QMpCA3AnIEz1SQhiNuhChK8sKPoY4pZjB-pQSoVxfQYbDrAGg4Iv9jx0iHETNJ1kSbYpklLckLdsqtFDgFgBGlBejw/s1600/Mesilau+Atamis+HomeStay+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIF3iVclglCRdvLRaTaXA1K60IsJAVUTlflyKVm7vmBjZ7MU3w2QMpCA3AnIEz1SQhiNuhChK8sKPoY4pZjB-pQSoVxfQYbDrAGg4Iv9jx0iHETNJ1kSbYpklLckLdsqtFDgFgBGlBejw/s1600/Mesilau+Atamis+HomeStay+(1).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's the view of the basic room. You have a couple of options - attached bathroom, separate, and attached bathroom w/basic kitchen.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGu_CZ_1qiQpZukMu-Ev0GDtZCAolfjARFYhwEXmA-iQ1Dn3NMroxurjzWabGr2cMAGNel4mNWeu5VKGFo5mkR_8jMkmppE4xtewCFp3zW7CHUBHtE1JYQIgs3SksNBgg8WXQRc0cRk0/s1600/Mesilau+Atamis+HomeStay+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGu_CZ_1qiQpZukMu-Ev0GDtZCAolfjARFYhwEXmA-iQ1Dn3NMroxurjzWabGr2cMAGNel4mNWeu5VKGFo5mkR_8jMkmppE4xtewCFp3zW7CHUBHtE1JYQIgs3SksNBgg8WXQRc0cRk0/s1600/Mesilau+Atamis+HomeStay+(3).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mesilau Atamis HS</td></tr>
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We opted for the room w/attached bathroom.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwv_pqoldTHH6NLos9ZGFoVCtGuXLtiWRZWXEVF-vKoeMWvm0oxkSbrVYVgQCNz4BTmy0l4ag1accjDLIhwY7d8BxdsSOA3oXVlAUZfVx8_-chit_JO8WHjvWQ68Lxu5yeU6vQhAQjk1E/s1600/Mesilau+Atamis+HomeStay+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwv_pqoldTHH6NLos9ZGFoVCtGuXLtiWRZWXEVF-vKoeMWvm0oxkSbrVYVgQCNz4BTmy0l4ag1accjDLIhwY7d8BxdsSOA3oXVlAUZfVx8_-chit_JO8WHjvWQ68Lxu5yeU6vQhAQjk1E/s1600/Mesilau+Atamis+HomeStay+(2).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's a view right outside the homestay. Believe it or not, because of the potential view of the below, we opted to stay at Mesilau Atamis HS - read on and you'll know its worth it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheA-tpTupZsyJlS0PF3IyzAPpVaacJr6gPlN4e-VdIapbp0dRgyOQTNyiyXPhyphenhyphenPYFuwS_jh5kbiElg3YmQ5mZxoslYWkgCjoHTIucmF3EzszcGPy6pJ5hPi-aXS-_obKDzG4JeNQSUGAw/s1600/Why+here+you+will+see+soon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheA-tpTupZsyJlS0PF3IyzAPpVaacJr6gPlN4e-VdIapbp0dRgyOQTNyiyXPhyphenhyphenPYFuwS_jh5kbiElg3YmQ5mZxoslYWkgCjoHTIucmF3EzszcGPy6pJ5hPi-aXS-_obKDzG4JeNQSUGAw/s1600/Why+here+you+will+see+soon.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What do you think this exact view will offer in the morning...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Just down this road we noticed a couple of houses offering
Homestays. After confirming our accommodations, we headed down to
Kundasang town looking for petrol / gas. I’m not sure if I overshot, but I
couldn’t find any petrol stations and thus drove another 20minutes to Ranau
from the round-about to Ranau (left from Desa Farm or straight 12’oclock from
Kinabalu Park / Kota Kinabalu). And my, was that a good decision (or a good mistake missing the petrol station), there are a
couple of very good spots to take pictures of MK (Mount Kinabalu). We stopped around 10
minutes after Kundasang city, where there is a decently large open space and
some areas to park / wait on the left of the road. It gives an open view of MK,
alas it was cloudy. Snapped some pictures, and then headed to Ranau.</div>
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However on our way back from Ranau to Kundasang, voila, the clouds opened up for a spectacular view. Our first view of the Kinabalu Mountain Peaks!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHqMnPIso0ddKqJd8qqYedMscvYzf5LZ9EmimIv07aKo8aXc_9V5qi0dtkkHR5tjHpl6R3cXcWZdYyaumr0u5R7sCVNhtJiATIkXa0EGiAzVpjslGv-OtNV3XL5YhnIv-o6sUF2kPlPw/s1600/IMG_6898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHqMnPIso0ddKqJd8qqYedMscvYzf5LZ9EmimIv07aKo8aXc_9V5qi0dtkkHR5tjHpl6R3cXcWZdYyaumr0u5R7sCVNhtJiATIkXa0EGiAzVpjslGv-OtNV3XL5YhnIv-o6sUF2kPlPw/s1600/IMG_6898.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View between Kundasang and Ranau</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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There is a
Petronas, Esso and Shell in Ranau. I obviously went to Petronas – why? It was the
first I saw, and couldn’t see the others in sight and had no idea if there were other
options – I have no petrol brand loyalty – except for the one that gives the
best rewards / loyalty rewards… We contemplated either to head to Sabah Tea (it
was around 4.45pm and they said they close at 6pm). Decided otherwise as the
person at Petronas said it would be another 25mins drive. So headed back from
Ranau to Kundasang.<br />
<br />
We stopped at the fruit / veg market on the side of the road right before arriving at Kundasang town, to buy some (obviously) fruits.<br />
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The market is located very close Pine Resort Hotel.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzoGAFo7ZTU8vD741keLJ_MYFDRxfl-uFRLxmxwg3lCkn8YiwRDD7o5XGbW_sz3tJEon0gh5tOWsE3zkiTpV0h30T9x4sgluIfqJ0477Zbhh3ad4NgdrRpzanPfo9aLTl-1fEIsn-5cU/s1600/Fruit+and+Veg+market+Kundasang+good+views+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzoGAFo7ZTU8vD741keLJ_MYFDRxfl-uFRLxmxwg3lCkn8YiwRDD7o5XGbW_sz3tJEon0gh5tOWsE3zkiTpV0h30T9x4sgluIfqJ0477Zbhh3ad4NgdrRpzanPfo9aLTl-1fEIsn-5cU/s1600/Fruit+and+Veg+market+Kundasang+good+views+(2).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many choices - fresh!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Tried a couple of local fruits as well as the norms. Buah salak is also available.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCOLwi0BLAKHVteV7Pyv1wcKBk_vI9rirHENmKBW-PCjObDhOe3egRLhNmEYh2eg0BuqKGeOfGpxwdcOsN-nmJwG8ZWiUhEpq7FnIGKASPwWYIlf-zRBfXDMEeusN3cTxMO0qyrcS8Nw/s1600/Fruit+and+Veg+market+Kundasang+good+views+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCOLwi0BLAKHVteV7Pyv1wcKBk_vI9rirHENmKBW-PCjObDhOe3egRLhNmEYh2eg0BuqKGeOfGpxwdcOsN-nmJwG8ZWiUhEpq7FnIGKASPwWYIlf-zRBfXDMEeusN3cTxMO0qyrcS8Nw/s1600/Fruit+and+Veg+market+Kundasang+good+views+(1).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from the road side market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And tadaa– the clouds cleared again for a while, giving us a really nice view of the peaks. It was around 5pm + and according to locals, getting a clear view of the peak in the evenings is really hard. So yeay! Alhamdulillah.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmo62hbQHJhueEo82tQmZzrHlgplvgYzfmVgv_HsqxoAr-fBAPeosQOi1XgvIGv_fyrZ49yDUkRcNYVgbAkWxVRZXKxa6J6SjEfhEuzBVKZ5A_mxN5wHazUfmctSpV4SdMwdSetkGH64/s1600/At+kundasang+rounabout.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmo62hbQHJhueEo82tQmZzrHlgplvgYzfmVgv_HsqxoAr-fBAPeosQOi1XgvIGv_fyrZ49yDUkRcNYVgbAkWxVRZXKxa6J6SjEfhEuzBVKZ5A_mxN5wHazUfmctSpV4SdMwdSetkGH64/s1600/At+kundasang+rounabout.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeay! And let the photo snapping begin. Delightful view of Mount Kinabalu. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We headed back to our Homestay, taking
the steep climb to Desa Cattle then to <a href="http://www.sabahhomestay.my/homestay-in-sabah/kundasang/mesilou-atamis-homestay/" target="_blank">Mesilau Atamis</a>. By then the clouds had
come and the view was blocked. We took dinner (this homestay deal was only for
lodging – you can opt for other packages). Right at the Mesilou entrance a few
sundry / grocery shops and as well a simple restaurant, offering among others
Nasi Goreng A/D…hmm. Auto Detect? Nope, Ayam / Daging (Malay for Chicken /
Beef). Sun sets around 6.25pm at the
time we were there, you can check times for sunset or Maghrib online or just
check with the locals. While ordering dinner, I checked out the Mesilau Kampung centre, and there were a number of signboards offering homestay packages. I can't attest to them but if you want to check them out, below are some snap shots of them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdOakNiLwo41GyUlEEZXShkv0ZneYBIOQ2XOYStmFlNvB1nFmuX9zV4JbBiSNm5k_debLo620-KyYYniRtwbTKPQy1iGoCpjc3fhhB9g7gW0nkV_pPaCtgjH0W7L_Joy8T5P1t-Bt5dw/s1600/DSC_0582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdOakNiLwo41GyUlEEZXShkv0ZneYBIOQ2XOYStmFlNvB1nFmuX9zV4JbBiSNm5k_debLo620-KyYYniRtwbTKPQy1iGoCpjc3fhhB9g7gW0nkV_pPaCtgjH0W7L_Joy8T5P1t-Bt5dw/s1600/DSC_0582.JPG" height="112" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ch4j8jMJmn8xY_ZZ5sLl_ao6yxIhqa6QsJbxAq5sbXO3-7zzMJmUhvudAkb7CAIxdu7e_ivw523ZM1qHo2oX2KGgDl9l9g4Ti8g0I1KQPAvN15zCR-jOQT7z2m4CxO3PE0lTaJxDldk/s1600/DSC_0578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ch4j8jMJmn8xY_ZZ5sLl_ao6yxIhqa6QsJbxAq5sbXO3-7zzMJmUhvudAkb7CAIxdu7e_ivw523ZM1qHo2oX2KGgDl9l9g4Ti8g0I1KQPAvN15zCR-jOQT7z2m4CxO3PE0lTaJxDldk/s1600/DSC_0578.JPG" height="200" width="112" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMxbzTXcl7CiP39taVaT3HVGMhfLM7R9m-Xca5e2fcvGDAAQpW5RGmZyIr5c4nRohkVhMGNu-mfN_bk_k8yoFZctAUrSvkxLNdx5Xc4Ui3Rd2egXnUeCJj_tPJ5ao-kkv_Q6ONljAX_o/s1600/DSC_0581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMxbzTXcl7CiP39taVaT3HVGMhfLM7R9m-Xca5e2fcvGDAAQpW5RGmZyIr5c4nRohkVhMGNu-mfN_bk_k8yoFZctAUrSvkxLNdx5Xc4Ui3Rd2egXnUeCJj_tPJ5ao-kkv_Q6ONljAX_o/s1600/DSC_0581.JPG" height="112" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTm8uCWIqoVdXf_WVgjVKaxbyqZDXuwqg4ISVNBXok9NevAsqm68NE4NEgZ8us8YiePqcoAmph-OmKgMnbFzCJqM_7lgs7WkJ8vEA_PWhSjDOJTbyWeNWpFQ-2WiN3pv9Fnmo-S_GNq40/s1600/DSC_0583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTm8uCWIqoVdXf_WVgjVKaxbyqZDXuwqg4ISVNBXok9NevAsqm68NE4NEgZ8us8YiePqcoAmph-OmKgMnbFzCJqM_7lgs7WkJ8vEA_PWhSjDOJTbyWeNWpFQ-2WiN3pv9Fnmo-S_GNq40/s1600/DSC_0583.JPG" height="112" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqCvrYJx61-mRAa97DARq89SZjLmi0hOYFzJ4rT58uGGV0EgICGJEh3lG3dYsF6W5dqLvpP8q4xn0ZjXg6G2C_oPha_weCwxZbFV06KoqJ7rpPh8r-sinCKzAAZA04d4IqdwqnKgDY6A/s1600/DSC_0579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqCvrYJx61-mRAa97DARq89SZjLmi0hOYFzJ4rT58uGGV0EgICGJEh3lG3dYsF6W5dqLvpP8q4xn0ZjXg6G2C_oPha_weCwxZbFV06KoqJ7rpPh8r-sinCKzAAZA04d4IqdwqnKgDY6A/s1600/DSC_0579.JPG" height="200" width="112" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAygzOZytSWq54MW4fHtv76Y5B4_u-VAmlpFhwuMvRaQCGbba2vRuURk2jW4sv9Jd2pA9_Lz4MviRyibd2cvwUXtUwoeBrxckzbsImgJFD-BVmxLdsIYC48gRsFFWWsBvEUIMUUIeN5E/s1600/DSC_0580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAygzOZytSWq54MW4fHtv76Y5B4_u-VAmlpFhwuMvRaQCGbba2vRuURk2jW4sv9Jd2pA9_Lz4MviRyibd2cvwUXtUwoeBrxckzbsImgJFD-BVmxLdsIYC48gRsFFWWsBvEUIMUUIeN5E/s1600/DSC_0580.JPG" height="112" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />
You can also use keywords to search, just click here <a href="http://www.hotelscombined.com/Place/Mount_Kinabalu.htm?a_aid=26791" nbsp="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hotels near Kinabalu National Park / Kundasang / Ranau</a> to get started.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUujFeOooDR3dZGfM7CKvj0xVGxMXh79DtbCNS5h0jQGNNF3KvoCV-ntfbch0TjQ5NzoosqNWFiNHYDaweNWGEa37s-XAli9yZezG_FuMH9LnBfS1GaMwe794I8HQMqvUqVwsCQV0rXGU/s1600/Pitch+Black+at+night+in+the+Kampung.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUujFeOooDR3dZGfM7CKvj0xVGxMXh79DtbCNS5h0jQGNNF3KvoCV-ntfbch0TjQ5NzoosqNWFiNHYDaweNWGEa37s-XAli9yZezG_FuMH9LnBfS1GaMwe794I8HQMqvUqVwsCQV0rXGU/s1600/Pitch+Black+at+night+in+the+Kampung.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>Came out a while to check out the stars, and it was fabulous. Since there were no high buildings and hardly any artificial lighting, the moon and stars were the stars of the night - abundant and aplenty! As<b> it does get dark early and most eating places and shops close early do plan your dinner and any necessary shopping early probably latest by 6pm</b>.As you can see it is pitch dark at night. Good thing is the stars really shine in the darkness.<br />
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Generally no fans or air conditioning as it gets very cold at night, so bring along you jacket, and thick clothes. Socks as well maybe, as the floor can be cold…<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaswZMWkpZMUQPfG41dGhHVwIGQSEebuchshtBg_OgiFVmh5PYUuwQLg-JWANnzjFLXd6tN9cNhPxuwn2fLqyuyB9MMhPfYWFp4FKaGbWDsJpWzkKQEtEw1-dj4uYwhMwrhrALQ-u-sQ/s1600/Fruit+and+Veg+market+Kundasang+good+views+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaswZMWkpZMUQPfG41dGhHVwIGQSEebuchshtBg_OgiFVmh5PYUuwQLg-JWANnzjFLXd6tN9cNhPxuwn2fLqyuyB9MMhPfYWFp4FKaGbWDsJpWzkKQEtEw1-dj4uYwhMwrhrALQ-u-sQ/s1600/Fruit+and+Veg+market+Kundasang+good+views+(3).JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Buah Cermai ~ Indian Amla taste</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We enjoyed some of the fruits we bought.</div>
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Next morning, we woke at 5am, hmm still to dark, couldn’t
see anything but the sky, stars and …Went back to sleep. Nilu woke again at around
6.15am, and timing was perfect, the sun was making its debut, and no mist – I’m
not sure is it called mist or fog? Amrin the HS operator did say early mornings around 2 / 3 am onwards, you can see lights flickering on the mountain - hikers making their early morning climb up.<br />
<br />
<br />
Early in the mornings, the view from Mesilau is really nice, and the view is nice both
sides, facing MK and against MK. Remember this picture earlier, right outside the house, spot on view of the peaks - clear and crisp.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQq6RnVfqaPsG1Sa6Je6A_0YAgsTR25ieTMNsmobzNDiv0-hasIOBUHLZ-jWwQSFQnOqJgpJi9YVeN4ulUZSxCW16Yk2deS2PhK5Q48y8CD6RbSbcC-zRU6zyCsqUZ81olp-5jIuEvgE/s1600/Good+Morning+mount+Kinabalu+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQq6RnVfqaPsG1Sa6Je6A_0YAgsTR25ieTMNsmobzNDiv0-hasIOBUHLZ-jWwQSFQnOqJgpJi9YVeN4ulUZSxCW16Yk2deS2PhK5Q48y8CD6RbSbcC-zRU6zyCsqUZ81olp-5jIuEvgE/s1600/Good+Morning+mount+Kinabalu+(1).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
She sun shining down. Really nice look in below photo - obviously better in person.<span style="text-align: center;">View is just getting better. There is a large rock just a walk down, which you can climb for getting a better view, and also pose for yourself for better pics. Its always cool to pose a on big rock!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCGpDGYYXjXBFLcVTuq4mdd-xoVQE6_S0btO4d4Iq9SbQPAGUzWKIN9ePy1ndbJagR5rkOjYYUaeteYlviujpcO2zS_1PNxrQ2e_0XJ_WluGPtSLkZONDOCVfmrYiuEuMPqFxzUEHFbo/s1600/Good+Morning+mount+Kinabalu+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCGpDGYYXjXBFLcVTuq4mdd-xoVQE6_S0btO4d4Iq9SbQPAGUzWKIN9ePy1ndbJagR5rkOjYYUaeteYlviujpcO2zS_1PNxrQ2e_0XJ_WluGPtSLkZONDOCVfmrYiuEuMPqFxzUEHFbo/s1600/Good+Morning+mount+Kinabalu+(3).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Nature.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3gYO7O6Ma-c4kWqlg1Yg3pEPKPPtspnZkpcpNigmCK-480FH73L2qQSq_K7yJgBOXANY9HfEXClK3TNSOwskl-z9ig-T3bBXD8LiztUlVV6TpkLTEIg7y62Cw8XbEF-XtICjtGPBw1s/s1600/Good+Morning+mount+Kinabalu+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3gYO7O6Ma-c4kWqlg1Yg3pEPKPPtspnZkpcpNigmCK-480FH73L2qQSq_K7yJgBOXANY9HfEXClK3TNSOwskl-z9ig-T3bBXD8LiztUlVV6TpkLTEIg7y62Cw8XbEF-XtICjtGPBw1s/s1600/Good+Morning+mount+Kinabalu+(4).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And here is the view direct from our room. Awesome right. But frankly with such a nice weather and view, obviously you'd step out your room.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2BVyn8QDpeeoShJ4dV1kmlofO3Eoy38C0KDOqQiYGX-oz964F-OzCIZ9nikBWJ8QOWHdHfgixywjwp0YfFYuFQd39mRpybaT4IW5gAtG2gtXTW1J6VpEStidnoRh17IGqr9U1jf9m1aE/s1600/View+from+the+room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2BVyn8QDpeeoShJ4dV1kmlofO3Eoy38C0KDOqQiYGX-oz964F-OzCIZ9nikBWJ8QOWHdHfgixywjwp0YfFYuFQd39mRpybaT4IW5gAtG2gtXTW1J6VpEStidnoRh17IGqr9U1jf9m1aE/s1600/View+from+the+room.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the room.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So Mesilau is a good spot for catching the
morning view (and possibly the only view of the day) of the MK peaks. <br />
<br />
So if you're tempted with Mesilau - check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mesilou-Atamis-Homestay/358131351889?v=wall" target="_blank">Mesilou Atamis Facebook</a> - you should be able to call Amrin (<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.909090995788574px; line-height: 12.799999237060547px;">+019- 580 2474/ +017- 832 5578/ +013-886 2474 (Whatsupp)) </span>for directions and help with transportion if needed. Also you can discuss your package, i.e if you want a full package with activities, or just an overnight stay. They seem pretty flexible IF given ample notice. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsM_ETazSaLS09VXtgg-Dam74xAuCG2nxTnU-k4-qOhq3FfEyFVEdPcehTSQRRxgaDGQeu9wSDQOPbY4ca_qAzlrAboq2jqBArlpGU45r00IdgFGPj8DzuhIKiSJu2I-GplesCVRLEKPw/s1600/Mesilau.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsM_ETazSaLS09VXtgg-Dam74xAuCG2nxTnU-k4-qOhq3FfEyFVEdPcehTSQRRxgaDGQeu9wSDQOPbY4ca_qAzlrAboq2jqBArlpGU45r00IdgFGPj8DzuhIKiSJu2I-GplesCVRLEKPw/s1600/Mesilau.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bye bye</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
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So now what? We had a simple breakfast – fruits and buns we
bought the evening before in our room / house, checked out, and headed for Sabah Tea. I am very particular on having my morning breakfasat WITH tea or coffee, but since we were headed to Sabah <b>Tea</b>….was willing to wait. The drive to Sabah Tea via Ranau was probably around 45minutes, and on the way, saw a banner for Rafflesia blooming right before the Roning Hot Water Springs left turn sign (After passing Ranau town) on the right side of the road.<br />
<br />
Sign boards on the roads were decently ample except for when you exit Ranau which you could take the wrong turning - left at the Ranau round-about if I recall - do double confirm.<br />
<br />
Once you enter Sabah Tea entrance, the road up (yes uphill again) is rather steep and a rock / stone / gravel road. We first had our tea as below - verdict average. Arrived at the top, wasn’t crowded, wished they had a few more signboards on the way once you enter as you start wondering how far more up.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzPGoJte0nwnoyGzjh5f0UpmmKDT-glyXWwAN8-vn0VwCguRF_-Z3sC7ubSqwTTVSA8FeTaGTLML5X0nqVp9qLH48Ole24MYGkkuKIFFDJHt83RGYVadewGBSzNqbG0-t8loPq6uR1_I/s1600/Sabah+Tea+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzPGoJte0nwnoyGzjh5f0UpmmKDT-glyXWwAN8-vn0VwCguRF_-Z3sC7ubSqwTTVSA8FeTaGTLML5X0nqVp9qLH48Ole24MYGkkuKIFFDJHt83RGYVadewGBSzNqbG0-t8loPq6uR1_I/s1600/Sabah+Tea+(3).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sabah Milk Tea and Cinnamon Tea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The tea processing plant was closed- they said due to a Sunday. Just had milk tea and Cinnamon tea at the restaurant. Here's is a view from Sabah Tea. <b>Nice but frankly, for tea plantations head to Cameron Highlands for Boh Tea Plantation and <a href="http://makan2food.blogspot.com/2007/10/masala-tea-bharat-tea-plantation.html" target="_blank">Bharat Tea</a> (must try their masala tea there in Cameron). But if you are on the way via Ranau and never been to Cameron or have ample time - give it a go. </b><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZzEBAkwFsDEBvoajsHNUs7rfS0ZUNg4OilCHwlRooFDFrV1wFxeZ4GaUTMl27ZzvXo-_oWxuf9LSboEGIf8WJtVkLclAHWfsKNJIl5-cGqyzVyNkXN9kmfDQ0JMHhu66nJhvkS8vjV8/s1600/Sabah+Tea+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZzEBAkwFsDEBvoajsHNUs7rfS0ZUNg4OilCHwlRooFDFrV1wFxeZ4GaUTMl27ZzvXo-_oWxuf9LSboEGIf8WJtVkLclAHWfsKNJIl5-cGqyzVyNkXN9kmfDQ0JMHhu66nJhvkS8vjV8/s1600/Sabah+Tea+(2).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea Plantation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoi8azxKYgmr6tuo0mWeVaJpSav1yabuQhBsFmPB_FtlIQXiaxYcggp62h8EFXKxSuPV2NDx0bebIxaZWgDzLvUqcddaW7_PgmRxTZbbZtqlujbEQkaIX4MUF9nb5K05s6ddwfk6ci7C8/s1600/Sabah+Tea+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoi8azxKYgmr6tuo0mWeVaJpSav1yabuQhBsFmPB_FtlIQXiaxYcggp62h8EFXKxSuPV2NDx0bebIxaZWgDzLvUqcddaW7_PgmRxTZbbZtqlujbEQkaIX4MUF9nb5K05s6ddwfk6ci7C8/s1600/Sabah+Tea+(1).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rumah Panjang</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The also had a long house (rumah panjang) which is a traditional house. </div>
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A World War II memorial and some history located the tea plantation - Prisoner's of War (POW).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2wyKvwQgwMB1IlmYa-7V1j_dXDlSSziqCDkD4rKK-NmcjuNRgBPyS4-3mDjznaQwRLPF7dbDgespVgwJ1u0Dx3qejkIgEQYrqoIBU7XET6jg_2EL2VyfzcWRkoR_A8DfiPHvh7DpnqA/s1600/Sabah+Tea+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2wyKvwQgwMB1IlmYa-7V1j_dXDlSSziqCDkD4rKK-NmcjuNRgBPyS4-3mDjznaQwRLPF7dbDgespVgwJ1u0Dx3qejkIgEQYrqoIBU7XET6jg_2EL2VyfzcWRkoR_A8DfiPHvh7DpnqA/s1600/Sabah+Tea+(4).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Headed off from Sabah tea, and after passing the Roning hot
water springs, slowed down and looked for the Rafflesia blooming banner – funny
it was only facing the way we initially came – luckilty it wasn’t’ 100%
opaque!. Slowed down, tried calling –got the third number and confirmed below</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->There is a flower blooming</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Not much walking /hiking required as travelling
with a 2 year kid.<br />
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<span style="text-indent: -24px;">I am officially excited to see a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafflesia" target="_blank">Rafflesi</a><u>a</u>- the largest flower in the world! And which takes ~9 months to bloom. </span>And once got confirmation – we were headed to see the
world’s largest flower – and a rather smelly one at that they say. Well if
you’ve changed baby diapers, this is probably nothing.<br />
<br />
Drove ~3.5km down and saw signboards for it and followed through. Parked, and there was only one other group. Wow, I’m surprised to see more people at a Tea plantation then at something so rare, which takes around 9months+ to bloom. We walked in, paid and walked for actually ~100meters, and got to see nearly all stages of the rafflesia, from small bud to bloomed, to rotten. AMAZING, people wait, book and wait for phone calls when the flower blooms and then go hiking to look at this flower and here we got to see it. Awesome…<br />
<br />
Took a picture of the banner and contact numbers. Definitely a must do if you are in Kundasang / Ranau area. I'm not sure if there are other operators / sites as well.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIt5_WfLGMYFF6nl5r3B_Yzm7-Scanxhl4Gfl_uI7-hnwqdesAQpPAHVPe9cRuehTCiiWKGd8aPmf8dKuxUdqU609vNbyfThlT4JAchJTAWMh7XhzeloUTv8UCRbSmDPF-_Jxmp6LuW4Y/s1600/Lifetime+eveng+Rafflesia+viewing+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIt5_WfLGMYFF6nl5r3B_Yzm7-Scanxhl4Gfl_uI7-hnwqdesAQpPAHVPe9cRuehTCiiWKGd8aPmf8dKuxUdqU609vNbyfThlT4JAchJTAWMh7XhzeloUTv8UCRbSmDPF-_Jxmp6LuW4Y/s1600/Lifetime+eveng+Rafflesia+viewing+(1).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contacts - call to check. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Here's a mid way blooming in process and a carcass. They have a simple yet informative guided tour (cost to visit around RM20-30 per person). The guide mentioned they leave the 'dead flowers' as is, to enable the pollination by animals as there are male and female flowers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJydXJO0zCKvuj6Ys2K6P6N5t3ZPK4b6W2ilUio6_hbmtk_MK9wsMsXA17NRuMGeFOwsY4rUw1ypTpemCH4co8aqSs_qpkPaP2LpPtoZc5UyOowsqusnc_2Mmqsr5PyLbifh5LWFDn1W8/s1600/Lifetime+eveng+Rafflesia+viewing+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJydXJO0zCKvuj6Ys2K6P6N5t3ZPK4b6W2ilUio6_hbmtk_MK9wsMsXA17NRuMGeFOwsY4rUw1ypTpemCH4co8aqSs_qpkPaP2LpPtoZc5UyOowsqusnc_2Mmqsr5PyLbifh5LWFDn1W8/s1600/Lifetime+eveng+Rafflesia+viewing+(2).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's one that is just beginning the process - so still 'small' .<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bEbXytj0HAEl4ARiFOIBEKcivoYm6vAueDsv_lm8osq4ul0hKMWGIso4lLQBMxcgOehRbo7QJXKsnob-N8bDvrq_0_2I1kvhjQr3dQNuW4sCHk_eN2kMfJvJeDGEBfIxbTUDZ34VdCI/s1600/Lifetime+eveng+Rafflesia+viewing+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bEbXytj0HAEl4ARiFOIBEKcivoYm6vAueDsv_lm8osq4ul0hKMWGIso4lLQBMxcgOehRbo7QJXKsnob-N8bDvrq_0_2I1kvhjQr3dQNuW4sCHk_eN2kMfJvJeDGEBfIxbTUDZ34VdCI/s1600/Lifetime+eveng+Rafflesia+viewing+(3).JPG" height="310" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And here is my first time ever seeing a live Rafflesia. Large. Notice the 'spores?' inside the flower. Also the flies around it - click the picture of a larger picture view - and check out the details!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyz112n2jp9YRXFyFgp6G16kmXknmRpMTFV8T00G2YH5l3RyVWRTBWay-iAxA_gAVZLdAcLfl_Tk8LGswVpa1BxFHGrSyZaziSNRuQCyXbNlgm9DMAMTpDNXcjkrcvurSS_P8r0hD0tk/s1600/Lifetime+eveng+Rafflesia+viewing+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyz112n2jp9YRXFyFgp6G16kmXknmRpMTFV8T00G2YH5l3RyVWRTBWay-iAxA_gAVZLdAcLfl_Tk8LGswVpa1BxFHGrSyZaziSNRuQCyXbNlgm9DMAMTpDNXcjkrcvurSS_P8r0hD0tk/s1600/Lifetime+eveng+Rafflesia+viewing+(4).JPG" height="254" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Here's a familar face next to the flower - to give you perspective of the size. (somehow the flower looks smaller in this pic, due to me being alot closer to the camera then the flower). Probably the picture above with the fly (lalat) gives a better perspective of size. Generally flowers are 2-5x larger then flies, this is what ~200x larger then the fly?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8Pe6MQEHi4GNIzaLgEbX14KC19-YlNnPDADBNMCUdurFXr_EeKvedJozFFFyIV3BHNI7PIl1V0AsWsmzyhO-TU79e2O10N-Qd3e8W9xCjhD1q2CNdCxrualtlI0MY572TwJpu2dU5AY/s1600/Lifetime+eveng+Rafflesia+viewing+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8Pe6MQEHi4GNIzaLgEbX14KC19-YlNnPDADBNMCUdurFXr_EeKvedJozFFFyIV3BHNI7PIl1V0AsWsmzyhO-TU79e2O10N-Qd3e8W9xCjhD1q2CNdCxrualtlI0MY572TwJpu2dU5AY/s1600/Lifetime+eveng+Rafflesia+viewing+(5).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If you are going to Kundasang / Ranau this is a
must, try calling before hand – also there might be others that offer rafflesia
viewing, do google.</div>
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<br />
One of the reasons I’m kind of <i>‘re-borned’ </i>to write a
blog entry (you’d notice I've been rather lazy and hardly update) is that there is very little
information available for places like Kundasang that really deserves more ‘net
time’ (like TV airtime?). Even tripadvisor had minimum info, and again trip
advisor is good to get advice and reviews, but doesn't really help tell you how
to plan your trip. Even finding accomodation reviews, and options is limited. Waze and Google Maps have a long way to go too for this village roads.<br />
<br /></div>
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I did find <a href="http://mistermonsjourney.blogspot.com/2013/03/kundasang-your-window-to-mount-kinabalu.html" target="_blank">Mr MON’S JOURNEY BLOG</a> – among the most informative –
and very well written. </div>
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<br />
After completing the Raffesia we headed for one last
important stop before heading back to KK – nope we skipped the Poring Water
Springs as were tight for time (nor dressed for it either) and peninsular has a good share of hot water sprints as well– so we stopped at –
yes petrol station. I’m a little risk averse (or a lot) so want to make sure
we’re good. Filled up petrol, an then headed back to KK (Kota Kinabalu). <br />
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFDtfDxrYUJVVzsg0RArPaYwoSC9-2PC_FLan9APep1HOeeLFmyW_N7XtxysAKc-zaulnKYRuHd-19MjAafCcZW_Sr0Ix4Ip-CJWxX-o2hrvepKhuwaJgbLYuXz_SjYMXE28LNJuTDT8/s1600/Fresh+seafood+right+next+to+Fresh+Market+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFDtfDxrYUJVVzsg0RArPaYwoSC9-2PC_FLan9APep1HOeeLFmyW_N7XtxysAKc-zaulnKYRuHd-19MjAafCcZW_Sr0Ix4Ip-CJWxX-o2hrvepKhuwaJgbLYuXz_SjYMXE28LNJuTDT8/s1600/Fresh+seafood+right+next+to+Fresh+Market+(3).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the shop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We stopped by the waterfront area – wanted to go to Port
View Seafood restaurant but was closed, headed to the market just down the road
– sea facing and as it was Sunday the food area even opens for lunch, otherwise
they open for dinner only. Was a cool experience – kudos to Nilu and friends
for recommending. Go for Butter Prawn – REALLY
good, we went for the shop quite close to
the fresh chicken market. And the seafood you order, they just walk over
to the fresh market next door, buy and cook it for you. AWESOME.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEeJiTsWsB4plCM0fUnLSuVKgOJ_-eGFg_aBc0VKYAGx2EtJxfu5SDBZPrKwP-oxDljhUgbsScQL4Kvh8N4mAVUaod5J_PQurgrr08-pjKyiCU2hmJlsTT4yGm_zEzcyHlzp4C3d6BciQ/s1600/Fresh+seafood+right+next+to+Fresh+Market+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEeJiTsWsB4plCM0fUnLSuVKgOJ_-eGFg_aBc0VKYAGx2EtJxfu5SDBZPrKwP-oxDljhUgbsScQL4Kvh8N4mAVUaod5J_PQurgrr08-pjKyiCU2hmJlsTT4yGm_zEzcyHlzp4C3d6BciQ/s1600/Fresh+seafood+right+next+to+Fresh+Market+(2).JPG" height="196" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shops name - and BUTTER PRAWN!<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Fish was average and seemed pricey. Probably to big for us, eventhough requested small fist only.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxEZ7UUpHhfea7IRLzt9glZBPmYSJMk0NJtvZbM9OMj4DHLaheddDY4b0d79gpms3v6CNEBkk54RwBVCWrOXHhov19XDoYotPyeeeou8dSMFgaGjKAJ5BPAu3bR3OUqEahfD8pV-_O7Y/s1600/Fresh+seafood+right+next+to+Fresh+Market+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxEZ7UUpHhfea7IRLzt9glZBPmYSJMk0NJtvZbM9OMj4DHLaheddDY4b0d79gpms3v6CNEBkk54RwBVCWrOXHhov19XDoYotPyeeeou8dSMFgaGjKAJ5BPAu3bR3OUqEahfD8pV-_O7Y/s1600/Fresh+seafood+right+next+to+Fresh+Market+(1).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Tomyam was nicely done. Gave us a good sweat!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHKGOPKgUzVK86InClqEH05hwAALQRn7pMAPTggUCydL1wLmNsT3AAuHMR5_eWRhxq_q7Yd1Hpd2ixvEk3juKFbkaCsb5B1UxIa-FUb_IBv7l2NjwyAtxGuBsCb3uDoj0Fzne8K42ONU/s1600/Fresh+seafood+right+next+to+Fresh+Market+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHKGOPKgUzVK86InClqEH05hwAALQRn7pMAPTggUCydL1wLmNsT3AAuHMR5_eWRhxq_q7Yd1Hpd2ixvEk3juKFbkaCsb5B1UxIa-FUb_IBv7l2NjwyAtxGuBsCb3uDoj0Fzne8K42ONU/s1600/Fresh+seafood+right+next+to+Fresh+Market+(6).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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And the highlight of the meal - butter prawn with some nice crunchy crispy flakes.<br />
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Wow it was 4pm. Need to head back. Went to Hyatt to grab our
luggage and freshen up, yes, usually hotels can help keep you luggage for a
couple of days – so when we went to Kundasang we left most of our bags at Hyatt. From Hyatt headed to Beach 1 by Tanjung Aru, slightly before Shangrila. There are a
couple of buildings in beach one, the last one is the ala food court, with some
very good fruit juice choices – check out pics below.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XuUHcuTI20e3zNteZmv4ab2ozZVELMy9HncsvRUVq3qGNGyI3X775_uKnQkQD85LLiScnH2oWQrmZr7TeTIsF17qM_3ckLlwniBMfg_2mZmJBDv4BxismmE7Ca5wxD2dPgIM10bB1_o/s1600/Blended+and+three+layer+fruits.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XuUHcuTI20e3zNteZmv4ab2ozZVELMy9HncsvRUVq3qGNGyI3X775_uKnQkQD85LLiScnH2oWQrmZr7TeTIsF17qM_3ckLlwniBMfg_2mZmJBDv4BxismmE7Ca5wxD2dPgIM10bB1_o/s1600/Blended+and+three+layer+fruits.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The three type three layer fruit drink was good!</td></tr>
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The entrance is right at
the round-about. We parked on the road side. <br />
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From there headed to the airport and waiting for the car
rental guy to come pick up the car. Do note –there are 2 airports in KK, so
be careful which you should go to , and
where Waze / Google Maps takes you. People are friendly enough so just ASK.. </div>
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And that ends our trip…The trip purpose was more of a relaxation, and we didn't plan much up front, so definitely we did not cover 100% of Sabah due to time, not much planning and wanted a relaxing trip.<br />
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ps- there is a <a href="http://www.upsidedownhouse.com.my/#!contact-us" target="_blank">Rumah Terbalik</a> on the way to Kundasang. Didn't notice it, but a good place to check out. Also Kampung Nabalu for views of MK.<br />
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Man Suranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247783563975048209noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923568407698595577.post-37046106938565513302014-04-07T21:55:00.000+08:002014-04-14T00:07:16.427+08:00Sabah Kota Kinabalu - Trip Planner Series<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sabah </b>– arrived in <a href="http://www.hotelscombined.com/Hotel/Shangri_Las_Tanjung_Aru_Resort_Spa.htm?a_aid=26791&label=Shangrila%20KK" nbsp="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shangrila Tanjung Aru</a>. There are 2 Shang's in Sabah, one in<a href="http://www.shangri-la.com/kotakinabalu/tanjungaruresort/" target="_blank"> <span id="goog_143088192"></span>Tanjung Aru</a><span id="goog_143088193"></span> (nice beach and sunset, and the other in <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://www.hotelscombined.com/Hotel/Shangri_Las_Rasa_Ria_Resort.htm?a_aid=26791&label=Shangrila%20KK" nbsp="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shangrila Rasa Ria Resort</a> </u></span>- go there for the Orangutans mini conservation centre. Was looking forward to the Shangrila (fondly called the Shang), all my experience with other Shang hotels has been tremendous, undoubtedly one of the best hotel chains there is. One that is comparable is the <a href="http://www.royalplaza.com.sg/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.hotelscombined.com/Hotel/Royal_Plaza_on_Scotts.htm?a_aid=26791&label=Royal%20Plaza" nbsp="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Royal Plaza</a> in Singapore. For Royal Plaza, even when you call the front desk, the way they greet you is as if they are looking forward to your call.<br />
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Yes you actually get the below view, and you can pose in it as well. Really nice 'photo' view.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62DW9Rp9xBv_Xi_N0yXdNZRfQHnOp9Y_hi8XASv8l5eDTrM3UWEHym_kd3nLogA6TfWlSxkGLJndh7-V_-4fUgOlO8ANpPZ9ECXxQ35XtGZ4-V-H1eRpf7xak28gpItpCHndarG0twV4/s1600/Shang+tanjung+Aru+famous+view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62DW9Rp9xBv_Xi_N0yXdNZRfQHnOp9Y_hi8XASv8l5eDTrM3UWEHym_kd3nLogA6TfWlSxkGLJndh7-V_-4fUgOlO8ANpPZ9ECXxQ35XtGZ4-V-H1eRpf7xak28gpItpCHndarG0twV4/s1600/Shang+tanjung+Aru+famous+view.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famous Shangila pool + sea + tree view...</td></tr>
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Back to Shang Tanjung Aru. Tanjung Aru is known by locals as one of the best spots to catch the sun set, and has a good number of dining options available along Tanjung Aru beach - so called Beach 1 & Beach 2. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lJ9q8IK4yBqB-MYrLTxBTulb1k4Qg5ubuomY7z2H00sGUsDURUdOj_M8cCSoXDa0mAeF9yxTX2LB_2ZVOuoI6c7qnicDeCWNqnxqyNcTS5XApL0WXoduuM_4mV_ANfUlrPF-aVFjU1c/s1600/TanjungAru+SunSet+Fajar+Terbenam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lJ9q8IK4yBqB-MYrLTxBTulb1k4Qg5ubuomY7z2H00sGUsDURUdOj_M8cCSoXDa0mAeF9yxTX2LB_2ZVOuoI6c7qnicDeCWNqnxqyNcTS5XApL0WXoduuM_4mV_ANfUlrPF-aVFjU1c/s1600/TanjungAru+SunSet+Fajar+Terbenam.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset by Tanjung Aru Beach - public beach</td></tr>
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Nice fruit juice too!...</div>
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Check in experience was average, and calling the front desk and in room dining both was disappointing. Not really in the mood to write about my experience but definitely was no where close any of the other Shangrila’s I’ve stayed in. I do have to praise the on duty manager – both Russell and Hakimi, as they went out of their way to assists us, and tried their best to make up for the rather ‘dissapointing’ experience we had with the Shang!.<br />
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Shang itself, the place, and the facilities are quite top notch. Nothing beats the children mini water 'theme' park they have. If you and your kids are adventurous, even for a 2 year old there is something to do in the water.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHHBiFjnep9iOoAy8VQRUFUWZz2sJPJITnuRoPyuObGKWbRVkuQZnidPOaSI0i5osEhn9HqT1VPS5wwiE7juaFlQYZCkbUU7OPHHvXYnP6z0JdkzJ1W2OYUj_ZrF7XArLNY0PvuNaUow/s1600/water+park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHHBiFjnep9iOoAy8VQRUFUWZz2sJPJITnuRoPyuObGKWbRVkuQZnidPOaSI0i5osEhn9HqT1VPS5wwiE7juaFlQYZCkbUU7OPHHvXYnP6z0JdkzJ1W2OYUj_ZrF7XArLNY0PvuNaUow/s1600/water+park.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice Water Park - source Expedia.</td></tr>
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I really liked the giant chess set. And note the nice sea view you get.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIwcXMpc2mcaeOwpGAfCh4oii90NEkfxuqGZ5A6MywUpcpMwtbuzW_CNS1B4v5N1-I95fh2DkG8Kt5DRKhPSDDpnQt54nS8GK18RLKKOcKO09m9wkUWNKcQjFLM1a8R9qJ_pTZ6nbnag/s1600/Chess+Set+at+the+Shang.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIwcXMpc2mcaeOwpGAfCh4oii90NEkfxuqGZ5A6MywUpcpMwtbuzW_CNS1B4v5N1-I95fh2DkG8Kt5DRKhPSDDpnQt54nS8GK18RLKKOcKO09m9wkUWNKcQjFLM1a8R9qJ_pTZ6nbnag/s1600/Chess+Set+at+the+Shang.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chess it out</td></tr>
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Shangrila itself is a great location to view the Sunset. The beach itself I didn't manage to check out, but haven't heard rave reviews - probably the islands nearby would be better. Shang has got a long sea side so you can pick your views.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8sXhisP3T0qzYsarer7YrXLYrOJmVX4SOYD6n7nq2HcxbOWAlO0sWdxOjDjMN81oZZtFkP9u8gGqsgpHfupLNL5qb7ciPZMpI-7M77d_hZdRzBcEklxEA_Rsd8XlqitfjQDuQdgnYoE/s1600/Tanjung+Aru+Sun+and+Moon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8sXhisP3T0qzYsarer7YrXLYrOJmVX4SOYD6n7nq2HcxbOWAlO0sWdxOjDjMN81oZZtFkP9u8gGqsgpHfupLNL5qb7ciPZMpI-7M77d_hZdRzBcEklxEA_Rsd8XlqitfjQDuQdgnYoE/s1600/Tanjung+Aru+Sun+and+Moon.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun Setting right behind an Island</td></tr>
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From this spot, at this time the Sun set right at the back of the island, so couldn't get the fireball sun view but was still a spectacular sight.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCdxvhCI8E6Ij41rStzHDTkxSiKwSC3NOVrOa8RcTReeeyp7PNkdYUxQaJWsI6mSF0ZF2fGceSYV_yf-8mpeJwbfdhDP6FMLtojC9v-YCHm8fVUo-WrBsaWOY7grAgGY1kqD0nJctASY/s1600/watching+people+watch+the+sun+set+while+watchin+the+sun+set.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCdxvhCI8E6Ij41rStzHDTkxSiKwSC3NOVrOa8RcTReeeyp7PNkdYUxQaJWsI6mSF0ZF2fGceSYV_yf-8mpeJwbfdhDP6FMLtojC9v-YCHm8fVUo-WrBsaWOY7grAgGY1kqD0nJctASY/s1600/watching+people+watch+the+sun+set+while+watchin+the+sun+set.JPG" height="261" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching people watch the sun set while watching the sun set</td></tr>
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Completing our stay in the Shang, we checked out and then moved to <a href="http://kinabalu.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hyatt Regency</a> - it is right smack in the Kota Kinabalu (KK) town. Parking in <a href="http://www.hotelscombined.com/Hotel/Hyatt_Regency_Kinabalu.htm?a_aid=26791&label=Hyatt" nbsp="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hyatt</a> is complimentary. Upon arrival, we were nicely greeted and checked in. Room was nice. Too bad not given the sea view. YuGou (can't recall exact name spelling) at the entrance was a pleasant delight, he was really informative and provided some very good suggestions on where to eat. Click <a href="http://www.hotelscombined.com/Hotel/Hyatt_Regency_Kinabalu.htm?a_aid=26791&label=Hyatt" nbsp="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hyatt</a> to check out ratings and rates. Read on...<br />
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So after we checked in, besides really liking the room, we were hungry, and we were contemplating of either going for the night market or Fook Yuen - a restaurant recommended by the pleasant Hyatt staff. Decided on Fook Yuen as it is difficult to get Halal Dimsum in Penang (weird isn't it)...<br />
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Fook Yuen is quite close to Hyatt, around 10 minutes walk only. Told you Hyatt is right smack in town. Good to see the JAKIM (authorized and authority in Malaysia to issue Halal Logo)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZQWIiuCDMKOd33wV_mAvw-VmodyMoFPFQFPIBX0Xj-ucd9P8a9amL6socdyo1eThR5FC8fBQ5LZH-sGfoaCMhOK4Hfk4i72LynRsM1PouR8njzqISupysAtVcgZLil3E9PxJmnkQaHQ/s1600/Fook+Yuen+Halal+DimSum+Roti+Kahwin+nearby+Hyatt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZQWIiuCDMKOd33wV_mAvw-VmodyMoFPFQFPIBX0Xj-ucd9P8a9amL6socdyo1eThR5FC8fBQ5LZH-sGfoaCMhOK4Hfk4i72LynRsM1PouR8njzqISupysAtVcgZLil3E9PxJmnkQaHQ/s1600/Fook+Yuen+Halal+DimSum+Roti+Kahwin+nearby+Hyatt.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fook Yuen - Halal</td></tr>
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Firstly ordered the DimSum. I'm not a DimSum expert, eventhough I have a food blog <a href="http://makan2food.blogspot.com/">makan2food.blogspot.com</a> , - not an expert on Chinese cuisines as hard to get Halal Chinese Food.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoHwyJlGZ0-VRCZaethyFkwsO5vzfjDgpTfyB_AzTB-I5AO_8QpPH5mgetdhlpnaLsZ9ZDQIuvQi9XP5ypGXI7DTZNcOy2HeMxu00N8kJBmmk2OL37M0rNdK1wTCFZUYyJoimELc_c_M/s1600/Fook+Yuen+DimSum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoHwyJlGZ0-VRCZaethyFkwsO5vzfjDgpTfyB_AzTB-I5AO_8QpPH5mgetdhlpnaLsZ9ZDQIuvQi9XP5ypGXI7DTZNcOy2HeMxu00N8kJBmmk2OL37M0rNdK1wTCFZUYyJoimELc_c_M/s1600/Fook+Yuen+DimSum.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DimSum, some done.</td></tr>
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Overall the DimSum was nice (now again I don't have a good benchmark). My only thought is all the DimSum dishes were prawn based (with a concoction of chicken, veg..). What if I don't eat prawn...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26QV1yFX5kigiemZoSMcx9I83YddV27dXGeNESugtVg5dftE-GbSDAigKg-CrizSwtmdxJQNaZZZrl3qJHeDhR_2WSmSOGX1XZhuA4msJqn0k_tnAC8ft-futQkYi6MsPqDEXFIGFMKA/s1600/FookYuen+Roti+Kahwin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26QV1yFX5kigiemZoSMcx9I83YddV27dXGeNESugtVg5dftE-GbSDAigKg-CrizSwtmdxJQNaZZZrl3qJHeDhR_2WSmSOGX1XZhuA4msJqn0k_tnAC8ft-futQkYi6MsPqDEXFIGFMKA/s1600/FookYuen+Roti+Kahwin.JPG" height="320" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roti Kahwin</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3K6N4EZHlwR-Zyz7k3deNtdPNTZUBGEctDAES9KP65oAymW8kbiasDxaoubWRmGuUEyHxDMMUqF8QtSLKlaTubQqNtbCrR5qIp14QsjNWn5va8fZt2jTy-APnZPhxFqAXe7tD8oK6Wwg/s1600/Dimsum+and+some.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3K6N4EZHlwR-Zyz7k3deNtdPNTZUBGEctDAES9KP65oAymW8kbiasDxaoubWRmGuUEyHxDMMUqF8QtSLKlaTubQqNtbCrR5qIp14QsjNWn5va8fZt2jTy-APnZPhxFqAXe7tD8oK6Wwg/s1600/Dimsum+and+some.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dim Sum and some</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And what happens after that - obviously below. By the way not the drink - Kopi Cham (campur?) - mixed coffee + tea. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhPjAfd4UUzT4qdpyMCCrUejCbOgecrIUn3U83zLzRTF1uNvytv760prm6lHKA1CMoi4u1lmEFI7qfx-eEP1NK0_362Rh5GXnUM7L62wTR_tfyBJTNlB9_877D5TnNbH70waGlR91nHQ/s1600/Fook+Yuen+aftermath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhPjAfd4UUzT4qdpyMCCrUejCbOgecrIUn3U83zLzRTF1uNvytv760prm6lHKA1CMoi4u1lmEFI7qfx-eEP1NK0_362Rh5GXnUM7L62wTR_tfyBJTNlB9_877D5TnNbH70waGlR91nHQ/s1600/Fook+Yuen+aftermath.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aftermath</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Above is the roti kahwin. Pretty nice, but the old town type of bread would be my preference. Talking about OldTown - it was right next to Fook Yuen, but rather empty. Good to see a local breed out doing a Malaysian and now global franchise.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqZ8E-5pj7CHnloKhwCds1tKYWQifTnzhbRzkCsl0d2IBzpFyQno9Cc4jk0RywTRSMpk3fNsIQoN7IhajqxrfWkiSPMqFvmRrn_fttqCOl0VSDYFXlwpKcYScU9bTO3FS3lbdr5yfbgo/s1600/The+Bill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqZ8E-5pj7CHnloKhwCds1tKYWQifTnzhbRzkCsl0d2IBzpFyQno9Cc4jk0RywTRSMpk3fNsIQoN7IhajqxrfWkiSPMqFvmRrn_fttqCOl0VSDYFXlwpKcYScU9bTO3FS3lbdr5yfbgo/s1600/The+Bill.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bill. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Next day, while waiting for friends, we went for a climb at the Signal Hill Observatory Program. The beginning point is just a 10 - 15 minutes walk. The stair climb itself is not too bad, unless you are carrying a 2 year old kid :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4HZjSm9Jl5Jz5Bnj09xYbPr4Cmj0oRUT2ZtigBw1hcB9OTUab4OMFfNcUknsj6LWnXpzaH6r9yVTyqVSAQr0WjSrthPJtB2OadMyFWvT_F5_KusKVDcbyuho_JimFkDEOanPDgnEQ6Y/s1600/The+beginning.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4HZjSm9Jl5Jz5Bnj09xYbPr4Cmj0oRUT2ZtigBw1hcB9OTUab4OMFfNcUknsj6LWnXpzaH6r9yVTyqVSAQr0WjSrthPJtB2OadMyFWvT_F5_KusKVDcbyuho_JimFkDEOanPDgnEQ6Y/s1600/The+beginning.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Beginning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedqPOAHHZJf4eWX-LsY8EKA0xXZx4rFrmXrpk0pKFbB5ZMf-U9MTIFZc4_EMf-QPU73Qcf9nrYJ2Idbu9dlpJuJ3dBVcirG1AAKG48p0BIkoSqFFwrrHENEtUZPK4OB887sqiDMF1XCA/s1600/The+climb+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedqPOAHHZJf4eWX-LsY8EKA0xXZx4rFrmXrpk0pKFbB5ZMf-U9MTIFZc4_EMf-QPU73Qcf9nrYJ2Idbu9dlpJuJ3dBVcirG1AAKG48p0BIkoSqFFwrrHENEtUZPK4OB887sqiDMF1XCA/s1600/The+climb+up.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Climb (half of it)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTDovrKuRRn4xbJ9T7C6twvsVeNMB6ScQKSs-hO-Hrs-ahL3gZDIiy5nZZYXPbPW3A4qNpNs-xwQXnupK2UX7g1e0nSBZ_8PKATpAx64YPeKQw21qu9Ql3J25_-igrxTUF5YKQ6BUWYE/s1600/Signal+Hill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTDovrKuRRn4xbJ9T7C6twvsVeNMB6ScQKSs-hO-Hrs-ahL3gZDIiy5nZZYXPbPW3A4qNpNs-xwQXnupK2UX7g1e0nSBZ_8PKATpAx64YPeKQw21qu9Ql3J25_-igrxTUF5YKQ6BUWYE/s1600/Signal+Hill.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the observatory deck - I'm guessing will be more happening in the evenings!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-F84LHUU0KJyl1b0htGHTX3rnVjLKfRihJeTjlpuYWJSsUmS5Rr50Spr9UpfsC4bH7RjEDEBotvQ9xeLHImkyaWTv2FBzkTtOMntA81A6E2igRcLO1z-TSkJ_wBLNCp1O0kY7kry1q4/s1600/Signal+Hill+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-F84LHUU0KJyl1b0htGHTX3rnVjLKfRihJeTjlpuYWJSsUmS5Rr50Spr9UpfsC4bH7RjEDEBotvQ9xeLHImkyaWTv2FBzkTtOMntA81A6E2igRcLO1z-TSkJ_wBLNCp1O0kY7kry1q4/s1600/Signal+Hill+%25282%2529.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was a nice climb up, and offered a good view of the city. My thoughts is its one of those activities that you'd do if you have the time. And guess what we realized when we got to the top - you can also drive up there. Haha.<br />
<br />
We then headed to the City Mosque - Floating Mosque. A nice view. We didn't go in though.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79RMRY2tvfqoOIqsWkPkijba-kHpZPdL6dsJiFpDBV4WjLXaS5TyOt7qza6W072RCBxChPv6OlpqWDlyOT1_pbau6HEkol1k_-Ij1hY4MPRzRq62PUEVmM-CYdbrQ3wcXH59q3leAZsg/s1600/Floating+Mosqeu+boat+paddling.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79RMRY2tvfqoOIqsWkPkijba-kHpZPdL6dsJiFpDBV4WjLXaS5TyOt7qza6W072RCBxChPv6OlpqWDlyOT1_pbau6HEkol1k_-Ij1hY4MPRzRq62PUEVmM-CYdbrQ3wcXH59q3leAZsg/s1600/Floating+Mosqeu+boat+paddling.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floating City Mosque</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As you can see, there is also a boat paddling option you can pay for if you are up to it at the mosque. We had some snacks right next to the Mosque. Bakso and Keropok Lekor. Ok to fill an empty stomach.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4hrFUwR6tUzEZE260lca7fkZmpWEx0iuwUc-hHtx6w4PNXCOsBFMnQWw4hDD5oWVVLmvgu2ttPXxSc-w7srPzCfqoDxXbrH_LmEi3UvV0ml7PpgFVQrZlvlRDMzasaFV1nwwibQMGB8/s1600/Makan+by+the+floating+Mosque+Sabah.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4hrFUwR6tUzEZE260lca7fkZmpWEx0iuwUc-hHtx6w4PNXCOsBFMnQWw4hDD5oWVVLmvgu2ttPXxSc-w7srPzCfqoDxXbrH_LmEi3UvV0ml7PpgFVQrZlvlRDMzasaFV1nwwibQMGB8/s1600/Makan+by+the+floating+Mosque+Sabah.JPG" height="181" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then we drove across the road, to catch the sunset.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_OwiaTu1Imqibt8f8U3_CqYGgF_lvtvnMkdsJOBNKguMykCVNHg4Zc-kVyTfr4GV5p5sCDwCaMAHobtapAd4l1xOY6uhU24IhDebthWfHSlwQK6FeSoKfKkFi_wYng-QaaT208l6soQ/s1600/Waitingfor+sunset+across+the+city+mosque.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_OwiaTu1Imqibt8f8U3_CqYGgF_lvtvnMkdsJOBNKguMykCVNHg4Zc-kVyTfr4GV5p5sCDwCaMAHobtapAd4l1xOY6uhU24IhDebthWfHSlwQK6FeSoKfKkFi_wYng-QaaT208l6soQ/s1600/Waitingfor+sunset+across+the+city+mosque.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Right across the mosque, there are good parking spots, by the sea side, with a joggers / cyclers path.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsStDk_4qixhm9pq2t84jRMkLad4TgP9v-SSm-zhpPxFPuHE-Hg2I9FK6PYGg7DvWKA3bMew6DHHYot8WCAbhBELOR3s_qz8vFeLwf44eZxWBNPiTm9U29uMpO1dccBIXSIWNDBoOxMtE/s1600/Sunset+by+Tjg+Aru+Shang.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsStDk_4qixhm9pq2t84jRMkLad4TgP9v-SSm-zhpPxFPuHE-Hg2I9FK6PYGg7DvWKA3bMew6DHHYot8WCAbhBELOR3s_qz8vFeLwf44eZxWBNPiTm9U29uMpO1dccBIXSIWNDBoOxMtE/s1600/Sunset+by+Tjg+Aru+Shang.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ip2NvcDzFxBRVW-J-Bm40lUJ6048Y_3c_YOP7M4x3UrfasLdpw9TOY0Q9dzEk0npSwWGAUwXBp5oZ7381NTEB1jrgwlR2fiq46BK5S7sLLUO5wU7ob6KoUxdKz_X_xeTzhGUvz92zAg/s1600/Restoran+Nelayan+with+cultural+Dance.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ip2NvcDzFxBRVW-J-Bm40lUJ6048Y_3c_YOP7M4x3UrfasLdpw9TOY0Q9dzEk0npSwWGAUwXBp5oZ7381NTEB1jrgwlR2fiq46BK5S7sLLUO5wU7ob6KoUxdKz_X_xeTzhGUvz92zAg/s1600/Restoran+Nelayan+with+cultural+Dance.JPG" height="177" width="320" /></a>Well as normal, once you complete the SunSet and after Maghrib prayers, it is time to head for dinner. A friend recommended <a href="http://www.kampungnelayan.com/" target="_blank">Kampung Nelayan - Floating Seafood Floating Restaurant</a>. Frankly I was initially worried it would a be rip-off with way expensive dishes and some simple cultural dance. When we arrived, depending on where you park, you'll climb a deck of stairs, greeted by the host. You have 3 options - Buffet at around RM38 if I recall - but it is inside and you do not get a view of the Cultural Show. Probably makes sense since if everyone is walking around to take food, pretty hard to have a clear view of the dance on the platform. The other two options that offer a view of the cultural dance is ala-carte (menu) ordering, or Steamboat at RM20 per person.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hIIgqHfZF_i9NXDAuw5t2YuGDrEnn1Ws1Owkqpl_grb9SqsFwvdR8wNF3LFZS_NMaTLP-xQpaO60k8EY2cYrO0E7GRxQ2ssNzNWb81bBRes0BcIgSI7xHClcuvPbYr1kF6HP6oEI4zo/s1600/Steamboat+Option+at+Kampung+Nelayan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hIIgqHfZF_i9NXDAuw5t2YuGDrEnn1Ws1Owkqpl_grb9SqsFwvdR8wNF3LFZS_NMaTLP-xQpaO60k8EY2cYrO0E7GRxQ2ssNzNWb81bBRes0BcIgSI7xHClcuvPbYr1kF6HP6oEI4zo/s1600/Steamboat+Option+at+Kampung+Nelayan.JPG" height="251" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steamboat - some of the items served...Serving more then enough per person</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Overall the price was reason-able, except for the juices. Note - somehow Waze navigation took us to the wrong destination, so confirm the address, call and ask or try Google Maps. Also check out their facebook page : <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kampungnelayan" target="_blank">FB Kampung Nelayan</a>.<br />
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The cultural dance itself was entertaining and quite 'stuntful'. Mostly covering the local traditional Sabahan Dances from the many native races there.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtGhyphenhyphenLeNwG1lxSNVgqWlFRAOY4YrQMpltCyl7w8iDg0nwOYYtcn6liyJMCUo9SoHYdNvr5nzatoMGLoINCs1IP9gMaYLVrYZM7-7H5PjmfpIeHfjKw8xXHBxcSrQYbX7h9I7960h_bNc/s1600/Cultural+Dance+at+Restoran+Nelayan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtGhyphenhyphenLeNwG1lxSNVgqWlFRAOY4YrQMpltCyl7w8iDg0nwOYYtcn6liyJMCUo9SoHYdNvr5nzatoMGLoINCs1IP9gMaYLVrYZM7-7H5PjmfpIeHfjKw8xXHBxcSrQYbX7h9I7960h_bNc/s1600/Cultural+Dance+at+Restoran+Nelayan.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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That ends another day in Kota Kinabalu. This is just the beginning of the trip, and once you venture to Kundasang, the view and experience just gets better. If you do plan to stay in Kota Kinabalu, you can start with Hotel'sCombined website that gives you a comparison of rates from multiple providers and a good summary of reviews and rating, click <a href="http://www.hotelscombined.com/Place/Kota_Kinabalu.htm?a_aid=26791" nbsp="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hotels in Kota Kinabalu</a><br />
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<b>Next entry planned is part 2 - <a href="http://fyi-penang.blogspot.com/2014/04/sabah-kundasang-ranau-trip-planner.html" target="_blank">Kundasang (viewing Mount Kinabalu and Rafflesia the Flower) as well as Ranau. </a> Click to read on.</b><br />
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Man Suranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247783563975048209noreply@blogger.com0Sabah, Malaysia5.4204043 116.796784900000031.3791658 111.63321090000004 9.4616428 121.96035890000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923568407698595577.post-24810272757007167062014-02-03T22:44:00.000+08:002014-02-06T21:53:05.977+08:00Private Retirement SchemeAs it has now been more then 1 year that PRS funds have been launched, more information is available.<br />
A summary as below<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>List of PRS Funds available. http://www.ppa.my/providers/schemes-funds/list-of-schemes-funds/</li>
<li>A Year to Date and 6 month performance review <a href="http://gllt.morningstar.com/e6qvxuu98r/fundquickrank/default.aspx?LanguageId=en-GB&tab=ShortTerm" target="_blank">MorningStar</a></li>
<ul>
<li>Click on the NAV tab for latest pricing. I like buying funds from Fundsupermart online, but their pricing updates are SLOW. MorningStar with the above link seem to have the latest.</li>
</ul>
<li>Buying funds</li>
<ul>
<li>Many options, start with <a href="http://fundsupermart.com.my/" target="_blank">Fundsupermart.com.my </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.fundsupermart.com.my/main/fundinfo/chartCenter_switch.svdo" target="_blank">FSM Charts</a> is also a pretty impressive comparison tool to compare your funds (not limited to PRSs) and against other funds and bourses. </li>
</ul>
<li>Other retirement (And tax 'relief'-able') options </li>
<ul>
<li>Retirement Annuity - Banks like Maybank, CIMB and insurance firms like Great Eastern do offer. </li>
<li>Haven't had chance to compare detail but quickly put</li>
<ul>
<li>Mutual funds - goes up and down. No 'committment', i.e if you don't have spare cash that year, just don't invest.</li>
<li>Deferred Annuity (From banks and insurers) - Requires yearly commitment, but seems more 'guranteed' over the long run.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<div>
Happy investing and retiring....</div>
Man Suranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247783563975048209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923568407698595577.post-31126055520308006942014-02-03T22:09:00.002+08:002014-02-03T22:45:45.510+08:00BCardPassed by Caltex a couple of times and noticed the big banner promoting their recently launched loyalty card - <a href="http://www.caltex.com/my/products-and-services/journey-card/" target="_blank">Journey</a>. Interestingly Caltex was one of the only 2 petrol providers in Malaysia that had till date resisted joining or coming up with a loyalty card program.<br />
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<a href="http://www.caltex.com/uploads/cmsnet/my/images/inside/products/journey-card/Loyal-J-HeaderBanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.caltex.com/uploads/cmsnet/my/images/inside/products/journey-card/Loyal-J-HeaderBanner.jpg" /></a></div>
-Source Caltex Malaysia Website-<br />
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So they have used an interesting approach on co-branding. Unlike Bonus Link that ties up with Shell but maintains Bonus Link's brand, Caltex used a unique approach tying up with BCard (a recently launched Loyalty card as well - or resently heavilty promoted loyalty card) which I believe is probably owned by Berjaya Group looking at the member merchants many are tied to <a href="http://www.berjaya.com/food-beverage.html" target="_blank">Berjaya </a>I believe, e.g. Starbucks, Kenny Rogers, Wendy's (Malaysian parent franchisor).<br />
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I previously was not that interested, coz never understood, so can you use your Starbucks card AND the BCard. Haven't tried, probably you can.<br />
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So with Caltex now joining in, I opted to apply. I am not really loyal to any brand of petrol, just what's on the way and gives a good return to myself.<br />
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Well, plus point of applying the BCard at Caltex (at least when I just did), there were many many vouchers included, Lazaada RM30 voucher for RM100 purchase, Zalora, Starbucks 20%. You also get alot of vouchers for Pappa John's, Wendy and so on, but to those outside Penang, tough luck, can't really use most of them.<br />
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Anyway, with the freebies they already give, seems like a decent card. And will probably encourage Bonus Link to have more promotions. Hahaha.<br />
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Well, have fun. I'm creating my account at BCard's website.<br />
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<br />Man Suranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247783563975048209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923568407698595577.post-76206846919590436152014-01-04T13:30:00.001+08:002014-02-03T22:45:59.718+08:00Some thoughts on buying Insurance for your ChildMy kid is now close to 2 years old. Most of us go through a learning process being parents, definitely reading and talking to people helps a lot, however there are some things that we just learn, adjust and fine tune along the way, wouldn't you say?<br />
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One of the key things we usually consider is to get insurance for our children. Below was my thought process. Feel free to comment or share other ideas.<br />
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I took Takaful Malaysia for my son. Somehow I am little paranoid
so each of us have a different company, myself AIA, wife GE, and my son TM
(Takaful Malaysia).</div>
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Some considerations for myself when choosing insurance for
my son. </div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Life insurance should be nil or a minimum.
Articles online suggest people who have a lot of tanggungan (liabilities) should have a good amount of life insurance. Children are our tanggungan (our liability) and don’t really have
tanggungan. I still took a minimum Life Ins since for RM10 per month can get
around 35k coverage. </div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Hospitalization cash / allowance, i.e get paid $
for each day hospitalized. I took this cause I am thinking generally most of our
hospital bills would be covered / claimed under company, so at least can claim
some allowance from our personal insurance</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Need
to check if can claim insurance from company but still claim hospital allowance
from our insurer. </div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Payor plus (or whatever its called) – i.e if
anything happens to payor (ourselves) they kid’s insurance policy renewal will
still be paid by the insurance. </div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Income tax (Malaysian Income Tax) – I believe education ins & medical insurance fall under same category, so having an education helps get
good tax relief also.</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Personal Accident / PA – for myself AIA didn’t
know should take or not, but for wife and son we have taken. I think next year
I will update my AIA for PA too. For around $2 per month, I think the PA is
worth it, unless you already take additional PA with your car insurances (e.g
Alliance Road warrior). Interestingly not many people take PA, nor many agents
push / recommend PA, I’m not sure why. - anyone any idea?</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Most people say don’t take insurance with
investment link. My thoughts</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I
tend to agree. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Why
I took – TM only had investment linked one (no fixed return or FD type). </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->But
oklah, so far their fund seems to be doing ok, but to be fair, in 2013 Malaysian
stock exchange was very positive, so expected. And they have a fair amount of funds I
can choose from and the prospectus claims free switching. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Maybe consider prudential takaful, I think they
have yearly cash payout also if no claim, TM used to have, but seems none
already<br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Also consider until how many years does it cover especially
medical, TM is up to 70 I think.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I
think I might have heard of policies (education insurance policy) which are to
cover until the child starts working , going college or 18 years, however IF
there is no option to extend the medical coverage post that age, I think too
risky, as could be diagnosed, then e.g at 18years no more coverage</div>
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<br /></div>
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Why I chose takaful, one as above, don’t want to put all
eggs in one basket. Also has hosp. allowance, Islamic, it clearly shows the
agent commission in the simulation and I liked that they (or the agent) were
willing to send me each simulation scenario I asked for (if you would like to take a look, leave me a comment).</div>
<br />Man Suranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247783563975048209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923568407698595577.post-35796377566379122512013-09-08T21:20:00.000+08:002013-09-08T21:23:28.898+08:00More things to consider buying from USAA follow up to my previous entry <a href="http://fyi-penang.blogspot.com/2012/08/things-to-buy-and-shopping-in-usa.html" target="_blank">Things to buy in USA</a>, here's a further recommendation on things that you could get at a cheaper price in the USA.<br />
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Turn of the ABP (AdBlocker Plus) icon in your browsesr URL if you cannot see some of the pictures as I am using ad-links on Amazon to display the pictures of the items. <br />
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<b>MENS ELECTRIC RAZOR</b><br />
I'm still undivided on are electric razors really of any use. Many years back I bought one, but hardly use it, or hardly found it of any use except the trimmer which works good for mustaches, not really side burns since they need a better tool. Anyway, it seems razors are slightly cheaper there, especially with discounts if you are lucky and coupon. Check out a couple of brands like <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=fype-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B006GQYSC8&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&npa=1&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
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Besides the Philips, Panasonic and Braun's razor are well reviewed. Panasonic and Phillips use what seems rotaty blades.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=fype-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B001DNE3KQ&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&npa=1&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
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Where as Braun uses a different system, most reviews mention Braun has the sharper shave, but tends to wear of faster it seems.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=fype-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B004UQ6Q62&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&npa=1&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
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What matters at least for me is besides a clean shave is it works in the shower, i.e key word wet or aquater.<br />
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<b>LADIES EPILATOR</b><br />
Yes, there is also the ladies version, ranging from Phillips, Emjoi and Panasonic. Start of here and take a look at your choices.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=epilator&linkCode=ur2&rh=i%3Ahpc%2Ck%3Aepilator&sprefix=epila%2Chpc&tag=fype-20&url=search-alias%3Dhpc" target="_blank">Epilators - Start Here</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=fype-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<b>BATTERIES</b><br />
I've been a huge fan of eneloop batteries. The price locally in Malaysia is not quite close to what you'd get in USA except for a few dollars saving.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=fype-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B004UG41XW" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
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You can compare price locally try googling or at http://www.m3shoppe.my/categorynew/chooseBrand/58.html?gclid=CJfnwqPqu7kCFW4B4godhmEAkA<br />
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<b>HMMM </b><br />
How do I start with this product. Maybe I'll keep it brief.. I mean it is briefs...Got it? Yes boxes, briefs etc. In the beginning I thought that like many, get branded briefs - yes UNDERWEAR. I've come to realize by experience that the branded ones aren't really much to shout about, and obviously not that well priced.<br />
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What helped me understand briefs is WALMART actually. In fact I was going to make my purchase from Walmart based on the products they offered online and had good reviews. But so happened Amazon had a 20% offer at that time so I went with Amazon. What I've realized is that now be too dependent on Amazon, check out other sites, Walmart has got pickup which you save on shipping and cheap shipping (but no one beats Amazon's free shipping for above $25.<br />
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Fruit of the Loom is a brand I have never heard of in this side of the world, but reviews are pretty good and prices basic. So definitely worth taking a look. End of the end it should fit well, wear well and for our hot and humid country be cotton or similar. <br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=fype-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B005TRM66K" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
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Hannes is a rather well established brand, and even on their own website has got a good range of sales at times. Here's one from Amazon<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FBC5T8/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000FBC5T8&linkCode=as2&tag=fype-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000FBC5T8&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=fype-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=fype-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000FBC5T8" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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Important thing to remember - model not included. Read the reviews, they are quite enjoyable since many of them are actually the ladies buying for the guys....wink2<br />
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<b>PANTS - DICKIES</b><br />
If you are like me, you'd wonder dickies what....We have been so accustomed to brands like Dockers and Levi's but there are some real fundamental brands around that offer good value, and are very highly rated.<br />
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The Dickies 874 seems to be a long time favourite.Some of the reviewers mention that they wrinkle less then Dockers also. Could be maybe not 100% cotton, but reviews are good for feel and value. The cut seems to be a little loose / regular <br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=fype-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B00471DBEK" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
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And if you like something tighter and 'fitter', check out below. Mixed reviews. <br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=fype-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B003X0BN14" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
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My only complain is sometimes the model of the pants are not well specified.<br />
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<b>KINDLE </b><br />
Yes what I thought was the Amazon e-book reader has got many version, the cheapest with e-ink meant to do reading only with superb battery life (no dark reading). And then Kindle paperwhite, which doesn't need backlight. And then the high end tablet type. In fact a contender to the likes of Nexus 10 / Samsung tablets.<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=kindle&linkCode=ur2&tag=fype-20&url=search-alias%3Daps" target="_blank">Kindles - CHECK OUT HERE</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=fype-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<br />Man Suranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247783563975048209noreply@blogger.com0