Unplug before takeoff

"Personal headphones or earphones must be unplugged and not in use when the aircraft is taxiing, taking off and landing."

I travel often (as some may already know) on budget airlines and I always hear this on the flight announcement before take off. I bet for those of you that travel on budget airlines. You hear this alot too. Do you really follow and unplug? Or do you just ignore it until the flight attendant comes over to tap you on the shoulder (or better, misses you altogether)?

HAHA.

Here's the thing. Although I always hear it on budget airlines, like jetstar and scoot (my frequent budget go to airlines), I don't hear it when I fly full service flights like SQ or ANA. And on top of not hearing it, you get to keep their headphones or earphones connected to their in flight entertainment systems.

WHY?

I mean. I get it when they say

"Laptops may not be used and must be properly stowed when the aircraft is taking off, landing and on the ground". 

Logically, the laptop will sit on your tray table and you usually have them stowed for whatever's mentioned above. Should the take off or landing be bumpy, I would think that a laptop is a big enough device that may or may not result in some "injuries". Something simple like leaving an unfortunate bump on your forehead before your business meeting or a stamp of shame before your vacation starts that will show in every single photo you take? So yeah. I get it. No laptops.

But why no headphones or earphones?
I didn't understand the double standards (with full service flights).
So I began thinking about the differences.

Budget:

• You bring your own headphones/ earphones
• You connect to your device
• You are in your own world with zero interruptions 

Full service:

• You use their headphones/ earphones (Yes, I know you can use the connector and connect your own headphones/ earphones too)
• You connect to their in flight system
• Your movie gets interrupted every time there is an announcement.

THERE.
THE 3RD POINT.

When we're connected on our own devices, we would have zero interruptions. With loud music and maybe noise cancelling for some, we would not be able to hear any passenger announcements. When we're connected to the in-flight entertainment systems, they get to interrupt us whenever they want. Okay, to be honest. They're not so bad but it just irritates me sometimes that the multi language options takes such a long time and gave me too much of a break from my movie marathon. HAHA. Actually, I really don't know if this is the right reason. But it's something I can understand and live with. If by chance, any flight attendants are reading this, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Side note. The flight crew today on Scoot TR276 were awesome and funny. "Ladies and Gentlemen, we are very very very pleased to announce at we've arrived 25mins ahead of schedule. Woohoo!"

Yes, he did that woohoo! HAHA
Ciaos~

KNO Hotel Review: Grand Swiss-Bel Hotel

Sometime in June last year, I trotted to the West Island of Indonesia, Sumatra – the city of Medan – with 2 of my friends to visit the world’s largest crater lake (Lake Toba). If you’re interested in reading up, click here. If not… About 8 months down the road, I went back to Medan again – this time for work, not leisure. The last time that I went to Medan, I didn't have time to visit the city centre. So, I was pretty excited to be back at the city centre.  However, reality failed to live up to my expectations. I’m not really sure what is the reason behind, but there seems to be a hidden slogan among the Medanese. I heard from my local colleagues, “Medanese are Loud and Proud”. Or something along these lines. And they are indeed loud. Everywhere in the city, you can hear cars honking at one another, getting irritated with one another for cutting lanes (as if that isn’t what you see in Indonesia everyday)…

I was really quite turn off by the way people handled traffic there. However, the people there were still pretty friendly. 

My main purpose there was for the preparation and the opening of Uniqlo’s first store in Medan City – the one and only at this point in time (2018). Yes, I went back twice and both times, I stayed at a nearby hotel. About a 5-10mins ride away (depending on the traffic).

Each time I checked into the hotel, there was a welcome drink. It tasted a lot like lemon grass cooked with a lot of sugar and water and steeped with ginger because the drink was rather ‘spicy’. According to the staff at the check-in counter, I was given an upgrade during my stay from February 22-23 but it didn’t really feel like an upgrade.

Besides the extra walkway space, since it was a corner room, it look similar as the images I saw online… Well, maybe for the additional sqm then.

But the second time I stayed there from March 14-16... Now this is what I call an upgrade! Hahaha.

I got upgraded to the business floor of the hotel, that comes with a bathtub! Awesome~! But the sad thing came, the bathtub was leaky. And I didn't know about it. So, after my bath, I found the flooded floor. Thankfully the bathroom door has a raised floor gap so the water doesn't flow out. Called housekeeping and they mentioned they will take a look the next morning but when I returned and bathed, it was still the same. Well, I had my bath, I felt good and I was already checking out the next day. So, frankly. I didn't bother anymore.

Random Lunch photo at the Mall

Aside from the leaky bathtub, my experience with Grand Swiss-Bel was rather decent. Then again, I’m pretty easy to satisfy I think. All I ask for is a clean bed with good pillows (preferably firm), clean towels, and a pair of indoor slippers. And if they would like to pamper me more, they can throw in a tub – which they did, albeit leaky! The only downside is that because this hotel is in the city centre, there is quite a lot of traffic even at night, and it can get a wee bit too noisy for comfort.

BKK Hotel Review: Siri Sathorn & Novotel Phloenchit

This came later than I expected. But here goes...

I don’t travel to Bangkok much for work. Early this year, I travelled twice to Bangkok for work. The first, I stayed at Siri Sathorn’s Deluxe One-Bedroom Suite from January 10-12, 2018 and the second, Novotel Bangkok Ploenchit Sukhumvit’s Superior Twin Room from February 27 - March 3.

The 1st – Siri Sathorn

This is a place that I will usually stay if my schedule is just around my office because it is only within 5mins walking distance to my office. They are literally on the same street (or “Soi” if you call streets the local Thai way). Breakfast here is rather decent, and the rooms are always huge. I think one of the reason is also because Siri Sathorn serves as an serviced apartment as well.

If I travel alone, I usually would go on a 2D1N or 3D2N work trip. Either way, I usually get back to the hotel really tired and I don’t really get to enjoy the space. For a small girl like me, tired, I just want to sleep properly. HAHA.

The 2nd - Novotel Bangkok Ploenchit Sukhumvit

This hotel is located quite near the city centre and also near to the BTS station. This makes heading out much easier – although Grab is also very convenient in Bangkok. I usually book my rooms via Agoda, so, prices may vary from time to time. 

Nonethless, I thought this hotel was value for money. It was in a good location, with clean rooms, and friendly staff. I didn't quite use the facilities though (as usual), but they do have a pool and good breakfast!

FAITH IN HUMANITY

I wasn't in my right mind, I think. 

When I got my boarding pass, I remembered very clearly that it stated: "Please be at the boarding gates before 1650". I looked at my watch that showed "1740" and I just sat there thinking why is this time so familiar? This train of thought continued with "Well, let's just send one more email".

And then it struck me. 

MY BOARDING TIME!
(It's an hour ahead because I didn't adjust my watch to cater to the time zone differences)

I haven't missed my flight yet. 

But I was about to. 

I took out my boarding pass again quickly to check and yes, I was right.
Boarding was scheduled at 1655.
Secretly panicking inside because my email is still stuck in my outbox and I really needed to have this sent out before my flight.
The moment it disappeared from my outbox, still wanting to be safe and responsible, I clicked on Sent Items to make sure it's there, and wham! Slammed my laptop shut, kept it and bolted off.

I literally ran to the gates, because I saw that the flight was boarding.
Now. Here's where it's worth writing... Humanity! Hahaha.

There's this additional security scan before the gates and the gates were still a distance away. The queue for this security scan was pretty long - about 10 people in front of me. As my watch showed 1748... I knew I had no choice but to embarrass myself and started apologising with "Hi there. I'm sorry but would it be possible for me to go first? My..."

Before I could even finish my sentence, all these strangers just moved aside and let me through.
There's this Caucasian guy (American, I think, by his accent) that even went, "Go Go! Good luck and safe flight!"

HAHAHA. THAT WAS UNEXPECTED.

First I was super worried that people won't let me through even after they hear my reason, like, "you're late for your flight so deal with it".
Yet they let me pass through so easily without even hearing the reason.
Then, that quick cheer that relieved a wee bit of tension in me!

SO MUCH FAITH RESTORED IN HUMANITY.
Who have I been dealing with all this while to have lost faith?

Robots maybe.

Anyway. I've gotta confess.
When I got to the gates, it wasn't even boarding yet. So here's a proper "Thank you" to all those that gave way to me and I'm sorry I cut your queues.

Thank you for the good cheer, Mr Caucasian. I'm pretty sure you'll never come across this and I can barely remember how you look like. But thank you for your kind words and for "cheering me on" to catch my flight. Under different circumstances, I would have loved to chat.

Albeit scammed by the digital screens, it was a good scare. I got to the gate (barely) on time, and managed to get home safe!

Guess I should always set an alarm 15mins prior to boarding time so I make my way there in good time. And maybe, it's my turn to let people through next... HAHAHAHA.

Till next time~

My one and only BAD SCOOT experience (thus far)

I actually wrote this entire post on my flight back from Bangkok in January. But I kept delaying to post it. Not too sure why myself. But I'm proud to say that I actually took scoot again in February, to the same destination, and there was no nonsense like that you'reabout to read.

FAITH IN SCOOT RESTORED!!!

DEFINITELY. GONNA. SCOOT. AGAIN.

So ya. In case you're wondering what bad experience I had or what nonsense I had to face... Read on...

You're having a bad day, maybe.
I get it. People do. Sometimes.
But here's what I don't get.

Everyone's heading home.

What does it take for you to be a little more friendly?
To accomodate that 1 simple question so that everyone gets to go home on time without delay?

No, you just had to sulk and walk away from that ONE SIMPLE QUESTION...
Is there any other space at the overhead compartments? My seat's full. "NO."

Hello! Walking away with a "No" does not help!
People just end up spending more time, trying to open already closed compartments to find space.
Seriously.
It's a small thing. But it irritates the hell out of me.

Yes, it's only a small thing so why am I writing about this?
Well. Stupid things pisses me off.
I hate how it irks me but things like these always happen.

I was seated at 8D.
It's one of those seats I call the in betweens.
Those parked right in the middle of the emergency exit and the front of the plane.
Those that doesn't matter what time you get to the gate, you will still be the last few to board.
I'm not complaining because this is the logical and efficient way - Fill up the back of the plane first then the front.

When I finally boarded the plane, I saw that the front compartments were almost full but the seats were only half filled. I didn't understand why since everyone's entitled to a max of 2 carry ons right? And right then, I saw.
A few people walked to the front to put their bags in the initially empty compartments and walked back to their seats. Usually I wouldn't care less cause I'll only have a backpack which I tuck into the seat in front of me. But this time, I am actually carrying an additional cabin luggage. When I walked to my seat, the overhead compartments was full. Packed but open. I looked to the back and saw that there are a few additional opened compartments. Out of courtesy, I asked the attendant (A) "Can I put this back there?". She replied, "Your seat no space already" and walked away.
Erm. I don't think you answered my question but I'll take that as your acknowledgement.
There were gaps in the back compartments so I went ahead to squeeze it back there.

Few mins later. Another lady came on board. Also seated in the in betweens, she asked "Is there any other space I can keep this? My seat's full." This same attendant (A) replied, "No" and walked off to the back of the plane. I initially thought she was going to the back to find space but no, she walked off to the tail of the plane past another attendant (B) that was still packing some baggages for other passengers. So guess what. This lady went to open the already closed compartments one by one and check if she could squeeze her baggage in. And I was like, "what the hell" and looked to the back. That attendant (A) was gone and another attendant (B) came to help. She offered to take her baggage a few seats down where she could squeeze it in.
Conclusion, no one seated at the in betweens have their baggage with them and they're all further at the back.

Now. This is really a question I want to ask. I kept thinking about this on the flight back. What should be the correct operating procedure? The SOP? I would assume that we should try to pack the compartments as close as possible before asking passengers to go to other compartments. Right? No?

It seems (and it is) so stupid that you allow people from the back to take space in front when the back isnt entirely full, then in turn, people from the front need to go to the back? Let's not talk about how much time is wasted before takeoff. Can you imagine how much more time and how chaotic the entire plane will be when it is parked? People from the front would be squeezing backwards while people at the back would be inching forward.

Seriously.
Stupidity at its finest.
Inefficiency at its best.

See. If I'm having a bad day, I'll want to end my shift as early and as fast as possible.
Head home.
Rest.

But it appears you're just trying everything to prolong your shift.

HELP. ME. I. CANNOT. UNDERSTAND.
Or help her, repair her brain a little.

I pray our paths will never cross again.
But if it does, I only hope you're "smarter".
Because I give up understanding stupidity.

Good luck. Bye.

Over in a flash

Chinese New Year is over in a flash. Yes, there are still gatherings going on, but technically, the holidays are over.

And here I am. In Indonesia, Medan on a business trip.

It's been a very long time since I've actually written something on my business trip and in the hotel. If my memory serves me right, the last time I did this was in KL. Which means, it was ages ago. HAHA. Cause I haven't been on a business trip to KL in more than 6 months.

Alright. Anyway, just here to share some thoughts. Actually 1. And it's somewhat random.
So. Has anyone tried Skin Inc Optimizer Devices before? 
With all this travelling, I am really tempted to get the new Voyage Tri-Light device.

HOW..?
It keeps appearing on my facebook, and instagram feed.

I. AM. SO. TEMPTED.

2017 in Review

I wanted to write this before the end of 2017 but January 2018 is almost over! Omg! 

Getting right to the point. The last few months of 2017 have been draining, physically and mentally, and weekends were naturally burnt for sleep, or to catch up on lost sleep. It took me quite some time to get back into routine yet I can hardly find time (and energy) to sit down and write something. Did I mention that I stopped swimming sometime in March and could not find the momentum back to continue? Even until now?

Looking back on 2017 and I’ll say it's a year of challenges – especially at work. 

A lot of changes and a whole lot of getting used to. 

In my company, organisational changes are very common every 6 months, people transferring in and out of teams. So, in Dec 2016, while I was still nursing the transfer (and taking over his portfolio) of colleague K in Sep 2016, I was told to be prepared for another transfer of colleague S that was due to happen in March 2017. Boss told me that the team in Singapore will downsize and move forward as a 2-man (or 1-man 1-woman) team, i.e., the Boss and me. That said, each country – particularly Thailand and Philippines – are expected to increase 1 member each so as to cope with the expansion speed. Yet sometime in Feb 2017, I heard news that I will also be expecting a new member here in SG. Frankly, I didn't quite understand why given that the local members have already increased. So yeah, 3 new comers in March to guide – 1 in SG, 1 in TH and 1 in PH. And on top of all that, our existing member in Philippines decided to leave the company (to somewhat pursue her dreams) and serve notice till September. I was so sad/ disappointed (not sure what word best describes how I felt) that I was the only girl left in the team, again? Just like when we started, but with a team of different people. But yes, the hunt for a replacement began and frankly I wasn’t having high hopes of another girl being assigned. Yet when the name came in, I went, “OH! It’s her!” – like a parent finding out the gender of their child for the first time. HAHAHA. Anyway, she was then assigned to begin in Jul 2017, so that the existing member could give proper OJT.

I would have thought that all this was enough changes to introduce to ONE TEAM for a year but, god was I wrong. 3 newcomers in March and 1 in July AND that’s hardly the end of it. In June/ July 2017, my boss started prepping me for his departure secretly. He told me that he is wanted back in Japan by the officers but there was little news as to what his next designation would be. In any case, I would be expecting a new boss by September 2017. 

WHAT THE HELL?!

Honestly, I didn't think it made sense at all. 

First, I am the only “surviving member” from the original team.

Second, I am currently juggling the training of 4 members, ensuring that their quality and standard stay the same or better.

Third and on top of all that, I need to figure out my new boss?

I am only 1 person.

How is it possible to manage?

Can it even be possible? 

Well, I couldn't and dare not even think more about it so I spoke to my boss about my concerns and being the ‘father’, he told me that he will always be there to support me whenever I needed his help, wherever he is. SO SWEET & NICE! BUT HELLO?! The stress building on my shoulders is no joke. It’s no wonder why my shoulders are getting stiffer day by day. HAHAHA. Anyway, for the sake of differentiation so that I don't get confused writing this while you read, he shall be referred to as “Papa Boss” hereon.

Prepping for Papa Boss’ departure was the hardest ever – more so than Colleague K and Colleague S whom I worked with for 3 years each, both entering and leaving the team 6 months apart. As I mentioned earlier, as the last standing member of the original team, I’ve worked with Papa Boss for a total of 4.5 years (March 2013 – Sep 2017). He’s always a tough boss, asking for the best of the best, ensuring that no compromises were made in the process of the opening. Sometimes he is so anal that you don't know what you can answer, except accept the fact that you could have done better. Yet he is also a father figure to me for guiding me and teaching me everything I know with regards to the work I do. 

For every transfer, I always tell them that there is no permanent farewell in this company because we’re always moving around. Yet somehow, when it came to Papa Boss’ transfer, I didn't trust my own words. I knew he was moving out of the brand (within the same company) and it felt too real, that this part of history, this part of what made me – me, was leaving. That said, I promised myself that there shall be no tears! Not that I am an unfeeling bitch, but I thought that I should be remembered the way I always am, positive and laughing. So yeah, no tears! 

And when the new boss came, it felt like I had to start anew. It took time to understand the new boss and his style of working. Coupled with the potential language barrier, damn was it draining. It got easier day by day and I guess, it was easier for me to understand what he wants to convey by reading the atmosphere and inferring it with the knowledge I had. All the good training from Papa Boss came in handy. Muahahaha. New boss is a areally nice guy. He sat me down and asked me what I needed from him. I told him that I felt like I’m stuck at a bottleneck if all I’m going to do is the same things all over. So, he promised to give me more opportunities at work and more learning opportunities to grow. So yeah, let’s just say everything with the new boss is good and I just need to get my head straight with the trainees. 

Anyhow. Enough about work. On a lighter and personal note, I am pretty happy that I manage to take more trips and explore more places in 2017 (albeit some of them were because of work).

• January – Port Dickson
• February – JB 
• March – JB 
• April – KL, Shanghai
• May – Bandung
• June – Genting, Medan
• July –JB
• August – Surabaya
• September – Surabaya
• October – JB
• November – JB
• December – New Zealand

If you search under the hashtag #ellietrotsabroad, it seems like I’m travelling every month! Although there are frequent trips for work (#nssnso) too.

In any case.

Thank you, 2017, for being such a challenging year. 

I believe 2018 will be easier because I am stronger. 

Here’s to more journeys and adventures in 2018…

Circling up the mountain for Lake Toba

I know I was supposed to complete this like 2 weeks ago, but I really couldn't. And I am actually writing this in the hotel room of another Indonesian City - Surabaya. How quaint. Hahaha.

Anyhow. During the most recent long weekend (during Hari Raya Puasa), I took a somewhat #YOLO trip with 2 of my UNI friends. One of my friend asked if anyone wanted to join her on a trip to Medan and 2 of us replied “Yes”! I was still in a meeting (cause I think it was my regular mad Tuesdays) while the 2 of them went ahead to book a hotel room as all rooms were snapping up fast! When it came to our flight bookings, we were more relaxed and only booking it the next day.

I was rather worried about the weather there as there were contradicting information on certain blogs and I really wasn't sure what to pack for. So I packed one of each - a pair of jogger pants, a pair of shirts (berms rather), a few t-shirts and a lightweight jacket. (FYI, our travel period is in End June).

Conclusion: I didn't have to use the jacket at all! It was cooler than usual but nothing too cold. When it rains, it gets extremely breezy though. So, in case you're worried, bring along a windbreaker.

There's nothing much to buy there unless you're into the Medan City T-shirts at the airport. Hence we didn't really spend much. The only hefty thing we splurged on, was Transport!

Day 1 - Arrival at Medan Airport

We were quite hungry so we got ourselves a Roti Boy each (at 11.5k) and then the must-have... DATA SIM card (at 55k). When you're travelling free and easy, it's always good to invest in the local DATA SIM cards. This way, you can look for maps and even call for vehicles wherever you are.

Bus counter

We read online that we were supposed to take a bus to AMPLAS terminal and change to another bus from there. So, thats what we did. Bought tickets to AMPLAS terminal (at 15k) and when we finally reached, we paid another 40k for the second bus fare.

All these people were headed the same way!

This is how the terminal looks like.

We were told that the bus will leave at 12pm. Mind you, it was only almost 10am IDN time. We had 2 hours in that rundown terminal with nothing to see nor seat. We were already prepared that the buses were non-air-conditioned, but when one of the local bus came and we saw how the people squeezed themselves into the non-air-conditioned bus, it caught us speechless. We were there at the terminal because we wanted a local experience, not a "I-shall-stick-my-whole-sticky-body-next-to-you" experience. Probably being judged, a Taiwanese couple came to us and talked about how they were cheated of their "aircon" bus that never came. So, we decided to uber back to the airport (100k per car) to get ourselves a shared taxi. (FYI, Uber and Grab do not service Parapat area.)

When we got to the airport (again), we couldn't find where is the shared taxi counter. All there is are the expensive private cars. Finally after asking around, we found the shared taxi counter - which is also the bus counter. Omg! So dumb right? There's a small sign on the counter that says "NiceTrans" taxi. So small card, who will notice?!

Anyway, after asking, we found out that shared taxi runs on a unidentified schedule and the taxi has just left. There are no taxis at the airport on standby anymore. So they offered the private car again (although slightly cheaper than the others). Eventually, the 5 of us took it and paid another 140k per pax. That's like a total of 230k spent on transport alone in that one morning.

The journey from the airport to Lake Toba takes 4hours (on good traffic). So, when we finally got to our hotel, it was already time for dinner. We were staying at the Parapat View Hotel.

Empty expressway on the way to Parapat. Wait till you try to local roads.

So nice!

Parapat View Hotel

View from  the main lobby

View of Parapat View Hotel

It's feels more like a chalet (with breakfast) than a hotel

It was almost impossible to go out of the area without a car. So, we ate at the hotel and spent about 180k per pax.

Day 2 - The only day we went around

Like I mentioned, without a car, there was no way around. So, we requested to our hotel to help us get a car to go sightseeing. Again, the car cost 700k but this time, we are sharing within 3 and not 5. So about 230 per pax.

There are many photo zones in the area. So pretty!

We went to Sipiso-piso. The waterfall!

And when we wanted to go Mt Sibayak, it started raining.

So we went to a place where we could see the volcanoes instead

View from Bukit Gundaling

Coffee with a view

And the toilet we had to go cause we were out for too long

Yeah, you get it. FYI, we had to pay to use the toilet too.

So yes, day 2 also ended with dinner at the hotel for 190k.

Day 3 is the day we leave Parapat and head back to Singapore.

This time, we managed to get ourselves the shared taxi and it cost only 80k per pax. However, the downside was, we had to hitch with regular Indonesian guys working at or around the airport. This means, a very early trip to the airport. Our flight was at 8pm! We initally planned to go around again, till 12pm and head to the airport, knowing it was a 4-5hour journey. But yes, because its such a long journey, you really don't know what's going to happen on the way, so we agreed to leaving at 8am for the airport.

Eventually, we reached the airport at 12ish.

Survivors of the back! 

A&W for lunch

POP MIE for dinner

Piece of advice, please stay within the domestic boarding gates until absolutely necessary. There are no food/ restaurants inside the international gates and POP MIE was our only option. So yeah, before going into the boarding gates, we hogged seats at Starbucks for 3 hours. But, can you blame us? Hahaha.

Anyway, after we came back from the trip, I felt like my back was breaking apart. Hahaha. Since I am the smallest sized (and youngest) on the trip, I always volunteered to take the back seat. By back seat, I mean the last (3rd) row of seat inside the MPV with no head rest. Right..? You can imagine, can't you?

So. The good thing about taking the back seat is, you get both left and right windows to yourself. If you want to see something on the left, scoot left. If you want to snap a picture on the right, move right! Hahaha! But because of the long distance journey, yes, my back felt like it was gonna break! HAHAHA!

That said, this trip is super therapeutic for the soul, but really tiring for the body!

Hence, therapy for my body the next day!

Total expenses for the trip (approximately 400 SGD)
Flight: 230 SGD
Hotel: 80 SGD
Expenses (Food): ~460k IDR
Expenses (Transport): ~550k IDR
Expenses (Others): 55k IDR

Hope all these little bits of information helped whoever going to Medan/ Parapat in future.
Cheers!

Redang... #热浪234

Back from redang means back to reality. But reality isn’t so bad when you’re all refreshed and energized. Hahaha.

So yes, I’m back from my first resort trip of 2016. Do nothing but ‘lepak’, eat, sleep and snorkel. In case you don't know, ‘lepak’ is a malay word that more or less translates to ‘relax’ in English.

Don't ask me why google translates says loungers.
I don't even know what loungers mean in English. Hahaha

We stayed at Wisana Village, a very quiet and mostly family run resort. I realised I didn't take any photos of the room so, descriptions it is. Our room was pretty basic – 2 queen sized beds, a mirror, a wardrobe and a closet, a bath room with a sink, toilet bowl and most importantly, hot water heater with a pump louder than the water pressure itself! Hahaha. 

Under the umbrella where we mostly sat after our snorkelling trips. 

A pretty shelter with a pretty view of the sea

The entire stay was pretty pleasant because everyone – I mean all the staff there – were very kind, approachable and friendly. The first sight that greeted us when we arrived was the clear water and white sand – an interesting sight that the water is clear and turquoise nearer to the beaches yet darker or navy-er away from the beaches. The sea looks like there is an invisible line that divides and separates the clear and dark waters.

The water is so clear and pretty that photos underwater look a little like the swimming pool instead of the sea. Hahaha. 

Looks like a pile of seaweed right?
But its actually an entire school of small fishes.
Probably the size of larger ikan billis? Hahaha.

Among the snorkelling trips that we went, there were quite a few dead coral reefs that were quite disappointing. 

The fact that coral reef take up to 10 years to grow yet there are so many out there destroyed. Sigh. Even on our way to Redang and back, on the wide ocean, we could see PET bottles floating and plastic bags under the sea, trapped with the coral reefs.

Borderless ocean. 

Enough about the depressing information, I managed to catch glimpses of 2 baby sharks and a rather big sea turtle – roughly the length of 1m or so! Didn't manage to snap photos of the baby sharks cause they were swimming away from me too quickly but we managed to take a few photos of the one and only sea turtle we saw on the entire trip. Hahaha. 

Looks like nothing but a rock? Look again...

Success! Finally found one sea turtle.

And there it goes, swimming away from us. 

Other than that are deep sea fishes and corals that we see from the snorkelling trips. 

We also went for jungle trekking – but I think the more apt word would be hiking. Hahaha. In anycase, we didn't complete it so we didn't get to see the overall island view. As per the advise of the locals, it was a relaxed trek. But to us city girls and boys, it was more of a challenging hike. And adding on, we actually believed the relaxed trek and went up with slippers instead of shoes. So yes, it was slippery and we removed our slippers, climbing barefoot. Still, it was too much for me. Hahaha. Probably the first time in my life that I perspired like it was raining sweat droplets. 

On our nights there, we managed to catch the red moon. Well, you can't really tell that it's a red moon in the picture below but I tried. Hahaha. I also tried to take a photo of the starry starry night but of course, I failed. Hahaha. The only image I got was pitch black screen as if my phone has broken down. 

The supposedly red moon. Looks better to the naked eye though.

The early morning sunrise on our last day. The famous salted egg yolk hanging in the sky. Hahaha.

好大的蛋黄啊！

Regrettably, our boat ride back to the jetty.
From clear turquoise waters to grey-green waters.

A rare sight. In Singapore, we can hardly see this anymore.

A little entertainment on our 10-hour journey back to Singapore

Did I forget to mention that it took almost a 10-hour bus ride to Trengganu and a 40min boat ride to Redang. So yes, the same repeated when we were on our way back. And we ended the day with an awesome Mookata Dinner/ Supper. Hahaha. 

Happy Mookata @ Golden Mile Tower