The Wonder Aquatic World, Pulau Tioman

This is the time in life, I'd want to get out of the house door and don't stop running until I'm totally exhausted.

It's been crazy weeks for me and my travel time and blog are first to be compromised to be set a side for while.

We all live in the same timespace defined by the Universe, racing against timeline and deliverables, given the equal time to complete some tasks whether we like it or not, we just have to do it.

One sensible I learnt to do is to stay positive, give all your best while you can.

Happy New Year! 

I wish you all the best in 2012 although the Mayan had predicted the end of world, apocalypse is coming this December 21 according to them.

The date that is regarded as the end date of 5,125 year long cycle in the Mesoamerican long count calendar.

I'd spend my time thinking about what to do next if the day doesn't come than worrying about it.

Nevertheless, it's still unbelievable that the Mayan's influence is so great and very exciting to see if the Mayans had actually predicted it rightly.

Do you know that there are still many Mayan descendants and languages being spoken today?

Tioman Island, East Malaysia

Tioman is a small lovely island located 32km off the east coast of East Malaysia, Pahang, 39km long and 12km wide, renowned for its diverse marine life and inland forest.

There were 4-5 stops before finally reaching Salang beach where I spent couple of nights, I chose Salang because it was recommended by my friend but I was sure they were pretty much the same except that Salang was nearer to the snorkeling spots.

Tioman, the perfect place for weekend retreat

Image taken from MalaysiaMap.org

Snorkeling and diving in the wonderful aquatic world of the South China Sea is always the key attraction to Pulau Tioman.

This resort is one of the more expensive ones in Salang

Sea transport

Wonderful day at Tioman

Getting into Tioman can be by sea or air, a conservation fee of RM10 will be incurred, I took the fast boat and it was about RM70 per trip which would double if you think you are coming back =).

There was only single jetty and single boat operator, it was a painful experience as the seat was typically lack of space for tall and big size travelers.

The malfunctioning air-cond on the way back wasn't helping at all it was unimaginable, incredibly suck and really screwed up the whole experience of Tioman.

I hope the boat operator and the travel agency would take a good look at the matter and fix the air-cond at least.

Resting booth at Tioman beach

Resting on the swinging hammock on the sunny day and listening to the sound of wave was heavenly joy particularly with Chang beer found from the one and only tax free store.

Tioman usually would have less travelers in September, I was worrying about the rainy season before the trip but it was all OK, and less travelers meant I had more quiet and quality time relaxing at the beach.

Snorkeling tour package to the neigbouring small islands was easily found along the beach for around RM80/USD28.

Make sure you rent a boat with roof, check with your tour guide before committing unless you love The Sun so much

Leaving the main island to snorkeling spots, Tioman

Salang Beach Resort

Salang Beach Resort offers non air-conditioning room for twin sharing starting from RM80/USD25 per night, RM110/35 with air-conditioning.

They also offer budgeted single room for only RM40/USD13, these wooden rooms carried beautiful local architectural design.

Salang Beach Resort

Salang Beach Resort

Resting area at door front, it's my drinking place in the morning, afternoon and night

The island remains considerably clean and unpolluted at most of the areas and is strictly enforced nature reserve by Malaysia authorities.

Tioman has less visitors if compared to some of the most famous islands such as Koh Phuket and Koh Samui in our culture-rich neighbour, Thailand due to some obvious reasons including the enforcement.

I believe the night life activities are also playing an important for a travelers like me though I can't speak for the most of them, besides the beautiful beach we need more pubs, beers, music and party!

All these are my personal demand and we know damn well that we can't possibly achieve that without compromising the pollution on the sea and land.

Anyway, I believe Tioman island (Pulau Tioman) is still the most sensible retreat destination at all time.

Amusing Raft House in Kanchanaburi

Things are moving now, though not at its full speed but it's moving seemingly well for everyone and myself so far. I'm a happier man, nothing else more important than this.

At point of writing, it should be at the near end of my exploration weeks backpacking in Taiwan, I didn't make it, this is supposed to be one of the most exciting trip that I've been looking forward to.

Well, I'm going plan for it again next year, or maybe this year around October.

World War II

World war two, or the second world war, was considered started in 1939 when the Germans invaded Poland, and ended in 1945, resulting of some believed to be around 70 millions fatalities.

The war of the Axis and Allies, which later became global with the invasion of Japan into Manchuria, was ended by the defeat of Germany and Japan in 1945, was the saddest incident that had left many in disaster and unimaginable pains to many lives.

I had been reading articles and books about WWII, it's very temperamental being able to understand the past, our grand parents' history, it's part of us.

I felt the duty to understand and learn about our pasts so we could appreciate what we have today. It was because of those warriors in the past who fought the war and defended our mother land from the intruders that we now could tell ourselves this is our home.

Sugarcane Guesthouse

I moved to stay on Sugarcane Guesthouse the next day in Kanchanaburi, it's a very pleasant and enjoyable guesthouse.

The guesthouse is located at Rongheabaoy 1 road, very much at the center where the backpackers hang out, but it's less travelers in the month of May which has the most raindrops.

Sugarcane guesthouse in Kanchanaburi

I managed to squeeze a little bit out of original rate of 500 Baht due to low occupancy of visitors at this time of the year, after checking at the room condition like I always did, I decided to take on the double single bed rafting room for 400 Baht a night with fan.

You don't need an air-conditioned room as the night usually is quite chilling. And these single bed room would ranged around 200 - 350 Baht.

Single bed room and the little garden

The staircase connects to the floating houses

I settled down quickly and rested outside my room, there were chairs outside each room, then only I realized how beautiful the river view was from the rafting room, it was believable to have such a stunning sight.

The river was motionless, it was perfectly calm, I could hear the birds singing, it's only this moment my mind was completely shut down on literally everything, the trip itinerary, work, problems and people back home, never was I feeling so focused and relaxed.

The river was perfectly calm and motionless, stunning, I'd never feel so relaxed

If you were wondering, I wasn't having beer bottle in my hand, it's 8 o'clock in the morning, I'd be freak if I did that =)

I'd later come back for the Sunset in the evening after my day tour to Erawan National Park, elephant riding and bamboo rafting.

Opposite the river bank, there were houses and what seemingly more luxurious hotels surrounded by the greens.

Top view of rafting house

The room was spotless and clean, the wooden floor and wall intended to make any traveler feel closer to the nature.

Wifi was within range, and pretty fast, one of the condition I must say would determine whether I was going to take on any room.

It's rather common to have Internet connection accessible in the room or at least at the dining or resting area, which was to me a facility that a budget hotel would have conveniently provided to any travelers nowadays.

Clean & spotless bed of Sugarcane guesthouse

400 Baht twin bed rafting house with fan

The toilet wasn't spotless but was ok enough for me to take the room.

The bathroom was ok, never mind the spots

Sunset was beautiful at the river front

The restaurant served good european food, though I haven't tried other than omelet for breakfast, it was fantastic! The price was quite fare for typical backpackers,

Crispy omelet served at Sugarcane guesthouse

That night, after a satisfying spicy Tomyam soup with beef rice for dinner at The Frog restaurant (no frog was served for your information), I was invited to join for wines and beers with a group of expats' wives, it was a retreat to get away from busy life in Bangkok.

I always liked random invitation and the occasional free drinks, those mothers, they were awesome, and strictly no photo!

I was told they didn't understand why people including their kids love posting pictures on Facebook, they felt their privacy was taken away.

Indeed, Facebook exposed our privacy, and you don't know when suddenly a random unpleasant photos of yours being posted and tagged and before you know it, your mom, husband or wife, bosses and thousands would have seen it!

Next, I'd be working on my last post of Kanchanaburi before moving on to edit some amazing Ayutthaya pictures for posting.

Train to Kanchanaburi and The Rafting Guest Houses

It is my last day today with XM-Asia, the digital company was also my client back then I first engaged with after selling off my start-up in year 2007.

If you are following me closely I'm going to get my hands on my dad's security business, I have a few plans, but the uncertainties await.

Life goes on albeit the uncertainties, that's the general story that I've been telling everyone and everyone's telling me it's going to be fine. Thank you.

Throughout the years, I learned to share, good or bad. Many had shown some encouraging kindness and spoken about some considerably good advices, more so just kind words and later forget about it, I thank you all for listening.

Kanchanaburi

Muang Kanchanaburi is located 150km at the west of Bangkok, The Golden City has a very dark past where the Allied prisoners of war were enslaved by the Japanese army to build the death railway and the bombing of the Bridge of River Kwai during the infamous World War II.

Ten of thousands of prisoners of war died as the result of brutal treatments under the Japanese fearful force. Many died of malnutrition after working day and night with little food supplied, and deceases that spread across the camp that were never treated properly due to lack of medical care for these unwanted labours.

Kanchanaburi is very much for cultural focused tourists, it's definitely not the most famous tourist spot for party goers as the nightlife is rather calm and no beach to be found but the serene and relaxed river awaits.

Beautiful rafting guest rooms at Khancanaburi

Taking The Train to Kanchanaburi

Don't bother to walk to Thonburi train station from Khao San road unless you know exactly where you are heading to, and if you do, it's going to be in the morning. I almost made it to Thonburi by foot at night to get the train ticket, sadly I got lost and paid extra Baht to get a taxi only to find out that they don't sell next day's ticket..

The attempt was in the evening and the night walk was not something unusual for such an unwise daring character like me, but the confident always wore off in the end I just had to rely on the local taxi drivers.

Thonburi train station

The railway

The fan train to Kanchanaburi

Settling down on the train

The train usually was very punctual at arriving and departing, there were still some time and I decided to go off the train.

Emo shot

There was a market across the station and I took some quick bites.

Street food across the station

Traveling with the non air-conditional train was particularly exciting, usually filled with local passengers but it didn't get filled up at least until halfway through the journey to Kanchanaburi. There were food and drink sellers coming up and down.

There were very little tourists traveling from Thonburi station, I wondered if it's because it's low season month.

The goings and scenery were fascinating, the train passed by temples, houses and padi fields and were very original. I got worried a bit on which station to stop, was very alert after traveling for two hours as I knew it's getting nearer.

The goings scenery on the train from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi

My worries quickly eased off after a traveling Thai girl offered to alert me to make sure I get out of the train when we reach Kanchanaburi, she probably realized what's on my mind from my stressed face after traveling some two hours and half.

The Rafting Guest Houses

I quickly settled down at the first friendly guest house, the main street was just 10 minutes walk from Kanchanaburi station. I still had in mind to check out the Sugarcane guest house that was recommended by my travel book and some Internet blogs that I came across researching.

The room I took for 350 Baht at Maenamkwai road, which is the main street where all tourists stay, was a rafting room that floated quietly on the calm and serene river. Occasionally there were these noisy motor boats carrying raft restaurants passing by.

And yes, again, like usual, I took the twin bed that I didn't need to.

That's the twin bed I took that I didn't usually need to

The bed

Clean toilet

The flooring had some holes that leak

The chairs outside the door could be useful for drinks at night

Calm and quiet surrounding

It's very quiet in the month of May in Kanchanaburi, the bars and restaurants were mostly empty but it's definitely one of the best time to travel here if you want a bit of the peacefulness from the heritage town.

Make sure you pay a visit to the night market at the Sangchuto road beside the railway station, there were a lot of good local food for takeaway, I brought them all back to my guest house resting area, and I bought more food than I could eat.

Potato fries

Sticky rice with choices of dishes

It rained that night, the smell of the rain made me so comfortable and soothed on a swing chair, the mind was so relaxed but it wouldn't feel complete if it was without a few bottles of Singha beer, if only the wooden swing chair was powered to swing on its own.

The next day was a full day on tour package to Erawan Waterfall, elephant ride, visiting at the Death Railway before taking the train and stopping at the famous Bridge of River Kwai. I'd recommend anyone to visit the bridge early in the morning, it's very busy in the evening. I'll cover this on my next post.

Bangkok, The City of Angel

Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, meaning city of angel in short, has about 9 millions population.

For many travelers, the city is full of life with many reasons to come to visit the capital, the dazzling temples and palace, delicious local food, shopping heaven, the famous nightlife and anything in between for man and women.

Vibrant Bangkok

Wikitravel says:

For years, it was only a small trading post at the banks of the Chao Phraya river, until King Rama I, the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty, turned vit into the capital of Siam in 1782, after the burning of Ayutthaya by Burmese invaders. Since then, Bangkok has turned into a national treasure house and functions as Thailand's spiritual, cultural, political, commercial, educational and diplomatic center.

Thailand is such a country so rich in culture, and deeply rooted heritage, The Thais are friendly, polite and the magical smile across their faces are what travelers like most. At least that's what I experienced too.

I touched down at Suvarnabhumi Airport, located 30km to the east of Bangkok. There are many choices of transportations available to get you into the city, the city cab, the train (150 Baht) and shuttle bus (70 Baht).

I shared the taxi fare with the ladies, expect the taxi driver to ask you to pay the toll fares.

Warning:

Do not simply litter at the busiest street on Rama 1 road, Siam Square, where all the shopping malls are located. You will be fined for 2,000 Baht if caught for littering.

I knew because Miss J "simply, incidentally and inadvertently" threw a cigarette butt on the floor and she was fined on the spot! We haven't even started shopping yet, was just outside our first stop at MBK mall with Miss S, five minutes walk from Lub.d hotel.

Notice that their names were represented by letter J & S because they prefer to remain hidden from my public post.

Anyway, it rained every day in Bangkok on May, the weather was so unpredictable with heavy downpour that lasted for a couple of hours and I wasted the chance to vist the Grand Palace, Wat Phrakaew and Arun. Maybe next time but I still managed to visit Chinatown, Jim Thompson's museum, Chatuchak, Siam Square, Khao San road, RCA, and Soi Cowboy at Sukhumvit though I missed Patpong.

Lub.d Hostel

It was one of the best hostel I've ever stayed and I'd definitely come back to here next time. It is situated at Siam Square, less than a minute from National Stadium BTS in central Bangkok.

Slightly expensive Lub.d hostel at Siam Square

The hangout place

It's best recommended to stay at this cozy and clean hostel for a very memorable and refreshing modern backpacking experience, slightly expensive but consider the facilities and the set up, it worths the money most definitely.

I haven't been bothered to look for other hostels or guest houses special thanks to the girls whom I traveled with for the first three days in Bangkok before I embarked on journey to travel a little bit west and north.

Lub.d is good for sweet couple, explorative backpackers, new experience seeker, with slight higher cost of rental. For three days, I saved RM150 staying with them, thank you.

It has got five types of rooms ranging from deluxe dorm to double deluxe. A twin bed room would cost you RM180 where a dorm cost RM50.

Deluxe double, I was sleeping at the left corner

The comfy bed that I hardly get to sleep

There will be more to talk about Lub.d in another post, in fact, more photos and less writing, visit their official website to book a room or you can walk in anytime.

Chinatown

There was a day in Bangkok where I hired a motorbike taxi driver to Hua Lampong train station from the hostel for 50 Bath to try to purchase the train ticket next day to Kanchanaburi, I didn't get the ticket because I was told the train to Kanchanaburi was at Thonburi train station in Bangkok Noi further west from Khao San road.

And I was hungry.

25 Bath curry noodle at Hua Lampong train station

I decided to walk through China Town to Khao San road with no idea that it would take more than an hour to reach my destination on foot.

Thanon Yaowarat, the main street of Chinatown

Before hitting Yaowarat the main street where traffic was very congested, there were moments of peacefuness where I felt like I was back in the past, it's the most awesome and wildest imagination.

People who's working in the old streets were mostly old folks, I looked into each of their eyes, and I could tell they have a lot of untold histories marked over their aging faces.

They were slow and relaxed, but they were determined to finish their routine jobs. There were some friendly faces who put on the warmest smile at me and I returned the kindness of act with respect, but there were some unfriendly grandmas who would be staring at me while I took some pictures of the streets and buildings, still I returned with a smile with respect.

Old Chinese building

I got lost, the survival instinct kicked in and I started asking around for help but everyone was pointing at different directions heading to Khao San road and I thought it would be a good idea to hire a motorbike taxi driver.

I paid 80 Baht to get to Khao San road, was good call. It was farther than I expected it to be.

发财快乐, it means happy good fortune and they sell hopes, people do buy chances don't they?

Khao San Road

Khao San Road is literally drawing a lot of attention from backpackers around the world because of some of its affordable accommodations, tour deals and nightlife.

It's not particularly high class, travelers just chilled out at the pubs along the street and sipping a glass of Chang beer (50 Baht for a small bottle), the dazzling nightlife was definitely the main attraction to me. The street came to life after 8pm.

There were a lot of massage parlors around too if you got too stressful with the roadside bars, they were cheap, 200 Bath for an hour of body massage.

There were three nights on three distinctive occasions I ended up at Khao San road, first was with the girls and two Europeans from the hostel for party and drinks. I forgot their names, neither did we exchange emails nor Facebook contacts.

Kha San road, the main street

Dinner at Thai restaurant with my travel mates

Second, I was there after checking out the schedule and ticket price to Kanchanaburi at Thonburi train station, I went up to chill out at Khao San road 2 (Rambuttri road or something like) where it was quieter and more relaxed at one of the restaurant pub with acoustic live band unlike the main street where pubs and bars blasted deafening music.

There another evening I was at Khao San road for transit to Koh Samui, nothing much to say about that.

One of these things you should try at Khao San road

Fried grasshoppers, beetles, worms, etc

No, I was sober enough to avoid these snacks from the local sellers.

Coming up next, I'll be posting some incredible experience in Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya, and some short post to show you some details of guest houses I stayed.

Some useful words

1. Sawathee krap/ka (Hello)
2. Thaorai? (How much?)
3. Nid noi, Ped nid noi, Mai ped (A bit, a bit spicy, no spicy)
4. Paragon U tinai?, U tinai? (Where is Paragon? Where is this? - I used this quite often when I got lost, I'd be asking U tinai? And direct the person to look and point on the map)
5. Sat fai (Train)
6. Korn song (Bus)
7. Peng (Expensive)
8. Dai, mai dai (OK, not OK)
9. Cai, mai cai (Yes, No)
10. Khun chi a rai? (What is your name?)
11. Kee Mong (What is the time?)
12. Mai cow jai (Don't understand)
13. Mai phen rai (Never mind)