Archive for March, 2007
I’m Off To Fly To Bangkok Now..
Posted by: | CommentsAll the work and the seminars I had to do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the last few weeks had taken its toll. Now, I have to treat myself with more exotic travels in the Far East and what better way to do it than going to the infamous Bangkok 
I got my tickets sorted with Thai Airways and decided to fly out on the 21st March. This would be my very first time in Bangkok though I had been to Southern Thailand – Phuket like many yonks ago. Way before the unfortunate tsunami that happened there.
The flight out from Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Thai Airways went really smoothly. To my surprise, the plane did not have any sufficient inflight entertainment systems. They were using that old big manky projector that they put at the front. I was not impressed. The service however was good. But with no personal TV makes flying extra boring.
I shouldn’t be moaning anyway as the flight only took less than 2 hours to get to Bangkok. The weather was fab upon landing. Hot and sunny.
I walked out the plane and into the new Bangkok Airport. I quickly dashed to the immigration clearance section. Man, that was a long queue…
I then got my bags from the carousel and hired a taxi to the hotel. By this time, I was too tired to even do anything fancy. I just wanted to get some sleep.
I recorded this video below the following day to explain why I just couldn’t be asked to go anywhere in Bangkok. *Hint:- The insane Bangkok road traffic!
Driving Back To Kuala Lumpur From Penang, Malaysia
Posted by: | CommentsWoke up a bit late and missed the breakfast buffet 
Nothing new there…I always miss the breakfast
Anyway, I had a quick shower, then packed all my stuff and went down to check out. It was almost noon and the plan to go to the beach had to be cancelled. I walked down to the parking lot in the basement and whacked all of my stuff in the car.
The weather was getting really hot. The sun was blaring and I was getting hungry. I missed the traditional Penang ‘Nasi Kandar’ so I ventured out of the hotel to look for it. It wasn’t long till I found an Indian Muslim restaurant that sells it. I grabbed a chair and ordered it with special honeyed chicken. My God, it was delicious 
After lunch was over, I walked back to the hotel and went straight to the car for my journey back to Kuala Lumpur. There were a ton of stuff waiting for me to do in KL so I must rush back.
Penang was very pleasant despite being here less than 48 hours. I’d definitely come back!
My Drive To Beautiful Penang Island
Posted by: | CommentsI know that I had been taking a break from writing this blog. Reason: Had to sort my businesses here in the Far East.
I honestly have to say that it had been hectic for the past few weeks but today I was planned to go Penang! No, I wasn’t going to go there by plane but I was going to drive there. I had never driven in a proper Malaysian motorway before so this was definitely going to be a bit of an adventure considering all the detours I was going to do enjoying the Malaysian food along the way.
My trip to Penang was purely business related. I was going to give a short presentation for the Penangites, stay for a night and drive back to Kuala Lumpur.
The drive was a breeze and everything was clearly signposted. I stopped by several motorway lay by-s to get some food and refeshments. Malaysia is known for its wide variety of food so as a foodie like me, it was quite hard to resist. Best of all, it was all cheap as chips. Didn’t cost the world for great food. Who wouldn’t be happy eh?
The journey to Penang from Kuala Lumpur took just 3 and half hours. There were no serious traffic and it was truly a pleasant drive. I must say that the highlight of the drive must be when I reached the Penang Bridge. It was breathtaking and having had the chance to drive on it was amazing. Great 360 degree views of the sea from the mainland and Penang Island.
I couldn’t stop anywhere to snap pictures.No hard shoulders on the bridge so it would be extremely dangerous otherwise
So next time when you’re here, grab a cab or hire a car and drive on the bridge. You’ll love it!!
It took me another 1 hour before reaching my hotel. The road was winding like in Prague and I got lost many times. I should’ve bought the frigging Sat Nav!.
I immediately went to my room, got changed and recorded this video for you.
I didn’t do much after the event. Had dinner at the hotel restaurant and went to sleep. I was so tired with the drive and all
Hey Kuala Lumpur, Here I Come…
Posted by: | CommentsThe Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur was a pleasant one. It took just 40 odd minutes to land here in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). My plans for Kuala Lumpur was not a holiday one. In fact, there would be lots of business to do here. Oh and that includes Singapore too
I’m taking a break from this blog for a wee while till I sort out a few bobs here and there. If there are any interesting travel news whilst I’m here then you’ll be the first person to know.
Ok that’s it for now. Watch out for my next post.
Bad News In Singapore.
Posted by: | CommentsIt was quite early in the morning on the 23rd February when I realised that there was a voicemail message left for me while I was asleep. I dialed in to listen in and found out that someone was desperately wanted to speak to me urgently.
I thought that was a bit weird. Why would he want to speak to me so urgently when everyone I know knew I was travelling.
So I dialled the number. I got through and it was a friend of mine, Al, whom I’ve not met for a while in London. He broke the news that made me shiver. He talked about my best friend, Iveta Iravanian. She’s now dead!
I said WHAT! It was only less than 48 hours ago that we chatted on MSN and we even talked about her and husband flying down to the Far East for a quick holiday. She even said that she missed me and couldn’t wait to see me again.
I wanted to fly back to London immediately but I knew that I had several events that was arranged for me to speak at. The situation was made worst when I heard about how she died. I just couldn’t imagine it!.
A coach hit her and dragged her underneath for several meters while she was crossing a road in Victoria. I sat on the hotel bed, shocked and speechless.
I then called Iveta’s husband but every word he said was incomprehensible. I had to tell him to calm down. I was still in denial. It was just too much too think that your best friend passed away when you’ve only spoken to her a couple of days ago.
The news about the accident was televised on BBC and other news channels. I looked at the news on the internet and I couldn’t devour the content. I had to stop halfway through.
The video below was recorded and televised by the BBC to explain how it all happened.
It took me a while to really grasp the situation. I packed my bags and checked out. The concierge took my bags and I left for
a meeting at the other end of Singapore. After 2 hours or so, I came back to the hotel and grabbed my bags, called the cab to Changi International Airport for my next flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
I wasn’t in the mood to do anything. All I could think about was her.
Singapore Never Dissapoints…
Posted by: | CommentsThe Singapore Airlines plane from Johannesburg landed very early in the morning at Changi International Airport. I think it was around 7.30-ish..
It was also lovely to see the sunrise at 34,000 feet before touch down. Beautiful tropical sunrise Unfortunately, I didn’t take out my camera for photos..Sorry…
Anyway, I’ve been to Singapore many many many many times. So, I know pretty much about the whole place. Not too difficult seeing it is just a small island
I took my bags at the carousel and left for the taxi. Those who wishes to get on the tube then all you need to do after you take your bags is to walk to your right and walk straight till the end. Once there, you’ll see the escalators taking you down to the tube. It’s pretty much simple. The underground will take you to almost major Singapore destinations so it’s very easy to get around.
I decided to get the cab as I had a ton of luggage with me. The idea of lugging my bags and all in the tube with the crowd didn’t seem to be a nice idea particularly when I had just got out of a 10 odd hours plane journey.
It didn’t take that long to get to the hotel. I was staying at Meritus Mandarin which is bang on Orchard Road – the shopping haven of Singapore.
I usually stay at the Pan Pacific but I guess I deserve a change. If you ask me why I like Pan Pacific Singapore, well, it’s all due to the lobby. It’s ever so big and gorgeous. I love the decor and the whole ambience. Rooms are not too bad either. You have my full recommendation
I got to my room and recorded this video. Please bear in mind that I looked really smashed on this video but you get all the best information. Hahahaha
I slept for like 6 hours after recording the video. I was really knackered!
It was still raining here in Orchard Road. My friend, Jo han Mok called me up to organise some dinner with his wife and friend. So that’s booked for tonight.
My stomach was already grumbling at this time. I decided to go down and walk around Orchard Road and try get something to eat. The crowd was almost double and the were police too. I asked the tourist police here and he said that there was going to a huge Chingay Parade celebration. Hmmmm now that’d be interesting to see
Anyway, I went to look for a restaurant to eat. This Chingay thingy will just have to wait till I feed my belly
Lunch was good. I had some typical Singaporean food.
I walked back to the hotel and the parade was about to start. The people were already packing up. Music was blasting. Here’s the video taken just outside the hotel on Orchard Road.
I wasnt there for long as I had to prepare for my friend’s dinner invite. So more food
Tomorrow, I’m off to Kuala Lumpur. Sorry guys, I had just one day in Singapore. Been here too many times. I may add more pics and videos on my next trip here
My Journey To Johannesburg Airport For Flight To Singapore
Posted by: | CommentsI woke up early this morning and had my breakfast. Then I went back to the room and packed up. I quickly checked out and drove straight to Johannesburg Airport.
The car needed to be filled up with a full tank of petrol before I could return it back to them but I seriously couldn’t be asked going around and find a petrol station. So, I gave them the car back with almost an empty tank . I was pretty lucky that they do a ‘pumping service’ but with additional pumped up charge. Oh well.. what can you do when you couldn’t be asked. LOL.
I checked in at the Singapore Airlines counter and went straight through security. There wasn’t much to do here at Johannessburg Airport. The shops didn’t interest me so I found a seat somewhere and read a book.
Not too long after that I heard that a Malaysia Airlines plane was about to depart and as it wasn’t too far away from me, I decided to take a picture of it before it flew back to Kuala Lumpur.
Here’s the picture of the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 747 plane
Was the picture above pointless? I mean how many times have you seen a boring plane right? Hahahaha Anyway the reason being why snapped the picture was because I adore Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines services. I think they have the best cabin service amongst all the other airlines out there…I always try and fly with them whenever I get the chance. (I think they should pay me for this ever so lovely testimonial )
My Singapore Airlines flight to Singapore was due an hour after the Malaysia Airlines flight. I walked to the gate and went on board. There wasn’t much things to do anyway. It’s going to be a long 10 odd hours flight so I might as well get my well deserved rest.
Oh BTW, I got this video footage for you as we took off from Johannessburg Airport. I thought it was pretty cool
Enjoy and see you in Singapore.
