tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29512879826670081182024-03-13T11:41:12.574+08:00All-4-travelSee the mountains, hear the ocean, feel the culture...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951287982667008118.post-30055556913172023982018-11-26T00:00:00.000+08:002018-11-26T16:01:37.013+08:00BATAM F&E (NOV'18) REFLECTIONS<span style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><b>Feel free to click on the day links below to find out our detailed itinerary! :)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.com/search/label/Batam%20Day%201%20%28Nov%2718%29">Day 1</a>:</u><span style="background-color: white;"> Batam Centre Ferry Terminal > Fortunate Taste Vegetarian Restaurant > Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple > Hotel 89 (Check-in) > Sekupang Ferry Terminal > KTM Resort > Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall > Liang Kee (亮记) 888 Restoran > Hotel 89</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.com/search/label/Batam%20Day%202%20%28Nov%2718%29">Day 2</a>:</u><span style="background-color: white;"> Hotel 89 > Pasar Penuin Market > BCS Shopping Mall > Hotel 89 > Sekupang Ferry Terminal</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #1a0e07;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><b>Total Cost:</b> </span></span></span><br style="background-color: #1a0e07;" /><span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;">A</span><span style="background-color: white;"><u>ccomodation </u>Hotel 89 - direct booking with hotel:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;">VIP Silver (Triple Room) - IDR 980,000<u> (SGD $90)</u></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;">Superior Room (Double Room) - IDR 500,000<u> (SGD $46)</u></span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.9943px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Total Accomodation: <b>SGD $136 for 5 pax</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.9943px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.9943px;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Transport:</span></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.9943px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2-way ferry tickets purchased from Qoo10 by THK Tour travel (Majestic ferry): SGD $27 *5pax =<u>SGD $135 Nett</u></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.9943px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Day 10 hours hired car with driver: <u>SGD $50</u></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.9943px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 way ferry drop off from Hotel 89 to Sekupang ferry: IDR 90,000<u> (SGD $8.30) </u></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Total Transport: <b>SGD $193.30 for 5 pax</b><br /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">*Exchange rate at: SGD 1 : RP 10923, unless otherwise stated.</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong style="text-align: right;"><em style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And with that, this travel journal is concluded on 26 November 2018</span></em></strong></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951287982667008118.post-12363042751381174322018-11-25T00:00:00.000+08:002018-11-26T16:04:31.787+08:00Batam F&E Day 2 (Nov'18)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Day 2: Hotel 89 > Pasar Penuin market > BCS Shopping Mall > Hotel 89 > Sekupang Ferry Terminal</span></b></div>
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Click <a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.com/search/label/Batam%20Day%201%20%28Nov%2718%29">here </a>for Day 1 of our Batam Trip.</span><br />
<br />
Rise and Shine! It's our last day at Batam. We arranged for a visit to their 'local' market and shopping mall before boarding the ferry back to Singapore.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XQE1Msh4EZs/W_uSOkC6O6I/AAAAAAAAJHw/7HNhFJs-KyYDplods_U8vO00dihgRYemACLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_073234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XQE1Msh4EZs/W_uSOkC6O6I/AAAAAAAAJHw/7HNhFJs-KyYDplods_U8vO00dihgRYemACLcBGAs/s640/20181125_073234.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View from Level 6 Hotel lift lobby @ 7.30am</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hotel 89 serves free breakfast to all guests and breakfast is served 6am - 10am. Just tell the buffet breakfast counter your room number will do. We went down at 7.30pm for breakfast and there's quite a number of people already!<br />
<br />
There's a wide spread of cooked food and an egg station where you can choose to have sunny side up or omelette!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-579G4xGj1DI/W_uSPqa_n5I/AAAAAAAAJH0/21rdZSI1F2wqVbzdiuR0qg7oAN-24BdCgCLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_073453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-579G4xGj1DI/W_uSPqa_n5I/AAAAAAAAJH0/21rdZSI1F2wqVbzdiuR0qg7oAN-24BdCgCLcBGAs/s640/20181125_073453.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E-jUk2wN8aI/W_uSPta_qSI/AAAAAAAAJH4/8O4WPD2xuEYQO4pD9V-9JkFG2UgGoVTNwCLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_073457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E-jUk2wN8aI/W_uSPta_qSI/AAAAAAAAJH4/8O4WPD2xuEYQO4pD9V-9JkFG2UgGoVTNwCLcBGAs/s640/20181125_073457.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tNgd_J1cquQ/W_uSPybWcRI/AAAAAAAAJH8/RayfaiKLdEs-5ojowTNzG-06KGGE_D3VACLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_073502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tNgd_J1cquQ/W_uSPybWcRI/AAAAAAAAJH8/RayfaiKLdEs-5ojowTNzG-06KGGE_D3VACLcBGAs/s640/20181125_073502.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ISa19uegmQ/W_uSQbmZ-iI/AAAAAAAAJIA/kGqP5tE9gg0F7eIqRObKDP7yueWPbnDdACLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_073508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ISa19uegmQ/W_uSQbmZ-iI/AAAAAAAAJIA/kGqP5tE9gg0F7eIqRObKDP7yueWPbnDdACLcBGAs/s640/20181125_073508.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cereal and beverages section</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NORsef9jbp8/W_uSQbI5_oI/AAAAAAAAJIE/FROmeuyfomo1YT1ASeEUepOEpW9QKQ_EACLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_073520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NORsef9jbp8/W_uSQbI5_oI/AAAAAAAAJIE/FROmeuyfomo1YT1ASeEUepOEpW9QKQ_EACLcBGAs/s640/20181125_073520.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>lontong</i></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0LcHGGJ7Fhs/W_uSQ_fQwzI/AAAAAAAAJII/1EHFYUzT5v8c5xONBdDf-H7Xuma13H1DACLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_073526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0LcHGGJ7Fhs/W_uSQ_fQwzI/AAAAAAAAJII/1EHFYUzT5v8c5xONBdDf-H7Xuma13H1DACLcBGAs/s640/20181125_073526.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>kuehs, fruits</i></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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I06JC3HUepQ/W_uSRXmwODI/AAAAAAAAJIQ/d_x-r4W4zCYSvPpeoV3ke5wWiyQROO1QwCLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_073539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I06JC3HUepQ/W_uSRXmwODI/AAAAAAAAJIQ/d_x-r4W4zCYSvPpeoV3ke5wWiyQROO1QwCLcBGAs/s640/20181125_073539.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>hokkien mee and fried rice</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Though Hokkien mee was missing at the time the photo was taken, however food was replaced quite frequently. During our time there (approx 1 hour), the mee was replaced twice. It was really nice!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DTRkcODxL18/W_uSRZRm7RI/AAAAAAAAJIM/xdxyTW4qTYgJISSsKx7OI0zVXBJhm3vPACLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_073542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DTRkcODxL18/W_uSRZRm7RI/AAAAAAAAJIM/xdxyTW4qTYgJISSsKx7OI0zVXBJhm3vPACLcBGAs/s640/20181125_073542.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2k50Ofhl68k/W_uSRnPGmRI/AAAAAAAAJIU/St8QOv4w1osywL4H4E_PsaIJp0aQZDYAwCLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_082830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2k50Ofhl68k/W_uSRnPGmRI/AAAAAAAAJIU/St8QOv4w1osywL4H4E_PsaIJp0aQZDYAwCLcBGAs/s640/20181125_082830.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>interior of the breakfast buffet area</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1vAYvzqwPSA/W_uSSWcQkiI/AAAAAAAAJIY/lUli1qBXBHopSMhhayHCxLmtgLCXlvg-gCLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_082831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1vAYvzqwPSA/W_uSSWcQkiI/AAAAAAAAJIY/lUli1qBXBHopSMhhayHCxLmtgLCXlvg-gCLcBGAs/s640/20181125_082831.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>interior of the breakfast buffet area</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had a very sumptous buffet breakfast, so it's time to work off the calories by walking to the Penuin wet market and subsequently the BCS Mall. We left our hotel at about 9am and it just take a slow leisure 10 mins walk to reach our first stop - Penuin market.<br />
<div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tg_sJdhVFhc/W_uWJn7b9lI/AAAAAAAAJLk/8lHcSZ-7lewgotzS-YXDKHOyo4OpeuEoACLcBGAs/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="1217" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tg_sJdhVFhc/W_uWJn7b9lI/AAAAAAAAJLk/8lHcSZ-7lewgotzS-YXDKHOyo4OpeuEoACLcBGAs/s640/Capture.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Google Map - Hotel 89, Penuin Market and BCS Mall</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As you can see from the google map, the total walking distance is only 900m for both destination from our hotel which is also why we chose to stay at Hotel 89 for its accessibility! There is a popular A2 foodcourt near there too however we did not have the time to visit it during this trip. No time probably!</div>
<div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KHU51hH3qbI/W_uVwF5sugI/AAAAAAAAJLY/ppkrOw8J51E9kPa-QfVtNLCUUD0-B4zrACLcBGAs/s1600/46829592_10156048136712965_4814612532989788160_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KHU51hH3qbI/W_uVwF5sugI/AAAAAAAAJLY/ppkrOw8J51E9kPa-QfVtNLCUUD0-B4zrACLcBGAs/s640/46829592_10156048136712965_4814612532989788160_n.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pasar Penuin Market</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Pasar Penuin Market is a wet market that sells fish, kampong chicken, vegetables etc. There's a few cooked food store selling wanton mee, carrot cake which looks delicious. It is supposed to be more of a local market however we noticed on that Sunday morning, majority of the patrons were Singaporeans!<br />
<br />
Our driver from Day 1, Mawardi told us that in general, Batam import fruits. They do not have any homegrown fruits except dragonfruit which can be found near Barelang. So since they are imported fruits, it would not make sense for us to buy since we could also get them in Singapore.<br />
<br />
We walked around the market and left at around 9.45am for BCS Mall. Note that the market can get a little stuffy in the day!<br />
<br />
When we reached BCS Mall it was about 9.55am. Golden Truly department store was opened but not the JC supermarket. We headed for the department store first and this time round we managed to get some women shoes with prices at a steal! Similar to Matahari, they have plenty of discounts such as (50% + 20%) or buy 2 pairs of shoes at IDR 100,000 (SGD $10) only. We feel that prices at supermarket and department store at BCS is slightly lower than at Nagoya Hill shopping mall, probably since Nagoya Hill is more popular with tourists and hence they may charge at a higher price.<br />
<br />
Once again, we got some cheap toiletries from the supermarket before we head off for our early lunch. However note that not all toiletries are cheap. You may want to compare the prices to singapore's valu$ shop or venus beauty before buying. Some of the cost saving is not substantial and hence may be more convenient if you just purchase them in Singapore instead!<br />
<br />
We had an early lunch at Grand Duck (just opposite BCS Mall) as we are checking out of our hotel at 1.30pm to catch our ferry due for departure at 3.15pm.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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;"><i><img alt="Image result for duck batam" height="640" src="https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/0c/e7/6a/e6/dsc-2392-largejpg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="359" /></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Image courtesy: Google (Tripadvisor)</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_wwfR2N7vyE/W_uZhimjTlI/AAAAAAAAJLw/i_G0SK6C2MM1MCXWXKzgP5wQk1Wn67eVQCLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_113704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1156" data-original-width="1600" height="462" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_wwfR2N7vyE/W_uZhimjTlI/AAAAAAAAJLw/i_G0SK6C2MM1MCXWXKzgP5wQk1Wn67eVQCLcBGAs/s640/20181125_113704.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>interior of Grand Duck Restaurant</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We reached there at about 11.40am and we were their only patrons. However when we were done at around 12.30pm, the restaurant was full house - filled with Singaporeans. This is a contrast to the dinner place on Day 1, where it was filled with Indo chinese. We thought that the food was highly raved on tripadvisor it must be good, however we must say, we are quite disappointed with the food served. Also, their serving speed is definitely slower than Liang Kee 888 Restoran (Day 1 Dinner).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dYMPB2AVMTU/W_uSSvBIKJI/AAAAAAAAJIc/fL7iH2phYjwrnc0oODjDlRIPj_owRM4ggCLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_113135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dYMPB2AVMTU/W_uSSvBIKJI/AAAAAAAAJIc/fL7iH2phYjwrnc0oODjDlRIPj_owRM4ggCLcBGAs/s640/20181125_113135.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dim Sum menu</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we are still feeling full from the buffet breakfast, here's what we ordered to share:</div>
<div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A0K2qURpLMQ/W_uST56wjmI/AAAAAAAAJIs/R7TsWixfJWcyCvnm-qOJzOCPbqnGxSsDQCLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_114839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A0K2qURpLMQ/W_uST56wjmI/AAAAAAAAJIs/R7TsWixfJWcyCvnm-qOJzOCPbqnGxSsDQCLcBGAs/s640/20181125_114839.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Quarter Duck IDR 88,000 SGD $8.05)</i></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;"><i><img alt="Image may contain: people sitting and food" height="480" src="https://scontent.fsin3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/46704835_10156048119532965_5963148360591343616_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&_nc_ht=scontent.fsin3-1.fna&oh=c85bb07d2946981c08f39034cb0c4787&oe=5C7ABDA2" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mie Goreng Seafood IDR 35,000 SGD $3.20<br />Mie Sua Seafood IDR 35,000 SGD $3.20</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sqV35ngC3l4/W_uSUTrJx7I/AAAAAAAAJI0/Yq4T8q_8pvE3MEv0ZBQBAWNvsbaamNGZACLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_115110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sqV35ngC3l4/W_uSUTrJx7I/AAAAAAAAJI0/Yq4T8q_8pvE3MEv0ZBQBAWNvsbaamNGZACLcBGAs/s640/20181125_115110.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>Clockwise from top to bottom:</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- 3 steamed prawn dumpling in chili oil IDR 23,000 (SGD $2.11)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- Chicken claw with black pepper IDR 23,000 (SGD $2.11)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- Fried Turnip cake IDR 23,000 (SGD $2.11)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- Steamed BBQ Chicken Pau IDR 23,000 (SGD $2.11)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- Chicken siewmai IDR 23,000 (SGD $2.11)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- Steamed minced chicken glutinous rice IDR 23,000 (SGD $2.11)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We also ordered chinese jasmine tea (IDR 9,800 /pax = SGD $0.90/pax) and a 3 eggs chicken congee (IDR 33,000 SGD $3.02)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The total bill came up to IDR 454,300 (SGD $41.60) including service charge/tax. There was no service charge or tax at Liang Kee 888 for dinner on Day 1.</div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uUIg9sEppyo/W_uZ8HQnV5I/AAAAAAAAJL4/1IY4utII6Fwaub1Whv6c_7I4ulr5_70qACLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_193015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="412" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uUIg9sEppyo/W_uZ8HQnV5I/AAAAAAAAJL4/1IY4utII6Fwaub1Whv6c_7I4ulr5_70qACLcBGAs/s640/20181125_193015.jpg" width="164" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Receipt @ Grand Duck</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Both Day 1 Dinner and Day 2 lunch were approx same price, however we actually still prefer Day 1 Liang Kee 888 restoran dinner than at Grand Duck.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After the lunch we walked back to our hotel 89 with our loots. It's time to pack our luggage and prepare for check out. The hotel was kind to grant us a late check at 1.30pm for both rooms upon request. We reached back our hotel at about 12.45pm and check out at around 1.20pm. We contacted Mawardi who was free to give us a lift to Sekupang Ferry Terminal. Although he said that we can pay him at any price we want, we paid him IDR 90,000 (SGD $8.24) + IDR 10,000 (tips). IDR 90,000 is the rate quoted by the taxi counter at our hotel.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wRO8k1y8hOo/W_uSUh93DnI/AAAAAAAAJI4/DYa_cocSKhowWCTYmz02N-JNw9DYvADmwCLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_124232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wRO8k1y8hOo/W_uSUh93DnI/AAAAAAAAJI4/DYa_cocSKhowWCTYmz02N-JNw9DYvADmwCLcBGAs/s640/20181125_124232.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hotel lobby </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There's free mall shuttle service (BCS mall and Nagoya hill) at our hotel. However as there's only afternoon timings and we have Mawardi as our driver for first day, we did not use this service.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zXeyRgC-EF8/W_uSVe3ZDaI/AAAAAAAAJJA/7w5qorIBy0kFayx0rINjYb6o8u47aFKlgCLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_124320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zXeyRgC-EF8/W_uSVe3ZDaI/AAAAAAAAJJA/7w5qorIBy0kFayx0rINjYb6o8u47aFKlgCLcBGAs/s640/20181125_124320.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mall shuttle service by Hotel 89</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We stayed at both 6816 (VIP Silver Triple room) and 6825 (Superior - 2 pax) room during our 1N stay there.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PluW7I2iI4w/W_uSWPn6rpI/AAAAAAAAJJM/oB4GvwLJVs0H-PDcxu1R9aQxtvgrptFYgCLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_131539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PluW7I2iI4w/W_uSWPn6rpI/AAAAAAAAJJM/oB4GvwLJVs0H-PDcxu1R9aQxtvgrptFYgCLcBGAs/s640/20181125_131539.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hotel room card (front)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qyyaDPoTMJw/W_uSV7lZg3I/AAAAAAAAJJI/_mlVGcWO_9kRSQWUNUVHSFnr2sX-WvwvgCLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_131537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qyyaDPoTMJw/W_uSV7lZg3I/AAAAAAAAJJI/_mlVGcWO_9kRSQWUNUVHSFnr2sX-WvwvgCLcBGAs/s640/20181125_131537.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hotel room card (back)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our driver, Mawardi arrived punctually at 1.30pm despite being given last minute notice at 12.45pm to pick us up. Traffic was smooth and we reached Sekupang ferry terminal at 2pm. Our ferry is due for departure at 3.15pm with gate open only at 2.25pm, we had some ice cream first!<br />
<br />
Ice cream - cornetto and magnum are especially cheap here. They seem to be legit and it says for distribution to Singapore too. In total we bought 2 magnum and 3 cornetto.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sGNQkHMz-QU/W_uSXJyXxWI/AAAAAAAAJJc/hnLNOQhqgJENZqBVB3qvEcbCtCLCi6grwCLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_140245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sGNQkHMz-QU/W_uSXJyXxWI/AAAAAAAAJJc/hnLNOQhqgJENZqBVB3qvEcbCtCLCi6grwCLcBGAs/s640/20181125_140245.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yum yum ice cream</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DIDEpDU8CiQ/W_uSW72ueCI/AAAAAAAAJJU/9k_nrizhN00INnFuJW-eQqssrvVHv6sLgCLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_140209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DIDEpDU8CiQ/W_uSW72ueCI/AAAAAAAAJJU/9k_nrizhN00INnFuJW-eQqssrvVHv6sLgCLcBGAs/s640/20181125_140209.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Price board for ice cream @ Sekupang ferry terminal</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Magnum s priced from IDR 8000 (SGD $0.73) to IDR 17000 (SGD $1.56) while cornetto is priced at IDR 13000 (SGD $1.20). In SG, 1 magnum probably cost about SGD $3-$4! In total for 5 ice creams, we spent about IDR 73000.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So if you have some remaining loose change, you can have a good ice cream treat before departing Batam!<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6r8C5y9hIpE/W_uVpDsWauI/AAAAAAAAJLU/l7AHfrNYsJoixvFq2NfAG58Jmf2xHqwKgCLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_142943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6r8C5y9hIpE/W_uVpDsWauI/AAAAAAAAJLU/l7AHfrNYsJoixvFq2NfAG58Jmf2xHqwKgCLcBGAs/s640/20181125_142943.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Batam ferry ticket - Majestic ferry</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yMttiiK99f4/W_uSX46WJ2I/AAAAAAAAJJk/6FYNtFOXJZ8kArp4Jg9iSPrfZXV8SP3xwCLcBGAs/s640/20181125_143006.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>waiting area to board the ferry</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yMttiiK99f4/W_uSX46WJ2I/AAAAAAAAJJk/6FYNtFOXJZ8kArp4Jg9iSPrfZXV8SP3xwCLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_143006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yMttiiK99f4/W_uSX46WJ2I/AAAAAAAAJJk/6FYNtFOXJZ8kArp4Jg9iSPrfZXV8SP3xwCLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_143006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
There's certainly lesser people here at Sekupang and ferry frequency is lower than at Batam Centre. Though it is far from central, we prefer here due to its lesser human traffic.<br />
<br />
Ferries depart here on time too and we were allowed to board at around 2.40pm.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cR3CRJ0vtfk/W_uSYEx77fI/AAAAAAAAJJo/7sPa8d8OKao41IrSI4vcipi7scfLrf6kgCLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_144406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cR3CRJ0vtfk/W_uSYEx77fI/AAAAAAAAJJo/7sPa8d8OKao41IrSI4vcipi7scfLrf6kgCLcBGAs/s640/20181125_144406.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sekupang ferry berth</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
However probably because it is not as popular as Batam Centre, there's lesser people and hence the ferries are older. Although we are on majestic ferry, we were not allocated with the new ferry as when we arrive. Instead we got an old ferry (wavemaster) which we took back during our trip to Batam in <a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.com/search/label/Batam%20F%26E%20Day%201">2013, December</a>.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vmbw9EwID8Q/W_uSYzsTyfI/AAAAAAAAJJs/xr151761vs8irK5TkYxJHiJDa9GrgubOACLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_144407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vmbw9EwID8Q/W_uSYzsTyfI/AAAAAAAAJJs/xr151761vs8irK5TkYxJHiJDa9GrgubOACLcBGAs/s640/20181125_144407.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>relatively older ferry - Wavemaster</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IKEMpAzlGw8/W_uSZr9q8YI/AAAAAAAAJJw/9SQzkMGUVVc12Py1ucToitSXqD6wBoywACLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_144432.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IKEMpAzlGw8/W_uSZr9q8YI/AAAAAAAAJJw/9SQzkMGUVVc12Py1ucToitSXqD6wBoywACLcBGAs/s640/20181125_144432.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EMZmwNX2oy0/W_uSZv1bHfI/AAAAAAAAJJ4/eN0cp9Z8Trs6ganjrQn_sEOplV9Yrt_wgCLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_144515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EMZmwNX2oy0/W_uSZv1bHfI/AAAAAAAAJJ4/eN0cp9Z8Trs6ganjrQn_sEOplV9Yrt_wgCLcBGAs/s640/20181125_144515.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>On our way to board the ferry</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The ferry was on schedule and departed at 3.15pm sharp. It was a relatively calm ride back to Singapore and we snoozed on our way back after a tiring but enjoyable weekend getaway. As Singapore is one hour ahead of Batam, we reached Singapore waters at about 5pm.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fqpqwTBYVFc/W_uSaEprsAI/AAAAAAAAJJ8/CZlCJVKlSFIxjYadrO6UH4XE_EeQx0uBACLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_165852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fqpqwTBYVFc/W_uSaEprsAI/AAAAAAAAJJ8/CZlCJVKlSFIxjYadrO6UH4XE_EeQx0uBACLcBGAs/s640/20181125_165852.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sight of vivo city and its christmas tree from the ferry</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Disembarkation from the ferry and custom clearance is swift.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Overall, we do not think Batam has changed alot since we last visited in 2014. It is definitely enjoyable and ideal as a weekend getaway, but probably due to its relatively expensive transport cost (ferry ticketss) as compared to travelling to Malaysia JB (bus) where transport cost is minimal, we may not consider travelling there that frequently. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951287982667008118.post-24085296450198189232018-11-24T00:00:00.000+08:002018-11-26T15:58:15.929+08:00Batam F&E Day 1 (Nov'18)<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Day 1: Batam Centre Ferry Terminal > Fortunate Taste Vegetarian Restaurant > Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple > Hotel 89 (Check-in) > Sekupang Ferry Terminal > KTM Resort > Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall > Liang Kee (亮记) 888 Restoran > Hotel 89</span></b><br />
<br />
It has been 4 years since we last visited Batam. So here we are again to Batam island for our family trip!<br />
<br />
We bought our tickets to/from Batam via Qoo10 from THK tour operator. The price was $35 nett however we bought it during sales, after deducting cart coupon and Qpoints, it cost approx $26 nett per pax. Our ferry tickets were from the ferry operator - Majestic Ferry. As compared to 4 years ago, Majestic ferry and batam fast seems to be the only 2 that dominate the batam ferry services. We no longer see berlian ferry or pacific ferry.<br />
<br />
Batam is 1 hour behind Singapore's time. We chose the 10.40am (Singapore time) ferry from Harbourfront Terminal (Singapore ) to Batam Centre. Hence when we reach there it would be 10.40am Batam time.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S5diHxVLSjY/W_taJRUNnVI/AAAAAAAAJAc/15m14P8cVyg-6Jx2RbfdGg5GQeTuoRtIgCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_095155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="1600" height="78" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S5diHxVLSjY/W_taJRUNnVI/AAAAAAAAJAc/15m14P8cVyg-6Jx2RbfdGg5GQeTuoRtIgCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_095155.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
There seem to be lesser people at the Harbourfront ferry terminal waiting area this time round.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FtCoi2oJJss/W_taHW9jTII/AAAAAAAAJAI/eDwax54fV3E3LSBiHJqIH-FDG6Y5FJEvwCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_095415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FtCoi2oJJss/W_taHW9jTII/AAAAAAAAJAI/eDwax54fV3E3LSBiHJqIH-FDG6Y5FJEvwCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_095415.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The ferry allocated to us is called 'Majestic Wisdom' ~ Do take note of your ferry's gate departure on the screen. As usual, people will start queuing at the gate early, to have a chance of being the first few to board the ferry so as to choose the seats. Seats are on first come first serve basis. No pre-allocated seats.<br />
<br />
We boarded our ferry at around 10.15am Singapore time ~<br />
<br />
There were 2 Majestic ferries dock at the jetty. One of it is Majestic 9, which is slightly older and the other is our ferry - Majestic Wisdom!<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ykDHKio4O8/W_taH2MYYSI/AAAAAAAAJAM/aLJ1IqrOX2UpkFaNe2ik8nXCQukebsqlQCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_101232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ykDHKio4O8/W_taH2MYYSI/AAAAAAAAJAM/aLJ1IqrOX2UpkFaNe2ik8nXCQukebsqlQCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_101232.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Majestic 9</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R-R-4wwJh50/W_taIz_tSPI/AAAAAAAAJAU/F8X6yUGdG2w7Z9_hFh0EyYCKKCfiqNOMQCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_101248.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Majestic Wisdom</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
*Screams" Majestic Wisdom is so pretty and new!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fweRaZqMUpk/W_taPD-YWFI/AAAAAAAAJAo/oB4MO7w5j6koSW2m0JKUW1_E9-MFgUJngCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_103536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fweRaZqMUpk/W_taPD-YWFI/AAAAAAAAJAo/oB4MO7w5j6koSW2m0JKUW1_E9-MFgUJngCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_103536.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Water is provided too - FOC! But self service and the toilet is really clean and new! The Majestic Wisdom ferry was only built in 2018, we can really smell the 'seat leather' when we board the ferry!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e4CoEIqDMwU/W_taPcfzxPI/AAAAAAAAJAs/V8w0SHPtanY2bpJuz8mErQTYX8yPADY6ACLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_104534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e4CoEIqDMwU/W_taPcfzxPI/AAAAAAAAJAs/V8w0SHPtanY2bpJuz8mErQTYX8yPADY6ACLcBGAs/s640/20181124_104534.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We had no complains at all. Ferry departed at 1045, slight delay but not a problem. It was such a smooth and awesome start to our weekend getaway!<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yfysYq_ETj8/W_ti4ISYHtI/AAAAAAAAJEM/SVVKVaFQe54dVSSBPcJuBXKEQXoSjL0OACLcBGAs/s1600/P1140470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yfysYq_ETj8/W_ti4ISYHtI/AAAAAAAAJEM/SVVKVaFQe54dVSSBPcJuBXKEQXoSjL0OACLcBGAs/s640/P1140470.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>cruise at harboufront</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QytuuH9O7DI/W_taU2pdVKI/AAAAAAAAJA0/yRhwzgO0lzEkcZ6LkVoAUP1lKz2WDXu0wCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_105527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QytuuH9O7DI/W_taU2pdVKI/AAAAAAAAJA0/yRhwzgO0lzEkcZ6LkVoAUP1lKz2WDXu0wCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_105527.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r8giOMYWkPU/W_taVrzywtI/AAAAAAAAJBA/3h5rZW5eTpw86jHQ8g2DwAPWqDS9K06ZACLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_111648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r8giOMYWkPU/W_taVrzywtI/AAAAAAAAJBA/3h5rZW5eTpw86jHQ8g2DwAPWqDS9K06ZACLcBGAs/s640/20181124_111648.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The sea was calm and so was the ferry. We had movie screening in the ferry too - Doctor Strange, from a centralised TV haha. There's also glass panel at the front of the ferry allowing us to have a 270/360 degree view of the sea.</div>
<br />
We arrived in about 1 hour time (10.45am Batam time). However this is where our mini nightmare starts :/ Due to our 4 years ago bad human jam experience with Batam Centre, we chose to arrive at Batam Centre and depart from Sekupang. However we were so wrong, and was trapped in human jam for 2 hours at Batam Centre.<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><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d7VjaDydaLM/W_taYHHekQI/AAAAAAAAJBU/Fmb9X-2LIwkJKBA9-qJ2ykNWEZX_IhxiwCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_113339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d7VjaDydaLM/W_taYHHekQI/AAAAAAAAJBU/Fmb9X-2LIwkJKBA9-qJ2ykNWEZX_IhxiwCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_113339.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Batam Centre ferry</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KCjMuB-Pfqs/W_taW3PB4yI/AAAAAAAAJBI/Y2nYKG5mcyAha4p6xUE2F1TyYbuxKqIBQCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_112746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KCjMuB-Pfqs/W_taW3PB4yI/AAAAAAAAJBI/Y2nYKG5mcyAha4p6xUE2F1TyYbuxKqIBQCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_112746.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We were not able to disembark the ferry due to port congestion which was caused by slow clearance at immigration. There were just loads and heaps of humans - Singaporeans comprising the bulk of the crowd. Batam Centre being the main port, frequency of ferry arrival is at almost every 15 mins. Due to the human traffic at immigration clearance, they had to slow down the pace of ferry arrival.<br />
<br />
After we managed to disembark we joined a long snake queue which extend all the way to the ferry berth area.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nimyT1hgxg0/W_tmY0QOdWI/AAAAAAAAJEY/yfu_EBL0hRkUUlsqOch3ClV9wbxtU72HgCLcBGAs/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nimyT1hgxg0/W_tmY0QOdWI/AAAAAAAAJEY/yfu_EBL0hRkUUlsqOch3ClV9wbxtU72HgCLcBGAs/s640/Picture1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: red;"><b>Moral of story: Never alight or depart from Batam Centre, unless you don't mind the human traffic.</b></span><br />
<br />
We were stuck in the queue for approx 2 hours and only managed to clear immigration at 12.50pm. Initially our plan was to shop at Batam Centre Mega Mall first then hop on to our pre-arranged driver's car for lunch at 12.30pm. However our schedule overrun due to the delay and we had to scrape our plan to shop around mega mall and push back our pre-arranged time with the driver to 1pm.<br />
<br />
Our driver for the day is Mawardi whom we found his contact via his brother, Avin from Carousell listing. We chose them because of:<br />
- Price ($50/ day)<br />
- number of hours is 10 as compared to some others which may only provide 8 hours of service.<br />
- 7 seater MPV (We feel that 5 person + 1 driver) is just nice.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>Our main contact person prior to the trip was with Avin (+62 812 6820 4888). He is very prompt with his replies. On the early morning of our departure, he confirmed with us that his brother, Mawardi will be driving us around.</b></span><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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3bKisfSSTgs/W_tsP7mDFMI/AAAAAAAAJEo/STMXx4791iIvOwPDtsmZKynGQkmHOPbrQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-20181124-WA0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3bKisfSSTgs/W_tsP7mDFMI/AAAAAAAAJEo/STMXx4791iIvOwPDtsmZKynGQkmHOPbrQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-20181124-WA0011.jpg" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mawardi - Driver at Batam</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ub_KlooY4p0/W_tsQM7zhMI/AAAAAAAAJEk/sh1xPvquzdsmBIK8xYo3EWNDmCuCwHaKQCLcBGAs/s1600/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2018-11-24%2Bat%2B8.29.42%2BAM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ub_KlooY4p0/W_tsQM7zhMI/AAAAAAAAJEk/sh1xPvquzdsmBIK8xYo3EWNDmCuCwHaKQCLcBGAs/s640/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2018-11-24%2Bat%2B8.29.42%2BAM.jpeg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mawardi's MPV</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: red;"><b><br />We strongly recommend Mawardi (+62 812 7358 3654), he is very punctual, friendly and is able to speak English. It might not be of a very good standard but definitely adequate for him to understand our needs and for us to engage in conversation with him. Although we delayed (met him at 1 instead of 12.30pm due to the immigration clearance delay), he was already at Batam Megamall A&W waiting for us at 12.30pm. Also, he is a non-smoker which we thought is pretty rare in Batam but this is a plus point for us being a family who don't smoke and abhor cigarette smell. So don't worry about entering his car feeling stinky. In fact, his car is really spick and span probably also due to the fact that his MPV is a new car which was only on the road for 2 months.</b></span><br />
<br />
We really enjoyed his service so much until we even arranged for him to send us to our ferry terminal the next day. Okay, I digressed. So after we met him at A&W batam Mega mall at 1, he drove us to Fortuanate Taste vegetarian cafe near the temple which we will be visiting later on. It was about a 15 mins drive away and just a stone throw from the temple.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_d3mF-EqoZA/W_taYFsQR7I/AAAAAAAAJBY/OFFKWbl2Q-EmvYnMK6_Os_btST3RsIIBgCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_140057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_d3mF-EqoZA/W_taYFsQR7I/AAAAAAAAJBY/OFFKWbl2Q-EmvYnMK6_Os_btST3RsIIBgCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_140057.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inside his car</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hFvjSO6LEO4/W_ttdU-q4TI/AAAAAAAAJFE/bEsjJo-acskE_JxocIHsL8NrGS7j65TlwCLcBGAs/s1600/46937451_10156045806442965_3224656274696175616_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hFvjSO6LEO4/W_ttdU-q4TI/AAAAAAAAJFE/bEsjJo-acskE_JxocIHsL8NrGS7j65TlwCLcBGAs/s640/46937451_10156045806442965_3224656274696175616_n.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Fortunate Taste Restaurant</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w4KfWh83Kig/W_tabNA6BHI/AAAAAAAAJBw/FO9mkrbpPfgmxSXfROPJpKUhAmi20z5JgCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_142125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="1600" height="126" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w4KfWh83Kig/W_tabNA6BHI/AAAAAAAAJBw/FO9mkrbpPfgmxSXfROPJpKUhAmi20z5JgCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_142125.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inside Fortunate Taste Restaurant</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PBg4TcxtvDI/W_tweFPrX9I/AAAAAAAAJFk/4AhtOmCXmRUpNS7gZeOjAeEtVhnxPlb7gCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_141931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PBg4TcxtvDI/W_tweFPrX9I/AAAAAAAAJFk/4AhtOmCXmRUpNS7gZeOjAeEtVhnxPlb7gCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_141931.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Desserts/drink menu</i></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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gtT0zX-1qow/W_twePclJ8I/AAAAAAAAJFs/KaMpDt9rGQEtBjT5Qok3t7OwqN_Fq41IgCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_141943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gtT0zX-1qow/W_twePclJ8I/AAAAAAAAJFs/KaMpDt9rGQEtBjT5Qok3t7OwqN_Fq41IgCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_141943.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>porridge/side dish menu</i></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vi-ot8xNlsQ/W_tweMjz9LI/AAAAAAAAJFo/so_0TQEpcCAKvSEpe7mS9LiD934NGdhFQCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_141948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vi-ot8xNlsQ/W_tweMjz9LI/AAAAAAAAJFo/so_0TQEpcCAKvSEpe7mS9LiD934NGdhFQCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_141948.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>noodles/rice menu</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here's what we each ordered:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qokY87q6bR0/W_ttcM8mYZI/AAAAAAAAJEw/A2C8_9P8sRID9dHLidtN61VZfXqCGYxSgCLcBGAs/s1600/46503767_10156045812912965_8742070678745776128_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qokY87q6bR0/W_ttcM8mYZI/AAAAAAAAJEw/A2C8_9P8sRID9dHLidtN61VZfXqCGYxSgCLcBGAs/s640/46503767_10156045812912965_8742070678745776128_n.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Radish sausage omelette rice (IDR 35,000, SGD 3.20)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbD8NJjxyYQ/W_ttcGXRK4I/AAAAAAAAJE0/rlRbbPBMdgg2S18eQFgjhWXkEczMInDOQCLcBGAs/s1600/46515911_10156045806532965_6958015292043689984_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbD8NJjxyYQ/W_ttcGXRK4I/AAAAAAAAJE0/rlRbbPBMdgg2S18eQFgjhWXkEczMInDOQCLcBGAs/s640/46515911_10156045806532965_6958015292043689984_n.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bailing mushroom with organic brown rice (IDR 45,000, SGD $4.12)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5-l2yOlVk1g/W_ttcjjeO1I/AAAAAAAAJE8/Yv4U67SD2MEcHczDqHYrIgfsiFXASpeGwCLcBGAs/s1600/46516265_10156045812827965_3399316247978967040_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="960" height="584" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5-l2yOlVk1g/W_ttcjjeO1I/AAAAAAAAJE8/Yv4U67SD2MEcHczDqHYrIgfsiFXASpeGwCLcBGAs/s640/46516265_10156045812827965_3399316247978967040_n.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Seafoodless soya porridge (IDR 30,000, SGD $2.75)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1IpGAvh5rfg/W_ttc-2NWUI/AAAAAAAAJFA/1zP4LN-SKPsVVikBkde71BA-gpbnS96mQCLcBGAs/s1600/46521602_10156045806547965_2505999948475006976_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="960" height="460" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1IpGAvh5rfg/W_ttc-2NWUI/AAAAAAAAJFA/1zP4LN-SKPsVVikBkde71BA-gpbnS96mQCLcBGAs/s640/46521602_10156045806547965_2505999948475006976_n.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Signature braised rice (IDR 25,000, SGD $2.28)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8vjCRn8kCk/W_ttd5zGgyI/AAAAAAAAJFI/VePPDIqlRZYKAD6QjF_KYS3yoGepCV43QCLcBGAs/s1600/46943336_10156045812817965_2153240630753492992_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8vjCRn8kCk/W_ttd5zGgyI/AAAAAAAAJFI/VePPDIqlRZYKAD6QjF_KYS3yoGepCV43QCLcBGAs/s640/46943336_10156045812817965_2153240630753492992_n.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>soya dumpling soup ramen (IDR 45,000, SGD $4.12)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
and last but not least for sharing:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZ2Cn5Qn_ew/W_ttcs1ucoI/AAAAAAAAJE4/MFVnQCvwJEQKTcnaxgQT74x8G-sSZ5VCwCLcBGAs/s1600/46520645_10156045806477965_274395440382738432_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><b><i><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZ2Cn5Qn_ew/W_ttcs1ucoI/AAAAAAAAJE4/MFVnQCvwJEQKTcnaxgQT74x8G-sSZ5VCwCLcBGAs/s640/46520645_10156045806477965_274395440382738432_n.jpg" width="640" /></i></b></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Teochew Braised platter LARGE (IDR 68,000, SGD$ 6.20)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We especially love the braised platter. Its really delicious. Think they have a branch in Singapore (O'Bean) at Tanjong Pagar area too! If you are a vege lover, we recommend that you give it a try when you are in Singapore or Batam!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sALm8Nbs4k0/W_tae29_r7I/AAAAAAAAJCU/e7yOevzpWEAzaN3rsy6anJviNWRX-1auwCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_145933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sALm8Nbs4k0/W_tae29_r7I/AAAAAAAAJCU/e7yOevzpWEAzaN3rsy6anJviNWRX-1auwCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_145933.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Total bill at Fortunate Taste (O'bean)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After lunch, Mawardi our driver drove us to the temple which is just 5 mins or less away.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5zd42zrwVuo/W_tzlyF0edI/AAAAAAAAJGA/C9cGWMDpD58hDBXkjChzxd41RjfsB7kngCLcBGAs/s1600/P1140515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5zd42zrwVuo/W_tzlyF0edI/AAAAAAAAJGA/C9cGWMDpD58hDBXkjChzxd41RjfsB7kngCLcBGAs/s640/P1140515.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yKf2Y9R61ZY/W_taaUWX0bI/AAAAAAAAJBo/XvgurZus4_U8dFEqZzfA2QJPpbo3hFQSwCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_142455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yKf2Y9R61ZY/W_taaUWX0bI/AAAAAAAAJBo/XvgurZus4_U8dFEqZzfA2QJPpbo3hFQSwCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_142455.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>ice cream booth run by student - probably for charity</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fAT6B31qRXQ/W_taa7-AgPI/AAAAAAAAJBs/iPnMIgscMjEgRxwqwWAAz6o2O0teIuw5QCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_142500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fAT6B31qRXQ/W_taa7-AgPI/AAAAAAAAJBs/iPnMIgscMjEgRxwqwWAAz6o2O0teIuw5QCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_142500.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
We had both chocolate and dragonfruit flavours.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lTnHR4z78jU/W_tacK5laAI/AAAAAAAAJB4/9fU9FomsLVc0YMBxjj2o22LyLkcjGyw8gCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_142615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lTnHR4z78jU/W_tacK5laAI/AAAAAAAAJB4/9fU9FomsLVc0YMBxjj2o22LyLkcjGyw8gCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_142615.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dragon Fruit ice cream (IDR 10,000 , SGD $0.92)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Don't be fooled by the colouring of the dragonfruit ice cream. It really taste like blended real dragonfruit. Doubt there's any artificial colouring!<br />
<br />
As it is not our first time here and there's nothing much changed, so won't be explaining much here. Visit out <a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.com/search/label/Batam%20Day%202">blog post </a>in 2013 for more details of this temple.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ML6x4luFrUA/W_tacsj3ZTI/AAAAAAAAJCA/DEZacQfITBwqG5U6nYuE4iMXAYvhS3O_gCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_144647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ML6x4luFrUA/W_tacsj3ZTI/AAAAAAAAJCA/DEZacQfITBwqG5U6nYuE4iMXAYvhS3O_gCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_144647.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>sunny weather!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was raining the past few days in both Singapore and Batam. Our driver said that it only turned sunny today!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ale1JCMQJZo/W_taeKhcQ5I/AAAAAAAAJCM/yv7qdv7I3AIaXp4YSNfAnSvtVwu8e09bACLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_144723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ale1JCMQJZo/W_taeKhcQ5I/AAAAAAAAJCM/yv7qdv7I3AIaXp4YSNfAnSvtVwu8e09bACLcBGAs/s640/20181124_144723.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>our hired car for the day</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We offered our prayers and tour around the place, had an ice cream before leaving at around 2.50pm. Off we go to Hotel 89 for check in. It was about a 15 mins ride away.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g16SOZaMAFs/W_tafmVKh4I/AAAAAAAAJCc/Qcynj0oF618RPrHSCO5ZsVUyyqJMSxZ3gCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_154536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g16SOZaMAFs/W_tafmVKh4I/AAAAAAAAJCc/Qcynj0oF618RPrHSCO5ZsVUyyqJMSxZ3gCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_154536.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hotel 89</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kR-yAnOuqN0/W_taiyHU8BI/AAAAAAAAJCw/bbJi4QTRSjsuNA44jZ5Z90d7iKmO2GLdgCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_154557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="243" data-original-width="1600" height="96" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kR-yAnOuqN0/W_taiyHU8BI/AAAAAAAAJCw/bbJi4QTRSjsuNA44jZ5Z90d7iKmO2GLdgCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_154557.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>lobby of hotel 89</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QFAF5OmsbCc/W_tahtaZEKI/AAAAAAAAJCo/kfkvszhmU_gq4uK9qqLYQc7LZ68pmy4GQCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_154609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QFAF5OmsbCc/W_tahtaZEKI/AAAAAAAAJCo/kfkvszhmU_gq4uK9qqLYQc7LZ68pmy4GQCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_154609.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Christmas is here early~</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Probably due to weekend and school holiday, the hotel was quite populated with tourists, Singaporeans especially.<br />
<br />
We reserved 2 rooms - Superior (2pax) and VIP Silver (3pax) via their online website. Payment is only upon arrival. The superior cost IDR 500,000 (SGD $45.80) and VIP silver cost IDR 980,000 (SGD $89.72). Both comes with breakfast :)<br />
<br />
We will need to put a refundable deposit of IDR 300,000 or SGD $30 for each room. If you do not wish to place money with them, you can also choose to deposit your passport with them. Just one passport is required for the check in.<br />
<br />
We were both given rooms at 6th floor which according to their receptionist is the only non-smoking floor.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-01jYk4tFNkY/W_t3itiFgLI/AAAAAAAAJGU/SFo7pGDCMlEtuMs1FE35oMbgopOaH9ImQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1140526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-01jYk4tFNkY/W_t3itiFgLI/AAAAAAAAJGU/SFo7pGDCMlEtuMs1FE35oMbgopOaH9ImQCLcBGAs/s640/P1140526.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>VIP silver room</i></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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aWvRf2PpDLU/W_t3jt3vEXI/AAAAAAAAJGY/BgjJhW08OiUHVfBrEmiuApvC9H9Wn54WQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1140529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aWvRf2PpDLU/W_t3jt3vEXI/AAAAAAAAJGY/BgjJhW08OiUHVfBrEmiuApvC9H9Wn54WQCLcBGAs/s640/P1140529.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>VIP silver room</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fWr-Ua3HsxM/W_uT0pkUVBI/AAAAAAAAJLI/IwNmz6Kqc78lx1R3X3OapkWz3_ZshX_VwCLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_131549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fWr-Ua3HsxM/W_uT0pkUVBI/AAAAAAAAJLI/IwNmz6Kqc78lx1R3X3OapkWz3_ZshX_VwCLcBGAs/s640/20181125_131549.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Delicious goodies but chargeable</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HZLEIuwbeDw/W_uSOdvKp7I/AAAAAAAAJHo/sEzXBUQ6rzkAF7Un1-G7Rd0SfLkGhiDhgCLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_072502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HZLEIuwbeDw/W_uSOdvKp7I/AAAAAAAAJHo/sEzXBUQ6rzkAF7Un1-G7Rd0SfLkGhiDhgCLcBGAs/s640/20181125_072502.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>window view from VIP Silver (Triple room)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As per many reviews online, the lobby is brightly lit but the rooms are a little dim. For VIP Silver, there's a window but it overlooks a common corridor where air con units are placed (i.e. no view). However for the superior room, it overlooks the main road and provide a view which reaches till BCS Mall.<br />
<br />
The rooms are generally quite spacious and basic amenities provided (e.g. slippers, kettle, shampoo, bottled water.) <span style="text-align: center;">However one thing to note that there's quite poor soundproofing and we could hear people talking or coming back that night. One of our room (VIP Silver - Triple room) is a connecting room, and the room linked to ours was occupied during our stay. We could even hear their conversation if we placed our ear near the connecting room door. When we returned in the night at the end of the day, we actually smell cigarette in our room which we believed could be from the other room. We did not smell this when we first check in, in the afternoon.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">We unpack abit and left at 3.50pm for Sekupang ferry terminal. It was about a 30 mins ride away. We decided to collect our return ferry boarding pass in advance as we were unsure if we are able to make it at least 1 hour before our actual ferry departure the next day.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">We went to Majestic Ferry ticketing counter (Level 2 - same level as ferry departure) to collect our tickets. Collection was very fast as there was no queue. When we exited the Sekupang Ferry terminal, there was no parking charge levied as we only stayed for less than 15 mins! One thing which we noted in Batam is that parking charge at malls/ferry terminal are generally IDR 2,000 (SGD $0.20) per car.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
After that, we went to KTM resort to see the famous Kuan Yin statue there. KTM resort is just 10 mins drive away from Sekupang ferry terminal. However it was under renovation :/ Workers were painting the kuan yin statue. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7A7iSB2bHqA/W_t9PRE-RiI/AAAAAAAAJHM/3on3rh7rPfANv-kXI7QYV_aWtRD7Tb2gACLcBGAs/s1600/P1140534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7A7iSB2bHqA/W_t9PRE-RiI/AAAAAAAAJHM/3on3rh7rPfANv-kXI7QYV_aWtRD7Tb2gACLcBGAs/s640/P1140534.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kuan Yin statue at KTM resort</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Since we are there already, we did a mini exploration around the resort.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0u94DsZvrLE/W_tahoe9MyI/AAAAAAAAJCk/rR98gjrBiC8TVglMY_4jXVSVGt7JETtBQCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_163755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0u94DsZvrLE/W_tahoe9MyI/AAAAAAAAJCk/rR98gjrBiC8TVglMY_4jXVSVGt7JETtBQCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_163755.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>KTM resort</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IlngJqr-w4g/W_t9yIk6BRI/AAAAAAAAJHY/4ng3Bb5BjR07e2L8KslF6vNAX0kJsqHGwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1140541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IlngJqr-w4g/W_t9yIk6BRI/AAAAAAAAJHY/4ng3Bb5BjR07e2L8KslF6vNAX0kJsqHGwCLcBGAs/s640/P1140541.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Resort villa</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iU6SXP-W_S8/W_tai4_-JVI/AAAAAAAAJC0/gWuk7cq7ZKYtfPlxwWrTPMmiEKoFD8BmgCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_164240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iU6SXP-W_S8/W_tai4_-JVI/AAAAAAAAJC0/gWuk7cq7ZKYtfPlxwWrTPMmiEKoFD8BmgCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_164240.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>beach near KTM resort</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dk_d4cJAgB8/W_taldH3t2I/AAAAAAAAJDE/1OcA5xgOJ6QSasUlgs7ANh7TjK94WSYHQCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_164309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dk_d4cJAgB8/W_taldH3t2I/AAAAAAAAJDE/1OcA5xgOJ6QSasUlgs7ANh7TjK94WSYHQCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_164309.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kelong restaurant at the right side of the photo</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ABeAQVNfyMw/W_takrXmhcI/AAAAAAAAJDA/45tRMCzuoQsaNSe1NphrAdnQSJESGt2tgCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_164307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ABeAQVNfyMw/W_takrXmhcI/AAAAAAAAJDA/45tRMCzuoQsaNSe1NphrAdnQSJESGt2tgCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_164307.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>plenty of seashells on the beach</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We left at around 5pm for Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall. Generally we feel that Batam shopping malls (Nagoya and BCS) does not seem to have cigarette smell anymore as compared to when we first visited in 2013/2014. However there's still quite a number of stores selling counterfeit bags in Nagoya. We aimed straight for Matahari department store and its hypermart. As usual, there's sales going on in the department store and we got quite a few good deals for men sandals and working shirts. We also bought our layer cakes from Lamoist (Purple bag) at Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall at IDR 115,000 (SGD $10.50) for Premium original small. Premium means its made fro butter instead of margarine.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-low1Q9Y0lC0/W_uSaUPltzI/AAAAAAAAJKA/RpAMmS8gI_00CaXDnpAtwIY5_CCmud5SgCLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_192533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-low1Q9Y0lC0/W_uSaUPltzI/AAAAAAAAJKA/RpAMmS8gI_00CaXDnpAtwIY5_CCmud5SgCLcBGAs/s640/20181125_192533.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Batam Layer Cake receipt</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At around 7.30pm, our driver Mawardi came to pick us up for our last destination of the day - Dinner @ <span style="color: red;"><b>Liang Kee 888 restoran. This is the BEST chinese food we ate at Batam.</b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This place is located near Hotel Utama / Diamond City Mall. Do not expect any fancy aircon restaurant or shopping mall, but a homely zichar place located along the roadside. We reached there at about 7.45pm and there's still a considerably number of people eating.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4hqh91B-O0E/W_t8n5jt_mI/AAAAAAAAJHE/7vsF3kjNg2oQp_RCPX9ukleJVc9VrmtygCLcBGAs/s1600/46796214_10156045806707965_7310294020104650752_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4hqh91B-O0E/W_t8n5jt_mI/AAAAAAAAJHE/7vsF3kjNg2oQp_RCPX9ukleJVc9VrmtygCLcBGAs/s640/46796214_10156045806707965_7310294020104650752_n.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>photo taken when we finished our dinner at 8.30pm</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-248b6a4Yyqc/W_tald-987I/AAAAAAAAJDI/QXKr-42W1YcRANo3JNFoNQ1tobDJFOBpgCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_195013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-248b6a4Yyqc/W_tald-987I/AAAAAAAAJDI/QXKr-42W1YcRANo3JNFoNQ1tobDJFOBpgCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_195013.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>inside the restoran</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8MFe62Oo19A/W_tanl77RnI/AAAAAAAAJDU/OqmtUmQ0Ad0elvoUcxv_raKj4E6ejRWCACLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_195034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8MFe62Oo19A/W_tanl77RnI/AAAAAAAAJDU/OqmtUmQ0Ad0elvoUcxv_raKj4E6ejRWCACLcBGAs/s640/20181124_195034.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>kitchen</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We knew of this place through online review (tripadvisor). It was a last minute decision which we only searched of this place on our ride to nagoya hll from KTM resort. <span style="color: red;"><b>This is the best food decision we made and we strongly recommend people to try this hidden gem!</b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The boss of the restaurant (Mr Ho) knows how to speak chinese so we ordered our food via him instead of his staff which has a lower command of english speaking ability. He also recommended us a few signature dish to try which we really like it!<br />
<br />
Food was also served at lightning speed!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVzXQKrhk8c/W_taoxlIooI/AAAAAAAAJDg/ZZAtH4kMOrMPNV1NWx93wimnSpjGZZiqQCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_195509.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVzXQKrhk8c/W_taoxlIooI/AAAAAAAAJDg/ZZAtH4kMOrMPNV1NWx93wimnSpjGZZiqQCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_195509.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Food on table, clockwise from top to bottom:<br />
- Hotplate tofu and minced meat IDR 60,000 (SGD $5.50)<br />
- Herbal half chicken IDR 100,000 (SGD $9.15)<br />
- Steamed sea bass IDR 165,000 (SGD $15.11)<br />
- Seafood tofu soup IDR 58,000 (SGD $5.31)<br />
<br />
The following 2 dishes were recommended by the boss and they were fabulous!<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KOqQ4bKNDMk/W_tan4iwjkI/AAAAAAAAJDY/lf7BjnT4TV4X44_3Zo1o9NXb6G91OztwQCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_195331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KOqQ4bKNDMk/W_tan4iwjkI/AAAAAAAAJDY/lf7BjnT4TV4X44_3Zo1o9NXb6G91OztwQCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_195331.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Signature Dragon Ball IDR 40,000 SGD $3.66</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The signature dragonball consist of otak otak filling which was really delicious!<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zom4JDYylvU/W_tapBQujWI/AAAAAAAAJDk/eqD2JIy4lJshCzJrkzrka_szshAHP_j_wCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_195824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zom4JDYylvU/W_tapBQujWI/AAAAAAAAJDk/eqD2JIy4lJshCzJrkzrka_szshAHP_j_wCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_195824.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Vegetable (野菜) IDR 38,000 SGD $ 3.48</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
He recommended us this vegetable (野菜) which he says many customer comes back to have more!We initially wanted the standard zi char vege which is kang kong but he says that is very common and we can have it anywhere and suggested us to try this, which we did. And we really love this dish! Even though the name of the vegetable may not sound appetising but it is especially when it is stir fried with ikan bilis. Highly recommended!<br />
<br />
And lastly when we about done, they served each of us free 'Manisan' or candied coconut dessert.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOI4Tso_dHA/W_tao4Ui2TI/AAAAAAAAJDc/Hwr7QXUyDkwuHKj7RjX5sanRfoLJ7lfzgCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_202102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOI4Tso_dHA/W_tao4Ui2TI/AAAAAAAAJDc/Hwr7QXUyDkwuHKj7RjX5sanRfoLJ7lfzgCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_202102.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>free dessert!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Overall, the bill came up to IDR 486,000 (SGD $44.50) for 5 pax which we thought was quite reasonable!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RDydRAL4H5Q/W_taqXrsgcI/AAAAAAAAJDo/q21Fcv5WswcA51Hk9A_yZttMHV54BGE7QCLcBGAs/s1600/20181124_202526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RDydRAL4H5Q/W_taqXrsgcI/AAAAAAAAJDo/q21Fcv5WswcA51Hk9A_yZttMHV54BGE7QCLcBGAs/s640/20181124_202526.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LPib1iB1uMQ/W_uTA__46JI/AAAAAAAAJK8/i_wZNZPLvDUezOuFePnSUI7YuLhKkkV9wCLcBGAs/s1600/20181125_192748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LPib1iB1uMQ/W_uTA__46JI/AAAAAAAAJK8/i_wZNZPLvDUezOuFePnSUI7YuLhKkkV9wCLcBGAs/s640/20181125_192748.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Liang Kee 888 Restoran</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We will definitely come back to patronise this local chinese restaurant again when we come Batam. And after a hearty dinner, Mawardi sent us back to our hotel and we end off the trip at about 8.40pm.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Click <a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.com/search/label/Batam%20Day%202%20%28Nov%2718%29">here </a>for post on Day 2 of our Batam trip. :)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>Side-Note:</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our driver Mawardi told us that on average, Batam workers salary are of about IDR 3 Million a day, which works out to approx IDR 100K (approx SGD $10) a day. Whereas if a motorist did not wear helmet when he drives and got caught by traffic police, he can get fined IDR 200K which is 2 days of his salary!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He also shared with us that generally car plates ending with Z are second hand cars from Singapore and only allowed to be distributed and for driving within Batam Island.</div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951287982667008118.post-43136179679203724662018-01-01T22:10:00.004+08:002018-01-01T22:45:10.299+08:005D4N KHAOYAI & BANGKOK REFLECTIONS<b style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;">(Pending) Feel free to click on the day link to see the detailed itinerary!</b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;"><br /></b>
<u><a href="https://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/Khaoyai%20%26%20BKK%20Day%201">1st</a>:</u> S'pore Changi Airport Terminal 1 -> Bangkok Suvarnbhumi Airport -> Khao Yai (Hotel Together) -> Pak chong Night Market -> Ban Mai Chay Nam Restaurant and Museum<br />
<br />
<u><a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/2017/11/5d4n-khao-yai-and-bangkok-day-2.html">2nd</a></u>: Hotel Together -> Pakchong Sunflower field -> Primo Piazza -> Palio Village -> Chocolate Factory -> Chok Chai Farm -> Tesco Lotus<br />
<br />
<u>3rd:</u> Hotel Together -> Suwan Sweetcorn Farm -> Wat Thep Phitak Punnaram (white marble buddha) -> Wat Yai Chaya Mongkol @ Ayutthaya -> Ayutthaya Historical park -> Centrepoint Hotel Pratunam -> Inter Restaurant @ Siam Square -> Big C Supermart at Pratunam<br />
<br />
<u>4th:</u> Centrepoint Hotel Pratunam -> Temple of the Emerald Buddha -> Grand Palace -> Wat Pho -> Chinatown (via Chao Phraya Express Boat) -> Union Mall (via MRT from Hua Lamphong) -> Tesco Lotus Ladprao -> Jatujak market + Chatuchak Market<br />
<br />
<u>5th:</u> Centrepoint Hotel Pratunam -> Pratunam morning market -> Or Tor Kor Market -> Platinum Fashion Mall -> Bangkok Suvarnbhumi Airport -> Singapore Changi Airport<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UXPBi2UVbR4/WkpBLZM5S1I/AAAAAAAAI_M/IaJnPegY_lwTmSUlTTgRWg6nGh5WWN83QCLcBGAs/s1600/breakdown%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="446" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UXPBi2UVbR4/WkpBLZM5S1I/AAAAAAAAI_M/IaJnPegY_lwTmSUlTTgRWg6nGh5WWN83QCLcBGAs/s1600/breakdown%2B1.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lwLbisYg1no/WkpBLV7mJhI/AAAAAAAAI_I/pdLOLGdruGc4RP022w1ZPmsiKXGDIr-dQCLcBGAs/s1600/general%2Bexp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="176" data-original-width="209" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lwLbisYg1no/WkpBLV7mJhI/AAAAAAAAI_I/pdLOLGdruGc4RP022w1ZPmsiKXGDIr-dQCLcBGAs/s1600/general%2Bexp.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951287982667008118.post-43999012988148898862017-11-15T00:00:00.000+08:002018-01-01T21:48:44.490+08:005D4N Khao Yai and Bangkok DAY 2<b style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><u>2nd:</u> Hotel Together -> Pakchong Sunflower field -> Primo Piazza -> Palio Village -> Chocolate Factory -> Chok Chai Farm -> Tesco Lotus </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Rise and Shine at 6.15am! Good sunny weather greeted us the early morning!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bxA9ExioV5M/Wkifb2x0KNI/AAAAAAAAIuE/AFFjd-IZst4-Nfg5pRHPNh3nvGStLK_NgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_062153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bxA9ExioV5M/Wkifb2x0KNI/AAAAAAAAIuE/AFFjd-IZst4-Nfg5pRHPNh3nvGStLK_NgCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_062153.jpg" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>view from the bed in our room</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MAnAFsSTQEA/Wkifb6HNsOI/AAAAAAAAIt8/pN5Utw9B1KYshLfg_PsafSul8SA9502nwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_061559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MAnAFsSTQEA/Wkifb6HNsOI/AAAAAAAAIt8/pN5Utw9B1KYshLfg_PsafSul8SA9502nwCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_061559.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>view from our room</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We opened the window in our room and the air seems fresh and we were delighted to feel the air con temperature outside. However it only lasted awhile and for the rest of the day it was pretty hot. Oh well, at least the sunny weather allow us to take nice photos!<br />
<br />
We washed up and went down at around 7.20am for a quick stroll around our hotel property as breakfast is served at 7.30am.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jy7R_FC6HME/WkifbzHspnI/AAAAAAAAIuA/ZwyizR9cKXI4RSa5yrLGP19UNu4GYUT4wCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_072201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jy7R_FC6HME/WkifbzHspnI/AAAAAAAAIuA/ZwyizR9cKXI4RSa5yrLGP19UNu4GYUT4wCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_072201.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>interior of Hotel Together</i></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ju4pVmdZUT0/WkifcyoLq-I/AAAAAAAAIuI/Ya3ort3qQXIsi13dE1cKyzCDcVilytDGgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_072241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ju4pVmdZUT0/WkifcyoLq-I/AAAAAAAAIuI/Ya3ort3qQXIsi13dE1cKyzCDcVilytDGgCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_072241.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>clear blue sky ~</i></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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7cXSt0qUOt0/WkifdUGxmiI/AAAAAAAAIuM/r20utwtNCNUsldTzXyIj3CnV4NEK4QoGwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_072400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7cXSt0qUOt0/WkifdUGxmiI/AAAAAAAAIuM/r20utwtNCNUsldTzXyIj3CnV4NEK4QoGwCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_072400.jpg" width="640" /></i></b></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>road in front of our hotel</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hotels in Pak Chong (resort type) are typically far away from anything (i.e. there's practically only hill and greenery around and occasional vehicle and pass by) Quite a nice place to relax especially if you are looking for something away from the hustle and bustle of the city.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-08hWvYw9jO0/WkifdqweydI/AAAAAAAAIuQ/LbyuVlqptnUeNl3ZSxfOr6rFY29h0eWJgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_072421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-08hWvYw9jO0/WkifdqweydI/AAAAAAAAIuQ/LbyuVlqptnUeNl3ZSxfOr6rFY29h0eWJgCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_072421.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>hotel backyard</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The chef saw us wandering around and ushered us for breakfast at around 7.25am. They were more or less ready by then! By the way, if you are rushing off and unable to have a good proper breakfast there, they can prepare containers for you to take away the food from the buffet spread!<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoR8rWGc2CA/WkiffA_g-0I/AAAAAAAAIug/RE6NltPGJ883LoyyuimZdGMvIq1qbgwbwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_073031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoR8rWGc2CA/WkiffA_g-0I/AAAAAAAAIug/RE6NltPGJ883LoyyuimZdGMvIq1qbgwbwCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_073031.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: 12.8px;">youtiao, bread, papaya, pineapple, orange juice and tea</i> </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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SvOE4X2ZOis/Wkifec3_7uI/AAAAAAAAIuY/0az9BvwdMJUnlK9e9Fx3NN59uxnfJvsWgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_072951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SvOE4X2ZOis/Wkifec3_7uI/AAAAAAAAIuY/0az9BvwdMJUnlK9e9Fx3NN59uxnfJvsWgCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_072951.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>fried rice, stir-fried cabbage</i></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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x4lI5HXIank/WkifejVVkzI/AAAAAAAAIuc/h4D26TQTnZs4FJdgO0y0ESUcR8ddpV__wCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_073003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x4lI5HXIank/WkifejVVkzI/AAAAAAAAIuc/h4D26TQTnZs4FJdgO0y0ESUcR8ddpV__wCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_073003.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>sunny side up, sausage, condiments, slices of chinese sausage</i></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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tuY8gd91sbw/WkiffV69CBI/AAAAAAAAIuk/D7Ft1ygeIjwaF_Rj4lumSw9VCEbgUZ7_ACLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_073141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tuY8gd91sbw/WkiffV69CBI/AAAAAAAAIuk/D7Ft1ygeIjwaF_Rj4lumSw9VCEbgUZ7_ACLcBGAs/s640/20171115_073141.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>pepperish pork porridge</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We have really no complains for the food. We love all of them! The porridge is very flavourful too! However note that there's no variation to the food. They serve the same food everyday (i.e. we have cabbage for both breakfast ) So perhaps if you stay here for a week, you might get bored of the food. But if you are just here for a few days, it should be fine! Afterall breakfast is free of charge, there's nothing much to complain too! Hehe<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tQXtaVslULE/WkifferDaJI/AAAAAAAAIuo/QvEz__e39FIKcgFS8xLqm5REH3oFLh7YgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_073632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tQXtaVslULE/WkifferDaJI/AAAAAAAAIuo/QvEz__e39FIKcgFS8xLqm5REH3oFLh7YgCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_073632.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>dining area</i></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UELaHhuI6MY/WkifgLGxGFI/AAAAAAAAIus/HEx0jH5NJ-A0VXeLNa8nOo4qVD5Bv6xrwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_073637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UELaHhuI6MY/WkifgLGxGFI/AAAAAAAAIus/HEx0jH5NJ-A0VXeLNa8nOo4qVD5Bv6xrwCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_073637.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>view of the external from the dining area</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-frESCsGx4Jk/Wkif5JJ9M1I/AAAAAAAAIu4/eHuemM2LX9gVyCLV2yXp_3Q8uSToimytQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/20171116_080130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-frESCsGx4Jk/Wkif5JJ9M1I/AAAAAAAAIu4/eHuemM2LX9gVyCLV2yXp_3Q8uSToimytQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/20171116_080130.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>homemade pandan and blue flower chilled drink </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The homemade drinks are absolutely refreshing! The chef/staff will serve them personally to each table. However they will also put some at the buffet area and you can help yourself to it too! But note that they do not serve that early, generally only start serving this drink at around 8am. The pandan drink (yellow colour) is much sweeter than the blue flower chilled drink (purple)! We love them and drank it on Day 3 again!<br />
<br />
We had a very satisfied breakfast and energised to start our day! Mr Num our driver reached at 8.30am as per our agreed time. So for our first stop of the day, as the weather is good with plenty of sunshine, Mr Num suggested that we visit the sunflower field first!<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7oKg5OVvWU/WkifgFVU9GI/AAAAAAAAIuw/TEhVT-w32Kg5Zc3Ztl0xu14VEhVcfLgOQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_090222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7oKg5OVvWU/WkifgFVU9GI/AAAAAAAAIuw/TEhVT-w32Kg5Zc3Ztl0xu14VEhVcfLgOQCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_090222.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>off we go in Mr Num's van</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Khao Yai is a good place to view sunflower field but it is only available during winter season (Nov - Jan). The sunflowers only started to bloom around Nov, so the best to view would actually be Dec when they have all bloomed and at its fullest! In Jan, some may have already wither.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you have the time, do go to Saraburi which is about 1hour plus away from Pak Chong to view the sunflower fields there. The fields are so much bigger and hence prettier for photo taking. However as we are short of time, we decided to settle for a sunflower field in Pak Chong. We did not know of any and asked Mr Num for recommendation and he brought us here!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V9TwjDJQOnQ/WkikCXWEtyI/AAAAAAAAIv4/p21oHuhKhUwD0O5kgqHaYKolcTEnc_-lwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="1600" height="156" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V9TwjDJQOnQ/WkikCXWEtyI/AAAAAAAAIv4/p21oHuhKhUwD0O5kgqHaYKolcTEnc_-lwCLcBGAs/s640/P1120464.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sunflower field in Pak Chong!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Its alongside the road, and definitely it wont be the best sunflower field in Khao Yai, however we are satisfied!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mo5WbmAtD9o/WkikAMqmZnI/AAAAAAAAIvc/Z9XxvCY-6_UFLP5Ow996HG_N8ztvyH9DQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_093624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1172" data-original-width="1600" height="468" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mo5WbmAtD9o/WkikAMqmZnI/AAAAAAAAIvc/Z9XxvCY-6_UFLP5Ow996HG_N8ztvyH9DQCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_093624.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>fee collection + drinks store</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Though it is along the roadside, however the sunflower field is not free. Foreigners will have to pay THB 40 (SGD $1.65) each, while locals only pay THB 20 (SGD $0.83). However the price is still considered cheap, and we gladly pay!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3dVSlr5LRXQ/WkikE2_EH3I/AAAAAAAAIwM/HTy6-EEw6R8PnltH2apl2pTvKVudTNjIwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3dVSlr5LRXQ/WkikE2_EH3I/AAAAAAAAIwM/HTy6-EEw6R8PnltH2apl2pTvKVudTNjIwCLcBGAs/s640/P1120489.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We are allowed to step into the field and take pictures among the sunflowers. There's no limit to the time we can roam inside and the best thing is, there isn't anyone else there except us! So we certainly had a whale of time taking selfies and wefies! Mr Num was also busy snapping photos!<br />
<br />
Let the pictures do the talking!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o3FWWga-4A4/WkikDvfWxbI/AAAAAAAAIwA/8_06QA0qxpoIAopSG5miE5LxupbBqu8VACLcBGAs/s1600/P1120476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o3FWWga-4A4/WkikDvfWxbI/AAAAAAAAIwA/8_06QA0qxpoIAopSG5miE5LxupbBqu8VACLcBGAs/s640/P1120476.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CjDhvg2AmLo/WkikEg5LJeI/AAAAAAAAIwE/GNc68Ccg6hYOMuaN3sBJiuH2fOOYVF1NgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CjDhvg2AmLo/WkikEg5LJeI/AAAAAAAAIwE/GNc68Ccg6hYOMuaN3sBJiuH2fOOYVF1NgCLcBGAs/s640/P1120481.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
There are plenty of bees around busy collecting nectar from the sunflower!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p8m9tOm5_2k/Wkij_cJc3rI/AAAAAAAAIvU/uMRBTwJaksAg_VRbnuAe-kNrR5Xi_NboACLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_092335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p8m9tOm5_2k/Wkij_cJc3rI/AAAAAAAAIvU/uMRBTwJaksAg_VRbnuAe-kNrR5Xi_NboACLcBGAs/s640/20171115_092335.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gZ9Vm5-Xf1A/WkikCqhiLUI/AAAAAAAAIv0/gxgcSSO0jz4RSjhZmFE4JXQK-WO2AOslACLcBGAs/s1600/P1120472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gZ9Vm5-Xf1A/WkikCqhiLUI/AAAAAAAAIv0/gxgcSSO0jz4RSjhZmFE4JXQK-WO2AOslACLcBGAs/s640/P1120472.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Aren't they beautiful! Especially under the clear blue sky against the mountain backdrop!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-haRBNLNNnrU/WkikCxJZ0MI/AAAAAAAAIv8/uuF1vwov4Y4w7K6klyM8MBJZvXPSqBSsgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-haRBNLNNnrU/WkikCxJZ0MI/AAAAAAAAIv8/uuF1vwov4Y4w7K6klyM8MBJZvXPSqBSsgCLcBGAs/s640/P1120473.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qk8e8aGZB7Q/WkikByzQHAI/AAAAAAAAIvw/-cLGsDPhbFsupwo47TJzDQ9pDSgD71oqwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qk8e8aGZB7Q/WkikByzQHAI/AAAAAAAAIvw/-cLGsDPhbFsupwo47TJzDQ9pDSgD71oqwCLcBGAs/s640/P1120457.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rq7zgsBlY9k/WkikBbT_RjI/AAAAAAAAIvs/BUELkollrncMg5Ms2tiwoiqbW_-dKgewwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rq7zgsBlY9k/WkikBbT_RjI/AAAAAAAAIvs/BUELkollrncMg5Ms2tiwoiqbW_-dKgewwCLcBGAs/s640/P1120443.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yuJpDC-ofkY/WkikBHsOudI/AAAAAAAAIvo/EDwKN8vx760tg4ONcspHhJ-7p7rFY_5FgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yuJpDC-ofkY/WkikBHsOudI/AAAAAAAAIvo/EDwKN8vx760tg4ONcspHhJ-7p7rFY_5FgCLcBGAs/s640/P1120442.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y7Tz2z4aFVA/WkikAw9IX7I/AAAAAAAAIvk/QarhI4X5iak3NELOPNsY6jnhn35VNGYbwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y7Tz2z4aFVA/WkikAw9IX7I/AAAAAAAAIvk/QarhI4X5iak3NELOPNsY6jnhn35VNGYbwCLcBGAs/s640/P1120439.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-92uyDlGpOKA/Wkij_kC8PUI/AAAAAAAAIvY/gFdKpfsXp_4l9c91EpTtCQIjmvX5Vm1rACLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_093355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-92uyDlGpOKA/Wkij_kC8PUI/AAAAAAAAIvY/gFdKpfsXp_4l9c91EpTtCQIjmvX5Vm1rACLcBGAs/s640/20171115_093355.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We were really glad that the weather was good that day afterall how can there be no sunshine when you are taking photos with sunflowers!<br />
<br />
We reached there at around 9.15am and we spent a good half hour there and left at about 9.45am. It was good money spent!<br />
<br />
There was also a unique tree near the sunflower field where it consist of 2 trees, with 1 enveloping the other! Not too sure if its natural, but indeed amazing.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xnEmU4vpCxU/WkikFxyu0_I/AAAAAAAAIwQ/K_ECyuK3RRcJ398YRxAOMU89MInHpHoywCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xnEmU4vpCxU/WkikFxyu0_I/AAAAAAAAIwQ/K_ECyuK3RRcJ398YRxAOMU89MInHpHoywCLcBGAs/s640/P1120496.JPG" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>tree @ sunflower field</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next up we are headed to Primo Piazza which is just 2 mins ride away!<br />
<div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bpDTZpKAso4/WkipK1cYZsI/AAAAAAAAIw0/wRR_M6jd464w2qayUE3R0hd2jscNNEGcgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_094120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bpDTZpKAso4/WkipK1cYZsI/AAAAAAAAIw0/wRR_M6jd464w2qayUE3R0hd2jscNNEGcgCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_094120.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Primo Piazza </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vF99KyYB09g/WkipKxPraNI/AAAAAAAAIww/ZlA-zYGwWasy2ux6_oIENVooGisoA8RzgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_094223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vF99KyYB09g/WkipKxPraNI/AAAAAAAAIww/ZlA-zYGwWasy2ux6_oIENVooGisoA8RzgCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_094223.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>admission tickets to Primo Piazza</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We bought the tickets on the spot at THB 200 (SGD $8.27). Note that it is free admission for their local guides (which include our driver Mr Num). Though the price is one of the more expensive tickets than the rest of the attractions in Khao Yai, however it is definitely worth it! The place is so much more well maintained than Palio which we visited after Primo Piazza. This ticket price also include a bunch of grass for feeding to the cute alpacca and hungry sheeps!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VSJoe7cx7B4/WkipLHHjjCI/AAAAAAAAIw4/bxPkOz4Qc5MW21W_ydpeJUlGB9TmxydpwCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_094333.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/--XP9uwZW6_k/WkipYD5P7PI/AAAAAAAAIy0/15C19kmYxTYkuvPr-P4f6GJR28OEnIeGwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--XP9uwZW6_k/WkipYD5P7PI/AAAAAAAAIy0/15C19kmYxTYkuvPr-P4f6GJR28OEnIeGwCLcBGAs/s640/P1120512.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>fountain</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fs-xvMvMMzo/WkipXtYWtGI/AAAAAAAAIyw/jmo0a3a7DFQZr4zK_Bpa6F7k7jy5XZO2gCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fs-xvMvMMzo/WkipXtYWtGI/AAAAAAAAIyw/jmo0a3a7DFQZr4zK_Bpa6F7k7jy5XZO2gCLcBGAs/s640/P1120507.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LAiIc3lsO-o/WkippiiBwoI/AAAAAAAAI1A/UqeqsyQFDUgy1XEN1RtfS9fL7d2C15hhACLcBGAs/s1600/P1120610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LAiIc3lsO-o/WkippiiBwoI/AAAAAAAAI1A/UqeqsyQFDUgy1XEN1RtfS9fL7d2C15hhACLcBGAs/s640/P1120610.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pVsPfcA8_Lc/WkippJsZ7kI/AAAAAAAAI08/oF1qnjzekG4-Lo7xn_qnBh7SpS82qYDoQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pVsPfcA8_Lc/WkippJsZ7kI/AAAAAAAAI08/oF1qnjzekG4-Lo7xn_qnBh7SpS82qYDoQCLcBGAs/s640/P1120607.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>front entrance of Primo Piazza</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8HAmSl973OQ/WkipLx9FDEI/AAAAAAAAIxA/bKKylgKKyOcxY3tt_k6QaSM01wTny-yswCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_094405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8HAmSl973OQ/WkipLx9FDEI/AAAAAAAAIxA/bKKylgKKyOcxY3tt_k6QaSM01wTny-yswCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_094405.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1jl31E_2XT8/WkipYPD1cAI/AAAAAAAAIy4/XK-ci_8aZ8wAzwsEEVy0IHLKKNceopuawCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1jl31E_2XT8/WkipYPD1cAI/AAAAAAAAIy4/XK-ci_8aZ8wAzwsEEVy0IHLKKNceopuawCLcBGAs/s640/P1120514.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T0uyyGh34mA/WkipZB1fI5I/AAAAAAAAIy8/EjkcadWKt68tTeLeE0WJGA1WVQAvFqVSACLcBGAs/s1600/P1120518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T0uyyGh34mA/WkipZB1fI5I/AAAAAAAAIy8/EjkcadWKt68tTeLeE0WJGA1WVQAvFqVSACLcBGAs/s640/P1120518.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The shops were not opened but they make good photo taking place! How is it possible that this is in Thailand! Seems to be like in Western country! This feels surreal!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DfG0-eg28JA/WkipWRi1pYI/AAAAAAAAIyk/gFQlG9MeL58Gql_-H1C1K2VP_JUlwRYmgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171115102708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DfG0-eg28JA/WkipWRi1pYI/AAAAAAAAIyk/gFQlG9MeL58Gql_-H1C1K2VP_JUlwRYmgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171115102708.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BFatcRPCKNk/WkipM2XV8GI/AAAAAAAAIxI/MgcICS_jH70zulRVQ6vapc19-wwGiKszgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_094522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BFatcRPCKNk/WkipM2XV8GI/AAAAAAAAIxI/MgcICS_jH70zulRVQ6vapc19-wwGiKszgCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_094522.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjJw9e-an9E/WkipU2bGNPI/AAAAAAAAIyc/5EJR3bc9BFU66zbr_fP6a00SnFy8Ok_pgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171115102519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjJw9e-an9E/WkipU2bGNPI/AAAAAAAAIyc/5EJR3bc9BFU66zbr_fP6a00SnFy8Ok_pgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171115102519.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There's definitely lots of Instagram worthy backdrop!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ax3-GG-nCiU/WkipNMZpPuI/AAAAAAAAIxQ/0Up9RAdkD7oWvCfCV6UF6sFS2uKwq8svQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_094730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ax3-GG-nCiU/WkipNMZpPuI/AAAAAAAAIxQ/0Up9RAdkD7oWvCfCV6UF6sFS2uKwq8svQCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_094730.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R-rakTp4M44/Wkiph2zC85I/AAAAAAAAI0A/pMatVPZkQtI7ZJVD3XsNl8vz1Z4vbFvzQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R-rakTp4M44/Wkiph2zC85I/AAAAAAAAI0A/pMatVPZkQtI7ZJVD3XsNl8vz1Z4vbFvzQCLcBGAs/s640/P1120562.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d8MPdXCJn18/WkipUx1lh4I/AAAAAAAAIyY/1tReGslpc6IibLvu6PbPE8vxgcH_N3c3gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171115102200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d8MPdXCJn18/WkipUx1lh4I/AAAAAAAAIyY/1tReGslpc6IibLvu6PbPE8vxgcH_N3c3gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171115102200.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Awww just look at that grassland below~</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-whB5ThNLPqQ/WkipbMNaoZI/AAAAAAAAIzI/aafwSmyeO8kZ4XRIpeK4Fje8H7q_975tACLcBGAs/s1600/P1120534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-whB5ThNLPqQ/WkipbMNaoZI/AAAAAAAAIzI/aafwSmyeO8kZ4XRIpeK4Fje8H7q_975tACLcBGAs/s640/P1120534.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cMc_TCv0aY0/WkipbfEAK2I/AAAAAAAAIzM/GL4Fo78rUwIgqW4PsaNAdXpoGf4GBuwiACLcBGAs/s1600/P1120535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cMc_TCv0aY0/WkipbfEAK2I/AAAAAAAAIzM/GL4Fo78rUwIgqW4PsaNAdXpoGf4GBuwiACLcBGAs/s640/P1120535.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We are allowed to step on the grass so please feel free to take lots of photos there! It's absolutely gorgeous!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As you walk further you will reach the place where Alpacas and sheeps are! That's also where each ticket stub allows you to get one bunch of grass to feed them!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-as6djwc2fP0/WkipOKTuI8I/AAAAAAAAIxU/gThb-NY4gXIUII7xKSVcqlKqg7q3wnEcgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_095736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-as6djwc2fP0/WkipOKTuI8I/AAAAAAAAIxU/gThb-NY4gXIUII7xKSVcqlKqg7q3wnEcgCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_095736.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Alpaca!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iXz1i_nROok/WkipRrNC7BI/AAAAAAAAIyA/AMdZ6rNoqm8h97AU50i_oof4qYItoX3uACLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_100723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iXz1i_nROok/WkipRrNC7BI/AAAAAAAAIyA/AMdZ6rNoqm8h97AU50i_oof4qYItoX3uACLcBGAs/s640/20171115_100723.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jdhld6rYtrU/WkipRktL0_I/AAAAAAAAIx8/mBDfNstyXAI6MCX9CnTBitAjh6sr64_9QCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_100735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jdhld6rYtrU/WkipRktL0_I/AAAAAAAAIx8/mBDfNstyXAI6MCX9CnTBitAjh6sr64_9QCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_100735.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our first encounter with Alpaca and I can say they are not a gentle bunch! They have strong herbivore teeth and they will just pull the long strand of grass away from you forcefully!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NoKlqsGM7mU/WkipgD9IyCI/AAAAAAAAIzs/5FiUsfPbS4wflZAfqdp6cvxm0TcqKnhRQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NoKlqsGM7mU/WkipgD9IyCI/AAAAAAAAIzs/5FiUsfPbS4wflZAfqdp6cvxm0TcqKnhRQCLcBGAs/s640/P1120558.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>alpacas!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Most people seem to get attracted at the alpacas since they are more rare and people tend to neglect the sheeps at the back. They seem to be more hungry too despite having ample feed at the bottom of their enclosure!</div>
<div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EQ8h1rRNWQI/WkipO2SFQBI/AAAAAAAAIxg/TOPeBH057fQMoJZpx4C-NB4xHNrI0vh-ACLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_100442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EQ8h1rRNWQI/WkipO2SFQBI/AAAAAAAAIxg/TOPeBH057fQMoJZpx4C-NB4xHNrI0vh-ACLcBGAs/s640/20171115_100442.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>hungry sheep that even stand on its hind legs</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MLobWJimWIM/WkipPvZoCjI/AAAAAAAAIxo/TIuWo5oJxLs_tSdZ5tXebgjW_x5Qeo2VgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_100520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MLobWJimWIM/WkipPvZoCjI/AAAAAAAAIxo/TIuWo5oJxLs_tSdZ5tXebgjW_x5Qeo2VgCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_100520.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AcPzbY7qXtA/WkipPuPkYXI/AAAAAAAAIxs/SvgDzHpwnU8fNqEvO3TvLodf2I2XsEQ9gCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_100524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AcPzbY7qXtA/WkipPuPkYXI/AAAAAAAAIxs/SvgDzHpwnU8fNqEvO3TvLodf2I2XsEQ9gCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_100524.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YLjyYz4kKn8/Wkipf-nbc9I/AAAAAAAAIzo/TziQtCI6GzkfZTUuJ6Go7DfC3OrWTwa8ACLcBGAs/s1600/P1120557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YLjyYz4kKn8/Wkipf-nbc9I/AAAAAAAAIzo/TziQtCI6GzkfZTUuJ6Go7DfC3OrWTwa8ACLcBGAs/s640/P1120557.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sAu5hX-7vjA/Wkipe99MrGI/AAAAAAAAIzg/sayhPnKXKSg4Z_NOkmCUAQGuOQwWl4O6QCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sAu5hX-7vjA/Wkipe99MrGI/AAAAAAAAIzg/sayhPnKXKSg4Z_NOkmCUAQGuOQwWl4O6QCLcBGAs/s640/P1120554.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YycJgVHrXu8/Wkipgh277nI/AAAAAAAAIz4/rc3ARzULlWQMuejWjT-OfpybHzLBbfZagCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YycJgVHrXu8/Wkipgh277nI/AAAAAAAAIz4/rc3ARzULlWQMuejWjT-OfpybHzLBbfZagCLcBGAs/s640/P1120560.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Seeing how enthusiastic we are at feeding the animals, the staff there also gave us an extra bunch of grass to feed.<br />
<br />
Don't forget about the 2 pony too!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fsRn7tGu5V0/WkipcfDfVqI/AAAAAAAAIzU/_oqER4HO29IjUdIfYbE1V03hGPyE00V2QCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fsRn7tGu5V0/WkipcfDfVqI/AAAAAAAAIzU/_oqER4HO29IjUdIfYbE1V03hGPyE00V2QCLcBGAs/s640/P1120550.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SSPkPYgKUPo/WkipR98-ySI/AAAAAAAAIyE/TGInC2q1AgEa7bVCn3pZug2LAnucMCYhgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_100740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SSPkPYgKUPo/WkipR98-ySI/AAAAAAAAIyE/TGInC2q1AgEa7bVCn3pZug2LAnucMCYhgCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_100740.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>pony feeding!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There were also flower fields but quite out of bound to visitors and we are only able to admire them from far. The workers were watering the flower bed too!</div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U1e8j7kIpk4/Wkipd_I6vyI/AAAAAAAAIzc/0p7tXAcsU6cRUcNJxVYgrXsos45nXoW6gCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U1e8j7kIpk4/Wkipd_I6vyI/AAAAAAAAIzc/0p7tXAcsU6cRUcNJxVYgrXsos45nXoW6gCLcBGAs/s640/P1120551.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>blooming flowers!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g51yCdhn8FA/WkipfP-Q26I/AAAAAAAAIzk/ouxVo-aFZCAtM91ceuxxt4I0KKFVP74rgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g51yCdhn8FA/WkipfP-Q26I/AAAAAAAAIzk/ouxVo-aFZCAtM91ceuxxt4I0KKFVP74rgCLcBGAs/s640/P1120556.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Os7JO26Mts/Wkipiy_wAeI/AAAAAAAAI0E/0elDZd4n49kq3GyoDY12jS-QwLzGITHGQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Os7JO26Mts/Wkipiy_wAeI/AAAAAAAAI0E/0elDZd4n49kq3GyoDY12jS-QwLzGITHGQCLcBGAs/s640/P1120564.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Look how pretty they are!! Once again, we can't believe that this is in Thailand!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x1W7oVNkB9k/WkipprOzi7I/AAAAAAAAI1E/Towkq2bnAUkKaUjKJW_Wd5fQVNJc3CVIQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x1W7oVNkB9k/WkipprOzi7I/AAAAAAAAI1E/Towkq2bnAUkKaUjKJW_Wd5fQVNJc3CVIQCLcBGAs/s640/P1120565.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qr1QK_sLboI/Wkipi7H4H1I/AAAAAAAAI0I/Yzn4TTSWQVgJt5pzfeEkzm6maWUmkp8PwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qr1QK_sLboI/Wkipi7H4H1I/AAAAAAAAI0I/Yzn4TTSWQVgJt5pzfeEkzm6maWUmkp8PwCLcBGAs/s640/P1120567.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XcDhmxjJqlU/WkipkqYrflI/AAAAAAAAI0Y/385kBumrH-s8py5ReCr6fx1O7QZc6rfzgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="964" data-original-width="1600" height="384" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XcDhmxjJqlU/WkipkqYrflI/AAAAAAAAI0Y/385kBumrH-s8py5ReCr6fx1O7QZc6rfzgCLcBGAs/s640/P1120575.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Picturesque backdrop</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zpJU1Y0LqYw/Wkipj1pmSDI/AAAAAAAAI0Q/ATOThQMFJggkjcNbLgz-fnjpk8xKjEtIwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zpJU1Y0LqYw/Wkipj1pmSDI/AAAAAAAAI0Q/ATOThQMFJggkjcNbLgz-fnjpk8xKjEtIwCLcBGAs/s640/P1120571.JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sHSJ9t9Rhts/WkipS--wywI/AAAAAAAAIyI/4IEbtedkQQASajEGhFh9CWCN2r-qmrj-wCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_101447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sHSJ9t9Rhts/WkipS--wywI/AAAAAAAAIyI/4IEbtedkQQASajEGhFh9CWCN2r-qmrj-wCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_101447.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NorgcrluhIs/WkipSxIpCuI/AAAAAAAAIyQ/21ceDle8G6osrZU1dYvycwgQ4Y4xwq_5wCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_101651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NorgcrluhIs/WkipSxIpCuI/AAAAAAAAIyQ/21ceDle8G6osrZU1dYvycwgQ4Y4xwq_5wCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_101651.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Along our way back out to the van, we saw a gelato shop and as the weather was really hot we decided to buy each of us a scoop of gelato!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RuOJ2JD6unU/WkipnGBxPvI/AAAAAAAAI0s/_eKQ-5vR7F8yDF9BpXfwWy2i8N253mBUACLcBGAs/s1600/P1120593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RuOJ2JD6unU/WkipnGBxPvI/AAAAAAAAI0s/_eKQ-5vR7F8yDF9BpXfwWy2i8N253mBUACLcBGAs/s640/P1120593.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WL63BqzVq_o/WkipS9OZXnI/AAAAAAAAIyM/6GS7NopXdEwKMc-GQVckOH8YU5jqjsv_ACLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_102901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WL63BqzVq_o/WkipS9OZXnI/AAAAAAAAIyM/6GS7NopXdEwKMc-GQVckOH8YU5jqjsv_ACLcBGAs/s640/20171115_102901.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NfT3tGwFg7U/WkipT3i06GI/AAAAAAAAIyU/tCCktPYzCR0E1Tigwjbg6hj7yw1KFbcRQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_102913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NfT3tGwFg7U/WkipT3i06GI/AAAAAAAAIyU/tCCktPYzCR0E1Tigwjbg6hj7yw1KFbcRQCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_102913.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>gelato ice cream x1</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We bought a 3 cookie and cream , 2 chocolate brownies and 1 yoghurt blueberry. The serving is quite generous, the ice cream fill the bottom of the cone too! It is definitely the best respite in this hot sweltering weather!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Each gelato ice cream cone cost THB 85 (SGD $3.52) regardless of the flavour, but there's a 10% discount too, so nett it cost SGD $3.16 only. There was no one there when we purchase the ice cream and we thought it was not nice. However it is really good. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Perhaps due to us going Khao Yai during the weekday there seems to be lesser people. During weekends Khao Yai should have more tourists. We did a rough check on our Hotel too, and realised during weekends they are fully booked! Note that some attractions only open during weekend, example Pete Maze as such we can't visit too!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We left at about 10.45am, after spending 1 hour at Primo Piazza. We strongly recommend you to visit Primo Piazza if you do drop by Khao Yai! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some clouds start to gather and there's no more clear blue sky in sight!</div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ruYMPcIVCPM/WkipnA1TIxI/AAAAAAAAI0w/GWDlfOqaSjoToqHZ0pai84s_5I1RXK9twCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ruYMPcIVCPM/WkipnA1TIxI/AAAAAAAAI0w/GWDlfOqaSjoToqHZ0pai84s_5I1RXK9twCLcBGAs/s640/P1120599.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Goodbye Primo Piazza</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was only a 5-10mins drive away and we reached Palio at about 10.55am. Note that Khao Yai main attractions are generally all concentrated within the same area of 5-10mins away from each other, hence making it easy to visit all the attractions, especially if you stay near them!<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/--6caQrMCEIY/WkjofVWzZ8I/AAAAAAAAI10/3C-v6lOvjykTkdHBIPNBUw28XhphQ_5jwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_105527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--6caQrMCEIY/WkjofVWzZ8I/AAAAAAAAI10/3C-v6lOvjykTkdHBIPNBUw28XhphQ_5jwCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_105527.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Palio @ Khao Yai</i></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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KzqU8zpp6fs/WkjogHWFEwI/AAAAAAAAI14/z9oZFSWh0oYL6ba6VoM62MbCSPQxuLNuwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KzqU8zpp6fs/WkjogHWFEwI/AAAAAAAAI14/z9oZFSWh0oYL6ba6VoM62MbCSPQxuLNuwCLcBGAs/s640/P1120613.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Parking area in front of Palio</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tgHGAwlpNbM/WkjogVXxFPI/AAAAAAAAI18/gdTUmBwm5r4Qvz8Mk1-YcWqL9TtC1i-YgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tgHGAwlpNbM/WkjogVXxFPI/AAAAAAAAI18/gdTUmBwm5r4Qvz8Mk1-YcWqL9TtC1i-YgCLcBGAs/s640/P1120614.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Entrance of Palio</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;"> Thankfully we visited Primo Piazza first. We thought Primo Piazza was much more well maintained than Palio and hence though their architecture are of the same type (e.g. western/european style building) but we though Primo Piazza was so much nicer. Also, Palio is generally just a place filled with shops and eateries. There isn't like a farm or flower field such as that of Primo Piazza. Now wonder Palio is free admission. Perhaps we went on a weekday, most shops were closed so that added on to its 'emptiness'. We wandered around the whole Palio (it isn't big, definitely smaller than Primo) and was out in 20 mins.</span></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f4X2ZhPMBZQ/WkjoexQkwNI/AAAAAAAAI1s/i8HjnuRuMHo3841Tah-N_LB4poJ5di8ZgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_105731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f4X2ZhPMBZQ/WkjoexQkwNI/AAAAAAAAI1s/i8HjnuRuMHo3841Tah-N_LB4poJ5di8ZgCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_105731.jpg" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>'streets' within Palio</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SU7Gy29OjJk/WkjohgYxXLI/AAAAAAAAI2M/jlFGRii5SHg6S5DDizEbsVNZC8P1aswegCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SU7Gy29OjJk/WkjohgYxXLI/AAAAAAAAI2M/jlFGRii5SHg6S5DDizEbsVNZC8P1aswegCLcBGAs/s640/P1120625.JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YieP2bGWMxI/WkjohlD291I/AAAAAAAAI2I/N2-DXqa--Pc_Z0mPyBQdXySJEF_VzzNRwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YieP2bGWMxI/WkjohlD291I/AAAAAAAAI2I/N2-DXqa--Pc_Z0mPyBQdXySJEF_VzzNRwCLcBGAs/s640/P1120627.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kKeX0AwCmP0/Wkjoi1Zw30I/AAAAAAAAI2Y/SvQVnGVys944XXvr0HDkI--pM6zY0MMfQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kKeX0AwCmP0/Wkjoi1Zw30I/AAAAAAAAI2Y/SvQVnGVys944XXvr0HDkI--pM6zY0MMfQCLcBGAs/s640/P1120634.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>IMAX movie theatre within Palio - doesn't seem to have anyone </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fo8NZTtEdX8/Wkjojbv_GkI/AAAAAAAAI2c/Z9AH-UzsNDc60NlEA0Ra6Zd81bvPdbMTwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fo8NZTtEdX8/Wkjojbv_GkI/AAAAAAAAI2c/Z9AH-UzsNDc60NlEA0Ra6Zd81bvPdbMTwCLcBGAs/s640/P1120646.JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bQxYGo1URF4/Wkjols_RlMI/AAAAAAAAI2w/wK4CyD1pGvoSG2CIRhA8ewp9qinfZ4vswCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bQxYGo1URF4/Wkjols_RlMI/AAAAAAAAI2w/wK4CyD1pGvoSG2CIRhA8ewp9qinfZ4vswCLcBGAs/s640/P1120655.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>MK Restaurant</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-utgsaI9IjhI/WkjolwZNM3I/AAAAAAAAI24/QM1K2YXaqWk59D0P4HzsGRobC7HJqxFowCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-utgsaI9IjhI/WkjolwZNM3I/AAAAAAAAI24/QM1K2YXaqWk59D0P4HzsGRobC7HJqxFowCLcBGAs/s640/P1120659.JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sRUrsSBzbxk/WkjonB3DvPI/AAAAAAAAI3A/Jk1LXYUDiqcTLYATiiMzN6Bm7pICNCtSQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sRUrsSBzbxk/WkjonB3DvPI/AAAAAAAAI3A/Jk1LXYUDiqcTLYATiiMzN6Bm7pICNCtSQCLcBGAs/s640/P1120660.JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uM3ru_fdiVw/WkjonAP5DEI/AAAAAAAAI28/U6uWl13jdNoEnK3DfOeZFut5Oq5gRTYDACLcBGAs/s1600/P1120662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uM3ru_fdiVw/WkjonAP5DEI/AAAAAAAAI28/U6uWl13jdNoEnK3DfOeZFut5Oq5gRTYDACLcBGAs/s640/P1120662.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ENyW-gqeaWw/WkjonEHYduI/AAAAAAAAI3E/f0tswc3pCO0-lRJ5YOI4X-WMhCa5NcU-ACLcBGAs/s1600/P1120663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ENyW-gqeaWw/WkjonEHYduI/AAAAAAAAI3E/f0tswc3pCO0-lRJ5YOI4X-WMhCa5NcU-ACLcBGAs/s640/P1120663.JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q7GVXZ-O2Y0/Wkjoox4rh3I/AAAAAAAAI3Q/9d0BNWw9ytsIR2MB7MKSAOHZoba2e5p1wCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q7GVXZ-O2Y0/Wkjoox4rh3I/AAAAAAAAI3Q/9d0BNWw9ytsIR2MB7MKSAOHZoba2e5p1wCLcBGAs/s640/P1120678.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you happen to be in Palio during weekend, perhaps most stores will be open and it might still be worth dropping by. But if you are here on a weekday, perhaps this place might not be worth visiting. It was so below our expectation.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We left at about 11.20am and off we go to Chocolate Factory for our lunch and some chocolate souvenir shopping! Along the way we saw plenty of makeshift fruits vendor selling fruits. We didn't really have a chance to stop by, but this is really common along the roadside in Khao Yai during the 2 days in Khao Yai when we travelled around in the van.</div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RL02E62LqJA/Wkjp3oi-tMI/AAAAAAAAI4k/VVxVFvrlCxkoxGI9fM3j58xmTKwMJMApgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RL02E62LqJA/Wkjp3oi-tMI/AAAAAAAAI4k/VVxVFvrlCxkoxGI9fM3j58xmTKwMJMApgCLcBGAs/s640/P1120690.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>fruits store along the roadside</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is a 5 mins drive away and we reach Chocolate Factory~ It was only November but there's a strong feeling of Christmas here!<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qUc8ANmklZM/Wkjp28_i_iI/AAAAAAAAI4c/jrD_uzLKHnIay-2ixoO52jeaDKnQfZEKgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_124407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qUc8ANmklZM/Wkjp28_i_iI/AAAAAAAAI4c/jrD_uzLKHnIay-2ixoO52jeaDKnQfZEKgCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_124407.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Chocolate factory @ Khao Yai</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f9BUl-O6jak/Wkjp3KF32ZI/AAAAAAAAI4g/QCjdqpem6ogibLPwUEiMfMK_cdxCIMoUgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_124415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f9BUl-O6jak/Wkjp3KF32ZI/AAAAAAAAI4g/QCjdqpem6ogibLPwUEiMfMK_cdxCIMoUgCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_124415.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bLX13MEX9FQ/Wkjp4YzACjI/AAAAAAAAI4s/6yNFVZDZ3n8AcJFZuywgihDKCc6AfmGwwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bLX13MEX9FQ/Wkjp4YzACjI/AAAAAAAAI4s/6yNFVZDZ3n8AcJFZuywgihDKCc6AfmGwwCLcBGAs/s640/P1120691.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Entrance of Chocolate Factory (souvenir shop)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The chocolate factory is divided into 2 segments - level 1 is the souvenir shop and the 'factory' where you can see the staff making the chocolate goodies. Level 2 is the restaurant that serve western and thai cusine.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LzyuIdz3IGE/Wkjpz2ADy2I/AAAAAAAAI30/sMsw808cqugaRcTGdf86hdX0UOCZcQpdwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_112303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LzyuIdz3IGE/Wkjpz2ADy2I/AAAAAAAAI30/sMsw808cqugaRcTGdf86hdX0UOCZcQpdwCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_112303.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>chocolate making in the process!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QjB2AK-touY/Wkjp4fptOOI/AAAAAAAAI4o/M_uCRPw5Rwkbk6_uoFiCk2u5LWSThCrnQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QjB2AK-touY/Wkjp4fptOOI/AAAAAAAAI4o/M_uCRPw5Rwkbk6_uoFiCk2u5LWSThCrnQCLcBGAs/s640/P1120694.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EYfJ-FIHjYw/Wkjp4vaYXiI/AAAAAAAAI4w/MDklDOqz7U4A6vSncOOHsoGqpnbWvpz9QCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EYfJ-FIHjYw/Wkjp4vaYXiI/AAAAAAAAI4w/MDklDOqz7U4A6vSncOOHsoGqpnbWvpz9QCLcBGAs/s640/P1120695.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>chocolate souvenirs to buy back!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Note that they have quite a short shelf life of about 1-3 mths. Those freshly baked chocolates in the fridge counter will have even shorter shelf life. Do check with the counter!</div>
<div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ix2ZeXMzpnc/WkjpzBHwb0I/AAAAAAAAI3w/Mh24OT3HQOwsty6jPlq8UNaWvZSKeeMtwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_112006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ix2ZeXMzpnc/WkjpzBHwb0I/AAAAAAAAI3w/Mh24OT3HQOwsty6jPlq8UNaWvZSKeeMtwCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_112006.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>freshly baked chcoolate</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MR-hlJH8cZU/WkjpzBEKJII/AAAAAAAAI3s/nsz7TsP-7ckBG1_UP9FYluSYCCjfqZAKQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_112035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MR-hlJH8cZU/WkjpzBEKJII/AAAAAAAAI3s/nsz7TsP-7ckBG1_UP9FYluSYCCjfqZAKQCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_112035.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MWGV5oGkgmk/Wkjpy_Zy49I/AAAAAAAAI3o/R1IM-cbDp1YBU1x4xiH0UPBuqDayfRvJwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_112037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MWGV5oGkgmk/Wkjpy_Zy49I/AAAAAAAAI3o/R1IM-cbDp1YBU1x4xiH0UPBuqDayfRvJwCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_112037.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Thereafter shopping for chocolates, we proceed to level 2 for our lunch at the Chocolate Factory restaurant!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cnd0DUxeQRk/Wkjp1BpZo9I/AAAAAAAAI4E/VsSrByXzo4I_pHpQoJ5LV64u7Uz8bDjHQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_114952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cnd0DUxeQRk/Wkjp1BpZo9I/AAAAAAAAI4E/VsSrByXzo4I_pHpQoJ5LV64u7Uz8bDjHQCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_114952.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>indoor seating</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TJpRAxBPUS4/Wkjp07oDYOI/AAAAAAAAI4A/vcduDuJw1AYxzYl90DhgG2c_j2rOXuJNgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_114946_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TJpRAxBPUS4/Wkjp07oDYOI/AAAAAAAAI4A/vcduDuJw1AYxzYl90DhgG2c_j2rOXuJNgCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_114946_001.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Alfresco outdoor seating</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CsCQJPi7hWU/Wkjp0FzAP-I/AAAAAAAAI34/XV3U0jw3RKUwpuCMhdfGdXJ_ttIWtuVywCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_114936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1057" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CsCQJPi7hWU/Wkjp0FzAP-I/AAAAAAAAI34/XV3U0jw3RKUwpuCMhdfGdXJ_ttIWtuVywCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_114936.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oyums763swk/Wkjp0PwTPlI/AAAAAAAAI38/iaMQMia17skSmHt4F069h0jARNVGgli1gCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_114905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1178" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oyums763swk/Wkjp0PwTPlI/AAAAAAAAI38/iaMQMia17skSmHt4F069h0jARNVGgli1gCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_114905.jpg" width="470" /></a></div>
<br />
They serve both western and thai cusine, but with the bulk of it being western cuisine. We ordered the following:<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MW29PGnJFpw/Wkjp1adjasI/AAAAAAAAI4I/F1wplYs-5KYCLrCTGbkPQDe3dHpK9qnaACLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_115602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MW29PGnJFpw/Wkjp1adjasI/AAAAAAAAI4I/F1wplYs-5KYCLrCTGbkPQDe3dHpK9qnaACLcBGAs/s640/20171115_115602.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Spaghetti Spicy Sausage THB 250</i></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_Fcz3UDbEQ/Wkjp1k0hW7I/AAAAAAAAI4M/ULo284zXpgguIGuneIvHCLdLyzgWAfPsACLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_115827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="1600" height="420" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_Fcz3UDbEQ/Wkjp1k0hW7I/AAAAAAAAI4M/ULo284zXpgguIGuneIvHCLdLyzgWAfPsACLcBGAs/s640/20171115_115827.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pork Rib stew on rice THB 185</i></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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fviueFe2sfU/Wkjp116iGbI/AAAAAAAAI4Q/F0XqRDsh_WQj6xOKlr8K-I4FZb_JiTnpgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_120033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fviueFe2sfU/Wkjp116iGbI/AAAAAAAAI4Q/F0XqRDsh_WQj6xOKlr8K-I4FZb_JiTnpgCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_120033.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pad Thai with prawns THB 220</i></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i15QGgiDNIU/Wkjp2FccgpI/AAAAAAAAI4U/exLBDS_Q1Kw3yYANtZs7A5CvXlYTDZ4dgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_120305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i15QGgiDNIU/Wkjp2FccgpI/AAAAAAAAI4U/exLBDS_Q1Kw3yYANtZs7A5CvXlYTDZ4dgCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_120305.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Steam snow fish with pickle plum THB 380</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In addition, we also ordered 3 pots of tea for sharing - Pure Peppermint leaves, Pure Chamomile flowers and Ceylon green tea. Each pot of tea cost THB 95.<br />
The tea seems to be of premium grade. There's a 10% service charge levied hence in total we spent THB 1656 (SGD $68.5) for 5 pax for lunch at Chocolate factory.<br />
<br />
We were their only customers throughout out the time when we had lunch there. Looks like their business isn't really that good :/ But for the food and ambience, the price is definitely reasonable. It isn't the top but the quality is acceptable. It is definitely good if you looking for some place to relax.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qzc0xjq5t1g/Wkjp5kCMPmI/AAAAAAAAI40/fkuwdlgN9WciTarQA5LyC9Oi1ZI27dtGwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qzc0xjq5t1g/Wkjp5kCMPmI/AAAAAAAAI40/fkuwdlgN9WciTarQA5LyC9Oi1ZI27dtGwCLcBGAs/s640/P1120702.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-npplhWUyhE8/Wkjp6Jee74I/AAAAAAAAI48/-xhsl1k0UxkedcZdVTNwGkjNk7PVdY6vACLcBGAs/s1600/P1120710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-npplhWUyhE8/Wkjp6Jee74I/AAAAAAAAI48/-xhsl1k0UxkedcZdVTNwGkjNk7PVdY6vACLcBGAs/s640/P1120710.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We left Chocolate Factory on a satisfied tummy at about 12.50pm for our next stop - Chok Chai Farm!<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WLo55FL-_g0/Wkjp6aCqpFI/AAAAAAAAI44/L0T76HvPn3UrO266vHbanTJKcOC-YiC0gCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WLo55FL-_g0/Wkjp6aCqpFI/AAAAAAAAI44/L0T76HvPn3UrO266vHbanTJKcOC-YiC0gCLcBGAs/s640/P1120712.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>carpark area at Chocolate factory where Mr Num waited for us</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-El8fFCHhKj8/WknNj5ui75I/AAAAAAAAI7A/k65nJcBvfOE750p5bPP2nRyL6_WkXzvbwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171115125349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-El8fFCHhKj8/WknNj5ui75I/AAAAAAAAI7A/k65nJcBvfOE750p5bPP2nRyL6_WkXzvbwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171115125349.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We have previously booked 2pm tour online via email and were told that we need to be there half hour before to make full payment so as to secure our slots. During peak tourist season (such as school holiday and weekends, it is best to reserve beforehand, to avoid disappointment) You may email Chok Chai farm at <a href="mailto:farmtour@farmchokchai.com" style="color: #633a25; font-family: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">farmtour@farmchokchai.com</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For more information about the tour please visit Chok Chair Farm <a href="http://www.farmchokchai.com/en/index_content.php?content_id=39">website </a>(Tourism > Rate and Reservations) . Unfortunately the tour is conducted in Thai and they will only conduct in English during very peak tourist season (on adhoc basis). The tour fee per pax is THB 300 (SGD $12.4) It is the most expensive admission fee we paid for this trip. It is worth visiting it once, but will we go for Chok chai farm tour again, the answer will be no. There isn't that much activities to interest us. Read on to decide for yourself!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xpg_JHsgD3U/WknNkNeoBLI/AAAAAAAAI7E/gB0w0taERcwp2N_gG80B0MXVd_CV3CBkwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171115130111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xpg_JHsgD3U/WknNkNeoBLI/AAAAAAAAI7E/gB0w0taERcwp2N_gG80B0MXVd_CV3CBkwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171115130111.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ChS3AhXDXGE/WknNkEQw_jI/AAAAAAAAI7I/3AVfu_yroNIht7E7Wvm3VXNabCS8dG62ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171115130136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ChS3AhXDXGE/WknNkEQw_jI/AAAAAAAAI7I/3AVfu_yroNIht7E7Wvm3VXNabCS8dG62ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171115130136.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sL8gOacxdN8/WknNkjkhAQI/AAAAAAAAI7M/99i_4LPkgqgp8kvUnRCy1fCcmyhQD8auwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171115130152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sL8gOacxdN8/WknNkjkhAQI/AAAAAAAAI7M/99i_4LPkgqgp8kvUnRCy1fCcmyhQD8auwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171115130152.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZWjaAbPATM/WknNadWdLpI/AAAAAAAAI5U/XbmcIWxOKDEa5Ul-kYaUFPfFuKzXFn28QCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_130936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZWjaAbPATM/WknNadWdLpI/AAAAAAAAI5U/XbmcIWxOKDEa5Ul-kYaUFPfFuKzXFn28QCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_130936.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Farm Chok Chai Ticket Office</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We presented our online booking confirmation at the ticket office (a further walk down towards the right after reaching the car park area). Thereafter we make payment and voila! we got our tickets!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The 2pm tour was full, and thankfully we reserved beforehand if not we have to wait for the next one!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6FG-johVch4/WknNafr6thI/AAAAAAAAI5Q/woxM54tjyeEwD_lFzSl6pbpRLiVr7Bu2QCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_130854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6FG-johVch4/WknNafr6thI/AAAAAAAAI5Q/woxM54tjyeEwD_lFzSl6pbpRLiVr7Bu2QCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_130854.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Farm Chok Chai ticket</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As it was still early around 1.10pm, we decided to take a quick walk around the public area of Farm Chok Chai - mainly the restaurants and souvenir shop.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MzNEYaSpVpo/WknNlRqNX_I/AAAAAAAAI7Q/p_MgmCyYwKQ_ABarvUYzfhDqnCN0kYEQgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171115131414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MzNEYaSpVpo/WknNlRqNX_I/AAAAAAAAI7Q/p_MgmCyYwKQ_ABarvUYzfhDqnCN0kYEQgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171115131414.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Farm Chokchai Steakhouse</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s0tfe-cQcTI/WknNlrPVUFI/AAAAAAAAI7Y/tjqObfr-X1ghMt1BZ4gav0vkGynrhygnQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s0tfe-cQcTI/WknNlrPVUFI/AAAAAAAAI7Y/tjqObfr-X1ghMt1BZ4gav0vkGynrhygnQCLcBGAs/s640/P1120717.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2SmXYvKN5_4/WknNm3aLFNI/AAAAAAAAI7k/qsP_AwKHU0EWw-Uxt1NI8SaVLfxRM3OggCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2SmXYvKN5_4/WknNm3aLFNI/AAAAAAAAI7k/qsP_AwKHU0EWw-Uxt1NI8SaVLfxRM3OggCLcBGAs/s640/P1120730.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>cow statues near the roadside in Farm Chok Chai</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lvagvzUphvg/WknNnbnkx2I/AAAAAAAAI7o/lA_MiANAe94xLbPf-p_k8iNehwS31OYjwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lvagvzUphvg/WknNnbnkx2I/AAAAAAAAI7o/lA_MiANAe94xLbPf-p_k8iNehwS31OYjwCLcBGAs/s640/P1120736.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0hwUXdx7mZA/WknNnkX8h-I/AAAAAAAAI7s/ryDm_5AmUHYrICakg74BxvKUrpi1BhilwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0hwUXdx7mZA/WknNnkX8h-I/AAAAAAAAI7s/ryDm_5AmUHYrICakg74BxvKUrpi1BhilwCLcBGAs/s640/P1120744.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N1WIBnhBfFk/WknNadoIFDI/AAAAAAAAI5Y/tRtKb3e_VEcYpp96CJIhHU0munviacOuwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_132825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N1WIBnhBfFk/WknNadoIFDI/AAAAAAAAI5Y/tRtKb3e_VEcYpp96CJIhHU0munviacOuwCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_132825.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pony for riding</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The 2 pony look tired though. Probably due to the hot weather :/</div>
<div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9SyHi84G9TI/WknNmbwWzPI/AAAAAAAAI7c/hegJQCRiZXkLC0alZ-u-gd-aRZ0fs7H1wCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9SyHi84G9TI/WknNmbwWzPI/AAAAAAAAI7c/hegJQCRiZXkLC0alZ-u-gd-aRZ0fs7H1wCLcBGAs/s640/P1120724.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>waiting area for Farm Chok Chai Tour</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There was nothing much that we can see in the public area and the weather was quite hot, so we went to take a seat under the sheltered area while waiting for the tour to start at 2pm. </div>
<div>
If you are planning a trip to Farm Chok Chai, be sure to sign up for the paid tour. If you thought you can just visit Farm Chok Chai without going on the tour, then I guess there's nothing much you can see :/</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At about 1.50pm, you will see a staff dressed in cowboy attire and she will announce something in Thai language. We do not know what she is saying but given the timing (near 2pm) , we deduce it is to ask us to get ready for the tour. Subsequently, we see her removing the rope and people start to enter, we follow suit.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l1km6IkBFfs/WknNmm0kUFI/AAAAAAAAI7g/4OS2_modzfYXE2O5Y80vR3VEfTYNT4VBQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l1km6IkBFfs/WknNmm0kUFI/AAAAAAAAI7g/4OS2_modzfYXE2O5Y80vR3VEfTYNT4VBQCLcBGAs/s640/P1120725.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The room with glass windows is where we will listen to an educational video about Chok Chai during the tour later on</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RZgszns61SQ/WknNbfQgtOI/AAAAAAAAI5c/j-FNCNc45E8ZnaKW-XxuIbN0cczPPhskACLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_135839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RZgszns61SQ/WknNbfQgtOI/AAAAAAAAI5c/j-FNCNc45E8ZnaKW-XxuIbN0cczPPhskACLcBGAs/s640/20171115_135839.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>1st stop: Educational video </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So for the first stop, the staff will give some talk which is also in Thai. Thereafter she will screen a video showcasing Farm Chok Chai. This last for about 5-10mins. It is pretty boring as we do not understand Thai and we came here to see live animals not to be in an enclosed room watching video which we could jolly do so on our own free time.<br />
<br />
Thereafter when she tell us we can move on to the next station (similarly we get the cue from the locals), we moved on to the next station - to see the Supergene cow. It is a short 5 mins walk. There is red umbrellas near the exit of the room which we can take to shelter us from the heat along the way to the next destination.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OVGtq5hwCJo/WknNnzRkMGI/AAAAAAAAI7w/lcS00v7OfugXyU7USdGJoAuEmDWdyJAvQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OVGtq5hwCJo/WknNnzRkMGI/AAAAAAAAI7w/lcS00v7OfugXyU7USdGJoAuEmDWdyJAvQCLcBGAs/s640/P1120745.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>on our way to the next stop!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-voJxWFDcscQ/WknNodTbkiI/AAAAAAAAI70/w69UG-BX5YEyvh501JpT8ZEXO3UMJlWGACLcBGAs/s1600/P1120746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-voJxWFDcscQ/WknNodTbkiI/AAAAAAAAI70/w69UG-BX5YEyvh501JpT8ZEXO3UMJlWGACLcBGAs/s640/P1120746.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qy09NrSHNmw/WknNo_g88CI/AAAAAAAAI78/PlTS9kN4YwwawppuVrlbrj6cDBYiDoH_ACLcBGAs/s1600/P1120751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qy09NrSHNmw/WknNo_g88CI/AAAAAAAAI78/PlTS9kN4YwwawppuVrlbrj6cDBYiDoH_ACLcBGAs/s640/P1120751.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Don't worry, there's not much vehicles within Farm Chok Chai.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kduvjq29ClQ/WknNb1ZA_ZI/AAAAAAAAI5k/UH1IWwMV-JkgHWbP_kAeBSWF75bNgGqLgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_141022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kduvjq29ClQ/WknNb1ZA_ZI/AAAAAAAAI5k/UH1IWwMV-JkgHWbP_kAeBSWF75bNgGqLgCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_141022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S2UyUMKQ2E8/WknNbjUNbsI/AAAAAAAAI5g/iHg7dLFb4kEJ3ySCf8WUnuGOYzm8Vk1fgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_141015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S2UyUMKQ2E8/WknNbjUNbsI/AAAAAAAAI5g/iHg7dLFb4kEJ3ySCf8WUnuGOYzm8Vk1fgCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_141015.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>2nd stop: Viewing of the Supergene cow</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This supergene cow is supposed to be a cross breed which is probably known to give more or better quality of milk?<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kzPJa5A6J9g/WknNpiFTl8I/AAAAAAAAI8E/9IkZrQ8UVJQLxlSy4d0lK0DdqwbLU4GSQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kzPJa5A6J9g/WknNpiFTl8I/AAAAAAAAI8E/9IkZrQ8UVJQLxlSy4d0lK0DdqwbLU4GSQCLcBGAs/s640/P1120757.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The supergene cow</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2UeM3Pwnwr4/WknNcYPRlrI/AAAAAAAAI5s/TlzbQRj1irkMblppSJyuYOTDBZl8z7c7gCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_141516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2UeM3Pwnwr4/WknNcYPRlrI/AAAAAAAAI5s/TlzbQRj1irkMblppSJyuYOTDBZl8z7c7gCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_141516.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>explanation by the 'cowgirl'</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We are all seated on a raised platform for about 50-100 ppl perhaps. It is crowded but just people from our 2pm tour group.<br />
We thought that there would be some kind of performance etc since they put so much effort to get the cow there. But nope. They just get the cow there onto the arena and the cow and its keeper just stand there throughout while the cowgirl rattle on. We stayed there for about 5 mins and move on again by foot to the next stop - which is a little more interesting than the first. Yes just a little.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zHzMsL0mvyM/WknNouhNTeI/AAAAAAAAI74/fpEU6Q-I89Y3_HGIY05zKu56m2CatTdrQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zHzMsL0mvyM/WknNouhNTeI/AAAAAAAAI74/fpEU6Q-I89Y3_HGIY05zKu56m2CatTdrQCLcBGAs/s640/P1120749.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Supercow</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nd9qTGKlcW0/WknNp8rINxI/AAAAAAAAI8I/U_GGahnKElE_ojK047xAJKbWr6gFzs6UwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nd9qTGKlcW0/WknNp8rINxI/AAAAAAAAI8I/U_GGahnKElE_ojK047xAJKbWr6gFzs6UwCLcBGAs/s640/P1120759.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>3rd stop: milking of the supercow</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was about 2.20pm when we reach this milking station. There was a few demonstration going on, firstly it is the milking of the cows using the machine which actually seems to be painful for the cows as you can see them moving their legs perhaps in a bid to struggle.<br />
<br />
Thereafter, 2 staff will milk the cows manually. We stand towards the right of it and couldn't really see it. So if you were to go there, be sure to stand towards the left of the exhibit so as to get a clearer glimpse of the milking process.<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><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QdOnVCdO39A/WknNdqz4kZI/AAAAAAAAI6A/EXXWMIq6ssUX2c6q7fmnYQP7fD0URj8TgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_142228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QdOnVCdO39A/WknNdqz4kZI/AAAAAAAAI6A/EXXWMIq6ssUX2c6q7fmnYQP7fD0URj8TgCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_142228.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>3rd stop: Milking of the Super Cow</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Thereafter, the staff will get around 2 volunteers to try milking the super cow. And yup, that's about it.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N0RYHtwMX6Y/WknNrK_3kZI/AAAAAAAAI8Q/eXWrh6-D6aEm_zUJHNAsN-w7xmrq6ovOgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N0RYHtwMX6Y/WknNrK_3kZI/AAAAAAAAI8Q/eXWrh6-D6aEm_zUJHNAsN-w7xmrq6ovOgCLcBGAs/s640/P1120766.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>trapped cows</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then off we go again by foot to the Ice Cream factory. Maybe cos they need to maintain the hygiene of the factory since after all it is real and meant for public consumption, we are only allowed to view it outside via the glass window. </div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MLD2vyO09cw/WknNdiYCg1I/AAAAAAAAI58/ptsh8pI6_Bwifw6RFeCedzrPBYS-1XPowCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_142853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MLD2vyO09cw/WknNdiYCg1I/AAAAAAAAI58/ptsh8pI6_Bwifw6RFeCedzrPBYS-1XPowCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_142853.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>4th stop: Ice cream tasting in front of the Ice cream factory</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once again the cowgirl said some stuff in Thai. There was no demonstration of the process which we thought there would, like actual making of the ice cream for us to see or even just have the product move on the conveyor belt. But nope, she just distributed some sample ice cream for us to taste while she rattle on.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNFK-1RgpQI/WknNdxn0s9I/AAAAAAAAI6E/-mIhZbR-MbQHX2an4kLp0b9RK1X5qolfgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_143200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNFK-1RgpQI/WknNdxn0s9I/AAAAAAAAI6E/-mIhZbR-MbQHX2an4kLp0b9RK1X5qolfgCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_143200.jpg" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Free sample of ice cream made from cow milk</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As it is really a small sample, we thought it isn't really satisfying enough to give a conclusion whether is it really nice.<br />
<br />
I guess the way they structure this tour is to allow users to see the whole chain process from getting the cow to the production of the ice cream that is sold in their retail store (cow -> milk -> ice cream)<br />
<br />
Time checked: 2.33pm<br />
<br />
After the ice cream tasting we are on board the farm wagon to visit other parts of Chok Chai Farm.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TNxg01HjF1E/WknNejXUdiI/AAAAAAAAI6I/EW4tFSbh5O4HPEWErT0xxffFJVrhTp8oACLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_143545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TNxg01HjF1E/WknNejXUdiI/AAAAAAAAI6I/EW4tFSbh5O4HPEWErT0xxffFJVrhTp8oACLcBGAs/s640/20171115_143545.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>on board the cart to bring us around the farm!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qHX-2Til0s8/WknNfMwtbaI/AAAAAAAAI6M/yeT_qpa6wI45caTvVEaK7irUDc2gTXYCgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_143708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qHX-2Til0s8/WknNfMwtbaI/AAAAAAAAI6M/yeT_qpa6wI45caTvVEaK7irUDc2gTXYCgCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_143708.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is slightly more interesting and it effortless too hehe.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eU9r8vhtqOs/WknNfYFGTyI/AAAAAAAAI6Q/_QcH-zrhDfo9a96o-zRl6a_MJDM7yg-uACLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_143810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eU9r8vhtqOs/WknNfYFGTyI/AAAAAAAAI6Q/_QcH-zrhDfo9a96o-zRl6a_MJDM7yg-uACLcBGAs/s640/20171115_143810.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>barren land</i></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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2YK61SDKOFc/WknNgWuUBjI/AAAAAAAAI6g/VpR4H0tRbpgs2rn2aDTdwBRxxAsovImSgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_144106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2YK61SDKOFc/WknNgWuUBjI/AAAAAAAAI6g/VpR4H0tRbpgs2rn2aDTdwBRxxAsovImSgCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_144106.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>some flowers</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wnvSVi_EZmg/WknNgftzoZI/AAAAAAAAI6c/8i73zZptoFsPolr_lnktPagjkeiMM_gDQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_150227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wnvSVi_EZmg/WknNgftzoZI/AAAAAAAAI6c/8i73zZptoFsPolr_lnktPagjkeiMM_gDQCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_150227.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>some crops</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The ride took about 20 mins and we reach a pit stop where we can take ATV rides, horse ride or just roam around. Thereafter we will be watching a circus/cow boy performance.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jBXz_-z9rgk/WknNhGt62zI/AAAAAAAAI6k/vBOWgkDnx-gwdpkvFJqrRsyqG1ylDO0qQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_150252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jBXz_-z9rgk/WknNhGt62zI/AAAAAAAAI6k/vBOWgkDnx-gwdpkvFJqrRsyqG1ylDO0qQCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_150252.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i5qjqexCS-U/WknNhfRQN1I/AAAAAAAAI6o/fVmDRNmxEwAqD1_-Ht1sycTLXZGXX4QEgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_150406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i5qjqexCS-U/WknNhfRQN1I/AAAAAAAAI6o/fVmDRNmxEwAqD1_-Ht1sycTLXZGXX4QEgCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_150406.jpg" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>house dog?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EETfcjl0UQs/WknNtoAnr-I/AAAAAAAAI8s/h0vuVvk92xUVS2SQXs4wqLmQuxvHLaRogCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EETfcjl0UQs/WknNtoAnr-I/AAAAAAAAI8s/h0vuVvk92xUVS2SQXs4wqLmQuxvHLaRogCLcBGAs/s640/P1120791.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>ATVs for rent</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h4SR3XcL6Ck/WknNtyJdkgI/AAAAAAAAI8w/-RzADbJzVcw0_4oPV3nXRZOeJHO5VkqHgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h4SR3XcL6Ck/WknNtyJdkgI/AAAAAAAAI8w/-RzADbJzVcw0_4oPV3nXRZOeJHO5VkqHgCLcBGAs/s640/P1120795.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V7LtKO3Wl88/WknNuPpluNI/AAAAAAAAI80/mSp3-bdU2K4YyyFp9kziTxjF2B6_uS2jwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V7LtKO3Wl88/WknNuPpluNI/AAAAAAAAI80/mSp3-bdU2K4YyyFp9kziTxjF2B6_uS2jwCLcBGAs/s640/P1120798.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uTXP9bE65Og/WknNuu8dBTI/AAAAAAAAI84/h2WivqkvoF4TvBv_OtlJYQGJj-URkkyDQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uTXP9bE65Og/WknNuu8dBTI/AAAAAAAAI84/h2WivqkvoF4TvBv_OtlJYQGJj-URkkyDQCLcBGAs/s640/P1120803.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gxorl-t9c7o/WknNu4x40dI/AAAAAAAAI88/mFZ9XHuW-w0aDG4yHWWOa3_iwlJy3TnTgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gxorl-t9c7o/WknNu4x40dI/AAAAAAAAI88/mFZ9XHuW-w0aDG4yHWWOa3_iwlJy3TnTgCLcBGAs/s640/P1120807.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hxbu4W0KIQs/WknNvCHI_CI/AAAAAAAAI9A/umIc0IO9oQId05zTzGlIYlwuLUI3MH3-gCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hxbu4W0KIQs/WknNvCHI_CI/AAAAAAAAI9A/umIc0IO9oQId05zTzGlIYlwuLUI3MH3-gCLcBGAs/s640/P1120809.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The sky was getting darker and soon at around 3pm it poured :/ We saw 2 people who just board the ATV had to venture back to the shelter. Not sure if they will be able to get refund :/</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fZistGjtEZo/WknNwH5NuVI/AAAAAAAAI9M/EU9DKiXeIZkL8uAFgv4a-4WxT5lPqcwAQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fZistGjtEZo/WknNwH5NuVI/AAAAAAAAI9M/EU9DKiXeIZkL8uAFgv4a-4WxT5lPqcwAQCLcBGAs/s640/P1120815.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zwYe_CkgNjs/WknNwtGsIuI/AAAAAAAAI9U/ZWvxZT75U6M6ibrnfxzndapyQdcrh5KWQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zwYe_CkgNjs/WknNwtGsIuI/AAAAAAAAI9U/ZWvxZT75U6M6ibrnfxzndapyQdcrh5KWQCLcBGAs/s640/P1120817.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tHHsUeMlZW8/WknNvu_1f3I/AAAAAAAAI9E/8dvV6HGeWDwkMzsC5nwVY4SMpx7Zz92yACLcBGAs/s1600/P1120812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tHHsUeMlZW8/WknNvu_1f3I/AAAAAAAAI9E/8dvV6HGeWDwkMzsC5nwVY4SMpx7Zz92yACLcBGAs/s640/P1120812.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UAd0WoHIZdU/WknNv3ugRnI/AAAAAAAAI9I/L4uVFu8ZSVsxI-IvVh5OmPoAgzQwJNEqwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UAd0WoHIZdU/WknNv3ugRnI/AAAAAAAAI9I/L4uVFu8ZSVsxI-IvVh5OmPoAgzQwJNEqwCLcBGAs/s640/P1120814.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vts8tebF6k8/WknNiCKujTI/AAAAAAAAI60/-1k4R3LLHnYd4ATomN4Ima2ymUDDiTFigCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_150814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vts8tebF6k8/WknNiCKujTI/AAAAAAAAI60/-1k4R3LLHnYd4ATomN4Ima2ymUDDiTFigCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_150814.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YEKjcCEmIxQ/WknNw08wEgI/AAAAAAAAI9Y/8jPk07ZDZvc52CJaWriAkpOInapGbaHIQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YEKjcCEmIxQ/WknNw08wEgI/AAAAAAAAI9Y/8jPk07ZDZvc52CJaWriAkpOInapGbaHIQCLcBGAs/s640/P1120818.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The performance place with elevated seating around the arena</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The performance started at about 3.20pm.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ORE-BBrzTos/WknNh3OSLeI/AAAAAAAAI6s/9GYuToQAhDA9UyBa4r1Qz12OAes5dc8KACLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_152657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ORE-BBrzTos/WknNh3OSLeI/AAAAAAAAI6s/9GYuToQAhDA9UyBa4r1Qz12OAes5dc8KACLcBGAs/s640/20171115_152657.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>1. A cowboy riding on the white horse</i></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GgobcxrhELU/WknNiNyT2cI/AAAAAAAAI6w/2Bno6jo_lH4qkYG5fqqaGiiwtPhKI9aRQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_153018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GgobcxrhELU/WknNiNyT2cI/AAAAAAAAI6w/2Bno6jo_lH4qkYG5fqqaGiiwtPhKI9aRQCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_153018.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>2. Cowboy and his whip</i></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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RQ00nbs3Ti8/WknNinaoL7I/AAAAAAAAI64/qEY_kfdaFMEjmHcYbpPP6XDAKRe-naoUQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_153403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RQ00nbs3Ti8/WknNinaoL7I/AAAAAAAAI64/qEY_kfdaFMEjmHcYbpPP6XDAKRe-naoUQCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_153403.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>3. Live demonstration</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Thereafter they get a few volunteers from the audience to show how accurate and precise the cowboy is at using his whip to cut the flower which was held by someone.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YpSH0hW3ZMU/WknNjXbLgJI/AAAAAAAAI68/9p4BMYa2d0cMoJwWSutvRT0x2aPGDgpJgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_153536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YpSH0hW3ZMU/WknNjXbLgJI/AAAAAAAAI68/9p4BMYa2d0cMoJwWSutvRT0x2aPGDgpJgCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_153536.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Towards the end of the performance</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We thought that this performance shows more effort put in by Farm Chok Chai as compared to the rest of the station we went :/<br />
<br />
It was drizzling then and we went back to board the wagon at around 3.45pm for our return ride back to the main entrance of Farm Chok Chai.<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><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hVuYKyVCGKI/WknNgGRcL2I/AAAAAAAAI6Y/iY05_hRI5TMBTcT-yNje8uNoEqcb56MxQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_144712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hVuYKyVCGKI/WknNgGRcL2I/AAAAAAAAI6Y/iY05_hRI5TMBTcT-yNje8uNoEqcb56MxQCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_144712.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>photo taking opportunity</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There was also a 5-10 mins stop for some photo taking opportunity with err.. a bunch of cow statues :/ which surprisingly, plenty of people took.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OyUW09NesIQ/WknNsU78lvI/AAAAAAAAI8c/1S3xm3K4Dx0Y7hMOLbgQvxqNQ20M6TSAwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OyUW09NesIQ/WknNsU78lvI/AAAAAAAAI8c/1S3xm3K4Dx0Y7hMOLbgQvxqNQ20M6TSAwCLcBGAs/s640/P1120778.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6QEQVcCh3Os/WknNr7M5XDI/AAAAAAAAI8Y/_JmkBrqWVQElXpW0h1AL7v41AkE4ceyrACLcBGAs/s1600/P1120775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6QEQVcCh3Os/WknNr7M5XDI/AAAAAAAAI8Y/_JmkBrqWVQElXpW0h1AL7v41AkE4ceyrACLcBGAs/s640/P1120775.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DvnBe1bZ-Fw/WknNsg_h9bI/AAAAAAAAI8g/bP0TizKgIhgcAZyN08_JJAwdOQjlJhf5gCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DvnBe1bZ-Fw/WknNsg_h9bI/AAAAAAAAI8g/bP0TizKgIhgcAZyN08_JJAwdOQjlJhf5gCLcBGAs/s640/P1120784.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our transport in Farm Chok Chai</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CQS5bht4ub8/WknNs_ywCmI/AAAAAAAAI8k/dmH0srNxt0MaMPRlVTyrV7OoeesWiph1gCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CQS5bht4ub8/WknNs_ywCmI/AAAAAAAAI8k/dmH0srNxt0MaMPRlVTyrV7OoeesWiph1gCLcBGAs/s640/P1120788.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--3ubl2z99q4/WknNtPoCEtI/AAAAAAAAI8o/n18oWgTEoLMtRJcvpTt0G-O4bR2C_6-IgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--3ubl2z99q4/WknNtPoCEtI/AAAAAAAAI8o/n18oWgTEoLMtRJcvpTt0G-O4bR2C_6-IgCLcBGAs/s640/P1120790.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We ended the whole Chok Chai Farm tour at close to 4pm. Initially we wanted to go to suwan sweet corn farm, however it was already close when we went there probably due to the wet weather. Since it was still raining and going outdoors seem to be a no-no, Mr Num suggested to bring us to visit shopping mall. According to him Tesco Lotus (he refer to as Lotus shopping mall) is the only decent big shopping mall in Khao Yai. We passed by this place many times during the day and subsequently too. Khao Yai is just this small.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kAbAgxaCi7Q/WknN6k-9wEI/AAAAAAAAI9o/Uak_kdSMxCEZmI51zMlblDulgdfX-80xwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_172908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kAbAgxaCi7Q/WknN6k-9wEI/AAAAAAAAI9o/Uak_kdSMxCEZmI51zMlblDulgdfX-80xwCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_172908.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tesco Lotus @ Khao Yai</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tesco is a supermarket, equivalent to the Giant/Carrefour which we have. There are also other small shops in the shopping mall. Note that the Tesco here is cheaper than the Tesco supermarket in Bangkok which we visited near Union Mall on our Day 4. If you do visit this Tesco in Khao Yai and noted cheap stuff (e.g. dental floss, fruits, bra, sanitary pad) do just grab first. Hehe</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had fun shopping there. Though there was a bit of regret that we didn't buy more things there as we thought Bangkok would be cheaper, but not really. We left at around 5.30pm and headed for dinner to conclude our day itinerary with Mr Num. Mr Num recommended us a restaurant that locals visit which was near our place!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ODeAU2bTa20/WknN8VKLMLI/AAAAAAAAI-A/LdficfsytAEEjp7KFZACaDxqCVR0U4aHACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171115173817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ODeAU2bTa20/WknN8VKLMLI/AAAAAAAAI-A/LdficfsytAEEjp7KFZACaDxqCVR0U4aHACLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171115173817.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mr Num's van which follow us for 3 days</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jCYG5HwclXE/WknN8oeAZhI/AAAAAAAAI-E/_Kdz53giTv4R5EpQeWsgacvj6ubaeoY8ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171115173821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jCYG5HwclXE/WknN8oeAZhI/AAAAAAAAI-E/_Kdz53giTv4R5EpQeWsgacvj6ubaeoY8ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171115173821.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Thai Restaurant</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5uesTQ77osE/WknN6vXLiWI/AAAAAAAAI9w/2kuCnPW0RiQ-e3bSR5Fpu-v0eIDcnNb0QCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_174628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5uesTQ77osE/WknN6vXLiWI/AAAAAAAAI9w/2kuCnPW0RiQ-e3bSR5Fpu-v0eIDcnNb0QCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_174628.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X-DUQrDag1s/WknN75A4szI/AAAAAAAAI94/SFpOjgHya30AYeCsOyuC4s945sYPIGZdQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_174634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X-DUQrDag1s/WknN75A4szI/AAAAAAAAI94/SFpOjgHya30AYeCsOyuC4s945sYPIGZdQCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_174634.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1YgEyQcAB34/WknN7XqxfWI/AAAAAAAAI90/igaLgzG2U8IstnX7Vq-6WX8cVrviwpg9gCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_174632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="1600" height="366" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1YgEyQcAB34/WknN7XqxfWI/AAAAAAAAI90/igaLgzG2U8IstnX7Vq-6WX8cVrviwpg9gCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_174632.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
The menu is all in Thai language and we typically order based on Mr Num's recommendation or based on picture.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HL2cQTPi3lM/WknN8KJK74I/AAAAAAAAI98/J3jAr-ORBdoWP1oC_Whfa81TMFNa4cVbQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_174645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HL2cQTPi3lM/WknN8KJK74I/AAAAAAAAI98/J3jAr-ORBdoWP1oC_Whfa81TMFNa4cVbQCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_174645.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/--iuilkFYYqA/WknN6rg6juI/AAAAAAAAI9s/061Xk3pkN8Y7_vdMs6ioFGufofEUvnv6ACLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_174624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--iuilkFYYqA/WknN6rg6juI/AAAAAAAAI9s/061Xk3pkN8Y7_vdMs6ioFGufofEUvnv6ACLcBGAs/s640/20171115_174624.jpg" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Menu</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We ordered the following:</div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XT1cwjFwhzU/WknN9F9gwdI/AAAAAAAAI-I/XGlI4JjBNM0VO1xvEzMAj65Xqw3hczR0wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171115175002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XT1cwjFwhzU/WknN9F9gwdI/AAAAAAAAI-I/XGlI4JjBNM0VO1xvEzMAj65Xqw3hczR0wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171115175002.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tom Yum Kung and fried chicken</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IqkR21WAR3w/WknN9gNLHiI/AAAAAAAAI-Q/2C4gYafCHlkJgwxCVAC-xhOu1rq0lTO1QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171115175219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IqkR21WAR3w/WknN9gNLHiI/AAAAAAAAI-Q/2C4gYafCHlkJgwxCVAC-xhOu1rq0lTO1QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171115175219.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>tofu vegetable soup and fried sotong</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KtHtBJizBwA/WknN9gY7pOI/AAAAAAAAI-U/4kz4eEwNIbQxionDtiVvYpwPZTzg55LowCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171115175336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KtHtBJizBwA/WknN9gY7pOI/AAAAAAAAI-U/4kz4eEwNIbQxionDtiVvYpwPZTzg55LowCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171115175336.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>steamed fish with thai sauce</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fA65PYz56-s/WknN--yy2OI/AAAAAAAAI-c/_LYWXAfW5Q0gmL15uFCp8KIriKsTQhwVACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171115175529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fA65PYz56-s/WknN--yy2OI/AAAAAAAAI-c/_LYWXAfW5Q0gmL15uFCp8KIriKsTQhwVACLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171115175529.jpg" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>fried fish</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In total, it cost THB 1100 (SGD $45.5) for 6 pax (including Mr Num). Not too expensive especially when we ordered 1 whole steam fish that was really fresh. We enjoyed it. However the fried stuff (especially fried chicken) was not too good. We don't really like the texture as it is almost un-chewable. Probably meant for eating together with beer.<br />
<br />
When we were there at 5+ we did not see anyone there. But subsequently while we eating and when we leaving, more and more locals drove here to eat.<br />
<br />
We then retreated back to the comfort of our Hotel at 7+ where we enjoyed some fruits which we bought during the day. We had an eventful Day 2, more to come on Day 3 where we venture further into Khao Yai, Ayutthaya and set foot on Bangkok.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hfucjf0nWwQ/WknN-wGzzTI/AAAAAAAAI-g/eNTbFQJjaiUfnYKNryWOCvjD58AxIrRiQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hfucjf0nWwQ/WknN-wGzzTI/AAAAAAAAI-g/eNTbFQJjaiUfnYKNryWOCvjD58AxIrRiQCLcBGAs/s640/P1120821.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hotel Together</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951287982667008118.post-89506276263397750632017-11-14T00:00:00.000+08:002018-01-01T22:43:02.887+08:005D4N Khao Yai and Bangkok DAY 1<b style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><u>1st:</u> S'pore Changi Airport Terminal 1 -> Bangkok Suvarnbhumi Airport -> Khao Yai (Hotel Together) -> Pak chong Night Market -> Ban Mai Chay Nam Restaurant and Museum</b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></b>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">After a year, we are back at Bangkok again for a short 5D4N free and easy trip! This time round we added in Khao Yai, which is a 2.5-3 hours drive away from Bangkok. The weather is supposed to be relatively cooler than Bangkok since its situated among the mountains, however when we were there in mid November, it is still pretty hot (about 30 degrees) The temperature only drop during the early morning and late night to air-con temperature.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We booked our flights on Thai Airways as it was cheaper than SQ and Cathay Pacific, and we did not want to take a budget flight (e.g. scoot, jetstar, air asia). Our outbound flight is TG404 due for departure at 12.25pm from T1 Gate D48.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MQ7RrJsl1Z4/WiOfTLEJjnI/AAAAAAAAIsQ/wMBoDibjCScl9lilS6MS4DBFxOI6fKV-QCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MQ7RrJsl1Z4/WiOfTLEJjnI/AAAAAAAAIsQ/wMBoDibjCScl9lilS6MS4DBFxOI6fKV-QCLcBGAs/s640/P1120428.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gate D48</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-icf6ZuCX73E/WiOe-NjSkkI/AAAAAAAAIo8/cOHw5OJPBV8cmdQ-uW3d97Nj_761JszngCLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_115111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-icf6ZuCX73E/WiOe-NjSkkI/AAAAAAAAIo8/cOHw5OJPBV8cmdQ-uW3d97Nj_761JszngCLcBGAs/s640/20171114_115111.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Waiting area after security clearance</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There was a lot of people on board the plane, may it be travellers or people on business trip. There was some delay and the boarding call came at about 12.10pm.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HDNS7WJraxI/WiOe-cyGPYI/AAAAAAAAIpE/FdDhO91xG6AipA70BW09x3MS9ytQpgoRQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_121726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HDNS7WJraxI/WiOe-cyGPYI/AAAAAAAAIpE/FdDhO91xG6AipA70BW09x3MS9ytQpgoRQCLcBGAs/s640/20171114_121726.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Time to board the plane!!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were lucky to board a relatively new plane and it is Boeing 787-9 which means a Dreamliner plane that has been highly raved about!<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_IaiNNXPLCg/WiOe-fWBj1I/AAAAAAAAIpA/Hg-9gjHRk04xLQ21eWeAIKF-_EQS604YACLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_121841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_IaiNNXPLCg/WiOe-fWBj1I/AAAAAAAAIpA/Hg-9gjHRk04xLQ21eWeAIKF-_EQS604YACLcBGAs/s640/20171114_121841.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Business class </i></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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXF5dFpIaTY/WiOe_fayY2I/AAAAAAAAIpI/kXFeqvVdqL8xi_stpe3pykGzQzDV35SVgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_124105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXF5dFpIaTY/WiOe_fayY2I/AAAAAAAAIpI/kXFeqvVdqL8xi_stpe3pykGzQzDV35SVgCLcBGAs/s640/20171114_124105.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Economy class</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The screens are much bigger and perhaps clearer too! We took the old version of Thai Airway plane on our return flight :/ We must say we missed this Dreamliner!<br />
<div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C6Q_paGJW9Q/WiOfBIwftlI/AAAAAAAAIpY/6dPNOfUhdjM-3b0Vhu8ydyMXgTMh34AiwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_131609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C6Q_paGJW9Q/WiOfBIwftlI/AAAAAAAAIpY/6dPNOfUhdjM-3b0Vhu8ydyMXgTMh34AiwCLcBGAs/s640/20171114_131609.jpg" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>button to adjust the window pane brightness</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Boeing 787 also make do away with window shades, instead they have button on each window and you can adjust how much light you want it to enter. Of course, this feature is locked during ascending and descending for safety reasons, just like how our window shades need to be drawn up upon ascending or descending.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-13BGTRU7XQs/WiOe_v6zP1I/AAAAAAAAIpM/mDeoCcyqWQ0pwHi8uEDIzFYDOe9zdfixACLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_124214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-13BGTRU7XQs/WiOe_v6zP1I/AAAAAAAAIpM/mDeoCcyqWQ0pwHi8uEDIzFYDOe9zdfixACLcBGAs/s640/20171114_124214.jpg" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rainy morning @ SG</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Possibly due to wet weather and heavy air traffic, the plane departed at around 12.45pm, 20 mins behind time however it was eventually able to catch up with its intended arrival time.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6CVveK5qGTs/WiOe_qqbgZI/AAAAAAAAIpQ/fDZEDBv5DtweVM90piNsksJn_tWTEj_LgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_124650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6CVveK5qGTs/WiOe_qqbgZI/AAAAAAAAIpQ/fDZEDBv5DtweVM90piNsksJn_tWTEj_LgCLcBGAs/s640/20171114_124650.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Changi T5 ?</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iah6HOJdEBY/WiOfATqadPI/AAAAAAAAIpU/a1ocgTp9h2oBH6nQXsWUQ2AcMynHt9DSwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_125004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iah6HOJdEBY/WiOfATqadPI/AAAAAAAAIpU/a1ocgTp9h2oBH6nQXsWUQ2AcMynHt9DSwCLcBGAs/s640/20171114_125004.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>up in the clouds, above Malaysia waters</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were served with food at about 1.40pm. Note that this is in Singapore time. BKK time is 1 hour behind SG (i.e. 12.40pm for 1.40pm SG time)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We were given a choice of Thai Style fish with rice or Soy Sauce Chicken with noodles.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NPp13HzP5kQ/WiOfBRpgMyI/AAAAAAAAIpc/HPeLICdXJVwY32r-ab7YfolgvTC7Tu5QgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_134337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1094" data-original-width="1600" height="436" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NPp13HzP5kQ/WiOfBRpgMyI/AAAAAAAAIpc/HPeLICdXJVwY32r-ab7YfolgvTC7Tu5QgCLcBGAs/s640/20171114_134337.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Thai Style fish with rice</i></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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RCcQsG1reJY/WiOfBgrwOQI/AAAAAAAAIpg/_zfm9653YfklwdEHpRVkGV-aWfeUwWakQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_134410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RCcQsG1reJY/WiOfBgrwOQI/AAAAAAAAIpg/_zfm9653YfklwdEHpRVkGV-aWfeUwWakQCLcBGAs/s640/20171114_134410.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Soy sauce chicken with noodles</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As usual, plane food using SATS catering are always good! The salad is a mixture of cucumber and tuna while dessert is some sort of agar agar with yam paste at the bottom.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-84k2YLphjDE/WiOfCTGudbI/AAAAAAAAIpk/ULB7tgydGTksOcN0K-QGgcLnhEl69usHwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_142156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-84k2YLphjDE/WiOfCTGudbI/AAAAAAAAIpk/ULB7tgydGTksOcN0K-QGgcLnhEl69usHwCLcBGAs/s640/20171114_142156.jpg" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>White fluffy clouds and we are reaching!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AvGOs5hTD8Y/WiOfCeYtQrI/AAAAAAAAIpo/yrtQZH4UvL4dESilrJGDtvwymokTh7AbQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_142807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AvGOs5hTD8Y/WiOfCeYtQrI/AAAAAAAAIpo/yrtQZH4UvL4dESilrJGDtvwymokTh7AbQCLcBGAs/s640/20171114_142807.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It is only a 2hr 20 mins flight journey from Singapore to BKK and we were originally slated to reach Suvarnabhumi Airport by 1.45pm BKK time which we did despite the delay during takeoff.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qX25u3PYbX4/WiOfCtO4S9I/AAAAAAAAIps/DEuO6-q18qAZI5OE_kt4MeErPYZdzZp7gCLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_143452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qX25u3PYbX4/WiOfCtO4S9I/AAAAAAAAIps/DEuO6-q18qAZI5OE_kt4MeErPYZdzZp7gCLcBGAs/s640/20171114_143452.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bangkok !</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We took sometime (about 20 mins) to clear the immigration and baggage collection was pretty smooth.<br />
<br />
As we exit the arrival gates, we headed for Gate 3 to meet our driver who will be with us for 3 days for our journey from BKK to Khao Yai and back to BKK. We have searched online and contacted a few English speaking drivers who go Khao Yai and decided to settle with Mr Pakit's team of drivers and we are so glad that we made the right choice.<br />
<br />
As we have 5 person this time round, for a more comfortable journey we decided to book with a Toyota commuter van (which can take up to 10 pax). Mr Pakit charged us 11,000 Baht in total for 3 days. They operate based on trust and no deposit required. We just need to pay THB 4000 each for the first 2 days and THB 3000 on the last day to our driver. Generally, the van rental for our 3 Days itinerary is between 10,000 - 12,500 baht for those drivers which we enquire. We did not choose the lowest quote but ended choosing Mr Pakit team as we thought he was quite thoughtful to draft out our brief itinerary for us. E.g. we said we wanted to visit Ayyuthaya and he listed a lot of temples and floating market which we can visit. Also, he gave clear instruction e.g. to meet at gate 3 of BKK airport on our arrival day which the other drivers which we enquired did not give.<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H3Dw3mB5_3Y/WiOr7fIN8NI/AAAAAAAAItY/kQ56fy5eyXgvqHR9ZlKk6iP5pt3mSj7cwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Screenshot_20171203-154552.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H3Dw3mB5_3Y/WiOr7fIN8NI/AAAAAAAAItY/kQ56fy5eyXgvqHR9ZlKk6iP5pt3mSj7cwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/Screenshot_20171203-154552.png" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>conversation with Mr Pakit (1 of 3)</i></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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FAHIEWmdmBw/WiO9tBmKdFI/AAAAAAAAIto/A-rYZR_vVyIpJnjo7iD3ajvD5xaJwQowQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Screenshot_20171203-170150.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FAHIEWmdmBw/WiO9tBmKdFI/AAAAAAAAIto/A-rYZR_vVyIpJnjo7iD3ajvD5xaJwQowQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/Screenshot_20171203-170150.png" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>conversation with Mr Pakit (2 of 3)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mdhCRhr9YJE/WiO9uqyTsEI/AAAAAAAAItw/il0bX5ORCUASdIekJP_VRwcLzSlNwQcYwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Screenshot_20171203-170202.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mdhCRhr9YJE/WiO9uqyTsEI/AAAAAAAAItw/il0bX5ORCUASdIekJP_VRwcLzSlNwQcYwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/Screenshot_20171203-170202.png" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: 12.8px;">conversation with Mr Pakit (3 of 3)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We reached gate 3 of second level (which is the same level as the arrival hall of Suvarnabhumi airport - just turn right and walk straight when u exit the arrival gates) at about 2.25pm. Our driver, Mr Num just happen to walk in the gate with the sign 'I love bangkok'.</div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xAIsY6leqqU/WiOfEBVoHOI/AAAAAAAAIp0/SfbGjurhv_keHwTBwd4pDeH9I-S4RDTKgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_144832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xAIsY6leqqU/WiOfEBVoHOI/AAAAAAAAIp0/SfbGjurhv_keHwTBwd4pDeH9I-S4RDTKgCLcBGAs/s640/20171114_144832.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>signage held by Mr Num</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I guess they estimated our security clearance and baggage collection to take 1 hour, but it was faster. Nevertheless, after we met him, he went to drive his van over and we waited for him at the pick up area.<br />
<br />
Mr Num's van is in quite a good condition and knowing that the weather is hot (30 degrees), he offered us chilled water/soft drink in his iced box and crackers for munching along the way. It is not just for that day, but for all 3 days he offered us that.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EPiIAXu16YE/WiOfDss3wdI/AAAAAAAAIpw/a2NuOwdkIP8Ncmxy2kge7I1iL5pvPKltQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_144005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EPiIAXu16YE/WiOfDss3wdI/AAAAAAAAIpw/a2NuOwdkIP8Ncmxy2kge7I1iL5pvPKltQCLcBGAs/s640/20171114_144005.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>inside of Mr Num's van</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mr Num was able to speak basic english to us but of course sometimes he couldn't comprehend what we are saying too. But we can feel that he tried to answer all our questions about Khao yai/bangkok as much as he can.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So for our first stop of our day - we will be heading to our Hotel in Khao Yai (Hotel Together) to do check-in of our rooms and luggage before proceeding our for the night market and then lastly, for dinner. Note that Thailand drivers operate on a 12 hours schedule generally, instead of 8 hours for China Drivers. (i.e. for the price you pay, you can engage their driving service for 12 hours a day)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J_emZrJEVhE/WiOfEOdfM-I/AAAAAAAAIp4/9ClkIxdYGw8T5QpyOruCHSJVN2_qdzsXwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_145010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J_emZrJEVhE/WiOfEOdfM-I/AAAAAAAAIp4/9ClkIxdYGw8T5QpyOruCHSJVN2_qdzsXwCLcBGAs/s640/20171114_145010.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G2v3D-kVRRQ/WiOfKjIIFPI/AAAAAAAAIrA/y-VpEBES7swsaiD57rsph76ns2R4stXMQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171114165136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G2v3D-kVRRQ/WiOfKjIIFPI/AAAAAAAAIrA/y-VpEBES7swsaiD57rsph76ns2R4stXMQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171114165136.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We reached Hotel Together at about 4.50pm. There was no one at the reception at first, but shortly there were 2 staff who came and attended to us. We booked the hotel via Agoda previously, so we just need to produce the booking confirmation to then. No room deposit required. 1 of the staff brought us up to our rooms at the second storey. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u>Hotel Together</u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>141 Moo 12 Pakchong Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Pak Chong, Khao Yai, Thailand, 30130</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hoteltogether/">https://www.facebook.com/hoteltogether/</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xRCOJYXR5Cw/WiOj096Et0I/AAAAAAAAIs4/Ppkxvhy3xNAl6erExNa3TiqXueKPhyIvgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_072428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xRCOJYXR5Cw/WiOj096Et0I/AAAAAAAAIs4/Ppkxvhy3xNAl6erExNa3TiqXueKPhyIvgCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_072428.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo taken on morning of Day 3 (15 Nov)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sXtbi0zq1gM/WiOkHKeIgcI/AAAAAAAAItA/3iaXCC1bUOgiOgJJSGXInGKt1_TJuKJNwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_072219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sXtbi0zq1gM/WiOkHKeIgcI/AAAAAAAAItA/3iaXCC1bUOgiOgJJSGXInGKt1_TJuKJNwCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_072219.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7YHvZv9lJVI/WiOfL8GI8GI/AAAAAAAAIrI/5b9R1E6kSvoe4iO8O4m3vIvJaq2cxJt9gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171114165544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7YHvZv9lJVI/WiOfL8GI8GI/AAAAAAAAIrI/5b9R1E6kSvoe4iO8O4m3vIvJaq2cxJt9gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171114165544.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-381b02Eu8L8/WiOfMkGzkYI/AAAAAAAAIrQ/MEZ7eeUKquYS0KQtvQSFtyMoXVhX0Li9wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171114165631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-381b02Eu8L8/WiOfMkGzkYI/AAAAAAAAIrQ/MEZ7eeUKquYS0KQtvQSFtyMoXVhX0Li9wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171114165631.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uDAJaiqcMAE/WiOkHQHB7NI/AAAAAAAAItE/44i3_1DwNtwq7Z4mPv4G_2Bb0m5QLQuyQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171115_072352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uDAJaiqcMAE/WiOkHQHB7NI/AAAAAAAAItE/44i3_1DwNtwq7Z4mPv4G_2Bb0m5QLQuyQCLcBGAs/s640/20171115_072352.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Photo taken on morning of Day 3 (15 Nov)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We have 5 people in total, so we booked a Superior Triple room (3 pax) and superior garden view room (2 pax). They have family room for those with 4 pax too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This hotel was only opened recently (3rd quarter of 2017) and they have about 21 rooms in total which is about all those that were shown in the picture above. Note that as there's only 3 levels, there's no elevator. All luggages have to be carried up via staircase. If you have disability or heavy lugagges and do not wish to carry up stairs, might wish to request for level 1 rooms.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YpjN8HZi9hE/WiOfUPiojGI/AAAAAAAAIsc/pQQx_njfPAU2M4IFIJtVYnD6OBeD8lndgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YpjN8HZi9hE/WiOfUPiojGI/AAAAAAAAIsc/pQQx_njfPAU2M4IFIJtVYnD6OBeD8lndgCLcBGAs/s640/P1120431.JPG" width="640" /></i></b></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Superior Triple room</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WGutyxpfvco/WiOfUSzLGfI/AAAAAAAAIsg/Ex3gACmeeVY5V7MFXgGYiR6jzzLoODhygCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WGutyxpfvco/WiOfUSzLGfI/AAAAAAAAIsg/Ex3gACmeeVY5V7MFXgGYiR6jzzLoODhygCLcBGAs/s640/P1120433.JPG" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>bathing area</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YdPquye7dfc/WiOfUkqlTTI/AAAAAAAAIsk/qTbh275KwEQuK3yXqRDUudemhbQYbDBUwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YdPquye7dfc/WiOfUkqlTTI/AAAAAAAAIsk/qTbh275KwEQuK3yXqRDUudemhbQYbDBUwCLcBGAs/s640/P1120434.JPG" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>toilet area</i></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ai4ecjekxw/WiOfTTKE4oI/AAAAAAAAIsU/gN7XZPbzBCkgiYhgJSnTBX8nRf6qqNnvwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1120429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ai4ecjekxw/WiOfTTKE4oI/AAAAAAAAIsU/gN7XZPbzBCkgiYhgJSnTBX8nRf6qqNnvwCLcBGAs/s640/P1120429.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>1 queen and 1 single bed</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ITQHYWXV1Fs/WiOfTXuAhTI/AAAAAAAAIsY/OHKVsM-Df1EYcdbDIgXLvctLqsfoj2mvACLcBGAs/s1600/P1120430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ITQHYWXV1Fs/WiOfTXuAhTI/AAAAAAAAIsY/OHKVsM-Df1EYcdbDIgXLvctLqsfoj2mvACLcBGAs/s640/P1120430.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>1 queen and 1 single bed</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Note that the king bed for superior garden room is super king size (bigger than normal king bed)<br />
<br />
After checking in and settling our luggage, we departed off again with Mr Num who had kindly waited for us to depart to Pak chong Night Market. We decide to go to the night market first before proceeding for dinner as we heard that the night market seem to close early during weekdays. After all, the sky gets dark early at around 6+! So in order not to miss it, we decide to head to the night market and we reach there at around 5.20pm! It is only about a 15 mins drive away from our hotel.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uzPcGY8n7uo/WiOfE-p6xmI/AAAAAAAAIqA/cRdtMBYn8e0aFRTf9x_9HfrhQCD9fKhiwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_172935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uzPcGY8n7uo/WiOfE-p6xmI/AAAAAAAAIqA/cRdtMBYn8e0aFRTf9x_9HfrhQCD9fKhiwCLcBGAs/s640/20171114_172935.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pak Chong night bazaar</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was only around 5.20/5.30 and the sky starts to turn a little dark and all the stalls are out and it was certainly bustling with people!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-umUd14rSVlQ/WiOfEsLq2lI/AAAAAAAAIp8/0zStuSt0VEMMQ25epjT0oqWyV20t7gs0QCLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_172844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-umUd14rSVlQ/WiOfEsLq2lI/AAAAAAAAIp8/0zStuSt0VEMMQ25epjT0oqWyV20t7gs0QCLcBGAs/s640/20171114_172844.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jIgfHUN7Bac/WiOfM6huaQI/AAAAAAAAIrU/hwSYAzrL2Aw2M6fSTMOICFQs28YbcJ0SQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171114172936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jIgfHUN7Bac/WiOfM6huaQI/AAAAAAAAIrU/hwSYAzrL2Aw2M6fSTMOICFQs28YbcJ0SQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171114172936.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>road in Thailand - plenty of motorcycles!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HnhoX4rjU3g/WiOfNimk1kI/AAAAAAAAIrY/iSZ_VSgfFksgNqTCVxnxljS-0E2GVldNACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171114173003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HnhoX4rjU3g/WiOfNimk1kI/AAAAAAAAIrY/iSZ_VSgfFksgNqTCVxnxljS-0E2GVldNACLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171114173003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RB6mrawiUgg/WiOfN28k0JI/AAAAAAAAIrc/ZpyxZTjdjvk8Zz-kJM_Jo_OsI1gdZ8MZQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171114173030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RB6mrawiUgg/WiOfN28k0JI/AAAAAAAAIrc/ZpyxZTjdjvk8Zz-kJM_Jo_OsI1gdZ8MZQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171114173030.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FwwN64yCAVw/WiOfOKpIThI/AAAAAAAAIrg/N4AaoSyyWKA6eENNNh7lsr6Gxqv-DbcqQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171114173504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FwwN64yCAVw/WiOfOKpIThI/AAAAAAAAIrg/N4AaoSyyWKA6eENNNh7lsr6Gxqv-DbcqQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171114173504.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The night market is not really big (possible to conquer all within half hour ) They mainly sell food. Clothes aren't as cheap as Bangkok's pratunam market. We left at about 6pm (spent about half hour there) for our last stop of the day - dinner at Ban Mai Chay Num restaurant.<br />
<br />
We reached there at about 6.15pm and there's only 2 river view tables left. Ban Mai Chay Num is both a restaurant and a museum for old toys. The museum is free of charge. The restaurant offers outdoor seating by the river and a mini man-made waterfall. We came here upon reading tripadvisor good reviews. However we thought that it isn't that worth to make a trip here unless you are a fan of old toys. We thought that the old toys leave a creepy feeling and honestly, the food here isn't as nice as what we had for Day 2 and 3. Also, as this is a tourist place, the price is a little more expensive for Thailand standard.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZE3NR-gyr8/WiOfJw6gz9I/AAAAAAAAIq4/j2gBWtHhRvwI-UWShs0VFLCNMsc-5bnZACLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_192237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZE3NR-gyr8/WiOfJw6gz9I/AAAAAAAAIq4/j2gBWtHhRvwI-UWShs0VFLCNMsc-5bnZACLcBGAs/s640/20171114_192237.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Entrance of Ban Mai Chay Num</i></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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BghZP2XYllM/WiOfSE75XvI/AAAAAAAAIsI/yFx07nZYpkYyu1iwwO5xtO-BqOggs3L4gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171114192040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BghZP2XYllM/WiOfSE75XvI/AAAAAAAAIsI/yFx07nZYpkYyu1iwwO5xtO-BqOggs3L4gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171114192040.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ban Mai Chay Nam museum</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-56YKa-3qtZE/WiOfSR8Bw3I/AAAAAAAAIsM/ExgkG88E1-kLE4sfwN3yNz71N_ihlQrkACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171114192052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-56YKa-3qtZE/WiOfSR8Bw3I/AAAAAAAAIsM/ExgkG88E1-kLE4sfwN3yNz71N_ihlQrkACLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171114192052.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FDm6gLPCFpQ/WiOfPX-pBYI/AAAAAAAAIrs/-GTIk1VZT1gKu1XOym4TD0mOOlkYekrGgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171114181708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FDm6gLPCFpQ/WiOfPX-pBYI/AAAAAAAAIrs/-GTIk1VZT1gKu1XOym4TD0mOOlkYekrGgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171114181708.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uyatMcx_AeU/WiOfP8dPNNI/AAAAAAAAIrw/KEJsIbeUxyoDZD1OIQ3nf5xJP9Z_Qf9GACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171114181806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uyatMcx_AeU/WiOfP8dPNNI/AAAAAAAAIrw/KEJsIbeUxyoDZD1OIQ3nf5xJP9Z_Qf9GACLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171114181806.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UeR99x3DoTc/WiOfFPA8vTI/AAAAAAAAIqE/O6zNPdv_JX0PoVOUg9VvKS1_4VV3mJ5JwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_181632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UeR99x3DoTc/WiOfFPA8vTI/AAAAAAAAIqE/O6zNPdv_JX0PoVOUg9VvKS1_4VV3mJ5JwCLcBGAs/s640/20171114_181632.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jSZ80GmT0pM/WiOfRVGcqtI/AAAAAAAAIsA/afnVQUA5af8owmStC6-Ea5NwQMcs2n1sQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171114182308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jSZ80GmT0pM/WiOfRVGcqtI/AAAAAAAAIsA/afnVQUA5af8owmStC6-Ea5NwQMcs2n1sQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171114182308.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>river view seating</i></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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wo_83NReXFs/WiOfSNNF-KI/AAAAAAAAIsE/WveCkdHsRVEVsBSJ9KU6_L9BSG9sSsfuACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171114183243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wo_83NReXFs/WiOfSNNF-KI/AAAAAAAAIsE/WveCkdHsRVEVsBSJ9KU6_L9BSG9sSsfuACLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171114183243.jpg" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>mini waterfall (water streams down from the bridge)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There's supposed to be a resort for people to stay right across the swing bridge but we saw that the bridge is closed and we deduce that the resort no longer exist.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vis_aGRxc24/WiOfGhBdhII/AAAAAAAAIqU/NQixPLTynkwisn2GGXly-172A5RHfwbqgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_182917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vis_aGRxc24/WiOfGhBdhII/AAAAAAAAIqU/NQixPLTynkwisn2GGXly-172A5RHfwbqgCLcBGAs/s640/20171114_182917.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Note that river side seating might be interesting, but it also attracts alot of mosquitos and flies, and they are drawn to you and the food. We thought that our Day 3 lunch at Ayutthaya by the Chao Phraya river is so much better than this restaurant. No wonder our driver afterwards also commented that actually a lot of people take photos of this restaurant but actually in terms of taste, there's other better and cheaper Thai restaurants.<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sOX2EDFeBrk/Wko9ZOqDSlI/AAAAAAAAI-0/q_ODMOK-PEYuZKtLNUq-99W7SnS9bVCFACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/20171114_182902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sOX2EDFeBrk/Wko9ZOqDSlI/AAAAAAAAI-0/q_ODMOK-PEYuZKtLNUq-99W7SnS9bVCFACK4BGAYYCw/s640/20171114_182902.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Menu 1</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bq7RBkMG8zI/WiOfGGU6VZI/AAAAAAAAIqM/QiEWplhT_802d70CddNEzBdqBENPo8kyACLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_182854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lz0FyiFSPMo/Wko9ZQVTAQI/AAAAAAAAI-8/iYZY0qHtay4ToiH3DtqFy1m6g7Ea0An9ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/20171114_182854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lz0FyiFSPMo/Wko9ZQVTAQI/AAAAAAAAI-8/iYZY0qHtay4ToiH3DtqFy1m6g7Ea0An9ACK4BGAYYCw/s640/20171114_182854.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Menu 2</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bq7RBkMG8zI/WiOfGGU6VZI/AAAAAAAAIqM/QiEWplhT_802d70CddNEzBdqBENPo8kyACLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_182854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We ordered the following:<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dnTbfwX2t90/WiOfHOZGCfI/AAAAAAAAIqY/kjcqiGKliKogaJGzBHMcGLJMUslKRKd6wCLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_183343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dnTbfwX2t90/WiOfHOZGCfI/AAAAAAAAIqY/kjcqiGKliKogaJGzBHMcGLJMUslKRKd6wCLcBGAs/s640/20171114_183343.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>sunflower sprouts</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L-65sdRiy2M/WiOfHgFGpCI/AAAAAAAAIqg/i_7uT4_j1fUtdTx4PXiKUe_2SudfOFXQQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_183638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L-65sdRiy2M/WiOfHgFGpCI/AAAAAAAAIqg/i_7uT4_j1fUtdTx4PXiKUe_2SudfOFXQQCLcBGAs/s640/20171114_183638.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Thai fish cake - THB 150 (SGD 6.20)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Amoj7EQeGhs/WiOfIcVuP-I/AAAAAAAAIqo/jbGgo78jpawjACaMTB-oedqt2KcyHhdBgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_183732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Amoj7EQeGhs/WiOfIcVuP-I/AAAAAAAAIqo/jbGgo78jpawjACaMTB-oedqt2KcyHhdBgCLcBGAs/s640/20171114_183732.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Clockwise from top left to bottom: Sunflower sprouts, stir fried prawn and mushroom, mango sticky rice, thai fishcake, mushroom and chicken clear tom yum soup</i></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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hz-Fb2LCp7Y/WiOfIQUKAhI/AAAAAAAAIqk/vOhFYeoENFceQJSt95QXxRhjP_jgDFFhQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_183735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hz-Fb2LCp7Y/WiOfIQUKAhI/AAAAAAAAIqk/vOhFYeoENFceQJSt95QXxRhjP_jgDFFhQCLcBGAs/s640/20171114_183735.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>stir fried prawn and mushroom</i></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wwpn_PD6g0k/WiOfI7vZwkI/AAAAAAAAIqs/HjsNUQkxKuE2O1ZJg_P30pbILMdP1-IZgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_184008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wwpn_PD6g0k/WiOfI7vZwkI/AAAAAAAAIqs/HjsNUQkxKuE2O1ZJg_P30pbILMdP1-IZgCLcBGAs/s640/20171114_184008.jpg" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>omelette</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jmX0Fc4DyJk/WiOfHalJtLI/AAAAAAAAIqc/oZwIuNbmWSwrwEmRsInBYLdkyKJIdbyGACLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_183554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jmX0Fc4DyJk/WiOfHalJtLI/AAAAAAAAIqc/oZwIuNbmWSwrwEmRsInBYLdkyKJIdbyGACLcBGAs/s640/20171114_183554.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>mango sticky rice 1 - THB 150 (SGD $6.20)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LigLVgSlUtM/WiOfJfZ6qWI/AAAAAAAAIqw/MSsGcpPJ1uY57pD_jkIgJw4L6JA5jTTlQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_190243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LigLVgSlUtM/WiOfJfZ6qWI/AAAAAAAAIqw/MSsGcpPJ1uY57pD_jkIgJw4L6JA5jTTlQCLcBGAs/s640/20171114_190243.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>mango sticky rice 2 - THB 150 (SGD $6.20)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The dishes we ordered range from THB 100 to THB 180. They charge for water too based on the number of bottles opened. In total we were charged THB 1170 ( SGD $ 48.4) which is the second highest meal we spent throughout our trip.<br />
<br />
To be honest, we thought that the dishes were average. However, the mango sticky rice there is really nice. we ordered one plate to share and it was too nice, until we order another plate haha. If you happen to be there, be sure to order their mango sticky rice. At THB 150 (SGD $6.2), it maybe a bit pricey but really worth it for the taste!<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EgXrIb8Ns1I/WiOfJiKV-1I/AAAAAAAAIq0/YhTeZf3Jl3M_mKq5urwaLGu3Qj4Yf4C_ACLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_191719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EgXrIb8Ns1I/WiOfJiKV-1I/AAAAAAAAIq0/YhTeZf3Jl3M_mKq5urwaLGu3Qj4Yf4C_ACLcBGAs/s320/20171114_191719.jpg" width="180" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mango sticky rice</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With that, we left the place with a full but half satisfying tummy (the other half satisfied by the Mango Sticky rice hehe). We left at around 7.30pm and discussed abit of Day 2 itinerary with Mr Num before retreating back to our rooms. Note that as compared to Bangkok, there aren't much nightlife in Khao Yai.<br />
<br />
Day 1 of Khao Yai has not been too bad and we can't wait to explore more of Khao Yai the next day!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951287982667008118.post-42962743975179603832017-10-29T21:39:00.000+08:002017-10-29T21:42:55.753+08:00REFLECTIONS (12D11N JIANGNAN)<b style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;">(Pending) Feel free to click on the day link to see the detailed itinerary!</b><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #1a0e07;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><u><br /></u></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #1a0e07;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><u><a href="https://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/12D11N%20Jiangnan%20Day%201">1st</a>:</u> </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;">S'pore Changi Airport Terminal 3 -> Shanghai Pudong International Airport T2 -> Suzhou Pace Hotel -> Suzhou Railway Station</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #1a0e07;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>2nd:</u> Suzhou Pace Hotel -> Humble Administrator Garden -> Lion Forest Garden -> Shantang Street -> Pingjiang Road -> Guanqian Street</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #1a0e07;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>3rd</u>: Suzhou Pace Hotel -> Lingyan Mountain -> Han Shan Temple -> Tiger Hill -> Jinji Lake</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #1a0e07;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>4th</u>: Suzhou Pace Hotel -> Tong Li Ancient Town -> Renminqiao South -> Suzhou Pace Hotel</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #1a0e07;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>5th</u>: Suzhou Pace Hotel -> Suzhou Railway Station -> Hangzhou East Railway Station -> Hangzhou Hotel @ 东方金座 -> Westlake (Bai Causeway 白提, Lingering snow on the broken bridge断桥残雪,Three ponds (or pools) mirroring the moon 三潭印月,Fish garden 花港观鱼 -> Hefang Street -> Wushan Night Market</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #1a0e07;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>6th</u>: H</span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">angzhou Hotel @ 东方金座 -> Feilai Peak -> Lingyin Temple -> Shopping malls at Hangzhou 龙翔桥 area</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u>7th</u>: </span></span><span style="background-color: #1a0e07;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">H</span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">angzhou Hotel @ 东方金座 -> Hangzhou East Railway Station -> Ningbo Railway Station -> Check-in Airbnb near Ningbo Railway station -> Xuedoushan Scenic Area (</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">三隐潭,千丈岩瀑布,妙高台,雪窦寺) -> Nantang old street</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>8th</u>: </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Airbnb near Ningbo Railway station -> Ningbo Long distance bus station -> 朱家尖码头 -> Mount Putuo -> Airbnb on Mount Putuo @ 西山景区 -> Puji Temple -> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">宝陀螺寺 -> 慧济寺 -> 法雨寺-> 西山景区</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>9th</u>: </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Airbnb on Mount Putuo @ 西山景区 -> ferry to </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small; outline: none;">洛迦山 -> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">南海观音象 -> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">紫竹林 -> 不肯去观音 -> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">南天门 -> ferry back to 朱家尖码头 -> Ningbo Railway station -> Tian Yi Square </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>10th</u>: </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Airbnb near Ningbo Railway station -> 阿育王寺 -> Ningbo Railway Station -> Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station -> Shanghai Campanile Bund Hotel -> Jing An Temple -> Nanjing Pedestrian Street -> The Bund</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>11th</u>: </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Shanghai Campanile Bund Hotel -> Yu Garden -> City God Temple of shanghai Shopping district -> People's Park -> Tianzifang 田子坊 -> 商城路MRT (near 陆家嘴 area) -> Boat ride to The bund </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>12th</u>: Shanghai Campanile Bund Hotel -> Shanghai Pudong Airport T2 -> Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u>General cost at a glance</u></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IcPfA_PNo54/WfXZbSRZYKI/AAAAAAAAIok/1tTmRszVLh8EaCd0LKfqqql2VKx3UgD7gCLcBGAs/s1600/Capture3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="278" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IcPfA_PNo54/WfXZbSRZYKI/AAAAAAAAIok/1tTmRszVLh8EaCd0LKfqqql2VKx3UgD7gCLcBGAs/s400/Capture3.JPG" width="222" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_kuIzngA7i0/WfXZQ3cVJMI/AAAAAAAAIog/USffRXGrty090WrlLG2bOfiejNTl5a7_ACLcBGAs/s1600/Capture2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="770" height="385" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_kuIzngA7i0/WfXZQ3cVJMI/AAAAAAAAIog/USffRXGrty090WrlLG2bOfiejNTl5a7_ACLcBGAs/s640/Capture2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">*Exchange rate at: SGD 1 : RMB 4.9</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951287982667008118.post-81557395672424869542017-10-11T00:00:00.000+08:002017-10-29T21:08:08.720+08:0012D11N F&E Suzhou, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Shanghai Day 1<b style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><u>1st:</u> S'pore Changi Airport Terminal 3 -> Shanghai Pudong International Airport T2 -> Suzhou Pace Hotel -> Suzhou Railway Station </b><br />
<br />
After approx 4 months of planning ( we only booked the flight tickets in mid June 2017), we are off to go to China, specifically Jiangnan area. We choose not to follow with tour agent as we prefer to have the freedom over the time we spent at each destination as well as the choice of attractions to visit.<br />
<br />
Of course, the planning stage is not easy. We faced with a couple of setbacks. Most of our transport are via their local public transport - MRT/bus. We took 3 railway trips too for those cross-states trips (e.g. Suzhou > Hangzhou, Hangzhou > Ningbo, Ningbo > Shanghai)<br />
<br />
I will elaborate on the tips for the different purchases as we go along. But first, let me introduce you the essential apps that were handy for us when we go China.<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x-EPZeaRpuM/WfVPE12XhTI/AAAAAAAAIkg/1w1k1-TT7Ss8U18OTK0McyaHp0JksKxcwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Screenshot_20171029-114558.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x-EPZeaRpuM/WfVPE12XhTI/AAAAAAAAIkg/1w1k1-TT7Ss8U18OTK0McyaHp0JksKxcwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/Screenshot_20171029-114558.png" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>essential apps for use in China</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
From Top left clockwise,<br />
1. That's the app where we used to buy our train tickets from. We downloaded it from Google Play store. It seems to be an agent and not direct from 12306 (their official railway website), however as it is fuss free and we were able to get our ticket confirmation from 12306 via email after our purchase, we went ahead with it. Railway tickets were only opened 1 month prior to departure. When we purchased in Sep 17, we were not able to choose the seating arrangement. However we saw on China news that following Oct 17, they seem to allow users to choose their seating arrangement for D/G trains.<br />
2. Ctrip App. This is downloaded from Ctrip website. Do not download the one from Google Play store as it only contains train, hotel, flight booking functions. Whereas the one from Ctrip website, we were able to access more functions e.g. hiring of car. We mainly use the Ctrip App for 包车/one way transport to/from airport or railway station. The pricing are a little on the high side but we like it for its reliability.<br />
3. Tianqi Tong is a weather app. Based on China Forums, this seems to be pretty reliable and the interface is pretty too. This weather app gives you alert on the weather conditions and provide 14 days of weather forecast for the area you wish to know.<br />
4. Dianping is widely used in China. Mainly for people to post review of the place or food that they had. It is not only limited in china, there are reviews for other countries like Singapore and Bangkok too. We rely on this for travellers review on the place so as to know what are the tourists traps there as well to look for food (reviews and cost) in china.<br />
5. Amap is also known as 高德地图 (Gaode). This is <u style="font-weight: bold;">extremely</u> essential for our trip. As you may have read over the news, China is progressively being a tech savvy country. Payments are made on e-wallets like alipay and wechat pay. Even navigating, people tend to use GPS. When you ask passerby how to go to a place, they will just point you towards the gps map. We read from forums and through our conversation with our drivers, Gaode 高德地图 is well liked by the people there as it is more accurate. We personally find that its more user friendly and definitely more accurate than baidu map. Hence we recommend to download this app before departure to research on your routes (est timing and fare) as well as for usage when you are in China.<br />
6. Didi is their popular taxi booking app. It works like grab and uber. However to hire private car, payment has to be made online (equivalent to grab pay) and not cash. For that, Didi requires a China registered bank card which most foreign travellers might not have. For booking of taxi, cash can be paid, however we did not try out this service on Didi. Generally for booking of taxi, we will call the local taxi booking hotline which is more convenient for us foreigners.<br />
7. Mafengwo is a similar app to Ctrip. You are able to book your attraction tickets there. What we love about Mafengwo, is that travellers will post actively about their journey in the form of like a blog. And they are generally very informative, however they are all in chinese. The blog posts that we read from mafengwo help us in our planning, especially for Ningbo 雪窦山 which we visited on Day 7<br />
8. Some other apps are like Wechat and VPN. Whatsapp and Facebook were completely banned during our visit there. We had to use VPN to go through the firewall. Wechat on the other hand is a messenger device which is commonly used in China. It is a great messenger tool for our communication with our drivers and airbnb hosts.<br />
<br />
Now that I have given you a brief overview of the essential apps to have, let's start our 江南trip!<br />
We are bound on SQ828 flight due for departure at 08:05 and estimated to reach Shanghai Pudong airport at 13:25. Note that there are no time difference between Singapore and china.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DIWkxzWEmxk/WfVvNBBGbuI/AAAAAAAAIn4/COAopFc5UDMePo5iDuuJ8WZCXv-br2MxgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><b><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DIWkxzWEmxk/WfVvNBBGbuI/AAAAAAAAIn4/COAopFc5UDMePo5iDuuJ8WZCXv-br2MxgCLcBGAs/s640/P1060624.JPG" width="640" /></i></b></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Early morning at Singapore Changi Airport T3 waiting for boarding time @ Gate A12</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We boarded the Boeing 777-300ER at around 7.30am. The earliest boarding time was 7.05am as stated on our boarding pass, but of course that's for the privileged customers - First Class, business class, PPS members...<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fAKkzHQMGBY/WfVu6SK4LqI/AAAAAAAAIkw/UJnvsE1CNpczmp5BmEZ9bpTmdIPqwdg3QCLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_073502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fAKkzHQMGBY/WfVu6SK4LqI/AAAAAAAAIkw/UJnvsE1CNpczmp5BmEZ9bpTmdIPqwdg3QCLcBGAs/s640/20171011_073502.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>on board SQ 828</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There was a slight delay as traffic was busy. At around 8.15am, we were still queuing for our turn to fly!<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SNm5MEaRUMw/WfVu6cHZkxI/AAAAAAAAIk0/eS-NngQGBpADsWkh1VNNX0GVnH_QxeCUACLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_082727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SNm5MEaRUMw/WfVu6cHZkxI/AAAAAAAAIk0/eS-NngQGBpADsWkh1VNNX0GVnH_QxeCUACLcBGAs/s640/20171011_082727.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>waiting to fly</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were eventually up in the skies at around 8.28am! Shanghai here we come ~<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YsHVC_Bw-kY/WfVu6AZwjfI/AAAAAAAAIks/LHVwod7w4X4glmIGJsEKw5Gvjy6J6QiqQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_082948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YsHVC_Bw-kY/WfVu6AZwjfI/AAAAAAAAIks/LHVwod7w4X4glmIGJsEKw5Gvjy6J6QiqQCLcBGAs/s640/20171011_082948.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hf7cnWjp0tk/WfVu7AwNZgI/AAAAAAAAIk4/_z94SWmeeOgyrbypF7wIc1W656jFwuQkwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_083318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hf7cnWjp0tk/WfVu7AwNZgI/AAAAAAAAIk4/_z94SWmeeOgyrbypF7wIc1W656jFwuQkwCLcBGAs/s640/20171011_083318.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>lovely view of our neighbouring countries? </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We were given hot towels to clean our hands, probably acting as disinfectant. Thereafter when seat belts signs were off, the air stewardess start to hand out the meal booklets to inform us of our breakfast!</div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CbYDMMS-HBE/WfVu7j0ouAI/AAAAAAAAIlA/ucTt1mNt5Wo3zrfYz_QMXJXzFfpU6E2HACLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_084941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CbYDMMS-HBE/WfVu7j0ouAI/AAAAAAAAIlA/ucTt1mNt5Wo3zrfYz_QMXJXzFfpU6E2HACLcBGAs/s640/20171011_084941.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>SIA 70th anniversary special meal booklet</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CN4KAcNDBF4/WfVu7VRqD8I/AAAAAAAAIk8/bVUNtAOeNKsxphijrw_W1PtimZcqqr_IwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_084900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CN4KAcNDBF4/WfVu7VRqD8I/AAAAAAAAIk8/bVUNtAOeNKsxphijrw_W1PtimZcqqr_IwCLcBGAs/s640/20171011_084900.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Breakfast</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our meal was served at around 9.50am.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o1d7jN5YEes/WfVvrJD3HXI/AAAAAAAAIoM/54DEaa_QlmI3WpUgF9nNPJtMh6cwkA-ywCLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_095641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o1d7jN5YEes/WfVvrJD3HXI/AAAAAAAAIoM/54DEaa_QlmI3WpUgF9nNPJtMh6cwkA-ywCLcBGAs/s640/20171011_095641.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Braised rice Vermicelli</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pI_jjXgK7VY/WfVu8yMmOjI/AAAAAAAAIlI/qo1SdlWRw_E8rYN3_26kQK0XWAp2EJM4ACLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_095729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pI_jjXgK7VY/WfVu8yMmOjI/AAAAAAAAIlI/qo1SdlWRw_E8rYN3_26kQK0XWAp2EJM4ACLcBGAs/s640/20171011_095729.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Herb Omelette</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They were both yummy! It's thoughtful of them to have both western and asian selection. We were spoilt for choice!<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bMg1tD2CHNk/WfVu85AfsXI/AAAAAAAAIlM/wuEVVSmKNJowAMvUCh13LPRyutAj6AWZgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_121541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bMg1tD2CHNk/WfVu85AfsXI/AAAAAAAAIlM/wuEVVSmKNJowAMvUCh13LPRyutAj6AWZgCLcBGAs/s640/20171011_121541.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>fluffy clouds @ 12.15pm</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ze_lP0Nh8ws/WfVu9dprpxI/AAAAAAAAIlQ/b3iDNFzDYokBaYOBS1HsvNFhourh6x6uACLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_124655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ze_lP0Nh8ws/WfVu9dprpxI/AAAAAAAAIlQ/b3iDNFzDYokBaYOBS1HsvNFhourh6x6uACLcBGAs/s640/20171011_124655.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Flying with SQ, we have free entertainment on board, and it looks like they just upgraded their entertainment system which is a good change!<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WRQyF9nIKxU/WfVu96kpCEI/AAAAAAAAIlU/NZrUngP-Ahg4R79OcLZwg1tPn3fh3MYeQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_125156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WRQyF9nIKxU/WfVu96kpCEI/AAAAAAAAIlU/NZrUngP-Ahg4R79OcLZwg1tPn3fh3MYeQCLcBGAs/s640/20171011_125156.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Upgraded entertainment system onboard SQ 828</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The total flight duration is estimated to be 5 hours. We managed to catch 2 movies!<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O2sDg6ez0uQ/WfVu-N7psLI/AAAAAAAAIlY/kkekPjIV5a0I60PDMzzLaExwXoq4T7LjACLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_125224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O2sDg6ez0uQ/WfVu-N7psLI/AAAAAAAAIlY/kkekPjIV5a0I60PDMzzLaExwXoq4T7LjACLcBGAs/s640/20171011_125224.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Flight information</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While we were approx 10mins to Shanghai, the sky gets cloudy :/<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y6Q3M8LiyfE/WfVu-X-q80I/AAAAAAAAIlc/bPAjz0nqmXs404nehOflm95DGbj15cQJwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_130752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y6Q3M8LiyfE/WfVu-X-q80I/AAAAAAAAIlc/bPAjz0nqmXs404nehOflm95DGbj15cQJwCLcBGAs/s640/20171011_130752.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>cloudy sky as we approach Shanghai</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we touched down at around 1.15pm, we were affirmed of our guess. It was raining :/ Our trip started off with not so good weather :/<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MC_ioSrpFF8/WfVu_BvV0KI/AAAAAAAAIlg/SRC-JHvmC_8pi4QKST2Awu_4BI5wMIURwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_131104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MC_ioSrpFF8/WfVu_BvV0KI/AAAAAAAAIlg/SRC-JHvmC_8pi4QKST2Awu_4BI5wMIURwCLcBGAs/s640/20171011_131104.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>it rained at Shanghai :(</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There was long queue at the immigration counter for foreigners. Do note that travellers from Taiwan, Macau and Hong Kong are considered as foreigners. We managed to disembark from the plane and clear custom by 2.20pm.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WHGI0WWFixs/WfVvGvvFcZI/AAAAAAAAIm0/0tnBco2dbyAOJ-lS2RSpnIhegR7QtIWLgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171011143250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WHGI0WWFixs/WfVvGvvFcZI/AAAAAAAAIm0/0tnBco2dbyAOJ-lS2RSpnIhegR7QtIWLgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171011143250.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>outside arrival hall</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2P1-nmOzNUU/WfVu_mAS1bI/AAAAAAAAIlo/9I7WtqFlKlsT1hEmoUCi1HPvPmSXqkxTwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_142312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2P1-nmOzNUU/WfVu_mAS1bI/AAAAAAAAIlo/9I7WtqFlKlsT1hEmoUCi1HPvPmSXqkxTwCLcBGAs/s640/20171011_142312.jpg" width="640" /></b></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>mini mart @ Shanghai Pudong</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our first plan for the day was to reach Suzhou first. We will tour shanghai during the last leg of our trip since we will be catching the flight back to SG from Shanghai too.<br />
<br />
There are many ways to travel to Suzhou from Shanghai, either via:<br />
1. MRT/Maglev then transfer to railway train<br />
2. Long distance bus (approx 3 hrs)<br />
3. Hired Car<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We chose the last option - hired car for its convenience. For the long distance coach, it departs directly from Shanghai Pudong airport, and stop at shanghai hongqiao airport to pick passengers and thereafter at suzhou industrial and lastly, it arrives at the end destination - Suzhou long distance bus station (adjacent to suzhou Railway station). We pick this as the backup plan in the event the driver fails to turn up. A one way ticket cost RMB 84 (SGD 17.14) per pax and it departs every 30-40 minutes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For the one way hired car with driver, we booked from Ctrip previously and paid RMB 550 (SGD 112.24). We chose this as we wanted to escape from traffic jams and since we have luggages with us, it would be more convenient for us to take a transport that can fetch us to our hotel directly. If we were to go with hired car, the car will enter the expressway directly from Shanghai airport all the way to suzhou. Hence escaping the city traffic jams and est to reach suzhou within 2 hours. However if we were to take the bus (it will head to shanghai hongqiao which is near central of Shanghai, there will be a problem getting back on to expressway without traffic jams).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Booking via ctrip was hassle free. We were informed of the driver details (car plate number and telephone number) within minutes from our booking. Thereafter we liase with him directly. There was a last minute change in our driver, however we were duly informed via sms so that was not an issue. <b>This is one thing which we really like about Ctrip</b>. Although prices were on the slightly high side, however we get reliability. For our final trip (from Shanghai hotel to Shanghai Pudong airport), the driver couldn't make it in the end and there were no available driver, Ctrip will source for drivers from other car companies and yet not compromising on the type of car we paid for. *Note: You can choose from 5 seater (Economy or premium) or 6 seater car etc at different rate. If in the event they found a driver from the other company which is of a lower rate that what you paid for, Ctrip will refund you the price. And please note, for cars booked via ctrip, all expressway, parking fee etc is covered. (i.e. driver should not be extorting extra money from you). For our case, we were kinda asked to pay an additional RMB 100 (SGD $21.27) for expressway. As it was our first 包车, we paid him as we can't afford to reach our hotel late. Later on after examining in detail our booking conditions, we realised that we should not have paid him as it was supposed to be included in the rate we paid ctrip. Later on, we lodged a complain via ctrip online messenger, and Ctrip has agreed to refund us the additional charge with a x1 compensation. Hence Ctrip refunded us RMB 200 in total. We are really appreciative of Ctrip efforts.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Okay back to the hired car we got via Ctrip. We managed to contact the driver via our china mobile phone and he came to the arrival hall to pick us up to the car park where his car was parked. We were so surprised by the car as it was really comfortable.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-267Z5HUo68Q/WfVvAOTz4vI/AAAAAAAAIls/eywJ-yfm4W0gt4y8Cnh19K8rVCnLLlWUACLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_153139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-267Z5HUo68Q/WfVvAOTz4vI/AAAAAAAAIls/eywJ-yfm4W0gt4y8Cnh19K8rVCnLLlWUACLcBGAs/s640/20171011_153139.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>sky window fitting in the car</i></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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ke8HEWuN_8/WfVvA1AXCUI/AAAAAAAAIl0/7UIgNAGI6KQS3ttkgIATidqkkU--JS8JwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_153140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ke8HEWuN_8/WfVvA1AXCUI/AAAAAAAAIl0/7UIgNAGI6KQS3ttkgIATidqkkU--JS8JwCLcBGAs/s640/20171011_153140.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>view of the outside through the side window</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-weMeIidLAaU/WfVvGrtkDBI/AAAAAAAAImw/wihCVFXLDVwlEcjm0sReXNPnFIlAVFAwQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171011151320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-weMeIidLAaU/WfVvGrtkDBI/AAAAAAAAImw/wihCVFXLDVwlEcjm0sReXNPnFIlAVFAwQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171011151320.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>on 南浦大桥</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9oL5CjnX9PE/WfVvHM2zXnI/AAAAAAAAIm4/Kd6lJYBgvAElAPFKW3Ty5PpusT3oSdK5gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171011151412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9oL5CjnX9PE/WfVvHM2zXnI/AAAAAAAAIm4/Kd6lJYBgvAElAPFKW3Ty5PpusT3oSdK5gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171011151412.jpg" width="640" /></a><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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9yGMrsVx3Jk/WfVvHvXXarI/AAAAAAAAIm8/MCgk2ugZkEIqbp5cgpvQeIHvOCrWICAvACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171011151457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9yGMrsVx3Jk/WfVvHvXXarI/AAAAAAAAIm8/MCgk2ugZkEIqbp5cgpvQeIHvOCrWICAvACLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171011151457.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>industrial facility - looks like nuclear power plant</i></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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oaz6jAiWaQU/WfVvHgu6mwI/AAAAAAAAInA/2VH6Td25grUROglBXjFuBzkibnR8x6EvwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171011160300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oaz6jAiWaQU/WfVvHgu6mwI/AAAAAAAAInA/2VH6Td25grUROglBXjFuBzkibnR8x6EvwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171011160300.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>toll station</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We reached our hotel - Suzhou Pace Hotel at close to 5pm. There was slight traffic jam as we approach the city area of suzhou but it cleared up pretty fast. The hotel's reception and driver helped to unload our luggage.<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D2MECAFcDa0/WfVvBTycwVI/AAAAAAAAIl4/mF1ljaD2duAQSvOGbt7arytzXsF6YwKowCLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_165420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D2MECAFcDa0/WfVvBTycwVI/AAAAAAAAIl4/mF1ljaD2duAQSvOGbt7arytzXsF6YwKowCLcBGAs/s640/20171011_165420.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFX62z-XknI/WfVvBoyXTOI/AAAAAAAAIl8/8MPAL7GzO00C41I42HZzHZ8qWuOce9iQwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_165448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFX62z-XknI/WfVvBoyXTOI/AAAAAAAAIl8/8MPAL7GzO00C41I42HZzHZ8qWuOce9iQwCLcBGAs/s640/20171011_165448.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Mercedes Benz E280 that drove us from Shanghai Pudong to Suzhou Pace Hotel on Day 1</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The rainy weather did not stop at Suzhou.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7IJrO1V457g/WfVvIVNfyNI/AAAAAAAAInE/AOTpE4BLjtUHHuLO0vfBdWgcDZ34DxJWgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171011165537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7IJrO1V457g/WfVvIVNfyNI/AAAAAAAAInE/AOTpE4BLjtUHHuLO0vfBdWgcDZ34DxJWgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171011165537.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wet weather at Suzhou on Day 1</i></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4WDEh_IXec8/WfVvIvWV73I/AAAAAAAAInI/4y5W9DSI2fgmt2pUrBCRjA8e81YWyWZrgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171011170919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4WDEh_IXec8/WfVvIvWV73I/AAAAAAAAInI/4y5W9DSI2fgmt2pUrBCRjA8e81YWyWZrgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171011170919.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reception counter at Suzhou Pace Hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We booked our hotel room via Agoda due to the relatively lower price than on ctrip, as well as the best price guarantee policy, which we managed to asked for refund when the price was lower subsequently.<br />
<br />
We booked a standard triple room for 4 nights (Day 1 - Day 5, 11 Oct - 15 Oct 17) and the hotel was nice to give us a free upgrade to premium triple room for the first night. The main difference is in the size of the toilet.<br />
<br />
Suzhou Pace Hotel staff is very attentive and they noticed that the weather is cold, and offered us 3 cups of warm water upon our arrival while we waited for our check in to process. Check in was quite hassle free too. We just have to provide the passport whose name we used to book via Agoda, and thereafter, we provide the passport of the other occupants in the room and made a refundable deposit of RMB 200 (SGD 40.80).<br />
<br />
One of the staff then led us to our room at the 7th floor, which is also the highest floor for guests room. There are only a total of 8 floors in the hotel and level 8 is their administration room. Level 2 is dining hall for breakfast. This hotel provides free buffet breakfast from 6.50/7am every morning.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mCTJ0lITumw/WfVvNRexjOI/AAAAAAAAIn8/Wm53_pXc-HAjQXXgioCXbrIiC6Ac18IfwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mCTJ0lITumw/WfVvNRexjOI/AAAAAAAAIn8/Wm53_pXc-HAjQXXgioCXbrIiC6Ac18IfwCLcBGAs/s640/P1060632.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>1 super single and 1 king bed</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As this hotel is pretty new (newly renovated in early 2017), everything was new and we thought that the bed was extremely comfy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U1mD3WJ1zFc/WfVvNRsQaRI/AAAAAAAAIoA/CU9On-7Ni-4e4NR0r7AN56D_mdJ4GLpYACLcBGAs/s1600/P1060633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U1mD3WJ1zFc/WfVvNRsQaRI/AAAAAAAAIoA/CU9On-7Ni-4e4NR0r7AN56D_mdJ4GLpYACLcBGAs/s640/P1060633.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-br03zoekcyg/WfVvI7PPFvI/AAAAAAAAInM/vR9R2NEF2ccD20NG1XyLFPaWXld5oLifACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171011171306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-br03zoekcyg/WfVvI7PPFvI/AAAAAAAAInM/vR9R2NEF2ccD20NG1XyLFPaWXld5oLifACLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171011171306.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>welcome to the big toilet!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VhC0UZTkwpo/WfVvJU7c8DI/AAAAAAAAInQ/-SkWtgaKk5UPDXVg4cl8-x5l7QBjDRFxgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171011171319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VhC0UZTkwpo/WfVvJU7c8DI/AAAAAAAAInQ/-SkWtgaKk5UPDXVg4cl8-x5l7QBjDRFxgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171011171319.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>With a bath tub too</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For travellers who love to spend long time in the toilet, the toilet here will definitely satisfy you. The only thing we thought can be improved for the toilet, is that it could perhaps have opaque doors and hence more than 1 person can use the toilet space at any one point of time. As currently, the showering and pee area are bordered up by transparent glass walls, which may make it awkward if more than 2 people used it at one point of time.<br />
<br />
We did not spend too long time to settle in as we have 2 more missions on our plate - to buy our railway tickets and have our first dinner in china!<br />
<br />
We left at around 5.45pm to take the MRT to suzhou Railway station. The nearest MRT from our hotel is 南门 station which is about 5-10 minutes walking distance. It is a straight route and the hotel is on the same side as the MRT exit which is really convenient! We made use of the MRT a couple of times during our stay in Suzhou.<br />
<br />
Security kinda tighten up whereby during our trip at Suzhou, hangzhou, ningbo or shanghai, we have to undergo security scan at the MRT. We have to put bagpacks on the conveyor belt for scanning and for bottled water, we have to take a sip in front of the security officers to assure them that the drink is not some poisonous or dangerous substance in disguise. At the start, it was quite inconvenient for us, however subsequently we got use to it and we try to place bottles in one carrier so it's easier for us to drink when needed instead of opening up all our bags to retrieve the bottles.<br />
<br />
Purchase of standard MRT ticket is relatively the same across all cities we visited this round. We bought them via automated machine. They accept insertion of coins or notes ($5/$10). They provide change, otherwise you can also go to the customer service to exchange for $1 coins.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CrCViYE6p5U/WfVvJ1x6ipI/AAAAAAAAInY/k64GhzpoJh89J1RIt5Cwx-C1Rwq1yMjtQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171011175845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CrCViYE6p5U/WfVvJ1x6ipI/AAAAAAAAInY/k64GhzpoJh89J1RIt5Cwx-C1Rwq1yMjtQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171011175845.jpg" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>MRT standard ticket</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our trip on the 轨道交通4号线(龙道浜 方向), for 5 stops cost RMB 2 (SGD $0.41) per pax. The Suzhou MRT website provide great information on the route and cost for the train trips. </div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.sz-mtr.com/">http://www.sz-mtr.com/</a></div>
<div>
We rely alot on this website during our planning. Do note that you are only allowed to buy tickets for MRT departing at the station you are at and it is only valid for a limited number of hours. Hence its best to buy the train tickets only when you need it and at the departing MRT station.</div>
<div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p_aBOlkzvt0/WfVvJ63DbSI/AAAAAAAAInU/a-Df3lADLkQ9YNVcg2gIzZ1Sr2jpn3YWwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171011175655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p_aBOlkzvt0/WfVvJ63DbSI/AAAAAAAAInU/a-Df3lADLkQ9YNVcg2gIzZ1Sr2jpn3YWwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171011175655.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>南门station</i></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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4YrDjwJCRJ4/WfVvKRhgbxI/AAAAAAAAInc/bjpVDZSUdS8unpQQddUEEjYNxhWmnQFOQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171011180032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4YrDjwJCRJ4/WfVvKRhgbxI/AAAAAAAAInc/bjpVDZSUdS8unpQQddUEEjYNxhWmnQFOQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171011180032.jpg" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>There are toilets in the platform at MRT stations too!</i></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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WijoaOnR658/WfVvCfASxUI/AAAAAAAAImE/EQtOTMuL8JclCVFagPzuCReeWjPdjOeSQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_175646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WijoaOnR658/WfVvCfASxUI/AAAAAAAAImE/EQtOTMuL8JclCVFagPzuCReeWjPdjOeSQCLcBGAs/s640/20171011_175646.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>MRT line </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The train came at a frequency of 5-10mins. Be sure to take note of the direction it is travelling towards (e.g. 同里Or 龙道浜) For our train ride to Suzhou Railway, we are travelling in the direction of 龙道浜. We are taking line 4 which is a newly opened MRT line in Suzhou in May 2017. We highly recommend travellers to take the MRT to travel around Suzhou whenever possible as it is highly convenient and comfortable.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PnaqYNSdTTk/WfVvCl45JXI/AAAAAAAAImI/QaIuiyTgdzgM4utcnPiDywea4SEz4DEZwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_180146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PnaqYNSdTTk/WfVvCl45JXI/AAAAAAAAImI/QaIuiyTgdzgM4utcnPiDywea4SEz4DEZwCLcBGAs/s640/20171011_180146.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>inside the train carriage</i></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p8-lGwzkFqg/WfVvDLVNk1I/AAAAAAAAImM/RbfWWvFZ3vYqyqdU9RLy0QU3Q1ZLtmDrACLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_180149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p8-lGwzkFqg/WfVvDLVNk1I/AAAAAAAAImM/RbfWWvFZ3vYqyqdU9RLy0QU3Q1ZLtmDrACLcBGAs/s640/20171011_180149.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>There will be a digital signboard to inform passengers of the next stop</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The ride took us about 10-15 minutes and we are here at Suzhou Railway. Do note that when you alight you may notice signs saying (苏州火车站-南门/北广场). It doesn't matter whether it is 南or 北。It is just the different entrance/exit of the same railway station. As such there are ticketing office at both sides and you can buy the same railway station tickets.<br />
<br />
As there is another 苏州北火车站, to play safe, we decided to exchange for our tickets at the 南门 ticketing area. Note that we have already purchased our train tickets earlier via the 12306 app as mentioned in the earlier part of this post. We did that to ensure we get the timing we want as train ticket can run out of availability fast. Also, we wanted to ensure our seats are located next to each other, and do not want to end up with the situation where we have to sit separately due to the limited number of vacancies left in the train.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hAICDp8vqsQ/WfVvDlAw5CI/AAAAAAAAImQ/zR74zHeNnBACVrH3Y2xVz-GIkL4wT4_tACLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_182743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hAICDp8vqsQ/WfVvDlAw5CI/AAAAAAAAImQ/zR74zHeNnBACVrH3Y2xVz-GIkL4wT4_tACLcBGAs/s640/20171011_182743.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>苏州火车站售票区-南门</i></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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PXj9N_pqDyc/WfVvD8tcKOI/AAAAAAAAImU/ovVlHor7Kz8KpXgLQhTabOV5t3gWRuUhACLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_182745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PXj9N_pqDyc/WfVvD8tcKOI/AAAAAAAAImU/ovVlHor7Kz8KpXgLQhTabOV5t3gWRuUhACLcBGAs/s640/20171011_182745.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>queuing at the ticketing counter</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We saw from online forum that Suzhou Railway station is opened 24 hours. However when we reach there, we see only very few counters were opened and the timing as indicated above the counter does not seem to be 24 hours. So we decide to purchase the tickets first before having dinner.<br />
<br />
As we have purchased our tickets online, we just need to produce the booking confirmation email (which contains a booking reference number, passenger names, passport number and seat number).<br />
We queued for awhile and it was our turn soon.<br />
<br />
Our plan was to exchange for the tickets for our 3 railway rides (Suzhou > Hangzhou East, Hangzhou East > Ningbo, Ningbo > shanghai Hong qiao). Although they were different departure locations for the latter 2 rides, we have read earlier online that this is possible at a convenience fee of RMB 5 / pax. We read online of many 'horror' stories regarding the purchase of tickets at train stations. Such as people cutting queues, service staff going for toilet break and people have to re-queue at a new counter, counter staff are not flexible.<br />
<br />
When it was our turn and we approached the counter staff to exchange for the 3 different trip tickets, he told us that he can only do for the Suzhou>Hangzhou East leg and insist for us to go to the respective train stations to exchange for the other tickets. It does not help that the other people behind us in the queue were getting impatient that we are holding up the queue. As for Mainland chinese, they just need to scan their ic but for us, the staff has to manually key our passport details and it definitely does not help that our passport details are in Engligh and they are not exactly very literate in English.<br />
<br />
We left the queue after collecting the tickets for Suzhou> Hangzhou East train trip and was at a loss at how we can obtain the tickets for our other rides as we are running a pretty tight schedule and did not factor for time to go to the other railway stations to exchange.<br />
<br />
We decided to try our luck at the refund counter where there was no queue and thankfully we met with a lady staff who seem to have some sort of authority within the counter staff and demanded the staff to help us process the tickets. Long story cut short, they did not collect the RMB 5/pax fee from us and we collected our train tickets for all 3 trips.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tRVzArzCEkQ/WfVvETOgM0I/AAAAAAAAImY/vvx6ZLBxBf0ETOuyDX2KDYkc1tAdbEcwACLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_182748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tRVzArzCEkQ/WfVvETOgM0I/AAAAAAAAImY/vvx6ZLBxBf0ETOuyDX2KDYkc1tAdbEcwACLcBGAs/s640/20171011_182748.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>refund counter towards the end</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Be sure to check the name and passport id reflected on the train ticket to your passport as all train rides are based on 实名制。<br />
<br />
In total we took about half hour to exchange the tickets. We were pretty lucky that the queue is not that long. When we came out of the station, it was about 6.45pm and the sky was pitch dark as if it is 9pm in Singapore.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ddbS-qjztI4/WfVvEmYcONI/AAAAAAAAImc/gLvxWDyJhAQnL6TVJ2GkRbasAbv_eguqQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_184948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ddbS-qjztI4/WfVvEmYcONI/AAAAAAAAImc/gLvxWDyJhAQnL6TVJ2GkRbasAbv_eguqQCLcBGAs/s640/20171011_184948.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Suzhou Railway station</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The departure is on first storey, while arrival seem to be at basement.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-negW9Jxu3Dw/WfVvKpz0e1I/AAAAAAAAIng/CFCNOjiwgzcJ6_ASndhIhiCSF8_wmpv4gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171011184943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-negW9Jxu3Dw/WfVvKpz0e1I/AAAAAAAAIng/CFCNOjiwgzcJ6_ASndhIhiCSF8_wmpv4gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171011184943.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>scenary opposite Suzhou Railway station</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OdAHzC6zwAM/WfVvK4ydLCI/AAAAAAAAInk/lhrvaMjfOXwBYVi5P1vPDSXRrNt2nprzQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171011185141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OdAHzC6zwAM/WfVvK4ydLCI/AAAAAAAAInk/lhrvaMjfOXwBYVi5P1vPDSXRrNt2nprzQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171011185141.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Description of statue</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We then went over to the opposite of the railway station (near the bus 客运 interchange) for dinner at a small eatery. The food was okay but it was relatively pricey.<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><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ti2ijy07nfw/WfVvLhBpU6I/AAAAAAAAIno/iPOXchJo--oznc394Kp8tYEj2wohl05DQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171011191549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ti2ijy07nfw/WfVvLhBpU6I/AAAAAAAAIno/iPOXchJo--oznc394Kp8tYEj2wohl05DQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171011191549.jpg" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Ma Po Tofu</i></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><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k48LkF0okTw/WfVvMGfmhUI/AAAAAAAAIns/-RWHGTlhpf8zY3nuXk6WAsk0J6jO8MScQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171011191741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k48LkF0okTw/WfVvMGfmhUI/AAAAAAAAIns/-RWHGTlhpf8zY3nuXk6WAsk0J6jO8MScQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171011191741.jpg" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Tomato Egg</i></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><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-brvz5hD213Q/WfVvMH_l5iI/AAAAAAAAInw/pKaMXDboRr0nIpcs1Qc2bjypby23aOuyQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171011192003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-brvz5hD213Q/WfVvMH_l5iI/AAAAAAAAInw/pKaMXDboRr0nIpcs1Qc2bjypby23aOuyQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171011192003.jpg" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Chinese Yam Soup (山药汤)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The food was on the 'sweeter' side, the sweetness was a little too overwhelming for us. We read online that it seems to be a culture that Suzhou food are relatively sweeter than other province.<br />
We finished our dinner at around 7.45pm and the bill came up to around RMB 165 (SGD $33.67).<br />
<br />
We walk back to Suzhou Railway station and as it was still early, we decide to wander to the ticketing counter at the 北广场.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T_COdluv4wA/WfVvFoVo1pI/AAAAAAAAImk/ExI9XnbMj70hlcd4TVyffgd5-IkXteQlgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_200106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T_COdluv4wA/WfVvFoVo1pI/AAAAAAAAImk/ExI9XnbMj70hlcd4TVyffgd5-IkXteQlgCLcBGAs/s640/20171011_200106.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkwz-gYQw9E/WfVvMqnxVhI/AAAAAAAAIn0/y8RBaHr_mf4rDXUjvnAl2x7mrjIrykWZgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG20171011200125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkwz-gYQw9E/WfVvMqnxVhI/AAAAAAAAIn0/y8RBaHr_mf4rDXUjvnAl2x7mrjIrykWZgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG20171011200125.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>ticketing office at suzhou railway - 北广场</i></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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PlsdRuUa1ns/WfVvFLmygLI/AAAAAAAAImg/hrXUvuuP064SXUQdFhBmjQYFVx2Y-CWtQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_200035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PlsdRuUa1ns/WfVvFLmygLI/AAAAAAAAImg/hrXUvuuP064SXUQdFhBmjQYFVx2Y-CWtQCLcBGAs/s640/20171011_200035.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: 12.8px;">ticketing office at suzhou railway - 北广场</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The place seems newer and bigger than the ticketing office at 苏州火车站-南门. As there was still light drizzle, the weather was pretty cold, possibly around 18 degrees celsius.</div>
<div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TqwDUkLG9QY/WfVvGQn8AbI/AAAAAAAAIms/BYw-vncIxL8T_CUbrDKQicNS9etQ5hBlQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_200128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TqwDUkLG9QY/WfVvGQn8AbI/AAAAAAAAIms/BYw-vncIxL8T_CUbrDKQicNS9etQ5hBlQCLcBGAs/s640/20171011_200128.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Building in the background: 苏州北广场汽车客运站</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Generally they coach and railway station and MRT station are connected at the same area (i.e. they are link in some way or another hence making travelling to either side convenient). This is the same for Hangzhou and Ningbo.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We left the railway station at about 8pm and took the train back to 南门 and walk back to Suzhou Pace Hotel. Though there was some setback at the start, but everything was resolved and we ended Day 1 on a happy note with our agenda of obtaining train tickets, accomplished.</div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951287982667008118.post-51618885507641118272016-12-26T12:50:00.002+08:002016-12-26T21:03:02.599+08:00Genting 3D2N Reflections<strong>Summary of Trip:</strong><br />
<br />
<u><a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/3D2N%20Genting%20Day%201">1st</a>:</u> Spore-> First World Hotel FWH (Genting Highlands, Malaysia) -> Good Friends Restaurant (好友记) @ Maxims -> Genting Bowl -> Sky Avenue -> BMS Organic @ Sky Avenue FWH<br />
<u><a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/3D2N%20Genting%20Day%202">2nd</a>:</u> First World Hotel -> Awana Skyway -> Chin Swee Temple -> Gohtong Jaya -> Genting Palace Restaurant (云华宫) @ Genting Grand<br />
<u><a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/3D2N%20Genting%20Day%203">3rd</a>:</u> Coffee Terrace @ Genting Grand -> First World Hotel (Check-out) -> Spore<br />
<br />
Total Cost:<br />
<br />
<u>Accomodation and Return Coach (via WTS) purchased end Oct 16:</u><br />
School Holiday Low 2D1N @ SGD $93/pax (based on twin sharing room)<br />
Extension of 1 night @ SGD $55/room<br />
WTS Promotion @ SGD $5 discount / pax<br />
<b>Total - 4 pax 3D2N Genting: SGD $462</b><br />
<u></u><br />
<u>Other transport:</u><br />
One-way Awana Skyway @ RM 8/ pax<u></u><br />
Taxi - Awana Lower Skyway -> Chin Swee temple @ RM 40<br />
Uber - Chin Swee Temple to Gohtong Jaya @ RM 16 (RM 30 inclusive of tips)<br />
Private Car - Gohtong Jaya -> First World Hotel @ RM 40<br />
Resort world Genting shuttle bus FWH -> Mushroom Farm Bus Terminal @ FREE<br />
<br />
<u>Other miscellaneous cost:</u><br />
Early check-in @ RM 5 / room<br />
Connecting Room @ RM 5 (for 2 rooms in total)<br />
DIGI Card (3GB data + RM7 call time) @ RM 41.50<br />
<br />
*Exchange rate: MYR 2.7 = SGD 1<br />
(Market rate 3.1 in Dec 16. MYR 2.7 was changed earlier in 2015.)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<strong><em>And with that, this travel journal is concluded on 26th December 2016</em></strong></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951287982667008118.post-54066873679276299422016-12-24T00:00:00.000+08:002016-12-26T21:03:44.458+08:00Genting 3D2N Day 3<span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white;"><u>3rd:</u> Coffee Terrace @ Genting Grand -> First World Hotel (Check-out) -> Spore</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white;"><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: #1a0e07; color: red; font-size: medium;"><b style="background-color: white;"><b style="color: black; font-size: medium;">Disclaimer! Due to time constraints, to make blogging more effective, photos posted in this post are unedited. Bus rest assured, it will still be as informative! We welcome email queries about our trip @ <a href="mailto:all4travel.enquiry@gmail.com" style="color: #21759b; text-decoration: none;">all4travel.enquiry@gmail.com</a></b></b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #1a0e07; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G21X6XurH20/WGEHPCzt_bI/AAAAAAAAIf0/O83Ly-XaHNAvFxISVum7HYlkf93jCazhQCLcB/s1600/20161224_074119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G21X6XurH20/WGEHPCzt_bI/AAAAAAAAIf0/O83Ly-XaHNAvFxISVum7HYlkf93jCazhQCLcB/s640/20161224_074119.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View from Level 17 Tower 2 lift area (The sky cleared up in the morning!)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: #1a0e07; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">3D2N getaway passed by real fast and it's our last day in Genting. As we will have a long journey back SG later on which results in possible skipping on lunch/dinner, we decided to have a sumptuous buffet breakfast to conclude our stay at Genting. There are basically 2 popular buffet breakfast place in Genting - The Food Factory @ FWH and Coffee Terrace @ Genting Grand. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">The food Factory cost RM 29 (SGD $10.74) which is real cheap. It replaced the old First world cafe. Basically it is at level 3 (Tower 1) or Level 8 (Tower 2) depending on your lift buttons. We chose Coffee Terrace which is a little pricey RM 40 (SGD $14.81) as we wanted to try something new. We had buffet breakfast at FWH during our <a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/Genting%20Day%203">2012 trip</a>.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">Buffet breakfast starts at 7am @ coffee Terrace. We reached there at around 8am, paid for our meal then we enter. There is no member rate here, but member is welcome to accumulate points (at x5 rate) Hence in total we spent RM 160 (SGD $59.26) resulting in RP of 800.</span><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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBPLOCoSphg/WGEHUVITrpI/AAAAAAAAIg4/qPsr9hVmAtkmrc3JyD5X68ALGhWsDPGRgCLcB/s1600/20161224_093140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBPLOCoSphg/WGEHUVITrpI/AAAAAAAAIg4/qPsr9hVmAtkmrc3JyD5X68ALGhWsDPGRgCLcB/s640/20161224_093140.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>interior of Coffee Terrace</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tpNnfR4zn0c/WGEHUHgIH1I/AAAAAAAAIgw/GqnLd7_wbHExE9AX8121b7MxjiXR-YTuwCLcB/s1600/20161224_093130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tpNnfR4zn0c/WGEHUHgIH1I/AAAAAAAAIgw/GqnLd7_wbHExE9AX8121b7MxjiXR-YTuwCLcB/s640/20161224_093130.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Snowman at the entrance</i></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCZFcGjMxPI/WGEHUMa2PcI/AAAAAAAAIg0/XRVhFC0LNg0LG55wXXyP85rxjNnYcWsRgCLcB/s1600/20161224_093135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCZFcGjMxPI/WGEHUMa2PcI/AAAAAAAAIg0/XRVhFC0LNg0LG55wXXyP85rxjNnYcWsRgCLcB/s640/20161224_093135.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Christmas Tree</i></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IB7GrUOieFg/WGEHTXYHDQI/AAAAAAAAIgs/E8G-GZoUKgYvLYqCzA6kRRso0gPcsvVcACLcB/s1600/20161224_093115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IB7GrUOieFg/WGEHTXYHDQI/AAAAAAAAIgs/E8G-GZoUKgYvLYqCzA6kRRso0gPcsvVcACLcB/s640/20161224_093115.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>1. Flavours of Malaysia</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wc163blsS9w/WGEHTar-xtI/AAAAAAAAIgo/LOskuCAf6MEIB7SOPAwmZCAsMkgkaZXXgCLcB/s1600/20161224_093111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wc163blsS9w/WGEHTar-xtI/AAAAAAAAIgo/LOskuCAf6MEIB7SOPAwmZCAsMkgkaZXXgCLcB/s640/20161224_093111.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>2. Chinese</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2YYzW9aPOfA/WGEHSwJzFvI/AAAAAAAAIgk/BE_EdXaBafop3Ne7Y2tacsy7riDYm4O9gCLcB/s1600/20161224_093051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2YYzW9aPOfA/WGEHSwJzFvI/AAAAAAAAIgk/BE_EdXaBafop3Ne7Y2tacsy7riDYm4O9gCLcB/s640/20161224_093051.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">3. Western</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ONcxE1ZvNZc/WGEHSH8jMQI/AAAAAAAAIgY/PKfRNm54zG08EbFh0mVkGw8Qt88uz4Z3QCLcB/s1600/20161224_093015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ONcxE1ZvNZc/WGEHSH8jMQI/AAAAAAAAIgY/PKfRNm54zG08EbFh0mVkGw8Qt88uz4Z3QCLcB/s640/20161224_093015.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>4. Japanese (closed)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IhmS5eU6wco/WGEHSvZls9I/AAAAAAAAIgg/bXPyFBCbGhkvlNOP7GU5hx2a8orYPH5QgCLcB/s1600/20161224_093033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IhmS5eU6wco/WGEHSvZls9I/AAAAAAAAIgg/bXPyFBCbGhkvlNOP7GU5hx2a8orYPH5QgCLcB/s640/20161224_093033.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>5. Western Asian (closed)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-31SUgoO8Vbo/WGEHP9oZBGI/AAAAAAAAIf4/WPyG39-k34oF8QC13joOp8Bmf7PfQ6t-gCLcB/s1600/20161224_080415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-31SUgoO8Vbo/WGEHP9oZBGI/AAAAAAAAIf4/WPyG39-k34oF8QC13joOp8Bmf7PfQ6t-gCLcB/s640/20161224_080415.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ko_p8JOza3c/WGEHQB88OgI/AAAAAAAAIf8/_7HnQ_E23cIC_35NttxrcN8qC0t_YerHACLcB/s1600/20161224_080422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ko_p8JOza3c/WGEHQB88OgI/AAAAAAAAIf8/_7HnQ_E23cIC_35NttxrcN8qC0t_YerHACLcB/s640/20161224_080422.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R0mJETiwYLY/WGEHQKD0P9I/AAAAAAAAIgA/_VwESAFpSe4nT2Fmi1UM9iVRFVUCshXtACLcB/s1600/20161224_080427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R0mJETiwYLY/WGEHQKD0P9I/AAAAAAAAIgA/_VwESAFpSe4nT2Fmi1UM9iVRFVUCshXtACLcB/s640/20161224_080427.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tkoHlbzu_1I/WGEHQx3MRDI/AAAAAAAAIgE/e5V1Kqs7JCcVMWkp9ifeVEEGYHOyyC4sgCLcB/s1600/20161224_080436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tkoHlbzu_1I/WGEHQx3MRDI/AAAAAAAAIgE/e5V1Kqs7JCcVMWkp9ifeVEEGYHOyyC4sgCLcB/s640/20161224_080436.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3XwXMoBSVCY/WGEHRzxP7vI/AAAAAAAAIgU/DoIGGMYyCnIe3bhwEXHuqFBcfhPUDVc-gCLcB/s1600/20161224_092959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3XwXMoBSVCY/WGEHRzxP7vI/AAAAAAAAIgU/DoIGGMYyCnIe3bhwEXHuqFBcfhPUDVc-gCLcB/s640/20161224_092959.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Choco Fondue</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kjSjiLYzN24/WGEHSfXqGoI/AAAAAAAAIgc/60ONNVf9uqg_4u6VJSGATa7Jnxwv872lwCLcB/s1600/20161224_093030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kjSjiLYzN24/WGEHSfXqGoI/AAAAAAAAIgc/60ONNVf9uqg_4u6VJSGATa7Jnxwv872lwCLcB/s640/20161224_093030.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There is a variety of food from chinese noodles/porridge to western to bread/pastries/cereal. There are cooked noodles and self cooked noodles/hor fun soup.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We thought that the food is more towards oriental. We were done eating around 9.30am. Throughout our period there, the restaurant is not packed as compared to The Food Factory. In fact there's not a lot of people in coffee Terrace (< than 50% filled).</div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WfX5K0ZwMdI/WGEHWtnA_cI/AAAAAAAAIhU/CFj4O6itBqsH153PxECApU5jGNrmcR54wCLcB/s1600/20161224_103445%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WfX5K0ZwMdI/WGEHWtnA_cI/AAAAAAAAIhU/CFj4O6itBqsH153PxECApU5jGNrmcR54wCLcB/s640/20161224_103445%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="374" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Receipt @ Coffee Terrace</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Temperature checked: 20 degrees celsius<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6F9BXFW39JE/WGEHVPDTjxI/AAAAAAAAIhE/4HAokQVUJN8ZJP3Vw-HkLapeeAoGF61fACLcB/s1600/20161224_093256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6F9BXFW39JE/WGEHVPDTjxI/AAAAAAAAIhE/4HAokQVUJN8ZJP3Vw-HkLapeeAoGF61fACLcB/s640/20161224_093256.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J_AF6cMkTEk/WGEHWGtwGpI/AAAAAAAAIhM/DxB4wozMR0wZXbspnFf_48vJsNfQC7hvgCLcB/s1600/20161224_093533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J_AF6cMkTEk/WGEHWGtwGpI/AAAAAAAAIhM/DxB4wozMR0wZXbspnFf_48vJsNfQC7hvgCLcB/s640/20161224_093533.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>foggy Maxims Hotel</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y4UNYNuwKLI/WGEHWNRDe0I/AAAAAAAAIhI/Lc0uE1jVxOg2ZPzv59qCDdoXnA5TSEl-QCLcB/s1600/20161224_093537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y4UNYNuwKLI/WGEHWNRDe0I/AAAAAAAAIhI/Lc0uE1jVxOg2ZPzv59qCDdoXnA5TSEl-QCLcB/s640/20161224_093537.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We went to Genting Rewards Centre for our last scratch and win and we got RP 150 bonus. We did not find anything else to redeem (those that can be redeem are dine in deals and not take away). So we decided to leave our points in the card, afterall it has a 3 yrs validity.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We also bought a pomelo from FWH of about 1.5kg for RM 17 (SGD $6.30).</div>
<br />
Check-out @ FWH is 11am. We are due to reach Mushroom Farm bus terminal at 12.30pm. We checked out at their auto check out kiosk at around 10.55am.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S17tnLf79nU/WGEHYuPrq2I/AAAAAAAAIhw/U8B9WULjjuspNW9O-WCbqoPjkVERCNFHwCLcB/s1600/20161224_105507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S17tnLf79nU/WGEHYuPrq2I/AAAAAAAAIhw/U8B9WULjjuspNW9O-WCbqoPjkVERCNFHwCLcB/s640/20161224_105507.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Check out kiosk</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BTUX4dqFUYw/WGEKj6FszZI/AAAAAAAAIjU/N2edpFqB2YoxQNad5nFJN7R9sCgSI-SVgCLcB/s1600/20161224_102349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BTUX4dqFUYw/WGEKj6FszZI/AAAAAAAAIjU/N2edpFqB2YoxQNad5nFJN7R9sCgSI-SVgCLcB/s640/20161224_102349.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>FWH room card</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AE06upgiNlw/WGEHYn3BlDI/AAAAAAAAIh0/VIaJABrV9-02eYtfyYlf6bZioMDhjBVrwCLcB/s1600/20161224_105511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AE06upgiNlw/WGEHYn3BlDI/AAAAAAAAIh0/VIaJABrV9-02eYtfyYlf6bZioMDhjBVrwCLcB/s640/20161224_105511.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Insert the card into the kiosk and you are done!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We head to the car park area of FWH and we saw a long queue. In fact that long queue (starting from the pillar stating Lane 3) is for shuttle bus heading towards Chin Swee temple.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hrFmpgHagQM/WGEHZtHVA2I/AAAAAAAAIiA/fiT9vuTT9jImz6oskoAB0rRNbLxYatrwQCLcB/s1600/20161224_110337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hrFmpgHagQM/WGEHZtHVA2I/AAAAAAAAIiA/fiT9vuTT9jImz6oskoAB0rRNbLxYatrwQCLcB/s640/20161224_110337.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Long queue for shuttle bus to Chin Swee</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The other queue towards the left (photo above) is the one heading to Mushroom farm bus terminal. In case you are lost, just keep a look out for the queue with most people carrying luggage. You won't go too wrong with that!<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/--K93jOesJbY/WGEHZ4QoG2I/AAAAAAAAIiE/gtEeLB6Zu5QHwfjCZbX0N6vEgFlsVn4uwCLcB/s1600/20161224_110338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--K93jOesJbY/WGEHZ4QoG2I/AAAAAAAAIiE/gtEeLB6Zu5QHwfjCZbX0N6vEgFlsVn4uwCLcB/s640/20161224_110338.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Queue waiting for Mushroom farm bus terminal shuttle bus</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Shuttle bus to Mushroom Farm bus terminal is of a 15 mins interval. The ride there was really near about 5 mins. It is basically just a road turn down.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We reach mushroom farm bus terminal at around 11.15am. Luckily there's holding area for us to wait. At around 12.15pm, we start to hear WTS people shouting for the different drop off points (Bedok / Tampines / Choa Chu Kang...). And we were then gestured to the respective bus. As there is a jam along the way, we had to transfer 2 buses. 1 bus to go down to our first rest stop at Gohtong. Thereafter we will transfer to another bus at Gohtong and straight to Singapore. We departed from the bus terminal at around 12.30pm.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gzCzNPI_330/WGEHa-nTJMI/AAAAAAAAIiQ/4Zs08xkDPzEdmDh63XLIVSOc8ZB_p-3XwCLcB/s1600/20161224_123420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gzCzNPI_330/WGEHa-nTJMI/AAAAAAAAIiQ/4Zs08xkDPzEdmDh63XLIVSOc8ZB_p-3XwCLcB/s640/20161224_123420.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>foggy day</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-noiXGyMKbus/WGEHbJ9a5JI/AAAAAAAAIiY/xMhAdlLK3W4yuswt-hWYrZvC9kVqT4tLgCLcB/s1600/20161224_123808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-noiXGyMKbus/WGEHbJ9a5JI/AAAAAAAAIiY/xMhAdlLK3W4yuswt-hWYrZvC9kVqT4tLgCLcB/s640/20161224_123808.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0OrYfW8MCuE/WGEHbXSCqgI/AAAAAAAAIic/qeaRkXkyh9UNQgRno-ZwZZqE2Z-AEofDQCLcB/s1600/20161224_123810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0OrYfW8MCuE/WGEHbXSCqgI/AAAAAAAAIic/qeaRkXkyh9UNQgRno-ZwZZqE2Z-AEofDQCLcB/s640/20161224_123810.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We were given about 20 mins to have a toilet/food stop at Gohtong souvenir shop. We bought:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. corn cup RM 3.20 (SGD $1.19), </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2. herbal tea egg RM 1.30 (SGD $0.48)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3. a plate of Jackfruit RM 10 (SGD $3.70)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4. a bag of sliced guava RM 2.50 (SGD $0.93)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
5. one slice of papaya (about 1/7 of a papaya) RM 2.50 (SGD $0.93)</div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0kaEo7ku5Tw/WGEHb2eTHfI/AAAAAAAAIik/97nNNNpY-dcF2fNI7L6IySKBMOUEK_SjwCLcB/s1600/20161224_132439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0kaEo7ku5Tw/WGEHb2eTHfI/AAAAAAAAIik/97nNNNpY-dcF2fNI7L6IySKBMOUEK_SjwCLcB/s640/20161224_132439.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Corn Cup at Gohtong for RM 3.20 (SGD $1.19)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We bought piping hot herbal tea eggs (茶叶蛋) too at RM 1.30 (SGD $0.48) per egg.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2GZJCm3iUxc/WGEHcE3cSrI/AAAAAAAAIio/IIMv0Tg6dZgHaXAIOskQxoLBmOcQlpxcQCLcB/s1600/20161224_172748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2GZJCm3iUxc/WGEHcE3cSrI/AAAAAAAAIio/IIMv0Tg6dZgHaXAIOskQxoLBmOcQlpxcQCLcB/s640/20161224_172748.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rainy weather</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There was bad traffic jam along the way after KL, coupled with bad weather (heavy heavy rain). After Gohtong stop, we supposedly have another stop at Yong Peng where we can also buy food, however in the end our rest stop at Yong Peng is only for toilet.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-53dQ-7sqTq0/WGEHcsErATI/AAAAAAAAIiw/ne8L8aP-7lgHkSSLQEcJaaRrfFv40ecvQCLcB/s1600/20161224_172800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-53dQ-7sqTq0/WGEHcsErATI/AAAAAAAAIiw/ne8L8aP-7lgHkSSLQEcJaaRrfFv40ecvQCLcB/s640/20161224_172800.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inside the coach</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This time round, the coach is a little older than the coach we took on day 1 and there's no free wifi. However we all get to sit on the second floor as the first storey is only for putting luggage.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
As usual, we were asked if we want to buy Otah (Xiao Mei Otah) and Mochi. With inflation, its otah price has up to RM 7.50 (SGD $2.78). In 2012 we purchased 1 box for RM 6, in 2014 we purchased 1 box for RM 6.50 and now 2016... RM 7.50. 1 box of Mochi consist of 6 small Mochis at RM 9 (SGD $3.33). Its otah is popular for its huge chunky mackerel fish slices. However it also have otah that is not spicy, or fish head otah, prawn otah, sotong otah... For Mochis, we purchased 3 boxes - Durian, Red Bean, Black Sesame flavour. For the Otah, every 10 box purchased, you get 1 box free. But this promotion does not apply to Mochis. Each box of otah is around passport size in area.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LxNaGQrDgrk/WGEHdhTHgaI/AAAAAAAAIi8/J1IzEr_cSfQZf9EF3z8mVgpjLMuG8LzlQCLcB/s1600/20161224_181945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LxNaGQrDgrk/WGEHdhTHgaI/AAAAAAAAIi8/J1IzEr_cSfQZf9EF3z8mVgpjLMuG8LzlQCLcB/s640/20161224_181945.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Xiao Mei Otah - our otah & mochi are kept chilled in the white styrofoam box!</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uhFdg1fbfmo/WGEHeKz8wrI/AAAAAAAAIjE/9Z-FMdcAB4AmK-tqt24UqZjySjSnA8_gQCLcB/s1600/20161224_182029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uhFdg1fbfmo/WGEHeKz8wrI/AAAAAAAAIjE/9Z-FMdcAB4AmK-tqt24UqZjySjSnA8_gQCLcB/s640/20161224_182029.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yong Peng Fishball factory - beside the Otah factory</i> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;">We exited Malaysia and enter Singapore via Tuas checkpoint again. Queue was manageable. After all the traffic jams and bad weather in Malaysia, we finally reached safely</span><span style="background-color: white;"> back in Singapore, CCK at 8.45pm on the night of christmas eve.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> Normally if there's no delay, the bus will reach back at CCK around 7pm.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wyEjT2359Vo/WGEHeXdi5kI/AAAAAAAAIjI/AAwmxcsnv_0ea7CwXAYUs-2XelJIBsBMQCLcB/s1600/20161224_204946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wyEjT2359Vo/WGEHeXdi5kI/AAAAAAAAIjI/AAwmxcsnv_0ea7CwXAYUs-2XelJIBsBMQCLcB/s640/20161224_204946.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">Apparently earlier on in the day, there was flash flood in many areas of Singapore such as Orchard due to the heavy downpour. Earlier in the dawn, there was an accident near Muar involving a coach from Johor towards KL that crashed which resulted in casualties which include Singaporeans. May the fatalities rest in peace and may all long distance coaches travelling in Malaysia be free from accidents.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Merry Christmas :)</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951287982667008118.post-31770444978434052212016-12-23T00:00:00.000+08:002016-12-26T21:17:11.232+08:00Genting 3D2N Day 2<span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white;"><u>2nd:</u> First World Hotel -> Awana Skyway -> Chin Swee Temple -> Gohtong Jaya -> Genting Palace Restaurant (云华宫) @ Genting Grand</b></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white;"><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white;"><b style="color: black; font-size: medium;">Disclaimer! Due to time constraints, to make blogging more effective, photos posted in this post are unedited. Bus rest assured, it will still be as informative! We welcome email queries about our trip @ <a href="mailto:all4travel.enquiry@gmail.com">all4travel.enquiry@gmail.com</a></b></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Rise and Shine. We didn't have much programme and hence we woke up a little later today. Had breakfast in the comfort of our room with bread brought over from SG.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z3uLT10hEAY/WGDfe3t_zsI/AAAAAAAAIak/PTvMFDir8mkWofdXL1ccNgewu9_O3cndgCLcB/s1600/20161223_165228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z3uLT10hEAY/WGDfe3t_zsI/AAAAAAAAIak/PTvMFDir8mkWofdXL1ccNgewu9_O3cndgCLcB/s640/20161223_165228.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>USB charging ports at the bedside!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><span style="background-color: white;"></span></i><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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zNcMHHMSp6o/WGDfRaQjyOI/AAAAAAAAIXs/valCXsMm0ZcjCgwyY66VbK8y4x9RQMOCACLcB/s1600/20161223_103113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zNcMHHMSp6o/WGDfRaQjyOI/AAAAAAAAIXs/valCXsMm0ZcjCgwyY66VbK8y4x9RQMOCACLcB/s640/20161223_103113.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>17th FWH Tower 2 lift </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;">We left FWH at around 10.30am.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">Our first stop of the day is Awana Skyway. </span><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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SxpQYIilYWM/WGDjI5kehdI/AAAAAAAAIek/EpEbPAaAJqwQ9jk6G5sWI0EnnADzS1f8QCLcB/s1600/map_big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="338" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SxpQYIilYWM/WGDjI5kehdI/AAAAAAAAIek/EpEbPAaAJqwQ9jk6G5sWI0EnnADzS1f8QCLcB/s640/map_big.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Awana Skyway map</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;">During our stay there, Genting Skyway was replaced with Awana Skyway as such Genting Skyway was not open. Awana Skyway consist of 3 stations (Skyavenue -> Chin Swee -> Awana Station). Skyavenue station is also situated at the top of Sky Avenue shopping mall. We wanted to take the cable car to Chin Swee Temple (Chin Swee Station) however little did we know it was doing maintenance as such was not open. The cable car took us to the Awana Station which is also the future bus terminal. Where all coaches will stop there and visitors will take the skyway up to Genting Highlands instead of now at the Mushroom Farm Bus Terminal.</span><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><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3sE2e4tcYZE/WGDfRczTsJI/AAAAAAAAIXw/F2GUTKeLQQ4vYd6YS8gQ1_ZMinc5-2VBgCLcB/s1600/20161223_104322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3sE2e4tcYZE/WGDfRczTsJI/AAAAAAAAIXw/F2GUTKeLQQ4vYd6YS8gQ1_ZMinc5-2VBgCLcB/s640/20161223_104322.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Directions to Sky avenue stn</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zg3sVDTGzhg/WGDfRQRdn9I/AAAAAAAAIX0/Wniijed8Ucs-z-F-KFdWC71J7X1iiVsbQCLcB/s1600/20161223_104257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zg3sVDTGzhg/WGDfRQRdn9I/AAAAAAAAIX0/Wniijed8Ucs-z-F-KFdWC71J7X1iiVsbQCLcB/s640/20161223_104257.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sky Avenue and its ever changing big LED panels</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0mJnVIxjd6Q/WGDfmeolaHI/AAAAAAAAIcU/AZn8CxNwZ7MOejNHADCUlgWHcGHG5fWPACLcB/s1600/P1050610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0mJnVIxjd6Q/WGDfmeolaHI/AAAAAAAAIcU/AZn8CxNwZ7MOejNHADCUlgWHcGHG5fWPACLcB/s640/P1050610.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/--RoqooFxXfw/WGDflQFfNPI/AAAAAAAAIcI/vCROgDFPYkYfu3P0MtPTmEJPw86dkjKoQCLcB/s1600/P1050607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--RoqooFxXfw/WGDflQFfNPI/AAAAAAAAIcI/vCROgDFPYkYfu3P0MtPTmEJPw86dkjKoQCLcB/s640/P1050607.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ticketing counter for Awana Skyway @ Sky avenue Shopping Mall</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Y-KHVW2RtM/WGDfSaz8bJI/AAAAAAAAIYA/_bqSlzQ4F9URpC-25500uOtfAc2JTZqFACLcB/s1600/20161223_104809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Y-KHVW2RtM/WGDfSaz8bJI/AAAAAAAAIYA/_bqSlzQ4F9URpC-25500uOtfAc2JTZqFACLcB/s640/20161223_104809.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>RM 8 (SGD $2.96) for one way </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Queue was not long. We only purchased 2 one way tickets as we redeemed the other 2 tickets on our first day with Genting Reward points. Redeemed tickets can be shown to the staff at the gantry. There is no need to exchange for actual skyway/cable car tickets.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ORDLy8K7Rw/WGDfSPLJt5I/AAAAAAAAIX4/pRQiS_4wbake_kQE-C_tpA3UeNs0RLoMACLcB/s1600/20161223_104758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ORDLy8K7Rw/WGDfSPLJt5I/AAAAAAAAIX4/pRQiS_4wbake_kQE-C_tpA3UeNs0RLoMACLcB/s640/20161223_104758.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dBVMLJ0knEs/WGDfkZssZbI/AAAAAAAAIb8/HU_CEyec6rgLrVlSiGKloFqGMVy5zvgxQCLcB/s1600/20161225_123145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dBVMLJ0knEs/WGDfkZssZbI/AAAAAAAAIb8/HU_CEyec6rgLrVlSiGKloFqGMVy5zvgxQCLcB/s640/20161225_123145.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Receipt of purchase of 2 Skyway one way ticket</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lTeVJEn8OBU/WGDfSajQ6KI/AAAAAAAAIX8/oKv5kWBjQYot7HERJ5dGpC6VElrE5hofACLcB/s1600/20161223_104922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lTeVJEn8OBU/WGDfSajQ6KI/AAAAAAAAIX8/oKv5kWBjQYot7HERJ5dGpC6VElrE5hofACLcB/s640/20161223_104922.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Awana Skyway ticket for 2</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V69HU9u3TGs/WGDfms_108I/AAAAAAAAIcM/7seCTkm94BkGOBdPwiPHRDqBO9EGeQwLACLcB/s1600/P1050612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V69HU9u3TGs/WGDfms_108I/AAAAAAAAIcM/7seCTkm94BkGOBdPwiPHRDqBO9EGeQwLACLcB/s640/P1050612.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Gantries</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There was no queue at all. Glass bottomed cabin and covered bottomed cabin have separate lanes. We took the covered bottom one.<br />
<br />
And we present to you the new Awana Skyway!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iZyLZ8VLnRM/WGDfTB4nSaI/AAAAAAAAIYE/tPc8j8CZQF0CNeobnaNL31nicEFY4kzkgCLcB/s1600/20161223_105118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iZyLZ8VLnRM/WGDfTB4nSaI/AAAAAAAAIYE/tPc8j8CZQF0CNeobnaNL31nicEFY4kzkgCLcB/s640/20161223_105118.jpg" width="640" /></a><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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FzwdjfIoKgw/WGDfmpyZ-cI/AAAAAAAAIcQ/YdJwqK6IFLYoMz512KuzDau2c12xyiTXwCLcB/s1600/P1050613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FzwdjfIoKgw/WGDfmpyZ-cI/AAAAAAAAIcQ/YdJwqK6IFLYoMz512KuzDau2c12xyiTXwCLcB/s640/P1050613.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Boarding the new Awana Skyway</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It can sit up to 10 passengers each time per cabin and there are charging docks in the cabin too. Find out more about the new Awana Skyway at RWG <a href="http://www.rwgenting.com/awana_skyway/">web</a>!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hObF4aO1o0s/WGDfTVwXScI/AAAAAAAAIYM/C_hIrL3FxeYVcaJluCTGMfACzLBGt2sigCLcB/s1600/20161223_105120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hObF4aO1o0s/WGDfTVwXScI/AAAAAAAAIYM/C_hIrL3FxeYVcaJluCTGMfACzLBGt2sigCLcB/s640/20161223_105120.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As there was really little people, we got a cabin to ourselves. Guess in a few months time, it won't be the same. The interior of the cabin is also really new.<br />
<br />
And off we go! With the Arena of Stars as the first scenary!<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-57YBpmM7ViM/WGDfTAnfriI/AAAAAAAAIYI/IlbwSciZI1Ugsyn-ThjuSAAjydf0BKeKgCLcB/s1600/20161223_105224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-57YBpmM7ViM/WGDfTAnfriI/AAAAAAAAIYI/IlbwSciZI1Ugsyn-ThjuSAAjydf0BKeKgCLcB/s640/20161223_105224.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Arena of Stars</i></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4CPOUUVSDCY/WGDfT8ivlwI/AAAAAAAAIYQ/d693l2UE3xMqn98DWFa2Fre5Kmqa1jVlQCLcB/s1600/20161223_105234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4CPOUUVSDCY/WGDfT8ivlwI/AAAAAAAAIYQ/d693l2UE3xMqn98DWFa2Fre5Kmqa1jVlQCLcB/s640/20161223_105234.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>First World Hotel</i></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LWb6obAo4yo/WGDfUC3BPbI/AAAAAAAAIYU/f6JS8OfApBE_juFiMh3ACpjd6BN_SYbuQCLcB/s1600/20161223_105249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LWb6obAo4yo/WGDfUC3BPbI/AAAAAAAAIYU/f6JS8OfApBE_juFiMh3ACpjd6BN_SYbuQCLcB/s640/20161223_105249.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Major construction below (near Arena of stars)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We believe the construction belongs to the 20th Century Fox World theme Park that is due to open in 2017. Construction seems to be delayed, barely see any ready structures.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vY0VtzB2zsI/WGDfoIC4t3I/AAAAAAAAIcc/5VMAsGZnKtU7RDmfi6bzE0hOM2dpmiACACLcB/s1600/P1050616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vY0VtzB2zsI/WGDfoIC4t3I/AAAAAAAAIcc/5VMAsGZnKtU7RDmfi6bzE0hOM2dpmiACACLcB/s640/P1050616.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T8JHc2zrwmA/WGDfoFsSQiI/AAAAAAAAIcY/BKFxIMC717Ala_Y01867ribXs2ZsV5BBQCLcB/s1600/P1050619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T8JHc2zrwmA/WGDfoFsSQiI/AAAAAAAAIcY/BKFxIMC717Ala_Y01867ribXs2ZsV5BBQCLcB/s640/P1050619.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7IK7K-TPM3s/WGDfUONC8DI/AAAAAAAAIYY/28V671GCc1Aq3D2sFBixLgyvx4Q1NXtBwCLcB/s1600/20161223_105300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7IK7K-TPM3s/WGDfUONC8DI/AAAAAAAAIYY/28V671GCc1Aq3D2sFBixLgyvx4Q1NXtBwCLcB/s640/20161223_105300.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cclqhJlxUuw/WGDfUk3_9eI/AAAAAAAAIYc/uNOp52zRkisI5Wq-3NlOffN4KvtOxx1nwCLcB/s1600/20161223_105351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cclqhJlxUuw/WGDfUk3_9eI/AAAAAAAAIYc/uNOp52zRkisI5Wq-3NlOffN4KvtOxx1nwCLcB/s640/20161223_105351.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>old Genting Skyway in the background</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Genting Skyway which brings guests to Gohtong Jaya station seem to be in operaton (moving) but not for public boarding.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uc4oyUntX5A/WGDfUx91_cI/AAAAAAAAIYg/G_djKDk-RGEW5XrgFcHBVqbLwnbwNZgywCLcB/s1600/20161223_105453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uc4oyUntX5A/WGDfUx91_cI/AAAAAAAAIYg/G_djKDk-RGEW5XrgFcHBVqbLwnbwNZgywCLcB/s640/20161223_105453.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It starts to get foggy ~</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6W6FWgp3mog/WGDfVLrGmSI/AAAAAAAAIYk/jthuj-944M4aQwOzYQrA0hGl7hIPSuJvwCLcB/s1600/20161223_105534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6W6FWgp3mog/WGDfVLrGmSI/AAAAAAAAIYk/jthuj-944M4aQwOzYQrA0hGl7hIPSuJvwCLcB/s640/20161223_105534.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WCEJWk7qb3k/WGDfVRuad9I/AAAAAAAAIYo/MF1nqwoZqTo3A3mRsjIKKUQQ6lFlRwg0ACLcB/s1600/20161223_105605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WCEJWk7qb3k/WGDfVRuad9I/AAAAAAAAIYo/MF1nqwoZqTo3A3mRsjIKKUQQ6lFlRwg0ACLcB/s640/20161223_105605.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--p62dg7Kqbs/WGDfoPBRXNI/AAAAAAAAIcg/k-7tCeYnyQ0nqVN63sVwGGiNH2B0FxZKgCLcB/s1600/P1050626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--p62dg7Kqbs/WGDfoPBRXNI/AAAAAAAAIcg/k-7tCeYnyQ0nqVN63sVwGGiNH2B0FxZKgCLcB/s640/P1050626.JPG" width="640" /></a><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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NCEbNz-AxeE/WGDfpdx-pZI/AAAAAAAAIco/_LTLu-6uIOk-rZ4K3cUM3YFQU8m18ineACLcB/s1600/P1050628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NCEbNz-AxeE/WGDfpdx-pZI/AAAAAAAAIco/_LTLu-6uIOk-rZ4K3cUM3YFQU8m18ineACLcB/s640/P1050628.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Approaching chin Swee station</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SgMy76NajwE/WGDfpQ8h_mI/AAAAAAAAIck/mFoWDVf4JGAMjZ2BNqtra3HsMf5CX8zPgCLcB/s1600/P1050634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SgMy76NajwE/WGDfpQ8h_mI/AAAAAAAAIck/mFoWDVf4JGAMjZ2BNqtra3HsMf5CX8zPgCLcB/s640/P1050634.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>connecting escalator from the Chin Swee Station to Chin Swee Temple</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vrCojvFTm-Q/WGDfVx7E55I/AAAAAAAAIYw/6_6E50ov4BgrCMPRMDaa1_vsEaR-OIInwCLcB/s1600/20161223_110218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vrCojvFTm-Q/WGDfVx7E55I/AAAAAAAAIYw/6_6E50ov4BgrCMPRMDaa1_vsEaR-OIInwCLcB/s640/20161223_110218.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e3R4bIOTeO4/WGDfVsxMjaI/AAAAAAAAIYs/EQWWqiieb5YajEfp76oGiHfn3cr7aoG3gCLcB/s1600/20161223_105627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e3R4bIOTeO4/WGDfVsxMjaI/AAAAAAAAIYs/EQWWqiieb5YajEfp76oGiHfn3cr7aoG3gCLcB/s640/20161223_105627.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2bvXUE49gvM/WGDfWKdJ2AI/AAAAAAAAIY4/IxT2ynPrQC4nP5sJEbPoGGulWzovOheYACLcB/s1600/20161223_110401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2bvXUE49gvM/WGDfWKdJ2AI/AAAAAAAAIY4/IxT2ynPrQC4nP5sJEbPoGGulWzovOheYACLcB/s640/20161223_110401.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>And we reach Awana Skyway</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The whole ride took about 10 minutes from Sky Avenue station to Awana Station. Do note Awana station is not at Awana Hotel but Resort World Genting do provide free shuttle bus from Awana station to Awana Hotel.We reached Awana Station (end stop) at around 11.04am.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cTYQ_6duz0o/WGDfWct9xRI/AAAAAAAAIY0/dVfgNaitmHIFm_2TDMwaRtHvLWi-vsCpQCLcB/s1600/20161223_110410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cTYQ_6duz0o/WGDfWct9xRI/AAAAAAAAIY0/dVfgNaitmHIFm_2TDMwaRtHvLWi-vsCpQCLcB/s640/20161223_110410.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>looks like they are prepared for a huge crowd of guests to Genting!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Basically, Awana Station is for coach to gather their guests and there is also GoGenting bus to KL (Pudu Sentral, KL Sentral, Putra LRT Gombak, One Utama). For more information about the GoGenting bus, look up <a href="http://www.rwgenting.com/plan-your-trip/travel-planner/transportation/express-bus/">here </a>at RWG web.<br />
<br />
As such in the end we managed to get a cab at the pick up point area. Taxis don't go by meter, instead both passenger and driver decide on a price before boarding. We were initially charged RM 50 and after bargaining we were charged RM 40 (SGD $ 14.81) from Awana Skyway to Chin Swee Temple. It was actually kind of overpriced given that it is only about a 10-15 mins ride.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NtFW-rqYVUk/WGDfWpADVnI/AAAAAAAAIY8/gmzwV7I47jwk_wznonz8rBVOdWWn5c32ACLcB/s1600/20161223_112235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NtFW-rqYVUk/WGDfWpADVnI/AAAAAAAAIY8/gmzwV7I47jwk_wznonz8rBVOdWWn5c32ACLcB/s640/20161223_112235.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inside the taxi with our chinese driver</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7i4kNiZTxGM/WGDfXFfM92I/AAAAAAAAIZA/-krnG7XIGCcRpDOnCpdF71OZtWou-xhXQCLcB/s1600/20161223_112250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7i4kNiZTxGM/WGDfXFfM92I/AAAAAAAAIZA/-krnG7XIGCcRpDOnCpdF71OZtWou-xhXQCLcB/s640/20161223_112250.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Along the way</i></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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3fwxgU2H3EQ/WGDfXfJ3t4I/AAAAAAAAIZE/D7LC37C8L948S8uVRoRUWZQZRhZ3TfO6wCLcB/s1600/20161223_113200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3fwxgU2H3EQ/WGDfXfJ3t4I/AAAAAAAAIZE/D7LC37C8L948S8uVRoRUWZQZRhZ3TfO6wCLcB/s640/20161223_113200.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>we reached Chin Swee via taxi CCX 3256 safely ~</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We reached Chin Swee temple at around 11.30am. It was foggy. Sky wasn't as clear as when we went the first time in 2012. Read up on our 2012 Genting post <a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/Genting%20Day%202">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZ-zym7Z92k/WGDfXnomYyI/AAAAAAAAIZI/xD3lwyzhrFwaaivzkP1OvlicHpvioKdYgCLcB/s1600/20161223_113218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZ-zym7Z92k/WGDfXnomYyI/AAAAAAAAIZI/xD3lwyzhrFwaaivzkP1OvlicHpvioKdYgCLcB/s640/20161223_113218.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RIzXHNpweVI/WGDfrwS-kWI/AAAAAAAAIdA/CSkDrYILhGEOR--BSsc6c-yNdVT7ZGRkwCLcB/s1600/P1050645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RIzXHNpweVI/WGDfrwS-kWI/AAAAAAAAIdA/CSkDrYILhGEOR--BSsc6c-yNdVT7ZGRkwCLcB/s640/P1050645.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>There's some minor construction here at Chin Swee Temple too</i></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ds7f135E0I/WGDfYRWQi0I/AAAAAAAAIZU/zGp70GPv2nMyGV3zgMme3tAmWzpdh5ceQCLcB/s1600/20161223_114318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ds7f135E0I/WGDfYRWQi0I/AAAAAAAAIZU/zGp70GPv2nMyGV3zgMme3tAmWzpdh5ceQCLcB/s640/20161223_114318.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Resort World Genting hotels at the top</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-18M018_WLVY/WGDfsI1SjOI/AAAAAAAAIdE/iOUdVjClfEUDhP0vhYFbWATzV3HicPmaACLcB/s1600/P1050646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-18M018_WLVY/WGDfsI1SjOI/AAAAAAAAIdE/iOUdVjClfEUDhP0vhYFbWATzV3HicPmaACLcB/s640/P1050646.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lRKmsRJFf7g/WGDftNSoarI/AAAAAAAAIdM/AAx3m9L9C1Q4KQX6k28p_zn8pUr-bMbLwCLcB/s1600/P1050649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lRKmsRJFf7g/WGDftNSoarI/AAAAAAAAIdM/AAx3m9L9C1Q4KQX6k28p_zn8pUr-bMbLwCLcB/s640/P1050649.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jntCVDzIMTo/WGDftqcBOII/AAAAAAAAIdU/IRitGBKc4fMy7seOlntm_aNNZDZMI6mOgCLcB/s1600/P1050652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jntCVDzIMTo/WGDftqcBOII/AAAAAAAAIdU/IRitGBKc4fMy7seOlntm_aNNZDZMI6mOgCLcB/s640/P1050652.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lECVsNWF1rc/WGDfuJwFRjI/AAAAAAAAIdY/O5Il-itJ6dAHc8MbKWhzK44dfTlWiW7YwCLcB/s1600/P1050653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lECVsNWF1rc/WGDfuJwFRjI/AAAAAAAAIdY/O5Il-itJ6dAHc8MbKWhzK44dfTlWiW7YwCLcB/s640/P1050653.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yZ8y3ZWMF-c/WGDfuXieF_I/AAAAAAAAIdc/mKLsjh51uo8WRugChSETXQvgSUzPGrz1ACLcB/s1600/P1050656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yZ8y3ZWMF-c/WGDfuXieF_I/AAAAAAAAIdc/mKLsjh51uo8WRugChSETXQvgSUzPGrz1ACLcB/s640/P1050656.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PomobJaapxM/WGDfujEwU7I/AAAAAAAAIdg/gqgsqRW4zSY-dTW5LSkZHZHpuStC9UIfACLcB/s1600/P1050661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PomobJaapxM/WGDfujEwU7I/AAAAAAAAIdg/gqgsqRW4zSY-dTW5LSkZHZHpuStC9UIfACLcB/s640/P1050661.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Path to Enlightenment - Visitors can walk through (it is something like Spore's Haw Par Vila)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFwR1K4T0Os/WGDfv-GxfMI/AAAAAAAAIds/EFbi9PlLQt8ITgKgYD81WLz6HdYMe1xyQCLcB/s1600/P1050669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFwR1K4T0Os/WGDfv-GxfMI/AAAAAAAAIds/EFbi9PlLQt8ITgKgYD81WLz6HdYMe1xyQCLcB/s640/P1050669.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xP3pxXi5suo/WGDfvR7tBuI/AAAAAAAAIdk/D_Zye-2KMGwu8iJvJ5EXrdOexZuWeoYxQCLcB/s1600/P1050662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xP3pxXi5suo/WGDfvR7tBuI/AAAAAAAAIdk/D_Zye-2KMGwu8iJvJ5EXrdOexZuWeoYxQCLcB/s640/P1050662.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lxK1uR2CxVY/WGDfv67_j0I/AAAAAAAAIdo/uh-koiZq0ns3VMf5ZqLBB8SYfNT41OJOgCLcB/s1600/P1050667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lxK1uR2CxVY/WGDfv67_j0I/AAAAAAAAIdo/uh-koiZq0ns3VMf5ZqLBB8SYfNT41OJOgCLcB/s640/P1050667.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vtwHDa3jxi8/WGDfyWLcieI/AAAAAAAAIeE/_pdqjTFIElcbaTwQUhYufySRGy7clKscACLcB/s1600/P1050683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vtwHDa3jxi8/WGDfyWLcieI/AAAAAAAAIeE/_pdqjTFIElcbaTwQUhYufySRGy7clKscACLcB/s640/P1050683.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BeelzRgeLNU/WGDfyV26i1I/AAAAAAAAIeI/EETwO-9DLUQBBw7ZRyMuxWtUgvxR26PKgCLcB/s1600/P1050688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BeelzRgeLNU/WGDfyV26i1I/AAAAAAAAIeI/EETwO-9DLUQBBw7ZRyMuxWtUgvxR26PKgCLcB/s640/P1050688.JPG" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pagoda</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V1rSUTXfb8Q/WGDfy5TZthI/AAAAAAAAIeM/K-6s3tk3PLcv5WYoAqGWW5eGh6t2ymdaQCLcB/s1600/P1050689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V1rSUTXfb8Q/WGDfy5TZthI/AAAAAAAAIeM/K-6s3tk3PLcv5WYoAqGWW5eGh6t2ymdaQCLcB/s640/P1050689.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sun Wu Kong with Awana Skyway in the backdrop</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8IkwEBznvP0/WGDfzH6rK8I/AAAAAAAAIeQ/J6W7GCH5j280SX6QdUlacgprhmHNhHiQwCLcB/s1600/P1050695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8IkwEBznvP0/WGDfzH6rK8I/AAAAAAAAIeQ/J6W7GCH5j280SX6QdUlacgprhmHNhHiQwCLcB/s640/P1050695.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lim Goh Tong Statue</i></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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5aQv280JUXw/WGDfzbd9WtI/AAAAAAAAIeU/yHTdDqGI4mwM5dbTbcS1h14ffSDXapDAACLcB/s1600/P1050703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5aQv280JUXw/WGDfzbd9WtI/AAAAAAAAIeU/yHTdDqGI4mwM5dbTbcS1h14ffSDXapDAACLcB/s640/P1050703.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Vegetarian Restaurant @ Chin Swee Temple</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We did not eat at the vegetarian restaurant this time round instead we went to Gohtong Jaya for a light meal. Read up on our 2012 Genting post on Chin Swee Vegetarian Restaurant <a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/Genting%20Day%202">here</a>.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This time round we book a ride via UBER car. Waiting time was a little long however it is so much cheaper than when we flag a cab or get a ride from those private car. We booked the car via uber at 12.48pm but only managed to board at around 1.15pm. As Gohtong Jaya is big, we put 'Hotel Gohtong Jaya' as our end destination. That hotel is near the food places/ zichar.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vKsB-378U8g/WGDv8yhowcI/AAAAAAAAIfc/TbDaaekDgEACLMn84taavTuhUWuqmXyaQCLcB/s1600/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2016-12-23%2Bat%2B3.58.08%2BPM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vKsB-378U8g/WGDv8yhowcI/AAAAAAAAIfc/TbDaaekDgEACLMn84taavTuhUWuqmXyaQCLcB/s640/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2016-12-23%2Bat%2B3.58.08%2BPM.jpeg" width="376" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Uber receipt</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Prior to booking, our estimated fare was RM8 (SGD $2.96). We were a little skeptical but we decide to give it a try. It was supposed to be a short journey, however he seem to detour and took a longer journey but heading up to FWH and then travel down to Gohtong Jaya again. As such we reached Gohtong Jaya at 1.40pm. Nevertheless, we were still shocked when he told us the fare is RM 16.02 (SGD $5.93). His ride is almost 25 mins and yet it cost so much lesser than the first taxi ride we took. We gave him RM 30 (SGD $11.11) with the excess as tips.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8tjvUscgx2g/WGDfY_JmKUI/AAAAAAAAIZY/JNNkLchl1a8HyLDahlqhJ4BIxBpXDPwSACLcB/s1600/20161223_134103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8tjvUscgx2g/WGDfY_JmKUI/AAAAAAAAIZY/JNNkLchl1a8HyLDahlqhJ4BIxBpXDPwSACLcB/s640/20161223_134103.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Off he goes, and here we are at Gohtong Jaya</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As one of us felt a little nausea after the ride, we walked over to strawberry farm first.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e0QKmM9dil0/WGDqPF3NrNI/AAAAAAAAIfE/1Dv8qGRX2fcQuiBmlHQfYOlmhLm4H90bACLcB/s1600/20161223_135637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e0QKmM9dil0/WGDqPF3NrNI/AAAAAAAAIfE/1Dv8qGRX2fcQuiBmlHQfYOlmhLm4H90bACLcB/s640/20161223_135637.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Long road up to Strawberry farm</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tic_9Ysq_JE/WGDqN2UCikI/AAAAAAAAIe0/-gbaVcOWym4mWQgk_haHMd97SjvK1YlrACLcB/s1600/20161223_135504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tic_9Ysq_JE/WGDqN2UCikI/AAAAAAAAIe0/-gbaVcOWym4mWQgk_haHMd97SjvK1YlrACLcB/s640/20161223_135504.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Entrance of Strawberry farm</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dPz4vdvzNQU/WGDqN7u3j4I/AAAAAAAAIe4/xo1Sh_b1WjwGY3iTD3GO1SHsTWEyHNmwACLcB/s1600/20161223_135344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dPz4vdvzNQU/WGDqN7u3j4I/AAAAAAAAIe4/xo1Sh_b1WjwGY3iTD3GO1SHsTWEyHNmwACLcB/s640/20161223_135344.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Strawberry farm map</i></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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aZWSW4Tm9I4/WGDqOMgyLsI/AAAAAAAAIe8/XefRlGna7RgP9H_NQRmhZ6IJTebOlMAmACLcB/s1600/20161223_135352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aZWSW4Tm9I4/WGDqOMgyLsI/AAAAAAAAIe8/XefRlGna7RgP9H_NQRmhZ6IJTebOlMAmACLcB/s640/20161223_135352.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ticketing counter RM 8 (SGD $2.96) / pax to Strawberry farm</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Apparently now it charge for admission to the strawberry farm :( Read up on our 2012 Genting post <a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/Genting%20Day%201">here</a> on strawberry farm, when admission was free!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As such, we decide to give it a miss and head over to Gohtong Jaya food area. It is a one whole stretch of shop houses with Zichar. Typically people come here for fresh seafood especially steam fish as the price is affordable and they are fresh!</div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dFzM4MBLLhk/WGDfaNOWk_I/AAAAAAAAIZo/Glh5RZ-5W7Y-IVk0G5oG6aXLFYzTrkHlACLcB/s1600/20161223_144221_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dFzM4MBLLhk/WGDfaNOWk_I/AAAAAAAAIZo/Glh5RZ-5W7Y-IVk0G5oG6aXLFYzTrkHlACLcB/s640/20161223_144221_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gohtong Jaya restaurants/zi char</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We did not have zichar this time round as we wanted to try Genting Palace Restaurant for dinner and afraid that we couldn't stomach both meals within a short span of time. Instead, we had a light meal at Shan Yuan Restoran!</div>
<div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D968wcM6XXI/WGDfaDyXG7I/AAAAAAAAIZs/UmetR8F7I_oHnvTlv5hbkrWnRcp1opTegCLcB/s1600/20161223_144233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D968wcM6XXI/WGDfaDyXG7I/AAAAAAAAIZs/UmetR8F7I_oHnvTlv5hbkrWnRcp1opTegCLcB/s640/20161223_144233.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Shan Yuan Restoran</i></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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3yPbffu4C8s/WGDfZNi-7tI/AAAAAAAAIZg/S_BFk2dywG4ctxUY_Gm2QbLcD8X1qNQ0QCLcB/s1600/20161223_144104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3yPbffu4C8s/WGDfZNi-7tI/AAAAAAAAIZg/S_BFk2dywG4ctxUY_Gm2QbLcD8X1qNQ0QCLcB/s640/20161223_144104.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inside of Shan Yuan Restoran</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-btZy0eGW4BI/WGDfZ84LvdI/AAAAAAAAIZk/j0YDGUt3VAc1r6dTBZPEilrCx0N5L_V1wCLcB/s1600/20161223_144111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-btZy0eGW4BI/WGDfZ84LvdI/AAAAAAAAIZk/j0YDGUt3VAc1r6dTBZPEilrCx0N5L_V1wCLcB/s640/20161223_144111.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Barbacued meat hanging outside the shop</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-96UFMoVGWNk/WGDfZGkUmgI/AAAAAAAAIZc/R2XtMeoDT8cKcEkiH6DD4mo4c8lYNk3uACLcB/s1600/20161223_144050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-96UFMoVGWNk/WGDfZGkUmgI/AAAAAAAAIZc/R2XtMeoDT8cKcEkiH6DD4mo4c8lYNk3uACLcB/s640/20161223_144050.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Menu on the wall</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They sell Zichar and noodles too! While we were eating, on and off there are a few families that came to eat too.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cKdt_dipPQM/WGDqPDMuaHI/AAAAAAAAIfI/cRDW4pEJGIgkA-hlWparMHdtSqo_jcPlgCLcB/s1600/20161223_141737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cKdt_dipPQM/WGDqPDMuaHI/AAAAAAAAIfI/cRDW4pEJGIgkA-hlWparMHdtSqo_jcPlgCLcB/s640/20161223_141737.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fried Bee Hoon RM 10 (SGD $3.70)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Homemade Long Han Guo Drink (with Winter Melon pieces) RM 4 (SGD $1.48)<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fhNmyd86FRc/WGDqPL0Iz2I/AAAAAAAAIfA/7Sm9dVLaXIkl9E1AL0ivw7Jyt4PzPCGgQCLcB/s1600/20161223_141755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fhNmyd86FRc/WGDqPL0Iz2I/AAAAAAAAIfA/7Sm9dVLaXIkl9E1AL0ivw7Jyt4PzPCGgQCLcB/s640/20161223_141755.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Shredded Chicken Hor Fun RM 8 (SGD $2.96)</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XakxbJeayG0/WGDqPzBgkvI/AAAAAAAAIfM/paOaKcVeIXQ3t2mdL6wDPMDT84ICwoczwCLcB/s1600/20161223_142054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XakxbJeayG0/WGDqPzBgkvI/AAAAAAAAIfM/paOaKcVeIXQ3t2mdL6wDPMDT84ICwoczwCLcB/s640/20161223_142054.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hokkien Mee RM 16 (SGD $5.93)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Food here is cheap and good! There's 2 wonton in the Shredded chicken noodles soup and there's prawns in the fried bee hoon. The homemade Luo Han Guo is the must order. Really authentic - no syrup added. Strongly recommend to eat here, or rather, any food store at Gohtong should be good and cheap too haha<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1fAKK0y8ijQ/WGDfkIDbhFI/AAAAAAAAIb0/fTyynxA308ohRa2DIm33-4AYpAEWxvKlwCLcB/s1600/20161225_123137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1fAKK0y8ijQ/WGDfkIDbhFI/AAAAAAAAIb0/fTyynxA308ohRa2DIm33-4AYpAEWxvKlwCLcB/s640/20161225_123137.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Receipt</i></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ll3vdfQBL4M/WGDfasxi2bI/AAAAAAAAIZw/r6krAvEULigPoeRTpCBLgmxGIOsdotdsQCLcB/s1600/20161223_144422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ll3vdfQBL4M/WGDfasxi2bI/AAAAAAAAIZw/r6krAvEULigPoeRTpCBLgmxGIOsdotdsQCLcB/s640/20161223_144422.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Stray dog</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There were some street peddlers that approach us while we were eating our lunch, selling Pineapple. We bought a bag of the pineapples (3/4 rubik cube size) for RM 10 (SGD $3.7). Along the stretch of shophouses at Gohtong Jaya we also bought a pomelo for RM 30 (SGD $11.11)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vxbArARvoLY/WGDfbJLG95I/AAAAAAAAIZ0/H5aNvWvEzOQwsdHBYIzy0FkZeqXrQvNjQCLcB/s1600/20161223_144429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vxbArARvoLY/WGDfbJLG95I/AAAAAAAAIZ0/H5aNvWvEzOQwsdHBYIzy0FkZeqXrQvNjQCLcB/s640/20161223_144429.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Doggy sit in the middle of the road</i></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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-00JuvPibexY/WGDfbIOGgII/AAAAAAAAIZ4/w8Yz-ph-SYwHPdMjb7puXvInXIY_-pbrQCLcB/s1600/20161223_144430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-00JuvPibexY/WGDfbIOGgII/AAAAAAAAIZ4/w8Yz-ph-SYwHPdMjb7puXvInXIY_-pbrQCLcB/s640/20161223_144430.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Same doggy lying on the road</i></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6lZ7QqH32c/WGDfboocZyI/AAAAAAAAIZ8/uU3QAgvVCLUsnUgFPoeLrh5-HUdJ72CBACLcB/s1600/20161223_145631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6lZ7QqH32c/WGDfboocZyI/AAAAAAAAIZ8/uU3QAgvVCLUsnUgFPoeLrh5-HUdJ72CBACLcB/s640/20161223_145631.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ice Cream man</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
His business is really good! Lots of customers in the restoran nearby came to buy ice cream.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-13AZii2qGpo/WGDfcWzWLXI/AAAAAAAAIaE/D9TJEOqA0C8S1RF7hv8rQ9VHhjCvfjkCQCLcB/s1600/20161223_145644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-13AZii2qGpo/WGDfcWzWLXI/AAAAAAAAIaE/D9TJEOqA0C8S1RF7hv8rQ9VHhjCvfjkCQCLcB/s640/20161223_145644.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Chicken floss and salted egg pastry push cart</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a6dNND66-v4/WGDfcdVjU6I/AAAAAAAAIaA/_PwWaQ6NPscRxR5pWpyJPtU3ub_ark1wACLcB/s1600/20161223_145635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a6dNND66-v4/WGDfcdVjU6I/AAAAAAAAIaA/_PwWaQ6NPscRxR5pWpyJPtU3ub_ark1wACLcB/s640/20161223_145635.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We purchased 2 boxes of pastries (Chicken floss and salted egg) from this store here. They are freshly baked. Each box consist of 6 pastries at RM 25/box (SGD $9.26)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mRngzUxWmYc/WGDflDmdD-I/AAAAAAAAIcA/GYMGxT86Tpo7d0Hr4_gbt-NT8fGpP5BIQCLcB/s1600/20161226_101319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mRngzUxWmYc/WGDflDmdD-I/AAAAAAAAIcA/GYMGxT86Tpo7d0Hr4_gbt-NT8fGpP5BIQCLcB/s640/20161226_101319.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VErHCL4toS4/WGDflNn8ywI/AAAAAAAAIcE/sQuRMDf6Mv0fzlEQIiyFrDVXGujUMZdGwCLcB/s1600/20161226_101353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VErHCL4toS4/WGDflNn8ywI/AAAAAAAAIcE/sQuRMDf6Mv0fzlEQIiyFrDVXGujUMZdGwCLcB/s640/20161226_101353.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The filling is a little dry and the salted egg is a little too hard. Might not buy back if we were to visit again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was hard to flag a cab at Gohtong. There were no UBER cars in the vicinity too. Luckily while we approaching a car park at Gohtong, there's some private car drivers there and they quoted RM 40 (SGD $14.8) to head up to FWH. We agreed, afterall we had no other alternative.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We were back at FWH at 330pm.</div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a8C2jmeP0Cs/WGDfcT26ixI/AAAAAAAAIaI/vrX3NQtzCOwr9zVpwcOzTWdSoYTWjmGfQCLcB/s1600/20161223_152950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a8C2jmeP0Cs/WGDfcT26ixI/AAAAAAAAIaI/vrX3NQtzCOwr9zVpwcOzTWdSoYTWjmGfQCLcB/s640/20161223_152950.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our private car WC1399Q from Gohtong Jaya to FWH</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Temperature check: 21.1 degrees celsius.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We headed to the new Tower 3 to see and thereafter we return to our hotel room to freshen up before we head out for dinner at 6pm.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w2tBe-_-QpA/WGDfdR8Iw9I/AAAAAAAAIaU/nCMlQNom9MYwuaqKDNmmP7lFxhYu97fIQCLcB/s1600/20161223_153547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w2tBe-_-QpA/WGDfdR8Iw9I/AAAAAAAAIaU/nCMlQNom9MYwuaqKDNmmP7lFxhYu97fIQCLcB/s640/20161223_153547.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tower 3 lobby - Y5 rooms</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-asttk1oKYMs/WGDfdwBZNEI/AAAAAAAAIaY/ofXjEfIca34ulaHVMLMUvErJ6TppjNo8QCLcB/s1600/20161223_153550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-asttk1oKYMs/WGDfdwBZNEI/AAAAAAAAIaY/ofXjEfIca34ulaHVMLMUvErJ6TppjNo8QCLcB/s640/20161223_153550.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sidewalk of Tower 3</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Seems to be a 'balcony' however there's glass panels and visitors can't step out to the grass porch.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wY_DAENNiiM/WGDfeRC1ASI/AAAAAAAAIag/zmpHVRfTqEgUrNP3ALGMSvgnNi9L81sawCLcB/s1600/20161223_153617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wY_DAENNiiM/WGDfeRC1ASI/AAAAAAAAIag/zmpHVRfTqEgUrNP3ALGMSvgnNi9L81sawCLcB/s640/20161223_153617.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Modern Tower 3 with Terminal 2 cafe at the right of the picture</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We head out of our hotel and made our way to Genting Palace Restaurant (云华宫)at around 6pm. It is situated at Level 2, Genting Grand (beside Maxims). It is located beside the Genting International showroom, which is where Ultraman is now showing live. Dinner starts at 6pm at Genting Palace Restaurant.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EY2EtVAyEGA/WGDfe5Vh-sI/AAAAAAAAIao/Ry_QoIscucQP2rLNPBwuuVFzaOg-nIB-ACLcB/s1600/20161223_182330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EY2EtVAyEGA/WGDfe5Vh-sI/AAAAAAAAIao/Ry_QoIscucQP2rLNPBwuuVFzaOg-nIB-ACLcB/s640/20161223_182330.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Entrance of Genting Palace Restaurant</i></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XktL_ogl8GA/WGDffZmgqcI/AAAAAAAAIas/HE9YzrahFd8uWvg5POXzGZ0Qi0O2pHPUwCLcB/s1600/20161223_182358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XktL_ogl8GA/WGDffZmgqcI/AAAAAAAAIas/HE9YzrahFd8uWvg5POXzGZ0Qi0O2pHPUwCLcB/s640/20161223_182358.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Interior</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The restaurant is really huge, when we reached at around 6.30pm it was only about 30-40% filled. By 7pm, it is closed to 70/80% filled.<br />
<br />
This restaurant serves exquisite Cantonese delicacies and there's member rates for this restaurant. Food is on the higher side as compared to other eateries/restaurants in Genting, but <b>it is worth every penny spent.</b> The food quality is really good. Prices here are member rates. As mentioned in Day 1 post, member's price and non-member's price generally differ by 5-10%.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dsITffE8RoY/WGDffp4HCvI/AAAAAAAAIa0/Oz2KFKacGSYyLbVUefRA9TB5vOAMC4QxACLcB/s1600/20161223_184743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dsITffE8RoY/WGDffp4HCvI/AAAAAAAAIa0/Oz2KFKacGSYyLbVUefRA9TB5vOAMC4QxACLcB/s640/20161223_184743.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>From top to bottom (clockwise): Jasmine Tea / pot RM 15 (SGD $5.55), Corn with crabmeat soup RM 18 (SGD $6.67), Half Roast Duck RM 58 (SGD $21.48)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The roast duck comes with jelly fish at the side. The portion is really huge but it doesn't matter, as the roastt duck is really sumptious. We thought that this roasted delight is so much better than what we had on Day 1 at Good Friends Restaurant (好友记)! <b>Highly Recommend roasted delights (roasted duck) from Genting Palace Restaurant!!!!</b><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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ABNDdOsC0Ic/WGDffm1-ekI/AAAAAAAAIaw/O8e-xLVvOS8bm-uEQ6bwJmekYok6ZDp7gCLcB/s1600/20161223_185028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ABNDdOsC0Ic/WGDffm1-ekI/AAAAAAAAIaw/O8e-xLVvOS8bm-uEQ6bwJmekYok6ZDp7gCLcB/s640/20161223_185028.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Seafood beancurd in claypot RM 65 (SGD $24.07)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E7fEIFBdiXA/WGDfgT3s69I/AAAAAAAAIa8/f8UJu15xccM0E_XWc0lYR-9RLcSeVbohACLcB/s1600/20161223_185200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E7fEIFBdiXA/WGDfgT3s69I/AAAAAAAAIa8/f8UJu15xccM0E_XWc0lYR-9RLcSeVbohACLcB/s640/20161223_185200.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Stir Fried Scallop with Brocolli RM 78 (SGD $28.89)</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3y2kAKvrfN8/WGDfghYbCtI/AAAAAAAAIbA/pH9EnAC3PFwSNVJ4Wbz9eztKf6wxaUkmwCLcB/s1600/20161223_185202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3y2kAKvrfN8/WGDfghYbCtI/AAAAAAAAIbA/pH9EnAC3PFwSNVJ4Wbz9eztKf6wxaUkmwCLcB/s640/20161223_185202.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dried chilli chicken with cashew nut RM 40 (SGD $14.81)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p6RkiLTHVeg/WGDfgMiyPQI/AAAAAAAAIa4/Ddn5BHyLCwIvXqIwaPD3cgYE-vEyCR8zwCLcB/s1600/20161223_185154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p6RkiLTHVeg/WGDfgMiyPQI/AAAAAAAAIa4/Ddn5BHyLCwIvXqIwaPD3cgYE-vEyCR8zwCLcB/s640/20161223_185154.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Food Galore @ Genting Palace Restaurant</i></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_zr94AyjMyY/WGDfgyask6I/AAAAAAAAIbE/4ipWKsb6qwstH282DFmvP3OMvldyNTPbQCLcB/s1600/20161223_193625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_zr94AyjMyY/WGDfgyask6I/AAAAAAAAIbE/4ipWKsb6qwstH282DFmvP3OMvldyNTPbQCLcB/s640/20161223_193625.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Order Chit</i></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4WV0RUJFaME/WGDfhDw80eI/AAAAAAAAIbI/qDIy77npgJo5BQVFysaoin_bypIlYkBLwCLcB/s1600/20161223_193902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4WV0RUJFaME/WGDfhDw80eI/AAAAAAAAIbI/qDIy77npgJo5BQVFysaoin_bypIlYkBLwCLcB/s640/20161223_193902.jpg" width="322" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Receipt</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In total we paid RM 286 (SGD $105.92) for a hearty and sumptous meal. Portions are fixed here (all standardised sizing with no S/M/L portions). The waitress was kind enough to highlight to us that we ordered too many when we wanted to order one more dish. She was correct as we really feel full after eating all the dishes and rice. Genting points here are at x5 basis, i.e. RM 286 spending earned us RP 1430 points.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We conclude dinner at around 7.45pm and we head out to feel the cold breeze. Brrrr. 19 degrees celsius.</div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mL0XB5iXyWI/WGDfhi4_PNI/AAAAAAAAIbQ/BclOQ3LnJn4gdIXgVU0dHPxA-T5hnLiYACLcB/s1600/20161223_194718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mL0XB5iXyWI/WGDfhi4_PNI/AAAAAAAAIbQ/BclOQ3LnJn4gdIXgVU0dHPxA-T5hnLiYACLcB/s640/20161223_194718.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Brrr cold foggy weather</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ0S3pnXcS4/WGDfhVH1qKI/AAAAAAAAIbM/gAWVnpZwBN0Lx2z-TZrgKMBFjFUlS-rjACLcB/s1600/20161223_194703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ0S3pnXcS4/WGDfhVH1qKI/AAAAAAAAIbM/gAWVnpZwBN0Lx2z-TZrgKMBFjFUlS-rjACLcB/s640/20161223_194703.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Christmas lightings outside of Genting Grand</i></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xfl8Tc48BHg/WGDfh0b9oII/AAAAAAAAIbU/feVRiOScJfsD_jszV0ItYslxu6DDy5j1gCLcB/s1600/20161223_195401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xfl8Tc48BHg/WGDfh0b9oII/AAAAAAAAIbU/feVRiOScJfsD_jszV0ItYslxu6DDy5j1gCLcB/s640/20161223_195401.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Christmas Carol at Genting Grand Lobby</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We saw the same choir from Day 1 performing at FWH, at the Genting Grand lobby giving christmas carol again!<br />
<br />
As we walked back to FWH, we stop by Baskin Robbins for our ice cream. How can we miss eating ice cream when you are at Genting with this cold weather?<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BVcp4JnXJyo/WGDfjcdKbGI/AAAAAAAAIbo/BEqn4TfESw4Jqr6JcpniZrX1AQXaL8d_QCLcB/s1600/20161223_205128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BVcp4JnXJyo/WGDfjcdKbGI/AAAAAAAAIbo/BEqn4TfESw4Jqr6JcpniZrX1AQXaL8d_QCLcB/s640/20161223_205128.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Baskin Robbins</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eXt9OCgYS40/WGDfiG6UDFI/AAAAAAAAIbY/T-_qLBcdN_YnDJt5471Z_LQbS8gHkBpcACLcB/s1600/20161223_204909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eXt9OCgYS40/WGDfiG6UDFI/AAAAAAAAIbY/T-_qLBcdN_YnDJt5471Z_LQbS8gHkBpcACLcB/s640/20161223_204909.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Variety of ice cream flavours</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9Mq5ExSb2Q/WGDfiXaxEnI/AAAAAAAAIbc/yUMahZTmgLcmxfE-wBB5MBaIUvFx9Z45gCLcB/s1600/20161223_204911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9Mq5ExSb2Q/WGDfiXaxEnI/AAAAAAAAIbc/yUMahZTmgLcmxfE-wBB5MBaIUvFx9Z45gCLcB/s640/20161223_204911.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Monthly free up size from Single Regular to Double Junior scoop - for Brown sugar choco chip flavour only</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We ordered 2 ( 1 cone and 1 cup) for sharing. Single Regular is priced at RM 11 (SGD $4.07). Hence we get 2 double junior scoop for the price of 2 single regular (RM 22 - SGD $8.14)! Good Deal!<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2P1I8tZ7xuc/WGDfiv2O5OI/AAAAAAAAIbg/mtICNgA4N-E1r519uUNhvH6oK7IAOAt_gCLcB/s1600/20161223_205012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2P1I8tZ7xuc/WGDfiv2O5OI/AAAAAAAAIbg/mtICNgA4N-E1r519uUNhvH6oK7IAOAt_gCLcB/s640/20161223_205012.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cup ice cream - Brown Sugar Choco chip</i></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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mWchZi-seqY/WGDfizbMqwI/AAAAAAAAIbk/Wzvgi_s3PzE1hsBlheyK6tnOLO5em4_FQCLcB/s1600/20161223_205023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mWchZi-seqY/WGDfizbMqwI/AAAAAAAAIbk/Wzvgi_s3PzE1hsBlheyK6tnOLO5em4_FQCLcB/s640/20161223_205023.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: 12.8px;">Cone - Brown Sugar Choco chip</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iZ0EQbR44Og/WGDfjWkqx5I/AAAAAAAAIbs/s-5dez41NukeiDsDh8iKT0OYpWWta5ZkQCLcB/s1600/20161223_205131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iZ0EQbR44Og/WGDfjWkqx5I/AAAAAAAAIbs/s-5dez41NukeiDsDh8iKT0OYpWWta5ZkQCLcB/s640/20161223_205131.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Casino</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are plenty of entrances to the casino in Genting. We went for the scratch and win again, and this time round we won RP 200 bonus! In conjunction with Christmas we saw Toy soldiers parade near Genting Rewards Centre at 9pm.</div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-75LjNluS26Y/WGDfjoR_zbI/AAAAAAAAIbw/ygShe7vM6-gyoX4lv67eusHH5lupwCQnwCLcB/s1600/20161223_210939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-75LjNluS26Y/WGDfjoR_zbI/AAAAAAAAIbw/ygShe7vM6-gyoX4lv67eusHH5lupwCQnwCLcB/s640/20161223_210939.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Toy soldiers marching in!</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nJViLeJmqtA/WGDfkEVxsCI/AAAAAAAAIb4/aUS_AAZrUoIrAzB1qYaD6JXY06WemZfTwCLcB/s1600/20161223_210946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nJViLeJmqtA/WGDfkEVxsCI/AAAAAAAAIb4/aUS_AAZrUoIrAzB1qYaD6JXY06WemZfTwCLcB/s640/20161223_210946.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Toy soldiers!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We ended the day with a quick tour around the huge casino at FWH. Just like in 2012, it is filled with smokers and there are ATMs/ free beverages just to keep gamblers in the casino. It was a good experience but I would rather spend my money on food :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/3D2N%20Genting%20Day%203">Click here for Day 3</a></b></div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951287982667008118.post-18451987824454628162016-12-22T00:00:00.000+08:002016-12-26T21:16:48.455+08:00Genting 3D2N Day 1<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><u>1st:</u> Spore-> First World Hotel FWH (Genting Highlands, Malaysia) -> Good Friends Restaurant (好友记) @ Maxims -> Genting Bowl -> Sky Avenue -> BMS Organic @ Sky Avenue FWH</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">Morning! It is 3 days to Christmas and we are off for our Year end Short Vacation to the highlands today! This time round we are off to Genting Malaysia with WTS Travel Pte Ltd. The Package we booked includes 2 way coach from CCK to Genting (Mushroom Farm Bus Terminal) and back, plus 2 nights stay at First World Hotel Deluxe Room. WTS provide several pick up points. Feel free to head to their <a href="https://www.wtstravel.com.sg/index.php/10-promotions/127-genting-promotion">website </a>to find out more about their Genting package and pick up points!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Disclaimer! Due to time constraints, to make blogging more effective, photos posted in this post are unedited. Bus rest assured, it will still be as informative! We welcome email queries about our trip @ <a href="mailto:all4travel.enquiry@gmail.com">all4travel.enquiry@gmail.com</a></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b></span>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g2tkMxVn5s0/WGCunGvHGkI/AAAAAAAAIPU/JPo7-cuzdzERqAo_XKpUx80sZrF-0IHkwCLcB/s1600/20161222_055310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g2tkMxVn5s0/WGCunGvHGkI/AAAAAAAAIPU/JPo7-cuzdzERqAo_XKpUx80sZrF-0IHkwCLcB/s640/20161222_055310.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>WTS coach to Genting</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our coach depature time is 6am. When we reach at 5.53am, the coach was already there. There were 2 coaches departing from CCK to Genting on that day! Good Business !<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kKfveXkv8p8/WGCunNiwYxI/AAAAAAAAIPY/U4Sei7AA22oEfoK5JoBd-TtQPfRxPmIIwCLcB/s1600/20161222_055322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kKfveXkv8p8/WGCunNiwYxI/AAAAAAAAIPY/U4Sei7AA22oEfoK5JoBd-TtQPfRxPmIIwCLcB/s640/20161222_055322.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>onboard PA9199G to Genting</i></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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kht6FCyLDPI/WGCunMI9rII/AAAAAAAAIPQ/tb35F3YnqgsYlqvdNOiUuNtI-eslvWhbACLcB/s1600/20161222_055639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kht6FCyLDPI/WGCunMI9rII/AAAAAAAAIPQ/tb35F3YnqgsYlqvdNOiUuNtI-eslvWhbACLcB/s640/20161222_055639.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>we were seated on the first storey of the coach</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This coach is a newer one. Seats are definitely more comfy than our return coach and they provide free wifi on board the coach. Our return coach does not come with free wifi :( Seats were pre-allocated.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tn3TozXMbkI/WGCusDCn7kI/AAAAAAAAIQE/eU8IqDuBgv43Z8hTKf5PXd2dCuYNUgpRQCLcB/s1600/20161222_114218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tn3TozXMbkI/WGCusDCn7kI/AAAAAAAAIQE/eU8IqDuBgv43Z8hTKf5PXd2dCuYNUgpRQCLcB/s640/20161222_114218.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Free Wifi onboard new WTS coach</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We cleared Malaysia custom by 6.51am. Custom clearance (Singapore - Auto lane and Malayia - manual lane) were both fast with little queue. We went via Tuas Link.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-an1580Nb1pw/WGCuoA_qVDI/AAAAAAAAIPc/lsBx8A2vpWEe3ySzubI0OH5-Wl9w-F-SQCLcB/s1600/20161222_065157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-an1580Nb1pw/WGCuoA_qVDI/AAAAAAAAIPc/lsBx8A2vpWEe3ySzubI0OH5-Wl9w-F-SQCLcB/s640/20161222_065157.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Provision shop @ Malaysia Custom</i></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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CaQBRDlMUx0/WGCuow4SvlI/AAAAAAAAIPg/Rk_ToUJ0KBI1cpnQGUXu22e5_qMTtYQ2QCLcB/s1600/20161222_065723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CaQBRDlMUx0/WGCuow4SvlI/AAAAAAAAIPg/Rk_ToUJ0KBI1cpnQGUXu22e5_qMTtYQ2QCLcB/s640/20161222_065723.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Big Billboards you will see along Malaysia</i></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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xKwOfKCfALs/WGCuo_GQeGI/AAAAAAAAIPk/QF6oNZSGwKIu82ysZZCXlGyGSeWFeFo5gCLcB/s1600/20161222_065749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xKwOfKCfALs/WGCuo_GQeGI/AAAAAAAAIPk/QF6oNZSGwKIu82ysZZCXlGyGSeWFeFo5gCLcB/s640/20161222_065749.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Not forgetting the multiple Toll Stations (aka ERP)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We reached our first rest stop cum breakfast at Yong Peng at 8.35am.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-an4lltJ1pUw/WGCupRsNXEI/AAAAAAAAIPo/Q9N7MFIvpd0c4XMYlJ1QIIWlaq7Ug-y4QCLcB/s1600/20161222_080841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-an4lltJ1pUw/WGCupRsNXEI/AAAAAAAAIPo/Q9N7MFIvpd0c4XMYlJ1QIIWlaq7Ug-y4QCLcB/s640/20161222_080841.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yong Peng food stalls</i></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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oF_z0UpTCzg/WGCup9oOC2I/AAAAAAAAIPs/cnsD3SgIZeoY5IwljV_vp82MARZdzDZqgCLcB/s1600/20161222_080900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oF_z0UpTCzg/WGCup9oOC2I/AAAAAAAAIPs/cnsD3SgIZeoY5IwljV_vp82MARZdzDZqgCLcB/s640/20161222_080900.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tandas Toilet</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g9CwTAP2Eag/WGCuqE5hGAI/AAAAAAAAIP0/GEDErVcgQ4AODpviHlSG5S22rOyEdtcigCLcB/s1600/20161222_080902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g9CwTAP2Eag/WGCuqE5hGAI/AAAAAAAAIP0/GEDErVcgQ4AODpviHlSG5S22rOyEdtcigCLcB/s640/20161222_080902.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Souvenir stalls @ yong Peng</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were given about 25mins for 3 toilet and food. We bought 2 sets of siew mai (3/set) @ RM 9 (SGD $3.33) / set. They are tiny and taste normal. Seems to be more expensive than what we can get in Singapore.<br />
Souvenir prices were also on the high side. Afterall this yong Peng stop station is a popular rest stop for tour buses.<br />
<br />
Our next rest stop was a pure toilet stop. Given 15 mins for toilet and off we depart again.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G2n2B2jzfCU/WGCuqZ_dLXI/AAAAAAAAIPw/mVzQFF8hcWA0mMibvup69eKBXvEZtyW5gCLcB/s1600/20161222_101923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G2n2B2jzfCU/WGCuqZ_dLXI/AAAAAAAAIPw/mVzQFF8hcWA0mMibvup69eKBXvEZtyW5gCLcB/s640/20161222_101923.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>2nd toilet stop</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Weather was good and no jams along the way. Good Traffic, Good Weather to start off our holiday!<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHLkNRfQYB4/WGCurR4uWPI/AAAAAAAAIP4/3EYHKjuBy_EkJn7MihlEUqyaEwXSNyi2wCLcB/s1600/20161222_110151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHLkNRfQYB4/WGCurR4uWPI/AAAAAAAAIP4/3EYHKjuBy_EkJn7MihlEUqyaEwXSNyi2wCLcB/s640/20161222_110151.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Spot the famous Twin Towers in KL!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Genting Highlands is located near KL and hence explain why we are able to catch glimpse of KL Twin Towers/Petronas Tower.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kSI9pszVbIc/WGCurs2EFBI/AAAAAAAAIP8/OVpreHVtJMQBtTaxQLNF8D5ysAJEwZn8ACLcB/s1600/20161222_111001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kSI9pszVbIc/WGCurs2EFBI/AAAAAAAAIP8/OVpreHVtJMQBtTaxQLNF8D5ysAJEwZn8ACLcB/s640/20161222_111001.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>residential building in KL area</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we approach KL we see many high rise buildings.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rpAZDt81KeQ/WGCur-uQATI/AAAAAAAAIQA/Ee-KmG3pqBcmu5jTzXhXuhvAcjVoLiBdwCLcB/s1600/20161222_111045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rpAZDt81KeQ/WGCur-uQATI/AAAAAAAAIQA/Ee-KmG3pqBcmu5jTzXhXuhvAcjVoLiBdwCLcB/s640/20161222_111045.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>spot the twin towers again!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was about 11am when we spot the Twin towers. And in another hour time, we spot Awana Hotel!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MLcdZvTKXWY/WGCusftaLKI/AAAAAAAAIQI/aJXetHqt_rUS_aYDfM2sWl1tpYSlm_H7gCLcB/s1600/20161222_115633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MLcdZvTKXWY/WGCusftaLKI/AAAAAAAAIQI/aJXetHqt_rUS_aYDfM2sWl1tpYSlm_H7gCLcB/s640/20161222_115633.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The tour guide/lady on the bus was nice enough to offer plastic bags in case we get nausea on the long winding mountain road up Genting Highlands. Awana Hotel is situated mid hill of Genting Highlands.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-apAvi_5ZBI0/WGCuszHX_KI/AAAAAAAAIQM/D-_4Kc8amZkLMnBauSbgZHBrw8N4NF2EQCLcB/s1600/20161222_120739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-apAvi_5ZBI0/WGCuszHX_KI/AAAAAAAAIQM/D-_4Kc8amZkLMnBauSbgZHBrw8N4NF2EQCLcB/s640/20161222_120739.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cradle Rock - near the peak</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And ta dah - iconic Resort World Genting hotel logo!<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Gfwuul2GKs/WGCutZj7x1I/AAAAAAAAIQQ/4Q_xFMgLNpckz5C9TWxuaylQNKkaP7dSACLcB/s1600/20161222_120848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Gfwuul2GKs/WGCutZj7x1I/AAAAAAAAIQQ/4Q_xFMgLNpckz5C9TWxuaylQNKkaP7dSACLcB/s640/20161222_120848.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Resort Genting Hotel</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were supposed to alight at Genting Mushroom Farm Bus Terminal and thereafter transfer the Genting shuttle bus up to First World Hotel, however the driver was kind enough that day, and drop us right off the porch of First World Hotel (FWH). We reached FWH at around 12.15pm, which was really early we thought!<br />
<br />
Our package supposedly provide XYZ deluxe room however upon checking we realised they only provide Deluxe room. Deluxe room is in Tower 2 and XYZ deluxe room (renamed as Y5 deluxe room) is in the new tower which is in Tower 3 and offers free WIFI.<br />
<br />
As we wanted to try upgrade to the Y5 deluxe room, we went to queue at the counter. Otherwise they have check-in machines which can help u fulfill basic request such as connecting room/mountain view room. Check in at counter requires additional RM 15 (SGD $5.55) per transaction.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wnr1RDxsvVY/WGCvRhSsrgI/AAAAAAAAIWY/NW9LFg4kGYg7C3mvlTBjmkHQa5pa1vaWwCLcB/s1600/P1050601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wnr1RDxsvVY/WGCvRhSsrgI/AAAAAAAAIWY/NW9LFg4kGYg7C3mvlTBjmkHQa5pa1vaWwCLcB/s640/P1050601.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Automated check in machines (taken Day 1 Night)</i></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sev4BqZTDOk/WGCvR4zwI2I/AAAAAAAAIWc/xE-rzNQ98_cnl9bfUIbwlWmYSkPQqIp4QCLcB/s1600/P1050603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sev4BqZTDOk/WGCvR4zwI2I/AAAAAAAAIWc/xE-rzNQ98_cnl9bfUIbwlWmYSkPQqIp4QCLcB/s640/P1050603.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Automated check in machines which can accomodate request like early check in, connecting room and mountain view</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CrrflEIB-AE/WGCvAaKwwCI/AAAAAAAAIT8/DxgkcQ0L-dAH4ZkYmsv7uYZY8x1SnLdvACLcB/s1600/P1050505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CrrflEIB-AE/WGCvAaKwwCI/AAAAAAAAIT8/DxgkcQ0L-dAH4ZkYmsv7uYZY8x1SnLdvACLcB/s640/P1050505.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>holding area at 1.15pm - probably people were camping there while waiting for 3pm check in</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1T7yCYxavIY/WGCutXVjTDI/AAAAAAAAIQU/5fjjAtX2o5g6AM65rw0GgBTUmNQgxTI4gCLcB/s1600/20161222_122807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1T7yCYxavIY/WGCutXVjTDI/AAAAAAAAIQU/5fjjAtX2o5g6AM65rw0GgBTUmNQgxTI4gCLcB/s640/20161222_122807.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Counter @ FWH</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
However when it was our turn, we were told that we cant upgrade as they have sold out ALL their rooms with the exception of standard room (lowest grade). We were disappointed and went to the machine.<br />
<br />
Somehow we can't get both mountain view room and connecting room. As such we sacrificed our mountain view room request and went for connecting room instead. In total we paid RM 15 (SGD $5.55) (RM 5 x2 rooms for early check in and RM 5 for connecting 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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tDZ4JRWd-to/WGC8BuPRedI/AAAAAAAAIWw/lgarvbEp-SABUgO5F4CuMNddZZ_ZqV92ACLcB/s1600/20161225_123209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tDZ4JRWd-to/WGC8BuPRedI/AAAAAAAAIWw/lgarvbEp-SABUgO5F4CuMNddZZ_ZqV92ACLcB/s640/20161225_123209.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Receipt from auto check in RM</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We managed to check in at 12.50pm. Usual check in is 3pm. Our rooms are situated on the 17th floor at Tower 2! Highest floor is 28th storey!<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_014bPBXOp0/WGCu_HJgpRI/AAAAAAAAITw/yaOpHHq-_hkn5edBtH6FY1hcDIe2IK9BgCLcB/s1600/P1050500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_014bPBXOp0/WGCu_HJgpRI/AAAAAAAAITw/yaOpHHq-_hkn5edBtH6FY1hcDIe2IK9BgCLcB/s640/P1050500.JPG" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our connecting rooms 17919 & 17918!</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cDXAPCtYB7M/WGCvAOM0-5I/AAAAAAAAIT4/Zj3iBWt1pfgWg7nuP6sNo0_3R_d_1YibACLcB/s1600/P1050502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cDXAPCtYB7M/WGCvAOM0-5I/AAAAAAAAIT4/Zj3iBWt1pfgWg7nuP6sNo0_3R_d_1YibACLcB/s640/P1050502.JPG" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>passage way</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They have been refurbished, carpets all changed and even TVs are upgraded to LCD TV instead of previous CRT TV. Fridge and kettle seems new and clean too. There is dispenser (hot and cold water) near the lift lobby on every floor. But hot water temperature hovers around 85 degrees celsius. The wallpaper in the room makes the whole room livelier.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p8bU8asQJgw/WGCu6wCQDbI/AAAAAAAAITA/NVURvKg3tsMywKJ4Hhzm6nXAnqE00nWMQCLcB/s1600/P1050486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p8bU8asQJgw/WGCu6wCQDbI/AAAAAAAAITA/NVURvKg3tsMywKJ4Hhzm6nXAnqE00nWMQCLcB/s640/P1050486.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Room 1 (Queen Bed)</i></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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ1DOrCocjE/WGCu7YmBwPI/AAAAAAAAITE/nV-a5k6JUQMfVtEHdawcfIa00nsf_CL5gCLcB/s1600/P1050487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ1DOrCocjE/WGCu7YmBwPI/AAAAAAAAITE/nV-a5k6JUQMfVtEHdawcfIa00nsf_CL5gCLcB/s640/P1050487.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TV</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-odqI4cc1Rk4/WGCu7rwWvII/AAAAAAAAITI/YOl4bfcG3NkuIuOpCimjzyNjbDOmFfVmACLcB/s1600/P1050488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-odqI4cc1Rk4/WGCu7rwWvII/AAAAAAAAITI/YOl4bfcG3NkuIuOpCimjzyNjbDOmFfVmACLcB/s640/P1050488.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>clothes hangar / bed</i></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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KZNthY6sotE/WGCu7uHbe3I/AAAAAAAAITM/jqxEM7Bq_g0_o6tw5y6_aXHiLDAAVXt2gCLcB/s1600/P1050489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KZNthY6sotE/WGCu7uHbe3I/AAAAAAAAITM/jqxEM7Bq_g0_o6tw5y6_aXHiLDAAVXt2gCLcB/s640/P1050489.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>connecting room door</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yVywywImuqg/WGCu8d64ZCI/AAAAAAAAITQ/z42vest8aKISLBUjS8Qk22chIXbD76HyACLcB/s1600/P1050490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yVywywImuqg/WGCu8d64ZCI/AAAAAAAAITQ/z42vest8aKISLBUjS8Qk22chIXbD76HyACLcB/s640/P1050490.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>shower</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We could not request for the bedding for the second room. Our guessing is all connecting rooms comes with 1 queen and 1 twin bed room.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T08E8vYRIf8/WGCu8aatXGI/AAAAAAAAITU/F7EjT8vNuWQjRfURMC5Bgw2H_Z2jQdz1wCLcB/s1600/P1050491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T08E8vYRIf8/WGCu8aatXGI/AAAAAAAAITU/F7EjT8vNuWQjRfURMC5Bgw2H_Z2jQdz1wCLcB/s640/P1050491.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Twin bed (room 2)</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xkzdFJ5Im_U/WGCu8i9RX0I/AAAAAAAAITY/CpTBXzaNEgA8x-kBGQLSVw-OWEduzj0_gCLcB/s1600/P1050492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xkzdFJ5Im_U/WGCu8i9RX0I/AAAAAAAAITY/CpTBXzaNEgA8x-kBGQLSVw-OWEduzj0_gCLcB/s640/P1050492.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>hangar clothes area</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZqOtaiSWcI/WGCu9Btx0VI/AAAAAAAAITc/1UnLwUI18OMIu8XmtERzQjdAnajJbQN-QCLcB/s1600/P1050493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZqOtaiSWcI/WGCu9Btx0VI/AAAAAAAAITc/1UnLwUI18OMIu8XmtERzQjdAnajJbQN-QCLcB/s640/P1050493.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>window facing opp room</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As our rooms are facing the inside aka other rooms, it is quite dark all day round. And of course if you do not draw the curtains, opp neighbours can see your room and vice versa.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CWjzlQXc_iQ/WGCu9UN7xJI/AAAAAAAAITo/cRQfc9SkLa4GR2qnAURKS-Ft0bLWP4krgCLcB/s1600/P1050495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CWjzlQXc_iQ/WGCu9UN7xJI/AAAAAAAAITo/cRQfc9SkLa4GR2qnAURKS-Ft0bLWP4krgCLcB/s640/P1050495.JPG" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>separate toilet and basin area</i></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UkqfJ9Rf8EU/WGCu9wTUxlI/AAAAAAAAITk/K7xSp6cmDRkmklioGj68hI5yNVv1cG2MACLcB/s1600/P1050496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UkqfJ9Rf8EU/WGCu9wTUxlI/AAAAAAAAITk/K7xSp6cmDRkmklioGj68hI5yNVv1cG2MACLcB/s640/P1050496.JPG" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>separate showering and basin area</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With this renovation, bathing/toilet area is separated which is good. However there is no doors to the bathroom, this design might not be friendly if you are travelling with friends.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M96sCqMY-z8/WGCu_N_-6II/AAAAAAAAITs/FdNGe54a0eopuwa8yHudMbBmk4B1kbnSgCLcB/s1600/P1050497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M96sCqMY-z8/WGCu_N_-6II/AAAAAAAAITs/FdNGe54a0eopuwa8yHudMbBmk4B1kbnSgCLcB/s640/P1050497.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>TV</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Quality of TV isnt exactly clear and there' only like 5-6 channels. But oh well, with data connection via our DIGI mobile, we don't really need the TV :)<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R32Qg0TpKE4/WGCu_Jy6zFI/AAAAAAAAIT0/FEEJVZ4WRLI9nXxjLd2jmiCVPPpyhZ2jgCLcB/s1600/P1050498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R32Qg0TpKE4/WGCu_Jy6zFI/AAAAAAAAIT0/FEEJVZ4WRLI9nXxjLd2jmiCVPPpyhZ2jgCLcB/s640/P1050498.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Twin bed</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After checking in to put our luggage, we went to collect the Genting Rewards membership card first.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tG3k6Na7tWA/WGCvASAvRPI/AAAAAAAAIUA/-RU3DPiVQ2sPG_1SK_uPDCXshuP1C8nNACLcB/s1600/P1050506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tG3k6Na7tWA/WGCvASAvRPI/AAAAAAAAIUA/-RU3DPiVQ2sPG_1SK_uPDCXshuP1C8nNACLcB/s640/P1050506.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>iconic FWH lobby with christmas deco</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I must highlight here the <b>importance/benefits of getting the Genting Rewards Card</b>:<br />
1. Membership is FREE. Just sign up online. Processing takes time so best to sign up as early as possible. Impossible to sign up on the spot at Genting as they take time to process and by the time they process and can give you the card, you might have already left Genting. They can mail the card to your house but it takes about 1 month. We only managed to apply early Dec and it finish processing within 3 working days but we did not get our card in time, hence we head to the Genting Rewards counter to get. It is instant - just provide your membership ID and passport for verification purpose.<br />
2. Genting restaurants tend to have 2 different pricing (Member rate and non-member rate). By showing your genting card, you get to enjoy member price. Member price and non-member price differs by around 5-10%! So it is cost savings still especially if you are footing the bill for your family/big group! Afterall, Genting food aren't exactly cheap!<br />
2. Spending in Genting (selected shops but most restaurants okay) earn you points! Points differ among merchants, but restaurants typically provide 5x reward points(RP). Means every RM$100 (SGD $37.04) spend, gives you 500RP. RP redemption is pretty limited. An overview: RP 330 can allows you to redeem a cup of hot coffee at The Bakery @ Genting Grand, RP 800 can redeem a hi tea set at Terminal 2, RP 500 can redeem a one way Awana Sky Way ticket. You can redeem a free Standard room stay at FWH for as low as RP3500 during the low season! Spending at Casino allows you to accumulate a different kind of point called the Genting Points (GP). Generally, GP is much better as it allows you to redeem a wider range of products and services and free hotel stays. Can't say much on GP as we did not place any bettings at Casino.<br />
<br />
Genting Rewards Card membership is valid for a period of 6 years. The points accumulated are valid for a period of 3 years. For eg, my membership which i signed up in Dec expires 31 Dec 2022, and my points which i accumulated during this trip expires on 28 Nov 2020. Points expire on the 3rd year of the 28th of your birthday month.<br />
<br />
Genting Rewards Centre are situated in the casinos. The only non casino outlet is at FWH near Hou Mei and Lao Jie Fang.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DurE7f7AkzI/WGCvBqooZ-I/AAAAAAAAIUI/DMUhVhXDMsktckCSZJH2MV4eew5bAi3OgCLcB/s1600/P1050512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DurE7f7AkzI/WGCvBqooZ-I/AAAAAAAAIUI/DMUhVhXDMsktckCSZJH2MV4eew5bAi3OgCLcB/s640/P1050512.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
After that, we went for lunch at Good Friends Restaurant (好友记) @ Maxims Hotel which is a 10-15 mins covered walking distance from FWH. There are signs along the way to guide you to the hotel from FWH.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KnoZc6gPs9U/WGCuyN8uXPI/AAAAAAAAIRI/7qpRWoSpQH8CxFD1_NIbHMsRT9ntMFhXACLcB/s1600/20161222_144044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KnoZc6gPs9U/WGCuyN8uXPI/AAAAAAAAIRI/7qpRWoSpQH8CxFD1_NIbHMsRT9ntMFhXACLcB/s640/20161222_144044.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Good Friends Restaurant @ Level 2 of Maxims Hotel</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Kindly note that it is a non-halal restaurant. It is a hakka restaurant.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6THrrZaMJxM/WGCuxUIbOyI/AAAAAAAAIQ8/wio7AQbw2qYDrfrfri1QFQQN1GjY0yMgwCLcB/s1600/20161222_144015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6THrrZaMJxM/WGCuxUIbOyI/AAAAAAAAIQ8/wio7AQbw2qYDrfrfri1QFQQN1GjY0yMgwCLcB/s640/20161222_144015.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>waiter/waitresses at Good Friends restaurant</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HnlodkXwZco/WGCuxSCpWAI/AAAAAAAAIQ4/0j9bZmndgMsqvjTm3xayXEG5Dfhp2m0hACLcB/s1600/20161222_144023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HnlodkXwZco/WGCuxSCpWAI/AAAAAAAAIQ4/0j9bZmndgMsqvjTm3xayXEG5Dfhp2m0hACLcB/s640/20161222_144023.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inside the restaurant</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was about 1.40pm when we reached for lunch which probably explain the empty setting. Their last order for lunch is around 2.30pm.<br />
<div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OFdfEqI9ZpY/WGCut5BYdCI/AAAAAAAAIQY/iYfWhrH2N3gRelPEF8oZJaSRONUg6BOrQCLcB/s1600/20161222_140026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OFdfEqI9ZpY/WGCut5BYdCI/AAAAAAAAIQY/iYfWhrH2N3gRelPEF8oZJaSRONUg6BOrQCLcB/s640/20161222_140026.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Salted fish Long Bean and Brinjal RM 19 (SGD $7.03)</i></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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1FaS2y5axfY/WGCuuotuF6I/AAAAAAAAIQc/XcQkpywieK8_YOVBLFrCrWp-k_OO8QNuQCLcB/s1600/20161222_140039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1FaS2y5axfY/WGCuuotuF6I/AAAAAAAAIQc/XcQkpywieK8_YOVBLFrCrWp-k_OO8QNuQCLcB/s640/20161222_140039.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Preserved Veg Soup RM 19 (SGD $7.04)</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QJdeZb3U7AQ/WGCuvNiXYLI/AAAAAAAAIWg/-5Xlc80BFtM9Z0kkoUh2EgEiDl3lu1EywCEw/s1600/20161222_140050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QJdeZb3U7AQ/WGCuvNiXYLI/AAAAAAAAIWg/-5Xlc80BFtM9Z0kkoUh2EgEiDl3lu1EywCEw/s640/20161222_140050.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Duck Herbal Soup RM 16 (SGD $5.93)</i></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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bWWCM8dHAs4/WGCuwV2DPQI/AAAAAAAAIQo/61GOWhFSWd42nK1aYXFSbRIwe2HbJPbUQCLcB/s1600/20161222_140450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bWWCM8dHAs4/WGCuwV2DPQI/AAAAAAAAIQo/61GOWhFSWd42nK1aYXFSbRIwe2HbJPbUQCLcB/s640/20161222_140450.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tri Roast Combination platter (choose 3 out of 4 - Roasted Pork, BBQ Pork, Roasted Duck, Roasted Chicken). RM 56 (SGD $20.74)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We chose Roasted Pork, BBQ Pork, Roasted Duck.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cdv0yD07M0I/WGCuwXBd9ZI/AAAAAAAAIQs/qdYhkCMlqRs1wGYFQ8bbtHPGtrunGkg_gCLcB/s1600/20161222_140551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cdv0yD07M0I/WGCuwXBd9ZI/AAAAAAAAIQs/qdYhkCMlqRs1wGYFQ8bbtHPGtrunGkg_gCLcB/s640/20161222_140551.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Poh Choy RM 25 (SGD $9.26)</i></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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i5E0jcFeDr4/WGCuxY1TJiI/AAAAAAAAIQ0/4lJnPYaNmfkurZbygVEUfQvuNqrZgEHVgCLcB/s1600/20161222_140557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i5E0jcFeDr4/WGCuxY1TJiI/AAAAAAAAIQ0/4lJnPYaNmfkurZbygVEUfQvuNqrZgEHVgCLcB/s640/20161222_140557.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Homemade Beancurd Stew RM 22 (SGD $8.14)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Prices reflected above are all member rates.<br />
<br />
Generally the food is good but the winner is still Genting Palace Restaurant which we had for dinner on Day 2. The food at Good Friends Restaurant is good but a little too salty we thought. Food all comes in a standard portion aka, it doesn't have S, M , L sizing.<br />
<br />
Chinese Tea (Pu Er) cost RM 2.50/pax (SGD $0.93) and plain rice cost RM 3 (SGD $1.11)/ bowl.<br />
<br />
In general, menu pricing in Genting are inclusive of service charge and 6% Government Tax.<br />
<br />
Our lunch @ Good Friends Restaurant result in a total damage of RM 179 (SGD $66.30). Spending at Good Friends Restaurant rewards you 5x RP. i.e. RP 895.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kQbq4c2-w1I/WGDCAiIqVVI/AAAAAAAAIXA/Go0Ykz7RW88Crp9IcvrlZ7d4YAFTSrv6QCLcB/s1600/20161222_193410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kQbq4c2-w1I/WGDCAiIqVVI/AAAAAAAAIXA/Go0Ykz7RW88Crp9IcvrlZ7d4YAFTSrv6QCLcB/s640/20161222_193410.jpg" width="288" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Receipt @ Good Friends Restaurant</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We finished our sumptous lunch at around 2.40pm. Good Friends Restaurant has the chinese dining setting ( more for big groups) or you can opt for the Fast food Express just beside its Restaurant. Good Friends Express mainly sell combo of like char siew rice / Wanton noodles... Ordering is hassle free, all done via machine.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0TXdlWN7xg/WGCux7KPoVI/AAAAAAAAIRA/mv6f3KJ_ysggqhnWM1LuTXB9mr8HkjjmwCLcB/s1600/20161222_144029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0TXdlWN7xg/WGCux7KPoVI/AAAAAAAAIRA/mv6f3KJ_ysggqhnWM1LuTXB9mr8HkjjmwCLcB/s640/20161222_144029.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Good Friends Express</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mxc3VaQtbxw/WGCuymNvF_I/AAAAAAAAIRM/kGTETn2G904xojt9y62brdKoBbomyQWVQCLcB/s640/20161222_144125.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Good Friends Express automated ordering machine</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mxc3VaQtbxw/WGCuymNvF_I/AAAAAAAAIRM/kGTETn2G904xojt9y62brdKoBbomyQWVQCLcB/s1600/20161222_144125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mxc3VaQtbxw/WGCuymNvF_I/AAAAAAAAIRM/kGTETn2G904xojt9y62brdKoBbomyQWVQCLcB/s1600/20161222_144125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
Next up, we are off to settle our first world problem - staying connecting with data. We happen to pass by DIGI store. Digi is one of Malaysia Service provider. We were looking for data plan so that we can put it in a phone/tablet and set it to mobile hotspot and hence all of us can use :) Unfortunately they do not have data only plan, and offer us the next best plan. We chose the one with 3GB data which is RM 41.50 (SGD $15.37). It is only valid for 30 days. After which, you will need to top up. If no top up is done within 1/2 mths, the whole card will expire (i.e. the SIM card cannot be used anymore and you will have to buy a new one)<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yM_73yYQ2zo/WGCuzeiianI/AAAAAAAAIRQ/lvIAxz3b3aEGR55Qu-m9FCxmKUxRagUhACLcB/s1600/20161222_145203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yM_73yYQ2zo/WGCuzeiianI/AAAAAAAAIRQ/lvIAxz3b3aEGR55Qu-m9FCxmKUxRagUhACLcB/s640/20161222_145203.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>DIGI Plan </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MWH5Wh68oE0/WGCuzl13PzI/AAAAAAAAIRU/KrFFm_K7ZJQv65sH8f-zerX5p895ycPQACLcB/s640/20161222_145823.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>DIGI mobile shop @ Genting Hotel</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MWH5Wh68oE0/WGCuzl13PzI/AAAAAAAAIRU/KrFFm_K7ZJQv65sH8f-zerX5p895ycPQACLcB/s1600/20161222_145823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MWH5Wh68oE0/WGCuzl13PzI/AAAAAAAAIRU/KrFFm_K7ZJQv65sH8f-zerX5p895ycPQACLcB/s1600/20161222_145823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
Activation was fast. Sim card needs to be registered hence passport of one pax per sim card is required. It is instant activation and we all tried to use it as soon as we got hold of it. And wow, the speed is really fast! However what we noticed is, the speed is fast even though we have 4 devices connecting to the hot spot. However in the night, the speed seems to be slow as compared to daytime.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LxIOOj99j64/WGCuzm_KC8I/AAAAAAAAIRY/dPnq0sJzg401Mwz5YFtih9nOO4uPUdzaQCLcB/s1600/20161222_150626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LxIOOj99j64/WGCuzm_KC8I/AAAAAAAAIRY/dPnq0sJzg401Mwz5YFtih9nOO4uPUdzaQCLcB/s640/20161222_150626.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Foggy FWH in the background</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xo1TrrAGBQU/WGCvDvcO49I/AAAAAAAAIUc/7o6eF0LH61Ytor6d3OjgUjCZcxkjVDvYgCLcB/s640/P1050528.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Maxim Hotel </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xo1TrrAGBQU/WGCvDvcO49I/AAAAAAAAIUc/7o6eF0LH61Ytor6d3OjgUjCZcxkjVDvYgCLcB/s1600/P1050528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xo1TrrAGBQU/WGCvDvcO49I/AAAAAAAAIUc/7o6eF0LH61Ytor6d3OjgUjCZcxkjVDvYgCLcB/s1600/P1050528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dNu0o_G9NBk/WGCvEakMMxI/AAAAAAAAIUk/oQgu1B3RQ_YIKkuIBboPioVv-kyWT6BhACLcB/s1600/P1050529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dNu0o_G9NBk/WGCvEakMMxI/AAAAAAAAIUk/oQgu1B3RQ_YIKkuIBboPioVv-kyWT6BhACLcB/s640/P1050529.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>21 degrees celsius @ 3 pm</i></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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQH2qeWIbAM/WGCvEUx2A4I/AAAAAAAAIUg/VUxoojifZMowZ-MwsByVwn2mxuif1TYzQCLcB/s1600/P1050532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQH2qeWIbAM/WGCvEUx2A4I/AAAAAAAAIUg/VUxoojifZMowZ-MwsByVwn2mxuif1TYzQCLcB/s640/P1050532.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLY0LbsG8XY/WGCvEscO9UI/AAAAAAAAIUo/Vjc0OkJ0FMkuRzzjCi_jaJjL-gXcwOYyACLcB/s1600/P1050533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLY0LbsG8XY/WGCvEscO9UI/AAAAAAAAIUo/Vjc0OkJ0FMkuRzzjCi_jaJjL-gXcwOYyACLcB/s640/P1050533.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dz8VfOShGGE/WGCvF-CG-aI/AAAAAAAAIUs/UdIdQDIEeYUCIJrQGbJD_AL7wH9KIKs0gCLcB/s1600/P1050534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dz8VfOShGGE/WGCvF-CG-aI/AAAAAAAAIUs/UdIdQDIEeYUCIJrQGbJD_AL7wH9KIKs0gCLcB/s640/P1050534.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Merry Christmas @ Resort World Genting</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We headed to First World Cineplex to check out the movie times. There were only 2 movies on screening that day - Assassin Creed and Star Wars Rouge One which we aren't exactly interested. As such we headed to Genting Bowl instead! Along the way we spotted the newly opened Sky Avenue! We were so lucky to have Sky avenue opened on the same week (20 Dec 2016) and the Awana Skyway was opened on the day we reached!<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Jel00h7XzM/WGCu5mEZttI/AAAAAAAAISs/RjsmLOree1ocz6NQxDj-nytAqtm1HfUgQCLcB/s1600/20161222_194202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Jel00h7XzM/WGCu5mEZttI/AAAAAAAAISs/RjsmLOree1ocz6NQxDj-nytAqtm1HfUgQCLcB/s640/20161222_194202.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Genting Skyway replaced with Awana Skyway on 22 Dec 16 (our day 1!)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are fruit stalls in Genting (FWH and Resort Hotel). We bought a cup of papaya (Mcdonald's Large drink cup size) for RM 10 (SGD$3.70). Quite pricey but oh well, you can't get fruits any where in the mountain top.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-glUm7AzMmJc/WGCu0a9UzMI/AAAAAAAAIRc/8kO50nRf0YQbU23WoOfObQmSha8iRMNWACLcB/s1600/20161222_153118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-glUm7AzMmJc/WGCu0a9UzMI/AAAAAAAAIRc/8kO50nRf0YQbU23WoOfObQmSha8iRMNWACLcB/s640/20161222_153118.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sky Avenue with Santas ~</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HeQ-Sjuj6dQ/WGCu1l19L4I/AAAAAAAAIRw/dmAbBCUrDx8a6A7ZW0isJprhqEmuEm2gQCLcB/s1600/20161222_153417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HeQ-Sjuj6dQ/WGCu1l19L4I/AAAAAAAAIRw/dmAbBCUrDx8a6A7ZW0isJprhqEmuEm2gQCLcB/s640/20161222_153417.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>giant christmas tree at Skyavenue entrance</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Skyavenue is a shopping mall (kind of atas) that is linked to FWH. We decided to leave shopping in Skyavenue after our Bowling. So stay tune for more pics of sky Avenue.<br />
<br />
Genting Bowl offers Glow in the dark bowling after 6pm. Of course, the rates are more expensive. As it is the school holidays (Malaysia School Holidays too), rates are as follow (grabbed from Genting Malaysia <a href="http://www.rwgenting.com/themepark/leisure/bowling/">web</a>):<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xttPKgiJGOM/WGDF1vxSymI/AAAAAAAAIXM/V07iI-Gwcmcj9AD7co7id7bEXCcbalN_wCLcB/s1600/genting%2Bbowl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="372" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xttPKgiJGOM/WGDF1vxSymI/AAAAAAAAIXM/V07iI-Gwcmcj9AD7co7id7bEXCcbalN_wCLcB/s640/genting%2Bbowl.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Screen grab from <a href="http://www.rwgenting.com/themepark/leisure/bowling/">RWG</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We paid for 1 game first and rent 4 shoes. We brought our own socks.<br />
Cost breakdown as follow:<br />
RM 8.50 * 4 pax + RM 3.20*4 pax = RM 34 + RM 12.80 = RM 46.80 (SGD $17.33)<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbCt1T-xddI/WGCu16228HI/AAAAAAAAIR0/jzQ-5YYKFCYMQ0dRo3FbpQ108evksy7YACLcB/s1600/20161222_155414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbCt1T-xddI/WGCu16228HI/AAAAAAAAIR0/jzQ-5YYKFCYMQ0dRo3FbpQ108evksy7YACLcB/s640/20161222_155414.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Genting Bowl - 28 lanes in total</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uQcSoOiNzBw/WGCu2GDd2lI/AAAAAAAAIR4/jvqKlE1e90orFEUZT0RS88qKHpDydP8sgCLcB/s640/20161222_155416.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Genting Bowl</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uQcSoOiNzBw/WGCu2GDd2lI/AAAAAAAAIR4/jvqKlE1e90orFEUZT0RS88qKHpDydP8sgCLcB/s1600/20161222_155416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uQcSoOiNzBw/WGCu2GDd2lI/AAAAAAAAIR4/jvqKlE1e90orFEUZT0RS88qKHpDydP8sgCLcB/s1600/20161222_155416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
1 game of ours lasted around 30 mins and we added on for a second game. This time round we paid an additional of RM 8.50 *4 = RM 34 (SGD $12.59)<br />
<br />
Genting Bowl does not have member rates. However Genting Members can still accumulate RP at 5x. Our total spending at Genting Bowl is RM 46.80 + RM 34 = RM 80.80 which translates to RP 404.<br />
<br />
We were done with Bowling at around 5pm. We went back to our hotel to rest awhile (approx 30 mins) before we came out for dinner! We wanted to head to the Mushroom Farm Restaurant for meal however we realised that<br />
1. The shuttle bus to Mushroom Farm bus terminal is till 4pm only. And for seasoned Genting travellers, you would also know that Mushroom farm restaurant is not at Mushroom farm bus terminal<br />
2. We saw the van from Mushroom farm restaurant (free transport to and fro) however as we are still quite full from the hearty lunch, we weren't sure if we will definitely order a spread at the restaurant. As such we decided to cancel our trip to Mushroom farm Restaurant for Zichar.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_bY0ZzIttfc/WGCu2Xx7jNI/AAAAAAAAIR8/vnY8HXewO4waM0pOZb-A7P_j1IvOSdz5ACLcB/s1600/20161222_174401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_bY0ZzIttfc/WGCu2Xx7jNI/AAAAAAAAIR8/vnY8HXewO4waM0pOZb-A7P_j1IvOSdz5ACLcB/s640/20161222_174401.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Shuttle bus service to Chin Swee Temple and Mushroom Farm Bus Terminal @ FWH</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Look out for Lane 3 for shuttle bus service as the signs aren't exactly clear!<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMYGZDN_Uyw/WGCu2vP6rQI/AAAAAAAAISA/Og78zfGbH4siLTihEwzAWw3pJrZIndZIwCLcB/s1600/20161222_174409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMYGZDN_Uyw/WGCu2vP6rQI/AAAAAAAAISA/Og78zfGbH4siLTihEwzAWw3pJrZIndZIwCLcB/s640/20161222_174409.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lane 3 for Genting FREE shuttle bus services</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QdnIPPJr3BM/WGCu293yQsI/AAAAAAAAISE/vWZID4-U_dEGv8_O2W6rIUgVL-W0iNOYwCLcB/s1600/20161222_174412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QdnIPPJr3BM/WGCu293yQsI/AAAAAAAAISE/vWZID4-U_dEGv8_O2W6rIUgVL-W0iNOYwCLcB/s640/20161222_174412.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Carpark/pick up / drop off pt at FWH</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As such we headed back in FWH and hop to Sky Avenue!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QiW19_NFNK8/WGCvFz5r0KI/AAAAAAAAIU0/cmccf9G7PAoWpZjbpp754ejH46m1JhW_wCLcB/s1600/P1050548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QiW19_NFNK8/WGCvFz5r0KI/AAAAAAAAIU0/cmccf9G7PAoWpZjbpp754ejH46m1JhW_wCLcB/s640/P1050548.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgcLiBeAE_c/WGCvGD7BF5I/AAAAAAAAIUw/0GRSrB3Yl8QSBaPBA2mXXXu90d46cU1vwCLcB/s1600/P1050555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgcLiBeAE_c/WGCvGD7BF5I/AAAAAAAAIUw/0GRSrB3Yl8QSBaPBA2mXXXu90d46cU1vwCLcB/s640/P1050555.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Popular huge LED screens in SkyAvenue - near Awana Skyway (Level 4)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_MPI8nx3a2M/WGCvHWbBJWI/AAAAAAAAIU4/SMaIi2bUL4AzF1T8J7HoQMa5sNCG7ayngCLcB/s1600/P1050557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_MPI8nx3a2M/WGCvHWbBJWI/AAAAAAAAIU4/SMaIi2bUL4AzF1T8J7HoQMa5sNCG7ayngCLcB/s640/P1050557.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EcdbO9p-Yc/WGCvHiRlJII/AAAAAAAAIVA/IvDGYS8-7WoBKJIwwAZaOFdbC-s5NL-qQCLcB/s1600/P1050558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EcdbO9p-Yc/WGCvHiRlJII/AAAAAAAAIVA/IvDGYS8-7WoBKJIwwAZaOFdbC-s5NL-qQCLcB/s640/P1050558.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rSJHMPNExaY/WGCvIunuuyI/AAAAAAAAIVE/8CNe7TKycdkdJ1xYYJqmnDhfcDKMuy40ACLcB/s1600/P1050561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rSJHMPNExaY/WGCvIunuuyI/AAAAAAAAIVE/8CNe7TKycdkdJ1xYYJqmnDhfcDKMuy40ACLcB/s640/P1050561.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Renovation work still ongoing</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Only certain sections of the sky avenue is open as renovation work still ongoing . The new picturehouse cinema is not open yet too. The whole sky avenue shopping mall is <b>extremely dusty</b> and filled with construction debris as there is still ongoing construction work. But, it is really spacious and pretty. Now it is only soft opening. Awaiting its grand opening when all construction is ready. However everything inside is pretty atas (by atas, I mean pricing is of Singapore pricing standard)<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wkX2j6fXCyo/WGCvJJsFfOI/AAAAAAAAIVI/A4cKqgYZ4CcdxSkT_zjhEtwgYhFYZy9WwCLcB/s1600/P1050562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wkX2j6fXCyo/WGCvJJsFfOI/AAAAAAAAIVI/A4cKqgYZ4CcdxSkT_zjhEtwgYhFYZy9WwCLcB/s640/P1050562.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>inside Sky Avenue</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GVnwrQr04NM/WGCvJQqNb4I/AAAAAAAAIVM/ax0pyoqYyYc2mnYjhGLl9rGcKp89AmWaQCLcB/s1600/P1050564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GVnwrQr04NM/WGCvJQqNb4I/AAAAAAAAIVM/ax0pyoqYyYc2mnYjhGLl9rGcKp89AmWaQCLcB/s640/P1050564.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Retail shops</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51xJe0KJ_Lc/WGCu3HeRXWI/AAAAAAAAISI/EeyuMn9BuHklEST3yUOaZo4NB9tDi_jDQCLcB/s1600/20161222_175546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51xJe0KJ_Lc/WGCu3HeRXWI/AAAAAAAAISI/EeyuMn9BuHklEST3yUOaZo4NB9tDi_jDQCLcB/s640/20161222_175546.jpg" width="640" /></a><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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4kUHqfIj3xA/WGCvJ4BSRQI/AAAAAAAAIVQ/VnttkoQLzsYl9dfnNmi22BKzYxDjSULjwCLcB/s1600/P1050565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4kUHqfIj3xA/WGCvJ4BSRQI/AAAAAAAAIVQ/VnttkoQLzsYl9dfnNmi22BKzYxDjSULjwCLcB/s640/P1050565.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>christmas deco?</i></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oAaC8yYXDGA/WGCvLN0xWXI/AAAAAAAAIVU/-SqJ8IOgHt8jnsLpjxWVTIS3AdC2DUqQwCLcB/s1600/P1050569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oAaC8yYXDGA/WGCvLN0xWXI/AAAAAAAAIVU/-SqJ8IOgHt8jnsLpjxWVTIS3AdC2DUqQwCLcB/s640/P1050569.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>christmas deco</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Restaurants are generally on the first level. Second level and third level are retail. While the top most level is Awana Skyway boarding area.<br />
<br />
We had our dinner at BMD Organics which sells no meat. Environment and food was good but a little pricey we thought.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4O2dgjOgkGs/WGCvLBnd4LI/AAAAAAAAIVc/abMBbxJVim0_H4ot-WSqybd5Wh36CjKmwCLcB/s1600/P1050572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4O2dgjOgkGs/WGCvLBnd4LI/AAAAAAAAIVc/abMBbxJVim0_H4ot-WSqybd5Wh36CjKmwCLcB/s640/P1050572.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TzZM4bNDUd4/WGCvLLWoUSI/AAAAAAAAIVY/sKJj0A6qpkM08wesefn1TngcfFPBh9LtQCLcB/s1600/P1050573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TzZM4bNDUd4/WGCvLLWoUSI/AAAAAAAAIVY/sKJj0A6qpkM08wesefn1TngcfFPBh9LtQCLcB/s640/P1050573.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-unYQ4N4t5Ws/WGCvMNxEOqI/AAAAAAAAIVg/nGBhREo-b5EnDgb8t8MkbMiUq7DZi3fDgCLcB/s1600/P1050575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-unYQ4N4t5Ws/WGCvMNxEOqI/AAAAAAAAIVg/nGBhREo-b5EnDgb8t8MkbMiUq7DZi3fDgCLcB/s640/P1050575.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtJhV7ZRfbo/WGCvM_Mv2nI/AAAAAAAAIVk/voz6RLinP_cj5ZKm5R8CnQ4arD3UJUqVACLcB/s1600/P1050577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtJhV7ZRfbo/WGCvM_Mv2nI/AAAAAAAAIVk/voz6RLinP_cj5ZKm5R8CnQ4arD3UJUqVACLcB/s640/P1050577.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Menu of BMS Organic1</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KWzFVJgPc-8/WGCvM86w0tI/AAAAAAAAIVo/rxW8CuGEZGsNduNNMjT3K0uplsrtW7lWgCLcB/s1600/P1050578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KWzFVJgPc-8/WGCvM86w0tI/AAAAAAAAIVo/rxW8CuGEZGsNduNNMjT3K0uplsrtW7lWgCLcB/s640/P1050578.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Menu of BMS Organic 2</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3I8Y2RARSYU/WGCvNfYQLMI/AAAAAAAAIVs/CKZBtZIoINkVKx3IU9bcmWbszIaI7cluQCLcB/s1600/P1050579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3I8Y2RARSYU/WGCvNfYQLMI/AAAAAAAAIVs/CKZBtZIoINkVKx3IU9bcmWbszIaI7cluQCLcB/s640/P1050579.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OdU3zTnHK3E/WGCvOSYK1vI/AAAAAAAAIV0/s2Xhpoqw3PsvdoT1NgL_Hk_iS6sq2hrmwCLcB/s1600/P1050584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OdU3zTnHK3E/WGCvOSYK1vI/AAAAAAAAIV0/s2Xhpoqw3PsvdoT1NgL_Hk_iS6sq2hrmwCLcB/s640/P1050584.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Summer Breeze Tea (Hot) RM 22.90 (SGD $8.48)</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/--6sV5r_U_Ds/WGCvOZnZRVI/AAAAAAAAIV4/bj697mEbv8Qv1a_y0mIWejlOD5ln5EPkgCLcB/s1600/P1050585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--6sV5r_U_Ds/WGCvOZnZRVI/AAAAAAAAIV4/bj697mEbv8Qv1a_y0mIWejlOD5ln5EPkgCLcB/s640/P1050585.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Summer Breeze Tea Hot</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PKY__iOo51I/WGCvN8QDQaI/AAAAAAAAIVw/POcZFhBXvC0KuAnVt36vb8annAMq33JowCLcB/s1600/P1050583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PKY__iOo51I/WGCvN8QDQaI/AAAAAAAAIVw/POcZFhBXvC0KuAnVt36vb8annAMq33JowCLcB/s640/P1050583.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>BMS Hakka Lei Cha w Noodle RM 25.90 (SGD $9.59)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-90SysSL5y-Y/WGCvPnsVVuI/AAAAAAAAIWA/71EgRJR4qPQcXVXTXowcOSzkw3hNVw75wCLcB/s1600/P1050586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-90SysSL5y-Y/WGCvPnsVVuI/AAAAAAAAIWA/71EgRJR4qPQcXVXTXowcOSzkw3hNVw75wCLcB/s640/P1050586.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lei Cha</i></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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hkZld3vc5kU/WGCvPoCIOjI/AAAAAAAAIWI/Iv9GzUTYDT4j_plCvXal1Qoq6cEC4Nl8wCLcB/s1600/P1050587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hkZld3vc5kU/WGCvPoCIOjI/AAAAAAAAIWI/Iv9GzUTYDT4j_plCvXal1Qoq6cEC4Nl8wCLcB/s640/P1050587.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>End product of Lei Cha</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EHlcHtmOhjU/WGCvPrULiCI/AAAAAAAAIWE/N1SBv_r5q6swcyc6_Ix-Lx3NMPGZLcFawCLcB/s1600/P1050590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EHlcHtmOhjU/WGCvPrULiCI/AAAAAAAAIWE/N1SBv_r5q6swcyc6_Ix-Lx3NMPGZLcFawCLcB/s640/P1050590.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Vegetarian Noodles RM 19.90 (SGD $7.37)</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f_vTjxBudj4/WGCvQogaX7I/AAAAAAAAIWM/J8p-X1N6a4kPSEH1R0adEwVhprNtRlC3ACLcB/s1600/P1050591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f_vTjxBudj4/WGCvQogaX7I/AAAAAAAAIWM/J8p-X1N6a4kPSEH1R0adEwVhprNtRlC3ACLcB/s640/P1050591.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tempura Seaweed Fried Rice RM 25.90 (SGD $9.59)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OMoOoETtLhY/WGCu3l-VbpI/AAAAAAAAISQ/-Zs2hcy04GE5eNdLmPI9Jf10JlZMCXtbACLcB/s1600/20161222_183808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OMoOoETtLhY/WGCu3l-VbpI/AAAAAAAAISQ/-Zs2hcy04GE5eNdLmPI9Jf10JlZMCXtbACLcB/s640/20161222_183808.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yee Mee in Herbal Noodles RM 23.90 (SGD $8.85)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-R-hFzKqWg/WGCu3onXegI/AAAAAAAAISM/QXlDlnCmHGIkb84HzqBuzJ9ZnLdLRrXfwCLcB/s1600/20161222_182523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-R-hFzKqWg/WGCu3onXegI/AAAAAAAAISM/QXlDlnCmHGIkb84HzqBuzJ9ZnLdLRrXfwCLcB/s640/20161222_182523.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Order Chit @ BMS Organic</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In total we spent RM 118.50 (SGD $43.88). The price is on the high side at Sky Avenue but worth tasting in particular the Lei Cha and Ee Mian in herbal soup for vegan eaters. Do note that BMS organics does not provide member rates or allow member to accumulate points.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mMFGfcgZyaE/WGCu6cUX6KI/AAAAAAAAIS4/7phuylrteXIZuLBRcVb3CAOGWFr4iN4FACLcB/s1600/20161225_123130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mMFGfcgZyaE/WGCu6cUX6KI/AAAAAAAAIS4/7phuylrteXIZuLBRcVb3CAOGWFr4iN4FACLcB/s640/20161225_123130.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Receipt @ BMS Organic</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were done with dinner at around 7pm and guess who we spot?<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XSdc4EVCQMo/WGCu3y7zisI/AAAAAAAAISU/ND8AMYQbCtwqWOj2nW9BGVH6TtMY3UglQCLcB/s1600/20161222_190946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XSdc4EVCQMo/WGCu3y7zisI/AAAAAAAAISU/ND8AMYQbCtwqWOj2nW9BGVH6TtMY3UglQCLcB/s640/20161222_190946.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa and live carolling ~</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Santa claus and Christmas carolling!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CSYeFu5ogPs/WGCvQ6vx4DI/AAAAAAAAIWU/9VKKJwO39es4frSnYvhTa1h2AVDcNWU_wCLcB/s1600/P1050597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CSYeFu5ogPs/WGCvQ6vx4DI/AAAAAAAAIWU/9VKKJwO39es4frSnYvhTa1h2AVDcNWU_wCLcB/s640/P1050597.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Live Carolling</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C2k0aszMdt8/WGCvRO-viZI/AAAAAAAAIWQ/n0QhDnBVk4kbpjoUs1tJbfwZi6Kk8ETpwCLcB/s640/P1050599.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Christmas Carol</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C2k0aszMdt8/WGCvRO-viZI/AAAAAAAAIWQ/n0QhDnBVk4kbpjoUs1tJbfwZi6Kk8ETpwCLcB/s1600/P1050599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C2k0aszMdt8/WGCvRO-viZI/AAAAAAAAIWQ/n0QhDnBVk4kbpjoUs1tJbfwZi6Kk8ETpwCLcB/s1600/P1050599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We then went to Genting Rewards Centre @ FWH to get a scratch and win dip. In conjunction with Christmas, Genting Rewards give members a promotion where every RM 50 spent in a single receipt at Genting gives you a chance to get a scratch card where you will be able to redeem Points or gifts. For 3 days, we get RP bonus only. We got a RP 100 bonus on the first day from our scratch card. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This brings our total RP for our first day to RP1399. With that we redeem at the machine beside the counter, 2 one way Awana sky way tickets. Each tickets cost RP 500. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OBeCtyG_l2s/WGDQqR8DHuI/AAAAAAAAIXc/mFUMftzWdRc_NbSurOguwKXDjw3OYIrowCLcB/s1600/20161222_202855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OBeCtyG_l2s/WGDQqR8DHuI/AAAAAAAAIXc/mFUMftzWdRc_NbSurOguwKXDjw3OYIrowCLcB/s640/20161222_202855.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Redemption of 2 Skyway tickets (original value of RM 8 SGD $2.96)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Apparently the validity is only on the day itself and the next day. Luckily we are taking the skyway the next day (23 Dec)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With that we ended the day early and headed back to our refurbished comfy room. The bed and pillows were comfy - seem like they changed new ones too. However we were rudely awoken by noises in the night which disrupted our sleep. The walls are thin. 22nd night seem to have more room guests than 23rd night.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/3D2N%20Genting%20Day%202"><b>Click here for Day 2</b></a></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951287982667008118.post-34103266407259860582016-06-21T10:07:00.004+08:002016-08-07T21:32:07.640+08:00REFLECTIONS (11D10N F&E YUNNAN & BANGKOK)<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><b>(Pending) Feel free to click on the day link to see the detailed itinerary!</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><br /></u></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><u><a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/Yunnan%20%26%20BKK%20Day%201%20%28Yunnan%29">1st</a>:</u> Singapore Changi International Airport T1-> BKK Suvarnabhumi airport (Transit) -> China: Kunming Changshui International Airport (昆明长水国际机场) -> Dali, China (Sanfu Inn</span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;">, 三福客栈</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;">)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><br /></u></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/Yunnan%20%26%20BKK%20Day%202%20%28Yunnan%29">2nd</a>:</u> Dali (Sanfu Inn, 三福客栈) -> Mount JiZu (鸡足山) -> Dali (Erhai)</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><br /></u></span></span></span><u style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;"><a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/Yunnan%20%26%20BKK%20Day%203%20%28Yunnan%29">3rd</a>:</u><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;"> Dali (Sanfu Inn,</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;">三福客栈</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;">) -> Dali, Erhai -> Dali Ancient Town (大理古城) -> 3 Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple (远观 - 崇圣寺三塔) -> Shaxi Ancient Town (沙溪古城) -> Lijiang (丽江古城独家记忆雪景苑度假会所) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><br /></u></span></span></span><u style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;">4th:</u><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;"> <span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">Lijiang (丽江古城独家记忆雪景苑度假会所) </span>-> Wenfeng Temple (文峰寺) -> Shu He Ancient Town (束河古城) -> Fu Guo Temple (福国寺) -> Baisha Village (白沙村)-> Lijiang Ancient Town (大研古城)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><br /></u></span></span></span><u style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;">5th:</u><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;">Lijiang (丽江古城独家记忆雪景苑度假会所) -> Black Dragon Pool (</span><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">黑龙潭公园) -> First Bend of Yangtze River (</span><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">远观 - </span><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">长江第一湾) </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;">-> </span><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">Haba Snow Mountain (</span><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">远观 - </span><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">哈巴雪山) -> Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡 - 上端) -> Guishan Park (龟山公园) -> Dukezong Ancient Town (独克宗古城) -> 7 Days Inn Diqing Shangri-la Old Town Branch [7天连锁酒店(香格里拉古城店)]</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><br /></u></span></span></span><u style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;">6th:</u><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">7 Days Inn Diqing Shangri-la Old Town Branch [7天连锁酒店(香格里拉古城店)]</span> -> Potatso National Park (普达措国家公园) -> Ganden Sumtsenling Monastery (噶丹•松赞林寺) -> </span><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">Guishan Park (龟山公园)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span><u style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;">7th:</u><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"> Days Inn Diqing Shangri-la Old Town Branch [7天连锁酒店(香格里拉古城店)]</span> -> Shika Snow Mountain (石卡财神山) -> Lijiang Sanyi Airport ( 丽江三义机场) -> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;">Kunming Changshui International Airport (</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;">昆明长水国际机场) -> </span><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">JI Hotel Kunming Cuihu Branch [全季酒店(昆明翠湖店)]</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;"><a href="https://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/Yunnan%20%26%20BKK%20Day%208%20%28Yunnan%20%26%20BKK%29">8th</a>:</u><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">JI Hotel Kunming Cuihu Branch [全季酒店(昆明翠湖店)] -> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;">Green Lake (翠湖公园) -> </span><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">Yuantong Temple (圆通禅寺) -> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;">Kunming Changshui International Airport (</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;">昆明长水国际机场) -> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;">BKK Suvarnabhumi airport -> Centre Point Hotel Pratunam</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/Yunnan%20%26%20BKK%20Day%209%20%28BKK%29">9th</a>:</u><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"> </span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;">Centre Point Hotel Pratunam -> Coconut farm -> Chang Puak Elephant Camp -> Damnoen Saduak Floating Market -> MBK Center -> Siam Discovery, Siam Center, Siam Paragon -> Big C Super Center (R</span><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">ajdamri) </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/Yunnan%20%26%20BKK%20Day%2010%20%28BKK%29">10th</a>:</u><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"> </span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;">Centre Point Hotel Pratunam -></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;"> Erawan Shrine (四面佛) -> Wat Pho (via BTS and Chao Phraya Express Boat) -> </span><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (龍蓮寺</span><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">) -> Nam Sing Bird Nest -> Lim Jing Hieng (林真香) Pork Floss -> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;">Centre Point Hotel Pratunam -> Siam Square -> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;">Big C Super Center (R</span><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">ajdamri) <span style="background-color: white;">-> Pratunam Night Market </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/Yunnan%20%26%20BKK%20Day%2011%20%28BKK%29">11th</a>:</u><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"> </span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;">Centre Point Hotel Pratunam -> Alms Offering to Monk -> Pratunam Morning Market -> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;">BKK Suvarnabhumi airport -> Singapore Changi International Airport T1</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #1a0e07; line-height: 22.4px;"></span><span style="background-color: #1a0e07; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><b>General Cost:</b> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #1a0e07; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #1a0e07; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">Thai Airways (SIN > BKK > KMG > BKK > SIN) - 4 flights @ SGD 1947.46 for 4 pax </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #1a0e07; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><i>(Promotional fares bought during end Feb 2016)</i></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #1a0e07; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #1a0e07; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 22.3906px;">CHINA, YUNNAN</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u>Transport @ a glance:</u></i></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">***China Southern Airline (中国南方航空) LJG > KMG: RMB 1400.80 for 4 pax [</span></span><b style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">SGD $311.45 for 4 pax</b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">]</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">Private Driver (Day 1) 吴师傅: RMB 1300 </span><b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">[Total </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">SGD $270.83</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">]</span></b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">Private Driver (Day 2) 小叶: RMB 580 (500 fee + 80 admission fee) </span></span><b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">[Total </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">SGD $120.83</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">]</span></b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">Private Driver (Day 3,5,6,7) 宋师傅: RMB 800 </span></span><b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">[Total </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">SGD $166.67</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">]</span></b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">Private Driver (Day 4) 宋师傅: RMB 600 </span></span><b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">[Total </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">SGD 125</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">]</span></b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">***Ctrip Airport Transfer (KMG > JI Hotel) RMB 139 <b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">[Total </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">SGD $29.57</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">]</span></b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">Taxi (Kunming, Yuan Tong Temple > JI Hotel): RMB 10 </span></span><b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">[Total </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">SGD $2.08</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">]</span></b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="line-height: normal;">***Ctrip Airport Transfer (JI Hotel > KMG): RMB 118</span> </span></span><b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">[Total </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">SGD $25.11]</span></b></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;"><u><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Accomodation (inclusive of credit card cash rebates whenever applicable)</span></i></u></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">***Dali, 三福客栈 - 3D2N: RMB 430*2rooms*2nights = RMB 1720 from Ctrip </span></span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">[Total SGD $347.08]</b></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">***Lijiang,<span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">丽江古城独家记忆雪景苑度假会所 - 3D2N: RMB 304.06*2nights = RMB 608.40 from Qunar </span></span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">[Total SGD $129.86]</b></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Shangri La, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 22.3906px;">7天连锁酒店(香格里拉古城店) - 3D2N: RMB 155*2rooms*2nights = RMB 620 from Ctrip </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">[Total SGD $129.16]</b></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">****Kunming, </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 22.3906px;">全季酒店(昆明翠湖店) - 2D1N: RMB 602.55 from Ctrip </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">[Total SGD $129.14]</b></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">*Exchange rate at: SGD 1 : RMB 4.8 , except for credit card settlements as denoted by ***.</span><br />
<div style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">
<div style="line-height: 22.4px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 22.4px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">THAILAND, BANGKOK</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 22.4px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 22.4px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u>Transport @ a glance:</u></i></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">Taxi [Wat Pho > </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (龍蓮寺</span><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">)]: THB 120 </span><b style="background-color: white; line-height: normal;">[Total SGD $4]</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">Taxi [ Chinatown (Yaowarat Street) > </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;">Centre Point Hotel Pratunam ] </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">THB 130-200 </span><b style="background-color: white; line-height: normal;">[Total SGD $5-7]</b></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i style="line-height: 22.4px;">*** Floating Market half day tour, Airport Transfer ( 2 way ) were all done via redemption through <a href="http://www.asiatravel.com/">Asiatravel</a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;"><u><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Accomodation:</span></i></u></span></span></span><br />
<ul style="line-height: 22.4px;">
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 22.4px;">***Centre Point Hotel Pratunam - 4D3N: THB 10548.5 </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal;">[Total SGD after 10% GOSF rebate $378]</b></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">*Exchange rate at: SGD 1 : THB 25.5 , except for credit card settlements as denoted by ***.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 22.4px;">
<div style="line-height: 22.4px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: right;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><b><i>And with that, this travel journal is concluded on _____.</i></b></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951287982667008118.post-64902886647842266102016-06-18T00:00:00.000+08:002016-08-07T21:29:15.429+08:00YUNNAN & BANGKOK Day 11<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Day 11: <span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">Centre Point Hotel Pratunam -> Alms Offering to Monk -> Pratunam Morning Market -> </span><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">BKK Suvarnabhumi airport -> Singapore Changi International Airport T1</span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><br /></span></b></span>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CFqsk-ui2Cs/V5S5i3bQyFI/AAAAAAAAIK0/cmKC60nd720W3wnXKmrMWECozhrWo4bsgCLcB/s1600/20160618_054003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CFqsk-ui2Cs/V5S5i3bQyFI/AAAAAAAAIK0/cmKC60nd720W3wnXKmrMWECozhrWo4bsgCLcB/s640/20160618_054003.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pratunam @ 5.45am</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Morning world! It is our last day in Thailand and we have an international flight to catch at 4.25pm. Our half day plan for the day is to give some alms offering then we are off to the pratunam morning market and finally a sumptous Baiyoke Sky buffet lunch to end off our trip to Bangkok.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h--nfWvROe0/V5S5i0z6sHI/AAAAAAAAIK8/ehIvmW91M_w0194ZQYZsCcyxYplmLYmXgCLcB/s1600/20160618_054727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h--nfWvROe0/V5S5i0z6sHI/AAAAAAAAIK8/ehIvmW91M_w0194ZQYZsCcyxYplmLYmXgCLcB/s640/20160618_054727.jpg" width="588" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>4 bottles of water replenished daily by Centre Point Hotel Pratunam</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Previously, we did internet research and noticed that most of the temples are located near Chao Praya river and monks often appear around / near Khao San area. Which is also the famous backpacker street area as there are many backpacker hostels.<br />
<br />
However that will be too far for us since we stay in Pratunam and monk offering typically starts very early. So we decided to ask our hotel where we can do the offerings and we were told by our friendly hotel's CSO that alms offering is around 6am - 8am and there will be monks at Petchburi Soi 19.<br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><u></u><u></u></span><br />
Petchburi Soi 19 is just 2 lanes across our hotel (refer to Google Map below)<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nePKi6a_rDQ/V6cL2vLNVVI/AAAAAAAAIO0/mwt1orIYH4kBadTBwYQqDnP8gQwGMLnZQCLcB/s1600/soi%2B19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="378" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nePKi6a_rDQ/V6cL2vLNVVI/AAAAAAAAIO0/mwt1orIYH4kBadTBwYQqDnP8gQwGMLnZQCLcB/s640/soi%2B19.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Courtesy of Google Maps - Centre Point Hotel Pratunam and Soi 19</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So here's how it is like:<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You can buy food / fruits from the food stores nearby. Alternatively, they seem to accept cash also but the original alms giving is giving of food/necessity (e.g. toothpaste, medicinal oil..). There after then remove your shoes as a mark of respect, kneel and then put your offerings in the monk's alms bowl.</div>
<div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rQhXwi0KXgg/V5S5iwf50AI/AAAAAAAAIK4/JMWuKKvIyVAaODRNzJ_HDMReXtjjomwdACLcB/s1600/20160618_080908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rQhXwi0KXgg/V5S5iwf50AI/AAAAAAAAIK4/JMWuKKvIyVAaODRNzJ_HDMReXtjjomwdACLcB/s640/20160618_080908.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Step 1: Kneel, barefooted, and place your offerings in the alms bowl. Be sure not to touch the monk's hand</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f5THo2FHNqc/V5S5kID_nAI/AAAAAAAAILA/WMjD_4cNMYk4ND5OnuOSMRY081YnLa8KwCLcB/s1600/20160618_080914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f5THo2FHNqc/V5S5kID_nAI/AAAAAAAAILA/WMjD_4cNMYk4ND5OnuOSMRY081YnLa8KwCLcB/s640/20160618_080914.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Step 2: Bow and receive the monk's blessing in return for the alms </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Be sure not to touch any of the body parts of the monk when putting the offering into his bowl. This is a mark of respect.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0obG69o1-Dw/V5S5kDG4_rI/AAAAAAAAILI/T_42sN1qLF8TdZw7ddFZPtOZCjpdgQRIwCLcB/s1600/20160618_080950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0obG69o1-Dw/V5S5kDG4_rI/AAAAAAAAILI/T_42sN1qLF8TdZw7ddFZPtOZCjpdgQRIwCLcB/s640/20160618_080950.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>monks awaiting for offering</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fIHd16qTSgU/V5S5kLEFgnI/AAAAAAAAILE/Mb4biPpnEFwVQydqhShIk5qmgkAk34ZsACLcB/s1600/20160618_081105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fIHd16qTSgU/V5S5kLEFgnI/AAAAAAAAILE/Mb4biPpnEFwVQydqhShIk5qmgkAk34ZsACLcB/s640/20160618_081105.jpg" width="476" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>locals offering alms</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As it gets closer to 8am, we see lesser monks roaming around. The best time would be before before or around 7am if you want to do alms offering. Do note that if you are looking at offering a lot of monks then perhaps Pratunam area might not satisfy you.<br />
<br />
After that we went on to the Pratunam morning market which was near Baiyoke sky Hotel. We passed by the famous Sab x2 wanton mee at Soi 19 too! It was around 9.40am when we past by and there was already a queue forming outside! Not too sure if its really that nice but we saw reviews that prices have gone up by a lot. Not too sure if its just another tourist trap :(<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4qklWl8QwS8/V5S5lDnxxxI/AAAAAAAAILM/QWbl0YhNQcgLZkCMqdnm6HmfIQTjFWKKACLcB/s1600/20160618_094358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4qklWl8QwS8/V5S5lDnxxxI/AAAAAAAAILM/QWbl0YhNQcgLZkCMqdnm6HmfIQTjFWKKACLcB/s640/20160618_094358.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Soi 19 wonton mee</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you want to know about Pratunam morning market on a Saturday please read on!<br />
<br />
<b style="color: red;">visit the pratunam morning market on weekdays instead!</b> We passed by Pratunam morning market yesterday (Friday morning) and in comparison with Saturday's Pratunam market we realised that yes there are more stores opened on Saturday HOWEVER, shops tend to be SUPER busy loading/unloading goods. As you walk along the narrow stretch of alley / road, you not only have to dodge human traffic but also the goods traffic and they are pushed into the respective stores with those trolleys. Furthermore, there are motors also navigating through the market. It was really really chaotic and disruptive to your shopping experience. Whereas on Friday morning, we didn't see any of these unloading and there were lesser people making it easier to shop! Prices were about the same too of between THB 100 to THB 250. Generally their pricing system seems standardise, if you were to buy 1 piece, normally you have to pay THB 250- 200 (SGD $10 - 8) while if you buy 2 pieces, they can lower to THB 200 (SGD $8). While if you buy 3 pieces, they can give you a steep discount till THB 150 (SGD $6) or THB 120 (SGD $4.8). There were also a few tops going at THB 100 (SGD $4). You have to buy the same design and colour to get the best discount so gather your friends and each of you buy 1 and you can get really cheap clothes!<br />
<br />
Shopping at Pratunam morning market for clothes is really a very affordable experience especially if you are not into brands. But do not that generally they comes in one size (free sizing) and they dont allow trying. But oh well its cheap!<br />
<br />
Generally after 10am we see lesser shops with some closing already. So if you are interested do go there early from as early as 7am!!<br />
<br />
We left pratunam market and head for Baiyoke Sky hotel at around 10.30am as We made a redemption via Asiatravel for this buffet lunch @ Baiyoke Sky Hotel, Sky Restaurant. Since we can make a redemption at Asiatravel, we wanted to find a memorable dining experience to end off our BKK trip. Initially we were contemplating between the Chao Praya River cruise and this Baiyoke buffet lunch (dining at a high level), and as we couldn't seem to fit the dinner cruise into our schedule nicely, we decided to go for the Baiyoke buffet lunch.<br />
<br />
The Asiatravel buffet lunch package we got is <a href="http://packages.asiatravel.com/packagebooking/package.search.aspx?lan=en-US&trck=at_cms&pid=508165">this</a>.<br />
<br />
We have to print out AsiaTravel redemption form and head to 19th floor of Baiyoke sky hotel to get the actual tickets.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKM7_WivNEg/V5S5lzTDZII/AAAAAAAAILY/EjYqBRovDBUHD2MzINQEVON7-BD-AaIwACLcB/s1600/20160618_104053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="470" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKM7_WivNEg/V5S5lzTDZII/AAAAAAAAILY/EjYqBRovDBUHD2MzINQEVON7-BD-AaIwACLcB/s640/20160618_104053.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>19th floor - redemption counter</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6zQz9Z6ZJGE/V5S5mAtOBGI/AAAAAAAAILc/g_qeto9T1lUTL56qcrrOpmN2b_urF_2JQCLcB/s1600/20160618_104140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6zQz9Z6ZJGE/V5S5mAtOBGI/AAAAAAAAILc/g_qeto9T1lUTL56qcrrOpmN2b_urF_2JQCLcB/s640/20160618_104140.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>empty area to sit </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ovNPA982-lQ/V5S5lOct6wI/AAAAAAAAILQ/K-iPAk4KYUworR7PgFB-tvKcRXL7RrTxwCLcB/s1600/20160618_104022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ovNPA982-lQ/V5S5lOct6wI/AAAAAAAAILQ/K-iPAk4KYUworR7PgFB-tvKcRXL7RrTxwCLcB/s640/20160618_104022.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View from Baiyoke Sky Level 19</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ErTn3mXhOg/V5S5lFUdnqI/AAAAAAAAILU/tG2R-anWRj84jh6Oz0ITDVDapLL9dDx-QCLcB/s1600/20160618_104035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ErTn3mXhOg/V5S5lFUdnqI/AAAAAAAAILU/tG2R-anWRj84jh6Oz0ITDVDapLL9dDx-QCLcB/s640/20160618_104035.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View from Baiyoke Sky Hotel Level 19</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Even the view from the 19th floor is pretty good - almost a bird's eye view of the pratunam district.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lYsAj1-41DQ/V5S5mCzJYTI/AAAAAAAAILg/Gc_CKDc2ihEFqMobh8_fK6jTlEDXtZsMgCLcB/s1600/20160618_104737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lYsAj1-41DQ/V5S5mCzJYTI/AAAAAAAAILg/Gc_CKDc2ihEFqMobh8_fK6jTlEDXtZsMgCLcB/s640/20160618_104737.jpg" width="240" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tickets for buffet lunch at Bangkok Sky Restaurant</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As you might notice from the tickets, the table (32) is actually computer allocated. Thereafter getting the tickets, we head to level 76. It was around 10.45am. Buffet supposedly starts from 11am, and we see a lot of people there already. They came with tour groups, only saw 1 or 2 that came on their own just like us. Initially we thought the restaurant will be quite empty since people tend to come here for dinner instead to look at Bangkok night view.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-khx9rDUS0u0/V5S5mngl1mI/AAAAAAAAILk/hDveTEAn1ZMEJKUNs2GChCHPgae1zuamQCLcB/s1600/20160618_105226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="444" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-khx9rDUS0u0/V5S5mngl1mI/AAAAAAAAILk/hDveTEAn1ZMEJKUNs2GChCHPgae1zuamQCLcB/s640/20160618_105226.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lift to level 76</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9OcDmzV-t5w/V5S5nDpdMzI/AAAAAAAAILo/X6mQiUOIaSEVFw48cTVKDu8ce5bthTWWQCLcB/s1600/20160618_105333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9OcDmzV-t5w/V5S5nDpdMzI/AAAAAAAAILo/X6mQiUOIaSEVFw48cTVKDu8ce5bthTWWQCLcB/s640/20160618_105333.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View at level 76</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HD2ESl8n5AM/V5S5nM7K24I/AAAAAAAAILs/eweWLoNes24ebPaf9niV4qrb92yF6zKLACLcB/s1600/20160618_105417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HD2ESl8n5AM/V5S5nM7K24I/AAAAAAAAILs/eweWLoNes24ebPaf9niV4qrb92yF6zKLACLcB/s640/20160618_105417.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View at level 76</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3I1NYvG-1kU/V5S5nuxkr9I/AAAAAAAAILw/gu6ucFNOC3MVzuKf88y-zGjwpZiWY5rygCLcB/s1600/20160618_105740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3I1NYvG-1kU/V5S5nuxkr9I/AAAAAAAAILw/gu6ucFNOC3MVzuKf88y-zGjwpZiWY5rygCLcB/s640/20160618_105740.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>view at level 76</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vbp4mCslqN0/V5S5n6gFGxI/AAAAAAAAIL0/nXHBmxIlo94dBwVqmqGuWEdP97uzMdqUgCLcB/s1600/20160618_105917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vbp4mCslqN0/V5S5n6gFGxI/AAAAAAAAIL0/nXHBmxIlo94dBwVqmqGuWEdP97uzMdqUgCLcB/s640/20160618_105917.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Level 76</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zGq9fG16-3w/V5S5oBUFduI/AAAAAAAAIL4/mzL85FKpStAFeTiwo8rLg8Ko6FlRcm1bACLcB/s1600/20160618_105934_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zGq9fG16-3w/V5S5oBUFduI/AAAAAAAAIL4/mzL85FKpStAFeTiwo8rLg8Ko6FlRcm1bACLcB/s640/20160618_105934_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Level 76</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We loitered around here for awhile before the crew gestured that we can head up to level 78. to head up to level 78 you have to climb the stairs from Level 76. Apparently they don't allow the use of the lift for this purpose not too sure why.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oLsj2pL1MIs/V5S5oVwnBfI/AAAAAAAAIL8/kJMBnAHRQn088xV29TVmpo3U9HOnG_aIwCLcB/s1600/20160618_105935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oLsj2pL1MIs/V5S5oVwnBfI/AAAAAAAAIL8/kJMBnAHRQn088xV29TVmpo3U9HOnG_aIwCLcB/s640/20160618_105935.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Level 76</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Finally at around 11.08am, we can head up to level 78 where the restaurant is open for buffet ~~~<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8cOa3Guza_k/V5S5oj1JR1I/AAAAAAAAIMA/85yhj75udXo2aTJedWSgBjgg6zXmDr_nACLcB/s1600/20160618_110816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="470" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8cOa3Guza_k/V5S5oj1JR1I/AAAAAAAAIMA/85yhj75udXo2aTJedWSgBjgg6zXmDr_nACLcB/s640/20160618_110816.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bangkok Sky restaurant - Thailand's tallest hotel cum restaurant</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GIPw_2_n4MY/V5S5pM6ozZI/AAAAAAAAIMI/nWo0IUB0dvIl-yaFAFsrPvN4Y3E5tzfJACLcB/s1600/20160618_110955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="496" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GIPw_2_n4MY/V5S5pM6ozZI/AAAAAAAAIMI/nWo0IUB0dvIl-yaFAFsrPvN4Y3E5tzfJACLcB/s640/20160618_110955.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inside the restaurant</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was pretty empty when we entered as most of the tour groups head to the restaurant at level 76. We were hoping that we can get the window seats to get a better view of Bangkok's skyline and guess what we got it! Hehe<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0qSx4KoWH9c/V5S5o-ahlFI/AAAAAAAAIME/ibB7Tf6rx582S_ovWcOZgfgebGBXMP1CwCLcB/s1600/20160618_110924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0qSx4KoWH9c/V5S5o-ahlFI/AAAAAAAAIME/ibB7Tf6rx582S_ovWcOZgfgebGBXMP1CwCLcB/s640/20160618_110924.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View of Bangkok skyline at level 78</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-39cnNmbax0I/V5S5p5i35hI/AAAAAAAAIMU/YD8ZQJsHjqECgZdXMZvV-SR-IPnCiHY4ACLcB/s1600/20160618_121127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-39cnNmbax0I/V5S5p5i35hI/AAAAAAAAIMU/YD8ZQJsHjqECgZdXMZvV-SR-IPnCiHY4ACLcB/s640/20160618_121127.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View of Bangkok skyline at level 78</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Okay now moving on to the buffet, after all it is the main purpose right? haha</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In terms of selection, we must say they have a wide selection - from Thai cuisine, international (western), chinese, japanese... There is ice cream, salad, drinks too. Really a lot of selection, practically the food area is the whole stretch circling around the centre of the restaurant.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r7zYdSyCSOw/V5S5pRNE63I/AAAAAAAAIMM/jqVAX9EC9eQXPsLBBcQRD-xdusfkrUH0gCLcB/s1600/20160618_111023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r7zYdSyCSOw/V5S5pRNE63I/AAAAAAAAIMM/jqVAX9EC9eQXPsLBBcQRD-xdusfkrUH0gCLcB/s640/20160618_111023.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>drinks</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bo7C3-uIpeA/V5S5pit8qLI/AAAAAAAAIMQ/hNOo0Hwl_X8GNY0RpghAGUegtmEAXemdACLcB/s1600/20160618_111131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bo7C3-uIpeA/V5S5pit8qLI/AAAAAAAAIMQ/hNOo0Hwl_X8GNY0RpghAGUegtmEAXemdACLcB/s640/20160618_111131.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>seafood</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You can get them to grill fish or chicken too!<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GIU93fATDdQ/V5S5vRqDnVI/AAAAAAAAINo/VNvRYTPAogoOsfVRFoqHbrN5L1EtxU8kgCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BImage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="520" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GIU93fATDdQ/V5S5vRqDnVI/AAAAAAAAINo/VNvRYTPAogoOsfVRFoqHbrN5L1EtxU8kgCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BImage2.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>dessert and japanese selection</i></blockquote>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DFCqIZ3hiYg/V5S5vs1PXJI/AAAAAAAAINs/qbJYZ1RemiQKbmTTOazWEY0T4Z8h6CZxACLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BImage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="466" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DFCqIZ3hiYg/V5S5vs1PXJI/AAAAAAAAINs/qbJYZ1RemiQKbmTTOazWEY0T4Z8h6CZxACLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BImage3.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>more desserts</i></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4yBioX2iP3g/V5S5vIz1rkI/AAAAAAAAINk/Dn8LEhvGbFEfZQFhs1euo7wAeIzL4rGVQCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BImage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4yBioX2iP3g/V5S5vIz1rkI/AAAAAAAAINk/Dn8LEhvGbFEfZQFhs1euo7wAeIzL4rGVQCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BImage.jpg" width="406" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>top to bottom: Mango sticky rice and tom yum soup</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We concluded that if you are going for the skyline view and wide selection of food, then this hotel's buffet is a right choice for you. However if you are going for quality, then perhaps improvement is still needed.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-93N6qzHOiGA/V5S5qOrl4uI/AAAAAAAAIMY/5CFjNMtOljM0A1lS9LxJGImlrWXw9I3eACLcB/s1600/20160618_121134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="490" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-93N6qzHOiGA/V5S5qOrl4uI/AAAAAAAAIMY/5CFjNMtOljM0A1lS9LxJGImlrWXw9I3eACLcB/s640/20160618_121134.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Restaurant at 12.15pm</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
More people start to stream it when it is nearing 12pm. We left at around 12.20pm as we had to do a final packing before our driver come at 1.20pm to pick us up to Suvarnabhumi airport for our flight.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/--oK08xfh2jM/V5S5qYljQnI/AAAAAAAAIMc/JTO9F9EOGBIH5DA2EPONW8_vXCLpWlaqQCLcB/s1600/20160618_121829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--oK08xfh2jM/V5S5qYljQnI/AAAAAAAAIMc/JTO9F9EOGBIH5DA2EPONW8_vXCLpWlaqQCLcB/s640/20160618_121829.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>queue at lobby to take the lift up to level 76 - buffet</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you are intending to come Baiyoke Sky hotel buffet lunch, do come at an earlier time (11am) and you dont need to queue or jostle with the crowd. Crowd also means food get taken away at a faster speed. Especially for the better ones like fresh salmon. Haha<br />
<br />
We enjoyed the meal and was really full. It was a good experience but if we were to pay the full price of more than THB 500 (SGD $20) then perhaps we won't try it...<br />
<br />
Our airport transfer van arrived on time. It was via redemption through Asiatravel again (same as our airport transfer on <a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/Yunnan%20%26%20BKK%20Day%208">day 8</a>. It was due to arrive at 1.20pm, but when we were below at around 1.10pm it was already there.<br />
<br />
Do allocate some time for check out at Centre Point Hotel Pratunam. Normally you can just give back your hotel card, and the hotel will return you your deposit and you can go. However over here, you have to give them your deposit slip and card, thereafter they will return you your deposit and they will give a call to their room service personnel to check that everything is in place (e.g you didn't use the minibar, spoil the equipment, or remove anything from the room). This check took some time about an additional 5mins.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SXtzjeULBlw/V5S5qfn1UII/AAAAAAAAIMg/ryjJBS2FINMRACmINPk_i6qpclHiz3SuwCLcB/s1600/20160618_131803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SXtzjeULBlw/V5S5qfn1UII/AAAAAAAAIMg/ryjJBS2FINMRACmINPk_i6qpclHiz3SuwCLcB/s640/20160618_131803.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bye Centre Point Hotel Pratunam</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Overall our experience here is good and we would come back here to stay again if the price remains affordable especially when there's promotion. We love the family room (Deluxe executive) concept, allowing us to stay together and making sharing of food or stuff easier too.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RT3NZHXVCKc/V5S5q50QrII/AAAAAAAAIMk/8ByRwotT8C8d47t1NgNRLPFpzeI0nO0ZQCLcB/s1600/20160618_134715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RT3NZHXVCKc/V5S5q50QrII/AAAAAAAAIMk/8ByRwotT8C8d47t1NgNRLPFpzeI0nO0ZQCLcB/s640/20160618_134715.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>our airport transfer van </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Traffic was surprisingly smooth on a Saturday afternoon. We departed Centre Point Hotel Pratunam at around 1.20pm and we reach Suvarnabhumi airport at 1.48pm. It took around 30 minutes to reach the airport.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dz-QGkJTKd0/V5S5rKHjFCI/AAAAAAAAIMs/K52WDh1IJrc0h2-8ikqIGgIrQ16Sd8vZgCLcB/s1600/20160618_134724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dz-QGkJTKd0/V5S5rKHjFCI/AAAAAAAAIMs/K52WDh1IJrc0h2-8ikqIGgIrQ16Sd8vZgCLcB/s640/20160618_134724.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Area 4 - Thai Airways</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Time to check in our heavy luggages with our loots from China and BKK! It came up to an amazing 49kg for the 4 of us. When we departed to China on Day 1 it was only 30+kg!<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5YhCY0wOOic/V5S5rEX9VgI/AAAAAAAAIMo/W2zPjNl_tNY28Kpa39BPZZhKuNb0ISwYACLcB/s1600/20160618_135609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="506" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5YhCY0wOOic/V5S5rEX9VgI/AAAAAAAAIMo/W2zPjNl_tNY28Kpa39BPZZhKuNb0ISwYACLcB/s640/20160618_135609.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Baggage weight</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The clothes haul that we got from BKK must be the culprit. Each of us almost bought clothes that can last us through 1 year or more, because they are really this affordable. It is like clothes you see in Singapore especially on blogshop going at SGD $20+, and yet over here at Pratunam morning market you can get for below SGD $10. It is a no brainer whether to buy or not. Hehe<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lMqxxX_SqI/V5S5rlZJHcI/AAAAAAAAIMw/qt0jCyDWhaUxqEkzF0Z8RIXTQCmw-WFowCLcB/s1600/20160618_135614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lMqxxX_SqI/V5S5rlZJHcI/AAAAAAAAIMw/qt0jCyDWhaUxqEkzF0Z8RIXTQCmw-WFowCLcB/s640/20160618_135614.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Suvarnabhumi airport Departure check in</i></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lz6qmFhHRV8/V5S5ucZz-sI/AAAAAAAAINY/9U4WzyKzbuEygNHroZGCM7Nwy1k146-zQCLcB/s1600/P1050062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lz6qmFhHRV8/V5S5ucZz-sI/AAAAAAAAINY/9U4WzyKzbuEygNHroZGCM7Nwy1k146-zQCLcB/s640/P1050062.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Thai exhibition</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y20QCZj18Nc/V5S5ubOoPMI/AAAAAAAAINc/lpPbq8bTrnEsOApbLHtKzYUCMCdH5FIxQCLcB/s1600/P1050064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y20QCZj18Nc/V5S5ubOoPMI/AAAAAAAAINc/lpPbq8bTrnEsOApbLHtKzYUCMCdH5FIxQCLcB/s640/P1050064.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Thai exhibition</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e4351CKl3_Q/V5S5us58DyI/AAAAAAAAINg/RQnT_kFTAJkvPzcRhDC87_TjKW6NnNchACLcB/s1600/P1050067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e4351CKl3_Q/V5S5us58DyI/AAAAAAAAINg/RQnT_kFTAJkvPzcRhDC87_TjKW6NnNchACLcB/s640/P1050067.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tastes of Thailand (souvenir shop)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After we past the custom, we saw a lot of people buying mango sticky rice from King Power duty free shop or this Tastes of Thailand shop. It wasn't cheap and it doesn't really look nice either. But i guess its the most convenient way for tourists to bring some sticky rice back to their hometown.</div>
<div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s_Fq7MJgw9E/V5S5r7H-5cI/AAAAAAAAIM0/2g2Q0r7lU-0RKES6VkenCoE1orUDXKUEACLcB/s1600/20160618_145239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s_Fq7MJgw9E/V5S5r7H-5cI/AAAAAAAAIM0/2g2Q0r7lU-0RKES6VkenCoE1orUDXKUEACLcB/s640/20160618_145239.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gate C1</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We have to take the escalator down and the nearest seats to the left of the escalator is where Gate C1 is at.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wETvXIr_YO4/V5S5sPfZcdI/AAAAAAAAIM4/kVxxXTCBagsPDDrFcTxGJKT-CwCfleDWwCLcB/s1600/20160618_145319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wETvXIr_YO4/V5S5sPfZcdI/AAAAAAAAIM4/kVxxXTCBagsPDDrFcTxGJKT-CwCfleDWwCLcB/s640/20160618_145319.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Escalator C1</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lULekkdDFek/V5S5sXrLYwI/AAAAAAAAIM8/KPFWZPRx-uwX3u44tO2JVcN5yHInEcqJwCLcB/s1600/20160618_153428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="366" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lULekkdDFek/V5S5sXrLYwI/AAAAAAAAIM8/KPFWZPRx-uwX3u44tO2JVcN5yHInEcqJwCLcB/s640/20160618_153428.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Boarding pass</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFUwzUsvB8A/V5S5s32GdHI/AAAAAAAAINA/Eg6oy6keJQU9JEuKf1Jx2OVHgXAvYb9iACLcB/s1600/20160618_162902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFUwzUsvB8A/V5S5s32GdHI/AAAAAAAAINA/Eg6oy6keJQU9JEuKf1Jx2OVHgXAvYb9iACLcB/s640/20160618_162902.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Thai Airways</i></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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KT9W0fBhjgQ/V5S5s_Mc2YI/AAAAAAAAINE/wer5DDkssAw9cAoB0TSK3zgHlRqjS3UQACLcB/s1600/20160618_162911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KT9W0fBhjgQ/V5S5s_Mc2YI/AAAAAAAAINE/wer5DDkssAw9cAoB0TSK3zgHlRqjS3UQACLcB/s640/20160618_162911.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>on runway</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We departed at around 4.30pm, almost on time.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dPkgL8TPHPE/V5S5tB2in8I/AAAAAAAAINI/r97MIMoniiUW0jVybF5vd6ipHOV1O10mgCLcB/s1600/20160618_163457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dPkgL8TPHPE/V5S5tB2in8I/AAAAAAAAINI/r97MIMoniiUW0jVybF5vd6ipHOV1O10mgCLcB/s640/20160618_163457.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Goodbye Bangkok</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv4zBMOBdC8/V5S5tsBmdMI/AAAAAAAAINM/_QZhHp79LSMf40qHu-jKCFO-ez9Kn-vlwCLcB/s1600/20160618_164146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv4zBMOBdC8/V5S5tsBmdMI/AAAAAAAAINM/_QZhHp79LSMf40qHu-jKCFO-ez9Kn-vlwCLcB/s640/20160618_164146.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>up in the clouds</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Perhaps it was a short flight, so meal was served pretty fast at around 5pm, half hour into the flight.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yf9T2Y_dnrA/V5S5tnkZDTI/AAAAAAAAINQ/bajMjtlo1rg90QPNHTa8xZEWFE68qpJRQCLcB/s1600/20160618_170804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="574" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yf9T2Y_dnrA/V5S5tnkZDTI/AAAAAAAAINQ/bajMjtlo1rg90QPNHTa8xZEWFE68qpJRQCLcB/s640/20160618_170804.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Thai curry chicken rice</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Thai curry chicken was good, however the vegetables salad wasn't too much too our liking.<br />
<br />
Flight was smooth and we entertained ourselves with the last in-flight entertainment before we conclude our long 11 days trip.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c5UHY3euSFc/V5S5twSP8RI/AAAAAAAAINU/oIlThGWvQscTcrgkNxCnhKaUwFjbwppPQCLcB/s1600/20160618_175044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="532" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c5UHY3euSFc/V5S5twSP8RI/AAAAAAAAINU/oIlThGWvQscTcrgkNxCnhKaUwFjbwppPQCLcB/s640/20160618_175044.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Flight estimation timing </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As it appears from the screen, we seem to be able to touch down at Singapore Changi Airport T1 early. However when we were nearing Singapore, there seem to be busy traffic and the pilot had to encircle Singapore and Malaysia airspace thrice to delay some time before we can land. By the time we land, it was already 8+pm.<br />
<br />
But oh well, we weren't n a rush. In fact, touch down marks the end of our trip.<br />
<br />
It was a memorable experience to China Yunnan and Thailand Bangkok. We will be sure to visit Bangkok again in the recent time to come especially when we are in need of a short getaway or affordable eats/clothes. While for China, our first start to China had been great and in time when opportunity arise, a visit to China again for its beautiful and magnificent scenary is definitely on our bucket list.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951287982667008118.post-9290244904026200122016-06-17T00:00:00.000+08:002016-08-07T21:38:37.119+08:00YUNNAN & BANGKOK Day 10<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Day 10: <span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">Centre Point Hotel Pratunam -></span><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"> Erawan Shrine (四面佛) -> Wat Pho (via BTS and Chao Phraya Express Boat) -> </span><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (龍蓮寺</span><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">) -> Nam Sing Bird Nest -> Lim Jing Hieng (林真香) Pork Floss -> </span><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">Centre Point Hotel Pratunam -> Siam Square -> </span><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">Big C Super Center (R</span><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">ajdamri) -> Pratunam Night Market </span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div>
<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;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-style: normal; text-align: start;">Good morning! Sawadeeka! We do not have any tour today. Mainly we will only be touring Wat Pho and another chinese temple in Chinatown and basically Free & Easy shopping for the other half of the day. We started the day at around 8.50am.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-style: normal; text-align: start;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-style: normal; text-align: start;">Do you know Centre Point Hotel Pratunam has this side door leading straight to Phetchaburi Road (main road)? This makes going out and coming back after a day of activities so much convenient! During our stay there we never once went back or went out of our hotel via the main door because it is situated at an alley.</span></i></div>
<i style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBivZWXnctE/V3fikLqKQ9I/AAAAAAAAIDw/qdMfTyn2L38O07YB-HkwKypsl1Fvb803gCKgB/s1600/20160617_161226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBivZWXnctE/V3fikLqKQ9I/AAAAAAAAIDw/qdMfTyn2L38O07YB-HkwKypsl1Fvb803gCKgB/s640/20160617_161226.jpg" width="640" /></a></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Centre Point Hotel Pratunam side door</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once you come out of the side door, turn left and walk straight all the way and you will eventually reach the busy pratunam junction, along the way you will see famous Platinum Fashion Mall opposite too. Centre Point Hotel Pratunam is this convenient!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So for our first stop of the day, we are heading to Erawan Shrine! Erawan Shrine is situated at Grand Hyatt Bangkok and it is also the place that had bombing took place last August 2015.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UqfAgFCM_1I/V3fifp35GCI/AAAAAAAAICw/7llSvSvdx3ULniD9Ik7XK4BmWRzGzq4xwCKgB/s1600/20160617_085359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UqfAgFCM_1I/V3fifp35GCI/AAAAAAAAICw/7llSvSvdx3ULniD9Ik7XK4BmWRzGzq4xwCKgB/s640/20160617_085359.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>9am traffic at Phetchaburi Road</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Erawan Shrine (or also known as four-faced buddha), is situated along Phloen Chit Road which is between Chitlom and Siam BTS. It is a 10-15 mins walk from our hotel to the Erawan Shrine. If you have trouble finding, just look out for this beautifully shaped building (see below). It is located near there!<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9donzkGwd-4/V3fifhvjWFI/AAAAAAAAICs/M7mjPXyah_wKaGk6-t1SlU3T_nzsSthkACKgB/s1600/20160617_090645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9donzkGwd-4/V3fifhvjWFI/AAAAAAAAICs/M7mjPXyah_wKaGk6-t1SlU3T_nzsSthkACKgB/s640/20160617_090645.jpg" width="438" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>landmark</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_NkB_XXl4Hw/V3fifkNKjvI/AAAAAAAAICo/rZsCZJOp_zE9QBbHO2zuV3g5_YjoJn1swCKgB/s1600/20160617_091500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_NkB_XXl4Hw/V3fifkNKjvI/AAAAAAAAICo/rZsCZJOp_zE9QBbHO2zuV3g5_YjoJn1swCKgB/s640/20160617_091500.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Erawan Shrine (opp the road)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We reached Erawan Shrine at 9.15am. Though it is morning, the place was so so so crowded! No wonder it makes an ideal target place for terrorists :( We saw one security guard on duty at that point of time. Do note that the place can be quite smoky too, as it is a small compound and almost everyone who goes there will buy candles and light up at each of the four face. It is that smoky until there is helpers there fanning away the fire/smoke as soon as you light them up.<br />
<br />
When we reach, we were immediately entertained by vendors outside selling garlands, candles for making offering at the shrine. <span style="color: red;"><b>THEY CHARGE MORE EXPENSIVE THAN THE SHOP WITHIN THE SHRINE COMPOUND. </b></span><br />
We weren't aware of that as such we went ahead to buy :/ We bought large garland (4 each for each side of the four faced buddha) and it comes with 4 candles for THB 400 (SGD $16). So for the four of us, we would have spent THB 1600 (SGD $64) in total. However thereafter, we saw this price list chart on the gate of the shrine, and it states only half the price! Meaning, if we had bought at the shop within the shrine, we would have paid only THB 800 (SGD $32) for the same amount of flowers we get.<br />
<br />
We did not take a photo of the price list, but here's a screen grab from a fellow blogger. If you are interested, his post on the Four Faced buddha is pretty informative too.<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;"><i><img height="456" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n4vaDfABB_w/VBhf6X91AaI/AAAAAAAA3Mw/ZE47Ayh-VbI/s640/11%2BFour-Faced%2BBuddha%2B(%E5%9B%9B%E9%9D%A2%E4%BD%9B%2BErawan%2BShrine%2Baka%2BThao%2BMaha%2BBrahma)%2B%40%2BBangkok%2B%5BThailand%5D%2B(Custom).JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Price List (Four Faced buddha) - taken from: <a href="http://cavinteo.blogspot.sg/2014/09/four-faced-buddha-erawan-shrine-aka.html">Entree Kibbles blog</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So basically, after you buy the flower garlands and candles, proceed to give your offerings to each side of the buddha and pray if you want. Thereafter there is a place where you can wash your hands with the holy water situated at a corner within the compound.<br />
<br />
We did not stay for long as it was too crowded for comfort. We left after around 20 mins and proceeded to Siam BTS. You can head to the Siam BTS by taking the skywalk (overhead bridge).<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QZd_rKPJC20/V3figWruIaI/AAAAAAAAIC0/DRdADvaMicg2duzmwJCrYUv8kWMYOlozQCKgB/s1600/20160617_094043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="470" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QZd_rKPJC20/V3figWruIaI/AAAAAAAAIC0/DRdADvaMicg2duzmwJCrYUv8kWMYOlozQCKgB/s640/20160617_094043.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>head towards Siam BTS</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our next stop is Saphan Taksin BTS station where we will board the boat to Wat Pho at the Sathorn Pier. We went to the Siam BTS counter and asked for 4 tickets to Saphan Taksin. Thankfully, the staff understand and gave us the correct ticket.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AAMixL0ObYw/V3fihZ8_R9I/AAAAAAAAIDI/TMIkr-f2rqYcxzzAvqNE9MelHGF-awTugCKgB/s1600/20160617_095113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="416" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AAMixL0ObYw/V3fihZ8_R9I/AAAAAAAAIDI/TMIkr-f2rqYcxzzAvqNE9MelHGF-awTugCKgB/s640/20160617_095113.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>BTS Single Journey ticket (front)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yd91qqPZLHo/V3fihbj_xuI/AAAAAAAAIDE/rZgukWpBzoQysOR43DTre0UklWl2ZD14wCKgB/s1600/20160617_095119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yd91qqPZLHo/V3fihbj_xuI/AAAAAAAAIDE/rZgukWpBzoQysOR43DTre0UklWl2ZD14wCKgB/s640/20160617_095119.jpg" width="410" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>BTS Single Journey ticket (back)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Prior to our trip, we plan our BTS ride using their BTS website where they have a journey planner that will tell you approx how long it takes to get from one place to another as well as the charge involve. Feel free to use <a href="http://www.bts.co.th/customer/en/02-route-current_new.aspx">BTS Service route map</a> for your planning.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-86WHs8EXqg4/V527MaW53iI/AAAAAAAAIN8/TgrqXliYL4k85JA1GlPADN5awPXAN82DwCLcB/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="448" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-86WHs8EXqg4/V527MaW53iI/AAAAAAAAIN8/TgrqXliYL4k85JA1GlPADN5awPXAN82DwCLcB/s640/Capture.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Screenshot from <a href="http://www.bts.co.th/customer/en/02-route-current_new.aspx">BTS service route map</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
In addition the web has a section called 'Explore Bangkok by BTS' where it will show you the major places of interest and how you can get to them via public transport (bus, BTS, boat). For example for Wat Pho, this is what it says, look at the part on ' How to get there'!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EhT3uEQiYxY/V5271DXSWHI/AAAAAAAAIOA/ZXdZk5-tXZ82BrtV_LjXQ2J5pidMUBnfgCLcB/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="580" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EhT3uEQiYxY/V5271DXSWHI/AAAAAAAAIOA/ZXdZk5-tXZ82BrtV_LjXQ2J5pidMUBnfgCLcB/s640/Capture.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wat Pho description (screenshot from <a href="http://www.bts.co.th/customer/en/06-travel-temple-01.aspx">Explore Bangkok by BTS website</a>)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Similarly, for trains, to know which platform you are suppose to board, take note of the ending stop. Especially do note that Siam BTS has two different lines - <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>skytrain silom line</b></span> and <b style="color: lime;">skytrain sukhumvit line.</b> For eg. for travelling to Saphan Taksin, look for the train platform that is heading towards Bang Wa.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wDsJaHiSgNM/V3figtFlKLI/AAAAAAAAIC8/GwwTMuFH6Eswvb40TB5c_7VOLFaPkvENwCKgB/s1600/20160617_095051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wDsJaHiSgNM/V3figtFlKLI/AAAAAAAAIC8/GwwTMuFH6Eswvb40TB5c_7VOLFaPkvENwCKgB/s640/20160617_095051.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>To Bang Wa</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VNnA-_b3nEI/V3figizl1cI/AAAAAAAAIC4/bLV1B-KlS3kXiHl5gww0NRXwKPOERDMGwCKgB/s1600/20160617_095040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="448" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VNnA-_b3nEI/V3figizl1cI/AAAAAAAAIC4/bLV1B-KlS3kXiHl5gww0NRXwKPOERDMGwCKgB/s640/20160617_095040.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Platform towards Bang Wa</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pWV9yNGRBLA/V3fihGiG_tI/AAAAAAAAIDA/OPay6xgRb2Eq22cWx-iTWdaeYpM13cylQCKgB/s1600/20160617_095056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="420" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pWV9yNGRBLA/V3fihGiG_tI/AAAAAAAAIDA/OPay6xgRb2Eq22cWx-iTWdaeYpM13cylQCKgB/s640/20160617_095056.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>train platform</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We did not have to wait for long and the BTS is here!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_nFTj85gdmM/V3fih8Gu81I/AAAAAAAAIDM/4eYvGa8u5o8VhmVN8cdJnXZuApTAFAm4wCKgB/s1600/20160617_095156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_nFTj85gdmM/V3fih8Gu81I/AAAAAAAAIDM/4eYvGa8u5o8VhmVN8cdJnXZuApTAFAm4wCKgB/s640/20160617_095156.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>inside the BTS</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It wasn't exactly too crowded (as compared to Singapore's train) but of course not that empty too.<br />
<br />
Do note that in Bangkok the major train lines are BTS and MRT. The former is a sky train while the latter is underground. Along the way it start to rain :( Sigh what a start to our day. But anyways, the train journey was actually quite comfortable and we reach Saphan Taksin BTS station in around 12 minutes time.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Siam > Ratchadamri > Sala Daeng > Chong Nonsi > Surasak > Saphan Taksin</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Once you alight and head the escalator down to the ground floor where gantry is at, there will be a direction board to let you know which exit you should head to.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pC6xjXPn0CU/V3fih611vEI/AAAAAAAAIDQ/-YldkRUAtEYj2WUeQnxGXpw2xo8ViQAFQCKgB/s1600/20160617_100530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pC6xjXPn0CU/V3fih611vEI/AAAAAAAAIDQ/-YldkRUAtEYj2WUeQnxGXpw2xo8ViQAFQCKgB/s640/20160617_100530.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Directions near Saphan Taksin gantry</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For us we are heading to the Chao Praya Express Boat Pier, hence Exit 2 ( on the left of below photo)</div>
<div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3PxT88m4XbU/V3fiiA42SBI/AAAAAAAAIDU/a2oZtGs_7igsoxSgujnywSiIXMaqeyXlgCKgB/s1600/20160617_100540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="416" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3PxT88m4XbU/V3fiiA42SBI/AAAAAAAAIDU/a2oZtGs_7igsoxSgujnywSiIXMaqeyXlgCKgB/s640/20160617_100540.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>gantries at Saphan Taksin</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Do note that if you are using the BTS Single journey ticket like us, you have to insert into the card opening at the gantry (see photo above, the opening above the labelling of G16/G17), and then the machine will at your card :( Meaning you won't be able to keep it for souvenir sake. Guess if you really want to keep it for souvenir sake, you have to buy one card and dont use it.</div>
<div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OVnL1T2YYrw/V3fiiivvW8I/AAAAAAAAIDY/Hm0Ua7UaRvISEA0HzLVClBU9KBm-tKH_gCKgB/s1600/20160617_100605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OVnL1T2YYrw/V3fiiivvW8I/AAAAAAAAIDY/Hm0Ua7UaRvISEA0HzLVClBU9KBm-tKH_gCKgB/s640/20160617_100605.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Exit 2</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And basically, there will be a lot of tourists or locals heading to the express boat area. So just follow. it is not too far away from the BTS anyway :)<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ayY8RHYnLvU/V3fiqVByyJI/AAAAAAAAIFg/w71shDaH0uQqrfsKyxAZ5O5um6eQ7wFVwCKgB/s1600/P1040850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="210" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ayY8RHYnLvU/V3fiqVByyJI/AAAAAAAAIFg/w71shDaH0uQqrfsKyxAZ5O5um6eQ7wFVwCKgB/s640/P1040850.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ticketing </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Okay learning how to take the boat is a long story. How do I start, hmm.<br />
<br />
For a start, referring to their official Chao Praya Express boat website can be very helpful. you can find the link here: <a href="http://www.chaophrayaexpressboat.com/en/services/index.aspx#timetable">http://www.chaophrayaexpressboat.com/en/services/index.aspx#timetable</a><br />
<br />
They provide the route map, fare and time table (frequency) which can be useful to help in planing.<br />
Prior to this trip, we saw and read online that there's different boats (mainly identified by the flag they have on the boat - yellow/orange/blue/green flag) and there's different charges even if they bring you to the same stop.<br />
<br />
Basically the blue flag is the tourist boat (more expensive too but there is someone to give brief introduction of the places along the way). Tourist boat does not stop at all stops along the Chao Phraya river and it cost THB 40 (SGD $1.60) per way, doesn't matter which stop you alight. While for the orange flag boat (taken by locals) only cost THB 14 (SGD $0.56). For us, we are heading to Wat Pho, hence we should alight at Tha Thien Pier which is along the route of the orange and blue boat. Of course, who wouldn't want to take the cheaper one - aka orange boat. When we reach the pier, we weren't certain the procedures and started to ask around on the purchase of the boat ticket. However they keep directing us to blue counter to buy the tourist boat. Despite us keep asking about the orange boat or THB 14 ticket, they either really don't understand what we talking about (we were speaking english) or they feign ignorance.<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><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qxrNVB1CgWQ/V3fiqJJZP2I/AAAAAAAAIFc/2tkCxgOg55kIcN-qmzRTK9vw4jyvjMgwACKgB/s1600/P1040849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qxrNVB1CgWQ/V3fiqJJZP2I/AAAAAAAAIFc/2tkCxgOg55kIcN-qmzRTK9vw4jyvjMgwACKgB/s640/P1040849.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Chao Praya Express Boat counter (Tourists)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Do note they have 2 different kind of staff there that we noticed, one wearing blue shirts and another wearing orange shirt. Orange shirt is the staff in charge of the orange boat however she does not understand English, only Thai. After a while, we gave up as we really couldn't find anyone who can help us, and apparently all tourists seem to buy the tourist boat. So as much as we don't want, we bought the more expensive tourist ticket (THB 40). </div>
<div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0x7HJrMlfF8/V3fiq-igSDI/AAAAAAAAIFo/PEBys24mKAolvLT9nFH4EV7JyH9mgWPJQCKgB/s1600/P1040854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0x7HJrMlfF8/V3fiq-igSDI/AAAAAAAAIFo/PEBys24mKAolvLT9nFH4EV7JyH9mgWPJQCKgB/s640/P1040854.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Chaotic pier - waiting for the boat to come</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QdNxKoLtnLc/V3fiiu5M6jI/AAAAAAAAIDc/qqK4VNZyKxsPCQt63QwPay0XA97yb8rygCKgB/s1600/20160617_101418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QdNxKoLtnLc/V3fiiu5M6jI/AAAAAAAAIDc/qqK4VNZyKxsPCQt63QwPay0XA97yb8rygCKgB/s640/20160617_101418.jpg" width="470" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also, do note that tourist boat (blue boat) frequency has a slower frequency of around 30 mins. Whereas orange boat is around 15-20 mins.You can checkout on the timetable/frequency at <a href="http://www.chaophrayaexpressboat.com/en/services/index.aspx#timetable">ChaoPhraya Express Boat web.</a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While we were queuing up to wait for the blue boat, the orange boat came and we saw the locals boarding and at that moment we then realise the procedure! So if you want to get cheap local tickets, please dont buy from the blue tourist counter but follow the steps below! :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. Queue up at a separate queue (perhaps you can ask the orange shirt lady or see where the locals queue.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2. When the boat is arriving, the orange lady will hold a metal container and start going around the queue to collect money - <b>which is the boat fare! </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3. Then she will issue you the ticket thereafter</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4. Hold the ticket and proceed to board when the boat arrives!</div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iq8DUO2yO3c/V3firJol_2I/AAAAAAAAIFs/cr6SLgW2ejsuy_Shnrtmn0jVDki13tTwQCKgB/s1600/P1040855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="414" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iq8DUO2yO3c/V3firJol_2I/AAAAAAAAIFs/cr6SLgW2ejsuy_Shnrtmn0jVDki13tTwQCKgB/s640/P1040855.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Orange lady in the background collecting money from the locals</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o63fQYRG0O8/V3firagmMhI/AAAAAAAAIFw/Lxvgf_wO2AQ22_VgFrnzWCNMsNNrA0mdACKgB/s1600/P1040856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="430" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o63fQYRG0O8/V3firagmMhI/AAAAAAAAIFw/Lxvgf_wO2AQ22_VgFrnzWCNMsNNrA0mdACKgB/s640/P1040856.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>collecting money, giving change</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sigh we missed it. But it's okay. At least we learnt it the hard way haha.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DqkNPRCqcg/V3fiqXCRx3I/AAAAAAAAIFk/yVByuODnLLcjSzPMN6wwDOmMtkOJSUy5ACKgB/s1600/P1040853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="404" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DqkNPRCqcg/V3fiqXCRx3I/AAAAAAAAIFk/yVByuODnLLcjSzPMN6wwDOmMtkOJSUy5ACKgB/s640/P1040853.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View of another pier</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We waited for around 15 mins and it is finally our turn to board!<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MXAJp0fDLNM/V3firSad0bI/AAAAAAAAIF0/aC0Hdtx6wcESAa8MhLmFWdYUvxVdCGJTwCKgB/s1600/P1040858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MXAJp0fDLNM/V3firSad0bI/AAAAAAAAIF0/aC0Hdtx6wcESAa8MhLmFWdYUvxVdCGJTwCKgB/s640/P1040858.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sathorn pier boarding area</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We managed to board at 10.30am.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ton0JjKWSP8/V3fiipWxW9I/AAAAAAAAIDg/kIq14kFyBtwuOq_DuA_9j_gW_-MJ3JCygCKgB/s1600/20160617_103939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ton0JjKWSP8/V3fiipWxW9I/AAAAAAAAIDg/kIq14kFyBtwuOq_DuA_9j_gW_-MJ3JCygCKgB/s640/20160617_103939.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inside the boat</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Apparently, they allow standing on the boat. So if you are early, you get to choose where to sit and of course, being the tourist in you, you would choose to sit near the window haha. Personally we feel, left or right side doesn't matter, you get to see different scenaries. If you sit on the left side like us, Wat Arun will be on your side.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1268oDiyM9s/V3fis-QsQ5I/AAAAAAAAIGM/QCkNWObBj9gfYZCYXMI_IXf9GIaLBIYqACKgB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="376" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1268oDiyM9s/V3fis-QsQ5I/AAAAAAAAIGM/QCkNWObBj9gfYZCYXMI_IXf9GIaLBIYqACKgB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage2.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>hotels/ sightseeings</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IQPu4GPcA2Q/V3fitFmUq9I/AAAAAAAAIGQ/KRy08niGM9A22zfY_7ENN2__Zn-XXCEkQCKgB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="376" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IQPu4GPcA2Q/V3fitFmUq9I/AAAAAAAAIGQ/KRy08niGM9A22zfY_7ENN2__Zn-XXCEkQCKgB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage3.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>views along the way</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we get nearer and nearer to Tha Thien Pier, we start to see more temples as seen by their distinct 'Thai' look.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pA61fLklClQ/V3fir1HQifI/AAAAAAAAIF4/rOFG0KOJhqASoXxHTw54WdjWViBM_juBwCKgB/s1600/P1040881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="380" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pA61fLklClQ/V3fir1HQifI/AAAAAAAAIF4/rOFG0KOJhqASoXxHTw54WdjWViBM_juBwCKgB/s640/P1040881.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>some temple along the way</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X246zfNc-Fk/V3fisB-0-YI/AAAAAAAAIF8/0DnWGAy1H1Qsh_87vLg58jv6_de3buTyQCKgB/s1600/P1040885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="418" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X246zfNc-Fk/V3fisB-0-YI/AAAAAAAAIF8/0DnWGAy1H1Qsh_87vLg58jv6_de3buTyQCKgB/s640/P1040885.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wat Arun (In the midst of some refurbishment)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was a pity though that Wat Arun was undergoing refurbishment at the period when we were at Bangkok. As such we did not go Wat Arun though we wanted to initially. As Wat Arun is at the opposite side of the river, to get there, you have to alight at Tha Tien Pier too, and then transfer to a cross river ferry to get to Wat Arun.</div>
<div>
<br />
For blue flag tourist boat, the route is as such:</div>
<div>
<b>Sathorn > Oriental > Si Phraya > Rachawongse > Tha Tien</b></div>
<div>
* There are 3 more stops after Tha Tien too.</div>
<div>
* If you are heading to Chinatown, you can alight at Rachawongse.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In total, our boat ride took about 15-20 minutes, and we are here at Tha Tien Pier.</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-shjhtvaX6Bo/V3fisO7RN5I/AAAAAAAAIGA/vOkEyX_mFUEBvGs-7IttNse-7JvcVs9xACKgB/s1600/P1040886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-shjhtvaX6Bo/V3fisO7RN5I/AAAAAAAAIGA/vOkEyX_mFUEBvGs-7IttNse-7JvcVs9xACKgB/s640/P1040886.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Tha Tien Pier</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once you alight at the pier, you will pass through a series of bazaar selling souvenirs. Then you will reach this open space.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IFRGqOgxVGM/V5RoC-V5ucI/AAAAAAAAIIQ/Njfwd-cXsoAbXkT7wM-4y5QeBZMIvUkPACLcB/s1600/P1040888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IFRGqOgxVGM/V5RoC-V5ucI/AAAAAAAAIIQ/Njfwd-cXsoAbXkT7wM-4y5QeBZMIvUkPACLcB/s640/P1040888.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>bazaar</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Thereafter, you can follow the crowd (almost all are heading towards Wat Pho) and you will reach the entrance in no time. If you were to see from the map, Wat Pho is situated really near from the Pier.</div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0NbUvDiMCr0/V5RoC45_JWI/AAAAAAAAIIM/i3oWd-cvF1o6wJo7aZV6A7qcj9VxT39OACLcB/s1600/20160617_105919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="380" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0NbUvDiMCr0/V5RoC45_JWI/AAAAAAAAIIM/i3oWd-cvF1o6wJo7aZV6A7qcj9VxT39OACLcB/s640/20160617_105919.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wat Pho ticketing counter</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Before you enter Wat Pho, you have to buy the admission fee which cost THB 100 (SGD $4).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-asFQoCTYgZI/V3fipWz6XdI/AAAAAAAAIFQ/QDyUYoZM-OwDm780zdncMYs_hayRN5KEACKgB/s1600/20160619_135642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-asFQoCTYgZI/V3fipWz6XdI/AAAAAAAAIFQ/QDyUYoZM-OwDm780zdncMYs_hayRN5KEACKgB/s640/20160619_135642.jpg" width="414" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wat Pho ticket</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Each ticket comes with a small bottle of water that you can redeem near the entrance.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-33nY4Ebiotc/V5RoC06HmQI/AAAAAAAAIII/ujkpb5Ds02U-1qYGoijd8RnxDHbalPzlwCLcB/s1600/20160617_105953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="286" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-33nY4Ebiotc/V5RoC06HmQI/AAAAAAAAIII/ujkpb5Ds02U-1qYGoijd8RnxDHbalPzlwCLcB/s640/20160617_105953.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wat Pho original ticket</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ukgy9nJhjHo/V5RqVZOpSRI/AAAAAAAAIKk/sRF79FBcBK4cgJua0C7q3JbGKkQxcQJEQCLcB/s1600/20160618_054813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="582" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ukgy9nJhjHo/V5RqVZOpSRI/AAAAAAAAIKk/sRF79FBcBK4cgJua0C7q3JbGKkQxcQJEQCLcB/s640/20160618_054813.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>free drinking water per pax</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Wat Pho is famous for the giant reclining buddha statue.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg0GW75ug2E/V5RoFIOkDFI/AAAAAAAAIIs/_qj7NZaVQZojsjF8ANBm7TbHQtbDDkAoQCLcB/s1600/P1040911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg0GW75ug2E/V5RoFIOkDFI/AAAAAAAAIIs/_qj7NZaVQZojsjF8ANBm7TbHQtbDDkAoQCLcB/s640/P1040911.JPG" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hallway surrounding the giant buddha</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ta dah! giant reclining buddha ~<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N3SKh2dLhQw/V5RoDrEJtEI/AAAAAAAAIIc/OxZXQHVmnbAw6f1CWkOdWJPjrDjxmd5gACLcB/s1600/P1040899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N3SKh2dLhQw/V5RoDrEJtEI/AAAAAAAAIIc/OxZXQHVmnbAw6f1CWkOdWJPjrDjxmd5gACLcB/s640/P1040899.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Reclining buddha @ Wat Pho</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vm5HPJArBY8/V5RoEetv-BI/AAAAAAAAIIk/3IVUSFDtQc4_lnnwSkepBtKPxmvPebDTACLcB/s1600/P1040904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vm5HPJArBY8/V5RoEetv-BI/AAAAAAAAIIk/3IVUSFDtQc4_lnnwSkepBtKPxmvPebDTACLcB/s640/P1040904.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Up close view of the buddha</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ochld8_cOY/V5RoElMyz5I/AAAAAAAAIIo/MDEh2iiqUUEtm4pcmtC2JS0iTI5h1TsYgCLcB/s1600/P1040909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ochld8_cOY/V5RoElMyz5I/AAAAAAAAIIo/MDEh2iiqUUEtm4pcmtC2JS0iTI5h1TsYgCLcB/s640/P1040909.JPG" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>buddha</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PmV199nudG0/V5RoDl9vKCI/AAAAAAAAIIY/ofYtRAjr9fwQ1fIFF9SQp5z5gAH7qfVYwCLcB/s1600/P1040894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PmV199nudG0/V5RoDl9vKCI/AAAAAAAAIIY/ofYtRAjr9fwQ1fIFF9SQp5z5gAH7qfVYwCLcB/s640/P1040894.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>magnificent buddha feet</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The soles of the reclining buddha were undergoing some maintenance work.</div>
<div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rPkG4NkSQ4U/V5RoDlAo9fI/AAAAAAAAIIU/crCc2eXoCxkXRJcFG51S8EfeXUj8BRY0ACLcB/s1600/P1040889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rPkG4NkSQ4U/V5RoDlAo9fI/AAAAAAAAIIU/crCc2eXoCxkXRJcFG51S8EfeXUj8BRY0ACLcB/s640/P1040889.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>maintenance work at the soles of the buddha</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another mini reclining buddha statue along the hallway.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mpdzYgBfaSg/V5RoESr9qDI/AAAAAAAAIIg/AcmAfhplgPA4HgYnGSvNjhShyx6jliYzQCLcB/s1600/P1040901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="410" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mpdzYgBfaSg/V5RoESr9qDI/AAAAAAAAIIg/AcmAfhplgPA4HgYnGSvNjhShyx6jliYzQCLcB/s640/P1040901.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>mini reclining buddha statue</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were devotees exchanging for a bowl of coins to donate into each and every urns along the hallway (see photo below).<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z2wivu0ZdTA/V5RoFLQOW_I/AAAAAAAAIIw/d915VWumIpsnttNSUeEO5yyxyWqyKmNxgCLcB/s1600/P1040917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z2wivu0ZdTA/V5RoFLQOW_I/AAAAAAAAIIw/d915VWumIpsnttNSUeEO5yyxyWqyKmNxgCLcB/s640/P1040917.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>donation</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nfYMtF2WEJ0/V5RoFUBg_EI/AAAAAAAAII0/J13EPETrX5cjgHTC4ABXD0ZGWaeaVZEaQCLcB/s1600/P1040919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nfYMtF2WEJ0/V5RoFUBg_EI/AAAAAAAAII0/J13EPETrX5cjgHTC4ABXD0ZGWaeaVZEaQCLcB/s640/P1040919.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>donating coin to the urns along the hallway</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_4Huuqfnqr8/V5RoF8_XayI/AAAAAAAAII4/zM95prVR9EIjoLGRBuFlKJr5god1pDUAQCLcB/s1600/P1040922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_4Huuqfnqr8/V5RoF8_XayI/AAAAAAAAII4/zM95prVR9EIjoLGRBuFlKJr5god1pDUAQCLcB/s640/P1040922.JPG" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>back of the buddha head</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The patterns on the ceiling and the 'pillow' below the buddha's head are so intricate. Do take a minute or two to admire them. It is one unique Thai characteristic I guess.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yh1RcjYtq2U/V5RoGKoFW8I/AAAAAAAAII8/u_etNpn6YiggTH6x1sAWeUD2negzfIDMwCLcB/s1600/P1040926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yh1RcjYtq2U/V5RoGKoFW8I/AAAAAAAAII8/u_etNpn6YiggTH6x1sAWeUD2negzfIDMwCLcB/s640/P1040926.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>ceiling pattern</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Apart from the main hall where the reclining buddha is situated, there are other temple like structures in Wat Pho compound.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NDYTB4J4Ytk/V5RoGOYZ_9I/AAAAAAAAIJA/Wls_x8xESdo1idcwYnLgRsw9wUbUcZHnACLcB/s1600/P1040937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NDYTB4J4Ytk/V5RoGOYZ_9I/AAAAAAAAIJA/Wls_x8xESdo1idcwYnLgRsw9wUbUcZHnACLcB/s640/P1040937.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>other sections in Wat Pho</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_42fDMg0dsU/V5RoKPLaFyI/AAAAAAAAIJ0/7HyeVuXgPJEH8RM4et1I_s1Qx-7regpcgCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BImage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="376" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_42fDMg0dsU/V5RoKPLaFyI/AAAAAAAAIJ0/7HyeVuXgPJEH8RM4et1I_s1Qx-7regpcgCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BImage2.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Other sections in Wat Pho</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Temples in Bangkok are known as 'Wat'. The roof of the temples in Bangkok are always very special with gold in colour and patterns towards the end.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IW8IEneGveM/V5RoGiHYigI/AAAAAAAAIJE/bIh53fkVKhEompGQfxaJt-0mi8xDJ3fKgCLcB/s1600/P1040948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IW8IEneGveM/V5RoGiHYigI/AAAAAAAAIJE/bIh53fkVKhEompGQfxaJt-0mi8xDJ3fKgCLcB/s640/P1040948.JPG" width="356" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">temple structure (Wat Pho)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XzJtp9cpy_c/V5RoG0o17uI/AAAAAAAAIJI/H0iwRSsjzRcrfkXkZULOCZiwDCrmuZtcgCLcB/s1600/P1040954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XzJtp9cpy_c/V5RoG0o17uI/AAAAAAAAIJI/H0iwRSsjzRcrfkXkZULOCZiwDCrmuZtcgCLcB/s640/P1040954.JPG" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>different sections in Wat Pho</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T40aWpR3h2w/V5RoG0EgbBI/AAAAAAAAIJM/t_ZXTF2eptQzI9KP2Wqh_qMEXjI7xV2OgCLcB/s1600/P1040955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T40aWpR3h2w/V5RoG0EgbBI/AAAAAAAAIJM/t_ZXTF2eptQzI9KP2Wqh_qMEXjI7xV2OgCLcB/s640/P1040955.JPG" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>more architecture in Wat Pho compound</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There is also 2 deities statues outside each door of the temple as though they are guarding the compound.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6luUb7VvRT8/V5RoHYsnEMI/AAAAAAAAIJQ/7EngPqmUGCsBnxHg8Szr0juWHV9bqscAgCLcB/s1600/P1040958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6luUb7VvRT8/V5RoHYsnEMI/AAAAAAAAIJQ/7EngPqmUGCsBnxHg8Szr0juWHV9bqscAgCLcB/s640/P1040958.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>2 deities outside the door</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HGoSgcO9etQ/V5RoHkgCcSI/AAAAAAAAIJY/9K3L-YijRnIjiDXG9Z7Kzr-uydXk7EZKgCLcB/s1600/P1040959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HGoSgcO9etQ/V5RoHkgCcSI/AAAAAAAAIJY/9K3L-YijRnIjiDXG9Z7Kzr-uydXk7EZKgCLcB/s640/P1040959.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>common area within Wat Pho</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iwsqdt0D0SI/V5RoHmiuJkI/AAAAAAAAIJU/HUVs1BhSzBsHzG33HGTPcOZfRb6-P1JhgCLcB/s1600/P1040960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iwsqdt0D0SI/V5RoHmiuJkI/AAAAAAAAIJU/HUVs1BhSzBsHzG33HGTPcOZfRb6-P1JhgCLcB/s640/P1040960.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>other section within Wat Pho compound</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mZr3bJ6YUY8/V5RoIFCHjcI/AAAAAAAAIJc/4TWFS_xD--gU4RwTJSYPKsuumNL2uURTQCLcB/s1600/P1040963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mZr3bJ6YUY8/V5RoIFCHjcI/AAAAAAAAIJc/4TWFS_xD--gU4RwTJSYPKsuumNL2uURTQCLcB/s640/P1040963.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>other sections in Wat Pho</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K61YcnuiSJw/V5RoJc_3kCI/AAAAAAAAIJo/pNDg6HlykiUFhmBUdNOdc7mbKQ-4OwPmQCLcB/s1600/P1040964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="384" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K61YcnuiSJw/V5RoJc_3kCI/AAAAAAAAIJo/pNDg6HlykiUFhmBUdNOdc7mbKQ-4OwPmQCLcB/s640/P1040964.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>row of buddha statues</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QckSuKQGK0g/V5RoInNtewI/AAAAAAAAIJg/1RxAF4-tfbYzGZU3LONRehf5NV0-ewS5gCLcB/s1600/P1040987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QckSuKQGK0g/V5RoInNtewI/AAAAAAAAIJg/1RxAF4-tfbYzGZU3LONRehf5NV0-ewS5gCLcB/s640/P1040987.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>2 deities guarding the door</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We also saw a school within Wat Pho compound and there were students running about (lunch time?) at around 12.10pm.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wX6CEfKS1t4/V5RoKGh6PeI/AAAAAAAAIJ4/HrJF6rJ1TwgQ-sHrEMPG3BWjA9yB19mwgCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BImage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="376" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wX6CEfKS1t4/V5RoKGh6PeI/AAAAAAAAIJ4/HrJF6rJ1TwgQ-sHrEMPG3BWjA9yB19mwgCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BImage.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bangkok students</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qNGJmPUM7ho/V5RoI5RNiQI/AAAAAAAAIJk/7ZB-FkCKMo44vmhmysLyfct5arCSUG5CgCLcB/s1600/P1040990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qNGJmPUM7ho/V5RoI5RNiQI/AAAAAAAAIJk/7ZB-FkCKMo44vmhmysLyfct5arCSUG5CgCLcB/s640/P1040990.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>artiste 3D impression of Wat Pho</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUFHMXf3yQQ/V5RoJXnRE1I/AAAAAAAAIJs/Xtk4EOY8NOEdJcI1yDro8w4z_dg8GkfAgCLcB/s1600/P1040992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUFHMXf3yQQ/V5RoJXnRE1I/AAAAAAAAIJs/Xtk4EOY8NOEdJcI1yDro8w4z_dg8GkfAgCLcB/s640/P1040992.JPG" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Big Gong</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is known to hit 3 times with the gong and it will bless you. Just outside the 'gong' premise, is a series of buddha. Where you can purchase lotus, candles and offering. It comes together with 'gold sticker' where you can then paste on the buddha statue at the area.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LITJOi1_rsI/V5RoJgc4_hI/AAAAAAAAIJw/M35dLwX0Gl4v3bqfXpYyxN4XDXF0YTpfgCLcB/s1600/P1040998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LITJOi1_rsI/V5RoJgc4_hI/AAAAAAAAIJw/M35dLwX0Gl4v3bqfXpYyxN4XDXF0YTpfgCLcB/s640/P1040998.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Offering & prayer</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For eg. if you tend to have headache, by pasting the gold sticker on a buddha head, it is believed to be able to alleviate your headache.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We were done with Wat Pho at around 12.40pm. We spent an approx 1 and half hour at Wat Pho. Thereafter we took a cab ride to Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (龙莲寺) outside Wat Pho. Our cab ride cost THB 130 (SGD $5.20). Be careful of drivers who are out to con tourist. Before we got our cab, we approach a few other drivers and they quote THB 300, THB 150... This cab that we got on actually operate by meter, however we though that its meter 'jump' a little too fast. But still THB 130 is reasonable than THB 300. It was about a 10-15 mins ride.<br />
<br />
And please note that the <b>taxi drivers, generally do not know how to speak English</b>, so it will be good if you can give them a Thai version of the place you want to go. For eg, for us, that day morning we actually approach our hotel lobby receptionist to write the thai language version of Wat Mangkon Kamalwat. Hence when we board, we just give the driver the thai destination, and he will know how to go.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0PV9IY-yN7Q/V3fisjsNCTI/AAAAAAAAIGE/IENUmvgRjwU50MNGSbsU2f_vD6cCDB-AQCKgB/s1600/P1050057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0PV9IY-yN7Q/V3fisjsNCTI/AAAAAAAAIGE/IENUmvgRjwU50MNGSbsU2f_vD6cCDB-AQCKgB/s640/P1050057.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>street along Wat Mangkok Kamalawat</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oQcJUxbwUD8/V5RpGc7YLzI/AAAAAAAAIKE/FmrbUejQucoJy0oiidx0qlNiTHizZFpEgCLcB/s1600/P1040999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oQcJUxbwUD8/V5RpGc7YLzI/AAAAAAAAIKE/FmrbUejQucoJy0oiidx0qlNiTHizZFpEgCLcB/s640/P1040999.JPG" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (龙莲寺)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Wat Managkon Kamalawat or also known as 龙莲寺 is a chinese temple. It is quite rare to find a chinese temple in Bangkok. There is no admission fee involved. Generally wouldn't treat this as a tourist attraction place like Wat Pho, but worth to visit if you are a buddhist devotee.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vwh-DhOw6xE/V5RpHZGgf7I/AAAAAAAAIKU/dYh89W52NHAsKyyRQ4boZtbPT1BBzL-NgCLcB/s1600/P1050050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vwh-DhOw6xE/V5RpHZGgf7I/AAAAAAAAIKU/dYh89W52NHAsKyyRQ4boZtbPT1BBzL-NgCLcB/s640/P1050050.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wat Mangkon Kamalawat</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x8ygxDk_0P8/V5RpGW7o2GI/AAAAAAAAIKI/wsytbe9ySPAh1yGe2Eo11Vc2ncP0M0SBACLcB/s1600/P1050028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x8ygxDk_0P8/V5RpGW7o2GI/AAAAAAAAIKI/wsytbe9ySPAh1yGe2Eo11Vc2ncP0M0SBACLcB/s640/P1050028.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Learning institute @ Wat Mangkon Kamalawat</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-07XKkurEXJA/V5RpHWu671I/AAAAAAAAIKM/sbWdceTHmckm6Md27Qvz5IhRiEIiDT3OACLcB/s1600/P1050034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-07XKkurEXJA/V5RpHWu671I/AAAAAAAAIKM/sbWdceTHmckm6Md27Qvz5IhRiEIiDT3OACLcB/s640/P1050034.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Monks learning </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jCvhMcAUPFY/V5RpGbtRViI/AAAAAAAAIKA/hMVFcRUDc9UPlNbkCM4UG88lkGlm0-9WACLcB/s1600/P1050016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="392" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jCvhMcAUPFY/V5RpGbtRViI/AAAAAAAAIKA/hMVFcRUDc9UPlNbkCM4UG88lkGlm0-9WACLcB/s640/P1050016.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Central praying hall</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MRWlZNYgp6I/V5RpH7jxccI/AAAAAAAAIKY/gtIDs_y8ooYPr1evb6zGkWkmCmJuNSqggCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BImage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="484" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MRWlZNYgp6I/V5RpH7jxccI/AAAAAAAAIKY/gtIDs_y8ooYPr1evb6zGkWkmCmJuNSqggCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BImage.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Side halls within the temple</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As the compound wasn't too big, we did not spend a lot of time there, and left after around 50 minutes.</div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YyK86Eal3Gc/V5RpHXrFs5I/AAAAAAAAIKQ/NzjtGg_asvccuElR73xn57-GAXhWFhmBwCLcB/s1600/P1050047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YyK86Eal3Gc/V5RpHXrFs5I/AAAAAAAAIKQ/NzjtGg_asvccuElR73xn57-GAXhWFhmBwCLcB/s640/P1050047.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>exit area towards to the main street</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is located in Chinatown district and near to the famous Yaowarat road where all Chinatown delicacies are situated along that stretch of road.</div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yQfkB4Y6jkI/V6VnLsQoVlI/AAAAAAAAIOU/AbXGpwlq1eMxvFI-GeGynMEuKhmV3mqlwCLcB/s1600/wat%2Btraimit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="412" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yQfkB4Y6jkI/V6VnLsQoVlI/AAAAAAAAIOU/AbXGpwlq1eMxvFI-GeGynMEuKhmV3mqlwCLcB/s640/wat%2Btraimit.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Courtesy of Google Maps. Map showing area near Wat Mangkon Kamalawat and Yaowarat Road (Chinatown)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Time check: 2pm.<br />
<br />
We are off to our first stop: light but expensive lunch of bird nest!<br />
<br />
We researched online previously for famous/popular/good bird nest in Bangkok and most reviews point us towards Nam Sing Bird Nest.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XmtyS7ICWEU/V3fijiB9mfI/AAAAAAAAIDs/G7IMLD7iVpsBVgV7sFf4QHsoy8B5vSqVwCKgB/s1600/20160617_142416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XmtyS7ICWEU/V3fijiB9mfI/AAAAAAAAIDs/G7IMLD7iVpsBVgV7sFf4QHsoy8B5vSqVwCKgB/s640/20160617_142416.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nam Sing Bird nest</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So of we go and give it a try! As we went during non lunch hours, the whole restaurant was particularly empty. It is a very big restaurant (2 levels) despite having a small entrance, seems to cater to tour group. They sell seafood like shark fin on top of their speciality - bird nest.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Over here, they have many different kinds of bird nest (different grades) and different add on ingredients like longan.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We ordered 3 B5 and 1 B8.</div>
<div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BtPEAOp4vsQ/V3fis8t59pI/AAAAAAAAIGI/Ja_Rk_bCwU8DGR2xCfhD0DN-vqxDJP1kACKgB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BtPEAOp4vsQ/V3fis8t59pI/AAAAAAAAIGI/Ja_Rk_bCwU8DGR2xCfhD0DN-vqxDJP1kACKgB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nam Sing bird nest menu</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HA8r9fkhutU/V3fijeWhVNI/AAAAAAAAIDk/wVYa9UnQ3xEdJJE3VGZl24kTTmkNEqWtQCKgB/s1600/20160617_141123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="448" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HA8r9fkhutU/V3fijeWhVNI/AAAAAAAAIDk/wVYa9UnQ3xEdJJE3VGZl24kTTmkNEqWtQCKgB/s640/20160617_141123.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: 12.8px;">B5 : Nam Sing's white bird's 2nd class - THB 500 (SGD $20)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4P6PNPQdUHc/V3fijfaAX5I/AAAAAAAAIDo/vfjBXCrKGmsHYB6mCZWhpdNZEHMM4T4rQCKgB/s1600/20160617_141034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4P6PNPQdUHc/V3fijfaAX5I/AAAAAAAAIDo/vfjBXCrKGmsHYB6mCZWhpdNZEHMM4T4rQCKgB/s640/20160617_141034.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: 12.8px;">B8 : Nam Sing's white bird's 3rd class with longan - THB 300 (SGD $12)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Do note that both comes with the side dish - red dates, longans, ginko nut. The chrysanthemum drink was given to us each FOC. The different grading of the bird nest get more expensive as the grading goes. It can go up to THB 1000 (SGD$ 40) for the most expensive one where the bird nest is served in coconut.<br />
<br />
Overall we can taste significant difference between B8 and B5 bird nest, with B5 (the more expensive one) being able to taste bigger chunks of bird nest. B8 bird nest is like those bird nest can drinks. If you are willing to splurge, then of course go for the more pricey ones.<br />
<br />
Do get from them the side platter (red dates, longan, ginko nut) as they doesn't seem to give automatically. They only give after we requested for it, and it was supposed to be in our bird nest package anyway.<br />
<br />
The bird nest is good but pricey. We thought that the one we ate at <a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/Batam%20Day%201">Batam </a>(Ling star bird nest) previously for SGD $10 was much better and at a lower price.<br />
<br />
Thereafter a hearty lunch/dessert, we are off to buy souvenirs from Lim Jing Hang. (林真香) which was also along the same stretch of road (Yaowarat Road).<br />
<br />
There were a lot of Lim Jing Hiang stores along that road and some with different packaging. One is called "老铺林真香" the other is called "合记林真香". The 合记林真香 is the one with a pig like mascot outside its store. Not too sure which is the authentic / famous one. But we bought from the 老铺林真香. Even for that store, there are a couple of stores along Yaowarat Road too! Below is the name card of the outlet that we bought from.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O9Yz4NZC2hs/V3fipFk06BI/AAAAAAAAIFM/Uhv87rtssBYayoqeH7SnA4QDdHOKPWnIgCKgB/s1600/20160619_135533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O9Yz4NZC2hs/V3fipFk06BI/AAAAAAAAIFM/Uhv87rtssBYayoqeH7SnA4QDdHOKPWnIgCKgB/s640/20160619_135533.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lim Jing Hiang (林真香) store location</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aczx6YU-brg/V3fipCPtJBI/AAAAAAAAIFI/C3WV1e3ePu4emIp8MQGkmDSarC-YdkklACKgB/s1600/20160619_134037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aczx6YU-brg/V3fipCPtJBI/AAAAAAAAIFI/C3WV1e3ePu4emIp8MQGkmDSarC-YdkklACKgB/s640/20160619_134037.jpg" width="586" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Clockwise from top to bottom: Pork floss in rod like shape, crispy pork chips, Sesame rice cracker with pork floss, pork floss</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from top to bottom: </span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="text-align: center;">Shredded pork stick THB 150 (SGD $6)</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: center;">crispy pork chips THB 140 (SGD $5.6)</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: center;">Sesame rice cracker with pork floss THB 70 (SGD $2.8)</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: center;">shredded pork (pork floss) THB 120 (SGD $4.8)</span></li>
</ol>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o3MtXdwLCHk/V3fioWB6KnI/AAAAAAAAIE8/If7BY7Onuo41LYbUOKJgCTeI897UyUHwACKgB/s1600/20160619_131914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="514" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o3MtXdwLCHk/V3fioWB6KnI/AAAAAAAAIE8/If7BY7Onuo41LYbUOKJgCTeI897UyUHwACKgB/s640/20160619_131914.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sesame rice cracker with pork floss</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0rZeQ-CuDNM/V3fipn3u2uI/AAAAAAAAIFU/ZbVXAbtb3vUq66mXYNVL4ypsd8vzt-PWgCKgB/s1600/20160619_140821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0rZeQ-CuDNM/V3fipn3u2uI/AAAAAAAAIFU/ZbVXAbtb3vUq66mXYNVL4ypsd8vzt-PWgCKgB/s640/20160619_140821.jpg" width="270" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Receipt of our loots @ Lim Jing Hiang</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It seem to be quite popular in BKK (often see people buying this back to SG as souvenir for distribution). However we don't think its really that nice and especially there were recent news article that warn people from eating the bak kwa sold by Lim Jing Hiang.<br />
<br />
If you want to buy Lim Jing Hiang, but from its outlet here at Chinatown instead of some stores along Pratunam area where they house many food souvenirs together in a store. The price at pratunam is more expensive!<br />
<br />
We bought quite a lot from Lim Jing Hiang, so we decide to not continue the journey to Wat Traimit, but head back to hotel first. Our cab journey back was THB 200 (SGD $8). Before that, we asked a cab driver and he quoted us an exorbitant price of THB 400 (SGD $16)! Once again, we gave the driver our Centre Point Hotel Pratunam card which has the Thai address on it. Due to traffic, he alighted us at the main road near our hotel. The whole ride took about 20-30 mins.<br />
<br />
We went back to our hotel to rest and put down our loots before we decided to head out to Siam Square for an early dinner!<br />
<br />
During our rest back in our hotel, we were researching for good restaurants that are not too costly yet serve good authentic Thai dishes. We then came across Inter Restaurant and Ban Khun Mae as highly raved by Singaporeans.We were torn between these two choices and decided we will make the decision when we reach the place since they are near each other. Both are located at Siam Square. Siam Square is just a road across Siam Centre.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kg-hYjUqGio/V6ahrgSsZaI/AAAAAAAAIOk/vrzktrB--t81Fuv-Ad_8Ggv0zc5cCqMJgCLcB/s1600/siam%2Bsqu.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kg-hYjUqGio/V6ahrgSsZaI/AAAAAAAAIOk/vrzktrB--t81Fuv-Ad_8Ggv0zc5cCqMJgCLcB/s640/siam%2Bsqu.JPG" width="636" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Courtesy of Google Map. Directions from Centre Point Hotel Pratunam to Siam Square</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iJrCMhIebdk/V3fikNqx1PI/AAAAAAAAID0/dDDUS_sdemgApNOyOhVCgpLQx0GQq6S0wCKgB/s1600/20160617_161401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iJrCMhIebdk/V3fikNqx1PI/AAAAAAAAID0/dDDUS_sdemgApNOyOhVCgpLQx0GQq6S0wCKgB/s640/20160617_161401.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>traffic @ pratunam 4.15pm</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We left our hotel at around 4.15pm, and this time round to get to Siam area, instead of going the main road which is also the long way (passing by platinum fashion mall, big C. central world, siam paragon...), we took the short cut which also means walking through the alley leading to the carpark/loading area of Siam Kempinski Hotel and eventually reaching Siam Paragon. It is a faster route, however for safety, don't walk alone as it is quite secluded at the alley and there's construction works ongoing. Crossing the road was quite difficult too when we were near to Siam Kempinski Hotel carpark area.<br />
<br />
Ever since the bombing that took place in 2015, security seems to have tightened up at major shopping centres in BKK. We see security scanners at MBK, Siam Paragon, Central world... To enter the mall (doesn't matter which entrance u get in from), you have to pass through a body scanner (for some) and they will have to check your bags. It seems comforting though to know that security has tightened and this means deterrence to potential threats. But yet, it also serve as a reminder that threats are present, and we have to be vigilant about it.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vJIlqQacx5E/V3finv3KgEI/AAAAAAAAIEw/dLFSCQrK-Acx7SF4G7NEk44j959bOWmCwCKgB/s1600/20160617_174301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="468" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vJIlqQacx5E/V3finv3KgEI/AAAAAAAAIEw/dLFSCQrK-Acx7SF4G7NEk44j959bOWmCwCKgB/s640/20160617_174301.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hello Kitty House @ Siam Square One</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uni-JYC6OBY/V3finZoOjxI/AAAAAAAAIEs/g-kfQ23m5k4P7EjnXuACfE0JptVQEfM8gCKgB/s1600/20160617_174255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uni-JYC6OBY/V3finZoOjxI/AAAAAAAAIEs/g-kfQ23m5k4P7EjnXuACfE0JptVQEfM8gCKgB/s640/20160617_174255.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>After you Cafe @ Siam Square One</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we passed by After you Cafe at around 4.40pm, it was so empty. There were seats however we know that if we were to try the shibuya toast we will not be able to take down any more of the authentic savoury thai food thereafter. Being a family that prefers savoury than sweet stuff, we chose to try After you cafe after our dinner if there is still seats.<br />
<br />
Just across After you cafe and Hello Kitty House cafe is where Ban Khun Mae and Inter Restaurant lies. They are separated by Siam Square Soi 7 road.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1QkfHTgTkAY/V3fikfZOibI/AAAAAAAAID4/8c7R0Gbgy7kadF2FgF1AEXWBTzizotGKQCKgB/s1600/20160617_164938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="458" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1QkfHTgTkAY/V3fikfZOibI/AAAAAAAAID4/8c7R0Gbgy7kadF2FgF1AEXWBTzizotGKQCKgB/s640/20160617_164938.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ban Khun Mae Restaurant</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There wasn't any menu outside where we can browse through to see what they offer. The whole place looks dark from outside and when we took a sneak peak inside, it seems quite classy. We start to wonder if this is a tourist trap. There was not a lot of people inside the restaurant perhaps it wasn't dinner time yet. We then head to the next street where Inter Restaurant lies.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gRgCuqM0t4Y/V3finAfoVZI/AAAAAAAAIEo/kILA7plEEuEru37szWUEt_SArWZ3S3zsACKgB/s1600/20160617_174143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="444" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gRgCuqM0t4Y/V3finAfoVZI/AAAAAAAAIEo/kILA7plEEuEru37szWUEt_SArWZ3S3zsACKgB/s640/20160617_174143.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inter Restaurant (Front door)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We first know of this restaurant through Ladyironchef recommendation, which we later on went to Tripadvisor to read more reviews and feel that this might be worth trying out! Most reviews state that this place serve good food with little or no msg, and yet at a price cheaper than its competitor - Ban Khun Mae.<br />
<br />
When we reached this restaurant (we were at its back door) and from outside we noticed its relatively more humble looking venue as compared to Ban Khun Mae, and we saw that despite it was not dinner time there were a lot of people inside eating, and they seem to be mostly locals. As we wanted some authentic Thai food (Presumably place where the locals go to), we decided to give Inter Restaurant a try!<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/--_K3BIDxJ8Q/V3filNskO0I/AAAAAAAAIEE/l-5dWLChBHsra3F6p8XFYQptyzQcDkZxACKgB/s1600/20160617_170113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="456" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--_K3BIDxJ8Q/V3filNskO0I/AAAAAAAAIEE/l-5dWLChBHsra3F6p8XFYQptyzQcDkZxACKgB/s640/20160617_170113.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>inside Inter Restaurant</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were initially given a place near the window (that's the only place left that can accomodate 4 of us, the rest were occupied), however as the air con was dripping water and it definitely will hurt our dining experience. Thankfully a group of 4 diners left around the same time, and after the helpers cleared the table, they gave us their table instead which was much better (Situated in the middle of the restaurant though).<br />
<br />
The whole place was not very big. Later on, then we realised there's actually second level too but perhaps they only open during the peak dining periods for better management / serving of food.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FOzF6Ul7RAU/V3file2cnII/AAAAAAAAIEI/7TgojOPuJw4SdDU23PqhPRDXJRB7atzogCKgB/s1600/20160617_170118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="338" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FOzF6Ul7RAU/V3file2cnII/AAAAAAAAIEI/7TgojOPuJw4SdDU23PqhPRDXJRB7atzogCKgB/s640/20160617_170118.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kitchen</i></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DA6PuSIrSn4/V3fik58JTzI/AAAAAAAAIEA/KTSR7AuzLp8qiPQYre1BKdos9zu1bWe4ACKgB/s1600/20160617_170053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="412" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DA6PuSIrSn4/V3fik58JTzI/AAAAAAAAIEA/KTSR7AuzLp8qiPQYre1BKdos9zu1bWe4ACKgB/s640/20160617_170053.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inter Restaurant menu pg 1</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-33M9U1D5dm0/V3fikjDmiFI/AAAAAAAAID8/lI37D6ioHYENTGuy8mDCgTMnp21CYVl0gCKgB/s1600/20160617_170047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="404" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-33M9U1D5dm0/V3fikjDmiFI/AAAAAAAAID8/lI37D6ioHYENTGuy8mDCgTMnp21CYVl0gCKgB/s640/20160617_170047.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inter Restaurant Menu pg 2</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ta dah ~ So here is what we ordered:<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7HllWciKHUo/V3filgzhHhI/AAAAAAAAIEM/IXfXXFYt-XQLB3DVFQ_F-0WktT3hCU2GQCKgB/s1600/20160617_170345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="484" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7HllWciKHUo/V3filgzhHhI/AAAAAAAAIEM/IXfXXFYt-XQLB3DVFQ_F-0WktT3hCU2GQCKgB/s640/20160617_170345.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tom Yum Kung shrimp in hot sour soup (bowl) THB 120 (SGD $4.80)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They added spices and lemon grass into the soup, making it so fragrant. It was so flavourful and yet there doesn't seem to be any MSG added. There were really a lot of ingredients too - fresh prawns, straw mushrooms, fish.. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yum Yum. Still miss the taste. Will be back again to get this Tom Yum again.</div>
<div>
<span style="color: red;"><b>Strongly recommended! Must order!</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: red;"><b><br /></b></span>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DsnHAZ89jpo/V3fil0RdqmI/AAAAAAAAIEQ/PVBOd1iiiTEjvqIl6BM4EMeu5i9VlNDjgCKgB/s1600/20160617_170353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="438" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DsnHAZ89jpo/V3fil0RdqmI/AAAAAAAAIEQ/PVBOd1iiiTEjvqIl6BM4EMeu5i9VlNDjgCKgB/s640/20160617_170353.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>stir-fried morning glory (aka Kang Kong) THB 80 (SGD $3.20)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hmm typical dish of Stir fried kang kong. A little disappointing as you can see from the picture above the stalks were pretty big, the vege isn't that tender. </div>
<div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mCa12fKq20I/V3fimQGZs2I/AAAAAAAAIEY/L9QOKwaXuwEo3gZCzQXW_Fw8Hx64R-QnwCKgB/s1600/20160617_170722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="476" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mCa12fKq20I/V3fimQGZs2I/AAAAAAAAIEY/L9QOKwaXuwEo3gZCzQXW_Fw8Hx64R-QnwCKgB/s640/20160617_170722.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Deep fried pork spring roll THB 85 (SGD $3.40)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Spring Roll is normal. Wouldn't consider this as a must try.</div>
<div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w1YNaEGfNeU/V3fimirHLPI/AAAAAAAAIEc/kax1qZwuZB0h_FbAdmSmi3B-ehPF1GYcACKgB/s1600/20160617_170737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="582" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w1YNaEGfNeU/V3fimirHLPI/AAAAAAAAIEc/kax1qZwuZB0h_FbAdmSmi3B-ehPF1GYcACKgB/s640/20160617_170737.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Green Curry chicken THB 100 (SGD $4)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Green curry chicken is good! Equally good as the Tom Yum! <span style="color: red;"><b>Strongly recommended!</b></span></div>
<div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RKOREm6Paek/V3fimyQ-baI/AAAAAAAAIEg/5rHCxHvxnsQY9Eo5fEJLXrSd6UXnIiWXgCKgB/s1600/20160617_171033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="552" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RKOREm6Paek/V3fimyQ-baI/AAAAAAAAIEg/5rHCxHvxnsQY9Eo5fEJLXrSd6UXnIiWXgCKgB/s640/20160617_171033.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Deep fried chicken middle wings THB 95 (SGD $3.80)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As usual, Thai fried chicken wings seem to be quite skinny (not much meat). However this fried dish is really nice because of its fragrant perhaps due to its marination. Recommended to order if you are okay with fried dishes! :)</div>
<div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IKtRj2XTXKw/V3finGALITI/AAAAAAAAIEk/F7cWXdZCidgbD9tSiS5jnmWk0EVF-caIwCKgB/s1600/20160617_172721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="484" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IKtRj2XTXKw/V3finGALITI/AAAAAAAAIEk/F7cWXdZCidgbD9tSiS5jnmWk0EVF-caIwCKgB/s640/20160617_172721.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Chinese oyster omelette (Hot Plate) THB 130 (SGD $5.20)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The oyster omelette was <span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">SO NICE</span> there is this distinct wok hei smell that comes along with it. We have never tasted such good oyster omelette before and the price seems reasonable at THB 130 (SGD $5.20) for hot plate. It was so good, that we ordered a second plate to share at the end of the meal despite all of us feeling full already. <b><span style="color: red;">Strongly recommended!</span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="color: red;"><b><br /></b></span>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VXC6JjSOQPI/V3fimJUAxFI/AAAAAAAAIEU/iYjdwiME5jcKcgP_xxis5xyq0ux_MIs2wCKgB/s1600/20160617_170555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VXC6JjSOQPI/V3fimJUAxFI/AAAAAAAAIEU/iYjdwiME5jcKcgP_xxis5xyq0ux_MIs2wCKgB/s640/20160617_170555.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hot Tea THB 40 (SGD $1.60)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our bill:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Tom Yum THB 120 (SGD $4.80)</li>
<li>Stir fried kang kong THB 80 (SGD 3.20)</li>
<li>Deep fried spring roll THB 85 (SGD $3.40)</li>
<li>Green Curry Chicken THB 100 (SGD $4)</li>
<li>Deep fried chicken mid wings THB 95 (SGD $3.80)</li>
<li>Chinese oyster omelette THB 130 (SGD 130 (SGD $5.20) x2 plates</li>
<li> Hot Tea THB 40 (SGD $1.60) x4 cups</li>
<li>White rice THB 15 (SGD $0.60) x 4 bowls</li>
</ol>
<div>
Total: <b>THB 960 (SGD $38.40)</b> for a sumptous, full, hearty and satisfying meal for 4 pax.<br />
<br />
Note that they charge different prices for hotplate vs normal plate and hot pot vs normal bowl. These 2 pertains to the oyster omelette and tom yum kung respectively.<br />
<br />
Food served pretty fast and they were piping hot too! As they were really delicious, we find ourselves gobbling them down real fast. Furthermore they are spicy and that makes it appetising! We were done with dinner by 5.45pm.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
By then we were so full and we had to give After you cafe's Shibuya Toast a miss even though there was no queue at that point of time :(</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since we ended dinner early, we decided to head to Big C supermart for our last minute shopping before we head back tomorrow and then we will check out the Pratunam night market, provided it doesn't rain as it did the previous 2 nights :(</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We bought a 'pasar malam' bag from Big C. We call it a 'Pasar Malam' bag as it is what you usually see shop owners at pasar malam or so, put their goods inside and bring it to the place to sell. It is very convenient as it is foldable, lightweight and can contain a lot of things. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gd0UDg0JA3E/V3fiouNihQI/AAAAAAAAIFA/o3gqt3UNyy0gAnPMipiX9gj-TZEM-dssACKgB/s1600/20160619_133431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="486" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gd0UDg0JA3E/V3fiouNihQI/AAAAAAAAIFA/o3gqt3UNyy0gAnPMipiX9gj-TZEM-dssACKgB/s640/20160619_133431.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Elephant bag</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You can get this along the streets in Pratunam but we only managed to buy at Big C that day as we realised we might have a problem carrying all our souvenirs/clothes back to SG. We found these bags situated near the counters at Big C supermart and they cost THB 79 (SGD $3.16) each. There are many different patterns but since this is from Thailand, we wanted the pattern that signify Thailand most and that will be the elephant!<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OY8E8JtqnxA/V3fiovziY9I/AAAAAAAAIFE/AZbh4RTPN_QzkrIpvpYOfFRFEjYPXODwQCKgB/s1600/20160619_133603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OY8E8JtqnxA/V3fiovziY9I/AAAAAAAAIFE/AZbh4RTPN_QzkrIpvpYOfFRFEjYPXODwQCKgB/s640/20160619_133603.jpg" width="404" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Coconut sweet (gula melaka) THB 200 (SGD $8)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YfMRCiCgZxg/V3fioPooQrI/AAAAAAAAIE4/8mF4UhwUapg-kn16fjfE63P7qM8NyM4qwCKgB/s1600/20160617_203616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YfMRCiCgZxg/V3fioPooQrI/AAAAAAAAIE4/8mF4UhwUapg-kn16fjfE63P7qM8NyM4qwCKgB/s640/20160617_203616.jpg" width="420" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Receipt of purchase @ Big C Rajadrmi</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After we are done with our final shopping at Big C, it was around 6.30pm and we head over to Pratunam market! By then it was almost 7pm and stores were setting up / closing.<br />
<br />
Oh my, it was a lovable shopping experience at the night market! We got our first taste of how affordable things are. Clothes and shoes and bags! The pratunam market is situated near Baiyoke Sky Hotel. Clothes (good quality dresses) were going at around THB 200 (SGD $8) while bags going at THB 250 (SGD $10) and shoes at THB 100 (SGD $4). One thing that we noticed is that the night market tend to have more bags and shoes choices. Clothes wise, the morning market offer more choices and at even cheaper price!<br />
<br />
So yup! Get your shoes and bag at the night market and clothes at the morning market! Generally all the shops that we shop at Pratunam market offered us plastic bag to contain our loots even though we had big recycled bags with us. Though they do offer plastic bags, but it is still better if you bring a big recycled bag or so to carry all your loots in one bag - more convenient to lug it and shop around!<br />
<br />
We had a hearty shopping till around 8.30pm before we call it a day. Before we head back to our hotel, we pop by the 7 Eleven just beside our hotel side gate and bought some red bean bun and Banana cake for tomorrow breakfast!<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f7SWXV_UCD4/V3finyMADbI/AAAAAAAAIE0/PLph64MuuOAXNFHzgIFM7uwAvBjDn_MWQCKgB/s1600/20160617_203532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="306" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f7SWXV_UCD4/V3finyMADbI/AAAAAAAAIE0/PLph64MuuOAXNFHzgIFM7uwAvBjDn_MWQCKgB/s640/20160617_203532.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Left to right: Red bean bread x 2, banana cake (similar to Tokyo Banana) from BKK 7Eleven</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Red Bean Bread THB 7 (SGD $0.28)</div>
<div>
Banana Cake THB 59 (SGD $2.36)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The banana cake is like the Japan's Tokyo banana but of course this is make in Bangkok. This is so much cheaper than the Tokyo Banana and the filling is not that slimy. It is equally soft too. If you are a fan of Tokyo Bananas, do give this Bangkok banana cake a try! </div>
<div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ufz0DEL1tr0/V3fip7zU6gI/AAAAAAAAIFY/h8cze0F-pXwasTQPzi_vCL2_V5TZoRSsgCKgB/s1600/20160619_140837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ufz0DEL1tr0/V3fip7zU6gI/AAAAAAAAIFY/h8cze0F-pXwasTQPzi_vCL2_V5TZoRSsgCKgB/s640/20160619_140837.jpg" width="456" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Receipt from 7 Eleven</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With that we ended our last night at Bangkok and prep for our last final day where we will be waking up early for some alms offering experience! Stay tune for the next post!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/Yunnan%20%26%20BKK%20Day%2011%20%28BKK%29">Day 11: Alms offering, Pratunam Morning market, Baiyoke Sky Buffet Lunch</a></span></b></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951287982667008118.post-68500399309674598152016-06-16T00:00:00.000+08:002016-08-07T21:37:11.755+08:00YUNNAN & BANGKOK Day 9<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px; text-align: start;">Day 9: Centre Point Hotel Pratunam -> Coconut farm -> Chang Puak Elephant Camp -> Damnoen Saduak Floating Market -> MBK Center -> Siam Discovery, Siam Center, Siam Paragon -> Big C Super Center (R</span><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">ajdamri) </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px; text-align: start;"> </span></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sawadeeka ~</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Rise and shine early at 5+ am to prep for our half day morning tour with Asiatravel to the Floating Market, coconut farm and elephant camp.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bqtuHrJeIcw/V3KANKHuTRI/AAAAAAAAH0c/GhN-8SaJj2Ao_j2yNhdO2yT87N-MH9gEACLcB/s1600/20160616_055819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bqtuHrJeIcw/V3KANKHuTRI/AAAAAAAAH0c/GhN-8SaJj2Ao_j2yNhdO2yT87N-MH9gEACLcB/s640/20160616_055819.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>6am view from our balcony @ Level 18th of Centre Point hotel pratunam</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37pjMk3yhLs/V3KANNkCjAI/AAAAAAAAH0Y/rBf3ZNhkK_AKDwQNVai5LuHxeU_XYhQgQCLcB/s1600/20160616_055823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37pjMk3yhLs/V3KANNkCjAI/AAAAAAAAH0Y/rBf3ZNhkK_AKDwQNVai5LuHxeU_XYhQgQCLcB/s640/20160616_055823.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: 12.8px;">6am view of Petchburi Road from our balcony @ Level 18th of Centre Point hotel Pratunam</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just a little more info about our half day tour package from Asiatravel. We chose <a href="http://packages.asiatravel.com/packagebooking/package.search.aspx?lan=en-US&scode=THS65601SG&pid=506789">Asiatravel</a> as we have some points to redeem and since floating market has always been a key attraction of Thailand, we decide to visit their main floating market (<b>Damnoensaduak Floating Market</b>). We chose the most basic package to floating market that Asiatravel offers. Though it includes stop to Elephant camp, gems factory, coconut farm, however we would rather they include a trip to the Maeklong Railway Market which is actually near the floating market.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mSOVWRR_K9M/V4HjBkOvrPI/AAAAAAAAIHQ/UtVogIZT758aOaYhlX189zk9hQUZjFUYACLcB/s1600/description.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="226" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mSOVWRR_K9M/V4HjBkOvrPI/AAAAAAAAIHQ/UtVogIZT758aOaYhlX189zk9hQUZjFUYACLcB/s640/description.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Screenshot of Half day floating market tour by <a href="http://packages.asiatravel.com/packagebooking/package.search.aspx?lan=en-US&scode=THS65601SG&pid=506789">Asiatravel</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They offer pick up (Van) from your hotel to the various attractions then at the end of the tour, they will alight you back at either your hotel, or alternatively you can request to drop off at any point within their pickup/drop off point list. Do arrange with them via email early if you have a place in mind that is different from your hotel. Pick up was done at 6.45am for us however typically, it is advisable to go down to your hotel lobby 10-15mins earlier. Afterall they do not want any unnecessary delay that may cause disruption to thee itinerary later on.<br />
<br />
As you can see from the screenshot from Asiatravel regarding the itinerary, Ours follow the itinerary above except that we did not stop by the Gems Factory. Feel free to read on to find out first hand, hows the tour like :) Btw, the tour price quoted from Asiatravel is THB 400 ( SGD $ 16). Tipping is optional. No lunch is provided in the package.<br />
<br />
So here we go at around 6.30am, we went down to our lobby and surprisingly our guide was there waiting for us at the lobby already!<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JHcO-0sjRsY/V3KANJWOIzI/AAAAAAAAH0g/c9rtzsha0-8l_dezAy38AFCUluXWmzXAQCLcB/s1600/20160616_063357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="438" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JHcO-0sjRsY/V3KANJWOIzI/AAAAAAAAH0g/c9rtzsha0-8l_dezAy38AFCUluXWmzXAQCLcB/s640/20160616_063357.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Elephant fountain at Hotel lobby</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is quite simple to know which is your guide as it was early morning, and there's not really a lot of people at the lobby. Furthermore she was holding pieces of paper in her hand, so we approached her and ask. So once she confirmed us (4 pax), we proceeded to board the van and off we go to the next pick up stop to pick up the rest of our tour members.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bR_CrnBs6_A/V3KAezSCbtI/AAAAAAAAH4A/hzqkLrsQIgghNcfgJX6NnT97Hyt4w6rDwCLcB/s1600/P1040705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bR_CrnBs6_A/V3KAezSCbtI/AAAAAAAAH4A/hzqkLrsQIgghNcfgJX6NnT97Hyt4w6rDwCLcB/s640/P1040705.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our van to fetch us around for the tour</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Contrary to those lower quality tours, where the driver and guide is the same person, over here they are 2 separate persons. The remaining 7 persons belongs to 1 family who stayed at Twin Towers Hotel Bangkok.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After that, off we go and embark on our journey to the coconut farm first. Do note that the journey to the coconut farm/floating market is pretty far away from Bangkok city area. We reached our first destination: Coconut Farm at around 8.20am despite leaving our hotel at around 6.40am and fetching the remaining tour members at around 7.10am.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Enough said, lets hop over to see what's there at the coconut farm!</div>
<div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a60PcSzC9y8/V3KANwKKwQI/AAAAAAAAH0o/YFHlMvlzDAM-jDwP773LfcWiADjCzkIKACLcB/s1600/20160616_082253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="524" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a60PcSzC9y8/V3KANwKKwQI/AAAAAAAAH0o/YFHlMvlzDAM-jDwP773LfcWiADjCzkIKACLcB/s640/20160616_082253.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>coconut demonstration (Right in the middle is the coconut sugar cube)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were many people at the coconut farm brought here by vans like us.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NOXuIf64sAo/V3KAfRCK_UI/AAAAAAAAH4I/aXppbdw2fs0mBZOYL7guy8g5wHLIHwJlwCLcB/s1600/P1040711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NOXuIf64sAo/V3KAfRCK_UI/AAAAAAAAH4I/aXppbdw2fs0mBZOYL7guy8g5wHLIHwJlwCLcB/s640/P1040711.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Coconut farm</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z9H2FFO0Bdg/V3KAfb29M2I/AAAAAAAAH4E/Rr1g7IEOuioxRTHB6oKyU7CvBKRUQx_KgCLcB/s1600/P1040709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z9H2FFO0Bdg/V3KAfb29M2I/AAAAAAAAH4E/Rr1g7IEOuioxRTHB6oKyU7CvBKRUQx_KgCLcB/s640/P1040709.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>tour vans</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A worker or your guide will demonstrate about how the coconut is grown and how it is then made into other useful products such as sugar cubes for cooking or coconut oil.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EMyxtzKcytA/V3KAeLdF4TI/AAAAAAAAH30/HEAX6pU-LpA2O_MsWnzdi34f6nKP8nUzQCLcB/s1600/P1040695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="442" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EMyxtzKcytA/V3KAeLdF4TI/AAAAAAAAH30/HEAX6pU-LpA2O_MsWnzdi34f6nKP8nUzQCLcB/s640/P1040695.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Demonstration and explanation of coconuts</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iwKBX2fRfmo/V3KAOrQdO-I/AAAAAAAAH00/4JKRpzERGq81cpcBA_TOVTdDE0egkjWTQCLcB/s1600/20160616_082527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="516" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iwKBX2fRfmo/V3KAOrQdO-I/AAAAAAAAH00/4JKRpzERGq81cpcBA_TOVTdDE0egkjWTQCLcB/s640/20160616_082527.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Coconut sugar cubes</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were given coconut sugar cubes to try and they were really sweet and fragrant. We were told that it is commonly used for cooking.<br />
* PS: Yup you might have seen the big housefly in the photo. Food etc were left open so houseflies are inevitable. Stay tune for more of this house pest at the floating market haha<br />
<br />
Next up, we see many boiling going on at they boil the coconut flesh to get coconut oil which is a long and tedious process.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E-r7aZbQS28/V3KAd3OK-BI/AAAAAAAAH3w/H9SGAU9KKtIJiyg9qocQbev2J-MZ-5XOACLcB/s1600/P1040694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E-r7aZbQS28/V3KAd3OK-BI/AAAAAAAAH3w/H9SGAU9KKtIJiyg9qocQbev2J-MZ-5XOACLcB/s640/P1040694.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>cooking of coconut</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TsPauEiNxs8/V3KAN5zk6TI/AAAAAAAAH0k/eGZdW15g3MkMUGwucogwvnMf8mLKo_I9ACLcB/s1600/20160616_082357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="462" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TsPauEiNxs8/V3KAN5zk6TI/AAAAAAAAH0k/eGZdW15g3MkMUGwucogwvnMf8mLKo_I9ACLcB/s640/20160616_082357.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>some pots and oil sample</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bJVIEB2BUHM/V3KAOMMYfEI/AAAAAAAAH0s/CNARprWSAPAMXX79kW17MCzTii0MstopgCLcB/s1600/20160616_082412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="494" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bJVIEB2BUHM/V3KAOMMYfEI/AAAAAAAAH0s/CNARprWSAPAMXX79kW17MCzTii0MstopgCLcB/s640/20160616_082412.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>woks of oil?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ngzepOeF8sg/V3KAOjsxF8I/AAAAAAAAH04/bYciTnWjL0MMMmCDbuF3IWQjPEh917EFwCLcB/s1600/20160616_082427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ngzepOeF8sg/V3KAOjsxF8I/AAAAAAAAH04/bYciTnWjL0MMMmCDbuF3IWQjPEh917EFwCLcB/s640/20160616_082427.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>adding twigs/logs to the fire stove</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RgJaDkA98Jo/V3KAfsMGT3I/AAAAAAAAH4M/Q06aWCyAIP8tC-SQP-F-eBUUci_i3y8ZgCLcB/s1600/P1040713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="438" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RgJaDkA98Jo/V3KAfsMGT3I/AAAAAAAAH4M/Q06aWCyAIP8tC-SQP-F-eBUUci_i3y8ZgCLcB/s640/P1040713.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>coconut shredder machine</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U-1oajIkvH0/V3KAgA_mDwI/AAAAAAAAH4Q/DHFRqKjjvF8lfRIpZCGIDbSuRIrU8P-ZACLcB/s1600/P1040715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U-1oajIkvH0/V3KAgA_mDwI/AAAAAAAAH4Q/DHFRqKjjvF8lfRIpZCGIDbSuRIrU8P-ZACLcB/s640/P1040715.JPG" width="416" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>our tour guide demonstrating shredding of the coconut flesh</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Most of the time, it is free and easy around the coconut farm. There is also a mini shop where you can buy coconut products they made such as coconut cream, oil or even the sugar cubes earlier on.</div>
<div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LT8-HOeSwrE/V3KAeo1V7eI/AAAAAAAAH38/Qaxxlc5Hd_kjTqT-OKVvUi90G8sS-F8lQCLcB/s1600/P1040703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="566" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LT8-HOeSwrE/V3KAeo1V7eI/AAAAAAAAH38/Qaxxlc5Hd_kjTqT-OKVvUi90G8sS-F8lQCLcB/s640/P1040703.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>shop selling coconut products</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We bought 2 bottles of coconut oil for hair @ THB 150 (SGD $6) per bottle and coconut sugar cubes is at THB 70 per pack.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g3peSXV5eXo/V3KAcHGWLvI/AAAAAAAAH3Q/LR_vMgwKTIASKAZSciM_tST11bEw0NoOwCLcB/s1600/20160619_133519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g3peSXV5eXo/V3KAcHGWLvI/AAAAAAAAH3Q/LR_vMgwKTIASKAZSciM_tST11bEw0NoOwCLcB/s640/20160619_133519.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>coconut sugar cubes @ THB 70 per pack (SGD $2.80)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The staff had limited English speaking knowledge, luckily our guide was there to help out with a little translation as we asked them about the products such as the storage instructions.<br />
<br />
If coconut related products are not your cup of tea, they have a souvenir outlet there too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ebYCfrCfk78/V3KAeWEy3xI/AAAAAAAAH34/lN0KxQyrpl04Whtuc_N0FH2HWUrfU1ovACLcB/s1600/P1040700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ebYCfrCfk78/V3KAeWEy3xI/AAAAAAAAH34/lN0KxQyrpl04Whtuc_N0FH2HWUrfU1ovACLcB/s640/P1040700.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Souvenir shop at coconut farm</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The stay at coconut farm isn't long and we left the coconut farm at around 8.50am. Then it is a 5 mins or less drive to the Elephant camp - Chang Puak Camp!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHm9C5X1fHU/V3KAiVsr3EI/AAAAAAAAH40/5kPHAC4IgE8sqR1j871uda66MDGoyALEQCLcB/s1600/P1040754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHm9C5X1fHU/V3KAiVsr3EI/AAAAAAAAH40/5kPHAC4IgE8sqR1j871uda66MDGoyALEQCLcB/s640/P1040754.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Elephant Camp</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wovMeM_RgQg/V3KAPIrXiqI/AAAAAAAAH08/dV-oyBa7pNgqqqkRtJpsotPWVZ1pfYQQACLcB/s1600/20160616_085322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wovMeM_RgQg/V3KAPIrXiqI/AAAAAAAAH08/dV-oyBa7pNgqqqkRtJpsotPWVZ1pfYQQACLcB/s640/20160616_085322.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Elephant Camp (Chang Puak Camp) @ Damnoen Saduak</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GhLAqIveo1s/V4IOVyTQE3I/AAAAAAAAIHg/YpWEahE6gqUBKmDXjDUAjvv1cwNELvprACLcB/s1600/map%2Bbagkok.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="332" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GhLAqIveo1s/V4IOVyTQE3I/AAAAAAAAIHg/YpWEahE6gqUBKmDXjDUAjvv1cwNELvprACLcB/s640/map%2Bbagkok.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Courtesy of Google maps: Pratunam > Chang Puak Camp > Damnoen Saduak Floating Market</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As you can see from the Google Maps above, that is how far it is to travel from our hotel (Bangkok City) is to Damnoen Saduak area, of close to 2 hours ride.<br />
<br />
So here we are at Chang Puak camp, and of course the main attraction here is elephant riding (30 mins). Over here we thought that there's a <b>little over pressure</b> by the in-charge on pressuring us to take the elephant ride.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zePtTU5h6gs/V3KAgcqZShI/AAAAAAAAH4Y/L5I8FdVV6XYALo8S2_u_-coqyTd16hjZgCLcB/s1600/P1040716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zePtTU5h6gs/V3KAgcqZShI/AAAAAAAAH4Y/L5I8FdVV6XYALo8S2_u_-coqyTd16hjZgCLcB/s640/P1040716.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Chang Puak Camp worker explaining to us the individual attractions and pricing</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were advertised with the Elephant riding (30mins) at THB 600 (SGD $24) per pax. As my family were scared of sitting on the elephant back / experienced before, so we did not try it. If you are more adventurous or would like to try a variety of activities, they have combo packages. For eg, they have combo package of Elephant riding + ATV motor + BB Gun @ THB 1300 (SGD $52) per pax. There was a couple from our tour group who join the elephant riding while the rest of that family went for massage. On the other hand, we went to feed the elephants bananas! :)<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ztrLrSaqchA/V3KAgeHbJEI/AAAAAAAAH4U/rcnXc64lxJ8s5tRz0s-FlDXMtN57F2JgQCLcB/s1600/P1040718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ztrLrSaqchA/V3KAgeHbJEI/AAAAAAAAH4U/rcnXc64lxJ8s5tRz0s-FlDXMtN57F2JgQCLcB/s640/P1040718.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Long neck karen show @ THB 400 (SGD $16)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They had many elephants on stand by for tourists to ride them.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ECjMzJWyuM0/V3KAiDUq8RI/AAAAAAAAH4w/YyNFAN4A_a4VWWusjcFyJEVoqV9tnYZwwCLcB/s1600/P1040751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ECjMzJWyuM0/V3KAiDUq8RI/AAAAAAAAH4w/YyNFAN4A_a4VWWusjcFyJEVoqV9tnYZwwCLcB/s640/P1040751.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>elephants for riding</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O7rxTa_TG9w/V3KAo-Asf0I/AAAAAAAAH6Y/g3eC4eEZj24fDYiBYTbGZ6jvpgrYonUVQCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="376" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O7rxTa_TG9w/V3KAo-Asf0I/AAAAAAAAH6Y/g3eC4eEZj24fDYiBYTbGZ6jvpgrYonUVQCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>and off they go on the elephant ride ~</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For those who took the elephant ride, they can pay 100baht to buy a basket of bananas to feed the elephant whom they rode on or the other elephants thereafter too!<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6A_IN1WdXgQ/V3KAg0ZYhSI/AAAAAAAAH4g/s9pyrAobCNU3h7hwNVj8BnY7QN-GOpTWgCLcB/s1600/P1040719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6A_IN1WdXgQ/V3KAg0ZYhSI/AAAAAAAAH4g/s9pyrAobCNU3h7hwNVj8BnY7QN-GOpTWgCLcB/s640/P1040719.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>bananas for feeding</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While for us, we bought from this shop here and we can only feed one baby elephant :(<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hmHM9UfEdzY/V3KAhPVweAI/AAAAAAAAH4k/jOqioKYqfMInAA0I5TjQJq4WyC-RiCenQCLcB/s1600/P1040721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hmHM9UfEdzY/V3KAhPVweAI/AAAAAAAAH4k/jOqioKYqfMInAA0I5TjQJq4WyC-RiCenQCLcB/s640/P1040721.JPG" width="516" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>banana feeding @ THB 100 (SGD $4) per basket</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gy_xVmNhqxE/V3KAhZH5PAI/AAAAAAAAH4o/ZbIIYWM-HxQ93Y9ymJZieTzwewzxBav4ACLcB/s1600/P1040749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gy_xVmNhqxE/V3KAhZH5PAI/AAAAAAAAH4o/ZbIIYWM-HxQ93Y9ymJZieTzwewzxBav4ACLcB/s640/P1040749.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>baby elephant ~</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tcuLHkeaZOc/V3KApGjRlwI/AAAAAAAAH6g/VSJEykcM7UMOSpmsyoQrsg69C4DNYVCxQCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="584" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tcuLHkeaZOc/V3KApGjRlwI/AAAAAAAAH6g/VSJEykcM7UMOSpmsyoQrsg69C4DNYVCxQCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage2.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>elephant feeding time ~</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Haha don't be fooled by his/her look, the elephants here are very picky! They only take bananas that are ripe. Those not so ripe bananas (green in colour) they won't eat!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We were the only group that feed the elephant at the point of time. Haha. But seeing that he is quite picky, guess he had his fair share of food normally.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
They have an owl (Real one!) for photo-taking too. </div>
<div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sh5A2ZKs_9Y/V3KAiAp5UVI/AAAAAAAAH44/kY5f9SuGlrs9I0LXbmc8N7i9HQS5c7H-QCLcB/s1600/P1040750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sh5A2ZKs_9Y/V3KAiAp5UVI/AAAAAAAAH44/kY5f9SuGlrs9I0LXbmc8N7i9HQS5c7H-QCLcB/s640/P1040750.JPG" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Owl for photo taking</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At the end of everything, when you are about to board the van at the carpark area, there will be representative there asking if you want to buy the photo taken earlier (when we just reached). And the thing is, they actually developed all photos and put nicely already. So if you don't buy, I am not too sure how they will deal with it either hahaha. We bought 1 family photo of us even though the photo quality isn't too good.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4FtJspZmIEg/V3KAdtO-XhI/AAAAAAAAH3s/c3sxm9LsMxwogF46WPjpGhH7Um4l9r6FgCLcB/s1600/20160619_141014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="474" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4FtJspZmIEg/V3KAdtO-XhI/AAAAAAAAH3s/c3sxm9LsMxwogF46WPjpGhH7Um4l9r6FgCLcB/s640/20160619_141014.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo in frame taken at Chang Puak Camp @ THB 150 (SGD $6)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Off we go to our main destination - floating market. We were driven to a boat area where we will board this long tail motor boat (inclusive in our Asiatravel package) which will bring us to Damnoen saduak floating market.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RBZkl0O-Rtw/V3KAi7NvmwI/AAAAAAAAH48/ddTRXughGKc2jv7sNIwAEZ7qO_zhC3puQCLcB/s1600/P1040759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="358" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RBZkl0O-Rtw/V3KAi7NvmwI/AAAAAAAAH48/ddTRXughGKc2jv7sNIwAEZ7qO_zhC3puQCLcB/s640/P1040759.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Long tail Motor Boats</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I6jXJlcHrLM/V3KAjCRZTVI/AAAAAAAAH5A/SG_ZHAIGck0etwuJ9rwT-d2rpJGva9zJACLcB/s1600/P1040760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="434" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I6jXJlcHrLM/V3KAjCRZTVI/AAAAAAAAH5A/SG_ZHAIGck0etwuJ9rwT-d2rpJGva9zJACLcB/s640/P1040760.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Boarding area</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were split into 2 boats (1 for each family) while our guide and driver will head to the floating market via car and wait for us there.<br />
<br />
The boat ride took an approx of 15 mins. The main feature of the boat ride is to see stilt house, and how the people live along the river bank.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qc1PekaoWMo/V3KAjDcEwZI/AAAAAAAAH5E/hkY_6i98dtQvQSgP82zxm8fYx20FtXXCQCLcB/s1600/P1040764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qc1PekaoWMo/V3KAjDcEwZI/AAAAAAAAH5E/hkY_6i98dtQvQSgP82zxm8fYx20FtXXCQCLcB/s640/P1040764.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>here we go ~</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WqtNIcmis14/V3KAPrlnB3I/AAAAAAAAH1A/DkXcm0-S5AECVuOpTwSBc_pHOiq2x4bDQCLcB/s1600/20160616_100555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WqtNIcmis14/V3KAPrlnB3I/AAAAAAAAH1A/DkXcm0-S5AECVuOpTwSBc_pHOiq2x4bDQCLcB/s640/20160616_100555.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our boat driver</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uZCTmE_L2TI/V3KAkAepzhI/AAAAAAAAH5Q/wAzPIXPQQXIy6nuAZHLaTeiqHWIC4mQqgCLcB/s1600/P1040777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uZCTmE_L2TI/V3KAkAepzhI/AAAAAAAAH5Q/wAzPIXPQQXIy6nuAZHLaTeiqHWIC4mQqgCLcB/s640/P1040777.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>houses along the river bank</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iV_fsWw1z_g/V3KApeL6jII/AAAAAAAAH6o/l-2I8S77eskkxaOM2-dM141ULyC4ZjyoQCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="376" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iV_fsWw1z_g/V3KApeL6jII/AAAAAAAAH6o/l-2I8S77eskkxaOM2-dM141ULyC4ZjyoQCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage5.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>more sights</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sSN-oxWQ2xo/V3KApF2YehI/AAAAAAAAH6c/3jD7rUkzG_k4DBNtkymgKJyzIaB8kXsAgCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="376" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sSN-oxWQ2xo/V3KApF2YehI/AAAAAAAAH6c/3jD7rUkzG_k4DBNtkymgKJyzIaB8kXsAgCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage10.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>villagers and other tourists on the boat like us!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8zF9uX9VBs/V3KAp9BoYFI/AAAAAAAAH6s/vm6I2VKP9f8FJmOZtyAvgWquKwqCscLsACLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="418" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8zF9uX9VBs/V3KAp9BoYFI/AAAAAAAAH6s/vm6I2VKP9f8FJmOZtyAvgWquKwqCscLsACLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage6.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>more sights</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And eventually, soon we reach the floating market!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T07jzbYNMhc/V3KAkFPrLLI/AAAAAAAAH5I/I_HRjMXnM4wSt01L0qpEVbMVavDmdwt5ACLcB/s1600/P1040793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="404" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T07jzbYNMhc/V3KAkFPrLLI/AAAAAAAAH5I/I_HRjMXnM4wSt01L0qpEVbMVavDmdwt5ACLcB/s640/P1040793.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Floating market entrance!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We alighted at the floating market and gathered to meet our guide. We were encouraged to pay THB 150 (SGD $6) per pax to take the sampan boat which will tour within the floating market - scenary will be different from the long tail motor boat which we took earlier as the sampan boat is more of the market ( buy and sell deals rather than stilt houses). Alternatively, we can walk along the floating market. We were given 1 hour at the floating market for F&E time.<br />
<br />
Time check: 10.20am<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J-s8EJ5krnE/V3KAkN64szI/AAAAAAAAH5M/QnmTRV6NeXku0J7OJjy0A-6B8yBeBPIjACLcB/s1600/P1040812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="284" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J-s8EJ5krnE/V3KAkN64szI/AAAAAAAAH5M/QnmTRV6NeXku0J7OJjy0A-6B8yBeBPIjACLcB/s640/P1040812.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Floating market - souvenir stores</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a5Rm5ilw87Y/V3KAkznGAFI/AAAAAAAAH5g/j1Uw-xbIlWAIUWdPiwp-KhVdaRdVEpkWwCLcB/s1600/P1040819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a5Rm5ilw87Y/V3KAkznGAFI/AAAAAAAAH5g/j1Uw-xbIlWAIUWdPiwp-KhVdaRdVEpkWwCLcB/s640/P1040819.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>touristy souvenirs - expensive :(</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lhf4w4n3VvA/V3KAk_t0rgI/AAAAAAAAH5Y/78X4bnnS0ZU2LXlfIOdPOEhC_a8BuJh_gCLcB/s1600/P1040817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lhf4w4n3VvA/V3KAk_t0rgI/AAAAAAAAH5Y/78X4bnnS0ZU2LXlfIOdPOEhC_a8BuJh_gCLcB/s640/P1040817.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Place to board the sampan boat</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The sampan boat is the one without the cover while the long tail motor boat is the one with cover (See image above). Of course sampan boat was rowed by manual labour instead of motor.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Initially we didn't want to take the sampan boat as we thought one boat ride experience was sufficient, however we realised that there's not much to walk about and yet we have 1 hour. Hence we decided to give a go at this 30 mins Sampan boat ride.<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><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ooeacTEJo9s/V3KAk7FEIUI/AAAAAAAAH5c/2BxnLA98SaQMU_y-9umi5_pvWLFKJU60gCLcB/s1600/P1040820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="442" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ooeacTEJo9s/V3KAk7FEIUI/AAAAAAAAH5c/2BxnLA98SaQMU_y-9umi5_pvWLFKJU60gCLcB/s640/P1040820.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Sampan boat counter</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One boat ride cost THB 150 (SGD $6) per pax. Andd.... it is very shaky. so be careful of your footing haha.</div>
<div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-prM_L7Fu7D8/V3KAllUT-JI/AAAAAAAAH5k/J3GD9oKMt6EQyQevaH3N6dNalGKW6AKSgCLcB/s1600/P1040824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-prM_L7Fu7D8/V3KAllUT-JI/AAAAAAAAH5k/J3GD9oKMt6EQyQevaH3N6dNalGKW6AKSgCLcB/s640/P1040824.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our sampan boat ~</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YdSsdkWG6LI/V3ffu571kPI/AAAAAAAAICE/LokcQgURD68jUsgRRvyt31qwaSBp4JqPgCLcB/s1600/P1040833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YdSsdkWG6LI/V3ffu571kPI/AAAAAAAAICE/LokcQgURD68jUsgRRvyt31qwaSBp4JqPgCLcB/s640/P1040833.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>on the sampan boat overlooking at thee boarding deck</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Off we go to see the busy and touristy floating market (uniquely Thailand) haha ~</div>
<div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VfI0-RhWYnI/V3ffuwg40kI/AAAAAAAAICA/MWSC0XGMKQICgym-_O8Sx1yh_mdjd11jwCLcB/s1600/P1040828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VfI0-RhWYnI/V3ffuwg40kI/AAAAAAAAICA/MWSC0XGMKQICgym-_O8Sx1yh_mdjd11jwCLcB/s640/P1040828.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>hats on sale </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_aRv-C_8i4A/V3ffu9maAvI/AAAAAAAAICI/a26RskbfhGEqBDaiN5qPnYWCKup6ZXykgCLcB/s1600/P1040832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_aRv-C_8i4A/V3ffu9maAvI/AAAAAAAAICI/a26RskbfhGEqBDaiN5qPnYWCKup6ZXykgCLcB/s640/P1040832.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>More straw hats</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ModX2kEqrU/V3KAP169nHI/AAAAAAAAH1I/4k2remdc_-AvZ5y28RSgkJYxrFzMf8kVgCLcB/s1600/20160616_103918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ModX2kEqrU/V3KAP169nHI/AAAAAAAAH1I/4k2remdc_-AvZ5y28RSgkJYxrFzMf8kVgCLcB/s640/20160616_103918.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>another boat boarding station</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Q23vaQKiR4/V3KAPp3TgZI/AAAAAAAAH1E/_ly4ZGYlkScfDzA7SayDyawhDP6rUlx-wCLcB/s1600/20160616_103545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Q23vaQKiR4/V3KAPp3TgZI/AAAAAAAAH1E/_ly4ZGYlkScfDzA7SayDyawhDP6rUlx-wCLcB/s640/20160616_103545.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>our sampan boat and many others</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The river is really crowded... with boats. It is already a narrow river bank, with stores on the side along the river bank, and also small businesses on boat along both sides of the river. There were a lot of touristy sampan boats too (as you can see in the photo above). Boat can travel in both directions along the river and some boat drivers just force their way through. There were a few times, when the boat were a little unbalanced (due to the traffic congestion).<br />
<br />
One thing that we also noticed was that typically souvenir make shift stores (on boat) will use a bamboo pole to hook your boat over to their boat such that you will be able to see their items clearer and hopefully purchase from them. When they see that you have no interest and another boat is coming they will then push your boat away and drag the other boat over. In a way, it seems like they can be quite aggressive at doing business.. Just remember to think twice before buying - like whether the price and goods are worth buying.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-STNZji8CFfA/V3ffv0aO1_I/AAAAAAAAICQ/hY87WecRW2A4pvkvRJf4TNo2GTb1ngnJQCLcB/s1600/P1040835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-STNZji8CFfA/V3ffv0aO1_I/AAAAAAAAICQ/hY87WecRW2A4pvkvRJf4TNo2GTb1ngnJQCLcB/s640/P1040835.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>boat seller</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just around 5-10 minutes into our journey we came across a seller selling Ice Cream Coconut for THB 80 (SGD $3.2).<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xRvY23iPEVM/V3KAQTZloPI/AAAAAAAAH1Y/n4DebVELkAcjHMnGMTDJfcmVv3Fd5p7YgCLcB/s1600/20160616_104021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="510" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xRvY23iPEVM/V3KAQTZloPI/AAAAAAAAH1Y/n4DebVELkAcjHMnGMTDJfcmVv3Fd5p7YgCLcB/s640/20160616_104021.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ice Cream Coconut</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f2-zhHpXo1M/V3KAQiizm1I/AAAAAAAAH1U/z9xUd8b1UCAe7xg1xtAokI3UxsKh0JR6gCLcB/s1600/20160616_104032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f2-zhHpXo1M/V3KAQiizm1I/AAAAAAAAH1U/z9xUd8b1UCAe7xg1xtAokI3UxsKh0JR6gCLcB/s640/20160616_104032.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>THB 80 (SGD $3.2) Ice Cream Coconut</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Tbh, it is actually not very worth it. It is practically just a little vanilla ice cream, really little serving of stick rice, nut and 3-4 small pieces of coconut. As you can see from the picture above, given the thick 'husk' layer of coconut, how much ice cream can be place inside ;/ Not only that, if you are hygiene conscious you might want to think twice. Because Floating market environment is a great place for houseflies to party and feast. We saw really a lot of flies everywhere especially when you get food. We were really excited to taste the food so we did not bother much with the flies. But just an example of the hygiene, below is an ice cream bread shop (sold on boat).<br />
<br /></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_6SZG8Tf0Jk/V3ffvzVzTSI/AAAAAAAAICU/y4foh3c39aAObERsJJBYhB7hUQceD2n6ACLcB/s1600/P1040838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_6SZG8Tf0Jk/V3ffvzVzTSI/AAAAAAAAICU/y4foh3c39aAObERsJJBYhB7hUQceD2n6ACLcB/s640/P1040838.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hygiene condition</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But thankfully, despite eating all these houseflies infested food, we did not experience any stomachache whatsoever. Phew.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5vnUldTo3qU/V3ffwX_dtNI/AAAAAAAAICY/Cfaa9uoIqoAbf0Ro5MHq0gCuKz0NvTLQQCLcB/s1600/P1040840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="472" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5vnUldTo3qU/V3ffwX_dtNI/AAAAAAAAICY/Cfaa9uoIqoAbf0Ro5MHq0gCuKz0NvTLQQCLcB/s640/P1040840.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>selling goreng pisang</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Look at the fruits and wok on that boat! They have portable gas hence they can cook on the boat and serve you.<br />
<br />
Do note, you have to gesture to the seller or show some kind of action to let the seller know you want to buy stuff. As for the distance it is not a matter, as your boatman/woman will see it and row the boat over. Earlier on, we were told by our guide that we can bargain up to 50% at Floating market. Not too sure if she meant only souvenirs or food too. However we did not bargain as there's really language barrier. We can only tell them *show finger 1* "pad thai". Or simple phrases like 'how much' and then they tell you the price. Oh well, if you know a bit of Thai, perhaps you can bargain and get the food at local price.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M5c04yS1XVk/V3KAQvWALHI/AAAAAAAAH1Q/TiR1usdgT24cwFWZhMSCc30-4k_Q92-MgCLcB/s1600/20160616_104210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M5c04yS1XVk/V3KAQvWALHI/AAAAAAAAH1Q/TiR1usdgT24cwFWZhMSCc30-4k_Q92-MgCLcB/s640/20160616_104210.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>tunnel</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In another 10 mins time we see more food. At the earlier stretch, most were souvenirs but the second half were food. And who can resist food right? We first came across this Pad Thai / Fried Rice store and we ordered Pad Thai from him.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-55DF2GgbimA/V3KAR8H62oI/AAAAAAAAH1k/7560gFknCNQ4GjQ50lDq-UjuOwEi0eWXgCLcB/s1600/20160616_105332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-55DF2GgbimA/V3KAR8H62oI/AAAAAAAAH1k/7560gFknCNQ4GjQ50lDq-UjuOwEi0eWXgCLcB/s640/20160616_105332.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Seller on a boat - roasting duck</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Bangkok is kind of famous for duck and the duck really look nice so we ordered a plate of Duck Pad Thai. He has a proper food store on land so cooking was done there and not on the boat. Once you ordered, he will inform his helper on land. (See Photo below).</div>
<div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rsKlkavXTWE/V3KAR5lhZeI/AAAAAAAAH1c/Ono_qQZch-042GC_MhBiqH6OgvQebPdRACLcB/s1600/20160616_105329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rsKlkavXTWE/V3KAR5lhZeI/AAAAAAAAH1c/Ono_qQZch-042GC_MhBiqH6OgvQebPdRACLcB/s640/20160616_105329.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>duck and communicating our order</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We did not have to wait for long for the duck pad Thai to be ready (about 5 mins). If not mistaken, it cost about THB 120-150 (SGD $4.8-$6).<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NwuInn1toO0/V3KASr_SgpI/AAAAAAAAH1o/uS57zeQlkmY_M5kxPmTj9xAUpcnujJyogCLcB/s1600/20160616_105547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="534" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NwuInn1toO0/V3KASr_SgpI/AAAAAAAAH1o/uS57zeQlkmY_M5kxPmTj9xAUpcnujJyogCLcB/s640/20160616_105547.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Duck Pad Thai</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Though it is pretty pricey given that it is at Bangkok, but really really sumptuous! the duck serving is quite generous and there's the wok hei smell. Awww feel like eating it right now. while we ordered the Pad Thai we also ordered seafood fried rice from the store beside it. </div>
<div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxsqjGQkr9I/V3KASG6zqkI/AAAAAAAAH1g/FBaB7eiK0YYmkOKJImcOZQbxnOP3shuuACLcB/s1600/20160616_105357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="492" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxsqjGQkr9I/V3KASG6zqkI/AAAAAAAAH1g/FBaB7eiK0YYmkOKJImcOZQbxnOP3shuuACLcB/s640/20160616_105357.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Seafood fried rice from the store beside it (the one with blue banner)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Va6NlfNUzrg/V3KAS6hMq-I/AAAAAAAAH1s/Zz2JeAZio5Maua974D0KmWKIZNcDi-VAQCLcB/s1600/20160616_105855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Va6NlfNUzrg/V3KAS6hMq-I/AAAAAAAAH1s/Zz2JeAZio5Maua974D0KmWKIZNcDi-VAQCLcB/s640/20160616_105855.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>where the seafood fried rice was cooked</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The price was around THB 100-150 (SGD $4.8-$6). Actually thereafter when we walk on the land part of floating market, and came across this store, and we look at the menu it cost THB 20 lesser. Not too sure if we were being charged at a higher price or it was really a higher price given the inconvenience of delivering down the food to the boat. Haha<br />
<br />
Ta dah ~<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cv4V014xkYo/V3KAS5DZVJI/AAAAAAAAH1w/35rCT4nGcc0p6LIW7CxdwkhYVWhAC0ieQCLcB/s1600/20160616_105852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="488" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cv4V014xkYo/V3KAS5DZVJI/AAAAAAAAH1w/35rCT4nGcc0p6LIW7CxdwkhYVWhAC0ieQCLcB/s640/20160616_105852.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Seafood fried rice</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This was even nicer than the pad Thai. Especially when there's <b>generous</b> servings of fresh prawns, omelette. And.... there's wok hei smell too! Though the price is a little high given that it's sold at floating market, but we didn't regret buying this. yum yum.<br />
<br />
Just a glimpse at how some seller can cook on the boat (see photo below of gas cylinder on the boat).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_GDDcoGWmA0/V3KATS6BzfI/AAAAAAAAH18/bau5pIQrzXITNFymxV-Cbg-d8B_ezsbxACLcB/s1600/20160616_105903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_GDDcoGWmA0/V3KATS6BzfI/AAAAAAAAH18/bau5pIQrzXITNFymxV-Cbg-d8B_ezsbxACLcB/s640/20160616_105903.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>cooking on the boat</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgucvp6ZQdk/V3ffwxikhEI/AAAAAAAAICg/opWozmkL4gYqFDoFgyB3L7_tMKvoZ7PgQCLcB/s1600/P1040845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgucvp6ZQdk/V3ffwxikhEI/AAAAAAAAICg/opWozmkL4gYqFDoFgyB3L7_tMKvoZ7PgQCLcB/s640/P1040845.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>tourists in the sampan boat</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The ride was around 30 mins. Towards the end, we came across a boat man selling noodles soup and decided to buy 1 bowl.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qUux8Lt7pHc/V3ffwmRJsZI/AAAAAAAAICc/F6oqv_sHImU4bS1nallJFX0eZ_8aV5QqgCLcB/s1600/P1040843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qUux8Lt7pHc/V3ffwmRJsZI/AAAAAAAAICc/F6oqv_sHImU4bS1nallJFX0eZ_8aV5QqgCLcB/s640/P1040843.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>boat man selling noodle soup</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tadah ~</div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ReKteuV6UMQ/V3KATgOUMOI/AAAAAAAAH10/ApMhOaEhhk4O46aDfRpg9FoV0KLgPHnYgCLcB/s1600/20160616_110920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ReKteuV6UMQ/V3KATgOUMOI/AAAAAAAAH10/ApMhOaEhhk4O46aDfRpg9FoV0KLgPHnYgCLcB/s640/20160616_110920.jpg" width="504" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>char siew noodle soup</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We saw typically locals buying from him so we also bought one bowl. It is quite little and plain but not bad. Couldn't remember how much it cost but it cost lesser than the pad thai and fried rice for sure.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was around 11.10am and we still had some time, so we walked abit of the land part of floating market. We bought some souvenir - food (coconut sweet) to be distributed to our friends and colleagues back in SG.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pStv5dUd13U/V3KAcI8uk3I/AAAAAAAAH3Y/413MCfYgDYQXj07KgJl6c1KPhopvvsN0QCLcB/s1600/20160619_133533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pStv5dUd13U/V3KAcI8uk3I/AAAAAAAAH3Y/413MCfYgDYQXj07KgJl6c1KPhopvvsN0QCLcB/s640/20160619_133533.jpg" width="408" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>coconut & almond sweet (3 packs for THB 100 - SGD $4)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This coconut sweet is not the typical kind of gula melaka sweet but rather they mix it with nuts that's why its actually quite fragrant (香). Good.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Coincidentally, We met our guide and the rest of the members whom finished their boat ride too. As everyone was done with walking around floating market, we headed back to the van and was pleasantly surprised that our tour guide actually bought us fruits. A really good complement to the hot and stuffy weather!</div>
<div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VEGnsgEUAcE/V3KATk5FopI/AAAAAAAAH14/RwsmWtsRozo-kuKgfoOzRN5UTsofmZeZgCLcB/s1600/20160616_113644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VEGnsgEUAcE/V3KATk5FopI/AAAAAAAAH14/RwsmWtsRozo-kuKgfoOzRN5UTsofmZeZgCLcB/s640/20160616_113644.jpg" width="568" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fruits by our tour guide - Jambu (water apple) & Guava</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The fruits were very sweet too! Sedap! We left floating market at around 11.40am. And with that we ate the fruits along the way back. We were supposed to head to Gems Factory thereafter but somehow the guide didn't mention anything about it and we were secretly glad since we weren't interested in spending unnecessary money haha. The rest of the tour group had a flight to catch in the later night though.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For the return journey, the van will drop the family off back at their hotel then drop my family at MBK (we requested earlier).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was a 2 hour journey back. And we reached MBK at around 1.30pm. Tips given at your own discretion (optional).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BrTlFWQrVV0/V3KAVkswASI/AAAAAAAAH2Y/_9rOfUAbwuIHcguI9EE_YugL93LF-V4wgCLcB/s1600/20160616_152716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BrTlFWQrVV0/V3KAVkswASI/AAAAAAAAH2Y/_9rOfUAbwuIHcguI9EE_YugL93LF-V4wgCLcB/s640/20160616_152716.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>MBK Centre - Photo taken at overhead bridge to Siam</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We headed for its food court also known as Food Island on the fifth floor of MBK. Similar to food court at Platinum Mall, they operate via cash card. At the entrance of the food court, you have to buy a cash card with value of your choice. Any excess amount they can refund, so don't worry.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QJAbEzIWl78/V3KAUUix4II/AAAAAAAAH2A/0Zx4OkXY5NM53X09DAk33vM20vbT53BGQCLcB/s1600/20160616_134640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QJAbEzIWl78/V3KAUUix4II/AAAAAAAAH2A/0Zx4OkXY5NM53X09DAk33vM20vbT53BGQCLcB/s640/20160616_134640.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Purchase of MBK Food Island card</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You can purchase it using the rabbit card or ez link card equivalent.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V63pxyHYP_0/V3KAVKceCAI/AAAAAAAAH2Q/yMhP9_RofOoD4G_ttJ2RGP6IQf1Mcdu3QCLcB/s1600/20160616_142426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V63pxyHYP_0/V3KAVKceCAI/AAAAAAAAH2Q/yMhP9_RofOoD4G_ttJ2RGP6IQf1Mcdu3QCLcB/s640/20160616_142426.jpg" width="494" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>MBK food court cash card</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We bought 2 cards and had THB 200 value in each. As it was past lunch time, there wasn't a lot of people. We ordered a few dishes for sharing. Apologies for only taking 2 photos.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cU4T2Xc2NF4/V3KAUTtaO3I/AAAAAAAAH2E/Tc3T-INzhaUnbVfYrrHvUQ1EycDntT3XACLcB/s1600/20160616_135517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cU4T2Xc2NF4/V3KAUTtaO3I/AAAAAAAAH2E/Tc3T-INzhaUnbVfYrrHvUQ1EycDntT3XACLcB/s640/20160616_135517.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stewed pork leg with rice @ C22 - THB 60 (SGD $2.40)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DlLtgkDbONc/V3KAU3B4ivI/AAAAAAAAH2M/7JMkXMmdCdUw506LWaY9Wv7FNKUKJTQiACLcB/s1600/20160616_141340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DlLtgkDbONc/V3KAU3B4ivI/AAAAAAAAH2M/7JMkXMmdCdUw506LWaY9Wv7FNKUKJTQiACLcB/s640/20160616_141340.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Chicken Noodle in Tom Yum Soup (Claypot) @ C17 - THB 60 (SGD $2.40)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We bought 2 tom yum claypot (see above image). We thought the Tom Yum is not bad until the next day when we tried the Tom Yum from Inter Restaurant at Siam Square, we realised the latter one is the bomb. Haha<br />
<br />
In addition, we also ordered a plate of fried oyster at THB 75 (SGD $3) and cut fruits (Papaya) at THB 40 (SGD $1.60). The fried oyster was just acceptable and similarly, the one at Inter Restaurant is way at a higher standard then the fried oyster we had at MBK Food court. The best thing is that the price difference is only marginal. More on the food at Inter Restaurant in the next blog post (Day 10).<br />
<br />
In the end we have THB 20 (SGD $0.80) and THB 25 (SGD $1) left for each card, and of course, they gladly return us the remaining value and they took the card back.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We walked around MBK Center but feel that prices here were quite expensive and there's nothing much that appeal to us. We went to its Tokyu Departmental store too but there wasn't much sale and prices were like Singapore's Isetan. They are both Japan Departmental stores. We left MBK at around 3.15pm. MBK is situated on Siam and it is easily walkable to Siam Discovery etc. However as it was raining, everything was made more complicated. We eventually found a link way from MBK that states to Siam.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SK707oDfz6s/V3KAVRDq2PI/AAAAAAAAH2U/peGaK8o5oUIby-pRMkYj8J0KwRl-bsEOACLcB/s1600/20160616_151631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SK707oDfz6s/V3KAVRDq2PI/AAAAAAAAH2U/peGaK8o5oUIby-pRMkYj8J0KwRl-bsEOACLcB/s640/20160616_151631.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Link way</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rWM53SleybE/V4I2u9X00aI/AAAAAAAAIH0/1bb7SZTB6BEjF05Ae1hbm_wZd5tN-jK8gCLcB/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="456" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rWM53SleybE/V4I2u9X00aI/AAAAAAAAIH0/1bb7SZTB6BEjF05Ae1hbm_wZd5tN-jK8gCLcB/s640/Capture.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Map of Siam District</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Basically, diagonally opposite is Siam Discovery, and thereafter, Siam Center, Paragon and Central World is along that stretch of road. Our plan was to conquer all the major shopping places in Siam (as seen below)<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kbDEapJODOQ/V4I2hfvYT4I/AAAAAAAAIHw/7npFhWzqbVox4winV0cn4W2tJ0vok7KsQCLcB/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kbDEapJODOQ/V4I2hfvYT4I/AAAAAAAAIHw/7npFhWzqbVox4winV0cn4W2tJ0vok7KsQCLcB/s640/Capture.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>graphic illustration</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hkz7INAfK0M/V3KAVw7G57I/AAAAAAAAH2g/r2Y3hZ2RKZsxfor8qHFoaYjlwgRhNkimgCLcB/s1600/20160616_153126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hkz7INAfK0M/V3KAVw7G57I/AAAAAAAAH2g/r2Y3hZ2RKZsxfor8qHFoaYjlwgRhNkimgCLcB/s640/20160616_153126.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Siam Discovery & Siam Centre</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Due to lack of proper planning, we did not get to try those popular dessert places that is normally frequented by Singaporeans such as Greyhound cafe, After you cafe, Audrey cafe... As we forgot to bring along the address of the cafes. We only managed to ask one of the customer service staff at Siam Center about After you Cafe which she had kindly tell us it is at Siam Paragon ground floor.<br />
<br />
After you cafe is famous for its soft shibuya toast. And despite being there at around 3.45pm, there was a super long queue :(<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SAsYwf6-bKA/V3KAVzYSoZI/AAAAAAAAH2c/boh6NmohdZYl9P0JUZSYzqheeZa43JY9wCLcB/s1600/20160616_154332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="450" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SAsYwf6-bKA/V3KAVzYSoZI/AAAAAAAAH2c/boh6NmohdZYl9P0JUZSYzqheeZa43JY9wCLcB/s640/20160616_154332.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>After you cafe @ Siam Paragon</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Really long queue of tourists and mostly Singaporeans. So with that we decide to give it a miss as we were not sure how long we have to wait and there were limited seats in the cafe.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We then went to find Naraya - the popular shop that sell affordable ladies bags/pouches.</div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GVI7JRdkomM/V3KAobNxMrI/AAAAAAAAH6Q/9__T5GRBkJsgxVEbFNeCDDISwEQMoJ-8QCLcB/s1600/P1040846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="506" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GVI7JRdkomM/V3KAobNxMrI/AAAAAAAAH6Q/9__T5GRBkJsgxVEbFNeCDDISwEQMoJ-8QCLcB/s640/P1040846.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Naraya outlet @ Siam Paragon</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px; padding: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>3<sup>d</sup>fl. Room No. 3/17-19, Rama 1 Rd., Patumwan, Bangkok,10330</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tel: +662 610 9418</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fax: +662 610 9419</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Open daily 10:00 - 22:00</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>* Details from <a href="http://www.naraya.com/index.php">Naraya website</a></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Naraya looks very atas from outside and inside, however the price is really affordable. The pouches are good as gift! Previously we wanted to find out about the prices before we head to Bangkok, but we couldn't find much info on it. So here's just a brief glance of the prices to gauge its affordability level.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aQm8pb1KTow/V3KAY5LpEuI/AAAAAAAAH3E/8Iws3o7kfL4ZjFm5hLiAf_7DbVBd7zMVQCLcB/s1600/20160619_132720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aQm8pb1KTow/V3KAY5LpEuI/AAAAAAAAH3E/8Iws3o7kfL4ZjFm5hLiAf_7DbVBd7zMVQCLcB/s640/20160619_132720.jpg" width="416" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Naraya bags / pouches</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just to give you an idea of the price of Naraya goods (From top to bottom of picture above):</div>
<div>
1. Naraya shoulder bag THB 265 (SGD $10.6)</div>
<div>
2. Tissue Case THB 50 (SGD $2)</div>
<div>
3. Sanitary Napkin Case THB 65 (SGDD $2.6)</div>
<div>
4. Cosmetic bag THB 80 (SGD $3.2)</div>
<div>
5. Cosmetic bag (slightly bigger) THB 90 (SGD $3.6)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Generally prices varies according to the type, material of the pouches/bag and not much of the design (eg. floral or polka dots...)</div>
<div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4SffVhokSnQ/V3KAc7PX4nI/AAAAAAAAH3o/mOGJg7Gx7AsdknmnpgRsXGY4Z_efyiAwgCLcB/s1600/20160619_135029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4SffVhokSnQ/V3KAc7PX4nI/AAAAAAAAH3o/mOGJg7Gx7AsdknmnpgRsXGY4Z_efyiAwgCLcB/s640/20160619_135029.jpg" width="356" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Receipt of handbag and 1 pouch @ Naraya</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We also noticed their mobile store - Banana mobile around the Naraya shop outlet.</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nGwmU5l2P_0/V3KAoY6SC_I/AAAAAAAAH6U/L5EzqW3iXgI5oycz-u42grtJPaBlDuwqgCLcB/s1600/P1040848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="310" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nGwmU5l2P_0/V3KAoY6SC_I/AAAAAAAAH6U/L5EzqW3iXgI5oycz-u42grtJPaBlDuwqgCLcB/s640/P1040848.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Banana mobile</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
These malls we thought were like Singapore's kind of mall (atas kind) which isn't really our cup of tea. So we left thereafter and head straight for Big C !<br />
<br />
We took the overhead bridge passing by Siam BTS.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/--IMXb7amX8A/V3KAWT6U4sI/AAAAAAAAH2k/l4uLDteR-_kPfsRZbmI6sowqoCe0OKWRgCLcB/s1600/20160616_165531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--IMXb7amX8A/V3KAWT6U4sI/AAAAAAAAH2k/l4uLDteR-_kPfsRZbmI6sowqoCe0OKWRgCLcB/s640/20160616_165531.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Siam BTS</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U8eMW4SPnzs/V3KAW9ey_KI/AAAAAAAAH2s/hKAu3eTwk_g2RgJAvatIYN3jL2FZHr28ACLcB/s1600/20160616_171710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U8eMW4SPnzs/V3KAW9ey_KI/AAAAAAAAH2s/hKAu3eTwk_g2RgJAvatIYN3jL2FZHr28ACLcB/s640/20160616_171710.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Central World Plaza</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And then we finally see Big C! It had the iconic C logo with green background on its building and a digital temperature/time teller on the building.</div>
<div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5tiJ0qb50ok/V3KAWjzTG_I/AAAAAAAAH2o/QGVNIzwmhIUiFU_RwpjtZl18yLslYj8YwCLcB/s1600/20160616_171626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="436" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5tiJ0qb50ok/V3KAWjzTG_I/AAAAAAAAH2o/QGVNIzwmhIUiFU_RwpjtZl18yLslYj8YwCLcB/s640/20160616_171626.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>spot Big C!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was around 5.20pm when we reached Big C. Similarly, please use overhead bridge when possible to cross Bangkok roads. It was really difficult to cross their roads as traffic was always heavy.<br />
<br />
There are multiple levels at Big C Rajdamri - it contains the multi level supermart and some normal stores. We saw many tour buses there too!<br />
<br />
Shopping time ! Aka shop for food<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wnMzURaoqa8/V3KAYoNckeI/AAAAAAAAH3I/pyP14O0v4-gbZ1kfq5vGmyuFAPO6j6YkwCLcB/s1600/20160619_131718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="390" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wnMzURaoqa8/V3KAYoNckeI/AAAAAAAAH3I/pyP14O0v4-gbZ1kfq5vGmyuFAPO6j6YkwCLcB/s640/20160619_131718.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Different varieties of Pocky</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Pocky choco banana is kind of uniquely bangkok as we don't see it in Singapore or elsewhere. They have promotion ongoing for it, if you buy 1 carton of it, they give you a free Pocky tote bag etc.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DGDaVAuRDcM/V3KAdCQ-llI/AAAAAAAAH3k/BMlr2hybW3ogb998HFRnaWfI6RmQAHl2gCLcB/s1600/20160619_133723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="474" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DGDaVAuRDcM/V3KAdCQ-llI/AAAAAAAAH3k/BMlr2hybW3ogb998HFRnaWfI6RmQAHl2gCLcB/s640/20160619_133723.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Crackersss</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_8EZzssuc9w/V3KAc3W6hCI/AAAAAAAAH3c/bahGvLrYryAFhRqZyQohse1SWREI9HqjgCLcB/s1600/20160619_133650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_8EZzssuc9w/V3KAc3W6hCI/AAAAAAAAH3c/bahGvLrYryAFhRqZyQohse1SWREI9HqjgCLcB/s640/20160619_133650.jpg" width="256" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our final damage</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Don't worry if you bought too much stuff from Big C, because once you check out, they have a packing area with boxes for your to pack your loots in, for convenience in lugging to the airport for check in/hand carry.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We were done with shopping at around 7pm and decided to head for dinner within the mall. Previously we saw online that Yum Saap Platinum Mall is a good alternative food place if food court is full. Chancing upon its branch at Big C, we decided to give it a try.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l47IXcFXfGM/V3KAYcWGF-I/AAAAAAAAH3M/BlCmoNx-zZ8uhUZbGqmHIVT6avHfwFvxACLcB/s1600/20160616_192716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l47IXcFXfGM/V3KAYcWGF-I/AAAAAAAAH3M/BlCmoNx-zZ8uhUZbGqmHIVT6avHfwFvxACLcB/s640/20160616_192716.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yum Saap @ Big C Rajadrmi</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s432cObTMjo/V3KAXGS8FyI/AAAAAAAAH2w/yBcE7ik2qPUjwqP8RdPVJt3rwW32wDMCACLcB/s1600/20160616_190509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="614" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s432cObTMjo/V3KAXGS8FyI/AAAAAAAAH2w/yBcE7ik2qPUjwqP8RdPVJt3rwW32wDMCACLcB/s640/20160616_190509.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Interior of Yum Saap</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We saw quite a lot of people in the restaurant and they seem mostly Thai people too. We secretly thought that it must be that the food is fabulous that's why the locals are eating here. However perhaps the real reason might be that the food isn't that costly :/<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1TJfa4E1R8Y/V3KAXduv6iI/AAAAAAAAH20/-WF-gS5nhuoqbfc02kx7uMrtALhXNR3GQCLcB/s1600/20160616_190947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="436" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1TJfa4E1R8Y/V3KAXduv6iI/AAAAAAAAH20/-WF-gS5nhuoqbfc02kx7uMrtALhXNR3GQCLcB/s640/20160616_190947.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Shrimp fried rice + Chicken and gourd soup @ THB 99 (SGD $3.96)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qa4iU6ky4Dk/V3KAXqfB5kI/AAAAAAAAH24/W_a7h-3x8SIbn5BdpNGKy_vyg2x122svACLcB/s1600/20160616_190959_Burst01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="398" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qa4iU6ky4Dk/V3KAXqfB5kI/AAAAAAAAH24/W_a7h-3x8SIbn5BdpNGKy_vyg2x122svACLcB/s640/20160616_190959_Burst01.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rice with Thai Anchovy Paste + Chicken and gourd soup @ THB 99 (SGD $3.96)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q8QW1MsFDlY/V3KAXzpDvgI/AAAAAAAAH28/Jpcut5xTNyghj8xOuV46ypirn_wO3YirACLcB/s1600/20160616_191007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q8QW1MsFDlY/V3KAXzpDvgI/AAAAAAAAH28/Jpcut5xTNyghj8xOuV46ypirn_wO3YirACLcB/s640/20160616_191007.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Noodles with Tom yum seafood @ THB 89 (SGD $3.56)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Tom Yum Seafood noodles was disappointed. All the ingredients were bland and there wasn't a lot of noodles too. Rice were nice though.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N4aOL6w9Neg/V3KAYO2cnJI/AAAAAAAAH3A/1tFI9IajijIO6LutRPzZasE3FuPrwaKqQCLcB/s1600/20160616_191016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N4aOL6w9Neg/V3KAYO2cnJI/AAAAAAAAH3A/1tFI9IajijIO6LutRPzZasE3FuPrwaKqQCLcB/s640/20160616_191016.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fried Mama noodle with pork & sweet Ivy THB 95 (SGD $3.8)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
FYI, Mama noodle is their instant noodle's brand. Haha. The fried mama noodle looks pathetic but as usual instant noodles will always win with its flavourful taste.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
We also ordered a bottle of mineral water for THB 18 (SGD $0.72).<br />
<br />
In total, the bill came up to THB 428 (SGD $17.12). Not too sure why the receipt below states Yum Saap Asiatique haha.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sZ8afxHvTeo/V3KAcRcq6PI/AAAAAAAAH3U/a6wHqnbx4wId-Vxvir2lVAeDfKuTlStDQCLcB/s1600/20160619_133637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sZ8afxHvTeo/V3KAcRcq6PI/AAAAAAAAH3U/a6wHqnbx4wId-Vxvir2lVAeDfKuTlStDQCLcB/s640/20160619_133637.jpg" width="206" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Receipt (Yum Saap @ Big C Rajdamri)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To be honest, food at Yum Saap are affordable (food court price) however do not expect Quality food but rather you should expect food court standard. So if you are looking for a good meal, this might disappoint you.<br />
<br />
We finished eating at around 7.45pm and when we decide to head back to our hotel (by walking), it was pouring. Really heavily. We wanted to wait for the rain to stop but it never seem to stop. In the end we gave up and decided to brave the storm and head back to our hotel. Roads in Bangkok are not as good and developed as Singapore's. There were multiple times when water was almost at our ankle height despite it being just a sudden downpour (that has not persist for long). We wanted to head to pratunam night market but given that it rained so heavily and had no sign of ceasing, we decided to call it off and just snuggle in our hotel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: red;">Side-note:</span></b></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GaxDgZBCFx4/V3KAUVxTUoI/AAAAAAAAH2I/odz6jFmeo1gdT926MgY73-9Dr8AdnIm_QCLcB/s1600/20160616_133756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GaxDgZBCFx4/V3KAUVxTUoI/AAAAAAAAH2I/odz6jFmeo1gdT926MgY73-9Dr8AdnIm_QCLcB/s640/20160616_133756.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ronald Mcdonald @ MBK Bangkok</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>An interesting sight:</b> It is only in Thailand where you can see the iconic Ronald Mcdonald showing the 'Sawadeeka' hand gesture.<br />
<a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/Yunnan%20%26%20BKK%20Day%2010%20%28BKK%29"><br /></a>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/Yunnan%20%26%20BKK%20Day%2010%20%28BKK%29">Day 10: Wat Pho, Chinatown, Inter Restaurant</a></span></b></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951287982667008118.post-29507517670568342992016-06-15T16:27:00.000+08:002016-08-07T21:35:53.704+08:00YUNNAN & BANGKOK Day 8<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b style="color: red; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;"><span style="background-color: white;">Day 8: </span>JI Hotel Kunming Cuihu Branch [全季酒店(昆明翠湖店)] -> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px; text-align: start;">Green Lake (翠湖公园) -> </span><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">Yuantong Temple (圆通禅寺) -> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px; text-align: start;">Kunming Changshui International Airport (</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px; text-align: start;">昆明长水国际机场) -> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px; text-align: start;">BKK Suvarnabhumi airport -> Centre Point Hotel Pratunam</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-giBPCvl3XUA/V3I1QuN86iI/AAAAAAAAHr4/9PDy-BCwAm0Y2kV_7NSVALpfvxAs94hAgCLcB/s1600/20160615_061455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-giBPCvl3XUA/V3I1QuN86iI/AAAAAAAAHr4/9PDy-BCwAm0Y2kV_7NSVALpfvxAs94hAgCLcB/s640/20160615_061455.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>view from our room @ level 7 at 6.15am</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As it was pretty late the night before, we did not take photos of our room and only managed to take in the morning. We had 2 rooms - 零压高级大床房 (Zero pressure - Superior double room) & 高级大床房 (Superior double room). We booked both rooms from <a href="http://hotels.ctrip.com/hotel/1749320.html">Ctrip</a>. The former is slightly more expensive at RMB 314.15 (SGD $ 66.95) while the latter is RMB288.40 (SGD $62.19). Yup the difference is just about SGD $5 which is minimal. </div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-amO1vt0YusA/V3I1cs2I48I/AAAAAAAAHvI/Lo-QzBVtSVILjD742y6BwYNsaZ5NF8YQQCLcB/s1600/P1040356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-amO1vt0YusA/V3I1cs2I48I/AAAAAAAAHvI/Lo-QzBVtSVILjD742y6BwYNsaZ5NF8YQQCLcB/s640/P1040356.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Room at level 6 (Room 8620) - Zero Pressure superior double room(零压高级大床房)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jjXfjXEJiOQ/V3I1RXkjdwI/AAAAAAAAHsE/PT-_3CAZXBkxY586fKzmg5VgDamuiL8lQCLcB/s1600/20160615_070157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jjXfjXEJiOQ/V3I1RXkjdwI/AAAAAAAAHsE/PT-_3CAZXBkxY586fKzmg5VgDamuiL8lQCLcB/s640/20160615_070157.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Room at level 7 - 高级大床房 (Superior double room)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You might have noticed a difference but you might have not. The zero pressure superior double room had 2 memory foam pillows in addition to the 2 basic cotton pillows while the superior double room only had 4 basic cotton pillows provided. Yup, they pamper you by giving you good hotel service - 2 pillows each. We feel that the soft standard cotton pillow is sufficient and they are really comfy. The bedding for the Zero Pressure room includes an additional memory foam layering which is known to reduce the pressure between the human body contact and the bedding, hence enabling a good night sleep.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What we experienced was:</div>
<div>
1. The normal bedding at Superior double room (高级大床房) was comfortable enough for us to sleep through the night</div>
<div>
2. By right, <span style="font-family: inherit;">the <span style="text-align: center;">Zero Pressure superior double room(零压高级大床房) should be the larger room, but we thought the </span></span>Superior double room (高级大床房) was bigger with the extra long table in front of the bed (See comparison photos above)</div>
<div>
3. Superior double room (高级大床房) was at level 7 while <span style="text-align: center;">Zero Pressure superior double room(零压高级大床房) was at level 6.</span> Superior double room (高级大床房) was above the water/aircon pipes (as seen in the first photo) while <span style="text-align: center;">Zero Pressure superior double room(零压高级大床房)</span><span style="text-align: center;"> was overlooking a carpark. It can be really noisy in the middle of the night for the one overlooking the carpark as there were people gathering at the carpark and talking loudly.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Perhaps we were lucky to get such a good Superior double room (高级大床房), but if given the standard we stayed at, we would really rather choose the cheaper Superior double room than the Zero pressure superior double room.</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The following are the same for both rooms, with slight difference in arrangement of toilet & bathing area.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iZ0aRs1LHmI/V3I1RCmiCoI/AAAAAAAAHr8/QnQRVE6Lq9wF3K-hIWkLv9EeRmlYVlkqACLcB/s1600/20160615_070140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="482" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iZ0aRs1LHmI/V3I1RCmiCoI/AAAAAAAAHr8/QnQRVE6Lq9wF3K-hIWkLv9EeRmlYVlkqACLcB/s640/20160615_070140.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sofa and table</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N6tnrn-rTCs/V3I1c9xUdkI/AAAAAAAAHvM/5dzmwUuNzFget6Qw9evCJHEwu3j6QK4lQCLcB/s1600/P1040357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N6tnrn-rTCs/V3I1c9xUdkI/AAAAAAAAHvM/5dzmwUuNzFget6Qw9evCJHEwu3j6QK4lQCLcB/s640/P1040357.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Sink separated from the toilet and bathing area </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U2uq7FjYwQU/V3I1Rep4TYI/AAAAAAAAHsA/Jf6YoVQvMh4-MrPZs4ndovWUoZMzwGgfACLcB/s1600/20160615_070234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U2uq7FjYwQU/V3I1Rep4TYI/AAAAAAAAHsA/Jf6YoVQvMh4-MrPZs4ndovWUoZMzwGgfACLcB/s640/20160615_070234.jpg" width="446" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Toilet (separated from the sink and the bathing area)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FNu_Gjw2Xj4/V3I1QX_CLTI/AAAAAAAAHrw/rLkUQEW0KIwok4qCR4VZY7XFqTddpiq-gCLcB/s1600/20160615_070119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 12.8px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="538" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FNu_Gjw2Xj4/V3I1QX_CLTI/AAAAAAAAHrw/rLkUQEW0KIwok4qCR4VZY7XFqTddpiq-gCLcB/s640/20160615_070119.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kettle, teabags/coffee</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just beside either side of the bed are charging ports and light switches. This really makes it convenient to charge your phone and to off the lights before sleeping. They provided a charging port and usb kind of charging port too.</div>
<div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QL6V2BFY2FQ/V3I1R8joARI/AAAAAAAAHsM/AX8YSUY1dek3ipOD7BiabSXSUp-OdqkBACLcB/s1600/20160615_070300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QL6V2BFY2FQ/V3I1R8joARI/AAAAAAAAHsM/AX8YSUY1dek3ipOD7BiabSXSUp-OdqkBACLcB/s640/20160615_070300.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Charging and switch area</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="color: red;">Another tip: </span></b>Only rooms that are more expensive - Superior double room (高级大床房) at least, gets window view overlooking outside. The rest either had no windows or windows facing inner ledge (almost equivalent to no window as sunlight won't gets in). So be sure to take note of this point if you prefer a room with view.<br />
<br />
Our booking does not comes with breakfast. However when we were checking in, the counter staff told us that we can top up for buffet breakfast at RMB 25 (SGD $5.83) per pax. Alternatively, one of us can be a member of JI hotel and pay membership fee of RMB 39 (SGD $8.125), all other people with the member can get free breakfast. It seems like a good deal of almost SGD $2 per pax for buffet breakfast. So one of us signed up as a member, and yup we got our breakfast deal at a bargained! * It was encouraged by the counter staff haha*<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-odxlkdKOMS8/V3I1R-NaS_I/AAAAAAAAHsI/n7tfJuJ-GGomAVZ6Y6JZskGL0KqEiBm2wCLcB/s1600/20160615_070932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-odxlkdKOMS8/V3I1R-NaS_I/AAAAAAAAHsI/n7tfJuJ-GGomAVZ6Y6JZskGL0KqEiBm2wCLcB/s640/20160615_070932.jpg" width="244" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>2 of the breakfast coupons</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Breakfast was served from 7am and we proceeded at around 7.15am.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AF6TWcECW2M/V3I1SG3J_GI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/74mjzmw89HIHvumUKhdC17fSFCzm23QcwCLcB/s1600/20160615_071544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AF6TWcECW2M/V3I1SG3J_GI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/74mjzmw89HIHvumUKhdC17fSFCzm23QcwCLcB/s640/20160615_071544.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>on our way ~ passing through the narrow corridors to get to the lift</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rDB4so2mJhI/V3I1VlgMm7I/AAAAAAAAHtQ/DJqhPHC4SOQN8xKM_FOJpFLa8hLMkAg1wCLcB/s1600/20160615_120225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="450" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rDB4so2mJhI/V3I1VlgMm7I/AAAAAAAAHtQ/DJqhPHC4SOQN8xKM_FOJpFLa8hLMkAg1wCLcB/s640/20160615_120225.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>view from the lift (transparent glass lift)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YCRQFKmkoRY/V3I1TBs7zGI/AAAAAAAAHsk/rmOWBHlgp98rTYggROP2brqCyJtOWVNhQCLcB/s1600/20160615_090815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YCRQFKmkoRY/V3I1TBs7zGI/AAAAAAAAHsk/rmOWBHlgp98rTYggROP2brqCyJtOWVNhQCLcB/s640/20160615_090815.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Breakfast at level 8</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NyGzIOiyoM0/V3I1SnwEcoI/AAAAAAAAHsc/kFiqkriBO4Mdsl9-qtTb1-fXUCTC9xE-gCLcB/s1600/20160615_081326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NyGzIOiyoM0/V3I1SnwEcoI/AAAAAAAAHsc/kFiqkriBO4Mdsl9-qtTb1-fXUCTC9xE-gCLcB/s640/20160615_081326.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ta dah Breakfast place ~</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3nEfkxAKsAs/V3I1SssFIcI/AAAAAAAAHsY/JuSJ52922Pgv6DfrDjpm1HNOImzxbE8MQCLcB/s1600/20160615_072229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="416" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3nEfkxAKsAs/V3I1SssFIcI/AAAAAAAAHsY/JuSJ52922Pgv6DfrDjpm1HNOImzxbE8MQCLcB/s640/20160615_072229.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ample seats available</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were lesser people at around 7+am. Crowd started to stream in when its nearing 8am. There was a great variety of food served (international buffet standard). There's congee, noodles, fried rice with various vegetables and meat to go with. There's also a self-help noodles soup counter, salad counter and toast bread counter. There's practically food for everyone and they are nice too. On dessert side, there's fruits (watermelon, honey dew...), cereal and yoghurt. Drinks wise, coffee and soya milk was served. However the soya milk is a little bland, you might need to add sugar.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-asdF1evuF18/V3I1qRdVlEI/AAAAAAAAHzA/_OwluX3cti0zy1B-pcrqrQDn0JX7DWiAgCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="294" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-asdF1evuF18/V3I1qRdVlEI/AAAAAAAAHzA/_OwluX3cti0zy1B-pcrqrQDn0JX7DWiAgCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage1.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>breakfast ~</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Overall we are really satisfied with the breakfast provided - even better than our breakfast at 7 Days Inn @ Shangri la. Of course, we top up a bit more for breakfast at kunming while that at Shangri-la was included for all guests. Worth trying we say :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We went back to our room to do final packing before we leave our hotel for Cuihu Park (翠湖公园) & Yuan Tong temple (圆通寺) at around 9am.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p18vJmMmJlo/V3I1c77UgjI/AAAAAAAAHvQ/va22lFA2PYAKhkT6wZjTxWugmzk7altnACLcB/s1600/P1040360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p18vJmMmJlo/V3I1c77UgjI/AAAAAAAAHvQ/va22lFA2PYAKhkT6wZjTxWugmzk7altnACLcB/s640/P1040360.JPG" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Entrance of JI Hotel (全季酒店)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ABVVJXVrB-Y/V3I1dUoFI2I/AAAAAAAAHvY/E5_5U9mI2gMaZwC2CLddMH3Jbf63S9bZwCLcB/s1600/P1040363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ABVVJXVrB-Y/V3I1dUoFI2I/AAAAAAAAHvY/E5_5U9mI2gMaZwC2CLddMH3Jbf63S9bZwCLcB/s640/P1040363.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Airport bus (空港快线)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
JI Hotel Kunming (Cuihu Branch) 全季酒店 where we stayed at is situated at the last stop of Kunming Airport bus (空港快线) Route Number 1. There's 6 different routes if you were to depart from Kunming Changshui International Airport. So do take note. You can look at their airport <a href="http://www.ynairport.com/jckx.jhtml">web </a>for more information. If you were to take airport bus, alight at the 3rd stop (West Inn/Kunming Nanjiang hotel). To the front facing left of the hotel is JI Hotel already. Very convenient. Bus ride is about 45mins - 1 hour. In terms of price, If you have 4-5 or more people, it might be more convenient to get a hired car like we did to transfer between the hotel and airport. However for solo passengers, the airport bus will be an economical decision (About RMB 25/pax). Frequency is of around 20 mins.<br />
<br />
From our hotel, it is of walking distance to Cuihu Park.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yF3clR3b7Wo/V3yVCGC_n8I/AAAAAAAAIGg/HO_ELWbR7Gw8wxE9v-Xc0L9wri9MCINHgCLcB/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="314" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yF3clR3b7Wo/V3yVCGC_n8I/AAAAAAAAIGg/HO_ELWbR7Gw8wxE9v-Xc0L9wri9MCINHgCLcB/s640/Capture.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>screenshot from Baidu Maps - Direction from JI Hotel to Cuihu Park</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The route to Cui Hu Park is not complicated, just remember a few of the road names that you will be on:<br />
1. Bai Yun Alley (白云巷)<br />
2. Qian Ju Rd (钱局街)<br />
3. Cuihu South (翠湖南路)<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6GsVWcG5Fa8/V3I1dlO8l6I/AAAAAAAAHvg/oxAoIahVLwoLt4egLsk5fJIQFyXZod7owCLcB/s1600/P1040364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6GsVWcG5Fa8/V3I1dlO8l6I/AAAAAAAAHvg/oxAoIahVLwoLt4egLsk5fJIQFyXZod7owCLcB/s640/P1040364.JPG" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>breakfast store near our hotel</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Despite being in Kunming but the price seems alright, like a plate of fried mee cost RMB 3.5 (SGD $0.73)<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jsyBlky4nkY/V3I1dmcocOI/AAAAAAAAHvc/97h7dkBPeHAwYhGWFUnhU2_8nranBPETQCLcB/s1600/P1040366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jsyBlky4nkY/V3I1dmcocOI/AAAAAAAAHvc/97h7dkBPeHAwYhGWFUnhU2_8nranBPETQCLcB/s640/P1040366.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Baiyun Alley (白云巷)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Notice that in the photo above, at the top left hand is West Inn (which is just beside our hotel)! So just walk out of the carpark and walk straight and continue on Baiyun Alley.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JFT3rTZjcTQ/V3I1eGQMmUI/AAAAAAAAHvk/rfqrNxwtE_EOJLwUmV-JjZYVowybh3OiACLcB/s1600/P1040367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JFT3rTZjcTQ/V3I1eGQMmUI/AAAAAAAAHvk/rfqrNxwtE_EOJLwUmV-JjZYVowybh3OiACLcB/s640/P1040367.JPG" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>On Baiyun Alley</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qMBAnAb_Blw/V3I1evosBTI/AAAAAAAAHvs/5cR33uVSbbQONL6_Y7u4yoQIEux9kJUXwCLcB/s1600/P1040370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qMBAnAb_Blw/V3I1evosBTI/AAAAAAAAHvs/5cR33uVSbbQONL6_Y7u4yoQIEux9kJUXwCLcB/s640/P1040370.JPG" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Taiwan food</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Soon you will reach Qian Ju Rd (钱局街).</div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lwx3oKHgW2E/V3I1UCa9-cI/AAAAAAAAHs0/wAsYZzV2R_AA8OsGxkRf9Y6zWWEx2v4XACLcB/s1600/20160615_091939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lwx3oKHgW2E/V3I1UCa9-cI/AAAAAAAAHs0/wAsYZzV2R_AA8OsGxkRf9Y6zWWEx2v4XACLcB/s640/20160615_091939.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Qian Ju Rd</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Turn right and onto Qian Ju Rd (as seen from Maps), until you see Cuihu South Road (翠湖南路) then turn left and walk on cuihu South road and you will reach your destination :)<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pTpUqXRI7Ps/V3I1ULPFlAI/AAAAAAAAHs4/DlQfSVLUdTI79nd_KxAoYTtEo2sbZOZHQCLcB/s1600/20160615_092456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="482" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pTpUqXRI7Ps/V3I1ULPFlAI/AAAAAAAAHs4/DlQfSVLUdTI79nd_KxAoYTtEo2sbZOZHQCLcB/s640/20160615_092456.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cuihu South Road</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Along Cuihu South road, we start to see alot of elderly walking opposite direction from us. We believe they came from Cuihu Park after their morning exercise. True enough we saw a lot of elderly in Cuihu Park later on.<br />
<br />
Ta da ~ this is the view that greets you when you first step into Cuihu Park.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I7QYGoMaETE/V3I1UrzRSNI/AAAAAAAAHs8/TN8tphijVkY4ESgiFQzpcy7jUpCBcRz9QCLcB/s1600/20160615_093015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I7QYGoMaETE/V3I1UrzRSNI/AAAAAAAAHs8/TN8tphijVkY4ESgiFQzpcy7jUpCBcRz9QCLcB/s640/20160615_093015.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>First glimpse of Cuihu Park</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We took about a leisure 15 minutes walk from our hotel to Cuihu Park. At the entrance is also a bridge called 九曲桥.</div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vk24Ay6oq3A/V3I1r_lwMkI/AAAAAAAAHzU/BQioIExxruoTeShM-GPs0c9iaFdse4KsACLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vk24Ay6oq3A/V3I1r_lwMkI/AAAAAAAAHzU/BQioIExxruoTeShM-GPs0c9iaFdse4KsACLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage215.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>bridge with many turns</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Similarly to our Erhai experience, we didn't get to see Seagull (海鸥) as it has past the winter season and they have migrated elsewhere :(</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This was what we were expecting:</div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q7uh049e3IM/V3ybs7uNRcI/AAAAAAAAIGw/obO0B3bJ8bgAO-WWi_0VYDKgYOpER-9gACLcB/s1600/Kunming_Green_Lake_Park_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="425" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q7uh049e3IM/V3ybs7uNRcI/AAAAAAAAIGw/obO0B3bJ8bgAO-WWi_0VYDKgYOpER-9gACLcB/s640/Kunming_Green_Lake_Park_5.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Image courtesy of <a href="http://www.chinatourguide.com/china_photos/kunming/Attractions/Kunming_Green_Lake_Park_5.jpg">China Tour and China Travel Agency </a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bbbabe-xlwo/V3I1rbP7XuI/AAAAAAAAHzQ/UvFfHZfqp_MYGJtlOH9gCPjhE2UV9oIHwCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="344" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bbbabe-xlwo/V3I1rbP7XuI/AAAAAAAAHzQ/UvFfHZfqp_MYGJtlOH9gCPjhE2UV9oIHwCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage14.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Creative ways of reminding people to steer clear of the grass area</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-79hIP7BvsXE/V3I1enoUHbI/AAAAAAAAHvw/lNiP6UHxGZo8rjdR-uqJE23eTbByPN20QCLcB/s1600/P1040388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="376" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-79hIP7BvsXE/V3I1enoUHbI/AAAAAAAAHvw/lNiP6UHxGZo8rjdR-uqJE23eTbByPN20QCLcB/s640/P1040388.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Locals exercising</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ibnyMWBGEm4/V3I1eyJG93I/AAAAAAAAHv0/rBl5ZI4RK_IeWLxx7xKqK_QarD6eHsLFACLcB/s1600/P1040391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ibnyMWBGEm4/V3I1eyJG93I/AAAAAAAAHv0/rBl5ZI4RK_IeWLxx7xKqK_QarD6eHsLFACLcB/s640/P1040391.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Scene @ Cuihu park</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Elderly/Retirees sitting by the lake and Willow Trees. Such a peaceful and serene scene ~<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1b3QnI08OzQ/V3I1sj0R4aI/AAAAAAAAHzk/T97mvDXlNjsvRLtr_EPedv1AJeDUgGjSgCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="430" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1b3QnI08OzQ/V3I1sj0R4aI/AAAAAAAAHzk/T97mvDXlNjsvRLtr_EPedv1AJeDUgGjSgCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage316.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cuihu</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We didn't see a lot of tourists, mostly were locals which was surprising to us. As Cuihu Park was ranked on the number 1 list on <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Attraction_Review-g298558-d379316-Reviews-Green_Lake_Cui_Hu-Kunming_Yunnan.html">Tripadvisor's Things to do in Kunming</a>. Perhaps tourists will only come in the afternoon. The attraction is free of charge / open for free to everyone, but they do charge for eg boat ride around the lake (see above, bottom right collage)<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J2vJg-Qy6xY/V3I1shcNC6I/AAAAAAAAHzo/n8sCjReB5IcDsQij4spSb-IXDGyD43oxwCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="436" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J2vJg-Qy6xY/V3I1shcNC6I/AAAAAAAAHzo/n8sCjReB5IcDsQij4spSb-IXDGyD43oxwCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage417.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>active, vibrant scene in Kunming Cuihu Park on a weekday morning</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were various mass workouts going on. It was comforting to see the elderly people in Kunming engaging in an active lifestyle. About 10 minutes into our stroll, we saw this beautiful lotus pond, with those nice eastern architecture in the background.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qNnBA5uyW7E/V3I1U4S5QKI/AAAAAAAAHtE/1_EB5CwVe4QNMmKZv63Q9AtbULJaxmqcwCLcB/s1600/20160615_094042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qNnBA5uyW7E/V3I1U4S5QKI/AAAAAAAAHtE/1_EB5CwVe4QNMmKZv63Q9AtbULJaxmqcwCLcB/s640/20160615_094042.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lotus pond</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The sun was shinning really brightly, making everything looks so young and full of energy.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PoKe5JOLKec/V3I1fUepgOI/AAAAAAAAHv4/jRvjjtGmda8WQdnrckACV8s4j3zb6xHgQCLcB/s1600/P1040421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PoKe5JOLKec/V3I1fUepgOI/AAAAAAAAHv4/jRvjjtGmda8WQdnrckACV8s4j3zb6xHgQCLcB/s640/P1040421.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>up close of lotus</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We would consider this Lotus pond as the most beautiful place in Cuihu, during summer perhaps. Since we did not get to enjoy the sight of seagulls :(<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m_6-GAkmPMU/V3I1faZ6oFI/AAAAAAAAHv8/QqboAo_veWoAlOQjutT3Eg03tWFcDQkAwCLcB/s1600/P1040431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="432" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m_6-GAkmPMU/V3I1faZ6oFI/AAAAAAAAHv8/QqboAo_veWoAlOQjutT3Eg03tWFcDQkAwCLcB/s640/P1040431.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Statue of Father of Seagull @ Cuihu</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u9_6UhoIqZA/V3I1fhL4D1I/AAAAAAAAHwE/dLb2k5VmZ6QTCdcmbyyEClK_bblqeKnYACLcB/s1600/P1040432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="462" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u9_6UhoIqZA/V3I1fhL4D1I/AAAAAAAAHwE/dLb2k5VmZ6QTCdcmbyyEClK_bblqeKnYACLcB/s640/P1040432.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Description to statue</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DDZ-_9OsOXA/V3I1gNlrK-I/AAAAAAAAHwM/YKfuoEFKF-Ql_6l5_keuc7XXkEeRXwqTACLcB/s1600/P1040442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="440" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DDZ-_9OsOXA/V3I1gNlrK-I/AAAAAAAAHwM/YKfuoEFKF-Ql_6l5_keuc7XXkEeRXwqTACLcB/s640/P1040442.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>spot the white sea bird (stork?)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Saw a couple of sea birds 'walking' on the water lily leaves. Is this '轻功' aka 水上漂 haha.</div>
<div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-91fARLNL1zs/V3I1gH6B62I/AAAAAAAAHwQ/V7V1sS4WYXkRZv1GxBQiziCpQchPYUmlgCLcB/s1600/P1040445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="416" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-91fARLNL1zs/V3I1gH6B62I/AAAAAAAAHwQ/V7V1sS4WYXkRZv1GxBQiziCpQchPYUmlgCLcB/s640/P1040445.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Willow trees alongside the lake</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">" Cuihu Park also known as Green Lake is sometimes described as a "Jade in Kunming".<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">The park consists, in effect, of a group of 4 small sub-lakes linked by bridges in the traditional style. The lake was originally a water reservoir for the city. "</span></span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Lake_(Kunming)">- Wikipedia (Green Lake Kunming) </a></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FK91PNpDE94/V3I1ged6jPI/AAAAAAAAHwU/T0Wm25h9QKY5p63OyHv42I1QHilZr4GawCLcB/s1600/P1040447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FK91PNpDE94/V3I1ged6jPI/AAAAAAAAHwU/T0Wm25h9QKY5p63OyHv42I1QHilZr4GawCLcB/s640/P1040447.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Intersection path in Cuihu</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i9VBpW07UcE/V3I1uVu7qXI/AAAAAAAAH0E/4CigkFjKjO0JG906MFr5PXasntFzhbHuQCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="376" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i9VBpW07UcE/V3I1uVu7qXI/AAAAAAAAH0E/4CigkFjKjO0JG906MFr5PXasntFzhbHuQCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage919.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Lotus Temple (莲花禅院) and its surrounding</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we walked in Cuihu, we stumbled upon a temple however it seem to have been taken over by commercial business. When we enter we only see stores selling a variety of jewellery / cafes...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As we carry on our walk, we saw ...<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kkxtiZ_sVX4/V3I1g5nG6aI/AAAAAAAAHwc/_tF0i1fhQ_ktTBvASjUuJ_3XTxw3FINsQCLcB/s1600/P1040467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kkxtiZ_sVX4/V3I1g5nG6aI/AAAAAAAAHwc/_tF0i1fhQ_ktTBvASjUuJ_3XTxw3FINsQCLcB/s640/P1040467.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Row of bamboos ~</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oxS_rSQ7tcE/V3I1qrA9sLI/AAAAAAAAHzE/1w8ya0fzfPY2ERZZ-EA7EDzhTbYWxy8uQCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="376" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oxS_rSQ7tcE/V3I1qrA9sLI/AAAAAAAAHzE/1w8ya0fzfPY2ERZZ-EA7EDzhTbYWxy8uQCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage10.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>bridge</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Eventually we met this make shift shop that states 'Coin exchange place'. We were puzzled, on why is there a need to exchange coins. In the photo below on the left, you can see the man stacking up coins on the table. Then we approached him and asked and realised its for exchanging notes into smaller coins. If I am not wrong its exchanging RMB 5 (SGD $ 1.04) into 20 coins.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QJPfZpbVWnk/V3I1tnh__BI/AAAAAAAAHz8/Q_RXAA-T4F0qxpPB21extUTaYmL7fOHUACLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="376" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QJPfZpbVWnk/V3I1tnh__BI/AAAAAAAAHz8/Q_RXAA-T4F0qxpPB21extUTaYmL7fOHUACLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage818.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>coin well</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8iHnZSxN_SE/V3I1rNqAOZI/AAAAAAAAHzI/g4-6pZb2ziso1a4HNkdFc13luLCYqoGRACLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="548" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8iHnZSxN_SE/V3I1rNqAOZI/AAAAAAAAHzI/g4-6pZb2ziso1a4HNkdFc13luLCYqoGRACLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage11.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"bamboo island"</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We saw 3 swans ~</div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MO6W5rJ4r9o/V3I1rD_QZQI/AAAAAAAAHzM/MDMqm1f0zTUfuYr0vfFi-KXJoM56M2RqQCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="376" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MO6W5rJ4r9o/V3I1rD_QZQI/AAAAAAAAHzM/MDMqm1f0zTUfuYr0vfFi-KXJoM56M2RqQCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage13.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>swans ! Cuihu</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Cuihu Park is really big and if you want a relaxing stroll through the whole of the park, you need to give yourself at least half hour (2-3 hours). As we were short of time, we started to make our way out hoping to exit from the correct exit so that our walk to Yuan Tong temple will be nearer. Along the way of getting out to an exit of Cuihu, we got lost and asked the locals on the route. They were very helpful! We were really thankful to them for the directions.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-n4H34JQp4/V3I1gyLBj3I/AAAAAAAAHwY/TOK3IPGHXekC7-K8VS_34aWRS99cDTHcQCLcB/s1600/P1040488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-n4H34JQp4/V3I1gyLBj3I/AAAAAAAAHwY/TOK3IPGHXekC7-K8VS_34aWRS99cDTHcQCLcB/s640/P1040488.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cuihu Park</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BchwGiUQtbQ/V3I1hLzYmZI/AAAAAAAAHwg/EioiOHG5REE8T_yDIakwk6cy4_QcusmAQCLcB/s1600/P1040489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BchwGiUQtbQ/V3I1hLzYmZI/AAAAAAAAHwg/EioiOHG5REE8T_yDIakwk6cy4_QcusmAQCLcB/s640/P1040489.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Last glimpse of Cuihu Park</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Initially, from the map, the distance from Cuihu to Yuan Tong Temple is pretty near of around 15 minutes walk. However we ended up taking the longer distance as we couldn't find the correct exit out of Cuihu Park. Be caution about this if you are planning to visit the same places as us!<br />
<br />
We exited at this place near Cuiyunlou (翠云楼).<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2GbwHy86-Wo/V3yt2wuL5QI/AAAAAAAAIHA/erk3fRzuUQQv4-h7sZ-uCcbtA_CNgMAMQCLcB/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="366" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2GbwHy86-Wo/V3yt2wuL5QI/AAAAAAAAIHA/erk3fRzuUQQv4-h7sZ-uCcbtA_CNgMAMQCLcB/s640/Capture.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Screenshot from Google Maps - Cuihu Park to Yuan Tong Temple</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you see the map above, the pink route is the longer route which we took while the brown route is the shorter route which we planned to take initially but we didn't as we couldn't find the exit. In the end we took about 15-20 minutes brisk walk there.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kq_eWTS5wRw/V3I1h4XqomI/AAAAAAAAHww/yHrL8aF0jtUSau2Cw_BsIfu9gorYHStbACLcB/s1600/P1040498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kq_eWTS5wRw/V3I1h4XqomI/AAAAAAAAHww/yHrL8aF0jtUSau2Cw_BsIfu9gorYHStbACLcB/s640/P1040498.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>CuiYunlou</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
First, after exiting, we took the flight of stairs up to reach Beimen St (北门街).<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/--NY5EEAydks/V3I1h0ZwfWI/AAAAAAAAHwo/RE122T7HbhwgP6kk11MFrU9jIzjH6LpmACLcB/s1600/P1040499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="386" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--NY5EEAydks/V3I1h0ZwfWI/AAAAAAAAHwo/RE122T7HbhwgP6kk11MFrU9jIzjH6LpmACLcB/s640/P1040499.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>stairs up</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GR3C3KlR76Y/V3I1h4KRQzI/AAAAAAAAHws/iLKIui3PyxoxIxT-g8FaRf4ReBtLxpPqwCLcB/s1600/P1040501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="420" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GR3C3KlR76Y/V3I1h4KRQzI/AAAAAAAAHws/iLKIui3PyxoxIxT-g8FaRf4ReBtLxpPqwCLcB/s640/P1040501.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Beimen St</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then we walk along Beimen St until we come to Yuan Tong St (圆通街).<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6uLNId7CZ2E/V3I1irj-iUI/AAAAAAAAHw0/t-GMZG7V30kZhNrt4pulaizWcLyU5GDawCLcB/s1600/P1040503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="418" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6uLNId7CZ2E/V3I1irj-iUI/AAAAAAAAHw0/t-GMZG7V30kZhNrt4pulaizWcLyU5GDawCLcB/s640/P1040503.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yuan Tong St</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZTyXLy8UIc/V3I1iuKqq3I/AAAAAAAAHw8/Nfzbd8Zsy6kznkpq156KwbqCd9m2WEEJgCLcB/s1600/P1040505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZTyXLy8UIc/V3I1iuKqq3I/AAAAAAAAHw8/Nfzbd8Zsy6kznkpq156KwbqCd9m2WEEJgCLcB/s640/P1040505.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>direction</i></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7fHJk-h69jA/V3I1iluvvbI/AAAAAAAAHw4/1MRugRAbeWcfqSDy4bqL9PAxFTtNZ1kiQCLcB/s1600/P1040506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="414" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7fHJk-h69jA/V3I1iluvvbI/AAAAAAAAHw4/1MRugRAbeWcfqSDy4bqL9PAxFTtNZ1kiQCLcB/s640/P1040506.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yuan Tong st</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And there we reach Yuan Tong Temple on the left @ 10.40am.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dg9UhteHsA8/V3I1jPAy_7I/AAAAAAAAHxA/NPcAxgRNNc8od8vyJH0I4wKmBBm2IB3xwCLcB/s1600/P1040507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dg9UhteHsA8/V3I1jPAy_7I/AAAAAAAAHxA/NPcAxgRNNc8od8vyJH0I4wKmBBm2IB3xwCLcB/s640/P1040507.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Road outside of Yuan Tong temple (Yuan Tong temple on the left)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vnp9_nrrDRc/V3I1jkmTMsI/AAAAAAAAHxI/PQSPdXneHxIz3EylFlehXFL7hT4FC_ZSwCLcB/s1600/P1040508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vnp9_nrrDRc/V3I1jkmTMsI/AAAAAAAAHxI/PQSPdXneHxIz3EylFlehXFL7hT4FC_ZSwCLcB/s640/P1040508.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yuan Tong Temple entrance</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Do note that admission fee is required for Yuan Tong Temple (圆通寺) at RMB 6 (SGD $1.25) per pax. Tickets can be bought at the counter at the entrance then proceed to pass to the uncle sitting at the desk there for verification.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lVl25AhUjQo/V3I1jnQJKUI/AAAAAAAAHxE/zH_8T-F_bIsH_JlWZTLPOil7lxt3FsfZACLcB/s1600/P1040510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lVl25AhUjQo/V3I1jnQJKUI/AAAAAAAAHxE/zH_8T-F_bIsH_JlWZTLPOil7lxt3FsfZACLcB/s640/P1040510.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ticket counter</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Each ticket entitles you to redeem a set of candle and joss sticks near the door (See below).</div>
<div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ulBcakWE-js/V3I1kRTpKbI/AAAAAAAAHxU/54LgkeHmALsoeZqinFkerjnwJ8-k7MDPgCLcB/s1600/P1040512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ulBcakWE-js/V3I1kRTpKbI/AAAAAAAAHxU/54LgkeHmALsoeZqinFkerjnwJ8-k7MDPgCLcB/s640/P1040512.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Redemption of candles and joss sticks</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There won't be people to monitor the taking of the offering items however please exercise honesty and take only the quantity that you are entitled to.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1WFC4AAe-zE/V3I1lJxMjxI/AAAAAAAAHxg/-vSKgvVH8_w6d0ZQU9SLv8XeA69G4buMgCLcB/s1600/P1040572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="474" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1WFC4AAe-zE/V3I1lJxMjxI/AAAAAAAAHxg/-vSKgvVH8_w6d0ZQU9SLv8XeA69G4buMgCLcB/s640/P1040572.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Entrance</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SMu9NeVA1lo/V3I1jwE6L8I/AAAAAAAAHxM/JIy0Q_Upzu4VyEVWnqqNWiQz0JTmLHRcgCLcB/s1600/P1040511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="404" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SMu9NeVA1lo/V3I1jwE6L8I/AAAAAAAAHxM/JIy0Q_Upzu4VyEVWnqqNWiQz0JTmLHRcgCLcB/s640/P1040511.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>walk the long path in to the actual praying area</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sbIjDWUAD7I/V3I1k8khbmI/AAAAAAAAHxc/3VMXJSqix1k2vBci9rhv8dOG80X-Ss8zQCLcB/s1600/P1040571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sbIjDWUAD7I/V3I1k8khbmI/AAAAAAAAHxc/3VMXJSqix1k2vBci9rhv8dOG80X-Ss8zQCLcB/s640/P1040571.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yuan tong Temple</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yuan Tong Temple was bigger than what we expected. We thought there's only a praying area, but there's actually a lot more areas to look at within the temple.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There's also a mini pond in the temple with bridges built around it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxm8YLcRg8g/V3I1kamLkPI/AAAAAAAAHxY/ecS9nxZX9107C7IAReLoU4bsSwYx-luFgCLcB/s1600/P1040524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxm8YLcRg8g/V3I1kamLkPI/AAAAAAAAHxY/ecS9nxZX9107C7IAReLoU4bsSwYx-luFgCLcB/s640/P1040524.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yuan Tong Temple scenary</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNTS6_-VxIk/V3I1sJkWqoI/AAAAAAAAHzg/IOnox0cBhKU1RiKQiMBRT2mtHetlGAL4gCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="526" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNTS6_-VxIk/V3I1sJkWqoI/AAAAAAAAHzg/IOnox0cBhKU1RiKQiMBRT2mtHetlGAL4gCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage3.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yuan Tong Temple praying area</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Of_Tfeeqgs/V3I1r7Woh0I/AAAAAAAAHzY/pawonGDSY68hwpnHNRmG2bekSFxzs4sxQCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Of_Tfeeqgs/V3I1r7Woh0I/AAAAAAAAHzY/pawonGDSY68hwpnHNRmG2bekSFxzs4sxQCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage2.jpg" width="294" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Copper Temple (铜瓦殿)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not too sure what it means but we saw some people touching the 2 statues in front of the temple above and then onto their own faces. Perhaps it can bring good luck or health? Not too sure either!<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YkSJuR2Qsxg/V3I1tJNuZuI/AAAAAAAAHzs/cd_fo1xj6qUm0zvZxKPDRY9Y3K15uGvSgCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="460" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YkSJuR2Qsxg/V3I1tJNuZuI/AAAAAAAAHzs/cd_fo1xj6qUm0zvZxKPDRY9Y3K15uGvSgCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage5.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>mini temples within Yuan Tong Temple</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0fjnrq-uq_o/V3I1td4mxwI/AAAAAAAAHz0/dO774mXBUL08kZ25iyM6ULnuznynNGoVwCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="338" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0fjnrq-uq_o/V3I1td4mxwI/AAAAAAAAHz0/dO774mXBUL08kZ25iyM6ULnuznynNGoVwCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage6.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yuan Tong Temple</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The helper at the temple gave us some chinese cake to eat for good luck/health...</div>
<div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PSSkK-6F7_E/V3I1VjKBjII/AAAAAAAAHtM/OoKtfzKIliobetlC0_pjAMX2ZcFZCOtUQCLcB/s1600/20160615_113045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="404" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PSSkK-6F7_E/V3I1VjKBjII/AAAAAAAAHtM/OoKtfzKIliobetlC0_pjAMX2ZcFZCOtUQCLcB/s640/20160615_113045.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>some chinese cake given by Yuan Tong Temple</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we were running short of time (we need to head back to our hotel by 12pm to check out), we left Yuan Tong Temple at around 11.15am. We did manage to explore around the temple but then it was a little too rush, would be good if we have another half hour at least. We were afraid the walk back to our hotel will be too far, so we took a cab back instead. It was easy to get a cab outside Yuan Tong Temple. They go by meter.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wn2wwMq_uGI/V3I1Vdg9xJI/AAAAAAAAHtI/vyh5Ju1BVGkqB5APJ0QJ8Xx0p18gaV_ygCLcB/s1600/20160615_112237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="576" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wn2wwMq_uGI/V3I1Vdg9xJI/AAAAAAAAHtI/vyh5Ju1BVGkqB5APJ0QJ8Xx0p18gaV_ygCLcB/s640/20160615_112237.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>our taxi</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was quite cramp within the taxi but luckily the ride was short. It took around 6 minutes to get to the main road near our hotel. The taxi did not enter the carpark at our hotel.<br />
<br />
Hence we were back at our hotel room at 11.30am, still had sometime to do last minute check/packing before we check out of our room at 12pm.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PM9qobheE0Y/V3I1SvxBwbI/AAAAAAAAHsU/htkkAgH1hskfVZ1yriTnawkwUlymZaVPACLcB/s1600/20160615_071626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PM9qobheE0Y/V3I1SvxBwbI/AAAAAAAAHsU/htkkAgH1hskfVZ1yriTnawkwUlymZaVPACLcB/s640/20160615_071626.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Bye JI hotel (Cuihu branch)~</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We booked a car and driver from Ctrip earlier on to fetch us to Kunming Changshui International Airport. We paid upfront online an amount of RMB 118 (SGD $25.11).<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UICvjndFcTw/V3I1WHafWEI/AAAAAAAAHtU/_25gAm3qeHgmrLCrupA6ZnfEtg_hXfMewCLcB/s1600/20160615_121608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UICvjndFcTw/V3I1WHafWEI/AAAAAAAAHtU/_25gAm3qeHgmrLCrupA6ZnfEtg_hXfMewCLcB/s640/20160615_121608.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hotel lobby overlooking Nanjiang hotel</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our flight (TG 613) was scheduled for departure at 3.20pm and the driver was supposed to come at 12.25pm. He was on time! :)<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E-Y5rjNL_88/V3I1WUVuWZI/AAAAAAAAHtY/lmlrXX3unR8lBIRJIsPIqiWnbOr19qK8QCLcB/s1600/20160615_122921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="456" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E-Y5rjNL_88/V3I1WUVuWZI/AAAAAAAAHtY/lmlrXX3unR8lBIRJIsPIqiWnbOr19qK8QCLcB/s640/20160615_122921.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>our 6 seater car</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E9Hzl_intAk/V3I1lKo-0fI/AAAAAAAAHxk/Wy0-BfawWsAqjI_GK0a_mYMls-8-159gQCLcB/s1600/P1040577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E9Hzl_intAk/V3I1lKo-0fI/AAAAAAAAHxk/Wy0-BfawWsAqjI_GK0a_mYMls-8-159gQCLcB/s640/P1040577.JPG" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>some tall building that we came across</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It can be quite difficult to cross roads in China especially the city. There were a lot of cars, motorcycles and lacking of traffic light. So basically cars go, humans go. Tourists often find it hard to cross roads as you see the cars coming but not sure whether to cross or not. If you don't cross, it is impossible to find a chance where there's completely no cars on the road and safe to cross :/<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-53nKcUQ2lrE/V3I1lgP3NiI/AAAAAAAAHxo/K6LSQm-9S5UnZokwrHu0YCRAimZbIP6KQCLcB/s1600/P1040579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-53nKcUQ2lrE/V3I1lgP3NiI/AAAAAAAAHxo/K6LSQm-9S5UnZokwrHu0YCRAimZbIP6KQCLcB/s640/P1040579.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>crossing road</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2bAQ2Twtckg/V3I1p9A-5KI/AAAAAAAAHy4/g751Src5a_QcIdq_23xYRa7USdjgSn7rACLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2bAQ2Twtckg/V3I1p9A-5KI/AAAAAAAAHy4/g751Src5a_QcIdq_23xYRa7USdjgSn7rACLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>street sights view on the car</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_y2F_8udGhM/V3I1llDij_I/AAAAAAAAHxs/A0_3Y3fFNcUaEEJSPywBwz6dCvNWFjRTwCLcB/s1600/P1040604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_y2F_8udGhM/V3I1llDij_I/AAAAAAAAHxs/A0_3Y3fFNcUaEEJSPywBwz6dCvNWFjRTwCLcB/s640/P1040604.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>beautiful intersection of expressways</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EKEncIFnPzY/V3I1qFHlquI/AAAAAAAAHy8/l1BAFja1G6AdPWu2ZSW4FpnWGaWPWPnqQCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="376" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EKEncIFnPzY/V3I1qFHlquI/AAAAAAAAHy8/l1BAFja1G6AdPWu2ZSW4FpnWGaWPWPnqQCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>road on airport expressway</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
During the period when we were at Kunming (14-15th June) it coincide with their 4th China-South Asia Expo which was held at Kunming Dianchi International Convention & Exhibition Centre from 12 June to 17 June 2016. It seem to be a very grand event as our hotel was also almost fully booked - and the reason given by the receptionist was the expo. Along our way to airport we also see signs asking the locals to treat guests properly during this Expo period since they are the host.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bhpyYldYlPQ/V3I1trd1KpI/AAAAAAAAHz4/Gi0TGw5P140oldOzDaJu9ne0QVerZ3ACwCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="376" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bhpyYldYlPQ/V3I1trd1KpI/AAAAAAAAHz4/Gi0TGw5P140oldOzDaJu9ne0QVerZ3ACwCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage7.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>signs regarding the China-South Asia Expo @ Kunming</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our journey was pretty smooth until around 30 minutes into the journey, we met with a slight traffic jam due to some random checks on big trucks ahead.</div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-udXk8ThYzok/V3I1Wbx89_I/AAAAAAAAHtc/PNKILU_WIfU_dFFsqpT3BRoNzAnybZFDACLcB/s1600/20160615_125514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="456" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-udXk8ThYzok/V3I1Wbx89_I/AAAAAAAAHtc/PNKILU_WIfU_dFFsqpT3BRoNzAnybZFDACLcB/s640/20160615_125514.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Traffic Jam</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Luckily, traffic cleared pretty fast within 10 minutes time.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CyR0xi66_uo/V3I1uccTR1I/AAAAAAAAH0A/ZG69nBZE54cqC5Av7ic1ltdjc6nLuTJ3ACLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="376" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CyR0xi66_uo/V3I1uccTR1I/AAAAAAAAH0A/ZG69nBZE54cqC5Av7ic1ltdjc6nLuTJ3ACLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage9.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>En-route to Kunming airport!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JXxdyD76bBQ/V3I1l9R_I3I/AAAAAAAAHxw/1Z2JGyngJvYjmyBC4c5s1R6jf4dUZrc5QCLcB/s1600/P1040642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JXxdyD76bBQ/V3I1l9R_I3I/AAAAAAAAHxw/1Z2JGyngJvYjmyBC4c5s1R6jf4dUZrc5QCLcB/s640/P1040642.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kunming Airplane building</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And here we are approaching the airport, on track to Departure!<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5C7dUgTip-c/V3I1mUoSH7I/AAAAAAAAHx4/4Efvfi7aMsEdNFyRplBEPepxFTDEm5pqwCLcB/s1600/P1040648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5C7dUgTip-c/V3I1mUoSH7I/AAAAAAAAHx4/4Efvfi7aMsEdNFyRplBEPepxFTDEm5pqwCLcB/s640/P1040648.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>On track to Kunming Airport</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We successfully reached Kunming Changshui International Airport (昆明长水国际机场) at 1.10pm! It took slightly less than 1 hour to reach the airport from our hotel!<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oGq8LynzQj8/V3I1XjLbOQI/AAAAAAAAHts/NKmwZAgqHhEf475KGu6sd-nwVwIddoowgCLcB/s1600/20160615_140431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oGq8LynzQj8/V3I1XjLbOQI/AAAAAAAAHts/NKmwZAgqHhEf475KGu6sd-nwVwIddoowgCLcB/s640/20160615_140431.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Check in counter J for Thai Airways</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T0q9N_v6ajo/V3I1Wz93TxI/AAAAAAAAHtg/CEOj-9VHmmozPGIZGkGXOFQ9ipAO-YP1wCLcB/s1600/20160615_131529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="402" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T0q9N_v6ajo/V3I1Wz93TxI/AAAAAAAAHtg/CEOj-9VHmmozPGIZGkGXOFQ9ipAO-YP1wCLcB/s640/20160615_131529.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>check in at counter J 16 ( TG613)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C8ZXNMZzuTM/V3I1X3Vj_MI/AAAAAAAAHt0/sm7Cpp4_ENcytHlxM7SVWqa-yE7l0ZKCQCLcB/s1600/20160615_140435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C8ZXNMZzuTM/V3I1X3Vj_MI/AAAAAAAAHt0/sm7Cpp4_ENcytHlxM7SVWqa-yE7l0ZKCQCLcB/s640/20160615_140435.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>crowded counter (to the far end)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After we check-in, there were many tour groups checking in to the same flight as us. Luckily we were one step ahead of them if not we had to queue very long :(<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
By the time we were done its around 1.30pm. We had sometime before boarding and decided to try out this popular China fast food chain - True Kung Fu (真功夫).<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CDXyIpNOnaM/V3I1XGfcc_I/AAAAAAAAHto/QL5PCSkvYo0BaOvCDb1azKKOlzUq9UOagCLcB/s1600/20160615_140358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CDXyIpNOnaM/V3I1XGfcc_I/AAAAAAAAHto/QL5PCSkvYo0BaOvCDb1azKKOlzUq9UOagCLcB/s640/20160615_140358.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>KungFu 真功夫 Restaurant</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w-u0E2InNnM/V3I1mZ_llkI/AAAAAAAAHx0/Cg69uWN-FicdCJV9PYOM0yxJcqehpzPmACLcB/s1600/P1040650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="364" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w-u0E2InNnM/V3I1mZ_llkI/AAAAAAAAHx0/Cg69uWN-FicdCJV9PYOM0yxJcqehpzPmACLcB/s640/P1040650.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Left to Right: Steamed Chicken and mushroom, Pork Belly and preserved vegetables</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We ordered 2 sets to share. Couldn't remember the actual price but both sets were below RMB 100 (SGD 20.8) each. Of about RMB 80-90+. Each set came with a small bowl of mixed vegetables (carrot, pea, corn), curry fishballs (6 each), 1 bowl of sweetcorn, carrot, pork rib soup and of course rice. The rice portion looks big but actually its really shallow haha. We find them not bad, worth trying but a little pricey :/</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just beside True Kung Fu (真功夫) is popular US fast food chain KFC!</div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fs3h-9d_kcw/V3I1W_8ftbI/AAAAAAAAHtk/R2K7ZVv8EpgoQKTtmTtGID7cauYhfWw3gCLcB/s1600/20160615_140356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="416" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fs3h-9d_kcw/V3I1W_8ftbI/AAAAAAAAHtk/R2K7ZVv8EpgoQKTtmTtGID7cauYhfWw3gCLcB/s640/20160615_140356.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>KFC</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We wanted to spend our lose coin change as we didn't want to bring back to Singapore and ta dah, we found a vending machine near the departure area.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AgizIsmld08/V3I1X6mNHeI/AAAAAAAAHtw/vGb7XMsV5VAept0Rbg7_Iu4X-pUkcCuZgCLcB/s1600/20160615_141011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="566" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AgizIsmld08/V3I1X6mNHeI/AAAAAAAAHtw/vGb7XMsV5VAept0Rbg7_Iu4X-pUkcCuZgCLcB/s640/20160615_141011.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Vending machine</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We bought two packs of potato chips (China brand of course) for RMB 1 (SGD $0.20) each. We tasted them in Bangkok and they were nice hehe.<br />
<br />
We enter the departure clearance area at around 2.15pm. We were 1 hour ahead of our flight departure time (3.20pm) and we thought we had ample time but oh man Kunming Airport clearance is very very very strict. At least for us foreigners!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">Please allocate ample time for clearance at Kunming Airport!</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b>
As you know, no photography allowed at the clearance area so I shall recall verbally.<br />
<br />
There was a long queue to the counters for chopping of passport thereafter another round of scanning of baggages. Over here it is quite strict, you have to take out umbrella, phones, portable batteries devices too in addition to normal tablets, belt...<br />
<br />
Not just that, the system is a little messy too. For eg our bags kept going through the system and they ask if we had any portable batteries in our bags, then they ask us to open our bag and then it go through the system again. Everything was chaotic and messy. Eventually they let us go perhaps they didn't want to hold up the queue. It didn't just happen to us but also a few other people in front of us. That's when we realised its really messy here.<br />
<br />
For body scanning part, its not the usual either walking through the scanner or they use a rod to track your body. Overhere they really TOUCH you everywhere. From top the arms to your breast/chest to bottom and legs. Luckily its female officer. It was a really detailed check. Of course if you wear shoes you have to take them out too.<br />
<br />
Strict checks is alright afterall its for the safety of all passengers given the many security threats. However if the system in place is messy ( lack of space and many people), everything become chaotic then it wouldn't be a pleasant experience already and I believe this also adds to immense stress to the custom officers there. Sadly, our last experience at Kunming is also the worst Airport security check experience we had so far.<br />
<br />
When everything was done its about 2.50pm already. We were rushing to our plane boarding area then we realised we still have to catch an internal transfer bus to where the airplane is. And on the bus there were many people already. We were so afraid that we couldn't get our passport cleared in time and hop on this bus and we will miss the plane :( But luckily, we managed to. It departed shortly after we board.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AhLVMW3jTvs/V3I1YGaHOoI/AAAAAAAAHt4/tFi7PgdQCfw6ZwdWHDzS3E_bj6c8RxnKACLcB/s1600/20160615_145220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AhLVMW3jTvs/V3I1YGaHOoI/AAAAAAAAHt4/tFi7PgdQCfw6ZwdWHDzS3E_bj6c8RxnKACLcB/s640/20160615_145220.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Airport internal bus</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The bus ride was short and soon we see Thai Airways ~<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5yrSx5ySCow/V3I1Ya3lNiI/AAAAAAAAHt8/4ZzeXVNBuZQkkJlf9Wmip-ogqHZinoP9wCLcB/s1600/20160615_145431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="528" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5yrSx5ySCow/V3I1Ya3lNiI/AAAAAAAAHt8/4ZzeXVNBuZQkkJlf9Wmip-ogqHZinoP9wCLcB/s640/20160615_145431.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>TG 613 Thai Airways</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We finally reach the ground of Thai Airways at 2.55pm. Plane was ready for boarding~<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jgVhE9T9gtE/V3I1Yb5wO_I/AAAAAAAAHuA/cS9SY_VDHLQT7_G2GAbvcOqob1nbvKJuQCLcB/s1600/20160615_145505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="442" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jgVhE9T9gtE/V3I1Yb5wO_I/AAAAAAAAHuA/cS9SY_VDHLQT7_G2GAbvcOqob1nbvKJuQCLcB/s640/20160615_145505.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>TG 613</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Though plane boarding via the bus transfer is always tedious however the process of walking up to your flight is really WOW. haha<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PJV47YJu_PI/V3I1Y4OvzjI/AAAAAAAAHuE/m6zrHJlJ6XYM_CVsdXMleTioMaSaddZswCLcB/s1600/20160615_145550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="482" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PJV47YJu_PI/V3I1Y4OvzjI/AAAAAAAAHuE/m6zrHJlJ6XYM_CVsdXMleTioMaSaddZswCLcB/s640/20160615_145550.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Thai Air stewardess welcoming you at the door</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Welcome on board Thai Airways TG 613 Airbus A330 ~<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DYNZr7lfVyA/V3I1ZLo3JLI/AAAAAAAAHuI/64HZ46rJVMkiM8fVol_krMg0o_7IntEGACLcB/s1600/20160615_145600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DYNZr7lfVyA/V3I1ZLo3JLI/AAAAAAAAHuI/64HZ46rJVMkiM8fVol_krMg0o_7IntEGACLcB/s640/20160615_145600.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>TG 613. The colour Thai Airways cabin </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Adequate leg space ~<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OlZY0_UkSpA/V3I1ZHzu_CI/AAAAAAAAHuM/Eqjuza_uJkEc2IjBWHK3DyLODQ71uO61gCLcB/s1600/20160615_150655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OlZY0_UkSpA/V3I1ZHzu_CI/AAAAAAAAHuM/Eqjuza_uJkEc2IjBWHK3DyLODQ71uO61gCLcB/s640/20160615_150655.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Leg space</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We did not depart by 3.20pm. There was some delay and it started to rain :/<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qFbPSIjWEaY/V3I1ZlQoIlI/AAAAAAAAHuU/Dmf-8PkpHPoSWbXYjK5o95PiTHuFyQWrwCLcB/s1600/20160615_153621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qFbPSIjWEaY/V3I1ZlQoIlI/AAAAAAAAHuU/Dmf-8PkpHPoSWbXYjK5o95PiTHuFyQWrwCLcB/s640/20160615_153621.jpg" width="482" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rain at Kunming Airport</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Eventually it departed at around 3.40pm.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NCOMnQklJnk/V3I1ZiK6xAI/AAAAAAAAHuY/jZIajlU7JtsIlZuI-D3mhHVgbpVrNGYMQCLcB/s1600/20160615_154439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="464" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NCOMnQklJnk/V3I1ZiK6xAI/AAAAAAAAHuY/jZIajlU7JtsIlZuI-D3mhHVgbpVrNGYMQCLcB/s640/20160615_154439.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bye Kunming, Bye China</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Perks of ordering special meal (done via online booking) is that you get your meals served earlier. This time round we ordered 2 seafood meal to try.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bcldrGYIPAM/V3I1ZylU20I/AAAAAAAAHuc/-oLuX1J_QXswiHOeVybCE4fvhwEVKEIewCLcB/s1600/20160615_160315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="476" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bcldrGYIPAM/V3I1ZylU20I/AAAAAAAAHuc/-oLuX1J_QXswiHOeVybCE4fvhwEVKEIewCLcB/s640/20160615_160315.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Special Request: Seafood Meal (From top left clockwise, salmon sashimi salad, chocolate cake, bread, Thai style fish & baked potatos and mixed vegetables)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It seems a bit weird for Thai Airways to serve Seafood meal since seafood meal seems to be more of a privilege rather than a special dietary request. The fish can be more tender however the sauce makes up for it. Was surprised that they serve sashimi - really a seafood meal.<br />
<br />
The standard meal for the flight was pork rice or chicken noodles and we chose chicken noodles.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVpVW8DOBg0/V3I1acba3_I/AAAAAAAAHuk/3UxJzZBUU94GZLYKtBsBZr5rUerTuRQpwCLcB/s1600/20160615_161402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="456" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVpVW8DOBg0/V3I1acba3_I/AAAAAAAAHuk/3UxJzZBUU94GZLYKtBsBZr5rUerTuRQpwCLcB/s640/20160615_161402.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Standard Meal: Mushroom Chicken Noodles (From top left clockwise: ham? salad, chocolate cake, bread, chicken mushroom chinese noodles)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To be honest, the ham salad wasn't nice. There's a smell to it but the chicken mushroom noodles is acceptable. Time passed quickly with food and on board entertainment and soon we are approaching Bangkok!<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-05WXZf7kMTw/V3I1m-Qj_7I/AAAAAAAAHx8/i_MrP8LEA6QQ5aczkm5Y9eoovx_CdMafwCLcB/s1600/P1040657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-05WXZf7kMTw/V3I1m-Qj_7I/AAAAAAAAHx8/i_MrP8LEA6QQ5aczkm5Y9eoovx_CdMafwCLcB/s640/P1040657.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>view @ 5.15pm China time</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Do note, Bangkok is 1 hour behind China. So the photo above was taken at 4.15pm Bangkok time.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/--iYUH4rTe9E/V3I1nbmyxRI/AAAAAAAAHyA/r62pjdyu4pIT6SdsHVtJ4Rh354Mxyy3mQCLcB/s1600/P1040667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--iYUH4rTe9E/V3I1nbmyxRI/AAAAAAAAHyA/r62pjdyu4pIT6SdsHVtJ4Rh354Mxyy3mQCLcB/s640/P1040667.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>We can see the expressways, houses and cars!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Finally we touched down at 4.40pm. It was around 10 minutes behind schedule, but since we weren't rushing for time so its okay :)<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rbl3ntddss8/V3I1nW_6DMI/AAAAAAAAHyE/h8ouvIay3nQXxJjToJ-eS92j46RxZ_HIwCLcB/s1600/P1040675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rbl3ntddss8/V3I1nW_6DMI/AAAAAAAAHyE/h8ouvIay3nQXxJjToJ-eS92j46RxZ_HIwCLcB/s640/P1040675.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>touch down Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sawadee ka ~<br />
<br />
Custom clearance wasn't too bad however we had to walk a really long way to the customs and had to wait for sometime before the luggages were on the conveyor belt.<br />
<br />
When we eventually exited the arrival gate we headed to gate 3 where our Asiatravel person in charge will be there to receive us. We had book an airport transfer van to our hotel (Centre Point Pratunam) earlier on via redemption through <a href="http://packages.asiatravel.com/packagebooking/package.search.aspx?lan=en-US&scode=THS65601SG&pid=1243">Asiatravel</a>.<br />
<br />
We headed for gate 3 at arrival hall and saw many names hanging outside the gate from various agencies and hotels (Novotel, ctrip...) and after going thru the names we finally spotted ours with Asiatravel logo on it! We identified ourselves with the person in charge and she told us to wait awhile while she made a call to the driver to come pick up point.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0aGHFsTKd24/V3I1ai56L2I/AAAAAAAAHus/UXs-RGaKWeAKUn_rwQ_wJA1uTbJtWXQMQCLcB/s1600/20160615_183250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0aGHFsTKd24/V3I1ai56L2I/AAAAAAAAHus/UXs-RGaKWeAKUn_rwQ_wJA1uTbJtWXQMQCLcB/s640/20160615_183250.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gate 3 waiting area</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There was also another pair waiting for the car which they booked via Asiatravel too. We waited for around 10 minutes and we got to board the van. It was meant to be a private charter so we had the whole van (9 seater?) all to ourselves ~<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IToCJSMi72U/V3I1cBSSFiI/AAAAAAAAHvE/pTWh7q1bf7w1Ao_2JTepaKuOJ6m_2BBUgCLcB/s1600/IMG_4232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="420" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IToCJSMi72U/V3I1cBSSFiI/AAAAAAAAHvE/pTWh7q1bf7w1Ao_2JTepaKuOJ6m_2BBUgCLcB/s640/IMG_4232.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inside the van at the pick up point</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And off we go at around 5.42pm ~ We got this via redemption if not the usual price is THB 1342 (SGD $53.10) one way. I am not too sure if this is the cheapest hire however we thought that if you are travelling in a group, this is actually quite convenient if you have heavy bulky luggages and not exactly too expensive too. Otherwise, you can opt for airport rail and it reaches city/pratunam in about half hour time.<br />
<br />
It started to rain along our way to our hotel. Sigh we thought the rainy season will stop in China but it followed us throughout Bangkok too. Previously, June was supposed to be the hottest time in Bangkok however it was surprisingly okay. The heat was bearable, we thought Singapore was hotter.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EWqiun62H0o/V3I1arDcduI/AAAAAAAAHuo/E0joPXGgBk0iCvc1R-CQzFo_MvYFOh_-gCLcB/s1600/20160615_184443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EWqiun62H0o/V3I1arDcduI/AAAAAAAAHuo/E0joPXGgBk0iCvc1R-CQzFo_MvYFOh_-gCLcB/s640/20160615_184443.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>rain ~</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were some jam along the way and we reach Centre Point Hotel Pratunam at around 6.40pm. The lobby was much posher than expected and the bellboy were very nice to help us unload our luggages immediately once our van reached. There was no queue at the counter when we checked in. we just pass the receptionist our booking confirmation and 4 passports. Thereafter she proceeded with some administrative matters and gave us 4 bottles of cold mineral water and 4 wet towels for cleaning our face/hands. That's really nice of them :) Do note that they require a deposit of THB 1000 per night. So for us since we have 3 nights, we need to give them a refundable deposit of THB 3000. They accept equivalent amount in SGD which is SGD $100.<br />
<br />
We requested for high floor and non smoking and true enough they gave us a non-smoking room at level 18. But do note that for some reason or other, it does not seem to have 2 levels (f i am not wrong is level 16 and another level). So in actual fact we are sort of level 16 but they name it as level 18. Didn't manage to take a photo of the lift but if you were to stay there do take a look at the lift level numbers and you will get what I mean. Don't get your minds wondering, so far our stay there has been pleasant and we love the hotel actually :)<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p1AdhNwmpSY/V3I1bHWE-vI/AAAAAAAAHu4/80okqPAWZycP6V6N2JAvmDvgvvut0zbYwCLcB/s1600/20160615_192825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p1AdhNwmpSY/V3I1bHWE-vI/AAAAAAAAHu4/80okqPAWZycP6V6N2JAvmDvgvvut0zbYwCLcB/s640/20160615_192825.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Room 1802</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And there we go, Room 1802 just a short walk to the left of the lift. We booked near the period of Songkran when the hotel was having a discount of 15% on top of existing discounts. The period coincide with the DBS GOSF promotion of 10% rebate too. So in total, we actually paid THB 10548.5 and after all the discount and rebate we incurred SGD $378 for 3 nights stay for 4 person @ Centre Point Hotel Pratunam. Though it might not be the cheapest, however we thought that the pricing is reasonable considering the prime location it sits on.<br />
<br />
One funny thing about Centre Point Hotel Pratunam is that it provides the same room (Deluxe Executive) no matter you have 2 or 3 or 4 guests. However they charge you differently, the more the guests, the more expensive it will be. Of course, there tend to be incentive to choose the cheaper one even if you have more guests afterall you will feel that since you are getting the same room (Deluxe executive - 2 queen beds and 4 pillows). However we read some reviews online prior to booking that they seem to be quite sharp on the number of guests in the room during check in. For example, when we check in, there was no one else at the lobby except us and its staff. So of course how many people you came with everyone knows, and if the receptionist see you booking a room with less guests than what you have, they might force you to pay the higher price.<br />
<br />
Okay without further ado, lets show you the Deluxe Executive room @ Centre Point Hotel Pratunam!<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PMKuF3G8twY/V3I1nhCEHEI/AAAAAAAAHyI/mEiXyuQGz0Ukm7M2Cx2OCqsNw3X82Hh-wCLcB/s1600/P1040677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PMKuF3G8twY/V3I1nhCEHEI/AAAAAAAAHyI/mEiXyuQGz0Ukm7M2Cx2OCqsNw3X82Hh-wCLcB/s640/P1040677.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>2 queen sized bed</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHBs8aRhcQg/V3I1n9T_NdI/AAAAAAAAHyQ/0lodN0sR1Ysk9JqTt1drQBuNxAx6OxEmgCLcB/s1600/P1040678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHBs8aRhcQg/V3I1n9T_NdI/AAAAAAAAHyQ/0lodN0sR1Ysk9JqTt1drQBuNxAx6OxEmgCLcB/s640/P1040678.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tv, dressing table, cupboard</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hvyNULp1JAo/V3I1oLr3PZI/AAAAAAAAHyU/qS64QWUeKKwBQugKCN4ddPvmvSd8iVZ7QCLcB/s1600/P1040680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hvyNULp1JAo/V3I1oLr3PZI/AAAAAAAAHyU/qS64QWUeKKwBQugKCN4ddPvmvSd8iVZ7QCLcB/s640/P1040680.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>kitchen area (sink, fridge, microwave machine...)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Plates, cutleries were also provided. So feel free to take away your food from the night markets of Bangkok and eat at the comfort of your own hotel room.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mKMfIxHXDqE/V3I1oRUUv5I/AAAAAAAAHyY/6k_vfds35swxK6AnF-jV75eXE7n9VvueACLcB/s1600/P1040683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mKMfIxHXDqE/V3I1oRUUv5I/AAAAAAAAHyY/6k_vfds35swxK6AnF-jV75eXE7n9VvueACLcB/s640/P1040683.JPG" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>bath tub</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_IcceTc_bv4/V3I1oihreUI/AAAAAAAAHyc/FJXZ4SuR9agQVakYP_Dr4GnFSlUi9hVigCLcB/s1600/P1040684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_IcceTc_bv4/V3I1oihreUI/AAAAAAAAHyc/FJXZ4SuR9agQVakYP_Dr4GnFSlUi9hVigCLcB/s640/P1040684.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Toilet</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You might have noticed from the room pictures earlier, that there's a window with view. That's actually leading to the balcony! All deluxe executive room have balcony just that the view might be different (some looking at main road, some at alley some at pool)<br />
<br />
So below are some of the photos taken from our balcony @ 7pm Bangkok time.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AGpzGG8rvB0/V3I1o-zR4zI/AAAAAAAAHyg/uDfmDDnwz7MFpWifEUCGdf5nyE0Rj--GwCLcB/s1600/P1040685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AGpzGG8rvB0/V3I1o-zR4zI/AAAAAAAAHyg/uDfmDDnwz7MFpWifEUCGdf5nyE0Rj--GwCLcB/s640/P1040685.JPG" width="354" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>view : right</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sLglxJqb2NQ/V3I1pPYdIFI/AAAAAAAAHyk/qvn7b2v6P8ARkJM-qVDhk_0XuscQerPRQCLcB/s1600/P1040690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sLglxJqb2NQ/V3I1pPYdIFI/AAAAAAAAHyk/qvn7b2v6P8ARkJM-qVDhk_0XuscQerPRQCLcB/s640/P1040690.JPG" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>view: centre (Pantip Plaza)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AX_3AAXWZbU/V3I1paTyeNI/AAAAAAAAHys/bUkTqMQtgewFNBkF2Q8dX8IaDk21j_uJQCLcB/s1600/P1040692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AX_3AAXWZbU/V3I1paTyeNI/AAAAAAAAHys/bUkTqMQtgewFNBkF2Q8dX8IaDk21j_uJQCLcB/s640/P1040692.JPG" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View: Leftmost (shibuya & Glow Pratunam Hotel)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jQq5waP6eoo/V3I1ptqIU-I/AAAAAAAAHyw/tLCIGg2x6wEAuNRC4FKg3VO29QI8LP8hACLcB/s1600/P1040693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jQq5waP6eoo/V3I1ptqIU-I/AAAAAAAAHyw/tLCIGg2x6wEAuNRC4FKg3VO29QI8LP8hACLcB/s640/P1040693.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View: Left (Overlooking Petchaburi Road)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
From our hotel we can also see Big C and Siam Paragon. According to our research on Centre Point Hotel Pratunam prior to staying on Tripadvisor, we saw many reviews asking people to get a high floor. As bangkok can be quite busy at night due to the night markets and massive road traffic, if you get a low floor, it might be quite noisy and disrupt your sleep. Hence getting a high floor not only guarantee you a good view of the Pratunam shoppings as well as giving you some peace when you sleep at night. Indeed, we slept peacefully every night (thanks to the bed and pillows too) and didn't hear much traffic sound.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We wanted to head to Platinum Fashion Mall's food court for dinner initially, however as we were still full from the airplane food we went for a walk along Petchaburi Road instead.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Over at Bangkok, its always best to take the overhead bridge whenever possible as the roads are almost near impossible to cross them.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jxh-RRigoEs/V3I1bRc8vaI/AAAAAAAAHuw/eVsyycx8h80qLpspc5Bab7V74MYD43GNgCLcB/s1600/20160615_193836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jxh-RRigoEs/V3I1bRc8vaI/AAAAAAAAHuw/eVsyycx8h80qLpspc5Bab7V74MYD43GNgCLcB/s640/20160615_193836.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View of night traffic and platinum fashion mall on the right @ overhead bridge </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
From our hotel to Platinum Fashion Mall is really super near. We took the overhead bridge across to the mall and there were many makeshift stores outside the mall. It is like a night market but not sure what market it is called. At around 8pm, a lot of the stores seem to close already in Platinum Mall. So we ended up walking along the street instead. Along the streets we spotted quite a few stores that sell shoes at just THB 100 (SGD $4). Some were made in China but most made in Thailand. Really good buy however if you tend to lean towards a larger shoe size of around 40 and above, it might be harder to fins a shoe/sandal with your size.<br />
<br />
Thankfully we brought along umbrellas as it started to pour at around 8.30pm. We decided to head back to our hotel and when nearing our hotel we stop by this roadside hawker to buy 2 packs of mango sticky rice. At the store we also met fellow Singaporeans.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UOo23F-xtOA/V3I1bf34_JI/AAAAAAAAHu0/a_0LYXTwzicmhhYMs2MLVf4s2xUfuptywCLcB/s1600/20160615_202625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UOo23F-xtOA/V3I1bf34_JI/AAAAAAAAHu0/a_0LYXTwzicmhhYMs2MLVf4s2xUfuptywCLcB/s640/20160615_202625.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mango Sticky Rice Store</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They sell Durian Stick rice too. Mango sticky rice cost THB 60 (SGD $2.40) for one pack with blue and white glutinous rice and mangos. The glutinous rice is blue due to the natural dye from the blue flowers seen in the picture above (near the pot of blue rice). We bought back to our Hotel as supper hehe. But if there's something hot to eat during this rainy weather it will be even better hehe.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmCtsE3Do9s/V3I1bwmnP1I/AAAAAAAAHvA/48-ZGH0F3ooxWAbkmc-ucGgNxeOcPd2OwCLcB/s1600/20160615_203041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="356" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmCtsE3Do9s/V3I1bwmnP1I/AAAAAAAAHvA/48-ZGH0F3ooxWAbkmc-ucGgNxeOcPd2OwCLcB/s640/20160615_203041.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>shoe hawker - with plastic covering its shoes when it rain</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jYPzYgLRfh4/V3I1cDszIzI/AAAAAAAAHu8/x8TaAQ0SWYkpd9STyg30s8HXWaX9KcqgwCLcB/s1600/20160615_203909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jYPzYgLRfh4/V3I1cDszIzI/AAAAAAAAHu8/x8TaAQ0SWYkpd9STyg30s8HXWaX9KcqgwCLcB/s640/20160615_203909.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mango sticky rice @ THB 60</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We find the mango sticky rice to be nice - our first sticky rice in Bangkok. However the mango is a little too overripe - good if you have a sweet tooth though.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And with that, we look forward to enjoying more Bangkok delicacies over the next few days ~ Yum Yum.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: red;">Side-note:</span></b><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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y1t3-nTbQuU/V3I1U2qIN_I/AAAAAAAAHtA/bVepLhOx6EMok8yzaJAqGxIDvvzlsS1igCLcB/s1600/20160615_111726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y1t3-nTbQuU/V3I1U2qIN_I/AAAAAAAAHtA/bVepLhOx6EMok8yzaJAqGxIDvvzlsS1igCLcB/s640/20160615_111726.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inside Kunming Taxi</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Something that we find amusing was that in Kunming Taxi, they have like metal grilles surrounding the cabby. Upon research on Google, we then realise this 'taxi cage' phenomenon seems to be common in China and not just Kunming. It is said to protect the cabby from assassination or theft when they drive. Seems to be a legit protection, but not too sure psychologically, how is it like for the taxi driver.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/Yunnan%20%26%20BKK%20Day%209%20%28BKK%29"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Day 9: Floating Market and Siam shopping district</span></a></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951287982667008118.post-13304120591545002152016-06-10T00:00:00.000+08:002016-07-06T19:13:12.235+08:00YUNNAN & BANGKOK Day 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px; text-align: start;"><u>Day 3: </u>Dali (Sanfu Inn,</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px; text-align: start;">三福客栈</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px; text-align: start;">) -> Dali, Erhai -> Dali Ancient Town (大理古城) -> 3 Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple (远观 - 崇圣寺三塔) -> Shaxi Ancient Town (沙溪古城) -> Lijiang (丽江古城独家记忆雪景苑度假会所) </span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uEU4-t5HvXA/V3EvWTW6peI/AAAAAAAAHrg/wzkrMA0ixr0aguZXs9vDAeqlgSqrnZc0wCLcB/s1600/20160610_062351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uEU4-t5HvXA/V3EvWTW6peI/AAAAAAAAHrg/wzkrMA0ixr0aguZXs9vDAeqlgSqrnZc0wCLcB/s640/20160610_062351.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
早安!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Morning!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Last sunny day in Dali! The lake looks so calming and it is so quiet early in the morning. You seldom see vehicles roaming around or people walking around until close to 7am. Temperature can be quite cooling too in the morning - Jacket is a must!<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ELMswLok9HU/V2tWFcTin6I/AAAAAAAAHj8/2YcHK0xxxggLeFW6Jn3NLi57-jQ6ATGPACLcB/s1600/P1000542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ELMswLok9HU/V2tWFcTin6I/AAAAAAAAHj8/2YcHK0xxxggLeFW6Jn3NLi57-jQ6ATGPACLcB/s640/P1000542.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>white clouds ~</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As usual we took a short stroll outside Sanfu Inn (near Little Pu Tuo) while waiting for breakfast to be served. We came down at 8+am that morning and there's more people waiting for breakfast than the day before. Looks like we were a little late.. A view across the lake seems to be without any boundaries (一望无际), but on closer look especially nearing night, you will see many lightings on the opposite end of the lake. That should be the Dali Ancient Town side!<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wVWAE6v0BCE/V2tWFmcqk8I/AAAAAAAAHkI/V936AWmyF-Mvacr4NVtE2LHHOrR7lBFAACLcB/s1600/P1000543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="376" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wVWAE6v0BCE/V2tWFmcqk8I/AAAAAAAAHkI/V936AWmyF-Mvacr4NVtE2LHHOrR7lBFAACLcB/s640/P1000543.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>boat to ferry across to Little Putuo (小普陀)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We didn't get a chance to go Little Putuo (小普陀) due to time constraints and afterall, there's nothing much on the island. As you can see from the photos taken previous days, it is a really small island that houses a Kuan Yin Statue and that's about it. If you are really into islands, perhaps the island near Shuang Lang (双廊) - 南诏风情岛 might be a better option.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5cS6YLQbCh4/V2tWGC5lJJI/AAAAAAAAHkE/YofQolAqQIMk9zBcuN0dtVS1nUNnLwunQCLcB/s1600/P1000544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5cS6YLQbCh4/V2tWGC5lJJI/AAAAAAAAHkE/YofQolAqQIMk9zBcuN0dtVS1nUNnLwunQCLcB/s640/P1000544.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>8.05am (bridge outside Sanfu Inn, near Little Putuo)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Breakfast was done at 8.15am. Today we ate outside at the open space as there wasn't any space indoors and afterall the weather is cooling and comfortable enough.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4vg_cLpVgAY/V3SKp6aYs_I/AAAAAAAAH-g/smiwb3yIHFobsquBr9bdiAYnnbk-_lDWwCLcB/s1600/P1000176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4vg_cLpVgAY/V3SKp6aYs_I/AAAAAAAAH-g/smiwb3yIHFobsquBr9bdiAYnnbk-_lDWwCLcB/s640/P1000176.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>breakfast time!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vASueQZ-nHQ/V2tWA4oMQpI/AAAAAAAAHiw/ceImo5aPk_A_Qon3DESjoHhFlejUmfxGACLcB/s1600/20160610_081354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="612" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vASueQZ-nHQ/V2tWA4oMQpI/AAAAAAAAHiw/ceImo5aPk_A_Qon3DESjoHhFlejUmfxGACLcB/s640/20160610_081354.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>breakfast for the day (Clockwise from top: Sliced apple, mantou with minced meat, hard boiled egg, preserved vegetables, ham, congee)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Personally, the plain mantou that we had yesterday seem to be a better choice than this minced meat mantou. However the ham is really good. For someone who doesn't really like ham/sausages, yet find it really tasty and nice :)<br />
<br />
We were extremely satisfied with our sumptuous breakfast. we were so full when the lady (that very kind and helpful lady I described yesterday) came over to us with 4 sweet corns and apologising for not giving us vegetarian breakfast. We then clarified that today was okay. We only had a vegetarian diet yesterday (Day 2). But still appreciate her gesture alot. It is owners/helpers like this that make staying enjoyable and have the feeling of home.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QatgVQqMl1s/V2tWA8RTnZI/AAAAAAAAHi4/2_LSavm7d7EMhZxddO0mncdxuuK4d7Y6QCLcB/s1600/20160610_083508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QatgVQqMl1s/V2tWA8RTnZI/AAAAAAAAHi4/2_LSavm7d7EMhZxddO0mncdxuuK4d7Y6QCLcB/s640/20160610_083508.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>corns served - missing 2 other corns opps</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Some view of the road that we saw while having our breakfast.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g_LyFyZxORU/V2tWHQKux2I/AAAAAAAAHkU/P6-bf-RlRloD6NZ8RIY_QpoMsUFIkAFZgCLcB/s1600/P1000547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="394" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g_LyFyZxORU/V2tWHQKux2I/AAAAAAAAHkU/P6-bf-RlRloD6NZ8RIY_QpoMsUFIkAFZgCLcB/s640/P1000547.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Local carrying a child in her arms</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QtaVtJowcyA/V2tWGLZkpVI/AAAAAAAAHkA/6NLWkwdMlzgi8iTKcFlJ_Ycf6Yc0xrVjwCLcB/s1600/P1000545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QtaVtJowcyA/V2tWGLZkpVI/AAAAAAAAHkA/6NLWkwdMlzgi8iTKcFlJ_Ycf6Yc0xrVjwCLcB/s640/P1000545.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>roadside</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you notice there's a van that's park alongside (nearest to the lake), that's actually our day 3' driver van. We had the same driver for Day 3 - 7 (5 days). Photo above was taken at 8.30am, but we were sure the van was parked there from as early as 8.15am even, though we booked him from 9am. We only realised it later that he drove down from Lijiang and perhaps added some buffer time and hence reached earlier. Our driver (宋师傅) is from Lijiang, and the day before ( 9th Jun) was Dragon Boat Festival, so he had a nice dinner with his family before driving down to Dali to fetch us.<br />
<br />
We were done with breakfast early, and we proceed to do a last minute check of our rooms thereafter proceeding for check-out. Check out was quick, we just need to give the receptionist our room card and that will do.<br />
<br />
We met 宋师傅 at around 8.45am. He together with the lady receptionist was really helpful to help us carry our luggages to the van. We bade farewell to Sanfu Inn and feeling grateful to have a great start to our Yunnan trip all thanks to their great hospitality.<br />
<br />
Our itinerary for the day is to head over to Dali Ancient town (大理古城) first, and if you recall day 2 map, the town is on the opposite side of the lake, so to get over he sort of have to drive around half of the lake to get there.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CHwBGgsQz3w/V2tWHQh_GXI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/FEw47_4DdPoAeQJhWrFk6IfTgZGtwb4CACLcB/s1600/P1000548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CHwBGgsQz3w/V2tWHQh_GXI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/FEw47_4DdPoAeQJhWrFk6IfTgZGtwb4CACLcB/s640/P1000548.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Spotted a 'cruise/ship' from far</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We spotted a big ship from far - that is also the tourist ship where one can board for a fee and there will be entertainment (dance, singing...) while bringing you around Erhai Lake and stopping by the islands (eg. 南诏风情岛).<br />
<br />
宋师傅 told us that how erhai (洱海) 's name came about is because it looks like the shape of a human ear. In today's context, we can easily see the bird's eye view of places from planes or even drones. However in ancient times, people discovered this when they climbed to the top of Cang Mountain (苍山). Cang Mountain (苍山) is also a tourist attraction with cable cars, which they called as 索道 to help you get up to the top. However it is a little pricey in our opinion, hence we decided to prioritise other attractions. Afterall from Sanfu Inn, we were able to see Cang Mountain (苍山) too. Just that whenever we overlook Erhai from our inn, we see many mountains at the opposite but not too sure which one exactly is Cang Mountain (苍山). Maybe they are all part of 苍山 afterall?<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vKBm1g4BNNE/V3Xg03BTdzI/AAAAAAAAH-0/XSHHXOA7ydoN_Ux02FbQjrSnPWXeQA8WACLcB/s1600/erhai.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vKBm1g4BNNE/V3Xg03BTdzI/AAAAAAAAH-0/XSHHXOA7ydoN_Ux02FbQjrSnPWXeQA8WACLcB/s640/erhai.JPG" width="448" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>screenshot from Google maps</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Does the shape looks like a human ear lobe? Hahaha I will leave the imagination to you ~<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8EMLBfgoo68/V2tWHG9fjGI/AAAAAAAAHkM/4jZtNibxaw0nKDRWsqD-0bSxXOl9_aZNwCLcB/s1600/P1000549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="432" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8EMLBfgoo68/V2tWHG9fjGI/AAAAAAAAHkM/4jZtNibxaw0nKDRWsqD-0bSxXOl9_aZNwCLcB/s640/P1000549.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>some view along the road</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We passed by the ticketing booth for the tourist ship which we saw earlier on.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oQ49-zx4hcU/V2tWHwL1ZYI/AAAAAAAAHkY/sSi9QrKGLYsS6hyHGfECNDDDGlZE7orqgCLcB/s1600/P1000553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oQ49-zx4hcU/V2tWHwL1ZYI/AAAAAAAAHkY/sSi9QrKGLYsS6hyHGfECNDDDGlZE7orqgCLcB/s640/P1000553.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>ticketing booth for ship that goes around Erhai</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Along the way we passed by the southern end of 下关 too. Compared to Wa Se Zhen where Sanfu Inn resides, we saw many high rise buildings (condominiums, shopping malls...). It is really more developed than at Wa Se Zhen. Totally a change of scenary haha<br />
<br />
About 45 minutes into the journey, we went onto 兴盛大桥 (southern end of Erhai).<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S3wTHuWKVnA/V2tWIfTeyoI/AAAAAAAAHkc/TvFWPoYtYhMrBQPQi8LrHA6Mg4eELc7iACLcB/s1600/P1000554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S3wTHuWKVnA/V2tWIfTeyoI/AAAAAAAAHkc/TvFWPoYtYhMrBQPQi8LrHA6Mg4eELc7iACLcB/s640/P1000554.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>兴盛大桥</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
From far 兴盛大桥 gives you the impression that you are in Europe. Seems to have some Italian / European characteristics. However if you notice it closely, it has Bai Ethnic Minority (白族) characteristics in it and that is what makes it special.<br />
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #282828; font-family: "microsoft yahei" , "hiragino sans gb"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">"兴盛大桥整体看比较欧式,不过有白族图腾大鹏金翅鸟和藏传佛教的白塔,很混搭的风格"</span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: right;">
- <a href="http://www.dianping.com/shop/22131441">Review on 兴盛大桥(bridge)</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The bridge encompasses the golden carvings of a buddhist holy bird (near the bottom of the bridge) and tibetan white/gold pagodas too.</div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7wk4qATfmS8/V2tWIRle66I/AAAAAAAAHkg/cuu4PYDJ1CIXvoLo73J6Qw2S9WOLE4JOgCLcB/s1600/P1000555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="414" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7wk4qATfmS8/V2tWIRle66I/AAAAAAAAHkg/cuu4PYDJ1CIXvoLo73J6Qw2S9WOLE4JOgCLcB/s640/P1000555.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>on 兴盛大桥</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Shortly after passing the bridge, we saw Dali International Olympic Sports Center.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuPzWKOfdbI/V2tWIrfP7eI/AAAAAAAAHkk/6RfyFYxTVP85vz7om5NbTZ6ay1RJTSNIgCLcB/s1600/P1000558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="366" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuPzWKOfdbI/V2tWIrfP7eI/AAAAAAAAHkk/6RfyFYxTVP85vz7om5NbTZ6ay1RJTSNIgCLcB/s640/P1000558.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dali International Sports Center</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In 2008, it was the first time in China's history that they hosted the summer olympics. The opening ceremony and major events were held at Beijing. Not too sure what was held at this Dali sports Center though, but whatever it is, it must have been a grand and memorable occasion for the people of Dali to witness an international event in their home ground.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Soon around 10am (1 hour into the journey - yes the drive round half of Erhai is this long as it is a really big lake), we start to see mountains in front of us. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Love the sight of these natural scenary ~</div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6aC9WA5xUT8/V3MzVcSP5kI/AAAAAAAAH8Y/HaINF0zLolUFr-XX1ddL7GWDyL8t8Q35ACLcB/s1600/IMG_4029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6aC9WA5xUT8/V3MzVcSP5kI/AAAAAAAAH8Y/HaINF0zLolUFr-XX1ddL7GWDyL8t8Q35ACLcB/s640/IMG_4029.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>mountains ~</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Love the sight of these natural scenary ~</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g_47r-lPCwE/V2tWJCX4OCI/AAAAAAAAHks/pRnIjYXFh5saPZq5QcalJF8IR5qg1dDGgCLcB/s1600/P1000567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g_47r-lPCwE/V2tWJCX4OCI/AAAAAAAAHks/pRnIjYXFh5saPZq5QcalJF8IR5qg1dDGgCLcB/s640/P1000567.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>trams</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we see these trams, we are nearing Dali Ancient Town (大理古城). Along the way we saw people setting up stores to sell fruits such as 杨梅 (Chinese Bayberry).<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EwYSBY_KFgE/V2tWfd-E9GI/AAAAAAAAHp0/HcnHOhYKYio7Cb6W-L94zhtzy43f7iZBACLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="434" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EwYSBY_KFgE/V2tWfd-E9GI/AAAAAAAAHp0/HcnHOhYKYio7Cb6W-L94zhtzy43f7iZBACLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage2.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>fruits plantation</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-maTfYLPV6vk/V2tWJQPT9fI/AAAAAAAAHko/ZgkY9Ja6kNM0Cij5TBNXF58GkdmnpZ1CgCLcB/s1600/P1000574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-maTfYLPV6vk/V2tWJQPT9fI/AAAAAAAAHko/ZgkY9Ja6kNM0Cij5TBNXF58GkdmnpZ1CgCLcB/s640/P1000574.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>nearing the entrance of Dali Ancient Town</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pZUEe8y_twA/V2tWJkAKO_I/AAAAAAAAHkw/7gbdpC9I37UBuesEuEoc_VMEFN5wpbGHQCLcB/s1600/P1000579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pZUEe8y_twA/V2tWJkAKO_I/AAAAAAAAHkw/7gbdpC9I37UBuesEuEoc_VMEFN5wpbGHQCLcB/s640/P1000579.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Entrance of Dali Ancient Town (landmark rock)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Entrance to Dali Ancient Town (大理古城) is free. It is considered the most popular ancient town in Dali. It's altitude is at 2025.8m as seen from the rock. We reached our first ancient town of the trip (Dali Ancient Town) at around 10.05am, after about an hour and 15 mins non-stopping drive from Sanfu Inn.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nYwwk538kBI/V2tWfY6DD0I/AAAAAAAAHp4/MpDNtfhB_s8N7ujkrj9onXf5bpgqoYGZwCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="532" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nYwwk538kBI/V2tWfY6DD0I/AAAAAAAAHp4/MpDNtfhB_s8N7ujkrj9onXf5bpgqoYGZwCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage3.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>sightings in Dali ancient Town</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our driver (宋师傅) led us through the ancient town and we were thankful for his guide if not we would not know what to look out for or where to walk.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-74dCW4EYt_M/V2tWKORMwYI/AAAAAAAAHk4/tF1K7fG9pqU2NMW1C9-NZ9EjDM6f9RdKACLcB/s1600/P1000592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-74dCW4EYt_M/V2tWKORMwYI/AAAAAAAAHk4/tF1K7fG9pqU2NMW1C9-NZ9EjDM6f9RdKACLcB/s640/P1000592.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Trishaws for rental</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
One of the most common sightings you see at Dali is barbecued milk product (烤乳扇). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vlnDyOLiUVI/V2tWMCfyJqI/AAAAAAAAHlU/v1gp77-O25gVNyptJwXUdmZC5DD7Tm8gwCLcB/s1600/P1000646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vlnDyOLiUVI/V2tWMCfyJqI/AAAAAAAAHlU/v1gp77-O25gVNyptJwXUdmZC5DD7Tm8gwCLcB/s640/P1000646.JPG" width="640" /></a><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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pOdW9Cm0UIk/V2tWKL8xcJI/AAAAAAAAHk0/uHuuLLovs-sXiAvfK0zScJXW4cZ3w6CZACLcB/s1600/P1000596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="412" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pOdW9Cm0UIk/V2tWKL8xcJI/AAAAAAAAHk0/uHuuLLovs-sXiAvfK0zScJXW4cZ3w6CZACLcB/s640/P1000596.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>云南十八怪 - 烤乳扇</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is made by boiling milk for long until it starts to become a bit sticky (non liquid form) then wrap it around a stick/chopstick just like how you make cotton candy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It is one of the unique delicacies developed by Yunnan locals ( 云南十八怪) </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 28px;">"所谓“云南十八怪”是描述云南独特的地理位置民风民俗所产生的一些特有甚至有些奇怪的现象或生活方式。云南十八怪的版本很多,有的现象已经慢慢消失,有的也还保留着,有的条款是夸张了的。 随着社会的发展,云南经济建设卓见成效,云南十八怪也有了区别于原来的新云南十八怪"</span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://baike.baidu.com/view/2335.htm">- Baidu Encyclopedia </a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div>
Due to the multitude of ethnics in Yunnan and its geographical location, over the years it develop many unique or 'weird' food such as the barbecued milk product (烤乳扇).</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another unique local product (土产) of Dali is Flower Pastry (鲜花饼) which is like our Asian Tau Sar Pia but it has fresh rose petals as fillings.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5rWiugHiyXE/V2tWLFNJ2wI/AAAAAAAAHlA/JH4fzMRT3f0Cz8Z940LNRh3xbPZ14jVpQCLcB/s1600/P1000601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="390" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5rWiugHiyXE/V2tWLFNJ2wI/AAAAAAAAHlA/JH4fzMRT3f0Cz8Z940LNRh3xbPZ14jVpQCLcB/s640/P1000601.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Flower Pastry shop</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the bottom right of the photo above, you can see one of the shop helpers plucking the rose petals.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kYYVN9TKyoQ/V2tWLCSyvCI/AAAAAAAAHlE/aiNvsduroRQNow_okA1YJbkWGTUp8i3AgCLcB/s1600/P1000604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kYYVN9TKyoQ/V2tWLCSyvCI/AAAAAAAAHlE/aiNvsduroRQNow_okA1YJbkWGTUp8i3AgCLcB/s640/P1000604.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>on the spot packing for customers</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We bought 1 each from the shop (4 in total as our driver did not want). They gave the freshly baked ones to us and they were in individual paper bag (see photo below). It cost RMB 5 (SGD $1.04) for 2 pastries.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gM5ER78DHqs/V2tWcQDCPSI/AAAAAAAAHpU/kR7Xtlu6p0ccJSMZlwbC8Jsajc-WajAcQCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="544" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gM5ER78DHqs/V2tWcQDCPSI/AAAAAAAAHpU/kR7Xtlu6p0ccJSMZlwbC8Jsajc-WajAcQCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage1.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Flower pastry (现烤现烘)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The pastry was still a little warm and the skin is flaky and crispy. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We also bought 1 box ( it can comes in 6/8/12 pieces) at the same pricing of RMB 5 for 2, for consumption in hotel. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g74kHTIThqo/V3Z9_9O3KlI/AAAAAAAAH_o/tYYNpp_lMSQ_iTU6OyN3072OzMOEZYssACLcB/s1600/20160612_071327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g74kHTIThqo/V3Z9_9O3KlI/AAAAAAAAH_o/tYYNpp_lMSQ_iTU6OyN3072OzMOEZYssACLcB/s640/20160612_071327.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>bought from this Kunming Ji Qing Flower Pastry store</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DmmNYhUDMNw/V3Z9_88C-AI/AAAAAAAAH_s/aBqzjV2TmLMMoHktxUBIm0u55zGzy-S5wCLcB/s1600/20160612_071315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DmmNYhUDMNw/V3Z9_88C-AI/AAAAAAAAH_s/aBqzjV2TmLMMoHktxUBIm0u55zGzy-S5wCLcB/s640/20160612_071315.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>flower pastry</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not too sure why the packaging looks different. but oh well. We still miss the freshly baked pastry than the ones that we bought and keep over a few days.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
According to the owner, we can keep it for 15 days even though there's no preservatives added. We then bought from another store to be brought back Singapore. Wouldn't say the other store is nice but rather the plus point is that the taste is still acceptable and it can store for a longer time period (enough time for us to bring back Singapore to share).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
These are the ones that we bought back to Singapore.</div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-svF4cxyMCzg/V3YhvGI_25I/AAAAAAAAH_E/Tm-Mj-34MJwpSH2JHygVCeBAZIIW05OIwCLcB/s1600/20160619_132023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="188" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-svF4cxyMCzg/V3YhvGI_25I/AAAAAAAAH_E/Tm-Mj-34MJwpSH2JHygVCeBAZIIW05OIwCLcB/s640/20160619_132023.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Flower Pastry (鲜花饼)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgXoa3Rc1Uw/V3YhvEaPh5I/AAAAAAAAH_I/UMwf35oN5ZwIC0jUATM_hdgSpkvJRdGTACLcB/s1600/20160619_132127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgXoa3Rc1Uw/V3YhvEaPh5I/AAAAAAAAH_I/UMwf35oN5ZwIC0jUATM_hdgSpkvJRdGTACLcB/s640/20160619_132127.jpg" width="242" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Flower Pastry description</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Shortly after snacking, we came to Foreigner's street (洋人街).<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gGTf3uSYs_o/V2tWKluMCTI/AAAAAAAAHk8/rbOLyQXaEZwUof3_rB6pvGH-6YDJTzgwwCLcB/s1600/P1000599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gGTf3uSYs_o/V2tWKluMCTI/AAAAAAAAHk8/rbOLyQXaEZwUof3_rB6pvGH-6YDJTzgwwCLcB/s640/P1000599.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Foreigner's Street (洋人街)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Typically in Ancient towns and Cuihu Park in Kunming later on, Willows (柳树) is a common sight.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rSLQEfAUEpg/V2tWLfuLc-I/AAAAAAAAHlI/D-tq9o3Dx1gNn0exRzZcFAAqD2escT60QCLcB/s1600/P1000611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rSLQEfAUEpg/V2tWLfuLc-I/AAAAAAAAHlI/D-tq9o3Dx1gNn0exRzZcFAAqD2escT60QCLcB/s640/P1000611.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>row of Willows (柳树)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Don't you think they make the whole town looks so picturesque ~</div>
<div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/--O6nnDTiVJc/V2tWgkgsgpI/AAAAAAAAHqM/MlcIkuqU7dEA5CE7n_EDNQi5PHV0NijhwCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="376" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--O6nnDTiVJc/V2tWgkgsgpI/AAAAAAAAHqM/MlcIkuqU7dEA5CE7n_EDNQi5PHV0NijhwCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage8.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>people in Dali Ancient Town</i></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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1TSraoTNOTA/V2tWg3Ucc-I/AAAAAAAAHqQ/rEozThz1hos0b7K5SYvM22D3vTHmtP8WACLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="456" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1TSraoTNOTA/V2tWg3Ucc-I/AAAAAAAAHqQ/rEozThz1hos0b7K5SYvM22D3vTHmtP8WACLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage9.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>other sights in Dali Ancient Town</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Similar to Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城), we feel that it is quite commercialised. You see international fast food restaurant chains here especially in Lijiang, McDonald, KFC, Pizza Hut, is a common sight. In Yunnan, Dicos fast food chain is popular too. It is a chinese fast food chain owned by Ting Hsin International group.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_3cOzxiAop4/V2tWBj6YDbI/AAAAAAAAHjE/bqP3V9A46GkYsvPhhi1hDcF1dq8p0BRlQCLcB/s1600/20160610_104851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_3cOzxiAop4/V2tWBj6YDbI/AAAAAAAAHjE/bqP3V9A46GkYsvPhhi1hDcF1dq8p0BRlQCLcB/s640/20160610_104851.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>红龙井</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Many people love to take photo with this. As there is a stream of water flowing down resulting in the image of 小桥流水. Furthermore with the backdrop against mountain and Willows Tree, it makes an even better place for photo taking.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7P2pl2cZ2N0/V2tWL17USKI/AAAAAAAAHlM/DfKHKnQ9MP89ebxLjQDym8UErynf45fzQCLcB/s1600/P1000619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7P2pl2cZ2N0/V2tWL17USKI/AAAAAAAAHlM/DfKHKnQ9MP89ebxLjQDym8UErynf45fzQCLcB/s640/P1000619.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>street at Dali Ancient Town</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-amJtH-90rL8/V2tWBTZ7n1I/AAAAAAAAHi8/WUzSWbbrUKM-Y1gQKB-59HDK7heY3KGnQCLcB/s1600/20160610_104532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-amJtH-90rL8/V2tWBTZ7n1I/AAAAAAAAHi8/WUzSWbbrUKM-Y1gQKB-59HDK7heY3KGnQCLcB/s640/20160610_104532.jpg" width="414" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wu Hua Tower (五华楼)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "microsoft yahei" , "hiragino sans gb"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 26px;">五华楼位于大理古城内,古时是<b>南诏国王接待宾客</b>的地方,后来几经兴废,最近一次在1998年重建。五华楼是古城内最气派的建筑之一,可以登楼远眺苍山、俯瞰古城区,也可以留影拍照,尤其夜晚时五华楼华灯初上,非常漂亮。 五华楼现在高三层,下面是可以过人的门洞,门洞上挂着写有“大理”两字的匾额,在这下面合影是很多游客一定要做的事情。在五华楼周围,目前已经形成了一定规模的书画市场,周围的店铺都以销售书法、国画等艺术作品为主,感兴趣的可以去看看。</span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: right;">
- <a href="http://you.ctrip.com/sight/dali31/51944.html">Ctrip</a></div>
In the ancient times, this tower was used by the king to host banquets for his guests. A royal and grand place in the olden days. It is open for public to head up to the top. We didn't head up this tower but another one.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vxtmBJ9TJtA/V2tWMLE-njI/AAAAAAAAHlQ/rVm8wfUqEIEsUSG-tC2_J7vDuy_HUwxNACLcB/s1600/P1000639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="404" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vxtmBJ9TJtA/V2tWMLE-njI/AAAAAAAAHlQ/rVm8wfUqEIEsUSG-tC2_J7vDuy_HUwxNACLcB/s640/P1000639.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>beneath the city gate</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a8KkU5l7riE/V2tWgOSEUJI/AAAAAAAAHqE/r2gGf-vkJbcfPJWnbjZmbJzbQuhfnbwIQCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a8KkU5l7riE/V2tWgOSEUJI/AAAAAAAAHqE/r2gGf-vkJbcfPJWnbjZmbJzbQuhfnbwIQCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage5.jpg" width="550" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Casting of silver jewellery</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is a common sight at Dali ancient Town to see silver jewellery shops and outside of these shops are labourers busy moulding/casting the silverware under high heat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Haha coincidentally we caught a lady wear Singapore girl costume.</div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AIx-K7ReA88/V2tWMpotWSI/AAAAAAAAHlc/F59FIu843FsJ1bHfK1_ns4J8jzIMdECTgCLcB/s1600/P1000648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AIx-K7ReA88/V2tWMpotWSI/AAAAAAAAHlc/F59FIu843FsJ1bHfK1_ns4J8jzIMdECTgCLcB/s640/P1000648.JPG" width="584" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Singapore girl costume</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t_b3Slj-DNA/V2tWM6b5xKI/AAAAAAAAHlo/AJu8OVd0J8EE355qL77cmK9tbMtyslUmgCLcB/s1600/P1000655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t_b3Slj-DNA/V2tWM6b5xKI/AAAAAAAAHlo/AJu8OVd0J8EE355qL77cmK9tbMtyslUmgCLcB/s640/P1000655.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>lelong lelong ~ Clothes on sale</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m7R2b1ZJ_pM/V2tWNBBs_qI/AAAAAAAAHlk/M-Wd0UvznkoD6vQMn5DXkZeGLsQhNQ6UgCLcB/s1600/P1000657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m7R2b1ZJ_pM/V2tWNBBs_qI/AAAAAAAAHlk/M-Wd0UvznkoD6vQMn5DXkZeGLsQhNQ6UgCLcB/s640/P1000657.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marshal house (总统兵马大元帅府)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the olden days, it was the place where the big Marshal reside. In today's context, it has become a museum opened free for public. We weren't exactly interested and did not went in.</div>
<div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yug10MyxY-M/V2tWgTV5hBI/AAAAAAAAHqI/Tv6nyuGclrs2G1eK4ewEt1ITpekOCUCxwCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="402" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yug10MyxY-M/V2tWgTV5hBI/AAAAAAAAHqI/Tv6nyuGclrs2G1eK4ewEt1ITpekOCUCxwCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage7.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>streets/shops at Dali Ancient Town</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we walk, we came to the South gate (南门楼). At the top of the South gate states "<span style="background-color: #f4f3eb; line-height: 23.8px; text-indent: 28px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">文献名邦".</span></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-indent: 28px;">
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CJm4UlxB7os/V2tWPNBLYXI/AAAAAAAAHl0/0gymP12G6rMxioxR9iStiHRDea3AqrVBwCLcB/s1600/P1000682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="506" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CJm4UlxB7os/V2tWPNBLYXI/AAAAAAAAHl0/0gymP12G6rMxioxR9iStiHRDea3AqrVBwCLcB/s640/P1000682.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: 12.8px; text-indent: 0px;">South gate </i><i style="font-size: 12.8px; text-indent: 0px;">南门 </i><i style="font-size: 12.8px; text-indent: 0px;">@ Dali Ancient Town (承恩楼)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7lZ3AqUpsCU/V2tWPEvwvAI/AAAAAAAAHl4/vQ9Vd9krGzogGXsi8nlVx8MYGs5iZKXiQCLcB/s1600/P1000686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="452" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7lZ3AqUpsCU/V2tWPEvwvAI/AAAAAAAAHl4/vQ9Vd9krGzogGXsi8nlVx8MYGs5iZKXiQCLcB/s640/P1000686.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>description (Chinese)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BvarjYNzzNU/V2tWf_Cg0sI/AAAAAAAAHqA/EHtmtNrwUuA9mYIAt6eZ8Vk4qulpD10JgCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="534" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BvarjYNzzNU/V2tWf_Cg0sI/AAAAAAAAHqA/EHtmtNrwUuA9mYIAt6eZ8Vk4qulpD10JgCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage4.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>South gate @ Dali Ancient Town (南门楼)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As per what we saw in dramas, typically all 4 sides (North, South, East, West) of the city will have border gates like this. The Wu hua Tower (五华楼) which we saw earlier is an additional tower inside the Ancient city.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As introduced by our driver cum guide, we went up the tower by turning to the right of the border gate and you will see a flight of stairs up.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sknS_AKb80E/V2tWBm93NrI/AAAAAAAAHjA/QerdGQB0ruspRfJOhbyojCHSnoc3FCoSACLcB/s1600/20160610_110358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="442" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sknS_AKb80E/V2tWBm93NrI/AAAAAAAAHjA/QerdGQB0ruspRfJOhbyojCHSnoc3FCoSACLcB/s640/20160610_110358.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>stairs to go up the tower</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Do enter and continue to climb up the 'wooden' stairs inside to reach a taller height. I can assure you the city view will be breathtaking :)<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lYsnzj9kq-0/V2tWB3q9_II/AAAAAAAAHjI/LTEKyByKx54a0wPy0DH9RNt4GUG7krBhACLcB/s1600/20160610_110514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lYsnzj9kq-0/V2tWB3q9_II/AAAAAAAAHjI/LTEKyByKx54a0wPy0DH9RNt4GUG7krBhACLcB/s640/20160610_110514.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>wedding photo shoot</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JBz4YTFQIlM/V2tWNSQyw_I/AAAAAAAAHlg/Ne1_ADiFg2Y1gcvNbegxMO1omfiqBZzGwCLcB/s1600/P1000659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JBz4YTFQIlM/V2tWNSQyw_I/AAAAAAAAHlg/Ne1_ADiFg2Y1gcvNbegxMO1omfiqBZzGwCLcB/s640/P1000659.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bird's eye view of the Dali Ancient City</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XD-D-Rf_Ujs/V2tWcaFDHGI/AAAAAAAAHpY/Jm5eISyEwDUE1dnhvEPif01AQBjMItBngCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="456" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XD-D-Rf_Ujs/V2tWcaFDHGI/AAAAAAAAHpY/Jm5eISyEwDUE1dnhvEPif01AQBjMItBngCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>More views taken from the top</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Spot the bride in the left most photo on top!<br />
<br />
Thereafter we begin to walk back to where our car was parked. We left Dali Ancient town at around 11.45am. It is about a 5 minutes drive to our next destination - photo stop at Three pagodas of Chongsheng Temple (崇圣寺三塔).<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c3L1MGttWRg/V2tWPw2caCI/AAAAAAAAHmE/WX-MPYkLuRkmEfLuayXzEctuMLAhmPc2ACLcB/s1600/P1000704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="364" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c3L1MGttWRg/V2tWPw2caCI/AAAAAAAAHmE/WX-MPYkLuRkmEfLuayXzEctuMLAhmPc2ACLcB/s640/P1000704.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Three pagodas of Chongsheng Temple (崇圣寺三塔)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the past, there were many kings who left their palace to become a monk at this temple. What makes this place worth visiting is that after so many earthquakes that happened ( Dali encounter frequent earthquakes due to its geographical position), the pagoda still remain strong, sturdy and standing. This is even more amazing given that they were build in ancient days without the modern technology that we have now.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is a 5A national scenic area. We choose not to enter this place because the admission fee is quite pricey, and afterall, it is the view of the 3 pagodas together that makes it look majestic and this can be accomplished by viewing from far. FYI, the pricing is RMB 121 (SGD $25.2) per pax.</div>
<div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bZCRLo1w2qs/V2tWP3FDLcI/AAAAAAAAHl8/CeRh5Rco3HM_gZb2_GxzKegPbBlbyXM6ACLcB/s1600/P1000694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="434" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bZCRLo1w2qs/V2tWP3FDLcI/AAAAAAAAHl8/CeRh5Rco3HM_gZb2_GxzKegPbBlbyXM6ACLcB/s640/P1000694.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Holy bird golden statue opposite of Chongsheng Temple</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zPfY8JpeuzU/V2tWCFmF9aI/AAAAAAAAHjM/VV2Npgme100MWuaPlqtbxC42ijVsMU4ewCLcB/s1600/20160610_115710%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zPfY8JpeuzU/V2tWCFmF9aI/AAAAAAAAHjM/VV2Npgme100MWuaPlqtbxC42ijVsMU4ewCLcB/s640/20160610_115710%25280%2529.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Some ladies selling fruits and having their lunch there</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were a couple of ladies opposite selling fruits to visitors who stop by to take photo of the 3 pagodas of Chongsheng Temple.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
We bought some peaches from a lady who was clearing her stocks as she wants to go back home to cook lunch soon. They were cheaper than what we bought the day before at Mount Jizu @ RMB 10 (SGD $2.08) for 18 peaches. We tried it when we went back to our accomodation that day and they were really sweet. We bought blueberries too @ RMB 5 (SGD $1.04) for a bunch.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nd3nz9Z0_50/V2tWPMtLT2I/AAAAAAAAHlw/clL_jx74LQc_rUxlhBRKcfnOUAdOdm-HACLcB/s1600/P1000693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nd3nz9Z0_50/V2tWPMtLT2I/AAAAAAAAHlw/clL_jx74LQc_rUxlhBRKcfnOUAdOdm-HACLcB/s640/P1000693.JPG" width="628" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lady selling peaches and blueberries</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oXjXc8-zR5c/V3aI62qYb5I/AAAAAAAAIAE/SzhgrK9Q7u0VxWpiaFnB8b5tQ9opCY_8wCLcB/s1600/20160612_074647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oXjXc8-zR5c/V3aI62qYb5I/AAAAAAAAIAE/SzhgrK9Q7u0VxWpiaFnB8b5tQ9opCY_8wCLcB/s640/20160612_074647.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>some of the peaches and blueberries that we bought from her</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FuwYXEi14h4/V2tWP0xWOII/AAAAAAAAHmA/XLqXHCKtRTEx717P7DNgexK8s70shp5GACLcB/s1600/P1000706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="398" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FuwYXEi14h4/V2tWP0xWOII/AAAAAAAAHmA/XLqXHCKtRTEx717P7DNgexK8s70shp5GACLcB/s640/P1000706.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our driver (宋师傅)'s passenger van</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We didn't stay for long and left after 10-15 minutes of photo taking.<br />
<br />
Next up we are heading to another old town - Shaxi Ancient Town (沙溪古镇). This old town seems less commercialise (朴素) than Dali Old Town. Shaxi Ancient Town is our favourite old town out of the others that we went during our trip.<br />
<br />
To get from Dali to Shaxi, it took about 2 hours drive.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tw1YYuXw40w/V3YzO9FSqpI/AAAAAAAAH_Y/TOU_YNI8TEEXGgbL3Xhx-3jmQd3AfXDlgCLcB/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tw1YYuXw40w/V3YzO9FSqpI/AAAAAAAAH_Y/TOU_YNI8TEEXGgbL3Xhx-3jmQd3AfXDlgCLcB/s640/Capture.JPG" width="394" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Screenshot from Google Map - Route for the day</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dali Ancient Town (大理古城) and Three pagodas of Chongsheng Temple(崇圣寺三塔) are near to each other. As you can see from the google screenshot above, Shaxi Old Town (沙溪古镇) is along the road from Dali to Lijiang. If you are self-driving from Dali to Lijiang, we recommend you to stop by Shaxi old town for a short break and also to admire this treasure gem ~</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Along the 2 hours drive, we passed by their 'toll/ETC' again.</div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_b_XrH5PspA/V2tWQtugpaI/AAAAAAAAHmM/w4gi2d1I0jQYcdmG82bSc3OEpcEuAsxKwCLcB/s1600/P1000711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="372" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_b_XrH5PspA/V2tWQtugpaI/AAAAAAAAHmM/w4gi2d1I0jQYcdmG82bSc3OEpcEuAsxKwCLcB/s640/P1000711.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>'Toll'</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Some of our drivers like the ETC which is like our Singapore ERP where you dont have to stop and the machine will auto deduct the money from your cash card. This seems convenient however some of our drivers still prefer the manual ones (pay cash to the counter man by human) as they say the system has many flaws like only accepting top ups at certain places. Oh well, but I guess in future, technology is likely to replace manual labour...<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S-pI11aNB3U/V2tWQ2aFRbI/AAAAAAAAHmQ/y6_Le9KWsVQHSaPS08r6wIakuJCs9OnSQCLcB/s1600/P1000712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S-pI11aNB3U/V2tWQ2aFRbI/AAAAAAAAHmQ/y6_Le9KWsVQHSaPS08r6wIakuJCs9OnSQCLcB/s640/P1000712.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>En-route to Lijiang</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AMAcb92e0_U/V2tWRKEdsCI/AAAAAAAAHmU/5XCSg8zuVaMHKERFS999uOcgzfo7dmAqgCLcB/s1600/P1000713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="396" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AMAcb92e0_U/V2tWRKEdsCI/AAAAAAAAHmU/5XCSg8zuVaMHKERFS999uOcgzfo7dmAqgCLcB/s640/P1000713.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Different speed limits along the expressway (Car: 120 km/hr, bus & trucks: 100km/hr)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The main expressway connecting Dali to Lijiang is G5611 大丽高速 (Dali-Lijiang Expressway) which was officially opened on 30th December 2013. (Source: <a href="https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%A4%A7%E4%B8%BD%E9%AB%98%E9%80%9F%E5%85%AC%E8%B7%AF">Wikipedia</a>)<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bjGgfEnhEeg/V2tWRVQRZiI/AAAAAAAAHmg/GJNxwtTUCMYS8sFhKOO7wq40ojBFduetgCLcB/s1600/P1000715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bjGgfEnhEeg/V2tWRVQRZiI/AAAAAAAAHmg/GJNxwtTUCMYS8sFhKOO7wq40ojBFduetgCLcB/s640/P1000715.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Netting structure to prevent rocks from falling onto the road</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Driving can be pretty dangerous along the roads of Yunnan especially when its crossing borders to another area such as Lijiang to Shangri-la. The roads are often narrow and bi-directional. Rocks can fall easily after a period of heavy rainfall and landslides can endanger cars. Furthermore, in Yunnan they really have a lot of hills, especially during the drive to Shangri-la from Lijiang which will be show in Day 5, you will see that we are driving on the edge of cliff and everywhere is big rocks and you never know when the rocks might fell. 现在想起还是有点怕...<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-olwnYohdxKE/V2tWecE8bxI/AAAAAAAAHpc/ZGSMamp6yeA-L2audCVAXqWjwxWofynlgCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="460" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-olwnYohdxKE/V2tWecE8bxI/AAAAAAAAHpc/ZGSMamp6yeA-L2audCVAXqWjwxWofynlgCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage11.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>sights along the way </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
124km more to Lijiang ~ About 45 mins into the journey (12.45pm), we were heading towards a tunnel !<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sM4xgHj0M88/V2tWRgWw8kI/AAAAAAAAHmc/bvOih_1wSKwX941k3rNYpha1RNV61kLDACLcB/s1600/P1000725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sM4xgHj0M88/V2tWRgWw8kI/AAAAAAAAHmc/bvOih_1wSKwX941k3rNYpha1RNV61kLDACLcB/s640/P1000725.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Xiashankou Tunnel </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6FvcbQWsiSw/V2tWR9gd4wI/AAAAAAAAHmk/wmAmGiPR0fEhCwmJpRx-uE3F6Eg7JutVACLcB/s1600/P1000727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6FvcbQWsiSw/V2tWR9gd4wI/AAAAAAAAHmk/wmAmGiPR0fEhCwmJpRx-uE3F6Eg7JutVACLcB/s640/P1000727.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inside the tunnel</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Nothing special, just like a normal tunnel but it's the first that we noticed in Yunnan haha. It seem like we have come to another place once we exited the tunnel..<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P_Hel9w8k8k/V2tWSTI_T2I/AAAAAAAAHmo/R8c-QGTm-ZIwiAswsOG_wxDFnTao1PTjgCLcB/s1600/P1000730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P_Hel9w8k8k/V2tWSTI_T2I/AAAAAAAAHmo/R8c-QGTm-ZIwiAswsOG_wxDFnTao1PTjgCLcB/s640/P1000730.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View after passing the tunnel</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In about an hour's time, we were nearing Shaxi old town (沙溪古镇). It is something worth exciting about however it rained when we were nearing :( And... from then on, there wasn't a day of no rain :( sigh. June is the start of raining season... but thankfully we didn't meet with any heavy downpour. All were light rain though they persist for long period of time.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x7mzJPu7iSU/V2tWSdwfvNI/AAAAAAAAHms/CIfw_r_OkxUZw6dhunB3U3VouAROaZxMQCLcB/s1600/P1000734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="530" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x7mzJPu7iSU/V2tWSdwfvNI/AAAAAAAAHms/CIfw_r_OkxUZw6dhunB3U3VouAROaZxMQCLcB/s640/P1000734.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nearing the entrance of Shaxi Old town</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What was written on the ancient books look alike is:</div>
<div>
国家级历史文化名镇</div>
<div>
世界频频危建筑遗产名录</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What they are describing is that Shaxi Old town is accorded by the China's Ministry of Housing development and State administration of Cultural heritage as a place of great historic significance. However there are certain areas of this place that cannot be protected by the state due to natural doings etc, and they get destroyed.</div>
<div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4zXCiR2-pww/V2tWSuMlvhI/AAAAAAAAHmw/lq5GWZe2fFwB_fRnqqrCpA71otKkMxxtwCLcB/s1600/P1000738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4zXCiR2-pww/V2tWSuMlvhI/AAAAAAAAHmw/lq5GWZe2fFwB_fRnqqrCpA71otKkMxxtwCLcB/s640/P1000738.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>drizzling day </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We officially step out of the car at around 2.20pm. By then we were quite famished and decided to find a place for lunch first. Our driver (宋师傅) recommended us to eat at this noodle shop which was simple but fabulous haha.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LU2ySj0dbhk/V3EsX1SuoyI/AAAAAAAAHrM/cxIhmaEYyrAuCqg7MIm_nxhTL21WLmfOgCLcB/s1600/IMG_4049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LU2ySj0dbhk/V3EsX1SuoyI/AAAAAAAAHrM/cxIhmaEYyrAuCqg7MIm_nxhTL21WLmfOgCLcB/s640/IMG_4049.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lunch place @ Shaxi Old town</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-KnVaRyQL8/V3EsXY1KqeI/AAAAAAAAHrA/STmSyai7HaEYW1g1yV1hdsw0j-TjNtVQQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-KnVaRyQL8/V3EsXY1KqeI/AAAAAAAAHrA/STmSyai7HaEYW1g1yV1hdsw0j-TjNtVQQCLcB/s640/IMG_4045.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kitchen</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One thing that we realised and like about Yunnan (not too sure if it applies to other parts of China) is that you can communicate to the cook directly. As typically they are not exactly like the modern kind of restaurants you see in cities but rather small eateries that handle everything. Hence the person that take your order is likely your chef too. You can let them know anything you don't want (eg don't want onions...) or if you have special request on how food is to be cooked, as long as they know how and they have the ingredients they are willing to cook for you! That's what we did on some of our subsequent days. For that lunch we ordered from the menu.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ol9wEmtA7JE/V3EsXddY5iI/AAAAAAAAHq8/nLuO-YvET5UpLBj0NIb78yMP_zY1BrQuQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ol9wEmtA7JE/V3EsXddY5iI/AAAAAAAAHq8/nLuO-YvET5UpLBj0NIb78yMP_zY1BrQuQCLcB/s640/IMG_4043.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>menu on the wall</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just some explanation of the terms used in the menu, which we were confused too initially:</div>
<div>
1. 西红柿 is tomato, or rather 番茄 which we Singaporeans commonly call it</div>
<div>
2. 盖饭 is like our cai fan, means for eg 红烧肉盖饭, the meat will be on top of the rice instead of putting them in separate bowls/plates.</div>
<div>
3. 铒丝 is another kind of vermicelli (different in texture)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It is sort of our first official proper meal at Yunnan, so we weren't sure what is suitable for us. To be safe 3 of us ordered vegetarian noodle (simple should be safe ya?) and 1 of us ordered Zha Jiang noodles. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Perhaps we were late, we were their only customers and hence cooking was fast.</div>
<div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPnoY-uUEAY/V3EsXTxwEII/AAAAAAAAHrE/LuezXAViZ8seRymLKIgxtd6kzQsW2jLjgCLcB/s1600/IMG_4046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPnoY-uUEAY/V3EsXTxwEII/AAAAAAAAHrE/LuezXAViZ8seRymLKIgxtd6kzQsW2jLjgCLcB/s640/IMG_4046.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>素面面条 RMB 10 (SGD $2.08)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This bowl of noodles + lettuce is just what we needed on a cold raining day. Though it looks simple but it is flavourful enough (didn't sense any MSG). Highly recommended if you want something not too oily or spicy.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2gmiepFLPQg/V3EsXyjXlVI/AAAAAAAAHrI/uMGZSL_lkSg5PauN8s9Fq4GIS-6P7FwPgCLcB/s1600/IMG_4047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2gmiepFLPQg/V3EsXyjXlVI/AAAAAAAAHrI/uMGZSL_lkSg5PauN8s9Fq4GIS-6P7FwPgCLcB/s640/IMG_4047.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>炸酱刀削面 RMB 10 (SGD $2.08)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Zha Jiang noodle is okay too. Spicy level is just nice. However, would choose the simple vegetarian noodles over this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
宋师傅 ordered egg fried rice which was not on the menu but they were glad to cook it too. It cost the same price as us too - RMB 10 (SGD $2.08). We didn't take a photo of it, but I must say it looks really yummy with generous serving of egg. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We gobbled our lunch down quickly and were done in about 15minutes time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now back to a proper stroll around Shaxi Old town. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Disclaimer: Not all pictures do justice to this beautiful town. Really strongly recommend you to stop by this place if you are travelling from Dali to Lijiang.</b></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iSCmx2GQmMM/V3MzVcVDdOI/AAAAAAAAH8g/gsqZd4JZk8gIoknnCaqn2NRgXHp1Y4VxQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="438" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iSCmx2GQmMM/V3MzVcVDdOI/AAAAAAAAH8g/gsqZd4JZk8gIoknnCaqn2NRgXHp1Y4VxQCLcB/s640/IMG_4051.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Description of Shaxi Old Town</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPC-eLeSbzU/V2tWTbWDdRI/AAAAAAAAHm4/CWcFKzplFGExkpSueR_4mK6HUKyJ4RqDQCLcB/s1600/P1000743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPC-eLeSbzU/V2tWTbWDdRI/AAAAAAAAHm4/CWcFKzplFGExkpSueR_4mK6HUKyJ4RqDQCLcB/s640/P1000743.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>street at Shaxi Old town</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is not exactly smooth pavement but rather a little ruggard and some parts can be slippery. So be sure to wear good footwear.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SGJQsCBIlJg/V2tWCU_OflI/AAAAAAAAHjQ/Y8AwmZcTXUITUlz4QVYfJ_78VA-lD53hgCLcB/s1600/20160610_144644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SGJQsCBIlJg/V2tWCU_OflI/AAAAAAAAHjQ/Y8AwmZcTXUITUlz4QVYfJ_78VA-lD53hgCLcB/s640/20160610_144644.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>shop houses</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7nFv_GMQvOA/V2tWC986GZI/AAAAAAAAHjY/arL_bfv70_c7xS43NHEzdrO8eec5QVTDACLcB/s1600/20160610_144810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="526" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7nFv_GMQvOA/V2tWC986GZI/AAAAAAAAHjY/arL_bfv70_c7xS43NHEzdrO8eec5QVTDACLcB/s640/20160610_144810.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Shaxi Old Town</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UrM9sFLsJ2Y/V2tWeWJ9pjI/AAAAAAAAHpo/PoMYFIyk2mgwAFpiYzATzZ1VUMKNJLMNQCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="376" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UrM9sFLsJ2Y/V2tWeWJ9pjI/AAAAAAAAHpo/PoMYFIyk2mgwAFpiYzATzZ1VUMKNJLMNQCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage13.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>alley,s & people of Shaxi old town</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Shaxi Old town (沙溪古镇) is situated at Dali <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 28px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">剑川县. What makes it special is because it is the only surviving </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 28px;">tea-horse road</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 28px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 28px;">bazaar. </span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #545454; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 18px; text-align: justify;">
" Shaxi Ancient Town was once an important stopover station on the Tea Horse Road. Located between<a href="http://www.chinahighlights.com/dali/" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #545454;" target="_blank"> Dali</a> and<a href="http://www.chinahighlights.com/lijiang/" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #545454;" target="_blank"> Lijiang</a>, it is an overland wharf on the Yunnan-Tibet <a href="http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/special-report/tea-horse-road/" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #545454;" target="_blank">Tea Horse Road.</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #545454; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 18px; text-align: justify;">
In the Tang-Song period, the kingdoms of Nanzhao and Dali rose in the south-western regions, and became a buffer area between the Tang Dynasty and the Tubo Dynasty. They connected the two strong dynasties, and this area was one of the main places that the Tea Horse Road passed through which was used for economic and cultural exchanges.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #545454; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 18px; text-align: justify;">
As a town on this road, Shaxi played an active role. Perhaps God has a special liking for this town; after the Tang Dynasty, salt wells were dug in its vicinity. It was the nearest Tea Horse Road bazaar to those salt wells and consequently the salt trade began there.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #545454; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 18px; text-align: justify;">
Salt mining, like icing on the cake, added fuel to the fire for the development of Shaxi. As the nearest Tea Horse Road bazaar to the salt wells, Shaxi became the salt capital on this road as well as a distribution center of table salt for Tibet and north-west Yunnan."</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: right;">
- <a href="http://www.chinahighlights.com/dali/attraction/shaxi-town.htm">Dali Travel Guide by China highlights</a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O9DZfvuBGk4/V3MzVWvqHFI/AAAAAAAAH8c/ujnio4XaDe8Q1-ZYIZ9Gcgmhu5k3SkxNwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="544" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O9DZfvuBGk4/V3MzVWvqHFI/AAAAAAAAH8c/ujnio4XaDe8Q1-ZYIZ9Gcgmhu5k3SkxNwCLcB/s640/IMG_4050.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>寺登街</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gpgzxI225TA/V2tWUPoh8mI/AAAAAAAAHnI/RI90rC5EF-EmXNuVtYmBu2ca6TI0TsdvwCLcB/s1600/P1000768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gpgzxI225TA/V2tWUPoh8mI/AAAAAAAAHnI/RI90rC5EF-EmXNuVtYmBu2ca6TI0TsdvwCLcB/s640/P1000768.JPG" width="578" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>admission fee needed if you are going to the temple</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nxorc_esxv0/V2tWegEg0mI/AAAAAAAAHpk/YQz7pvnX6t0FsFJicfrUzALMU2ZAGfvHwCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="432" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nxorc_esxv0/V2tWegEg0mI/AAAAAAAAHpk/YQz7pvnX6t0FsFJicfrUzALMU2ZAGfvHwCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage14.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Shaxi Square street (四方街) - Ancient Stage</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #545454; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 18px; text-align: justify;">
"The ancient stage is the soul of Shaxi. Everyone that comes to Shaxi for the first time will marvel at its unique architectural structure and exquisite craftsmanship. It is the most distinctive building on Square Street.<br />
This stage was built in the Qing Dynasty. It is a three-story Kuixin pavilion with a stage. The front is the stage, and the back is the pavilion. It's a special structure with cornices and 14 flying eave corners."</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: right;">
- <a href="http://www.chinahighlights.com/dali/attraction/shaxi-town.htm">Dali Travel Guide by China highlights</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ggsZuERb5dI/V2tWe5lEGWI/AAAAAAAAHpw/6Nw9U97cxBwU_ezOXQFU6kYfChdX_jW7gCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="474" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ggsZuERb5dI/V2tWe5lEGWI/AAAAAAAAHpw/6Nw9U97cxBwU_ezOXQFU6kYfChdX_jW7gCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage15.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>roads at Shaxi old town</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kgtxA8ovwWw/V2tWDfjWmTI/AAAAAAAAHjc/5o8pinnptL0F9gpOHIW6Q2XEk7RE4PRbQCLcB/s1600/20160610_144954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kgtxA8ovwWw/V2tWDfjWmTI/AAAAAAAAHjc/5o8pinnptL0F9gpOHIW6Q2XEk7RE4PRbQCLcB/s640/20160610_144954.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Willows tree strike again</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q0WnyunIzSw/V2tWDg2rzuI/AAAAAAAAHjg/8N_mK1-OV8se-5RFy0klHSJoiiroFhaQACLcB/s1600/20160610_145105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q0WnyunIzSw/V2tWDg2rzuI/AAAAAAAAHjg/8N_mK1-OV8se-5RFy0klHSJoiiroFhaQACLcB/s640/20160610_145105.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>recycling bin</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Dustbin not commonly see along the streets. So best to have a plastic bag with u to contain all your rubbish and hold on to them till you found a dustbin.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WynilzLdGdg/V2tWTfYGIeI/AAAAAAAAHm8/UpAkT0g4lVMW4-A_70WHKoHFS9Rm1K7MwCLcB/s1600/P1000755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WynilzLdGdg/V2tWTfYGIeI/AAAAAAAAHm8/UpAkT0g4lVMW4-A_70WHKoHFS9Rm1K7MwCLcB/s640/P1000755.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>owner and dog at one of the shophouse</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0JmUUzA0xS8/V2tWTqvMocI/AAAAAAAAHnA/NWxW67dNp9saL_EwqK791WtRSEblaAw_wCLcB/s1600/P1000758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0JmUUzA0xS8/V2tWTqvMocI/AAAAAAAAHnA/NWxW67dNp9saL_EwqK791WtRSEblaAw_wCLcB/s640/P1000758.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>small but nice alleys</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jLYGzuQRes/V2tWUNbUWfI/AAAAAAAAHnM/6X0jUYExRNg4V0LoEIthnAsWvhH1DvYfwCLcB/s1600/P1000771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jLYGzuQRes/V2tWUNbUWfI/AAAAAAAAHnM/6X0jUYExRNg4V0LoEIthnAsWvhH1DvYfwCLcB/s640/P1000771.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>horse riding services available</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DWBxJi5oL_I/V2tWUS3TLVI/AAAAAAAAHnQ/4x-k9f3g5V0wkG3-cTwl_8vFgw4zugG9gCLcB/s1600/P1000774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DWBxJi5oL_I/V2tWUS3TLVI/AAAAAAAAHnQ/4x-k9f3g5V0wkG3-cTwl_8vFgw4zugG9gCLcB/s640/P1000774.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>In order for China to be rich and powerful, its people can only thrived if the population growth is controlled.<br />"中国要富强,民族要兴旺,人口要控制。"</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sgZnGJy2pwQ/V2tWU8tQIJI/AAAAAAAAHnU/ux7KxTwFmCsJ6qUUVI4jweLbOyCUv43lgCLcB/s1600/P1000783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sgZnGJy2pwQ/V2tWU8tQIJI/AAAAAAAAHnU/ux7KxTwFmCsJ6qUUVI4jweLbOyCUv43lgCLcB/s640/P1000783.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>toilet was inside hehe</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The water wheel outside this gift shop looks like a minature version of the one at Lijiang ancient town. Little did we know there's toilet inside until we asked our driver who was walking with us. The toilet was well maintained in terms of cleanliness but the doors could not lock sadly :(<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eOr16tV2zIk/V2tWVCcUd5I/AAAAAAAAHnY/EO0RV3akL2Q7iXtwP5BZXd94nD01CXbBwCLcB/s1600/P1000786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="624" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eOr16tV2zIk/V2tWVCcUd5I/AAAAAAAAHnY/EO0RV3akL2Q7iXtwP5BZXd94nD01CXbBwCLcB/s640/P1000786.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>men playing card games to past time</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One common sight that we see in Yunnan is that the women in a household are normally the ones heading out to earn a living through selling crops/stuff, while the men live their lives care-freely. Not sure if what we saw can be generalised across the population, but if that's true, then the women sure deserve much respect.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sOMMmLvzqcY/V2tWVVu5Y7I/AAAAAAAAHng/xcoZP_7DVSgcfC6pLr98TrkoJ2mmDICZQCLcB/s1600/P1000789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sOMMmLvzqcY/V2tWVVu5Y7I/AAAAAAAAHng/xcoZP_7DVSgcfC6pLr98TrkoJ2mmDICZQCLcB/s640/P1000789.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>horses standing below the willows and in the rain :(</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_DWmntuNsiI/V2tWVrV-ebI/AAAAAAAAHnc/z1zs4TupHU4VhxMc4BLLTEQD449mvNddACLcB/s1600/P1000793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_DWmntuNsiI/V2tWVrV-ebI/AAAAAAAAHnc/z1zs4TupHU4VhxMc4BLLTEQD449mvNddACLcB/s640/P1000793.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>quieter stretch of road </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ijcoovwur08/V2tWV_P6AtI/AAAAAAAAHnk/Li5CM865wrEHWHG5-OlQVkUDALYh5AZQgCLcB/s1600/P1000797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ijcoovwur08/V2tWV_P6AtI/AAAAAAAAHnk/Li5CM865wrEHWHG5-OlQVkUDALYh5AZQgCLcB/s640/P1000797.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>pathway inching towards a scenic and famous bridge at Shaxi Old Town</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JdTdxMUc5tg/V2tWWXfWTdI/AAAAAAAAHno/Xu6IZ44DorgoWQAZMBtKASTXZMUwLIzGQCLcB/s1600/P1000798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JdTdxMUc5tg/V2tWWXfWTdI/AAAAAAAAHno/Xu6IZ44DorgoWQAZMBtKASTXZMUwLIzGQCLcB/s640/P1000798.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>plantations everywhere</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hl-ErdS-aSc/V2tWWbw5IZI/AAAAAAAAHns/c9ScsLCDQM0AcKoYnH13VyiRUcMJjsYMgCLcB/s1600/P1000800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hl-ErdS-aSc/V2tWWbw5IZI/AAAAAAAAHns/c9ScsLCDQM0AcKoYnH13VyiRUcMJjsYMgCLcB/s640/P1000800.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>mini garden open for viewing </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EavfXxrgQgk/V2tWXBMLgyI/AAAAAAAAHn4/pVzH3tcwuEYw4fCS6FLTsHkBhU6k7fZvACLcB/s1600/P1000805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EavfXxrgQgk/V2tWXBMLgyI/AAAAAAAAHn4/pVzH3tcwuEYw4fCS6FLTsHkBhU6k7fZvACLcB/s640/P1000805.JPG" width="640" /></i></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>Yujin bridge(玉津桥)</i></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white;">“</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "microsoft yahei" , "hiragino sans gb"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 26px;">玉津桥始建于清朝康熙年间,几百年来几经坍塌和战火的破坏,于1931年,云南省大理州剑川县沙溪民众募资再建古桥,白族著名学者赵藩为玉津桥的重修专门撰写了《修桥募引》。 </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "microsoft yahei" , "hiragino sans gb"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 26px;">玉津桥跨空 12米,高6米,桥长35.4米,宽5米,石柱石板护栏。拱顶上有石雕鳖头,雄视黑惠江上游,另一侧是石雕鳖尾连接黑湛江下游,护栏尽头有四只“娃娃鱼”石雕。 </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "microsoft yahei" , "hiragino sans gb"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 26px;">古桥是世代居住在沙溪的白族人通往田间地头劳作经商的必经之路,桥身的石板被过往车马和行人踩踏得泛着青光,坑坑洼洼。古桥承载着沙溪古镇厚重的历史,年复一年地迎来送往沙溪几代先民。</span> "</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: right;">
- <a href="http://you.ctrip.com/sight/jianchuan2215/1478537.html">Ctrip</a> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f1dk9P-Z3u0/V2tWWjtlWmI/AAAAAAAAHn0/y0XUMNYx-dAPWOmL70-SxeblzL9L72d8ACLcB/s1600/P1000803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f1dk9P-Z3u0/V2tWWjtlWmI/AAAAAAAAHn0/y0XUMNYx-dAPWOmL70-SxeblzL9L72d8ACLcB/s640/P1000803.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>View opposite the bridge</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HRxd6hsXK_w/V2tWXa3XKWI/AAAAAAAAHn8/FilbWnx4o4Mxvv1UYdvU1kqI_X1l4v0BACLcB/s1600/P1000809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HRxd6hsXK_w/V2tWXa3XKWI/AAAAAAAAHn8/FilbWnx4o4Mxvv1UYdvU1kqI_X1l4v0BACLcB/s640/P1000809.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>heading towards Yujin bridge</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yujin bridge (玉津桥) was a mandatory path that ancient Bai ethnic minority need to pass by either by foot or horse over to the plantations at the other end. It was built during the Qing Dynasty and rebuilt in the 1900s again due to severe destruction by war.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FSKlMYflqr4/V2tWXsCtzEI/AAAAAAAAHoA/nFr04i2UmVUdRRPdtaJgoJhlhbVeMJqGACLcB/s1600/P1000816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="384" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FSKlMYflqr4/V2tWXsCtzEI/AAAAAAAAHoA/nFr04i2UmVUdRRPdtaJgoJhlhbVeMJqGACLcB/s640/P1000816.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>on Yujin Bridge</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Even in today's context, we still see the bridge serving its original purpose. Women carrying their child / crops / barang crossing the bridge either to head over to the plantations (most likely where their home is) or heading out to the town to sell their crops. Horse shit was seen too so I guess horse still take this route but perhaps more for tourists leisure now.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dfZArq097qU/V2tWYGWS6II/AAAAAAAAHoM/Wi5fHoGaU9o8ouiw-Omx8uqFFwwlneJrACLcB/s1600/P1000817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dfZArq097qU/V2tWYGWS6II/AAAAAAAAHoM/Wi5fHoGaU9o8ouiw-Omx8uqFFwwlneJrACLcB/s640/P1000817.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>women carrying her barang in a basket strap behind her back</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bcnDimWFyXY/V2tWD8lfIqI/AAAAAAAAHjk/IhfHI7tkAW0aAwE3r7wi_Kl4f9ZZknA0QCLcB/s1600/20160610_151421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bcnDimWFyXY/V2tWD8lfIqI/AAAAAAAAHjk/IhfHI7tkAW0aAwE3r7wi_Kl4f9ZZknA0QCLcB/s640/20160610_151421.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Part of Yunnan - Tibet Tea-horse road (茶马古道)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7-gDXdg1A-o/V2tWEO7oAcI/AAAAAAAAHjo/yNnc71Pz-9caY7Ibs8LkzjU-wl_9u0G8ACLcB/s1600/20160610_151634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7-gDXdg1A-o/V2tWEO7oAcI/AAAAAAAAHjo/yNnc71Pz-9caY7Ibs8LkzjU-wl_9u0G8ACLcB/s640/20160610_151634.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Marshes</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JE6wPswayB0/V2tWYJn-X8I/AAAAAAAAHoE/0ipo_GuJjeECp3PuaKZmGLvqVmXZt6pUwCLcB/s1600/P1000818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JE6wPswayB0/V2tWYJn-X8I/AAAAAAAAHoE/0ipo_GuJjeECp3PuaKZmGLvqVmXZt6pUwCLcB/s640/P1000818.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>plantation across~</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We idled around the bridge for 15 minutes and start to set foot back to the carpark. It was close to 3.30pm by then. We still need to continue our journey to Lijiang. Shaxi Old town is only at half of the intended journey :/<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gN5xOa9DNos/V2tWYR09NjI/AAAAAAAAHoI/kdYOsM4JRowIlUwg9zpi7x4yD11SDn2lQCLcB/s1600/P1000823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gN5xOa9DNos/V2tWYR09NjI/AAAAAAAAHoI/kdYOsM4JRowIlUwg9zpi7x4yD11SDn2lQCLcB/s640/P1000823.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>lady riding a 3 wheel vehicle around Shaxi Old town</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uvh1KYsx6uU/V2tWZPagGaI/AAAAAAAAHoQ/1EOpZyltPlIjHZ6S7LEZjOA3LcGtJridgCLcB/s1600/P1000826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uvh1KYsx6uU/V2tWZPagGaI/AAAAAAAAHoQ/1EOpZyltPlIjHZ6S7LEZjOA3LcGtJridgCLcB/s640/P1000826.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>cafes in Shaxi Old town</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0y4m36Kqlps/V2tWZH58raI/AAAAAAAAHoY/moIcyH9Kk5gXuaevl38SaaW_YlZauwsswCLcB/s1600/P1000827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0y4m36Kqlps/V2tWZH58raI/AAAAAAAAHoY/moIcyH9Kk5gXuaevl38SaaW_YlZauwsswCLcB/s640/P1000827.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>shop houses still retaining its ancient look</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As Yunnan moves towards greater development with the push from its government towards tourism, we are afraid Shaxi old town might lose its ancient charm as the years go by. As modern cafes seep in, tourists get to know this place, towns get more interconnected by the roads that makes it accessible easily, damage might be done to this historical site. I don't dare to imagine how this town will looks like in 5 years time, but I sincerely hope it doesn't get as commercialised as Lijiang Old town.<br />
<br />
We left Shaxi Ancient town at around 3.40pm. Along the way we encountered a few toll counters. Our driver's rate of RMB 800 includes any necessary toll or parking charges already.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/--WYTah4M_9k/V2tWEdheOEI/AAAAAAAAHjs/xxuO3gSKQmAugOtXDlOGtRnZ5YZfIfpggCLcB/s1600/20160610_163239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--WYTah4M_9k/V2tWEdheOEI/AAAAAAAAHjs/xxuO3gSKQmAugOtXDlOGtRnZ5YZfIfpggCLcB/s640/20160610_163239.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>'Toll' uncle</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At around 5.15pm (about 1.5 hours into our journey), we see this checkpoint that states 丽江西 (Lijiang West). I guess we have finally reach Lijiang ~<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v76oDP0jF0s/V2tWZCGJl-I/AAAAAAAAHoU/i7qIT3AQdBkWzrV9tU3G6Md2kjbug4ZhACLcB/s1600/P1000830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v76oDP0jF0s/V2tWZCGJl-I/AAAAAAAAHoU/i7qIT3AQdBkWzrV9tU3G6Md2kjbug4ZhACLcB/s640/P1000830.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lijiang West Toll station</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That's 宋师傅 paying the toll fee hehe. Oh, in contrary to Singapore's practice, China drivers sit on the left side of the car.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4KqlMNj4XYA/V2tWZ2onbFI/AAAAAAAAHog/M-Cv9N_YK2op6-UkmFX5kxUS5ONLJaCZQCLcB/s1600/P1000831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4KqlMNj4XYA/V2tWZ2onbFI/AAAAAAAAHog/M-Cv9N_YK2op6-UkmFX5kxUS5ONLJaCZQCLcB/s640/P1000831.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>'Toll' sister</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Let's continue the journey after paying the taxes! As you can see from the windshield, it is still raining :( Gloomy weather to welcome us to Lijiang.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WkQnRSK0p_c/V2tWZ5ugqVI/AAAAAAAAHok/kvLMbnv-ZdYQk2bQKJWuavSDKS6aWRbLgCLcB/s1600/P1000833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WkQnRSK0p_c/V2tWZ5ugqVI/AAAAAAAAHok/kvLMbnv-ZdYQk2bQKJWuavSDKS6aWRbLgCLcB/s640/P1000833.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>En-route to Lijiang old town (丽江古城)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Finally, 宋师傅 drop us off at the road near our Lijiang accomodation for 2 nights. You might wonder why did he not drop us of at our hotel, that's because it is on a hill top that is not accessible by cars. It was sort of a mistake that we later realised, especially given that we were lugging 3 big luggage in total (not counting small hand carrys)</div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z5ICK1ohSpg/V3aRkRM7vdI/AAAAAAAAIAc/YJhdACv8vHgF8Xw37ufOn7APnw9OE3hYACLcB/s1600/P1010343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z5ICK1ohSpg/V3aRkRM7vdI/AAAAAAAAIAc/YJhdACv8vHgF8Xw37ufOn7APnw9OE3hYACLcB/s640/P1010343.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>the stretch of pavement ( Four seasons Inn ) </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It wasnt easy finding the way up, luckily the hotel's owner asked us to call him when we reach so that he can fetch us up. He is called 小高, quite a friendly guy and willing to share and talk to us alot.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So here's the way up, of course photos taken the following day evening(about the same timing):</div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y3gjGjeFMVY/V3aRkXVOp3I/AAAAAAAAIAU/c6YH2xY-A1AqJnDO6yNNX2_6RRqXiNKQACLcB/s1600/P1010347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y3gjGjeFMVY/V3aRkXVOp3I/AAAAAAAAIAU/c6YH2xY-A1AqJnDO6yNNX2_6RRqXiNKQACLcB/s640/P1010347.JPG" width="414" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>first flight of rocky stairs</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When 小高 came to fetch us up and told us that we have to climb up these stairs, we were a little shocked. Yes when we researched we knew that car wouldn't be able to reach our accomodation, but we didn't know we had to climb so many stairs. And they aren't easy to climb, not to say with luggages and umbrellas (yes raining ) even! Don't be deceived by the photos alright I must warn, the steps are wide (for eg. from where the lady in the photo stand she is almost twice my height already if I were to stand at level ground.)<br />
<br />
Okay moving on...<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NdhkS_1DXuM/V3aRkfN5hII/AAAAAAAAIAY/Uf7xSeByBuoWFARX4omyOMRliOKS2EVhwCLcB/s1600/P1010350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NdhkS_1DXuM/V3aRkfN5hII/AAAAAAAAIAY/Uf7xSeByBuoWFARX4omyOMRliOKS2EVhwCLcB/s640/P1010350.JPG" width="496" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>climb climb climb</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As you climb up and up, you will see a youth hostel at the right with some wall paintings.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h-Jzb6u_E1Y/V3aRlFu2LfI/AAAAAAAAIAg/nrRjbiB2WaE6QwHiXF9zRA-uQgd43Ra0QCLcB/s1600/P1010353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h-Jzb6u_E1Y/V3aRlFu2LfI/AAAAAAAAIAg/nrRjbiB2WaE6QwHiXF9zRA-uQgd43Ra0QCLcB/s640/P1010353.JPG" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>youth hostel at the right side</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b87T22XlIYw/V3aRlcr5pfI/AAAAAAAAIAk/kZPli34qpaIjxsEQJWRPhjCLbwp5yfURACLcB/s1600/P1010356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b87T22XlIYw/V3aRlcr5pfI/AAAAAAAAIAk/kZPli34qpaIjxsEQJWRPhjCLbwp5yfURACLcB/s640/P1010356.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>wall paintings at youth hostel</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Oh come on, lets continue the climb!</div>
<div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fdjK-4vgnec/V3aRleKWJTI/AAAAAAAAIAo/7LUK2gVhfrcbpN6cbMSs9oCktMaLG9eHQCLcB/s1600/P1010354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fdjK-4vgnec/V3aRleKWJTI/AAAAAAAAIAo/7LUK2gVhfrcbpN6cbMSs9oCktMaLG9eHQCLcB/s640/P1010354.JPG" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>climb again</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Continue to climb until you come to this intersection then turn left into the alley.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J88-aQ5eLzg/V3aRl1q_G4I/AAAAAAAAIAs/_g8m5PjsxSgiAJg5QNBoJK8kU2tQ4ROcgCLcB/s1600/P1010359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J88-aQ5eLzg/V3aRl1q_G4I/AAAAAAAAIAs/_g8m5PjsxSgiAJg5QNBoJK8kU2tQ4ROcgCLcB/s640/P1010359.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>turn left here (towards where the constructure infrastructure is at)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And congratulations, if it rains you will see a mud pool just like us :(<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5f6gyFu_1q0/V3aRmHq_zzI/AAAAAAAAIAw/DUqf0A3tSyEvgQVQXsyS0qnTUNIuQehugCLcB/s1600/P1010360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5f6gyFu_1q0/V3aRmHq_zzI/AAAAAAAAIAw/DUqf0A3tSyEvgQVQXsyS0qnTUNIuQehugCLcB/s640/P1010360.JPG" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>narrow alley with no way of escaping</i></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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lEpUpywKwCg/V3aRmFdHzdI/AAAAAAAAIA0/TKHKI7F9uS830Se1AFzbNBDrIvAcbcxvwCLcB/s1600/P1010361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lEpUpywKwCg/V3aRmFdHzdI/AAAAAAAAIA0/TKHKI7F9uS830Se1AFzbNBDrIvAcbcxvwCLcB/s640/P1010361.JPG" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>mud pool at its best</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Imagine walking through the mud, avoiding those pool of water yet the space is so restricted and you have a big big luggage with you that weigh a ton and you are juggling with your umbrella on the other hand. Yeah you get the pain.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J0KwXWMTOiM/V3aRmiZDMHI/AAAAAAAAIA4/6tyR7vMSxvIhwKel-aCGsvzrpl0OFrwAACLcB/s1600/P1010363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J0KwXWMTOiM/V3aRmiZDMHI/AAAAAAAAIA4/6tyR7vMSxvIhwKel-aCGsvzrpl0OFrwAACLcB/s640/P1010363.JPG" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>roadworks needed</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After you turn into the alley, past the mud pool (only happens if it rains!), and you will see Three Little bears hostel. If you notice, it has a sign that states '独家记忆'. Our hotel is called 丽江古城独家记忆雪景苑度假会所, for simplicity we remember as 独家记忆, until when we reach then we realised almost all the hostels/inns at the hill were called 独家记忆 lol. But luckily 小高showed the way, if not we would have gotten lost.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1-m0mzPezfE/V3aRmgardMI/AAAAAAAAIA8/1stsQGtEugc0i_l2JLmeams3hZAuD4lKQCLcB/s1600/P1010364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1-m0mzPezfE/V3aRmgardMI/AAAAAAAAIA8/1stsQGtEugc0i_l2JLmeams3hZAuD4lKQCLcB/s640/P1010364.JPG" width="564" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>3 bears inn</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just opposite the 3 bears inn is ours!<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LnH8zTB0V-w/V3aRm-BdbaI/AAAAAAAAIBA/QVoqtZ-1AmUHTXFtKAejz1SMXcgBs5XUQCLcB/s1600/P1010367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LnH8zTB0V-w/V3aRm-BdbaI/AAAAAAAAIBA/QVoqtZ-1AmUHTXFtKAejz1SMXcgBs5XUQCLcB/s640/P1010367.JPG" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>yup that sign states the place that we reside in!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
argh even steeper steps ...<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><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vsRSzysLhXA/V3Z-zXJoNKI/AAAAAAAAH_0/GmW8nyTlbfsD9ZtJQpEXhrFy3DThMmU8gCLcB/s1600/P1010366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vsRSzysLhXA/V3Z-zXJoNKI/AAAAAAAAH_0/GmW8nyTlbfsD9ZtJQpEXhrFy3DThMmU8gCLcB/s640/P1010366.JPG" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Lijiang accomodation (独家记忆雪景范 - 花神(雪景店))</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And finally ~ 四合院 (courtyard) style.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nSlV9c1XSI8/V3aRndtEVUI/AAAAAAAAIBE/_a2X_ozwS4MBsg_KlDpB3qQc_zJpsWkmgCLcB/s1600/P1010372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nSlV9c1XSI8/V3aRndtEVUI/AAAAAAAAIBE/_a2X_ozwS4MBsg_KlDpB3qQc_zJpsWkmgCLcB/s640/P1010372.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Level 1</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PYWyoR27Ztw/V3aRnZQXOTI/AAAAAAAAIBM/x1aFLtFoRuguCtplU22wcaWfKElB22xHgCLcB/s1600/P1010374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PYWyoR27Ztw/V3aRnZQXOTI/AAAAAAAAIBM/x1aFLtFoRuguCtplU22wcaWfKElB22xHgCLcB/s640/P1010374.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>recreational use for everyone</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
During our two nights there, we always hear people strumming the guitar at night. Very happening and warm friendly place :)<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/--VXBqrBHKJY/V3aRnjUR3zI/AAAAAAAAIBI/jHp5wJGk8NMTRB-wgFBqLWe2vOFp8r3SQCLcB/s1600/P1010375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--VXBqrBHKJY/V3aRnjUR3zI/AAAAAAAAIBI/jHp5wJGk8NMTRB-wgFBqLWe2vOFp8r3SQCLcB/s640/P1010375.JPG" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>final flight of stairs to our room at level 2</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Check in required all room visitors passport (similar for all the accommodation we stayed at) because we are foreigners :/ After we got our room card, 小高 being understanding gave us each a bowl of white fungus soup (warm) 银耳汤 to drink. Afterall its a cold rainy day and we had a 'strenous exercise'. One of the speciality of this accomodation is that they offer white fungus soup (warm) 银耳汤 daily for its guest to drink every night.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thereafter drinking the soup to warm our souls, we headed to our room. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Time check: 5.50pm.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vfXW_6rGnxQ/V2tWbc8Df4I/AAAAAAAAHpE/0YxSfTQeeD8dgMRDAqa9xo4gXJcoOfhnQCLcB/s1600/P1000848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vfXW_6rGnxQ/V2tWbc8Df4I/AAAAAAAAHpE/0YxSfTQeeD8dgMRDAqa9xo4gXJcoOfhnQCLcB/s640/P1000848.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Level 1 king sized bed</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M-LSgOFvXXI/V2tWbvyc3MI/AAAAAAAAHpA/eOx80xehVKUXcv-3WN4jtRi9USkGF51VwCLcB/s1600/P1000853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M-LSgOFvXXI/V2tWbvyc3MI/AAAAAAAAHpA/eOx80xehVKUXcv-3WN4jtRi9USkGF51VwCLcB/s640/P1000853.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>door, sofa, stairs to the attic</i></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2718DWDLtps/V2tWb3intiI/AAAAAAAAHpM/lcGyxvpOu4c8r5tWCZHIYkEiJP0ja-rnQCLcB/s1600/P1000855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2718DWDLtps/V2tWb3intiI/AAAAAAAAHpM/lcGyxvpOu4c8r5tWCZHIYkEiJP0ja-rnQCLcB/s640/P1000855.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>small sitting area at the side of the window to admire the view</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tadah ~</div>
<div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xJfo5RlrXIU/V2tWEhG4_DI/AAAAAAAAHjw/K2yuW5dXgZMxQzJ67yUrVXNuGtnXlNosgCLcB/s1600/20160610_190752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xJfo5RlrXIU/V2tWEhG4_DI/AAAAAAAAHjw/K2yuW5dXgZMxQzJ67yUrVXNuGtnXlNosgCLcB/s640/20160610_190752.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (covered in fog though) from our room</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ewlt9AnKOSw/V2tWZ18FkuI/AAAAAAAAHoo/WSo_LIQZMR0USQ9b4m9ygYV7F1vMjUvXwCLcB/s1600/P1000837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ewlt9AnKOSw/V2tWZ18FkuI/AAAAAAAAHoo/WSo_LIQZMR0USQ9b4m9ygYV7F1vMjUvXwCLcB/s640/P1000837.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>double bed at attic</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Though they stated that 4 can sleep in the room, however only one proper pillow was provided at the attic. We tried asking 小高 for an additional pillow, but there wasn't any at his storeroom. So we had to make do with one person sleeping on the white pillow, while the other on the cushion :( But thankfully the bed was comfortable both at level 1 and the attic bed.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s6wl6PnguSo/V2tWasRcTkI/AAAAAAAAHow/HTgRBAcsIRko4FoFBoYekwIuxbTffJE4ACLcB/s1600/P1000842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s6wl6PnguSo/V2tWasRcTkI/AAAAAAAAHow/HTgRBAcsIRko4FoFBoYekwIuxbTffJE4ACLcB/s640/P1000842.JPG" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>washroom (separation between the bathing and toilet area)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The hot water was powerful. Hot enough for the cold weather :)<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EMi2KEpb-8E/V2tWam89R8I/AAAAAAAAHo0/uySU7ggUEpo9zrSWJYMlFwYdDVwBjmeOQCLcB/s1600/P1000844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EMi2KEpb-8E/V2tWam89R8I/AAAAAAAAHo0/uySU7ggUEpo9zrSWJYMlFwYdDVwBjmeOQCLcB/s640/P1000844.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>door area</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not too sure why, but we couldn't on the TV. But oh well, we do not really need tv entertainment anyway. Wifi was strong but no facebook (#China censorship).<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TDDdZGQbXAA/V2tWalQn0FI/AAAAAAAAHo4/uYrEqh3RoPo6S_t43E1xNQfrouaobvsxgCLcB/s1600/P1000846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TDDdZGQbXAA/V2tWalQn0FI/AAAAAAAAHo4/uYrEqh3RoPo6S_t43E1xNQfrouaobvsxgCLcB/s640/P1000846.JPG" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>sink outside the bathroom</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PlNVdFTnwIA/V2tWbB1cSoI/AAAAAAAAHo8/l7QC2JA98V8Lppep7NpnCAKpVqUDTtvDwCLcB/s1600/P1000847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PlNVdFTnwIA/V2tWbB1cSoI/AAAAAAAAHo8/l7QC2JA98V8Lppep7NpnCAKpVqUDTtvDwCLcB/s640/P1000847.JPG" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>sofa area</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We booked this accomodation from Qunar. We really searched high and low and finally this is the only place that let 4 adults stay in one room (doings of its one child policy). Furthermore rate is pretty reasonable at RMB 304.06 (SGD $63.35) per night for 4 of us. You might wonder why did we choose such an inconvenient location. The answer is simple - since we are not visiting Jade Dragon snow mountain (玉龙雪山), we wanted a room where we can see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. If we were to stay in Lijiang old town they are at lower ground levels, hence only at a higher level can you then see the mountain. In the end, we sort of regret choosing this accomodation, BUT not because of its hospitality or comfort, but because of its location. If we were not carrying that many luggages, we might still stay here. And.. it rained during our time here, so end up Jade dragon snow mountain was always covered in fog. Even if we do see the mountain, after seeing so many other mountains from far in Dali/Lijiang, all mountains seem to look the same.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
That night we had noodles for dinner. 小高 recommended to us a noodle (面线) store that is near our accomodation. As it was raining, some of us went out to takeaway instead.<br />
<br />
However we went the wrong way (went further instead) to another noodle store at the main street. While waiting we called 小高 to confirm and we managed to find our way to the store that he recommended.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0C6ric65iSo/V2tWE8B6ZpI/AAAAAAAAHj0/6dNMaQb8uUcZfp_p7gULulVMv9c39ybmACLcB/s1600/20160610_192728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="394" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0C6ric65iSo/V2tWE8B6ZpI/AAAAAAAAHj0/6dNMaQb8uUcZfp_p7gULulVMv9c39ybmACLcB/s640/20160610_192728.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>chicken vermicilli (土鸡面线) - left: not spicy, right: spicy. Both at RMB 10 (SGD $2.08 each)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The spicy one was really spicy (a little over for us.) We prefer the non spicy one. Sadly, there wasn't much chicken, most of it was bones actually :(</div>
<div>
<br />
Below is the one that 小高 recommended.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w9DeVfibYTA/V2tWFczPzFI/AAAAAAAAHj4/HgTGsycaAfYlkrndMoYJBep5Egx9ZiWVQCLcB/s1600/20160610_192734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="530" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w9DeVfibYTA/V2tWFczPzFI/AAAAAAAAHj4/HgTGsycaAfYlkrndMoYJBep5Egx9ZiWVQCLcB/s640/20160610_192734.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Chicken Vermicili (土鸡面线) not spicy @ RMB 12 (SGD $2.50)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not too sure if they were closing shop at the time we went to buy (7.30pm), but this shop had even lesser chicken than the one we bought before. All in all, wouldn't say these are the best 面线 that we have eaten but glad we managed to try their local speciality.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We also bought a bottle of 1.5L water @ RMB 3.5 (SGD $0.73) on the way back.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: red;">Side-note:</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IhgJgWVuhyc/V2tWQvzW9AI/AAAAAAAAHmI/ok1vdKQxi9QytGS_fa9Q5XLBUzx7R_ApgCLcB/s1600/P1000710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IhgJgWVuhyc/V2tWQvzW9AI/AAAAAAAAHmI/ok1vdKQxi9QytGS_fa9Q5XLBUzx7R_ApgCLcB/s640/P1000710.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Driving lesson car at Dali</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not too sure if this applies to whole of China or yunnan only but in contrary to Singapore's driving lesson, Singapore adopt the 1:1 approach. Whereby 1 instructor to 1 trainee in a car. However in Yunnan, they can have 4 trainees to 1 instructor in the car and they take turn to learn from each other. Not too sure if this is an ideal method or limitations, but that's just their way of doing things. Interesting indeed.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951287982667008118.post-50308485343957282632016-06-09T00:00:00.000+08:002016-07-06T19:12:54.328+08:00YUNNAN & BANGKOK Day 2<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22.3906px;"><b>Day 2: Dali (Sanfu Inn, 三福客栈) -> Mount JiZu (鸡足山) -> Dali (Erhai)</b></span><br />
<br />
Rise and shine! Didn't really have a good sleep as the pillows and bed were a little too thin for comfort. However other than that we still like our stay there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WAeuE3Jk5BI/V3MvzNuhXmI/AAAAAAAAH7w/EUFP8S-oZ3IZTMa-2JMxeGmz8Ok_jlpQgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WAeuE3Jk5BI/V3MvzNuhXmI/AAAAAAAAH7w/EUFP8S-oZ3IZTMa-2JMxeGmz8Ok_jlpQgCLcB/s640/IMG_3997.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Good Morning! 6.30am @ Dali Erhai (View from Sanfu Inn)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As you can see it is pretty quiet around the place we stay in the morning. It is cold of below 20 degrees in the morning. The stretch of road along erhai and the peacefulness in the morning makes it ideal for running or just a morning stroll however be sure to cover up to prevent catching a flu bug!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wtcEKmi6JqU/V2iqxsLb6RI/AAAAAAAAHaM/gSlaVCXpiZclMo631dEbRL9qUxZ6vtj8QCLcB/s1600/P1000166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wtcEKmi6JqU/V2iqxsLb6RI/AAAAAAAAHaM/gSlaVCXpiZclMo631dEbRL9qUxZ6vtj8QCLcB/s640/P1000166.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Balcony with comfy modern seats to admire the sea view ~</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RB_LpzphIUs/V3MvzI_OCEI/AAAAAAAAH7s/bDCpCKX4Je0o6TliUBiRuEOZ6wW25_RPACLcB/s1600/IMG_3996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="508" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RB_LpzphIUs/V3MvzI_OCEI/AAAAAAAAH7s/bDCpCKX4Je0o6TliUBiRuEOZ6wW25_RPACLcB/s640/IMG_3996.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>view from our balcony ( Room 3001)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It can be a little awkward if you just woke up and went to the balcony and met your neighbours there. Thankfully we didnt meet any or when we met we were dress properly haha. As you can see from the photo above, if you have neighbours with unlawful intentions they might creep over. So be sure to lock the balcony sliding door before you sleep and when you leave the room!<br />
<br />
Sharp eyed readers might notice the presence of human at the top floor (from the photo above), that is also a place where the inn hang their wet laundry. The view from the top is good as it is high and unobstructed. Be sure to head up there if you stay at Sanfu Inn! Stay tune while we head over there in a while.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n8ttsGoA_Uw/V2iqxLkK96I/AAAAAAAAHaE/eNvizMNwdXUdMsK-5BYHQvRKXdPliV-ewCLcB/s1600/P1000161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n8ttsGoA_Uw/V2iqxLkK96I/AAAAAAAAHaE/eNvizMNwdXUdMsK-5BYHQvRKXdPliV-ewCLcB/s640/P1000161.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View of the school from Room 301 side window @ 7.30am</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Room 301 is right at the corner of the Inn, and just beside it is a public toilet for visitors who come to 小普陀 - a tourist attraction (the small island near our inn). While beside it is their school. Coincidentally it was their Public holiday (Dragon Boat Festival 端午节) long weekend holiday from 9-11th June, so there was no school. However we still hear hourly chimes coming out from the school.<br />
<div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KisE0LoINKU/V2iqxq8M2LI/AAAAAAAAHaI/x6sSGP45BcQSxftW79Aqk35aJfke17t-QCLcB/s1600/P1000162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KisE0LoINKU/V2iqxq8M2LI/AAAAAAAAHaI/x6sSGP45BcQSxftW79Aqk35aJfke17t-QCLcB/s640/P1000162.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View of Little Putuo<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">小</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">普陀 from our room</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We head up to the top floor at around 7.45am.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjJA9KEt_HQ/V3MvzLPFrHI/AAAAAAAAH7o/8NVALnycTxQ_ofxEnGuj6dzNSfo9fh0jwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjJA9KEt_HQ/V3MvzLPFrHI/AAAAAAAAH7o/8NVALnycTxQ_ofxEnGuj6dzNSfo9fh0jwCLcB/s640/IMG_4003.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Top floor</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GXDkYk_gCX0/V2iqx_BTPYI/AAAAAAAAHaQ/28kT5D3jXGQg1bimPsIlb5nfoofViYgoACLcB/s1600/P1000169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GXDkYk_gCX0/V2iqx_BTPYI/AAAAAAAAHaQ/28kT5D3jXGQg1bimPsIlb5nfoofViYgoACLcB/s640/P1000169.JPG" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View from Sanfu Inn (top floor)</i></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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YcCOtEp-1Z8/V2iqySq9lKI/AAAAAAAAHaU/M_T_jxWq8QkBKbhH1s6169IEurZO2bVPwCLcB/s1600/P1000170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YcCOtEp-1Z8/V2iqySq9lKI/AAAAAAAAHaU/M_T_jxWq8QkBKbhH1s6169IEurZO2bVPwCLcB/s640/P1000170.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>accomodations to the right of Sanfu Inn</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In general, Wa Se zhen (挖色镇) is still under heavy development and if you were to ride along the road, you will notice that most if not all of the buildings are hotels/inns with seaview. It has become quite commercialise. No local residential development were seen.We believe that Shuang Lang (双廊) might be worse and especially given the development of tourism in Yunnan in the next 5 years, it might just get more and more commercialised :(<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1IvY6CUfqIk/V2iqyaLIAGI/AAAAAAAAHac/3E9jGbNlvV4KaYbVbLg2V6hRRILtvQPhgCLcB/s1600/P1000172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1IvY6CUfqIk/V2iqyaLIAGI/AAAAAAAAHac/3E9jGbNlvV4KaYbVbLg2V6hRRILtvQPhgCLcB/s640/P1000172.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>洱海Erhai at 7.45am</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The day before we were told that breakfast will be served from 8.30am as the helper (cook) does not reach so early. However as we had an arrangement with our driver to pick us up at 9am, we were afraid that we might not make it in time. When we went down to the lobby at around 8, surprisingly the receptionist whom we didnt get the name, was really friendly an helpful to tell us that she can serve our breakfast early! Really thankful for her service.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KmppFGswHXs/V3SKXPJUEyI/AAAAAAAAH-Y/dIu4v_HT-ZYbuYJUadxZcOKpiv_ADcdaQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KmppFGswHXs/V3SKXPJUEyI/AAAAAAAAH-Y/dIu4v_HT-ZYbuYJUadxZcOKpiv_ADcdaQCLcB/s640/IMG_3995.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>outdoor breakfast area</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Air was cooling so it is comfortable just sitting outside too. For the first day (Day 2) we sat inside (a little cramp) while for our second breakfast (Day 3) we sat outside.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L0PwKcsjGjc/V2iqy4gIZoI/AAAAAAAAHas/eY788Nf3kJQCeF6BBmogxMc-zo8iNbIlACLcB/s1600/P1000177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L0PwKcsjGjc/V2iqy4gIZoI/AAAAAAAAHas/eY788Nf3kJQCeF6BBmogxMc-zo8iNbIlACLcB/s640/P1000177.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our rooms ( on 2nd and 3rd floor respectively)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As the auntie and her helper still need time to prepare our food, we took a short stroll outside Sanfu Inn.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-atDk_hONScw/V2iqzDG5yVI/AAAAAAAAHaw/hZkk_Q3X2vQ3fT1v8vBPRLRbqTEXoV9GwCLcB/s1600/P1000180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-atDk_hONScw/V2iqzDG5yVI/AAAAAAAAHaw/hZkk_Q3X2vQ3fT1v8vBPRLRbqTEXoV9GwCLcB/s640/P1000180.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Little Putuo 小普陀</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At close to 8am, road stores were seen setting up. One observation that caught our eye was if in accordance to Singaporeans cleanliness standard, their hygiene standard might still have rooms for improvement. We saw some vendors fetching water from the sea and using it directly for their cooking. It is pretty primative (原始), nothing wrong but you know.. haha</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OsWouUk_s7c/V2iqzuhIWUI/AAAAAAAAHa8/HLOoIpkv-NwL2Ge9Ob3bw771jxFUPtBMgCLcB/s1600/P1000183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OsWouUk_s7c/V2iqzuhIWUI/AAAAAAAAHa8/HLOoIpkv-NwL2Ge9Ob3bw771jxFUPtBMgCLcB/s640/P1000183.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>street stores along the road</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Apart from the setting up of the street stores, some elderly folks were seen exercising around the 'ocean road'(环海路) which is also the road in front of Sanfu Inn.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7AjgViyKyVs/V2iqzq97RsI/AAAAAAAAHbA/28LZND7oLygWNr6EvY7MWnQPqcQFZ73fQCLcB/s1600/P1000185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7AjgViyKyVs/V2iqzq97RsI/AAAAAAAAHbA/28LZND7oLygWNr6EvY7MWnQPqcQFZ73fQCLcB/s640/P1000185.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A man practising tai chi </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We enquired for vegetarian breakfast with the receptionist on the day of our arrival as it is my family's practice to be vegetarian when visiting places of worship specifically temples. The receptionist feels abit uneasy about our preference as she was at a loss of what other food she can serve us. However one thing worth commending is the willingness to go the extra mile to get plain mantou (bread) for us and corn to substitute for the original meat items. Refer to Day 3 post for the original (meat) breakfast.<br />
<div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SGbOEEetVTA/V2iq0Fs0K9I/AAAAAAAAHbE/7MynXPPqMKUzSawZejTdv2yi7M9uT79GgCLcB/s1600/P1000188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="396" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SGbOEEetVTA/V2iq0Fs0K9I/AAAAAAAAHbE/7MynXPPqMKUzSawZejTdv2yi7M9uT79GgCLcB/s640/P1000188.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Vegetarian breakfast</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Breakfast was ready by 8am and we were surprised at the variety and quantity provided. Each person gets (Left, from clockwise): 1 plain mantou, 1 corn, preserved vegetables, cut apples and congee. A simple yet sumptuous vegetarian breakfast. Initially we weren't used to the taste of the preserved vegetables. However after having it with the congee and mantou, we realised they complement so well and we finish it all. AND the sweet corn was the best we have ever eaten. So naturally sweet yet succulent. Maybe we are on highlands thats why the corns here are nicer too? Corns from Cameron Higlands, Malaysia taste good too haha.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We love the breakfast provided and appreciate the effort put in by the in-charge.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We have hired a driver for the day to Mount Jizu due to start 9am however he was here at around 8.45am. Very punctual, thumbs up!</div>
<div>
<br />
The night before there was actually some hiccups. The drivers for our Day 1 (Kunming - Dali) and Day 2 (Mount Jizu) were obtained via liason through one driver (唐师傅). As they work in a team and 唐师傅 is the main coordinator and he will dispatch driving jobs to the rest of the members in their team (20-40 people). When we called the night before to confirm our driver for Day 2, we were told that he mixed up the dates and thought that we need a driver on 10th June instead of 9th June. We were so anxious because it's the long weekend public holiday, where do we find a backup driver on the spot. Luckily, they have a spare/backup driver and car for us. However earlier on we ask for a 6 seater passenger van and they only have a jeep (越野车) left. As we do not have any luggage to carry on car for the day, we agree to it though still feeling a bit skeptical about the whole thing. However there's nothing else we can do but to trust him.<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><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f8iDiyGsIAM/V2iqvIEEJnI/AAAAAAAAHZI/RD0Pwf2SYXAUChqZhkCNj2chPDPPPxitQCLcB/s1600/20160609_084654%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f8iDiyGsIAM/V2iqvIEEJnI/AAAAAAAAHZI/RD0Pwf2SYXAUChqZhkCNj2chPDPPPxitQCLcB/s640/20160609_084654%25280%2529.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Our driver (小叶)'s car</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
You might wonder that since we only have 4 persons why do we insist on a bigger car, it is because generally the places of attractions in Yunnan are far from each other and the time spend on the car will be longer than typical time spent in car in a small country like Singapore. Hence for the comfort (to lower the possibilities of any uneasiness/drowsiness) we don't mind paying a bit more for a bigger car.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Overall, seeing the car (seems big enough to fit us comfortably) and given that he is punctual (we were afraid he will suddenly not turn up and we will be at a loss of how to get to Mount Jizu, and in worse case scenario, our plan will be disrupted and mood ruin), we feel so much as ease.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our driver <span style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">小叶</span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> is a very chatty driver (in a good way)! He shared with us alot of things along the way which included the culture of the minorities in Yunnan.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LWK_c2wAyjk/V3M_tHuN5UI/AAAAAAAAH9A/1YBpTiB-OywBi-MryZY_gIpOWxuodrNlgCLcB/s1600/Capture2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LWK_c2wAyjk/V3M_tHuN5UI/AAAAAAAAH9A/1YBpTiB-OywBi-MryZY_gIpOWxuodrNlgCLcB/s400/Capture2.JPG" width="338" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Courtesy of Baidu Map. Route from Sanfu Inn to Mount Jizu</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The whole journey took around 45 mins from our inn to Mount Jizu base. If you notice from the map above, Dali Ancient Town (大理古城) is at the opposite side of Erhai. From the place to Mount Jizu, the driver will have to go around the contours of the southern end of the Erhai Lake (下关) and up towards Dali Airport and head up to Mount Ji Zu. This will take about an additional hour. We wanted to make it more convenient for us to head to Mount Jizu that's why we decided to stay at the side of the lake that's nearer to Mount Ji Zu, and the more economical decision would be 挖色镇. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">However if given a chance again, we might stay at the opposite side of the lake (near Dali Ancient Town). This is because</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. It is really quite quiet at Wa Se Town (San Fu Inn) area at night. Unless you are looking for a relaxing/peaceful stay there do so, if not there's really nothing to shop or walk around at night.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. The next morning we are heading all the way to Dali Ancient Town before going Lijiang. The directions to head to Lijiang is at the northern part of the lake. So by heading downwards to Dali Ancient Town thereafter heading to the northern part to go Lijiang, it isn't really on the way. No doubt we get to almost go around the lake in the car however after awhile you will realise the lake looks about the same from anywhere. (blue skies and water backdrop)</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Staying at 下关 (Southern end of the lake) may seem to be in the middle for going to Mount Jizu or Dali Ancient Town however when we passed by on Day 3, we see that it is more developed than the rest of the areas around Erhai. It was dominated by big hotel chains / condominiums / shopping malls. We came to Erhai hoping to see nature scenary more than buildings.. so well. </span></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Out of all the China accomodations we have researched, Dali Erhai is one of the more headache decision to make. Shuang Lang is the priciest among other areas however the sea/sunrise views are good. We couldn't catch sunrise at Sanfu Inn (Wa Se Zhen). There is also a town near Shuang Lang called 喜洲镇. If you are willing to splurge, Shuang Lang might be good. Furthermore, the more popular island (南诏风情岛) is near there. If you want somewhere economical and peaceful, Wa Se Zhen (where Sanfu Inn) might be more suitable. We found some accomodation (Condominium style) at southern end (下关) that is really affordable, spacious on <a href="http://www.tujia.com/dali_gongyu/xiaguanzhen_42523.htm#index=5&prevId=bad0d848-1026-474c-9ece-f19663233508">Tujia</a>, which is like Airbnb. However generally they are not as near to the lake, hence your view from the house balcony may be a little far. However it is really a good choice if you looking for economic options and doesn't mind not being the closest to the lake. For example, the apartment that we <a href="http://www.tujia.com/dali_gongyu/xiaguanzhen_42523.htm#index=5&prevId=bad0d848-1026-474c-9ece-f19663233508">found </a>at Xiaguan, cost only RMB 498 per night for 4 person and it is a 2 level storey house with kitchen, living room, bedrooms, balcony. It is definitely more attractive than what we stayed at where we paid RMB 860 per night in total.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
All in all, there's no best accomodation but rather finding the place that's most suitable for you and your travelling partners. Another thing about accomodation in China is that they are typically influenced by the '1 child' policy in China, hence rooms generally occupy up to maximum of 3 person. It was almost impossible to find a room that can house 4 person except in Lijiang where we finally found 1, which we booked as our accomodation.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Alright, enough said and let's continue with the journey to Mount Jizu ~</div>
<div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AY4PrgCSbQE/V2iqvFwNGFI/AAAAAAAAHZQ/EaOexDyVva8n65qc9nc-skBKj5xTO4fKACLcB/s1600/20160609_085629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AY4PrgCSbQE/V2iqvFwNGFI/AAAAAAAAHZQ/EaOexDyVva8n65qc9nc-skBKj5xTO4fKACLcB/s640/20160609_085629.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fields along the way</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mount Jizu (鸡足山) is China AAAA National Scenic Area. If you are interested you can look at Wikipedia's compiled list of <a href="https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%9B%BD%E5%AE%B64A%E7%BA%A7%E6%97%85%E6%B8%B8%E6%99%AF%E5%8C%BA#.E4.BA.91.E5.8D.97">China 4As National Scenic Area</a> and <a href="https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%9B%BD%E5%AE%B65A%E7%BA%A7%E6%97%85%E6%B8%B8%E6%99%AF%E5%8C%BA">China 5As scenic areas</a>. It is a ranking done which range frm A to 5As, with 5As being the best and relatively more expensive too hehe.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 28px;">"鸡足山是国家AAAA级风景名胜区,是享誉南亚、东南亚的佛教圣地,中国十大著名佛教名山之一,是迦叶菩萨的道场,是国家级风景名胜区大理景区的重要景点、是以展示佛教文化和生态景观为主的集佛事朝拜、佛学研究、观光旅游、科普科考为一体的多功能旅游景区。</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 28px;">鸡足山雄踞于云贵高原滇西北</span>宾川县<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 28px;">境内西北隅,西与大理、</span>洱源<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 28px;">毗邻,北与</span>鹤庆<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 28px;">相连,因其山势顶耸西北,尾迤东南,前列三支,后伸一岭,形似鸡足而得名。东南亚著名佛教圣地,中国汉传藏传佛教交汇地和世界佛教禅宗发源地,素有“鸡足奇秀甲天下”、“灵山佛都、旅游胜地”、“天开佛国”、“华夏第一佛山”等美誉,以“四观八景”的奇风异彩名冠于世,被国务院列为全国四十四个风景名胜区之一。"</span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 28px;">- <a href="http://baike.baidu.com/view/37397.htm">Baidu Encyclopedia</a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Basically Mount Jizu is not only known for its scenary and being one of the top places to catch sunrise at the peak (金顶) area, but it has greater religious meaning. To buddhism, it is one of the top 5 sacred mountains in China. In particular, one of Buddha's great disciples, <span style="line-height: 24px; text-indent: 28px;">迦叶, came to Mount Jizu (</span><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">华守门)and seek nirvana. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">华守门 is actually a cave. Stay tune as we visit this sacred place later on.</span><br />
<br />
The peak of Mount Jizu stands at 3240m while the town that it rests on BinChuan (宾川县) is on average below 1500m.<br />
<br />
When we were nearing Mount Jizu base (at around 9.30am), we see more and more stalls along the roadside selling joss sticks.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RS_VtRlJTLQ/V2iq0bgcqYI/AAAAAAAAHbQ/EmJqlraOKtweLNUO7mowfYHezcE-FwluwCLcB/s1600/P1000195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RS_VtRlJTLQ/V2iq0bgcqYI/AAAAAAAAHbQ/EmJqlraOKtweLNUO7mowfYHezcE-FwluwCLcB/s640/P1000195.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Stalls along roadside</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Soon we reach Mount Jizu base and stop by our first stop - 洗心桥 which is notable by the white porcelain vase like artefact. Most tourists might not stop by here. But there's a story behind this.</div>
<div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C0PSUTG1hiI/V2iqvGSJ7hI/AAAAAAAAHZM/-yWyrvK_b88mmJ4lsjsiUu4zOQF6ogTmACLcB/s1600/20160609_093200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="520" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C0PSUTG1hiI/V2iqvGSJ7hI/AAAAAAAAHZM/-yWyrvK_b88mmJ4lsjsiUu4zOQF6ogTmACLcB/s640/20160609_093200.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>white vase artefact</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uzokfVagEDU/V2irC3pF_zI/AAAAAAAAHgQ/9r86-KYjebIG6hVcnwRpOcE0nySfx-YiwCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2Bone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="468" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uzokfVagEDU/V2irC3pF_zI/AAAAAAAAHgQ/9r86-KYjebIG6hVcnwRpOcE0nySfx-YiwCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2Bone.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>洗心桥and its surrounding</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
By walking through this bridge, it serves to purify your soul such that you will gain the virtues advocated by the buddha.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We took some photos but we only climbed half of the bridge sadly :( </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On a side note, once we step out of the car to take photos, another van pulled over and ask us to join his van instead and he can give us discounted admission ticket. Of course we said no as we have already booked our driver (our driver was still in the car waiting for us haha) and this might be just another scam. According to our driver, he might entice you with discounted tickets but later on... you never know what happen later on ( he might drive you to another place or there might not be any discounted tickets afterall). So be careful! If things sound too good to be true, it might not be true.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We hop back to the car in 5 mins time. Along the way we passed by some temples. Basically there are a lot of temples at Mount Jizu, but the most famous one is the temple at the peak Golden Roof Temple (金顶寺).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6GplhrBLdzQ/V2iq0QDmM7I/AAAAAAAAHbM/VvAWrzodxQMCO4bhwZsutsWe9Oq_tutEgCLcB/s1600/P1000203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6GplhrBLdzQ/V2iq0QDmM7I/AAAAAAAAHbM/VvAWrzodxQMCO4bhwZsutsWe9Oq_tutEgCLcB/s640/P1000203.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>"梵钟声彻三千界、鸡足名标第一山”</i></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A7YZysoefPM/V2irDnRyEpI/AAAAAAAAHgc/PaJbUwJjoYsBEKxvt_rsDSBjSO-vo9uSwCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2Btwo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="432" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A7YZysoefPM/V2irDnRyEpI/AAAAAAAAHgc/PaJbUwJjoYsBEKxvt_rsDSBjSO-vo9uSwCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2Btwo.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>other smaller scale temples that we passed by</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Around 5 mins ride (9.40am), we reach the ticket stop where we have to purchase admission tickets before the car and people can carry on.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a-4ITpEFFLA/V2iq02OZ9KI/AAAAAAAAHbU/mGl5YYUn2OkOHvo09YpFBdCi_hwbZ2-3ACLcB/s1600/P1000204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a-4ITpEFFLA/V2iq02OZ9KI/AAAAAAAAHbU/mGl5YYUn2OkOHvo09YpFBdCi_hwbZ2-3ACLcB/s640/P1000204.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>tickets booth</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Once our car stop by, a lady immediately approached our car asking us to purchase joss sticks/candles and admission ticket to Mount Jizu.</div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dzvUd-JeqNw/V2iqvnF9ujI/AAAAAAAAHZU/8sA_syi3VnMoi8vQGIWikRwIMS2guXa1wCLcB/s1600/20160609_094021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dzvUd-JeqNw/V2iqvnF9ujI/AAAAAAAAHZU/8sA_syi3VnMoi8vQGIWikRwIMS2guXa1wCLcB/s640/20160609_094021.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lady approached our car</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were a little skeptical - not too sure if it reliable but on the other hand we weren't sure if there's joss sticks available for purchase at the peak of the mountain. Given the pricing is reasonable we bought some. We also asked our driver if its reliable to buy tickets from her. He nodded and later on he told us because he saw that this lady is a local and she wouldn't dare sell us fake tickets afterall the checkpoint for tickets is just there, anything and we can turn back and interrogate her. The original admission ticket price is RMB 80 per pax but she offered us RMB 70 only.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s5fkD5YDNbU/V2iqwij2d4I/AAAAAAAAHZs/eqzOb_R17hIP8iTNsZ-4gZBhx7-DPgkhACLcB/s1600/20160619_135003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="350" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s5fkD5YDNbU/V2iqwij2d4I/AAAAAAAAHZs/eqzOb_R17hIP8iTNsZ-4gZBhx7-DPgkhACLcB/s640/20160619_135003.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mount Jizu admission ticket</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IwcLZACawaw/V2iqwmi2HuI/AAAAAAAAHZw/e3HEgHl6_rcK828mo78ESm2YyjU_B-5yACLcB/s1600/20160619_135113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="330" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IwcLZACawaw/V2iqwmi2HuI/AAAAAAAAHZw/e3HEgHl6_rcK828mo78ESm2YyjU_B-5yACLcB/s640/20160619_135113.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mount Jizu Admission ticket for 1</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The above are the tickets we got and they are actual tickets as we saw her going in to the ticketing booth and getting the tickets for us. We reckon that she bought online tickets at a discount then sell us at a margin. In a way its a win win situation for us, she bought at RMB 64(as seen from the ticket) and sell us RMB 70. She profit RMB 6 (SGD 1.25) per ticket while we save RMB 10 (SGD 2) per ticket.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GVzBDORTbKs/V3M1HvSXl-I/AAAAAAAAH8w/2YQDJ9dyvOo6BOPn7cqNr9JpD1tk88DBwCLcB/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="232" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GVzBDORTbKs/V3M1HvSXl-I/AAAAAAAAH8w/2YQDJ9dyvOo6BOPn7cqNr9JpD1tk88DBwCLcB/s640/Capture.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Screenshot from Ctrip. Mount Jizu (鸡足山)discounted tickets pricing</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Actually previously back in Singapore we wanted to buy online discounted tickets from Ctrip too however purchase from Ctrip are not actual tickets. We still need to head to Ctrip branch to exchange for real tickets and we are nowhere near any Ctrip branch. As seen from ctrip website, exchange can be done by:</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;">"凭供应商数字凭证码至(8位数字)</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;">大理机场服务门店、大理火车站服务门店、双廊古镇服务门店、大 理古城南门游客中心服务门店、大理古城南博爱门服务门店、大理古城苍山门服务门店、大理古城玉洱路东牌坊服务门店、大理古城一塔路服务门店、大理古城博爱 路北口服务门店、大理古城三月街服务门店、大理古城玉洱路服务门店、感通索道服务门店、天龙八部影视城(洗马潭大索道)服务门店、崇圣寺三塔文化旅游区服务门店</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;">。换票。"</span></blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Basically, for non-chinese speaking friends out there, exchange can be done at Dali Airport, railway station and in Dali Ancient Town. However as we did not go any of the places before visiting Mount Jizu, we were prepared to pay the original price of RMB 80 for admission ticket. The screenshot above shows the various combos offered by <a href="http://you.ctrip.com/sight/dali31/4357.html">Ctrip </a>and its pricing. As you can see a basic admission ticket is RMB 64 only.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
For people who visit China for the first time, may find it confusing like how we were. In China, at least for Yunnan, they do not offer combo packages but rather everything is ala-carte. When planning, you have to research intensively and make sure you budget for all possible costs. Why do I say this? For eg, some places such as Mount Jizu, Pudacuo (Shangri-la) and Songzanlinsi Monastery (Shangri-la) they do not allow private vehicles up. They have their own bus to transport you up in the name of environmental protection. For example, for Mount Jizu, a full package will include cable car tickets, coach and admission fee. Some other places such as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) in Lijiang might even include Protection fee of RMB 80 on top of all these admission fee and transport! If you want to save on coach, the only other way up will be by foot. But we <b>do not recommend</b> for all attractions unless you are an avid hiker and time is not an issue to you.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Another pointer to take note, if you hired a car like us, it would be recommended to pay them a little more and their admission ticket to get them to drive you in all the way to the furthest possible area (car park near the coach bus boarding area). For example for our hired driver, we paid him RMB 500 + admission ticket to drive all the way to the car park. However if you do not wish to pay for his admission fee, he can charge RMB 400 only and he will drop you off at the ticketing booth earlier on.</div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z8fIZ0lpXOk/V3N1rRGA-SI/AAAAAAAAH9U/5ITiDLREXXsDnaZWH4T7adgmPzV4s1xCQCLcB/s1600/walk3.5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="620" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z8fIZ0lpXOk/V3N1rRGA-SI/AAAAAAAAH9U/5ITiDLREXXsDnaZWH4T7adgmPzV4s1xCQCLcB/s640/walk3.5.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Screenshot from Baidu Maps. 3.5km walk from first drop off to second drop off point (about 45mins)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfymo2sqPko/V3N1rRulMkI/AAAAAAAAH9Q/Z_NNIeryH6Qpqayi227iHKSHVjZMp9KbACLcB/s1600/drive%2B10km.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfymo2sqPko/V3N1rRulMkI/AAAAAAAAH9Q/Z_NNIeryH6Qpqayi227iHKSHVjZMp9KbACLcB/s640/drive%2B10km.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: 12.8px;">Screenshot from Baidu Maps. 10km drive from first drop off to second drop off point</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Looking at the distances above, make a wise choice! :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
小叶 drove us to a temple near the carpark drop off - 祝圣禅寺. Time check: 10am.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
祝圣禅寺 was fully supported by a renowned monk, Master Hsu Yun (虚云老和尚) who painstakingly raised money for construction of this temple. It was constructed before 1900s.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W8d0CATATos/V2iq1G0xwnI/AAAAAAAAHbg/COKuTLBbaUgFjjegNPVtpKKTkLO5A6e-ACLcB/s1600/P1000237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W8d0CATATos/V2iq1G0xwnI/AAAAAAAAHbg/COKuTLBbaUgFjjegNPVtpKKTkLO5A6e-ACLcB/s640/P1000237.JPG" width="640" /></span></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">祝圣禅寺</span></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o0MID7wJzPw/V2iq1DQIKdI/AAAAAAAAHbc/pzSinu9vvkIFeq51MkVo_CZpC1NqIw_IgCLcB/s1600/P1000216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="366" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o0MID7wJzPw/V2iq1DQIKdI/AAAAAAAAHbc/pzSinu9vvkIFeq51MkVo_CZpC1NqIw_IgCLcB/s640/P1000216.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Temple's construction plan</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-17k_j1icMMM/V2irDopR2VI/AAAAAAAAHgY/0zP7wwJf0KkiuwgS28Y7T4jB0S-e5AyfACLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2Bthree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="344" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-17k_j1icMMM/V2irDopR2VI/AAAAAAAAHgY/0zP7wwJf0KkiuwgS28Y7T4jB0S-e5AyfACLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2Bthree.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inside of Temple</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It is considerably big. We offered our prayers and left in around 50 mins time. Weather was cooling and we did not feel hot at all. Before we left, we used its toilet and we had our first China public toilet experience. It was a 'memorable' one.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KXMWMvHGhgs/V2iqv7mQOeI/AAAAAAAAHZc/CbGZMwzo5aggkeVF1HAAGsDrjwdhr93EwCLcB/s1600/20160609_104721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KXMWMvHGhgs/V2iqv7mQOeI/AAAAAAAAHZc/CbGZMwzo5aggkeVF1HAAGsDrjwdhr93EwCLcB/s640/20160609_104721.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>toilet @ 祝圣寺</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That is the ladies toilet in picture. Basically it is just a drain that flows through the 'cubicles'. the only separation between you and other fellow people is the short wall. And of course, no doors. Basically when you head into one space and stand up you can see everyone in front of you and any business they do. And of course, with this kind of facilities in place, please dont expect a flushing system. We couldn't find any water either, so if someone before you had a big business, then opps. It will remain there until they clean the toilets.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, maybe following the development of various areas in Yunnan, so far we only met 3-4 cases where there's no doors or if there is, the walls are really low which offer no physical protection either. The toilets are of course smelly too. No doubt the toilet hygiene condition is bad, but if you are really urgent, you have to go too. I guess, 路向随俗吧! (When you are in a foreign country, best to adapt to the country's way of doing things)<br />
<br />
In just a short 8 mins drive, he drove us to the car park where he will park his car there and wait for us while we continue our trip up to the peak. We discussed and decided to meet him at the car park at around 4pm. Time at that time was 11am. Initially we wanted to take the cable car up and walk down the steps (you will see later on). However due to fear of limited time which we discovered later on, we took cable car both up and down.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k-y4xv-wOUw/V2iq1p2hY-I/AAAAAAAAHbk/y24BEGtCRsAOOYBenASMojjaccoqcqnQwCLcB/s1600/P1000243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k-y4xv-wOUw/V2iq1p2hY-I/AAAAAAAAHbk/y24BEGtCRsAOOYBenASMojjaccoqcqnQwCLcB/s640/P1000243.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Direction to Mount Jizu coach boarding point</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It can be quite difficult to find this road that guides you to the coach boarding point. We suggest when you reach the car park, ask the locals which way to head to the coach. We had to ask a few and then found this visible direction. Guess directions can be placed more prominently.<br />
<br />
<b>Just a small warning, it is a 10-15mins walk/climb to the coach boarding point.</b><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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SJLkLqmcFAE/V2iq2MAjuZI/AAAAAAAAHbs/8Ulq9Po7bjgrZhGabU-TTXcJTYpE7afXQCLcB/s1600/P1000245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SJLkLqmcFAE/V2iq2MAjuZI/AAAAAAAAHbs/8Ulq9Po7bjgrZhGabU-TTXcJTYpE7afXQCLcB/s640/P1000245.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>route along to coach boarding</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
stay alert on the directions along the way so that you dont head to the wrong way. As another one is for walking up to the peak. They go different directions.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E6nhe3ygT2I/V2iq2I9MzyI/AAAAAAAAHbo/93JWmAVwycApWk8dnJ6Pbj26VBCG8VAgQCLcB/s1600/P1000246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E6nhe3ygT2I/V2iq2I9MzyI/AAAAAAAAHbo/93JWmAVwycApWk8dnJ6Pbj26VBCG8VAgQCLcB/s640/P1000246.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>horse riding station</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If the climb to the coach boarding point is tiring, you can pay a fee to ride on a horse.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CUjwiKFU0VA/V2iq2Qxt3NI/AAAAAAAAHbw/X0V69YTf3fEzLUOXk2IfMaexLPg3lSnggCLcB/s1600/P1000255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="436" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CUjwiKFU0VA/V2iq2Qxt3NI/AAAAAAAAHbw/X0V69YTf3fEzLUOXk2IfMaexLPg3lSnggCLcB/s640/P1000255.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>horse as a means of transport</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Of course horse walks a different path from humans so... be sure where you are walking and keep a look out for 'black mines' released by the horses ~<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gF-o3amW86M/V2irCNVkUII/AAAAAAAAHgA/qxI_YbBEJE0li6TA0FIRFSfqtEoJ_grTwCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2Bfive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="468" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gF-o3amW86M/V2irCNVkUII/AAAAAAAAHgA/qxI_YbBEJE0li6TA0FIRFSfqtEoJ_grTwCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2Bfive.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>signages & the many steps up ~</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is just a snippet. More steps coming up at this stage and thereafter. In our 11 days of journey, we feel that we climbed the most steps at Mount Jizu.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7QR_S6bQR6o/V2iq27BMJII/AAAAAAAAHcA/ALMSDoYNQAE4Prjddngkt4n6kWRXgqViQCLcB/s1600/P1000257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7QR_S6bQR6o/V2iq27BMJII/AAAAAAAAHcA/ALMSDoYNQAE4Prjddngkt4n6kWRXgqViQCLcB/s640/P1000257.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>What are they looking at?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are 1 or 2 stores selling food along the way and guess what are they looking at? Someone spotted monkeys!<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ROXWUjskdK0/V2irCmOBEdI/AAAAAAAAHgI/a6Yu_nZckU4gNMKkSARL14KB_OVCZbVqwCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2Bfour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="494" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ROXWUjskdK0/V2irCmOBEdI/AAAAAAAAHgI/a6Yu_nZckU4gNMKkSARL14KB_OVCZbVqwCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2Bfour.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Monkeys in action!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were really really many many monkeys. Almost uncountable and all female monkeys seem to have a baby monkey latched onto them (as seen in third photo clockwise from top). Look out for the monkeys but try not to feed them? If not there's possibilities that they might be spoilt one day and attack humans. We encountered one store that is selling some nuts/bean at RMB 5 (SGD 1) per packet.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Eventually, we reached the ticketing booth for the coach. </div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-heva8rLRQQI/V2iq3LiBkdI/AAAAAAAAHcE/NSI1unb5SCs1nJNibQk0uXqS1CxxsiyXACLcB/s1600/P1000271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-heva8rLRQQI/V2iq3LiBkdI/AAAAAAAAHcE/NSI1unb5SCs1nJNibQk0uXqS1CxxsiyXACLcB/s640/P1000271.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Coach ticketing booth</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRDrcdAz-pc/V2iqxES5fpI/AAAAAAAAHaA/GJ8lPni0vIoUZxAHdKoXzUaYfQGCwC3FwCLcB/s1600/20160619_135821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRDrcdAz-pc/V2iqxES5fpI/AAAAAAAAHaA/GJ8lPni0vIoUZxAHdKoXzUaYfQGCwC3FwCLcB/s640/20160619_135821.jpg" width="560" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>2 way coach tickets</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We purchased 2 way coach tickets at RMB 20 (SGD 4.2) per pax. They only retail coach tickets there. You have too buy the cable car tickets later on at the cable car counter.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wH097Pm59e8/V2iq3n8T1ZI/AAAAAAAAHcQ/F9g-pVpXXS8C3Xb0i3rYqIqrKxJBZp0MgCLcB/s1600/P1000272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wH097Pm59e8/V2iq3n8T1ZI/AAAAAAAAHcQ/F9g-pVpXXS8C3Xb0i3rYqIqrKxJBZp0MgCLcB/s640/P1000272.JPG" width="524" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Friendly reminder</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There was a board to remind tourists to pay attention to their health as the air gets thinner as the elevation increased to 3248m.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vz01rtwRvIs/V2iq3pChMfI/AAAAAAAAHcU/YunaxijRjKgUQiV1gbU2kJLz2zGdzja5ACLcB/s1600/P1000273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vz01rtwRvIs/V2iq3pChMfI/AAAAAAAAHcU/YunaxijRjKgUQiV1gbU2kJLz2zGdzja5ACLcB/s640/P1000273.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>coach boarding point</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JzRf-XAKkZ0/V2iq296nzmI/AAAAAAAAHb8/WYftBG23C1sc9hvvo4yb5MRmZw1I-76yACLcB/s1600/P1000270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JzRf-XAKkZ0/V2iq296nzmI/AAAAAAAAHb8/WYftBG23C1sc9hvvo4yb5MRmZw1I-76yACLcB/s640/P1000270.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>coach (mini van) to cable car boarding area</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The coach will only depart after it met its maximum capacity. However dont worry, as there's quite a lot of visitors to Mount Jizu and it gets filled up very fast. We did not have to queue and we can board immediately.<br />
<br />
Off we go at around 11.35am.<br />
<br />
It was about a 10 mins ride to the cable car station.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-02DsmNbwPVQ/V2iq32A7HCI/AAAAAAAAHcY/DjpHAKmUZZAo8_kg6llmb__kXWTwKdY-wCLcB/s1600/P1000274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-02DsmNbwPVQ/V2iq32A7HCI/AAAAAAAAHcY/DjpHAKmUZZAo8_kg6llmb__kXWTwKdY-wCLcB/s640/P1000274.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>After alighting from the coach</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After alighting from the coach, there will be like a market in front of you, walk through it and you will see the ticketing booth.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KeZ2DXdkeRE/V2iq4S3hPHI/AAAAAAAAHcg/Eytikki-sRkPeJinN9ka8ZO6RYGdVPw9gCLcB/s1600/P1000277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KeZ2DXdkeRE/V2iq4S3hPHI/AAAAAAAAHcg/Eytikki-sRkPeJinN9ka8ZO6RYGdVPw9gCLcB/s640/P1000277.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Stores selling food</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OCVmz5JwgGY/V2iq4wzEPHI/AAAAAAAAHco/Dwx9hfvGUtMolzyGKRMPhoCmjFvpR2mAwCLcB/s1600/P1000284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="440" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OCVmz5JwgGY/V2iq4wzEPHI/AAAAAAAAHco/Dwx9hfvGUtMolzyGKRMPhoCmjFvpR2mAwCLcB/s640/P1000284.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cable car Ticketing office</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DrEQuspnx0w/V2iq4smAnEI/AAAAAAAAHck/1BHaQ4eJP4ARl2pbBLNXqbNU51oDAKR8ACLcB/s1600/P1000285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DrEQuspnx0w/V2iq4smAnEI/AAAAAAAAHck/1BHaQ4eJP4ARl2pbBLNXqbNU51oDAKR8ACLcB/s640/P1000285.JPG" width="444" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cable Car ticketing (price chart)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Previously, there were 2 stages of cable cars (上站&下站), however it has since combined and become only 1 line. The 下站(Lower) was nearer to 迦叶殿. The 上站(upper) is also the one nearer to Golden Roof Temple (金顶寺). 2 ways cable car is RMB 75 (SGD 15.6) while one way up cost RMB 45 (SGD 9.4), one way down cost RMB 30 (SGD 6.25). If you have any intentions to choose to climb up or down, we would recommend you to just buy single journey first. Afterall you dont get to enjoy any discount even if you buy both ways.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For chinese speaking friends, you might notice that the price chart states 玉佛寺--金顶. FYI, 玉佛寺 is where the cable car starting point is at.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SBtFc-SBxxU/V3OOkh2xRWI/AAAAAAAAH9k/A1-uKn7-dgoPY-_tTH2qFZ99pQMmnjG5wCLcB/s1600/P1000279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="539" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SBtFc-SBxxU/V3OOkh2xRWI/AAAAAAAAH9k/A1-uKn7-dgoPY-_tTH2qFZ99pQMmnjG5wCLcB/s640/P1000279.jpg" width="640" /></span></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">玉佛寺</span></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K0d4vKuRQJo/V2iqxPWkCgI/AAAAAAAAHZ8/gND5Fm7AKfkAcDVMQcudpjJgnSWYUYBhQCLcB/s1600/20160619_135609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="342" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K0d4vKuRQJo/V2iqxPWkCgI/AAAAAAAAHZ8/gND5Fm7AKfkAcDVMQcudpjJgnSWYUYBhQCLcB/s640/20160619_135609.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cable car ticket (2 ways)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LcFLJ16b82k/V2iq5U8yg9I/AAAAAAAAHc0/SEyTRyV2V_E5G1uapvtUlr7n5iG5yf3VQCLcB/s1600/P1000309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="338" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LcFLJ16b82k/V2iq5U8yg9I/AAAAAAAAHc0/SEyTRyV2V_E5G1uapvtUlr7n5iG5yf3VQCLcB/s640/P1000309.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Map of Mount Jizu attractions (walking, riding horse, car, cable car routes)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pc-wKjlissE/V2iq4w4sojI/AAAAAAAAHcs/PE4EJkr0yUQV4qcYNop2Lv4wDqq5skUEACLcB/s1600/P1000286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pc-wKjlissE/V2iq4w4sojI/AAAAAAAAHcs/PE4EJkr0yUQV4qcYNop2Lv4wDqq5skUEACLcB/s640/P1000286.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>entrance of cable car Terminal</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We did not have to wait long to board the cable car (there was no queue!). Lucky to get 1 cable car all to ourselves ~<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5uVnE6SaR4Y/V2irFW2B9dI/AAAAAAAAHhI/laK7TZgRPM4o3HKdndQSZIarOh4JE0J5gCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollagesix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5uVnE6SaR4Y/V2irFW2B9dI/AAAAAAAAHhI/laK7TZgRPM4o3HKdndQSZIarOh4JE0J5gCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollagesix.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>cable car and sightseeings along the way</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We did not have to wait long to board the cable car (there was no queue!). Lucky to get 1 cable car all to ourselves ~ From the top photo ( 3rd photo clockwise from top), it was taken in the cable car. We saw people climbing the stairs up. More photos on stairs coming up when we take the cable car down thereafter. Basically one sentence to sum up, we salute those who climbed up the stairs all the way to the peak. Not easy really especially when the elevation is high. You get breathless easily. Prior to going, we saw online that physically fit people take about 3 hours to climb up from the base to the peak, I reckon for my family we might take 5-6 hours given that we have yet to adapt to the climate.<br />
<br />
The cable car ride wasn't long (about 7 mins in total). It was a foggy afternoon. There were multiple times where we were in cloudy mist/fog when in the cable car.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a9AmdKX0FBU/V2iq5GKnaXI/AAAAAAAAHcw/3Wi_bbpmb88tBelWyk1h_MO_5U5E4CJnACLcB/s1600/P1000308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a9AmdKX0FBU/V2iq5GKnaXI/AAAAAAAAHcw/3Wi_bbpmb88tBelWyk1h_MO_5U5E4CJnACLcB/s640/P1000308.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>cable car terminal (after we alight)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was 12 noon when we reach the cable car terminal.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tt6wtod97H0/V2iq5jJxESI/AAAAAAAAHc8/ZJOi8G1I-5I-btHA_1VHOD_tQLclDZmBQCLcB/s1600/P1000311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="406" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tt6wtod97H0/V2iq5jJxESI/AAAAAAAAHc8/ZJOi8G1I-5I-btHA_1VHOD_tQLclDZmBQCLcB/s640/P1000311.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mount Ji Zu Cable car Terminal (Peak)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Brrr. Sudden cold wave swept us. Once we step out of the cable car we felt so cold. We believe the temperature was perhaps below 15 degrees celsius. Brrr.<br />
<br />
We thought that once outside of the cable car terminal we will see Golden Roof Temple (金顶寺), but oh man we were wrong. What lies ahead of us was multiple flight of stairs up. There were sedan chairs lining up at the start of the steps, waiting for tourists who couldn't climb, can get a ride up in a sedan.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmGpWbH8WCY/V2iq54Au6eI/AAAAAAAAHdE/pmNMjySGKVA-d0aQia7-w-uoZW_dQAtywCLcB/s1600/P1000312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="432" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmGpWbH8WCY/V2iq54Au6eI/AAAAAAAAHdE/pmNMjySGKVA-d0aQia7-w-uoZW_dQAtywCLcB/s640/P1000312.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>sedan chairs</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g38pigqZQUc/V2iq6Jv5vUI/AAAAAAAAHdI/ocEYPo2-ryEzCJbuMFhSGZk5VebdLXarACLcB/s1600/P1000315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g38pigqZQUc/V2iq6Jv5vUI/AAAAAAAAHdI/ocEYPo2-ryEzCJbuMFhSGZk5VebdLXarACLcB/s640/P1000315.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>direction and stairs</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Follow the directions and climb the stairs up to Golden Roof Temple (金顶寺) ~<br />
<br />
In about 8 mins time of climbing, stopping, panting, we caught a glimpse of Golden Roof Temple! Be mindful that at this point of time, the elevation is likely to be quite high (exceeding 3000m), so climbing is a little more strenous. as you might feel breathless easily.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ps5eB607X8/V2iq6Qm9mMI/AAAAAAAAHdM/t-UDI9dIgJ40UN1zTURUkQtidpAxt_lcwCLcB/s1600/P1000316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ps5eB607X8/V2iq6Qm9mMI/AAAAAAAAHdM/t-UDI9dIgJ40UN1zTURUkQtidpAxt_lcwCLcB/s640/P1000316.JPG" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>glimpse of Golden Roof temple</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The end is near! Keep climbing!<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MSDN6p4v43Q/V2iq6kH8QLI/AAAAAAAAHdQ/EjYIAfMX7awYXETcCd0gB_oj1dNzrVX5wCLcB/s1600/P1000320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MSDN6p4v43Q/V2iq6kH8QLI/AAAAAAAAHdQ/EjYIAfMX7awYXETcCd0gB_oj1dNzrVX5wCLcB/s640/P1000320.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Many stores along the way you climb up</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were many stores lining along the way as we inch closer to Golden Roof Temple. They basically sell food (which we tried later on, on our way down) and joss sticks/commemorative items.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j0khQaAsbmU/V2iq65WdF0I/AAAAAAAAHdU/9a8SGM4j1pUpH0_9_iL54cLhWiYDvX8PgCLcB/s1600/P1000323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="590" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j0khQaAsbmU/V2iq65WdF0I/AAAAAAAAHdU/9a8SGM4j1pUpH0_9_iL54cLhWiYDvX8PgCLcB/s640/P1000323.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>signage</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yup, there's a sunrise platform afterall the peak where Golden Roof Temple is at is known for viewing sunrise! If you are a backpacker (without too many barangs since there is no road up there), feel free to stay at the Jin Ding Temple Hotel. I believe the sunrise view you get to see will be rewarding.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BWqCR8NMp8U/V2iq7NNMewI/AAAAAAAAHdY/WbDh7eZlZ6EvxO-w8aKLPnCuVcMntg9RgCLcB/s1600/P1000324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BWqCR8NMp8U/V2iq7NNMewI/AAAAAAAAHdY/WbDh7eZlZ6EvxO-w8aKLPnCuVcMntg9RgCLcB/s640/P1000324.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>南无阿弥陀佛</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Soon, you will reach these blue building (see photo below), with the hotel (inn) on your right, just follow the path and turn left and climb the stairs up and congratulations, you have reached Golden Roof Temple !<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZA7tqBEO-xs/V2iq7RpYQkI/AAAAAAAAHdc/-aHASZQ6UBMfknt2L8TTEEgXIQ4QitoZgCLcB/s1600/P1000325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZA7tqBEO-xs/V2iq7RpYQkI/AAAAAAAAHdc/-aHASZQ6UBMfknt2L8TTEEgXIQ4QitoZgCLcB/s640/P1000325.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Walk straight and turn left</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LzcNZgJfzuA/V2iq7X3ICsI/AAAAAAAAHdg/z7GyVWtfB4I_yF-XDryzw5Yv59dsFcZbwCLcB/s1600/P1000326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LzcNZgJfzuA/V2iq7X3ICsI/AAAAAAAAHdg/z7GyVWtfB4I_yF-XDryzw5Yv59dsFcZbwCLcB/s640/P1000326.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>final stairs up to reach Golden Roof Temple</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ta dah ~ Golden Roof Temple!<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_rjPHRoX-Tw/V2iq7xwRr9I/AAAAAAAAHdk/5NWtb6fQGs4QoiGZBtHD2Oz7AH4dU4BIwCLcB/s1600/P1000350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_rjPHRoX-Tw/V2iq7xwRr9I/AAAAAAAAHdk/5NWtb6fQGs4QoiGZBtHD2Oz7AH4dU4BIwCLcB/s640/P1000350.JPG" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Closer look at Golden Roof Temple (金顶寺)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The golden structure is known as 金殿 while the pagoda behind is known as 楞严塔. It was known that at Golden Roof Temple, being positioned at a high altitude, you can gaze Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) and Dali (洱海). It was a really foggy day explaining why we feel so cold even though its summer, as such sadly we couldn't see anything.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qrcem_UR4g8/V2irFA7w8bI/AAAAAAAAHhA/5AqCv-DuFMIr0-cLBHJV9wPEBT57EdGowCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollageeight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="312" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qrcem_UR4g8/V2irFA7w8bI/AAAAAAAAHhA/5AqCv-DuFMIr0-cLBHJV9wPEBT57EdGowCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollageeight.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Praying ground at Golden Roof Temple</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WR3LGpcmWOY/V2irFP6g5JI/AAAAAAAAHhE/1VvjDkfUMbIMnKfJ0yFNxWuUt9iMIGgFwCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollageseven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="526" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WR3LGpcmWOY/V2irFP6g5JI/AAAAAAAAHhE/1VvjDkfUMbIMnKfJ0yFNxWuUt9iMIGgFwCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollageseven.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Golden Roof Temple Surroundings</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As compared to 祝圣禅寺, we thought that Golden Roof Temple (金顶寺) has lesser things to look at other than it scenary. As basically other than the golden temple and pagoda (which we couldnt go up), there is nothing much. However that being said, we still think it is really a rewarding experience to come here. We offered our prayers and it was around 1.15pm when we decided to leave the temple. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
By then we were a little hungry and decide to look for place to settle our lunch. Near the entrance (where we climb the final flight of stairs to Golden Roof Temple), we spotted their vegetarian restaurant. It is ala carte catering style of around RMB 10 (SGD 2) per pax. However possibly due to the time we were at, there was nothing much left and the food isn't really to our liking (more of their local style which we have yet to get used to it.) So we left and did not try it.</div>
<div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CClvC-DVzrU/V2iq8Ae-sEI/AAAAAAAAHdo/Y8QHAY4ULqsTzc0WpfBDJHF4eW0q58yCgCLcB/s1600/P1000364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="392" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CClvC-DVzrU/V2iq8Ae-sEI/AAAAAAAAHdo/Y8QHAY4ULqsTzc0WpfBDJHF4eW0q58yCgCLcB/s640/P1000364.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Vegetarian eatery at Golden Roof Temple entrance</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We decided to just head back down and have an early dinner later on back near our inn instead. However when we just climbed down and back to where the food stores were, we were attracted by its ginger tea and decided to have some food here before continuing our journey.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GSIcD6q57Jc/V2iq8M7E3jI/AAAAAAAAHds/pcC15OOLl-AUrs44XwXViJz1ql69eqjhACLcB/s1600/P1000367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GSIcD6q57Jc/V2iq8M7E3jI/AAAAAAAAHds/pcC15OOLl-AUrs44XwXViJz1ql69eqjhACLcB/s640/P1000367.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>food stores/hostels around</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As compared to its other customers, somehow my family got some 'special treatment'. The lady at the store keep asking us to sit inside and she will serve the food to us later.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cAaE7p0Ht_g/V2irDe_1xSI/AAAAAAAAHgU/f9lS6yjJeb8Mb9VEU409M4Uf-EJbQ1F1wCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2Bseven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="516" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cAaE7p0Ht_g/V2irDe_1xSI/AAAAAAAAHgU/f9lS6yjJeb8Mb9VEU409M4Uf-EJbQ1F1wCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2Bseven.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Simple lunch</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Either she is really that kind/friendly, or maybe she did so that she can charge us at a more expensive rate? Not too sure.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>(Top left photo) First order: </b>2 ginger tea + yam kueh in sauce + 2 long corn (cut into 4 pieces) = RMB 30 (SGD $6.25)</div>
<div>
<b>(Third photo clockwise from top left) Second order: </b>Potato Fries with sauce = RMB $10 (SGD $2)<br />
<br />
The prices may seem cheap in Singapore standard, however we believe that over in China, locals can get them at a cheaper price. But oh well, we love the potato fries and yam kueh. The sauce won hands down. Its some spicy sauce. However we feel that perhaps there's quite a lot of MSG in the sauce :/ The ginger tea was good too. The sweet corn on the other hand was a tad disappointing as compared to what we had in the morning.<br />
<br />
After finishing, we start to continue our journey down. We were still hesitating whether to take the cable car down or walk down (climbing the stairs) all the way to the carpark area given that we were kind of done with whatever we want to see at Mount Jizu.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qs52zl2fRDE/V2iq8WmMwHI/AAAAAAAAHd0/FCPxM65b4vMNxjlEIVGyAaLz5559K7yeQCLcB/s1600/P1000372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qs52zl2fRDE/V2iq8WmMwHI/AAAAAAAAHd0/FCPxM65b4vMNxjlEIVGyAaLz5559K7yeQCLcB/s640/P1000372.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sedan chair ride</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1WAB4Je0NFM/V2iq8rHAc7I/AAAAAAAAHd8/HG9m9iq1Wi4AWZUjPkdzcDto9VmfuM7oQCLcB/s1600/P1000373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1WAB4Je0NFM/V2iq8rHAc7I/AAAAAAAAHd8/HG9m9iq1Wi4AWZUjPkdzcDto9VmfuM7oQCLcB/s640/P1000373.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>manual labours carrying the sedan chairs</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Along the way, we saw some workers carrying tourists up in the sedan chair. They stop frequently along the path to gasp for air. We feel them. We feel breathless already by climbing the stairs without any burden yet they still have to shoulder the weight of their customers. Sigh, not easy to earn a living. 血汗钱啊!<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ry1iQbVnVlY/V2iq89qIxEI/AAAAAAAAHeA/YPlEPboNWpAV4CfTwEJiVQG8m5HAoLAigCLcB/s1600/P1000376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ry1iQbVnVlY/V2iq89qIxEI/AAAAAAAAHeA/YPlEPboNWpAV4CfTwEJiVQG8m5HAoLAigCLcB/s640/P1000376.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mountain valley view</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Along the way back to the cable car Terminal, we saw some directions that states HuaShou Gateway华守门. Being buddhist devotees, we were aware that is the cave where the buddha's disciple enclosed himself from the outside world and seek enlightenment / nirvana. Since we have some time, we thought we can go and have a look afterall we do not know when we will come again. It was generally walk down multiple stairs. As we walk down the many many flights of stairs, we start to get paranoid. Afterall, if we want to head back to the cable car terminal, we had to retrace our steps (climb up the stairs). Climbing down is easy but climbing up at such a high altitude is not gonna be easy :(<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-38A-AAF_kOI/V2iq9LhoRXI/AAAAAAAAHeI/VNsLpZpy0RYF2uPo-lbxDAGt_6czUwe6gCLcB/s1600/P1000388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-38A-AAF_kOI/V2iq9LhoRXI/AAAAAAAAHeI/VNsLpZpy0RYF2uPo-lbxDAGt_6czUwe6gCLcB/s640/P1000388.JPG" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mount Jizu giant rock</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dtQOpFdErkk/V2irF9_R98I/AAAAAAAAHhU/_jZ3o_YhUR40kx8oeKcK02vL3le_Q7bjgCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollageten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="376" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dtQOpFdErkk/V2irF9_R98I/AAAAAAAAHhU/_jZ3o_YhUR40kx8oeKcK02vL3le_Q7bjgCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollageten.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>some sights that we spotted along the way</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RHG8-JjbBkY/V2irCM-i4FI/AAAAAAAAHf8/1kgQFJfmobMyvD1qyaJ9KxCWtU1lY9nfwCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="434" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RHG8-JjbBkY/V2irCM-i4FI/AAAAAAAAHf8/1kgQFJfmobMyvD1qyaJ9KxCWtU1lY9nfwCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B14.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>nearing Hua Shou Gateway (华守门)!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
How do you know if you are nearing? You will see alot of colourful cloths with scripture writings on it.</div>
<div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z6-5mKktd0k/V2iq_BNp1ZI/AAAAAAAAHe0/Y5pE7S5oHbAhmJuE5FFUFWbbsV2PXaOwACLcB/s1600/P1000451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z6-5mKktd0k/V2iq_BNp1ZI/AAAAAAAAHe0/Y5pE7S5oHbAhmJuE5FFUFWbbsV2PXaOwACLcB/s640/P1000451.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>colourful scripture cloths</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ta dah ~<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDE_8YcDT3Q/V2iq_EBlWKI/AAAAAAAAHe8/uO5nP7vTTbkYSbKPorGyUGqyJI3WsuiqwCLcB/s1600/P1000452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDE_8YcDT3Q/V2iq_EBlWKI/AAAAAAAAHe8/uO5nP7vTTbkYSbKPorGyUGqyJI3WsuiqwCLcB/s640/P1000452.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Colourful scripture cloths along the way leading to Hua Shou Gateway (华守门)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And finally after walking 20 mins, we reached Hua Shou Gateway (华守门)!<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K1vlDBcPFs0/V2iq9mF2jtI/AAAAAAAAHeQ/_sCgfpwfQyIo_o-ZGgThh5m0QZ7OnYMXACLcB/s1600/P1000415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K1vlDBcPFs0/V2iq9mF2jtI/AAAAAAAAHeQ/_sCgfpwfQyIo_o-ZGgThh5m0QZ7OnYMXACLcB/s640/P1000415.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>华守门</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-waDAAMZJVHY/V2iq-UbefmI/AAAAAAAAHek/AO1MAH7HUToTaBNz3XQtTemb9HsPODzogCLcB/s1600/P1000447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-waDAAMZJVHY/V2iq-UbefmI/AAAAAAAAHek/AO1MAH7HUToTaBNz3XQtTemb9HsPODzogCLcB/s640/P1000447.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pious devotees</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ObUVTaxaPA/V2iq-YRrpFI/AAAAAAAAHeo/KtxkS8SF81oW9byUy0i_l_ySE0I6CORRACLcB/s1600/P1000433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ObUVTaxaPA/V2iq-YRrpFI/AAAAAAAAHeo/KtxkS8SF81oW9byUy0i_l_ySE0I6CORRACLcB/s640/P1000433.JPG" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>'cave door'</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 15.6px; letter-spacing: 1.56px; line-height: 30px;">”典籍記載:釋迎牟尼十大弟子之一的大迦葉尊者,曾持金縷僧衣及舍利佛牙在雞足山等待慈佛下生。雞足山主峰南側的天然巨型石門,相傳即是迦葉守衣等待慈佛之處。“</span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: right;">
- <a href="http://www.093.org.tw/page_view.aspx?siteid=&ver=&usid=&mnuid=1343&modid=133&mode=">Ling Jiou Mountain Buddhist Society </a></div>
<br />
Towards the right of the cave, we spotted some natural rock formation that look like a human expression w(with 2 eyes, nose and a frown/stern expression). Can you spot it in the photo below?<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lL48xEMlYVw/V2iq-B1rS2I/AAAAAAAAHeg/HJVq7cSX-jcUBq3c6cJ6KHf6t1VXDT0vwCLcB/s1600/P1000429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lL48xEMlYVw/V2iq-B1rS2I/AAAAAAAAHeg/HJVq7cSX-jcUBq3c6cJ6KHf6t1VXDT0vwCLcB/s640/P1000429.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>can you spot the face?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EAvXQuN9GDw/V2irEjHigxI/AAAAAAAAHg4/lYJjzA4hPjEwYrrtNrZjGqUHhDbOJqsUACLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="250" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EAvXQuN9GDw/V2irEjHigxI/AAAAAAAAHg4/lYJjzA4hPjEwYrrtNrZjGqUHhDbOJqsUACLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage13.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>other scenaries near Hua Shou Gateway surrounding</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For devotees, you can buy joss sticks/candles for offering there too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGzaxg-ZZ0M/V3MvzylQDJI/AAAAAAAAH70/0JVNrihL85YF5eAdERuU7_8YwzuLJXR8ACLcB/s1600/IMG_4022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="494" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGzaxg-ZZ0M/V3MvzylQDJI/AAAAAAAAH70/0JVNrihL85YF5eAdERuU7_8YwzuLJXR8ACLcB/s640/IMG_4022.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mountain valley surrounding Hua Shou Gateway (华守门)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We stayed for awhile (20 mins or so) before we left. It was close to 3pm then. We only have 1 hour left before our agreed timing to meet our driver. We were afraid of overcharge and also we weren't exactly confident of how long we will take if we climb down all the way. So we decided to climb back up to the cable car terminal. We took about 15-20 mins to climb back to the cable car terminal. It was a tiring climb as we were climbing up (increasing altitude).</div>
<br />
Eventually we reached the cable car terminal and board it at 3.20pm.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CgZs1caBAvo/V2iq_3JQWAI/AAAAAAAAHfE/WDXijxZ5VIMcVsl3s5nByCUTL07bYSphwCLcB/s1600/P1000463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="476" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CgZs1caBAvo/V2iq_3JQWAI/AAAAAAAAHfE/WDXijxZ5VIMcVsl3s5nByCUTL07bYSphwCLcB/s640/P1000463.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mount Jizu's cable car</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The route down hill is the same route as the one uphill which we took earlier on.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G2fSMFAKeak/V2iqvyrAkqI/AAAAAAAAHZg/O5xYN7rN6FMKf3WJsiHxnxfQSXsJiX0IgCLcB/s1600/20160609_152119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G2fSMFAKeak/V2iqvyrAkqI/AAAAAAAAHZg/O5xYN7rN6FMKf3WJsiHxnxfQSXsJiX0IgCLcB/s640/20160609_152119.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>view downhill</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Remember the stairs that we talk about earlier? Here they are ~<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lvuHDkwYwcI/V2iqwTZxjfI/AAAAAAAAHZo/nTbqXf51Hh46EH-zayzgvjQHxlRas6_RQCLcB/s1600/20160609_152156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lvuHDkwYwcI/V2iqwTZxjfI/AAAAAAAAHZo/nTbqXf51Hh46EH-zayzgvjQHxlRas6_RQCLcB/s640/20160609_152156.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>snake stairs (* they are elevated!)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p7KA2dq1gYg/V2irEWAKS2I/AAAAAAAAHg0/qnYnA22FsDoemrwQgbH5H8sA0Ip3PnuxQCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="376" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p7KA2dq1gYg/V2irEWAKS2I/AAAAAAAAHg0/qnYnA22FsDoemrwQgbH5H8sA0Ip3PnuxQCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage12.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>more stairs along the way</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Generally, pious devotees might choose to take hours and climb the many steps up to reach the peak after all it shows the sincerity in the devotee to pray. In addition, do note that there are some places of attraction / temples in between that is not reachable by cable car but only via walking such as the Hua shou Gateway (华守门).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We were pretty tired already by the time we board the cable car. However do remember, after alighting from the cable car there's still walking + bus to take in order to get back to the car park! (Recall how we came !)<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jMDirx4anC0/V2irEZfaO2I/AAAAAAAAHgw/RTp6YJIzRgQGnSos2o0Bkq-9g2H0y9JnwCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="458" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jMDirx4anC0/V2irEZfaO2I/AAAAAAAAHgw/RTp6YJIzRgQGnSos2o0Bkq-9g2H0y9JnwCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage11.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>food stores along the way</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We saw a lot of stores selling fungi and herbs. Yunnan has a lot of fungi especially during the raining season. However we went at the start of the raining season (normally jun - sep), there isn't a lot of fungi yet.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
On a side note, the toilet near the cable car terminal (after we alight) is one of the best (if not the best out of our whole china trip). There is automated glass door, and air con in the toilet and large big sturdy doors! This is such a rare occurrence! or maybe its not aircon but rather the air is cooling. but whatever it is, it is the cleanest toilet we been to during this trip to China.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DOUaww8n6WY/V3PUveIQtmI/AAAAAAAAH94/I7NjVOGEQrI0bZLvIE6eHGbWRFIbrZnKgCLcB/s1600/P1000478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DOUaww8n6WY/V3PUveIQtmI/AAAAAAAAH94/I7NjVOGEQrI0bZLvIE6eHGbWRFIbrZnKgCLcB/s640/P1000478.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Probably the best toilet in Yunnan- Mount Jizu 'air-con' toilet</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lcnrboz0C4A/V2iq_wG5VBI/AAAAAAAAHfI/vSykDeAyrQs_PLqjHQ7lnFxgmDgfHGeZgCLcB/s1600/P1000481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lcnrboz0C4A/V2iq_wG5VBI/AAAAAAAAHfI/vSykDeAyrQs_PLqjHQ7lnFxgmDgfHGeZgCLcB/s640/P1000481.JPG" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>store owner wearing traditional ethnic minority costume</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We bought 1 斤 (0.5 kg) of peaches from her for RMB 12 (SGD 2.5). 0.5kg consist of only about 6-7 peaches. But we love the peaches there. Very sweet :) Maybe because it is the season. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We took the coach and made a slow stroll back down to the car park. Meeting our driver at around 4.15pm. With that we ended our trip to Mount Jizu and he drove us back to Sanfu Inn.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jUcX5EGEdbs/V2iq_78rCzI/AAAAAAAAHfM/OOrZmm4OiSEZoM1g9MToBRtTlkakUntZgCLcB/s1600/P1000491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jUcX5EGEdbs/V2iq_78rCzI/AAAAAAAAHfM/OOrZmm4OiSEZoM1g9MToBRtTlkakUntZgCLcB/s640/P1000491.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>view along the way back</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YwX-0pcTeYE/V2irAZ77i7I/AAAAAAAAHfU/1PVZt3F9tqIwiWhWUzpdxatrb6ezvSc1QCLcB/s1600/P1000494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YwX-0pcTeYE/V2irAZ77i7I/AAAAAAAAHfU/1PVZt3F9tqIwiWhWUzpdxatrb6ezvSc1QCLcB/s640/P1000494.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>clouds</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c3WmLMbRFIk/V2irD9_aIKI/AAAAAAAAHgg/VY_8p_Tfn04ePcb4vE5eKJnBR9A8YHglwCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="386" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c3WmLMbRFIk/V2irD9_aIKI/AAAAAAAAHgg/VY_8p_Tfn04ePcb4vE5eKJnBR9A8YHglwCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Happy Village (高兴村)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
According to Baidu:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 28px;">“ 高兴村隶属</span>大理市<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 28px;">挖色镇,地处</span>挖色镇<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 28px;">东边,距挖色镇政府所在地五公里,到镇道路为弹石路,交通方便,距市45公里。东邻宾川,南邻</span>光邑村<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 28px;">,西邻</span>大城村<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 28px;">大城村,北邻大城村。辖四个村民小组。全村有农户305户,乡村人口1291 人,其中农业人口1291 人,劳动力779人,其中从事第一产业人数637 人。全村国土面积5.76 平方公里,海拔1980 米,年平均气温15℃,年降水量1100毫米,适合种植</span>烤烟<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 28px;">、大麦等农作物。有耕地面积 966.2亩,人均耕地0.76 亩,林地6292.5亩。2006年全村经济总收入1124万元,农民人均纯收入2172元。</span><b>高兴村</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; text-indent: 28px;"><b>属于非贫困村,农民收入主要以第一产业为主</b>。”</span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: right;">
- <a href="http://baike.baidu.com/subview/2238114/7268635.htm">Baidu</a> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The village is sort of in poverty and farming is their primary source of income. Not too sure if the people in the village are really happy but afterall happiness comes from satisfaction within, which money might not provide isn't it?</div>
<div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SMq8o4Tm6Uk/V2irAv5R_II/AAAAAAAAHfY/eqq-pxlTzOIZ1bEHmlbbTDUU4PYTCfSCwCLcB/s1600/P1000511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SMq8o4Tm6Uk/V2irAv5R_II/AAAAAAAAHfY/eqq-pxlTzOIZ1bEHmlbbTDUU4PYTCfSCwCLcB/s640/P1000511.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>nearing Sanfu Inn!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We ended our service with the driver 小叶 at around 5.15pm. Overall, we find 小叶 nice to talk to and he is knowledgable about Yunnan though he is personally from Sichuan. If you are interested in his service, you can wechat him @ 13398720697. Of course, in chinese though.<br />
<br />
It was our last night at Erhai and we decided to take a walk near Sanfu Inn and also to settle dinner.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8RFvizEneT4/V2irAlIsbxI/AAAAAAAAHfc/y67cRxHT6go0ofDL0bSyZyiip51PJtQLwCLcB/s1600/P1000512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8RFvizEneT4/V2irAlIsbxI/AAAAAAAAHfc/y67cRxHT6go0ofDL0bSyZyiip51PJtQLwCLcB/s640/P1000512.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Barbecue delights</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As it is near lake, there are many barbecue stores around erhai selling shrimps and dried fish.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lcShf1jZmX0/V2irBLByY9I/AAAAAAAAHfg/27n887KQkokQjPiHQOlP-GWu7ypMesZiQCLcB/s1600/P1000514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lcShf1jZmX0/V2irBLByY9I/AAAAAAAAHfg/27n887KQkokQjPiHQOlP-GWu7ypMesZiQCLcB/s640/P1000514.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Little Pu Tuo 小普陀</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xyTxcI1uXjw/V2irBGOy5CI/AAAAAAAAHfo/6UYEX1ARAp0WIKQtRyvegU0XC4-SYj-NACLcB/s1600/P1000525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="594" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xyTxcI1uXjw/V2irBGOy5CI/AAAAAAAAHfo/6UYEX1ARAp0WIKQtRyvegU0XC4-SYj-NACLcB/s640/P1000525.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>photo taken on the bridge near Little Pu Tuo</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We saw quite a few tourists on scooters. Scooters is a convenient way of getting around Erhai afterall it is not packed with cars and you can stop anytime you want for photo opportunities, and most importantly it is economical!<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7gtuRbr1au0/V2irC5okCJI/AAAAAAAAHgM/uzZkiqRQiCAdIbeh83OG90T4htmPNt7rQCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2Bnine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="376" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7gtuRbr1au0/V2irC5okCJI/AAAAAAAAHgM/uzZkiqRQiCAdIbeh83OG90T4htmPNt7rQCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2Bnine.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>other sightings along erhai (near Sanfu Inn)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The sun was scorching and for once we do not feel cooling but hot. We felt a little tired and decided to just buy some bread and head back to our inn to eat. At the same time 'enjoying' our room to the fullest before we check out tomorrow. Hehe.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-quvEVpd6oro/V2irBdQaVEI/AAAAAAAAHfw/GAaLswvi0qg482bgTsrCr0kHcNcWDzROACLcB/s1600/P1000534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-quvEVpd6oro/V2irBdQaVEI/AAAAAAAAHfw/GAaLswvi0qg482bgTsrCr0kHcNcWDzROACLcB/s640/P1000534.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>a small minimart (5 mins walk) from our inn</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To be honest, the stuff inside doesn't look appealing and they are mostly covered with a layer of dust. However as we do not have other better options/other mini marts, we chose a few bread looking food.<br />
Generally their concept of bread is a little different from Singapore. In Singapore you can conveniently get loafs like Sunshine/Gardenia that are sort of freshly made. However over there, their bread are all pre packed and can last for even 6 months. We bought a these bread below:<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RHikAcy_F8Q/V3Phtk_m0II/AAAAAAAAH-I/u_PKf_v4jEQvqMqU4oPIwCkAh1imeJZPgCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="602" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RHikAcy_F8Q/V3Phtk_m0II/AAAAAAAAH-I/u_PKf_v4jEQvqMqU4oPIwCkAh1imeJZPgCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Images from google and its respective websites</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Though they seem to have a longer shelf life than the normal bread we see, but they taste surprisingly okay. But of course if given a choice, we will still take our own Gardenia/Sunshine bread haha. We bought the above at around RMB 6/ pack (SGD 1.25)</div>
<div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yxIr-tS2NU4/V2irByvK1TI/AAAAAAAAHf0/-2YwvZhWW7IIC3E3W7oYylLtwMxqg1ENgCLcB/s1600/P1000537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yxIr-tS2NU4/V2irByvK1TI/AAAAAAAAHf0/-2YwvZhWW7IIC3E3W7oYylLtwMxqg1ENgCLcB/s640/P1000537.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Blue sky white clouds at erhai (View from Sanfu Inn) taken at 7.49pm</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We ended our day early when the sky has yet to turn dark (before 8pm). So far we had 2 days of good weather (sunny/cloudy but no rain at least). Little did we know, this is the 'last' blue sky we see in Yunnan. What's ahead of us is rain, everyday :(</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Side-note:</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/--EyvDLFWWWE/V2iq9voeqxI/AAAAAAAAHeM/8rjnZ9SYYZ4asskLJAJEJd8yt-cJxMbqQCLcB/s1600/P1000404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--EyvDLFWWWE/V2iq9voeqxI/AAAAAAAAHeM/8rjnZ9SYYZ4asskLJAJEJd8yt-cJxMbqQCLcB/s640/P1000404.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>miniature Marnyi Stone(玛尼堆)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<div class="para" label-module="para" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; text-indent: 28px; word-wrap: break-word; zoom: 1;">
" 玛尼石(Marnyi Stone) 最原始的名字是 “<span style="font-weight: 700;">玛智石</span>” 。这是根据三世如来心咒八字真言 “ 嗡 . 玛智牟耶萨列德”,取了前面的“玛智”两个字而来的。 “玛智石” 是从古象雄时代所留传下来的<span style="color: #136ec2;">传统习俗</span>。现代藏族同胞许许多多的<span style="color: #136ec2;">习俗</span>和生活方式,比如婚丧嫁娶、天文历算、医学文学等等,在某种程度上也仍沿袭着古老<span style="color: #136ec2;">雍仲本教</span>的传统。藏族同胞还有许多独特的祈福方式:比如<span style="color: #136ec2;">转神山</span>、拜<span style="color: #136ec2;">神湖</span>、撒<span style="color: #136ec2;">风马旗</span>、悬挂五彩<span style="color: #136ec2;">经幡</span>、刻石头经文、放置<span style="color: #136ec2;">玛尼堆</span>、供奉<span style="color: #136ec2;">朵玛</span>盘、<span style="color: #136ec2;">酥油花</span>甚至使用<span style="color: #136ec2;">转经筒</span>等等,这些也都是古<span style="color: #136ec2;">象雄雍仲本教</span>的遗俗<span style="cursor: default; font-size: 10.5px; line-height: 0; margin-left: 2px; padding: 0px 2px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: nowrap;">[1]</span><span style="color: #136ec2;"><span style="font-size: 0px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -50px;"> </span></span> 。</div>
<div class="para" label-module="para" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; text-indent: 28px; word-wrap: break-word; zoom: 1;">
玛尼石(Marnyi Stone) 在<span style="color: #136ec2;">西藏</span>各地的山间、路口、湖边、江畔,几乎都可以看到一座座以石块和石板垒成的祭坛--玛尼堆。这些石块和石板上,大都刻有六字真言、慧眼、神像造像、各种吉祥图案,它们也是藏族民间<span style="color: #136ec2;">艺术家</span>的杰作。"</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: right;">
- <a href="http://baike.baidu.com/view/34950.htm?fromtitle=%E7%8E%9B%E5%B0%BC%E5%A0%86&fromid=4859153&type=syn">Baidu</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Basically these Marn<span style="font-family: inherit;">yi Stones ( <span style="text-align: center;">玛尼堆) are commonly used by the tibetan (commonly see in Tibet / Yunnan area) for a few functions including to seek blessing for others. So if you see sudden congregation of stones arranged in some particular way, be sure not to disrupt them! Later on we saw bigger versions of these Marnyi Stones in Shangri-la near Shika Mountain in Day 7.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951287982667008118.post-40389077678831557132016-06-08T00:00:00.000+08:002016-07-06T19:12:33.086+08:00YUNNAN & BANGKOK Day 1<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22.3906px;">Day 1: </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3906px;">Singapore Changi International Airport T1-> BKK Suvarnabhumi airport (Transit) -> China: Kunming Changshui International Airport (昆明长水国际机场) -> Dali, China (Sanfu Inn</span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;">, 三福客栈</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3906px;">)</span></b></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
China here we come ~ It is our first time going to China except for Papa who has been there multiple times. However it is our first time to Yunnan - Place of high altitude (average of above 2000m). We were super scared of altitude sickness but was really blessed that none of us had severe symptoms during our trip!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So we booked our Thai Airways flight to Kunming somewhere end February when they had a sale and our total return tickets (4 flights each in total) for just below SGD 2k. Outbound from singapore to Kunming, there's only China Eastern and Silkair that fly direct. However China Eastern only have red eye flight (3.30am) and both airlines does not fly daily. Due to our tight work commitments which restricted our schedule, we prefer to fly on Wednesday and both airlines do not fly on Wed. China Eastern only fly on Mon, Thu, Sat while Silk Air only fly Sun, tue, thu and fri. However the timings are not exactly favourable. Likewise, they do not fly daily back to Singapore. Price wise Silkair harge roughly above SGD 2k for 4 pax. Hence after serious consideration, we decide to stick with Thai Airways given its more wallet friendly yet acceptable service and flexible flight timings. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thai Airways fly daily to Kunming with a stop over at Bangkok. No doubt it can be a little tedious to deal with transit flight, the transit time is not exactly long (of about 1 hr 50 mins) which we thought is acceptable. With that, we choose to stop by Bangkok for a 3 nights stay before continuing the last flight back to Singapore.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Alright enough said, lets get back to Day 1 where we were all so excited, couldn't sleep and anxiously counting down the time to our flight. We were due to board TG 402 (SIN>BKK) bound for Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport at 7,40am thereafter we will transfer to TG 612 bound for Kunming at 10.50am Bangkok time. <span style="color: red;"><b>Do take note that Bangkok is 1 hour behind Singapore's time. Singapore and China share the same time zone (ie. no time difference)</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IsldwyaIvdg/V2ih4KJgPmI/AAAAAAAAHTc/czN5PmTfKOo1ee3lwar8t7zFJQNgauVXgCLcB/s1600/20160608_055906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="416" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IsldwyaIvdg/V2ih4KJgPmI/AAAAAAAAHTc/czN5PmTfKOo1ee3lwar8t7zFJQNgauVXgCLcB/s640/20160608_055906.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Thai Airways check in counter @ Changi Airport T1, Row 4</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We reached Singapore Changi International Airport T1 at around 5.40am ( 2 hours before our flight departure). We were so glad that we did online check in the day before via <a href="https://checkin.si.amadeus.net/1ASIHSSCWEBTG/sscwtg/checkin?ln=en&type=W&Redirected=true">ThaiAirways </a>Icheckin. They have a specialised check in counter for passengers who has done online check in and surprisingly there's no queue at the counter. Whereas as you can see from the photo above, the long snake queues are for passengers who had not done any online check in. So one small tip here: <span style="color: red;"><b>Pls do online check in whenever possible even if you have baggage to check in, to save time !</b></span><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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4n_ijBJGqsk/V2ih9SsKKrI/AAAAAAAAHVU/V1m04AA9Njonixr35zMR7caQWPHKVBzDQCLcB/s1600/20160619_135055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="362" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4n_ijBJGqsk/V2ih9SsKKrI/AAAAAAAAHVU/V1m04AA9Njonixr35zMR7caQWPHKVBzDQCLcB/s640/20160619_135055.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Boardng Pass TG402</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There we go, got our boarding pass and baggage tags within 10 mins. Back when we did online check in, we were issued electronic boarding pass for our second flight (BKK > KMG), however when we check in over here at the counter, the staff issued us our paper boarding pass for TG 402 and TG 612 together. I guess paper boarding pass is ultimately better (nicer too haha!).<br />
<br />
We headed for the departure immigration gates once we got our boarding pass.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7wtyIGzQT6M/V2ih9jwrjQI/AAAAAAAAHVc/wXxXw4hX2D8pgdsIpsCMKkwYqKbSYgIggCLcB/s1600/P1000063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="376" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7wtyIGzQT6M/V2ih9jwrjQI/AAAAAAAAHVc/wXxXw4hX2D8pgdsIpsCMKkwYqKbSYgIggCLcB/s640/P1000063.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Airport duty free aisle @ 6am</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our gate is D49 and oh boy, it is at the extreme end of the other side. We had to walk a good 15mins to reach the gate. <span style="color: red;"><b>Do ensure sufficient buffer time!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><br /></b></span>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1BwOdV-bFfU/V2ih-MUmkHI/AAAAAAAAHVk/Qok8GOBR3MoN5VwQ6QCsnDyfpbqfFilGwCLcB/s1600/P1000066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="346" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1BwOdV-bFfU/V2ih-MUmkHI/AAAAAAAAHVk/Qok8GOBR3MoN5VwQ6QCsnDyfpbqfFilGwCLcB/s640/P1000066.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gate D49</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sharing the same security check counter at gate D49 are Jetstar (Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong bound flights). We slacked around the comfy seats outside our gate before entering this final security checkpoint where we had to empty our water :( One thing different about the security checkpoint in Singapore and the many other countries (Hong kong, China, Bkk...) is there Singapore has 2 checkpoints and you only need to make sure you do not carry more than 100ml of liquid in the second checkpoint. Whereas for other countries, typically at the first checkpoint, they will have the security scan and you have to empty any liquids in your belongings for hand carry.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TV1UEW3HSAs/V2ih4BxCZGI/AAAAAAAAHTg/62DaTjh6C6sGz4HqYHDfSvUER4iYm1QRACLcB/s1600/20160608_072510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TV1UEW3HSAs/V2ih4BxCZGI/AAAAAAAAHTg/62DaTjh6C6sGz4HqYHDfSvUER4iYm1QRACLcB/s640/20160608_072510.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>TG 402</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A good sunny weather to start our trip! Yays *<br />
<br />
Aircraft was available for boarding around 7.25am and once you board this Thai Aircraft, you see pleasant smiles and hear warm greetings of 'Sawadeeka' from the cabin crew. And of course how can you miss the 'myraid' colours of seat covers onboard Thai Airway.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yduUsd78E5M/V2ih4OmibHI/AAAAAAAAHTY/iYcbf5DXGD8cNBAHL0rYa3exIey97NUpQCLcB/s1600/20160608_072937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yduUsd78E5M/V2ih4OmibHI/AAAAAAAAHTY/iYcbf5DXGD8cNBAHL0rYa3exIey97NUpQCLcB/s640/20160608_072937.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>TG 402 Aircraft (Boeing 777)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With just a slight 5 mins of delay, the aircraft ascend into the clouds.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r1OPte6pwNo/V2ih-Gr9prI/AAAAAAAAHVo/9l0rlB6lIa0HlyTGIUc_HHNl8DNe1qaGQCLcB/s1600/P1000070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="368" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r1OPte6pwNo/V2ih-Gr9prI/AAAAAAAAHVo/9l0rlB6lIa0HlyTGIUc_HHNl8DNe1qaGQCLcB/s640/P1000070.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View from the aircraft @ 8.03am</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
From Singapore to Kunming, the flight duration is approx 2 hr 20 mins. We were bound for arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport at 9am BKK time. Similar to Singapore Air, Thai Airways is also a Star Alliance member. Back when we board SQ during our Hong Kong Trip, the air stewardess will give us hot towel to freshen up/disinefect. However on board Thai Airways, we got pre-packed wet tissue instead. But oh well, given the price paid and good service we received, it is still worth flying with Thai Airways in our opinion.<br />
<br />
About half way into the flight, meals were served. We chose fried carrot cake.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WQ3LyHsuc9k/V2ih4k5jLQI/AAAAAAAAHTo/iEON28Xckzslzr8mTc0GH8RIcp_HgUNdgCLcB/s1600/20160608_083905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="386" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WQ3LyHsuc9k/V2ih4k5jLQI/AAAAAAAAHTo/iEON28Xckzslzr8mTc0GH8RIcp_HgUNdgCLcB/s640/20160608_083905.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Breakfast on Tg402</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
* Do note the food served above consist of a bun & butter too.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A0s6cjK004o/V2ih4xutnwI/AAAAAAAAHT0/TeMk4bxtM5oty82ArsOGrESS5xbnkAwTQCLcB/s1600/20160608_083914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A0s6cjK004o/V2ih4xutnwI/AAAAAAAAHT0/TeMk4bxtM5oty82ArsOGrESS5xbnkAwTQCLcB/s640/20160608_083914.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Close up view of the carrot cake</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To be honest, we find the carrot cake acceptable but not exactly delicious. The subsequent airplane meals were more to our liking haha.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M9E19Ez8T_U/V2ih-sf6lcI/AAAAAAAAHV0/V2LJvSC3JqMBByfimTUDA54o8oK6LDg3gCLcB/s1600/P1000071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="340" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M9E19Ez8T_U/V2ih-sf6lcI/AAAAAAAAHV0/V2LJvSC3JqMBByfimTUDA54o8oK6LDg3gCLcB/s640/P1000071.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Up in the sky @ 9am</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
During our this flight, the entertainment system was not working functionally for ours. Some other passengers faced the same problem (the movies cannot be played) while some could. Luckily it was just a short journey.<br />
<br />
Soon, the aircraft was preparing for landing.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rDA0vy8iho4/V2ih-0RKO1I/AAAAAAAAHV8/5Bp3WYhPtqQjEBIFpAbY32v8fbtUb2yDgCLcB/s1600/P1000074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rDA0vy8iho4/V2ih-0RKO1I/AAAAAAAAHV8/5Bp3WYhPtqQjEBIFpAbY32v8fbtUb2yDgCLcB/s640/P1000074.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View from Aircraft @ 8.44am Bangkok time </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Look at the neat rows of plantations? ~<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S5nPiQ57SFI/V2ih_RgKxTI/AAAAAAAAHWI/meWbglSzI4kmIhPS2A0KdK1QGxpMi5Y_ACLcB/s1600/P1000076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S5nPiQ57SFI/V2ih_RgKxTI/AAAAAAAAHWI/meWbglSzI4kmIhPS2A0KdK1QGxpMi5Y_ACLcB/s640/P1000076.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: 12.8px;">View from Aircraft @ 8.50am Bangkok time</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Landing was on time. Upon disembarkation, we head straight for the transit gates. If you are transiting at BKK Suvarnabhumi airport, do familiarise with their transit procedures @ their official web <a href="http://suvarnabhumiairport.com/en/225-international-to-international-with-a-boarding-pass">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Otherwise, just follow the overhead banners that state transit gate. As we had already gotten our boarding pass, we only need to head for our gate, of course going through an x ray scanner beforehand.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-safLsGfqzIU/V3Mqwddrr1I/AAAAAAAAH7U/9wtwL4LKk_wIrM3NvrqycXx9kmEbmqILgCLcB/s1600/20160608_092502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-safLsGfqzIU/V3Mqwddrr1I/AAAAAAAAH7U/9wtwL4LKk_wIrM3NvrqycXx9kmEbmqILgCLcB/s640/20160608_092502.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: 12.8px;">Overhead banners guiding you the way to 'transfer/transit'</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
We headed to the west transfer counters upon asking the ground staff. It was a <b>long long long</b> walk. We can feel the long walk even though we had the help of travellators :(</div>
<br />
Previously we read the online manual and was told to look for whether our airline is in the west or east zone, and of course reality is not that simple. When we look at the board for whether Thai Airway belongs to the east or west zone it states both. We were baffled and had to ask people along the way who had limited English communication skills.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ta06Y7GQnD4/V2ih5XJ9YZI/AAAAAAAAHT4/_QPGkdggGSkKZuMGmnqpqxFkGkWhCAk4gCLcB/s1600/20160608_102359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="522" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ta06Y7GQnD4/V2ih5XJ9YZI/AAAAAAAAHT4/_QPGkdggGSkKZuMGmnqpqxFkGkWhCAk4gCLcB/s640/20160608_102359.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Transfer zone information board</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I would recommend, that if you had your boarding pass with you already, then just follow the overhead banners that lead to transit/transfer, thereafter look out for departure screen and search for your flight.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vvP6QItnpkA/V2ih5t-u8BI/AAAAAAAAHT8/C16coCncAy09R4-87kQ-1sZf3pr4zkRmwCLcB/s1600/20160608_102932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="456" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vvP6QItnpkA/V2ih5t-u8BI/AAAAAAAAHT8/C16coCncAy09R4-87kQ-1sZf3pr4zkRmwCLcB/s640/20160608_102932.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Departure information screen</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For eg our connecting flight is TG 612, and it will show the departure gate which is F5. Thereafter, follow the arrivals directory information which is normally available along the side of the aisle that you will walk when walking toward transit/transfer area. Locate where you are now on the map, and your departure gate then head towards the direction, and you are on the right path.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uwmx0M65ees/V2ih5rlLCgI/AAAAAAAAHUA/xvWXm3-kxy8Z1gHrORoa2OOA0LZ5Ktd_QCLcB/s1600/20160608_102948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="478" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uwmx0M65ees/V2ih5rlLCgI/AAAAAAAAHUA/xvWXm3-kxy8Z1gHrORoa2OOA0LZ5Ktd_QCLcB/s640/20160608_102948.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Arrivals directory information </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Soon, you will reach the x ray scanner area as seen below. Do note security check is the same - or rather even stricter! <b><span style="color: red;">Do note that liquids of more than 100ml are not allowed too!</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7tWi7JkyInE/V2ih53o2KCI/AAAAAAAAHUI/1p-MiXGVzgYXb8Bc7AipL1qpm09b9FdhQCLcB/s1600/20160608_103442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7tWi7JkyInE/V2ih53o2KCI/AAAAAAAAHUI/1p-MiXGVzgYXb8Bc7AipL1qpm09b9FdhQCLcB/s640/20160608_103442.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Xray security scan at transit area</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wIGB8PcTxRk/V2ih6OaU3aI/AAAAAAAAHUM/3VKH1GzcR1o-GMryPuLW2k27XfCAr0LAgCLcB/s1600/20160608_105511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="516" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wIGB8PcTxRk/V2ih6OaU3aI/AAAAAAAAHUM/3VKH1GzcR1o-GMryPuLW2k27XfCAr0LAgCLcB/s640/20160608_105511.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>x ray security scan</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In our opinion, the security scan is considered quite rigorous. Procedures is as such, removal of bag, jacket, tablet on to the conveyor belt. Then step into the round 'cyclinder' thing and raise your hand for the scanner to scan twice. Remember if you are wearing belt (females/males) you have to remove it. Thereafter remove all covered shoes for scanning.<br />
<br />
No doubt security scanning was tedious but it was cleared pretty fast. There was no queue. Once again our departure gate for flight bound for Kunming is right at the other end.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G1elK6qR3D4/V2ih6aJAu2I/AAAAAAAAHUU/P3Dl9iUnaQMS0vZRTIVY-9MYfrqhvfHDQCLcB/s1600/20160608_105837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G1elK6qR3D4/V2ih6aJAu2I/AAAAAAAAHUU/P3Dl9iUnaQMS0vZRTIVY-9MYfrqhvfHDQCLcB/s640/20160608_105837.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Snacks drink vending machine along the way near departure gate</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8AruPnUa-R4/V2ih_Q8FnAI/AAAAAAAAHWM/5tXW5xlI4b4xs-8WUD2-mmliPVqZqAxHQCLcB/s1600/P1000078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8AruPnUa-R4/V2ih_Q8FnAI/AAAAAAAAHWM/5tXW5xlI4b4xs-8WUD2-mmliPVqZqAxHQCLcB/s640/P1000078.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Departure Gate F5</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpNZVT4QPT4/V2ih6gEAPUI/AAAAAAAAHUY/sGM-azWbAhAPaiaOq2tLqaFb2LRmXr2cACLcB/s1600/20160608_110017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpNZVT4QPT4/V2ih6gEAPUI/AAAAAAAAHUY/sGM-azWbAhAPaiaOq2tLqaFb2LRmXr2cACLcB/s640/20160608_110017.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>TG 612</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had to climb down the 'ramp' to reach the holding area for TG 612. TG 612 plane model is Airbus A330.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GJt215OZnxs/V2ih67nSAVI/AAAAAAAAHUc/I-ZnlFUCvjkeX9EOrvwWxdq88URhlni1QCLcB/s1600/20160608_110054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="494" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GJt215OZnxs/V2ih67nSAVI/AAAAAAAAHUc/I-ZnlFUCvjkeX9EOrvwWxdq88URhlni1QCLcB/s640/20160608_110054.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ramp</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3fv5rk3K1Fc/V2ih--F4igI/AAAAAAAAHV4/Lx21PcljiXYYvP-l-QXVjUx6IfAvKkBkwCLcB/s1600/20160619_135059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="356" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3fv5rk3K1Fc/V2ih--F4igI/AAAAAAAAHV4/Lx21PcljiXYYvP-l-QXVjUx6IfAvKkBkwCLcB/s640/20160619_135059.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>TG 612 boarding pass</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We reached Departure gate F5 at around 11am Bangkok time, and the aircraft was ready for boarding in 20 mins time. Thank goodness that there was not much delay for the arrival of our previous flight, if not there might be some problem in catching this flight.<br />
<br />
At the holding area, drinking water station is available. Surprisingly the carrier is pretty packed with people of almost 90% full, mostly China nationals.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We were on board at 11.30am Bangkok time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/--QYxKNODDgE/V2iiAHkG2ZI/AAAAAAAAHWY/z2srDdMZfpwelOZjV1GiYsFjXo6KjZG_ACLcB/s1600/P1000086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="382" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--QYxKNODDgE/V2iiAHkG2ZI/AAAAAAAAHWY/z2srDdMZfpwelOZjV1GiYsFjXo6KjZG_ACLcB/s640/P1000086.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View of other Thai Aircrafts</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6tIXhSK_H1M/V2iiAPxZDEI/AAAAAAAAHWc/RT-uMy6VG9MnYHjvQKJ1hzDTwkMk1oEEACLcB/s1600/P1000088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6tIXhSK_H1M/V2iiAPxZDEI/AAAAAAAAHWc/RT-uMy6VG9MnYHjvQKJ1hzDTwkMk1oEEACLcB/s640/P1000088.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Airport view from cabin</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MA843FThYI/V2ih60CECBI/AAAAAAAAHUg/nggAujGhaF84x6ppaQp4eVlw9PCdR8aHgCLcB/s1600/20160608_115014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MA843FThYI/V2ih60CECBI/AAAAAAAAHUg/nggAujGhaF84x6ppaQp4eVlw9PCdR8aHgCLcB/s640/20160608_115014.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>other aircrafts</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YTdVp4EXQwU/V2ih_qfeqpI/AAAAAAAAHWQ/OoQn62pqN7M73eOg0ThVmbZWGFKJK8qAACLcB/s1600/P1000085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YTdVp4EXQwU/V2ih_qfeqpI/AAAAAAAAHWQ/OoQn62pqN7M73eOg0ThVmbZWGFKJK8qAACLcB/s640/P1000085.JPG" width="470" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>fluffy clouds</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The flight duration from BKK to KMG (Kunming Changshui International Airport) is about 2 hr 15 mins. We were due for departure at 10.50am Bangkok time and reaching Kunming at 2.05pm China time. Flight departure was on time with only slight delay.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mfhupWE1bqk/V2ih7ZXmQ2I/AAAAAAAAHUo/5ZXciiofbBsQd7mMIagz36eU9UdhRMQywCLcB/s1600/20160608_120632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mfhupWE1bqk/V2ih7ZXmQ2I/AAAAAAAAHUo/5ZXciiofbBsQd7mMIagz36eU9UdhRMQywCLcB/s640/20160608_120632.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View from airplane at 11.06am (Bangkok Time)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In 10 mins time, phew like magic and we are in a sea of clouds.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-geR-y8qpkq0/V2iiAAMFm2I/AAAAAAAAHWg/O3k13ujKlF49a2BNormjKpXqm1gWF5EYgCLcB/s1600/P1000089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-geR-y8qpkq0/V2iiAAMFm2I/AAAAAAAAHWg/O3k13ujKlF49a2BNormjKpXqm1gWF5EYgCLcB/s640/P1000089.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cloudy weather</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Similarly within 30 mins time from take off, food was served. This time round we ordered 2 special meal (Vegetarian Oriental) to try. Special meals were served earlier than standard meal and the flight attendant will confirm with you your meal prior to departure. Special meals were requested online when we book the tickets. Dont worry, amendment is possible even after booking but best to be done asap.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kMw48E3fYk8/V3MqvDsGa7I/AAAAAAAAH7E/aVzOXkIqnxQiqt_QlXZwJggvRnKYYKPowCLcB/s1600/20160608_113331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="514" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kMw48E3fYk8/V3MqvDsGa7I/AAAAAAAAH7E/aVzOXkIqnxQiqt_QlXZwJggvRnKYYKPowCLcB/s640/20160608_113331.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>TG612 Vegetarian Oriental Meal</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VvqbMVcxphw/V3MqvDqC7dI/AAAAAAAAH7A/C1Pi1aLN2EoI-zFz8urK9ERA3zU4nFOiACLcB/s1600/20160608_113254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VvqbMVcxphw/V3MqvDqC7dI/AAAAAAAAH7A/C1Pi1aLN2EoI-zFz8urK9ERA3zU4nFOiACLcB/s640/20160608_113254.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>TG612 Standard meal (Fish)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ocy9KxBnmO8/V2ih7SpUYBI/AAAAAAAAHUs/ZZ-NSWionso6rPfWdOTwTSpZOMw1bRQeQCLcB/s1600/20160608_123153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="476" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ocy9KxBnmO8/V2ih7SpUYBI/AAAAAAAAHUs/ZZ-NSWionso6rPfWdOTwTSpZOMw1bRQeQCLcB/s640/20160608_123153.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>TG 612 standard meal (Chicken)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The salad and dessert were different for the vegetarian and standard meal. Do note that both meals comes with a bun & butter too. The dessert for vegetarian is like agar-agar jelly while for standard meal is cake (which is pretty sinful). If you like something bland and vegan, this vegetarian oriental meal is suitable and good. Otherwise, we feel the standard meal for this flight is pretty good too. The chicken is covered with Thai sauce (dont worried, not very spicy).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Thank goodness, the entertainment system was good and working for this leg. Managed to watch a movie (didn't complete it though), and its time for landing soon!<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wFMRCpCbKP0/V2iiAvtYsZI/AAAAAAAAHWs/R9cag4XDk8I42r-x2mKmZYDTMw746GwFwCLcB/s1600/P1000093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="382" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wFMRCpCbKP0/V2iiAvtYsZI/AAAAAAAAHWs/R9cag4XDk8I42r-x2mKmZYDTMw746GwFwCLcB/s640/P1000093.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View from aircraft at around 1.40pm China time</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AfkOT_Gf_N4/V2iiAnzOBiI/AAAAAAAAHWw/gvppJBbU59Ex3Fcp2oH_hmskTS4Uvws5wCLcB/s1600/P1000098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="376" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AfkOT_Gf_N4/V2iiAnzOBiI/AAAAAAAAHWw/gvppJBbU59Ex3Fcp2oH_hmskTS4Uvws5wCLcB/s640/P1000098.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View from aircraft around 1.50pm</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vp1Y3htYyYw/V2ih8DNYJtI/AAAAAAAAHU4/dczdpFssk8okcNSBpFm76vflKdshkaW5wCLcB/s1600/20160608_135625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="452" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vp1Y3htYyYw/V2ih8DNYJtI/AAAAAAAAHU4/dczdpFssk8okcNSBpFm76vflKdshkaW5wCLcB/s640/20160608_135625.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View from aircraft</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Barren lands, hills, plantations are all we see as we approach Kunming Changshui Airport.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
And... we landed at around 2pm.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vrA6K49BI0M/V2ih8FW8zCI/AAAAAAAAHU8/sLObPO-hfGg_u9S2OKQv5HHzr6DKH8QxQCLcB/s1600/20160608_135947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vrA6K49BI0M/V2ih8FW8zCI/AAAAAAAAHU8/sLObPO-hfGg_u9S2OKQv5HHzr6DKH8QxQCLcB/s640/20160608_135947.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>landed at Kunming Changshui International Airport</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Weather was really sunny and we thought that it will be very very hot and we will be sweating. However when we step out of the aircraft and proceed for clearance, we caught some breeze from outside and its surprisingly cooling (for someone who comes from tropical country). When we were on board the aircraft, the cabin crew mentioned that the temperature at Kunming is 25 degrees celsius. Very comfortable ~ Aircon temperature just what we enjoy.<br />
<br />
Custom clearance was okay acceptable. Earlier on, we pre-arranged a 7 seater car to fetch us from Kunming Airport to Dali town. It is a pretty far journey of 4-5 hours. We did consider putting it to the next day or taking train, however train timings were pretty limited and we were short of time so we decided to lump the travelling all in one day. Thus practically our plan for the afternoon is just travelling to Dali and check in to our hotel at Dali (Erhai) to rest for the night.<br />
<br />
When we reach, we gave our driver (小吴) a ring, and was told to wait for him at Level 3 Door 4. Normally if you hired a driver, the driver supposedly will wait for you such that when you reach arrival hall you can board the arranged transport immediately without delay. However we later on then realise that at Kunming Changshui Airport, generally the outdoor area at arrival hall at Lvl 1 is for buses and not private cars. All private cars/hired cars will be at level 3 and they have a strict rule of not allowing the drivers to stop the car there.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FJrT83Zh9_4/V2ih8YZu1MI/AAAAAAAAHVA/sa_6tAbQC0wej5j2uITr1c0jz0CKLAbagCLcB/s1600/20160608_145454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FJrT83Zh9_4/V2ih8YZu1MI/AAAAAAAAHVA/sa_6tAbQC0wej5j2uITr1c0jz0CKLAbagCLcB/s640/20160608_145454.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Strict rule: 客下即走 (Leave immediately. no wandering)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Do take the lift to Level 3 (departure hall) if you have plenty of baggages then look for the respective door that you are supposed to wait for (1-4).<br />
<div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CzMu8q4cUtI/V2iiBbWO4hI/AAAAAAAAHW8/gGurTpRdBCsRLkMz1frav2ivBpPGIEXEgCLcB/s1600/P1000107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CzMu8q4cUtI/V2iiBbWO4hI/AAAAAAAAHW8/gGurTpRdBCsRLkMz1frav2ivBpPGIEXEgCLcB/s640/P1000107.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>First sight that greeted us as we step outside</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Immediately we feel somewhat 'taller' given Kunming's elevation of around 2000m. The air was cooling too.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EiX6M1J4YIs/V2iiAz4dgDI/AAAAAAAAHW0/g_x1vYY_dtYVLU1IU5Fwgy6EydfKGXEaQCLcB/s1600/P1000106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EiX6M1J4YIs/V2iiAz4dgDI/AAAAAAAAHW0/g_x1vYY_dtYVLU1IU5Fwgy6EydfKGXEaQCLcB/s640/P1000106.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>waiting area for car/vehicles after exiting Level 3 Door 4</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tPlS8dVoVWw/V2iiBp0YTtI/AAAAAAAAHXI/OhBRWJcdpNg6tPjU8LU34OfuZbuVvKVrgCLcB/s1600/P1000117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tPlS8dVoVWw/V2iiBp0YTtI/AAAAAAAAHXI/OhBRWJcdpNg6tPjU8LU34OfuZbuVvKVrgCLcB/s640/P1000117.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Waiting area to hop on/drop off</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When you cross the road to the other side, you will see the pretty flower garden that says "Welcome to Yunnan".</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WWEiSFum718/V2iiBy4x2pI/AAAAAAAAHXU/GNHnJZnTWAMOoypC-_w6ffwWmp2uIsKKwCLcB/s1600/P1000118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WWEiSFum718/V2iiBy4x2pI/AAAAAAAAHXU/GNHnJZnTWAMOoypC-_w6ffwWmp2uIsKKwCLcB/s640/P1000118.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>'Welcome to Yunnan' flower garden</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kcFpSY2NeYk/V2iiBcygH8I/AAAAAAAAHXA/yamaXnwj7aMjI6-rABBfOmxlgkq0fGG4wCLcB/s1600/P1000115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kcFpSY2NeYk/V2iiBcygH8I/AAAAAAAAHXA/yamaXnwj7aMjI6-rABBfOmxlgkq0fGG4wCLcB/s640/P1000115.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>flowers~</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Many pretty flowers not sure if its because the season we went is summer or it just happen all year round. We waited for sometime and our driver (小吴) came around 3.15pm.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMeAD0ukJAo/V2lAq3U73JI/AAAAAAAAHig/qC1Gl4dzRf0QjmfH37mP0oX7HG0cd6aWwCLcB/s1600/map.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMeAD0ukJAo/V2lAq3U73JI/AAAAAAAAHig/qC1Gl4dzRf0QjmfH37mP0oX7HG0cd6aWwCLcB/s640/map.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of Baidu Maps (Kunming airport to Sanfu Inn)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Basically that is how far we have to travel (approx 377.1km).<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DfoKoQKE7m4/V2ih83_u-2I/AAAAAAAAHVI/evcTInMW-zE8NFx3RyOxoZ1gnUOgDbLaQCLcB/s1600/20160608_151122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="472" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DfoKoQKE7m4/V2ih83_u-2I/AAAAAAAAHVI/evcTInMW-zE8NFx3RyOxoZ1gnUOgDbLaQCLcB/s640/20160608_151122.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Toll Checkpoint</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And we are on our way to Dali (大理)!<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mNifNVpglU0/V2iiCIHjUVI/AAAAAAAAHXQ/kBy-uh-_CFEIOrH5HQonw4-JTdqr32pRwCLcB/s1600/P1000122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mNifNVpglU0/V2iiCIHjUVI/AAAAAAAAHXQ/kBy-uh-_CFEIOrH5HQonw4-JTdqr32pRwCLcB/s640/P1000122.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Expressway to Dali</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And another toll station :/ I think after this we should be out of Kunming and on the way to 楚雄(Chu Xiong) before heading to Dali. It was around 4.45pm.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0n8pPacPmU/V3Mqv4G8ohI/AAAAAAAAH7M/DzYxc6qZ8KIHovPEmEUZgTB550u5wdt4gCLcB/s1600/IMG_3983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="410" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0n8pPacPmU/V3Mqv4G8ohI/AAAAAAAAH7M/DzYxc6qZ8KIHovPEmEUZgTB550u5wdt4gCLcB/s640/IMG_3983.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kunming West Toll station </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Generally the road towards Dali from Kunming is quite 'safe' in a way and smooth as its expressway throughout as compared to the road from Lijiang to Shangri-la. 小吴drove pretty fast throughout of average 100-120km/hr.</div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNwiG35V_cE/V2ih8xi1jJI/AAAAAAAAHVM/vf949fmgY9EpzGqQb48j7zr9yXO5gM4MACLcB/s1600/20160608_164616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNwiG35V_cE/V2ih8xi1jJI/AAAAAAAAHVM/vf949fmgY9EpzGqQb48j7zr9yXO5gM4MACLcB/s640/20160608_164616.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>hills along the way ( 1 hour into the journey)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yunnan is undergoing major development for the next 5 years as the government intend to develop the area into a more touristy place with more well connected transport like trains. For eg currently the only way to get to Shangri-la is only by car or plane, there's plan to build railway next time. Similarly the road to Lugu Lake is very inconvenient at this moment, but in future it will be more convenient with more roads build and interconnected.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-okffcRzG6Y8/V2iiCSCOL5I/AAAAAAAAHXY/rW9dwepmR9Ym-1239JbNonSKLmUMbfxCACLcB/s1600/P1000123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-okffcRzG6Y8/V2iiCSCOL5I/AAAAAAAAHXY/rW9dwepmR9Ym-1239JbNonSKLmUMbfxCACLcB/s640/P1000123.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>half built railway (5.30pm)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We knew that the journey will be long however we thought there would be toilet breaks along the way but nah, 小吴didnt give us any toilet breaks. But I believe if we did ask for it he would give still :) So.. we became camels for the 4-5 hours.<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vOmZ38d7dQs/V2iiCjBx8wI/AAAAAAAAHXg/8ZJpYFXW1DEHwyRX9DzUaiPZZjxyN9bkACLcB/s1600/P1000126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vOmZ38d7dQs/V2iiCjBx8wI/AAAAAAAAHXg/8ZJpYFXW1DEHwyRX9DzUaiPZZjxyN9bkACLcB/s640/P1000126.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>taken @ 6pm</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We are nearing erhai! * screams*<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xc37PytOVPk/V2iiCqzy9nI/AAAAAAAAHXk/Mf0RnGnap1gAyT5FdZt7Y_YE_0z72yeAgCLcB/s1600/P1000131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="358" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xc37PytOVPk/V2iiCqzy9nI/AAAAAAAAHXk/Mf0RnGnap1gAyT5FdZt7Y_YE_0z72yeAgCLcB/s640/P1000131.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>taken @ 6.25pm</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qZiluw3pGXU/V2iiC7PGFAI/AAAAAAAAHXo/C70KfNiFslQFMJZ0Ltk1H_bzq7aNlENdACLcB/s1600/P1000136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="364" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qZiluw3pGXU/V2iiC7PGFAI/AAAAAAAAHXo/C70KfNiFslQFMJZ0Ltk1H_bzq7aNlENdACLcB/s640/P1000136.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>more views along the way</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dBAKOAh-ZOc/V2iiDULFknI/AAAAAAAAHX0/vkgaVdTGnWklaMh9P2n8N4KUt2Y5p7B3gCLcB/s1600/P1000138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dBAKOAh-ZOc/V2iiDULFknI/AAAAAAAAHX0/vkgaVdTGnWklaMh9P2n8N4KUt2Y5p7B3gCLcB/s640/P1000138.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cemeteries on the hilltop</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-St6v_2E2p48/V2iiDcIbb0I/AAAAAAAAHXw/hBcIJsYVhh0S7xE67D4S3744U6JDq-cfQCLcB/s1600/P1000140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-St6v_2E2p48/V2iiDcIbb0I/AAAAAAAAHXw/hBcIJsYVhh0S7xE67D4S3744U6JDq-cfQCLcB/s640/P1000140.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>winding expressway</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IQvcAzkpxFM/V2iiDunVMBI/AAAAAAAAHX4/tnrLUwAqgGErlFkw4P_sMWID5oD7klqSQCLcB/s1600/P1000144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IQvcAzkpxFM/V2iiDunVMBI/AAAAAAAAHX4/tnrLUwAqgGErlFkw4P_sMWID5oD7klqSQCLcB/s640/P1000144.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_lHCHm2Kty0/V2iiD4_PBJI/AAAAAAAAHX8/-JzsRbBkV5UjBOq6VGdJ2Hj2CsPNi3gpQCLcB/s1600/P1000145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_lHCHm2Kty0/V2iiD4_PBJI/AAAAAAAAHX8/-JzsRbBkV5UjBOq6VGdJ2Hj2CsPNi3gpQCLcB/s640/P1000145.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bIk_qWajVpI/V2iiD8HgjLI/AAAAAAAAHYA/BBvgepnjS5EgI76cXJerTkZUYDfJJFEgQCLcB/s1600/P1000149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bIk_qWajVpI/V2iiD8HgjLI/AAAAAAAAHYA/BBvgepnjS5EgI76cXJerTkZUYDfJJFEgQCLcB/s640/P1000149.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dali, Erhai (环海路)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Agex0XSFapg/V2iiEI4MBKI/AAAAAAAAHYE/BY73c3SDrDQGAIUPl0rwmJFGxSHeHPN6ACLcB/s1600/P1000151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="332" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Agex0XSFapg/V2iiEI4MBKI/AAAAAAAAHYE/BY73c3SDrDQGAIUPl0rwmJFGxSHeHPN6ACLcB/s640/P1000151.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>seats for people to sit beside the sea and just chill</i></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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GvSo-jgi9LE/V2iiEtMTAOI/AAAAAAAAHYM/j7Lz0dv2cAQhr7YAv-rxFaxId_m3xDn_wCLcB/s1600/P1000152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GvSo-jgi9LE/V2iiEtMTAOI/AAAAAAAAHYM/j7Lz0dv2cAQhr7YAv-rxFaxId_m3xDn_wCLcB/s640/P1000152.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>activities around erhai</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And with that we reached Sanfu Inn at around 7.30pm. The whole journey took about 4.5 hours drive.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p14TJsdcHdc/V2iljoFJ9zI/AAAAAAAAHY4/bhXlh1OS7UcBhgFj5gu_c3jnv78iYVGtQCLcB/s1600/P1000182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p14TJsdcHdc/V2iljoFJ9zI/AAAAAAAAHY4/bhXlh1OS7UcBhgFj5gu_c3jnv78iYVGtQCLcB/s640/P1000182.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>三福客栈(Sanfu Inn)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Do note that picture of Sanfu Inn was taken the next morning, however it is indeed still very bright when we reach there as yunnan tends to have a later sunset.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XyG5tlvR3Ko/V3Mqv2nNA7I/AAAAAAAAH7Q/bEk6zA3QMUIuPH0Z99fGzVnokfnTkkPuwCLcB/s1600/IMG_3987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XyG5tlvR3Ko/V3Mqv2nNA7I/AAAAAAAAH7Q/bEk6zA3QMUIuPH0Z99fGzVnokfnTkkPuwCLcB/s640/IMG_3987.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: 12.8px;">our driver (小吴) and his 6 seater car</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DLuRoUVdQIE/V3MqvO5I-AI/AAAAAAAAH7I/NiqRIzfgdTQl70l_xTffFlZIgaQi1U9PwCLcB/s1600/20160608_193456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DLuRoUVdQIE/V3MqvO5I-AI/AAAAAAAAH7I/NiqRIzfgdTQl70l_xTffFlZIgaQi1U9PwCLcB/s640/20160608_193456.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: 12.8px;">小吴's 6 seater car with privacy filter on the windows</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our driver, <i style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">小吴</i> seems to be very busy throughout the journey with multiple phone calls along the way. However overall we are satisfied given the price paid and the comfort of his car. Mind you, extremely comfortable for a 4-5 hours ride and it is pretty new! In total for this single trip from Kunming Airport to our accomodation at Dali, we paid RMB 1300 (SGD $270.83) (inclusive of deposit). A deposit of $200 RMB was needed during booking. We correspond with him via Wei Xin (微信). Do note that in China, the primary mode of communication with all China drivers are through either direct phone calls or 微信. Please do not Whatsapp/telegram them.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lI5xuLLJejI/V2iiFthkcqI/AAAAAAAAHYg/DhJ5Sfaed8cnc1vx9rpicMI_7AlOb2HxACLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lI5xuLLJejI/V2iiFthkcqI/AAAAAAAAHYg/DhJ5Sfaed8cnc1vx9rpicMI_7AlOb2HxACLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage1.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>小吴namecard</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We found him via online internet. There wasn't much reviews about him online but we thought the price is reasonable. <b>DO NOT FIND OVERLY CHEAP PACKAGES.</b> As you never know if you will meet those that bring you to 购物站 (shopping places) and end up you do unnecessarily buying. 小吴 is part of a driver team of 20-40 drivers with 唐师傅as the coordinator. We got 唐师傅contact online and was told that he would not be free to fetch us on our day so he got another driver - 小吴 to fetch us. Overall we recommend him - given the car condition (comfortably sit 5 passengers excluding driver and luggages) and the price paid.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Back to Sanfu Inn, we booked 2 rooms (豪华海景标准间) via <a href="http://hotels.ctrip.com/hotel/1544338.html">Ctrip</a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In total we paid RMB 430/room/night (SGD 86.77). It is the most expensive room we booked throughout this trip. The main reason for this high price is because we chose a room with sea view. However this price is considered low already for sea view rooms along erhai as it is located in 挖色镇。If you were to stay at 双廊 it will definitely cost more for a room with good seaview (full seaview and not partial). As we had driver and we will be going to Mount Jizu (鸡足山) the next day, we thought the best economical decision would be to stay at 挖色镇.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zFXvziX8oCI/V2iiFrlfuRI/AAAAAAAAHYk/xxjF8OFk2FIhLCqttCMx3hi1WReVxfkPgCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="380" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zFXvziX8oCI/V2iiFrlfuRI/AAAAAAAAHYk/xxjF8OFk2FIhLCqttCMx3hi1WReVxfkPgCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lobby</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were allocated 2 rooms - 301 and 202. There are only 3 storeys in total and do note there's no lift. I would advise if you want to stay this place, then you should treat it more like '民宿' rather than 'hotel'.<br />
<br />
Surprisingly we saw some awards displayed at Sanfu Inn Lobby. It seems promising!<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nmcqjt-Nx9U/V3Mwxayha1I/AAAAAAAAH8E/0d_IXVmJ-8YZl0TqYM4JeSVK6Oseoo8PgCLcB/s1600/IMG_4004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nmcqjt-Nx9U/V3Mwxayha1I/AAAAAAAAH8E/0d_IXVmJ-8YZl0TqYM4JeSVK6Oseoo8PgCLcB/s640/IMG_4004.JPG" width="612" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Awards displayed at lobby (Top to bottom): Top Ten Sea view Inns in 2015, Security of inn (given 2 stars)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<i><b>* our rooms were taken on the last day of our checkout. Pardon for the messy room.</b></i><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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x82pYPsshBI/V2i5Z0oXzsI/AAAAAAAAHh8/MYNxN2hBTV0lk7aBbgMZqtBebLBG6_16wCLcB/s1600/20160610_074916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x82pYPsshBI/V2i5Z0oXzsI/AAAAAAAAHh8/MYNxN2hBTV0lk7aBbgMZqtBebLBG6_16wCLcB/s640/20160610_074916.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>bedroom (2 single beds)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1XzgH0CPwrM/V2i5aGwWX-I/AAAAAAAAHiE/EqE7O9Yh43Ecm_0gNkwOyQjJkMrK2vYzACLcB/s1600/20160610_074922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="456" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1XzgH0CPwrM/V2i5aGwWX-I/AAAAAAAAHiE/EqE7O9Yh43Ecm_0gNkwOyQjJkMrK2vYzACLcB/s640/20160610_074922.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Room 301 had an additional small window overlooking the school</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WBP3qYV5rgo/V2i5ZHxl0vI/AAAAAAAAHhw/UG_FryLj6lUzPvce0w5KEq_toqgSJyZzgCLcB/s1600/20160610_074830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WBP3qYV5rgo/V2i5ZHxl0vI/AAAAAAAAHhw/UG_FryLj6lUzPvce0w5KEq_toqgSJyZzgCLcB/s640/20160610_074830.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>TV</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There seem to be limited TV channels. We could only see CCTV 1 throughout.</div>
<div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hdKWaxZg59M/V3MwxZa-WGI/AAAAAAAAH8I/-AupeI5Aa3w6WSTupHzNpNajYe-SqUHEgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hdKWaxZg59M/V3MwxZa-WGI/AAAAAAAAH8I/-AupeI5Aa3w6WSTupHzNpNajYe-SqUHEgCLcB/s320/IMG_3998.JPG" width="240" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kettle and tea in a circle capsule</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i9kYAU5JewI/V2i5ZE7wAwI/AAAAAAAAHhs/htFX_5RMvlYk4sh7XLOBb9ZXpP2wYLIcgCLcB/s1600/20160610_074842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i9kYAU5JewI/V2i5ZE7wAwI/AAAAAAAAHhs/htFX_5RMvlYk4sh7XLOBb9ZXpP2wYLIcgCLcB/s640/20160610_074842.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>bathroom</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The bathroom is spacious enough with separate sink, toilet, bathing area. Hot water was powerful enough too.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZjK8OqDOZg/V2i5ZBpMZTI/AAAAAAAAHho/HGmpTNrrC0sRrRdCcLTJAmn3PcMufxDqACLcB/s1600/20160610_074851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZjK8OqDOZg/V2i5ZBpMZTI/AAAAAAAAHho/HGmpTNrrC0sRrRdCcLTJAmn3PcMufxDqACLcB/s640/20160610_074851.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>bathing area</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-77g1HXvuryE/V2i5aNwdWKI/AAAAAAAAHiA/VNVQeMM6fpwnapMIKxetmzjN_FjqXgMQQCLcB/s1600/20160610_074938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-77g1HXvuryE/V2i5aNwdWKI/AAAAAAAAHiA/VNVQeMM6fpwnapMIKxetmzjN_FjqXgMQQCLcB/s640/20160610_074938.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>dressing table</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PLlxl8-0W9Y/V2i5aunvmAI/AAAAAAAAHiM/N_cRWRPzHmYFbGosFobsIOifxLdmdFqDACLcB/s1600/20160610_074948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PLlxl8-0W9Y/V2i5aunvmAI/AAAAAAAAHiM/N_cRWRPzHmYFbGosFobsIOifxLdmdFqDACLcB/s640/20160610_074948.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>balcony overlooking Erhai (小普陀)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIv6UbNzPPM/V2iiEtA9CkI/AAAAAAAAHYQ/F99y_j7gy5QV8yAliWxfihhd1ZmTHPrzgCLcB/s1600/P1000157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="338" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIv6UbNzPPM/V2iiEtA9CkI/AAAAAAAAHYQ/F99y_j7gy5QV8yAliWxfihhd1ZmTHPrzgCLcB/s640/P1000157.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View from hotel at 7.55pm</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sanfu Inn is located directly just opposite the 小普陀rock. If the driver had difficulty in finding this place, just tell him 小普陀 and you will be able to see this inn.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MieCYj6rbiE/V2iiFhLLJbI/AAAAAAAAHYo/gc_5g9G6mCwQJhVdSINBCEQzoif3e0zgQCLcB/s1600/P1000160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MieCYj6rbiE/V2iiFhLLJbI/AAAAAAAAHYo/gc_5g9G6mCwQJhVdSINBCEQzoif3e0zgQCLcB/s640/P1000160.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View from room</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With that, we had a light dinner of bread and rest for the night. Had a long day of travelling and the next day awaits us with some 'strenuous climbing exercise'.</div>
<div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Side-note:</span></b><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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BhxughdPbik/V2iiE36sG6I/AAAAAAAAHYU/W7KlAY3gByEvhUJHg_cTDWOws8b7dYSqgCLcB/s1600/P1000158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="378" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BhxughdPbik/V2iiE36sG6I/AAAAAAAAHYU/W7KlAY3gByEvhUJHg_cTDWOws8b7dYSqgCLcB/s640/P1000158.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sunset @ Erhai (taken from room at 8pm)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In Yunnan, generally sunset after 8pm. So in contrast to Singapore weather where the skies start to get dark after 7pm, the skies here are still very bright after 7pm.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951287982667008118.post-76197421413484323332016-04-08T11:47:00.000+08:002016-04-08T11:48:33.201+08:00This June, It's the season of travelling ~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
Last year June, we went to Hong Kong! This year... in exactly 2 months time we will jet off to...*drumrolls* </div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<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;"><i><img src="http://www.gracechinatours.com/images/yunnan/kunming_cuihu_park.jpg" height="216" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Courtesy of: http://www.tour-yunnan.com/UploadFiles/Attractions/Attractions/45-Green-Lake-Kunming-Yunnan.jpg </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><i><img height="211" src="https://www.myactivesg.com/~/media/consumer/images/sports/cycling/cycling%20around%20erhai%20lake/dali%203.jpg?la=en" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Courtesy of: https://www.myactivesg.com/~/media/consumer/images/sports/cycling/cycling%20around%20erhai%20lake/dali%203.jpg?la=en </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><i><img src="http://en.ispeakeasy.org/images/article/seelijiang/lijiang8.JPG" height="240" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Courtesy of: http://en.ispeakeasy.org/images/article/seelijiang/lijiang8.JPG</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><i><img src="http://www.destination360.com/contents/0129/6572/shangrila-songzanlin-monastery.jpg?1426036134" height="213" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Courtesy of: http://www.destination360.com/contents/0129/6572/shangrila-songzanlin-monastery.jpg?1426036134</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><i><img src="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/incoming/article117219.ece/ALTERNATES/w460/bangkok-temple.jpg" height="198" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Courtesy of: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/incoming/article117219.ece/ALTERNATES/w460/bangkok-temple.jpg</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">China and Bangkok this June!</span></div>
<br />
<div>
Yes China, specifically Yunnan (Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-la) to escape the heat in sunny island Singapore! Both China and Bangkok will be done within a single trip from 8 - 18th June where we will be in Yunnan from 8-15th June and in Bangkok from 15th - 18th June. We chose to stop by Bangkok because after comparing all available flights to Yunnan from Singapore (which isn't alot), Thai Airways offer the most value-for-money rate (in our opinion)! Since Thai Airway stop over Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, why not just stop over for 3 nights? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Once again, this whole trip will be Free & Easy with the exception of short half day tours in Bangkok. We are no experts in travelling to these countries - our first time in Yunnan and it has been 10 yrs plus since we step into Bangkok! Feel free to let us know if there's anything we should look out for or definitely head to explore in the areas!! Alternatively, do stay tune for our blog posts after our return where we will share with you our trip details (with lots of photos of course)!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With that, may you have a good weekend! :)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951287982667008118.post-78439158500647247302015-06-14T19:48:00.001+08:002015-08-30T19:14:21.188+08:00REFLECTIONS (7D6N HONGKONG & MACAU)<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="line-height: 22.390625px;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><b>Feel free to click on the day link to see the detailed itinerary!</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="line-height: 22.390625px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><br /></u></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 22.390625px;"><u><a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/HK%26Macau%20Day%201">1st:</a></u> Singapore Changi Airport -> Hong Kong International Airport -> Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal -> Holiday Inn Macau -> Senado Square -> St Paul -> Wynn Macau</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="line-height: 22.390625px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><br /></u></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="line-height: 22.390625px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/HK%26Macau%20Day%202">2nd:</a></u> Holiday Inn Macau -> The Venetian -> Old Taipa Village -> Holiday Inn Macau -> Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal -> Hong Kong Ferry Terminal (Sheung Wan) -> Disney Hollywood Hotel -> Disneyland Theme Park</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="line-height: 22.390625px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><br /></u></span></span></span>
<u style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;"><a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/HK%26Macau%20Day%203">3rd</a>:</u><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;">Disney Hollywood Hotel -> Disneyland Resort Hotel -> Disneyland Theme Park -> 2 bedroom Apartment @ Winfield building (Airbnb) -> Ladies Street night market</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="line-height: 22.390625px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><br /></u></span></span></span>
<u style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;"><a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/HK%26Macau%20Day%204">4th:</a></u><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;"> Airbnb apartment -> Tung Chung MTR -> Ngong Ping cable car -> Ngong Ping village -> Po Lin Monastery -> Lantau Big Buddha -> Tai O -> Tung Chung City Gate outlets -> Mong Kok -> Argyle Centre</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="line-height: 22.390625px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><br /></u></span></span></span>
<u style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;"><a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/HK%26Macau%20Day%205">5th</a>:</u><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;"> Airbnb Apartment -> Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Man Fat Sze) -> Nan Lian Garden -> Chi Lin Nunnery -> Jenny Bakery outlet @ Tsim Sha Tsui -> Golden Crown Guesthouse -> AMTB centre ->Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade (Avenue of Stars) -> Star Ferry to Wan Chai -> Golden Bauhina -> Ding Ding to Sheung Wan</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="line-height: 22.390625px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><br /></u></span></span></span>
<u style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;"><a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/HK%26Macau%20Day%206">6th:</a></u><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;">Airbnb Apartment -> Jumbo Floating Restaurant -> Kwai Chung Plaza -> The Peak + Sky Terrace 428 + Madame Tussaud Museum</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="line-height: 22.390625px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<u style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;"><a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/HK%26Macau%20Day%207">7th:</a></u><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;"> Airbnb Apartment -> Hong Kong International Airport -> Singapore Changi Airport A.K.A Home sweet Home :)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="line-height: 22.390625px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="background-color: #1a0e07; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"></span><span style="background-color: #1a0e07; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.390625px;"><b>General Cost:</b> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><u>Transport @ a glance:</u></i><br style="background-color: #1a0e07; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Turbo Jet Ferry (HKIA -> Macau Ferry Terminal): HKD 254/pax [<b>SGD $45/pax</b>]</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Turbo Jet Ferry (Macau Ferry Terminal -> Hong Kong Ferry Terminal): HKD 138/pax [<b>SGD $25/pax</b>] *** - purchased from Grayline (Visa promotion - HKD $15 discount)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Taxi (Holiday Inn Macau -> The Venetian): MOP 70 <b>[Total SGD $12]</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Taxi (Old Taipa Village -> Holiday Inn Macau): MOP 60 <b>[Total SGD $11]</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Octopus Card (MTR transport): HKD 150/pax <b>[SGD $26]</b> - inclusive of $50 deposit</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Top up of Octopus card (MTR transport): HKD 100/pax <b>[SGD $18]</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Taxi (Airbnb Apartment -> HKIA Terminal 1): HKD 240 <b>[Total SGD $42]</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><u><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Accomodation:</span></i></u></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Holiday Inn Macau - 2D1N from Agoda web (in conjunction with GOSF 2015 promotion) <b>[Total SGD $96]</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Disney Hollywood Hotel - 2D1N - HKD 3417 (45 days early bird package inclusive of 2 double beds, two 2 day disneyland admission) <b>[SGD $614] ***</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Airbnb Apartment - 5D4N (Total <b>SGD $718</b>, after citibank 10% instant rebate)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">*Exchange rate at: SGD 1 : HKD 5.7 , except for credit card settlements as denoted by ***.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; orphans: auto; text-align: right; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><b><i>And with that, this travel journal is concluded on 30/08/2015.</i></b></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951287982667008118.post-8877732620411706422015-06-13T00:00:00.000+08:002015-08-02T16:00:32.991+08:00HK & MACAU Day 7<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last Day in Hong Kong. We are sad that our holiday has come to an end but surprisingly we don't exactly have the 依依不舍 feeling. Ultimately we seem to still prefer Taiwan that Hong Kong. Hong Kong food is pricier than in SG, in terms of natural sights we didnt get to experience much given the weather condition - unbearably hot. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We have a homebound flight to catch at 3.30pm, so we didn't schedule anything on the day. We wanted to have our brunch/lunch at Tim Ho Wan @ IFC mall. As we intend to do early check in of baggage at the airport express check in counters at Hong Kong MTR. But as you will read later, we did not get to try the original Tim Ho Wan in its home country, but we try Mei Xin (Jade Garden) instead @ HKIA.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Okay, so we woke up at 6.30am, thereafter we stroll around our neighbourhood, specifically the Yau Ma Tei Wholesale fruit Market, hopefully to purchase some fruits back to SG.</div>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-53fP3RAa5yY/VaubdbNRljI/AAAAAAAAGYs/W7GO40PPezs/s1600/20150613_070654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-53fP3RAa5yY/VaubdbNRljI/AAAAAAAAGYs/W7GO40PPezs/s640/20150613_070654.jpg" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Streets of Yau Ma Tei on a Saturday @ 7am</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1guTFkiLxZo/VaubdgS3mcI/AAAAAAAAGYw/RYH9mD0Mu00/s1600/20150613_070658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1guTFkiLxZo/VaubdgS3mcI/AAAAAAAAGYw/RYH9mD0Mu00/s640/20150613_070658.jpg" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Residential area </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PS1FvYEM7eo/VaubeZ1aKnI/AAAAAAAAGY8/4p9QSLmDbME/s1600/20150613_071030_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PS1FvYEM7eo/VaubeZ1aKnI/AAAAAAAAGY8/4p9QSLmDbME/s640/20150613_071030_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yau Ma Tei wholesale Fruit Market</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Busy. busy. busy. All stores were extremely busy with unloading of fruits. Though we were just there walking around, none bothered to introduce their fruits to us or ask us to buy any. I guess its really like whats written online, that its more for retail stores owner to purchase fruits from them and resell them.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Furthermore, most of the fruits doesn't seem to be locally produced. Or rather, we can get it quite easily at Singapore's supermarkets such as Thailand Durian, Philippine mangoes, banana, Melon.. All seem to be imported, which doesnt makes it seem that special. Thus we ended up not buying any.<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4yrVUomnsc/VaubfMIv8nI/AAAAAAAAGZI/VvojF7wlDMA/s1600/20150613_071134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4yrVUomnsc/VaubfMIv8nI/AAAAAAAAGZI/VvojF7wlDMA/s640/20150613_071134.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Loading of fruits</i></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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f0tK-o8UNIE/VaubfEIfrYI/AAAAAAAAGZM/QvdDgHTR3Tk/s1600/20150613_071321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f0tK-o8UNIE/VaubfEIfrYI/AAAAAAAAGZM/QvdDgHTR3Tk/s640/20150613_071321.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fruits! Kiwi, Melon, mangoes</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We went back at 7.30am to have a simple breakfast as we know our lunch will be pretty early especially if we intend to try out Tim Ho Wan.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The day before we purchased some pastries from Kee Wah (奇华). We intend to buy all our food souveirs from the airport - since they have the popular Kee Wah and Wing Wah pastry shops there. Then we have less things to carry around ultimately these are perishable items, and we can't check-in with our luggage. Thus we bought some the previous day to try first. </div>
<div>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1f3i-L_2ytI/VaubfccBa-I/AAAAAAAAGZQ/__r08MV7kEg/s1600/20150613_074055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1f3i-L_2ytI/VaubfccBa-I/AAAAAAAAGZQ/__r08MV7kEg/s640/20150613_074055.jpg" width="568" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Top left to right (clockwise): Char Siew Polo bun, Lao Po bing, Seaweed egg roll </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aj0FicWV4Ts/VasubP8AyiI/AAAAAAAAGBM/ZATTmlMe5Os/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aj0FicWV4Ts/VasubP8AyiI/AAAAAAAAGBM/ZATTmlMe5Os/s640/12.jpg" width="382" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Receipt from Kee Wah</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
1. Char Siew Polo bun: HKD 8.5 (SGD $1.50)</div>
<div>
Don't bother trying.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2. Lao Po Bing: HKD 8.5 (SGD $1.50)</div>
<div>
Normal. We personally prefer Wing Wah's Lao Po Bing to Kee Wah as its more fragrant.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3. Seaweed egg roll: HKD 16 (SGD $2.80)</div>
<div>
Not bad. Worth trying!</div>
<div>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GWDQJd8IAa0/VaubgbyB7eI/AAAAAAAAGZc/oMatXUB_MTM/s1600/20150613_074227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="556" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GWDQJd8IAa0/VaubgbyB7eI/AAAAAAAAGZc/oMatXUB_MTM/s640/20150613_074227.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dragon ball bakery: Egg tart and Polo bun</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last few glimpse of Hong Kong from our apartment before we leave~</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Byh5YkqMUhw/Vaubian-mYI/AAAAAAAAGaE/7DZKTz6ulcQ/s1600/20150613_094715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Byh5YkqMUhw/Vaubian-mYI/AAAAAAAAGaE/7DZKTz6ulcQ/s640/20150613_094715.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View from master bedroom/toilet @ 9.40am</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Further down, after the blue/green apartments, is Yau Ma Tei Wholesale fruit market!<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5NL-KPmFiSo/Vaubi1Fhg-I/AAAAAAAAGaM/82Uy-s27Zag/s1600/20150613_094754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="484" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5NL-KPmFiSo/Vaubi1Fhg-I/AAAAAAAAGaM/82Uy-s27Zag/s640/20150613_094754.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View from living room/ bedroom @ 9.40am</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The view that faces Hamilton Road where we can walk down and get to the Yau Ma Tei MTR easily.<br />
<br />
We will be getting a cab around this area later on too. We intended to get a cab to Hong Kong MTR where we can do early check in at the airport express counter, thereafter we will have a Tim Ho Wan Meal at IFC mall and then board the airport express to HKIA.<br />
<br />
We left our apartment at around 10.25am.<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0cRLRIutMO8/VaubcxXjFXI/AAAAAAAAGYo/POZrBoSbHuU/s1600/20150613_070118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0cRLRIutMO8/VaubcxXjFXI/AAAAAAAAGYo/POZrBoSbHuU/s640/20150613_070118.jpg" width="376" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Corridor</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Last few glimpse of our apartment. Trying out staying in those residential apartment had been a very good experience. The apartment was very clean, thanks to the host, however similar to other Hong Kong apartments, their houses are pretty small and stuff along the corridor walkway. This makes us appreciate Singapore's housing even more.<br />
<br />
Staying at the residential estate, means you have to pay more special attention to keeping your voices down after 10pm, to prevent disturbing the other locals. If you want a unique, local homestay experience, then do try out renting an apartment through airbnb. If you intend to stay at your apartment for long in the day, then maybe better to get a hotel, since Hong Kong apartments are real small, and might nt be that comfortable if staying for long period.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We board the cab at around 10.30am. It was extremely easy to get a cab during that time. Generally their buses and mrt are cheaper than cab, hence locals tend to board those public transport instead.<br />
<br />
The driver told us that its cheaper and faster to get to the airport straight by his cab then taking our original route (Cab + airport express). We were hesitant as we were unsure about the road conditions - traffic jams, but he assured us and we decided to give it a try. That's why we end up not going to IFC mall and trying out Tim Ho Wan too :( haha. But he is right!<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QMty1J-OrxA/Vb2dFcLu6pI/AAAAAAAAGfE/kJaKqEfHtd4/s1600/cost%2Bbreakdown%2B-%2Bday%2B8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="136" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QMty1J-OrxA/Vb2dFcLu6pI/AAAAAAAAGfE/kJaKqEfHtd4/s640/cost%2Bbreakdown%2B-%2Bday%2B8.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>All costs in HKD</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We board at 10.30 and reach the airport at around 11.20am! Our cab fare comes to be HKD 240, which include HKD 30 Lantau Link toll fee and 3 luggage placed in the car boot (HKD 5 * 3 pcs = HKD 15).<br />
<br />
We estimated our taxi cab initially through <a href="http://www.td.gov.hk/en/transport_in_hong_kong/public_transport/taxi/taxi_fare_of_hong_kong/index.html#1">http://www.td.gov.hk/en/transport_in_hong_kong/public_transport/taxi/taxi_fare_of_hong_kong/index.html#1</a> where based on google map estimated distance, you can estimate the cab fare needed. We chose the best valued airport express discount - Group travel of 4 @ $250 in total. Original price was HKD 100 per pax. If you are interested in airport express: do visit their link @ <a href="http://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/tickets/promotions_4persons.html">http://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/tickets/promotions_4persons.html</a><br />
<br />
I guess if you are travelling in a group of 3 or more, taxi might be a more cost efficient way! But if you have plenty of time between your flight departure and hotel/apartment check out, then no harm doing in -town check in by taking the airport express thereafter. If you are travelling solo or with another friend, then airport express is a more wallet friendly option!<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SCwSzrij97c/Vaubl2LCOcI/AAAAAAAAGbA/qc5S-Kl_ejE/s1600/20150613_104554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SCwSzrij97c/Vaubl2LCOcI/AAAAAAAAGbA/qc5S-Kl_ejE/s640/20150613_104554.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>In the cab</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We pass through the 'Tsing Ma Bridge' along the way!</div>
<div>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pcS_NcxCG7Q/VaubmrLn8ZI/AAAAAAAAGbM/mzOv5JL0Clc/s1600/20150613_104608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pcS_NcxCG7Q/VaubmrLn8ZI/AAAAAAAAGbM/mzOv5JL0Clc/s640/20150613_104608.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tsing Ma Bridge</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is the world's 9th longest suspension bridge, but during its time of completion in 1997, it was the 2nd longest!<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A05JTrS7_X4/Vaubm2eU3uI/AAAAAAAAGbU/_mK_i5PkSO4/s1600/20150613_104649%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A05JTrS7_X4/Vaubm2eU3uI/AAAAAAAAGbU/_mK_i5PkSO4/s640/20150613_104649%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>view along the way</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The bridge links Lantau Island (where disneyland, HKIA sits on) to the rest of urban Hong Kong. It is impressive in that if there's severe typhoon and the lanes are unable to function, it is still able to transfer passengers through its 2 railway lines an road lines enclosed below the bridge. It is like a dual level bridge.<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQWtDtVtymo/VaubnNDEouI/AAAAAAAAGbY/cAGAOhjwwOM/s1600/20150613_104707%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="364" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQWtDtVtymo/VaubnNDEouI/AAAAAAAAGbY/cAGAOhjwwOM/s640/20150613_104707%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>More of Tsing Ma bridge</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lnk31PfSFig/Vaubnhtj5lI/AAAAAAAAGbo/3kWbWYrFFBE/s1600/20150613_104726%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lnk31PfSFig/Vaubnhtj5lI/AAAAAAAAGbo/3kWbWYrFFBE/s640/20150613_104726%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Approaching Lantau!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And in no time, we find ourselves at the departure hall of HKIA Terminal 1.<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkytgP2MgQI/VauboY4P2bI/AAAAAAAAGbs/HxB0dYMEuyw/s1600/20150613_112456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="404" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkytgP2MgQI/VauboY4P2bI/AAAAAAAAGbs/HxB0dYMEuyw/s640/20150613_112456.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Airport check-in counters </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JQp3P2JSTxg/VauboVg_QtI/AAAAAAAAGbw/474eXPnLIXc/s1600/20150613_112501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="398" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JQp3P2JSTxg/VauboVg_QtI/AAAAAAAAGbw/474eXPnLIXc/s640/20150613_112501.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>SQ check in counters</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our flight is due for departure at 3.20pm, and when we reach its only around 11.20am, way earlier than normal check-in but luckily we are still able to check in our baggages. </div>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x__8ww4iApQ/VauejFaVqVI/AAAAAAAAGes/wCzXoHrSnbk/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x__8ww4iApQ/VauejFaVqVI/AAAAAAAAGes/wCzXoHrSnbk/s640/13.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Air ticket - bound for home!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nUbi-H5YtMQ/Vaubp-XkdWI/AAAAAAAAGcI/4rVNYJCqgdk/s1600/20150613_114056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nUbi-H5YtMQ/Vaubp-XkdWI/AAAAAAAAGcI/4rVNYJCqgdk/s640/20150613_114056.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Departure hall @ HKIA T1</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D2g3o7B8Y7o/Vaubq3TNwhI/AAAAAAAAGcU/LVVL-m8rNd4/s1600/20150613_114120%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D2g3o7B8Y7o/Vaubq3TNwhI/AAAAAAAAGcU/LVVL-m8rNd4/s640/20150613_114120%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tsui Wah restaurant is there too!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As it's early and we aren't too hungry yet, we decided to stop by Kee Wah bakery to get some souvenirs first before we proceed for lunch at Jade Garden (Mei Xin).<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n2uJssMLVaA/Vaubpu7o-0I/AAAAAAAAGcE/Z7X4XtwILCI/s1600/20150613_112725%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="468" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n2uJssMLVaA/Vaubpu7o-0I/AAAAAAAAGcE/Z7X4XtwILCI/s640/20150613_112725%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kee Wah Bakery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's at left area of level 1 departure hall, </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l_2h0Uat4CQ/VaubXuQc2MI/AAAAAAAAGXI/gyDO7s28_eM/s1600/13.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="526" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l_2h0Uat4CQ/VaubXuQc2MI/AAAAAAAAGXI/gyDO7s28_eM/s640/13.13.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Assorted cookies @ HKD138 (SGD 24.20)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
Not too sure if its nice, but its looks good, with different kind of pastry - looks generous enough as gift for your colleagues or family as souvenirs! It costs HKD 138 (SGD $24.20) per box. A little pricey. Oh and do remember they charge for carrier bags of minimum HKD 0.5 (SGD 8c) per bag as part of their environmental and conservation law.</div>
<div>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FzEJzDuauy0/VaubT04vLiI/AAAAAAAAGWA/C9OHhuAJMEE/s1600/13%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FzEJzDuauy0/VaubT04vLiI/AAAAAAAAGWA/C9OHhuAJMEE/s640/13%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="420" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Receipt @ Kee Wah</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NnONxGxoiIU/Vaubpa7NNHI/AAAAAAAAGcA/uO6NI1gSqlc/s1600/20150613_112520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="328" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NnONxGxoiIU/Vaubpa7NNHI/AAAAAAAAGcA/uO6NI1gSqlc/s640/20150613_112520.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mei Xin. Jade Garden</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6bfKq5iDR7o/Vaubt_fnGfI/AAAAAAAAGdQ/S7EnZHyF82c/s1600/20150613_130241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="330" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6bfKq5iDR7o/Vaubt_fnGfI/AAAAAAAAGdQ/S7EnZHyF82c/s640/20150613_130241.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Interior of Jade Garden Restaurant</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jYsXg9IWclo/VaubT3iahbI/AAAAAAAAGWI/3KxUvn5xAR0/s1600/13%2Bfive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="418" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jYsXg9IWclo/VaubT3iahbI/AAAAAAAAGWI/3KxUvn5xAR0/s640/13%2Bfive.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Menu - Dim Sum</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IMSsbj61Gdo/VaubTxQU4-I/AAAAAAAAGWE/uXv3VSOnnPA/s1600/13%2Bfour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="308" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IMSsbj61Gdo/VaubTxQU4-I/AAAAAAAAGWE/uXv3VSOnnPA/s640/13%2Bfour.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Menu - Dim Sum 2</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8e5DHPH_z6Q/VaufQLselII/AAAAAAAAGe0/CNuhyJTs1SA/s1600/13%2Btwo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8e5DHPH_z6Q/VaufQLselII/AAAAAAAAGe0/CNuhyJTs1SA/s640/13%2Btwo.jpg" width="498" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Signature Dim Sum</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GAM3vBjab3w/VaubVAJHgPI/AAAAAAAAGWY/2Uv-jNECOg8/s1600/13%2Bthree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="556" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GAM3vBjab3w/VaubVAJHgPI/AAAAAAAAGWY/2Uv-jNECOg8/s640/13%2Bthree.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Misc Charges</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sRFjKZv3vjQ/VaubrQwZWKI/AAAAAAAAGcg/cAeT3MgxDVg/s1600/20150613_120110%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="322" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sRFjKZv3vjQ/VaubrQwZWKI/AAAAAAAAGcg/cAeT3MgxDVg/s640/20150613_120110%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Flower Tea @ HKD 28 (SGD $4.90) per pot</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4hy1l0xAODw/VaubrEXYFaI/AAAAAAAAGcc/hPX2y52iJaA/s1600/20150613_121206%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4hy1l0xAODw/VaubrEXYFaI/AAAAAAAAGcc/hPX2y52iJaA/s640/20150613_121206%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>From left to right: Pre Meal snacks @ HKD 16 (SGD $2.80) , Steamed rice rolls with barbecued pork @ HKD 42 (SGD $7.40)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SXuThPCIFBk/VaubsAucqvI/AAAAAAAAGcw/0OXOA8HxAHk/s1600/20150613_121853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SXuThPCIFBk/VaubsAucqvI/AAAAAAAAGcw/0OXOA8HxAHk/s640/20150613_121853.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>From left to right: Triple combo - Roast Pork, BBQ Pork belly (Char Siew), Roast Goose @ HKD 198 (SGD $34.70)</i></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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GwSYn_zROXY/VaubsSzJluI/AAAAAAAAGc0/T9llKabVt9E/s1600/20150613_121942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="472" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GwSYn_zROXY/VaubsSzJluI/AAAAAAAAGc0/T9llKabVt9E/s640/20150613_121942.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Deep fried spring rolls stuffed with shrimps, chicken, carrot and mushroom @ HKD 62 (SGD $10.90)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xz7tSHQliA8/VaubshK2pzI/AAAAAAAAGc4/_evcnqjsz3M/s1600/20150613_122150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="386" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xz7tSHQliA8/VaubshK2pzI/AAAAAAAAGc4/_evcnqjsz3M/s640/20150613_122150.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>From left to right: Pan fried turnip cakes with preserved meat @ HKD 30 (SGD $5.30), Steamed pork, fish and shrimp dumpling - Siew Mai @ HKD 40 (SGD $7)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIkcEPIyCn0/VaubtZGBxiI/AAAAAAAAGdE/7pN9-sID8eA/s1600/20150613_122354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="388" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIkcEPIyCn0/VaubtZGBxiI/AAAAAAAAGdE/7pN9-sID8eA/s640/20150613_122354.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Poached fresh vegetables @ HKD 48 (SGD $8.40)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TlvhSdF1qCM/Vaubtk5_uxI/AAAAAAAAGdU/9RYdF2Cwyh0/s1600/20150613_123248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TlvhSdF1qCM/Vaubtk5_uxI/AAAAAAAAGdU/9RYdF2Cwyh0/s640/20150613_123248.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Stir fried noodles with shredded pork @ HKD 98 (SGD $17.20)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Of all the dishes we ordered, we feel that we can give stir fried noodles a miss in terms of taste. While we love the triple combo meat platter especially! The best we have eaten in Hong Kong, better and cheaper than the one we ate at Yat lok a day earlier. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHWgDmOnuUQ/VaubWStsboI/AAAAAAAAGWs/rX92-RXIiTk/s1600/13.1%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHWgDmOnuUQ/VaubWStsboI/AAAAAAAAGWs/rX92-RXIiTk/s640/13.1%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="396" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Receipt @ Jade garden</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were surprised that eating at their restaurants seem comparable to prices in Singapore, hence a little affordable. While their cha chaan teng seems to be more pricey given that its like 1 set per person, and not like zi char style and the price range is almost as much as the restaurant pricing. In total we pay HKD 686.40 (SGD$120.40) for the 4 of us @ Jade Garden.<br />
<br />
We left Jade Garden after a full and satisfying meal at 1.30pm. Thereafter we head for the departure gates!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6O8YUoLxz6Q/VaubuWpvP0I/AAAAAAAAGdc/1B0ci2eGJ8o/s1600/20150613_134215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="416" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6O8YUoLxz6Q/VaubuWpvP0I/AAAAAAAAGdc/1B0ci2eGJ8o/s640/20150613_134215.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>departure gate - North wing</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There's queue for security clearance. Do note that you have to finish your water at this stage, also you will have to produce the departure slip which you have during your first arrival at Hong Kong at the counter. It took around 15-20 mins for us to clear the customs and reach our waiting area.<br />
<br />
We went to Wing Wah after we entered the restricted area to purchase our souvenirs. Do note that the difference between the Wing Wah pastry shop in airport and in other parts of Hong Kong is that other areas provide sampling and they retail in individual packaging instead of boxes.<br />
<br />
Wing Wah originated from Yuen Long. Famous Hang Heung pastry also originates from Yuen Long, so if you have ample time to spend in HK, do make a trip down :)<br />
<br />
These are the pastries that we bought:<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E1Ci--AMTvE/VaubW3tTpRI/AAAAAAAAGW0/TEgxtaOVy2U/s1600/13.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E1Ci--AMTvE/VaubW3tTpRI/AAAAAAAAGW0/TEgxtaOVy2U/s640/13.1.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Husband and wife cakes @ HKD 70 (SGD $12.30)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The difference between the Husband cakes (Lao Gong Bing) and Wife cakes (Lao Po Bing) is that the former is savoury and the latter is sweet.</div>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIaBnEkwLDE/VaubakXrU_I/AAAAAAAAGYA/MoKKeIK8Fcw/s1600/13.6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="494" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIaBnEkwLDE/VaubakXrU_I/AAAAAAAAGYA/MoKKeIK8Fcw/s640/13.6.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Up close of the cakes</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There's 3 cakes of each variety in the box and there's also a story written in chinese in the box - stating the origin of lao po bing, lao gong bing. We feel that this is worth buying. Nice both on packaging and taste!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: auto; padding: 6px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-edL-v2WfMHs/VaubyLAMovI/AAAAAAAAGeY/QEo3UtQ0cl4/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-edL-v2WfMHs/VaubyLAMovI/AAAAAAAAGeY/QEo3UtQ0cl4/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="402" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><i>Hong Kong gift pastry @ HKD 120 (SGD 21)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There's 8 different cookies, not too sure if its nice since we bought it as gift. This seems similar to what we got earlier at Kee Wah. </div>
<div>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xb2WJE-GOnw/VaubYJTF9yI/AAAAAAAAGXM/qOIMAx7rF-Q/s1600/13.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xb2WJE-GOnw/VaubYJTF9yI/AAAAAAAAGXM/qOIMAx7rF-Q/s640/13.14.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>From Left to Right: Mini flaky pastry with X.O. sauce & scallop, Mini flaky pastry with white lotus seed paste and egg yolk (both @ HKD 85 - SGD $15 each)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ynuPNRiVICI/VaubahLNg8I/AAAAAAAAGX8/1gJHLrHqMOc/s1600/13.7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="468" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ynuPNRiVICI/VaubahLNg8I/AAAAAAAAGX8/1gJHLrHqMOc/s640/13.7.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mini Flaky pastry</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There's only 6 each in 1 box, the one with XO sauce is a little spicy. We personally prefer the savoury one - XO sauce and scallop. Afterall both are of the same price. Would buy that again if we were to go HK again!</div>
<div>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sPALdACYB-g/VaubYBVpnhI/AAAAAAAAGXQ/_rU-LsKBm84/s1600/13.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sPALdACYB-g/VaubYBVpnhI/AAAAAAAAGXQ/_rU-LsKBm84/s640/13.15.jpg" width="354" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Assorted butterfly shape biscuit HKD 160 (SGD $28)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It comes in assorted flavour - original, chocolate, cereals and sumiyaki coffee. We personally love the original one the best! Recommend to buy this butterfly shape biscuit as its really good! There's 8 individual package inside 1 box.</div>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_w-vVXhXWYU/VaubZdb-arI/AAAAAAAAGXk/YIKRnvb4AqE/s1600/13.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="356" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_w-vVXhXWYU/VaubZdb-arI/AAAAAAAAGXk/YIKRnvb4AqE/s640/13.19.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Panda cookies @ HKD 50 (SGD$8.80)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Average and pricey. Maybe can skip this if you are not too into the panda design.<br />
<br />
They had an in-house promotion where every HKD 360 (SGD $63.20) spent, will get you a free box of butterfly shape biscuit (original). It is pretty easy to hit that amount if you and your buddies need to buy souvenirs back home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bNeKYftDIfQ/VaubZG_-vHI/AAAAAAAAGXg/8AZFl5co0Xw/s1600/13.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bNeKYftDIfQ/VaubZG_-vHI/AAAAAAAAGXg/8AZFl5co0Xw/s640/13.17.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Complimentary!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F7NtzKCDiuU/VaubatywsaI/AAAAAAAAGX4/eQnCyLM_O8w/s1600/13.8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F7NtzKCDiuU/VaubatywsaI/AAAAAAAAGX4/eQnCyLM_O8w/s640/13.8.jpg" width="248" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Receipt at Wing Wah airport branch</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Luckily we still have some time to pack our loots in our hand carry bags before boarding the plane. One good thing about buying the souvenirs in the airport is that its convenient in that you only add on these souvenirs at your last stop, hence saving the hassle of bringing them around during your trip. </div>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E4dkknUG6NE/VaubveER7lI/AAAAAAAAGdo/l6u41j22ltE/s1600/20150613_141445%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E4dkknUG6NE/VaubveER7lI/AAAAAAAAGdo/l6u41j22ltE/s640/20150613_141445%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>waiting area for SQ 861</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MLUHlBzMq1c/VaubvAUEiPI/AAAAAAAAGdk/vj5zQkNY7eQ/s1600/20150613_140459%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MLUHlBzMq1c/VaubvAUEiPI/AAAAAAAAGdk/vj5zQkNY7eQ/s640/20150613_140459%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Airbus 380</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Boarding time is 2.40pm. We boarded the aircraft at 3pm.</div>
<div>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FR3zBRQFQzM/Vaubv2XY40I/AAAAAAAAGd8/qsyGlur-WWo/s1600/20150613_150104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="580" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FR3zBRQFQzM/Vaubv2XY40I/AAAAAAAAGd8/qsyGlur-WWo/s640/20150613_150104.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sunny Hong Kong</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There seem to be slight delay and it only took off at around 3.40pm.<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YlUhp14cYlk/VaubwOF7AfI/AAAAAAAAGd4/fG_y7uOkWIw/s1600/20150613_155052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YlUhp14cYlk/VaubwOF7AfI/AAAAAAAAGd4/fG_y7uOkWIw/s640/20150613_155052.jpg" width="572" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bye Hong Kong :(</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once again, you will always feel pampered with a flight on Singapore airlines. With their in flight entertainment and in flight meals. The brunch that we had during our departure flight on 7 June seems better than the dinner though. But nonetheless, we still love airplane food. hehe.</div>
<div>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qP1tjKCLCxU/VaubbziUKfI/AAAAAAAAGYQ/_K0f_B-OBrE/s1600/20150607_093808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qP1tjKCLCxU/VaubbziUKfI/AAAAAAAAGYQ/_K0f_B-OBrE/s640/20150607_093808.jpg" width="542" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>dinner option 1</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9FPh9J6zBk/Vaubb--11EI/AAAAAAAAGYY/6mVeDTN-gNo/s1600/20150607_093818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="626" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9FPh9J6zBk/Vaubb--11EI/AAAAAAAAGYY/6mVeDTN-gNo/s640/20150607_093818.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>dinner option 2</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we do not take beef, we chose the second option - Stir fried chicken with ginger and spring onion, chinese vegetable and steamed rice. </div>
<div>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oXKPOsjsX4w/VaubwhPa2MI/AAAAAAAAGeA/ImfdRbl-cjU/s1600/20150613_164823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oXKPOsjsX4w/VaubwhPa2MI/AAAAAAAAGeA/ImfdRbl-cjU/s640/20150613_164823.jpg" width="640" /></span></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stir fried chicken with ginger and spring onion, chinese vegetable and steamed rice. </span></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sedap! Thereafter, the meal is complemented with Haagen Dazs ice cream served at around 5.30pm.<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z_tQgSCeggs/Vaubx0r9u8I/AAAAAAAAGeU/rEr-OMzyJig/s1600/20150613_172138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z_tQgSCeggs/Vaubx0r9u8I/AAAAAAAAGeU/rEr-OMzyJig/s640/20150613_172138.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Haagen Dazs ice cream</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Brrrr. But yummy :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3SuvGuvrKQM/VaubxpREnUI/AAAAAAAAGeQ/jTYqd3gb5TU/s1600/20150613_185925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3SuvGuvrKQM/VaubxpREnUI/AAAAAAAAGeQ/jTYqd3gb5TU/s640/20150613_185925.jpg" width="498" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View of Singapore/Malaysia @ 6.59pm</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We landed back at our homeground per scheduled time - 7.10pm. Singapore seems to have rained the past few days when we were in sunny Hong Kong. We start to miss Hong Kong maybe because it signal the end of our getaway. But nevertheless, this trip to Hong Kong makes us appreciate what we have in Singapore even more. From the size of housing to the affordable eats. We will be back in Hong Kong if opportunity arise, but maybe not so much of Macau.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: red;">Side-note:</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v7URXJSkL5s/VaubVY-D7ZI/AAAAAAAAGWc/K9-7ELnHOKk/s1600/13%2Bone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="528" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v7URXJSkL5s/VaubVY-D7ZI/AAAAAAAAGWc/K9-7ELnHOKk/s640/13%2Bone.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Birthday card by the crew</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oAJZHkJVUSQ/VaubWs3DwOI/AAAAAAAAGW4/e_a0Gy48xN8/s1600/13.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="556" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oAJZHkJVUSQ/VaubWs3DwOI/AAAAAAAAGW4/e_a0Gy48xN8/s640/13.0.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Birthday cake by SIA</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Coincidentally, it was one of our family members birthday on our return flight to SG. Earlier on we mentioned about this to SQ and we really appreciate their warm and welcoming gesture in celebrating the special occasion. So if you happen to have your anniversary or birthday falls on the day you fly, feel free to mention it to the customer service @ SIA and they will assist in your celebration of the special occasion :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951287982667008118.post-62497873648484396342015-06-12T00:00:00.000+08:002015-08-02T22:44:10.211+08:00HK & MACAU DAY 6 - Jumbo, Kwai Chung Plaza, The Peak<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22.390625px;">Day 6: Apartment @ Canton Rd -> Aberdeen Promenade -> Jumbo Floating Restaurant -> Kwai Chung Plaza -> The Peak Sky Terrace 428 -> Madame Tussaud @ The Peak -> The Peak Sky Galleria </span><br />
<br />
Last full day in Hong Kong :(<br />
<br />
As we did not have much itinerary planned on this day we decided to leave a little later at 9.45am. Our first stop for the day is lunch @ Jumbo!<br />
<br />
Jumbo and Kwai Chung Plaza were part of our consideration during planning, however it didnt make it into our itinerary as we factor a lot of time for the rest of the sightseeing places which we ended up completing the day before.<br />
<br />
Jumbo is a popular place for tourists during the night for seafood dinner because it is big enough to hold many tour groups and it is at a unique location - floating on the aberdeen. <b>So why didnt we avoid this 'tourist trap'? </b>This is because we saw online previously that tour groups seldom visit Jumbo for lunch, and they serve dim sum instead of seafood for lunch! Their dim sum is also frequent by locals for its taste and affordability! Hence we decided to give it a try, given that we have spare time too!<br />
<br />
To get to Jumbo floating restaurant, you have to take their boat @ Aberdeen promenade or Shum Wan Pier. We chose Aberdeen promenade as we have a direct bus - 970X from our apartment at Yau Tsim Mong district. The bus stop is at Dundas street which is like only a 1 or 2 minutes walk from our apartment.<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uSnrxEj2afg/Vasu_QJMVfI/AAAAAAAAGJ0/W6uoyEPy3nk/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="554" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uSnrxEj2afg/Vasu_QJMVfI/AAAAAAAAGJ0/W6uoyEPy3nk/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>bus stop</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xqIPinEw900/VasudE_na5I/AAAAAAAAGBc/30skPVQnWRM/s1600/20150612_095348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xqIPinEw900/VasudE_na5I/AAAAAAAAGBc/30skPVQnWRM/s640/20150612_095348.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>grids drawn for queuing!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The bus is operated by City bus and according to their website, the frequency is between 10-15 mins. 970X came at around 10am. We will be boarding to the last stop, hence 2 things to make sure before we board:<br />
<div>
1. It is bus 970X</div>
<div>
2. It is heading towards Aberdeen and not So UK estate as thats the reverse direction.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was a double decker bus and it is pretty empty when we board. According to google map, the bus ride will take approx 50 mins. We reach Aberdeen bus terminal (ending stop) at around 10.45am. The bus fare is HKD 11.10 and payable by Octopus card when you tap the card when you enter.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pzpjm-2KqFI/VasudVKK-7I/AAAAAAAAGBg/SHMa9NqzMrk/s1600/20150612_104941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pzpjm-2KqFI/VasudVKK-7I/AAAAAAAAGBg/SHMa9NqzMrk/s640/20150612_104941.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Aberdeen bus terminal</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Along the bus ride, we passed by a primary school and Hong Kong University. Somehow during that time (10+am) we see students walking along the pavement near their school with their bags. I wonder if they are heading to school at that time or their classes have ended.<br />
<br />
Do note that the aberdeen promenade is on Hong Kong island, while our residing area @ Yau Ma Tei is Kowloon island. So to travel over across islands, it will go through this Western Harbour crossing (tunnel that is built underwater).<br />
<br />
This bus terminal is also where we will board our bus to Admiralty MTR later on but on a different bus route. From where you alight just walk straight and you should see an underpass to the opposite side.<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F-v4xRAWO7o/VasudBQVD9I/AAAAAAAAGBk/Kj1qDKGR5wE/s1600/20150612_104944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F-v4xRAWO7o/VasudBQVD9I/AAAAAAAAGBk/Kj1qDKGR5wE/s640/20150612_104944.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Underpass to Aberdeen promenade</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you are unsure, just look for these signs that say to 'Aberdeen promenade' or ' to floating platform'.<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i27H677Qkiw/VasufbPQDnI/AAAAAAAAGB0/t3yd697wIYI/s1600/20150612_105143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i27H677Qkiw/VasufbPQDnI/AAAAAAAAGB0/t3yd697wIYI/s640/20150612_105143.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Guiding signs along the way</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And you will soon reach the Aberdeen promenade!<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WFDrbe8OuLQ/VasufeenvRI/AAAAAAAAGB4/xADQTA_NUw4/s1600/20150612_105404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WFDrbe8OuLQ/VasufeenvRI/AAAAAAAAGB4/xADQTA_NUw4/s640/20150612_105404.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Boats and more boats.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I6ZQ35tCd1I/VasvGB4NsjI/AAAAAAAAGLI/d6o89rU1oFw/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="544" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I6ZQ35tCd1I/VasvGB4NsjI/AAAAAAAAGLI/d6o89rU1oFw/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage2.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>surrounding sights</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just walk along the Aberdeen promenade, as the jumbo 'pier' is right towards the end of the promenade, opposite Aberdeen shopping mall.<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3SDkX4u_3FY/Vasu3qf5fPI/AAAAAAAAGH4/ow0To7ugoGU/s1600/DSCN6170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="582" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3SDkX4u_3FY/Vasu3qf5fPI/AAAAAAAAGH4/ow0To7ugoGU/s640/DSCN6170.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jumbo 'pier'</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Along the way, there's also ferries to other islands like Lamma island. It was pretty hot and unsheltered, so do bring along umbrella with you!It is around a 4-5 mins slow walk to reach Jumbo 'pier' from the underground tunnel.<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9BzOoKJIvhc/Vasu4nUQ4tI/AAAAAAAAGII/DHAhZcz_V4c/s1600/DSCN6173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9BzOoKJIvhc/Vasu4nUQ4tI/AAAAAAAAGII/DHAhZcz_V4c/s640/DSCN6173.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>walk down the connecting bridge to wait for the Jumbo ferry</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not too sure about the frequency of the ferry however do be patient and avoid taking these kind of boats.<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NPdoUYOk9JU/Vasu40zR7QI/AAAAAAAAGIQ/v9B1qZP9uqo/s1600/DSCN6182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NPdoUYOk9JU/Vasu40zR7QI/AAAAAAAAGIQ/v9B1qZP9uqo/s640/DSCN6182.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>private boats</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
These private boats will charge $. But Jumbo official boat is free of charge!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ADS-_9yGwsI/VasufsRx4-I/AAAAAAAAGB8/tWJujZ78kjI/s1600/20150612_110758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ADS-_9yGwsI/VasufsRx4-I/AAAAAAAAGB8/tWJujZ78kjI/s640/20150612_110758.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Official boat to Jumbo Restaurant!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We board the boat at 11.05am. Maybe because we are early, there were not a lot of people - just us and another 2 or 3 individuals. There's 2 ferry captains on the ferry/boat. It departed 5 mins later.<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k-te0XhP9aw/VasugqJ0zuI/AAAAAAAAGCM/cXs-lL3BRIU/s1600/20150612_111631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="602" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k-te0XhP9aw/VasugqJ0zuI/AAAAAAAAGCM/cXs-lL3BRIU/s640/20150612_111631.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>interior of the Jumbo ferry</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_T-8zCrIfQ/Vasu7vFctcI/AAAAAAAAGJE/2xZ2XhrwEQA/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="526" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_T-8zCrIfQ/Vasu7vFctcI/AAAAAAAAGJE/2xZ2XhrwEQA/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>sights along the way</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Soon, we approached this floating restaurant called 太白海鲜舫. Not too sure if it belongs to Jumbo group of restaurants, but it is located right beside Jumbo floating restaurant.<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vsXJVbwE6rs/Vasu5DLWQtI/AAAAAAAAGIU/Araziv7oHXo/s1600/DSCN6188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vsXJVbwE6rs/Vasu5DLWQtI/AAAAAAAAGIU/Araziv7oHXo/s640/DSCN6188.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tai Pak Floating restaurant</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Approaching Jumbo!<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6pkdOiFjjw/Vasu5kcz-VI/AAAAAAAAGIc/9ergJIsuyCY/s1600/DSCN6189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6pkdOiFjjw/Vasu5kcz-VI/AAAAAAAAGIc/9ergJIsuyCY/s640/DSCN6189.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jumbo floating restaurant - 珍宝海鲜 up next!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aFTONrZQpew/Vasu6GItEjI/AAAAAAAAGIo/e5U3HkoZa14/s1600/DSCN6192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aFTONrZQpew/Vasu6GItEjI/AAAAAAAAGIo/e5U3HkoZa14/s640/DSCN6192.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jumbo floating restaurant</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The whole ride lasts about 5 minutes. We reached Jumbo floating restaurant at around 11.15am.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When we reached, we met many young children from a local primary school/kindergarten!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Right in front of the main door is this 'fengshui' design also known as 九龙吐珠.</div>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xHcJ2oGb1MU/VasvIQdE8KI/AAAAAAAAGLY/69ieUumvdRE/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xHcJ2oGb1MU/VasvIQdE8KI/AAAAAAAAGLY/69ieUumvdRE/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage3.jpg" width="612" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>little kids and the main entrance of Jumbo!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We were early and thus we managed to get ourselves good seats - facing the aberdeen!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qqn3j2yCZ2c/VasuhBnbjaI/AAAAAAAAGCQ/jA4mEkP0Zzk/s1600/20150612_112243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="384" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qqn3j2yCZ2c/VasuhBnbjaI/AAAAAAAAGCQ/jA4mEkP0Zzk/s640/20150612_112243.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>good view from where we are seated</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They started serving at 11am for Mon-Sat and from 9am on Sunday. We reached the restaurant at around 11.20am. </div>
<div>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5znnfjTPQ7c/VasujO4TmUI/AAAAAAAAGC8/dUaxdT1D_3U/s1600/20150612_125146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="376" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5znnfjTPQ7c/VasujO4TmUI/AAAAAAAAGC8/dUaxdT1D_3U/s640/20150612_125146.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Interior of restaurant after 12.30pm</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W9NZMOT6NDg/Vasu6Fs1yRI/AAAAAAAAGIs/RcsnXLRCHmA/s1600/DSCN6201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="468" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W9NZMOT6NDg/Vasu6Fs1yRI/AAAAAAAAGIs/RcsnXLRCHmA/s640/DSCN6201.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>costume try out</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we were there we did not see anyone trying out the traditional palace costumes, however phototaking opportunities should be allowed with the trying on of the costumes for a small fee. It is situated in the restaurant too.<br />
<br />
As mentioned earlier, for breakfast and lunch they serve dim sum!<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gClMjr9FNAU/VasuhC-_CvI/AAAAAAAAGCU/X4eXfEleIzg/s1600/20150612_114720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gClMjr9FNAU/VasuhC-_CvI/AAAAAAAAGCU/X4eXfEleIzg/s640/20150612_114720.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dim Sum galore part 1</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Food ordered:<br />
1. Mini Egg Tart HKD 26 (SGD $4.60)<br />
2. Steamed rice roll filled with scallops HKD 42 (SGD $7.40)<br />
3. Steamed pork dumplings "Shanghai Style" HKD 30 (SGD $5.30)<br />
4. Steamed Glutinous rice w/ Meat wrapped in lotus leaf HKD 38 (SGD $6.70)<br />
5. Glutinous rice roll filled with egg custard & mango HKD 28 (SGD $4.90)<br />
6. Baked barbecued pork pie HKD 32 (SGD $5.60)<br />
7. Steamed barbecued pork buns HKD 26 (SGD $4.60)<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SoJwzALaQzg/VasuiVHvfCI/AAAAAAAAGCs/v1DTNQi0SsY/s1600/20150612_120115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SoJwzALaQzg/VasuiVHvfCI/AAAAAAAAGCs/v1DTNQi0SsY/s640/20150612_120115.jpg" width="472" /></span></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Steamed Glutinous rice w/ Meat wrapped in lotus leaf</span></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qVPuC2uKeL0/VasuhlyNgYI/AAAAAAAAGCg/aFLfuoMZGcA/s1600/20150612_115006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="278" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qVPuC2uKeL0/VasuhlyNgYI/AAAAAAAAGCg/aFLfuoMZGcA/s640/20150612_115006.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dim Sum galore part 2</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
8. Steamed pork dumpling w/ crab roe HKD 36 (SGD $6.30)<br />
9. Stewed bean sheet roll filled w/ meat in stock HKD 30 (SGD $5.30)<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2qnwNeLB0IU/Vasuh-ONWzI/AAAAAAAAGCk/o2vUUL6P5a0/s1600/20150612_115243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" height="476" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2qnwNeLB0IU/Vasuh-ONWzI/AAAAAAAAGCk/o2vUUL6P5a0/s640/20150612_115243.jpg" width="640" /></i></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Deep fried wonton w/ shrimps</i></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
10. Deep fried wonton w/ shrimps HKD 32 (SGD $5.60)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SaEzDEYnnwI/VasvOQ0GAxI/AAAAAAAAGMQ/wJMUN8WhOME/s1600/day%2B12.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SaEzDEYnnwI/VasvOQ0GAxI/AAAAAAAAGMQ/wJMUN8WhOME/s640/day%2B12.1.jpg" width="188" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Receipt at Jumbo Restaurant</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There is really no single dish that we regretted ordering. The deep fried wonton with shrimps is a must!!!!Our total bill came to be HKD 422.40 (SGD $74.10) for 4 pax. Of course it can't be compared to Tim Ho Wan in terms of price, but overall we feel its worth having a visit to Jumbo restaurant if you have spare time in Hong Kong for quality dim sum! :)<br />
<br />
With the ambience and good scenary, worth popping by in the day, but maybe not at night since it will be filled with tourists.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o7SE-rVsYsg/VasubI3vYSI/AAAAAAAAGBE/FrmChItmIaQ/s1600/12.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="390" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o7SE-rVsYsg/VasubI3vYSI/AAAAAAAAGBE/FrmChItmIaQ/s640/12.1.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jumbo Restaurant name card</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There's many people streaming in for lunch after 12+. We left at around 12.50pm and decide to wander around the place since we are here. They have a fish/seafood viewing area. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q8Jii2dbtMk/Vasu6haXD2I/AAAAAAAAGI0/nCXR5Q3yNxQ/s1600/DSCN6208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q8Jii2dbtMk/Vasu6haXD2I/AAAAAAAAGI0/nCXR5Q3yNxQ/s640/DSCN6208.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>seafood/fishes viewing area</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We believe this is the area where guests can choose their desired seafood and they will catch it from the aquarium, cook and serve.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lGTHQ273APY/VasvKWX3FHI/AAAAAAAAGLo/KzmEqDNgyDM/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lGTHQ273APY/VasvKWX3FHI/AAAAAAAAGLo/KzmEqDNgyDM/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage4.jpg" width="530" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>fishes</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
We saw plenty of prawns too, however the prawns seem to be pinkish in colour. Is the water temperature too hot until they are 'cooked'?? Not too sure, but they doesn't seem to be lively. In terms of fishes, not as many as we expected, perhaps the live seafood have yet to arrive for dinner.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thereafter we went to wait for the ferry back to Aberdeen promenade. We waited at this area (near the main lobby) where its written ' To Aberdeen Centre'.</div>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fb02D8lXhJY/VasujAn4R9I/AAAAAAAAGDA/OS1tpJeRa1k/s1600/20150612_130227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fb02D8lXhJY/VasujAn4R9I/AAAAAAAAGDA/OS1tpJeRa1k/s640/20150612_130227.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>waiting area</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
However we were told by the staff there that it is not fucntional, and we have to wait somewhere else. So do pay attention to any announcement by the staff, if not you would have waited in vain.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--JjQ7i7RyYw/Vasu7WxqpiI/AAAAAAAAGJA/4sl7EusvtrA/s1600/DSCN6218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--JjQ7i7RyYw/Vasu7WxqpiI/AAAAAAAAGJA/4sl7EusvtrA/s640/DSCN6218.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>young children boarding the ferry back to urban Hong Kong</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We soon board the ferry back to Aberdeen promenade. Thereafter we walk back to the bus terminus to catch bus 37A. It is a loop service, so in essence there's only a bus route, dont need to worry about taking the reverse direction. The bus came when we reached the bus terminus and it was pretty crowded. Our destination is not the end stop this time round but stop 16, Pacific Place Queensway. We choose to alight there to transfer to the Admiralty MTR, whereby we can they catch the train to Kwai Fong MTR where we can head to Kwai Chung Plaza.<br />
<br />
The bus ride lasts for approx half hour. The bus stop is at this shopping mall called pacific place. We wanted to count the stops initially as we are unsure how pacific place looks like, but fret not, the bus will flash the stop it is at. Thus you just need to pay attention to the lcd screen to know which stop is coming up next. Of course, if you have the list of the stops, it will be even better so you will be able to prepare when to alight!<br />
<br />
We alighted at around 2pm. The total fare is HKD 4.7. Pacific plaza is quite a 'posh looking' place but filled with working adults - guess its part of their CBD area. We used the toilet too and the design is pretty unique!<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N8vpdcmQbi8/VasujQrmhRI/AAAAAAAAGDE/dT3eiAwBev0/s1600/20150612_141222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N8vpdcmQbi8/VasujQrmhRI/AAAAAAAAGDE/dT3eiAwBev0/s640/20150612_141222.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>toilet in pacific place</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We did not stay at Pacific Place for long. We head to Admiralty MTR which is linked to Pacific Place. Our next destination in mind is Kwai Chung Plaza. It is similar to Argyle Centre in Mongkok but more frequented by locals. Since we have spare time we decided to make a trip there though it may seem a little out of place. It is located near Kwai Fong MTR. From Admiralty MTR, we just need to take the <span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Tsuen Wan Line</span> and we will reach there in around 20 mins time. There's 11 stops in total though. The total fare is HKD 13.20 as there is the crossing from Hong Kong island to New territories Island.<br />
<br />
We reached Kwai Fong MTR at around 2.40pm. Head to exit D2 for Kwai Chung Plaza.<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5-Fa6XzVHtc/VasukHL-UMI/AAAAAAAAGDM/Oe9oOY31F0k/s1600/20150612_163533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5-Fa6XzVHtc/VasukHL-UMI/AAAAAAAAGDM/Oe9oOY31F0k/s640/20150612_163533.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kwai Fong MTR</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pzHJ6T8PL7k/Vb4VqsUlNZI/AAAAAAAAGfk/bnX9PRfoJ1E/s1600/kcp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pzHJ6T8PL7k/Vb4VqsUlNZI/AAAAAAAAGfk/bnX9PRfoJ1E/s640/kcp.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Courtesy of: <a href="http://www.panoramio.com/photo/9850273">http://www.panoramio.com/photo/9850273</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once we are inside, we realised we do not have enough time! Its really a shopping haven! Generally it does not just have clothings but also food stores inside, so do not have to worry about being hungry. In terms of variety of clothes, there's more variety here than Argyle Centre. Back in Argyle Centre, after going around 1 level, you realised the shops sell roughly the same kind of clothings. but overhere at Kwai Chung, yes they do, but there's more unique pieces! The prices are more affordable too. Like you can easily find HKD 50 (SGD $9) pieces. But definitely, dont expect the quality to be exceptional. But I believe it's hard to leave Kwai Chung without buying any fashion pieces. Note that the shops do not provide carrier bag, so if you intend to go on a shopping haul, make sure to bring your own big bag to put your loots! Strongly recommend young adults to come here and shop if you have the time!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had to leave at 4.30pm as we are heading back to Hong Kong island - Central area for dinner and the peak thereafter. We might seem to be backtrekking, however there isnt any other way that we can arrange it in a better way last minute. As we desire to head to the peak around evening/night to view the night scene. Hence it is impossible to shuffle them around. We left and reach Central MTR by the <b style="color: red;">Tsuen Wan Line </b>at around 5.15pm. Total fare is HKD 13.20 (SGD $2.30)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thereafter it is a hike through the streets of Central to find Yat lok Restaurant - a Michelin 1 starred Restaurant, famous for its roast goose. It is situated on Stanley Street. Take Exit D2 from Central MTR. Finding Stanley Street is not too difficult, but spotting Yat Lok might be a feat. We walk the whole stanley street and did not spot Yat Lok for the first time. When we walk the second time, then we spotted it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H9586cWQwxI/Vasumc6E-7I/AAAAAAAAGD8/EGrbVM938hI/s1600/20150612_181658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="402" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H9586cWQwxI/Vasumc6E-7I/AAAAAAAAGD8/EGrbVM938hI/s640/20150612_181658.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yat Lok Roast Goose Restaurant</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GEJlhOCnqfQ/Vasv-hzIzbI/AAAAAAAAGM4/dx5S-8TC16Y/s1600/20150612_181652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="398" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GEJlhOCnqfQ/Vasv-hzIzbI/AAAAAAAAGM4/dx5S-8TC16Y/s640/20150612_181652.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Roast poultry</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3lYoWhCV7Ew/VasulkZ6wrI/AAAAAAAAGD0/nw_p03bvLkE/s1600/20150612_180156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="422" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3lYoWhCV7Ew/VasulkZ6wrI/AAAAAAAAGD0/nw_p03bvLkE/s640/20150612_180156.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Interior of Yat Lok</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This restaurant seems to be quite popular online and thats why we decide to give it a try. It is famous for its Roast Goose.<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HAa0rdZR3vk/VasukRUb3PI/AAAAAAAAGDY/6_K0_gPEQnI/s1600/20150612_174532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HAa0rdZR3vk/VasukRUb3PI/AAAAAAAAGDY/6_K0_gPEQnI/s640/20150612_174532.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Roast Goose Rice + Poached vegetables</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DOETyTUvd6A/Vasuk0uL4eI/AAAAAAAAGDk/cAQ-UA_6M9g/s1600/20150612_174956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DOETyTUvd6A/Vasuk0uL4eI/AAAAAAAAGDk/cAQ-UA_6M9g/s640/20150612_174956.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Roast Goose and Char Siew noodles</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VDW5O2qVYSg/Vasukqjpt3I/AAAAAAAAGDg/15wW10bkuSQ/s1600/20150612_174540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VDW5O2qVYSg/Vasukqjpt3I/AAAAAAAAGDg/15wW10bkuSQ/s640/20150612_174540.jpg" width="420" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Receipt from Yat Lok</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
1. Roast Goose rice @ HKD 52/plate (SGD $9.20)<br />
2. Roast Goose + Char Siew noodles @ HKD 67/plate (SGD $11.75)<br />
3. Poached Vegetables @ HKD 25/plate (SGD $4.40)<br />
<br />
It is the first roasted delights we have in Hong Kong and we find that it really lived up to its name. However its a little too over priced. As you will read on in Day 7, we tried Mei Xin Jade Garden Roasted delights. We find it more affordable than this. But if you happen to be on a makan spree in Central, no harm ordering and try as its good too. Then hop over to the street beside it - Wellington St for Mak's noodles (famous wonton mee). We didnt get to try it this time round :( But oh well, Singapore's centrepoint opened its branch.<br />
<br />
Overall Yat Lok food is good, however if you expect to be served like in a restaurant then maybe not so. Everything is very fast paced inside, and the staff doesnt seem exactly friendly. There's a lot of people streaming in around 6+pm. So be there early to avoid disappointment! We left at 6.15pm. Thereby we proceeded to walk towards the Peak. Along Stanley Street, we spotted Wong Chi Kei. So if you missed it in Macau, you can try it here too!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aktjzevfsSc/VasumXcrBBI/AAAAAAAAGD4/kFd4RsBmpNA/s1600/20150612_182032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aktjzevfsSc/VasumXcrBBI/AAAAAAAAGD4/kFd4RsBmpNA/s640/20150612_182032.jpg" width="414" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wong Chi Kei @ Central</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is generally a straight route, There are signs along the way, so feel free to follow them! But do note that when you are near the Court of Final Appeal, there is a small 'hill' to climb.<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nZAzTm2UglQ/Vasum_UNa4I/AAAAAAAAGEI/KBdCFOGq8ZQ/s1600/20150612_182910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="448" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nZAzTm2UglQ/Vasum_UNa4I/AAAAAAAAGEI/KBdCFOGq8ZQ/s640/20150612_182910.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>direction signage</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yl1Mn94V51o/VasupbahMEI/AAAAAAAAGEU/jSp3qzYHYU4/s1600/20150612_184023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yl1Mn94V51o/VasupbahMEI/AAAAAAAAGEU/jSp3qzYHYU4/s640/20150612_184023.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Opp Garden road</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is a 10-15 mins walk from Yat Lok. The streets of Central is bustling with working adults. The Peak tram is opposite Garden road.<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5xpPF1uKkPs/Vasup9jN8sI/AAAAAAAAGEY/kIVskwUE7yM/s1600/20150612_184202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5xpPF1uKkPs/Vasup9jN8sI/AAAAAAAAGEY/kIVskwUE7yM/s640/20150612_184202.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Peak tram</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To get up to the Peak, you can either take cab, bus or the tram which is also the 'fastest way'. By right it is the fastest way, but then if there's a long queue it become a very long long way :(</div>
<div>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YbpzpLZiOg4/Vasu9HOsalI/AAAAAAAAGJc/vb04pdh1ky0/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YbpzpLZiOg4/Vasu9HOsalI/AAAAAAAAGJc/vb04pdh1ky0/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B%25284%2529.jpg" width="612" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>long long long queue!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jonNkiw-4Po/VasuqAQUOwI/AAAAAAAAGEg/qD3CHgr7cJU/s1600/20150612_184531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jonNkiw-4Po/VasuqAQUOwI/AAAAAAAAGEg/qD3CHgr7cJU/s640/20150612_184531.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Queues to buy tickets and waiting to board the tram</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sigh. We actually waited for nothing. Earlier on, we actually purchased our tickets from Golden Crown Guesthouse and have collected the actual phyical tickets. So there's no need to buy tickets on the spot anymore. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When we asked the first staff, he told us that even though we have tickets, we must still queue. But then after we queued for some time and slowly approaching the ticketing counter, we asked a second staff and she say we can actually just enter and join the tram queue! Sigh :( We queued for nothing. So as a tip, we would recommend buying tickets earlier!!!</div>
<div>
1. Avoid queues</div>
<div>
2. Cheaper too!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iW3iqoIbDz0/VasubLYZgbI/AAAAAAAAGBI/-I9XXqtXMPM/s1600/12.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="350" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iW3iqoIbDz0/VasubLYZgbI/AAAAAAAAGBI/-I9XXqtXMPM/s640/12.2.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Peak + sky terrace Ticket</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We purchased the Peak + Sky terrace + Madame Tussaud ticket (triple combo) from Golden Crown Guesthouse for HKD 218 (SGD $38.30). the ticket validity is around 4 months so this means you can use it on another day during your trip even if it rained on your planned day. In another words - flexible. The actual pricing of this ticket on the official web is HKD 310 (SGD $54.40). So you have actually saved SGD $16 per pax by buying through the guesthouse! whtsmore, you only pay cash when you collect it at the guesthouse @ tsim sha tsui. Hence, no fear of it going bankrupt or business closure. We highly recommend this mode! And if you purchase tickets earlier like us, ASK TO JOIN THE TRAM QUEUE and not the tickets queue!!!<br />
<br />
But still there's many people at the tram queue :(<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yp584qUqQHI/VasuqT3koYI/AAAAAAAAGEo/cnCB4kceEqA/s1600/20150612_185043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="542" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yp584qUqQHI/VasuqT3koYI/AAAAAAAAGEo/cnCB4kceEqA/s640/20150612_185043.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>waiting to board the tram</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9-YwkeXou3I/VasurhzjDkI/AAAAAAAAGE4/A26XA-EBzLs/s1600/20150612_191013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9-YwkeXou3I/VasurhzjDkI/AAAAAAAAGE4/A26XA-EBzLs/s640/20150612_191013.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Finally we see the tram</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is 7.15pm. We totally didnt expect this huge turnout. Moral of Story: go in the morning or maybe factor more time for queuing so that you can still catch the sunset view in time. We started queuing when its still bright and now its dark.<br />
<br />
Getting up the tram is also a challenge. Similar to getting up Singapore's MRT during peak hours. Initially we thought no standing allowed on the tram, but I guess there's too many people and end up standing is allowed.<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-whimYFmPpEQ/VasusEXuAEI/AAAAAAAAGE8/p9hSqnusj8A/s1600/20150612_191906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="396" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-whimYFmPpEQ/VasusEXuAEI/AAAAAAAAGE8/p9hSqnusj8A/s640/20150612_191906.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Boarding the tram!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g1NwFjCGBw8/Vasusp3Se4I/AAAAAAAAGFM/Kh453JepMko/s1600/20150612_192404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g1NwFjCGBw8/Vasusp3Se4I/AAAAAAAAGFM/Kh453JepMko/s640/20150612_192404.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>crowded tram</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There is nothing much to see outside on the way up as its dark, all we see is trees/branches. Then soon we start to see a little of the Hong Kong Skyline!<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iKvqeFJZw_Q/VasutHEFBpI/AAAAAAAAGFQ/CqP0v-ftKWQ/s1600/20150612_192816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iKvqeFJZw_Q/VasutHEFBpI/AAAAAAAAGFQ/CqP0v-ftKWQ/s640/20150612_192816.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Glimpse of Hong Kong Skyline</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not too sure if its illusion, but its pretty steep. We were standing and you must make sure to hold tight to the grips if not you will fall.<br />
<br />
When we reach, we first went up to the sky terrace which is extremely filled. We finally reached the sky terrace which is the highest - just take the escalators up and up, at around 7.30pm. In total we queued an hour to reach the peak. Oh well :/ I guess if its a high season, a longer time is needed.<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Jxunr2uTv0/Vasute99-qI/AAAAAAAAGFU/OFlOglGh6Jw/s1600/20150612_194255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Jxunr2uTv0/Vasute99-qI/AAAAAAAAGFU/OFlOglGh6Jw/s640/20150612_194255.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View from the sky terrace</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DSS9JadbAWA/VasuuRoJzxI/AAAAAAAAGFo/HNx5Rbo0qXY/s1600/20150612_194411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DSS9JadbAWA/VasuuRoJzxI/AAAAAAAAGFo/HNx5Rbo0qXY/s640/20150612_194411.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>More views from the sky terrace</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g1DLlfBgyeI/VasuuXfiOiI/AAAAAAAAGFk/6f9XTxjnm9Y/s1600/20150612_200730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g1DLlfBgyeI/VasuuXfiOiI/AAAAAAAAGFk/6f9XTxjnm9Y/s640/20150612_200730.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>tall buildings</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Pretty Hong Kong skyline and the weather was pretty chilly. We wanted to catch the Symphony of lights from here, but sadly we can't :( <b>Moral of story: Catch it at Avenue of Star </b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
You can have your photo taken against the Hong Kong skyline backdrop too. Either by taking selfie or there's professional photographer there to take your photo too for a fee!<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BLU0k2V0L7s/VasuuC_KU5I/AAAAAAAAGFs/63hv_9ASm6s/s1600/20150612_194401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BLU0k2V0L7s/VasuuC_KU5I/AAAAAAAAGFs/63hv_9ASm6s/s640/20150612_194401.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>There's fog!!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We left at around 8.10pm and proceed to Madame Tussaud museum!<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9cP8S8r95a0/VasvLCwYltI/AAAAAAAAGL0/OHL0cwvxy4w/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9cP8S8r95a0/VasvLCwYltI/AAAAAAAAGL0/OHL0cwvxy4w/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage5.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Madame Tussaud Admission Ticket and entrance</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wqita27Uwr0/VasuvpW8CMI/AAAAAAAAGF8/j-5_d5hnyhY/s1600/20150612_201403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wqita27Uwr0/VasuvpW8CMI/AAAAAAAAGF8/j-5_d5hnyhY/s640/20150612_201403.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Entrance</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At the main entrance area, there is a Jackie Chan wax figure there for visitors to have photo opportunities with. There after ticket admission is necessary and the whole Wax musuem is divided into 9 sections. First up, you will see Hong Kong Glamour!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">1. Hong Kong Glamour </span><br />
<br />
Not sure why, but they include Asian top stars and Hollywood A-list stars under Hong Kong Glamour. But whatever it is, let the star studded night start off with a bang!<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HwyxjFHoUwg/Vasu9Y2m6CI/AAAAAAAAGJg/MKCK7yFB6Io/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="584" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HwyxjFHoUwg/Vasu9Y2m6CI/AAAAAAAAGJg/MKCK7yFB6Io/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B%25285%2529.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Popular Hong Kong/mainland male actors</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7nWyPneaIjc/VasvIlRnqcI/AAAAAAAAGLc/xt1edmD9yYM/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage4%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="514" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7nWyPneaIjc/VasvIlRnqcI/AAAAAAAAGLc/xt1edmD9yYM/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage4%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>hong kong/asia popular actresses</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mq4E2sSRLLM/VasvMybR_CI/AAAAAAAAGMI/zcKaulh_fh4/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="378" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mq4E2sSRLLM/VasvMybR_CI/AAAAAAAAGMI/zcKaulh_fh4/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage7.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Left to right: Andy Lau, Lang Lang</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sSUbwOJ2y2Q/VasvNqM5uLI/AAAAAAAAGMY/sQWlBAXTagw/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="388" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sSUbwOJ2y2Q/VasvNqM5uLI/AAAAAAAAGMY/sQWlBAXTagw/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage9.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hollywood stars</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: red;">2. Royal Family</span><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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o08TOEgaKmA/VasuwCxsXZI/AAAAAAAAGGE/1jMBl01YJbQ/s1600/20150612_202207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="464" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o08TOEgaKmA/VasuwCxsXZI/AAAAAAAAGGE/1jMBl01YJbQ/s640/20150612_202207.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The British Royal Family!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Get a chance to sit on the 'throne' alongside Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll!<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-64N8Lhdet4s/Vasuv5I-RhI/AAAAAAAAGGA/iI0mULEBUMg/s1600/20150612_202333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-64N8Lhdet4s/Vasuv5I-RhI/AAAAAAAAGGA/iI0mULEBUMg/s640/20150612_202333.jpg" width="356" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Princess Diana</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: red;">3. Historical and National Heroes</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thereafter, we enter straight into the political arena and how can we miss Singapore's nation father - MR LEE KUAN YEW ~</div>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0NjvPOlUUgQ/VasuwyqR9jI/AAAAAAAAGGQ/vRLI-1CsETI/s1600/20150612_203308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0NjvPOlUUgQ/VasuwyqR9jI/AAAAAAAAGGQ/vRLI-1CsETI/s640/20150612_203308.jpg" width="404" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lee Kuan Yew Wax Figure</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ucAjmXIuSmY/VasvH6P305I/AAAAAAAAGLU/OWZJIosDbzA/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage3%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ucAjmXIuSmY/VasvH6P305I/AAAAAAAAGLU/OWZJIosDbzA/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage3%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Political leaders around the world, including Hitler</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-veJjYDKZD28/VasvJR8cvSI/AAAAAAAAGLk/gdbfzPyhH-w/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage4%2B%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="338" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-veJjYDKZD28/VasvJR8cvSI/AAAAAAAAGLk/gdbfzPyhH-w/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage4%2B%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>China's political leaders</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51KIE7EIEcc/VasvLygqZNI/AAAAAAAAGMA/sawNW-Dq65w/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage7%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51KIE7EIEcc/VasvLygqZNI/AAAAAAAAGMA/sawNW-Dq65w/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage7%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="486" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>From top to bottom: Barack Obama, Xi Jinping</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Enough of National heroes, there is also a section on historical heroes!<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tmKR_p4oPmI/VasvKSRSuOI/AAAAAAAAGL4/cd_FgxbiCJM/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage5%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tmKR_p4oPmI/VasvKSRSuOI/AAAAAAAAGL4/cd_FgxbiCJM/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage5%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Historical Heroes!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SUg4XR1r13I/VasuxM7cUVI/AAAAAAAAGGU/j3UsrELzeJA/s1600/20150612_203614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SUg4XR1r13I/VasuxM7cUVI/AAAAAAAAGGU/j3UsrELzeJA/s640/20150612_203614.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Zhang Guo Rong (Leslie Chung)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Not too sure why Zhang Guo Rong is under this section, maybe because he is known as one of the founding fathers of Cantopop.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red;">4. TV Studio</span></div>
<br />
For TV studio, there's many interacting areas for you to play along with the characters. Like you can act as a host alongside Sandra Ng with cameras starring at you.<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ns7bzvjAn08/Vasu_Bg3-sI/AAAAAAAAGJ4/vzy93iM_iow/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ns7bzvjAn08/Vasu_Bg3-sI/AAAAAAAAGJ4/vzy93iM_iow/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage10.jpg" width="584" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>From left to right: Eric Tsang, Sandra Ng</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: red;">5. World Premiere</span><br />
World Premiere features mainly from the early black and white hollywood era.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8N8Hp396cqQ/VasuxtrX52I/AAAAAAAAGGg/8uHmkDP-vz0/s1600/20150612_203916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="562" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8N8Hp396cqQ/VasuxtrX52I/AAAAAAAAGGg/8uHmkDP-vz0/s640/20150612_203916.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U7U36rkI31o/VasvBFydAMI/AAAAAAAAGKM/qNyCbIr1gjw/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="544" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U7U36rkI31o/VasvBFydAMI/AAAAAAAAGKM/qNyCbIr1gjw/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage11.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bruce Lee, Audrey Hepburn, Donnie Yen..</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: red;">5a. KPOP Zone</span><br />
Screams* Fan girl/boy mode on!<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eF51Jiu-84Q/VasvBVNi5PI/AAAAAAAAGKU/6qMqzNr_cVA/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="404" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eF51Jiu-84Q/VasvBVNi5PI/AAAAAAAAGKU/6qMqzNr_cVA/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage12.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>All your favourite Korean pop stars~</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: red;">6. The Champions</span><br />
Now, we enter into the sports arena!<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_aQmMNM1X4/VasvBUK-3_I/AAAAAAAAGKQ/7e2LBsjD_LU/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="446" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_aQmMNM1X4/VasvBUK-3_I/AAAAAAAAGKQ/7e2LBsjD_LU/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage13.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>sportsmen/women</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eylHiEQ2i0c/Vasu9hMQw8I/AAAAAAAAGJk/6PKywLgZdlk/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eylHiEQ2i0c/Vasu9hMQw8I/AAAAAAAAGJk/6PKywLgZdlk/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B%25286%2529.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sportsmen + Sumo!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: red;">7. Authentic History</span><br />
Midway, we see this section on Authentic History. Basically it talks about how these wax making figurines comes about and the history of Madame Tussaud museum. It uses Donnie Yen as an example, and showcase the construction process of his wax figure too.<br />
<br />
Madame Tussaud Museum was founded by Madame Tussaud herself who was the creator of the first wax figure.<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-tv4_2RIMw/VasuyMtrRvI/AAAAAAAAGGk/KR0cdMBHeqc/s1600/20150612_205311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-tv4_2RIMw/VasuyMtrRvI/AAAAAAAAGGk/KR0cdMBHeqc/s640/20150612_205311.jpg" width="346" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Madame Tussaud</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-STPSnuAat0A/VasvDW5KraI/AAAAAAAAGKk/T_Ra9tqjgT0/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-STPSnuAat0A/VasvDW5KraI/AAAAAAAAGKk/T_Ra9tqjgT0/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage14.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Modelling process of the wax figurines</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: red;">8. Music Icons</span><br />
<br />
As we enter the last second section, it features the popular and prominent singers across continents.<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eZxMzXKRyt0/VasvDmbuhpI/AAAAAAAAGKs/PWPArGxH9_w/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="368" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eZxMzXKRyt0/VasvDmbuhpI/AAAAAAAAGKs/PWPArGxH9_w/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage15.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>pop singers</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VZk34uxqZyo/VasvD9izO7I/AAAAAAAAGKo/HY9a1Ygw4a8/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="412" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VZk34uxqZyo/VasvD9izO7I/AAAAAAAAGKo/HY9a1Ygw4a8/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage17.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Past legends</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--U4I7WkUFZw/Vasu_HMyQ_I/AAAAAAAAGJ8/EcDCS76BhTA/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--U4I7WkUFZw/Vasu_HMyQ_I/AAAAAAAAGJ8/EcDCS76BhTA/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B%25287%2529.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lady Gaga, The Beatles...</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: red;">9. Fantasy Kingdom</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<br />
Last but not least, it is the fantasy kingdom!<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cFcCms8Da_Y/VasuyURPXgI/AAAAAAAAGGo/VVVQpseN1mk/s1600/20150612_210213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="520" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cFcCms8Da_Y/VasuyURPXgI/AAAAAAAAGGo/VVVQpseN1mk/s640/20150612_210213.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hello Kitty kingdom!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VVsVtccOWY8/VasvE-0WfQI/AAAAAAAAGK0/1Ob5dIYGoIM/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="528" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VVsVtccOWY8/VasvE-0WfQI/AAAAAAAAGK0/1Ob5dIYGoIM/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage18.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fantasy characters</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JnLJmiwb6v0/VasvFXhk6gI/AAAAAAAAGLE/WmeIyBNujjo/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JnLJmiwb6v0/VasvFXhk6gI/AAAAAAAAGLE/WmeIyBNujjo/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage19.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Characters from the Monkey God show</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
And lastly, like all museums, you will end the journey at the retail shop. We spent an hour in the museum had we had a whale of a time in there. Highly recommend you to enter if you happen to be at the peak!</div>
<br />
Last glance of the Hong Kong skyline @ 9.15pm.<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8hqiHDM-3XQ/VasuzcZhTBI/AAAAAAAAGG0/OpK-9AYIKy0/s1600/20150612_210833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8hqiHDM-3XQ/VasuzcZhTBI/AAAAAAAAGG0/OpK-9AYIKy0/s640/20150612_210833.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View of Hong Kong Skyline @ 9.15pm</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We then head to The Peak Galleria with the hope of catching more of the skyline before we retreat back home. </div>
<div>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BobJh7B-M_I/Vasuz_y7wkI/AAAAAAAAGHE/jpPpBFIN5DA/s1600/20150612_212030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BobJh7B-M_I/Vasuz_y7wkI/AAAAAAAAGHE/jpPpBFIN5DA/s640/20150612_212030.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Peak Galleria</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_MDshKFY1RI/Vasu0V2NlwI/AAAAAAAAGHM/Rmqfu-oSavo/s1600/20150612_212123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_MDshKFY1RI/Vasu0V2NlwI/AAAAAAAAGHM/Rmqfu-oSavo/s640/20150612_212123.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Iconic Peak Infrastructure</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
However when we went to the Peak Galleria, we realised that it is also where we are supposed to queue to board the tram back. And the queue is horrendous. Once again we didnt expect it to be a long queue for the tram back. We decided to ditch the idea of exploring the area and head straight for the queue instead.<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EBqluwCxq5Q/VasuzsGFU0I/AAAAAAAAGHA/CJBRVSaTIkM/s1600/20150612_211924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EBqluwCxq5Q/VasuzsGFU0I/AAAAAAAAGHA/CJBRVSaTIkM/s640/20150612_211924.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Queue for the tram.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We waited for 35 mins in total.The tram journey is an average of 7 minutes. In the end, we reach the ground of the Peak terminus at close to 10pm.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cjl_3YwEUHs/Vasu1-DGsDI/AAAAAAAAGHc/WkYvXFkmXgg/s1600/20150612_215351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cjl_3YwEUHs/Vasu1-DGsDI/AAAAAAAAGHc/WkYvXFkmXgg/s640/20150612_215351.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The peak terminus at night</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Overall, we seem to spent most of our time queuing. If we were to plan it again, maybe we would not schedule visiting The Peak on a Friday night and maybe we will queue earlier say 5pm. In essence, factor more time for queuing. Though we believe there might be less crowd in the morning, however the night/sunset scene should be still worth viewing.<br />
<br />
We weren't too sure of the way back to Central MTR, but there's a couple of people heading for the MTR too. So we followed their footsteps and it seems correct!<br />
<br />
We took the MTR from Central MTR back to Yau Ma Tei MTR.<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qfQw_uvfNqk/Vasu1y4St-I/AAAAAAAAGHk/MN6zdDaFHjk/s1600/20150612_221402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qfQw_uvfNqk/Vasu1y4St-I/AAAAAAAAGHk/MN6zdDaFHjk/s640/20150612_221402.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yau Ma Tei MTR </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Apparently this is our last train journey in Hong Kong, as the following day we will be taking the cab.<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oYsPhLZN98Y/Vasu10kpnOI/AAAAAAAAGHg/2FinpeSD0C4/s1600/20150612_221410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="482" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oYsPhLZN98Y/Vasu10kpnOI/AAAAAAAAGHg/2FinpeSD0C4/s640/20150612_221410.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yau Ma Tei train platfom @ 10.15pm.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We reached Yau Ma Tei around 10.15pm and this concludes our last full day in Hong Kong. Tired but fulfilling.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">Side-note:</span></b><br />
<br />
Along our way back, we spotted this huge truck that has an employment advertisement on it. Wonder if the rates are considered good or bad<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xnLYz0k3f20/Vasu3vxCq3I/AAAAAAAAGH0/wN45Ue-HXtw/s1600/20150612_222014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xnLYz0k3f20/Vasu3vxCq3I/AAAAAAAAGH0/wN45Ue-HXtw/s640/20150612_222014.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Employment Advertisement</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the apartment that we stay in, they will put up notice in the lift stating any tenants that owe rents. This is something that we dont see in Singapore.<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CpE8CsY0SXE/Vasu39GmpOI/AAAAAAAAGH8/18qaxj-lpqY/s1600/20150612_222549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="386" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CpE8CsY0SXE/Vasu39GmpOI/AAAAAAAAGH8/18qaxj-lpqY/s640/20150612_222549.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Notice - rents owed</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951287982667008118.post-34257738621371529592015-06-11T00:00:00.000+08:002015-08-30T19:13:02.230+08:00HK & MACAU Day 5 - Man Fat Sze Temple, Chilin Nunnery, Star Avenue, Hong Kong Island <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22.390625px; text-align: left;">Day 5: Airbnb Apartment -> Ten Thousand Buddhas (Man Fat Sze) -> Nan Lian Garden -> Chi Lin Nunnery -> Jenny Bakery Outlet @ TST -> Golden Crown Guesthouse -> Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade (Avenue of Stars) -> Wan Chai (Golden Bauhinia) -> Sheung Wan</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AqcRXPbyHxY/VcdxIwXaUdI/AAAAAAAAHCM/XFsHmRK-vxI/s1600/20150611_062129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="546" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AqcRXPbyHxY/VcdxIwXaUdI/AAAAAAAAHCM/XFsHmRK-vxI/s640/20150611_062129.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Full cream evaporated milk</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We thought that the can design seem pretty cute and hence we bought this canned milk the night before from ParkNShop Supermarket located near our apartment. It is so that we can make our own tea to accompany our breakfast.<br />
<br />
We had a simple breakfast in the apartment - of bread. You may ask why did we not try their local breakfast like the famous Australian Dairy Co. We did have them in mind, however due to other considerations like wanting to have vegetarian food before we visit temple and also time issue, therefore we did not visit them. We saw from the internet that some popular cha chaan teng can attract long queues in the morning during breakfast!<br />
<br />
Our first destination is Man Fat Sze Temple. Our first draft of itinerary was to visit Chi Lin Nunnery first as it is a more direct route from Yau Ma Tei than starting off to Man Fat Sze. However as we knew that there's a lot of climbing to be done for Man Fat Sze Temple, we decide to start it off first, hopefully when the sun has yet to be at its full power.<br />
<br />
We left the apartment @ 8am in the morning. Once again we will be taking the MTR to reach our destination. Hong Kong's railway system makes travelling around extremely convenient. Hence, having an Octopus card is crucial!<br />
<br />
Our train journey will be:<br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><b><span style="color: lime;">Yau Ma Tei (Kwun Tong Line)</span><span style="color: white;"> -> </span><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Kowloon Tong (East Rail Line)</span><span style="color: white;"> -> Sha Tin</span></b></span><br />
The estimated time of travel is 21 minutes according to the Hong Kong MTR train journey planner.<br />
<br />
MTRs come quite frequently in Hong Kong! So don't worry about missing one!<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_yAEbFuUxqg/VcdxJ0nvaAI/AAAAAAAAHCc/bE9jwtb3JHw/s1600/20150611_081409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_yAEbFuUxqg/VcdxJ0nvaAI/AAAAAAAAHCc/bE9jwtb3JHw/s640/20150611_081409.jpg" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>MTR on Kwun Tong Line @ 8.15am, Thursday</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b5VwK3I5vew/VcdxKa04ESI/AAAAAAAAHCo/cQPDYLSPyzo/s1600/20150611_081414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b5VwK3I5vew/VcdxKa04ESI/AAAAAAAAHCo/cQPDYLSPyzo/s640/20150611_081414.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Plenty of empty seats on the MTR on Kwun Tong Line @ 8.15am, Thursday</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Among the lines that we took in Hong Kong thus far, most seems to be underground tunnels!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We transited at Kowloon Tong for Sha Tin. The train here seems different. As you can see from the image below, the train still have overhead wires hanging. The feeling is so different!</div>
<div>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i69TeAhbkr4/VcdxKRlWfWI/AAAAAAAAHCw/HE7uAAhrqow/s1600/20150611_082845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i69TeAhbkr4/VcdxKRlWfWI/AAAAAAAAHCw/HE7uAAhrqow/s640/20150611_082845.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Transit @ Kowloon Tong</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For this train, they have First Class cabins! Some sections along the platform states 'Quiet Zone' too. We aren't too sure how to board the first class cabins - it feels like everyone has the same pass, so how do you differentiate the standard. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We board at the Quiet Zone coincidentally. No one was talking in the cabin. However in general, even in other cabins, there's little interactions between people. We seldom hear them talking to each other either. Most seems to be solo commuters.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We finally reach Sha Tin MTR @ 8.40am, which is an approx 25 mins ride.</div>
<div>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6G7ulrcGFS4/VcdxK_O79yI/AAAAAAAAHC4/Z_xJEl1eozY/s1600/20150611_084102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="348" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6G7ulrcGFS4/VcdxK_O79yI/AAAAAAAAHC4/Z_xJEl1eozY/s640/20150611_084102.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Destination: Sha Tin MTR exit B</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To get to Man Fat Sze (Ten Thousands Buddha) Monastery, you will have to get out from Exit B. Once you head out, turn left and you will see this (see image below). Follow the ramp down.<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iQ5thwxUOpU/VcdxLbSIMaI/AAAAAAAAHDA/ZGtw64jS9uM/s1600/20150611_084133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="412" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iQ5thwxUOpU/VcdxLbSIMaI/AAAAAAAAHDA/ZGtw64jS9uM/s640/20150611_084133.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Turn left and Follow the ramp down for the pedestrian crossing.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then walk straight, following the pedestrian path. You don't need to cross opposite as it is the bus interchange.<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vTV2k6Jrs1M/VcdxLpuMb9I/AAAAAAAAHDM/HCUVIZMenvs/s1600/20150611_084304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vTV2k6Jrs1M/VcdxLpuMb9I/AAAAAAAAHDM/HCUVIZMenvs/s640/20150611_084304.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Walk straight on the pedestrian path</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To make sure you are on the right path, just walk along Pai Tau Street.<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0IvdGZ304N0/VcdxMQIm9yI/AAAAAAAAHDQ/YJ0DkHScmjI/s1600/20150611_084334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0IvdGZ304N0/VcdxMQIm9yI/AAAAAAAAHDQ/YJ0DkHScmjI/s640/20150611_084334.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pai Tau Street</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Towards the end of the street you will meet a road. Cross it -> head towards the left side. You should be in the direction of Sha Tin Government Offices.<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkQlY0yLjTI/VcdxMRA6GcI/AAAAAAAAHDU/5BD9Ux5BOuA/s1600/20150611_084515_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkQlY0yLjTI/VcdxMRA6GcI/AAAAAAAAHDU/5BD9Ux5BOuA/s640/20150611_084515_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Towards ' Sha Tin government Offices'</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Thereafter, walking straight along the pedestrian path, you will see Sha Tin government office just opposite the road. At this point of time, you would have reach Sheung Wo Che Road. Either you cross the road and turn right and walk all the way, or you turn right and walk all the way then you cross the road.<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qNFuDoprONI/VcdxNQ3ttKI/AAAAAAAAHDk/LZyi0Yt0T94/s1600/20150611_085054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qNFuDoprONI/VcdxNQ3ttKI/AAAAAAAAHDk/LZyi0Yt0T94/s640/20150611_085054.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sheung Wo Che Road - Sha Tin Government office in the background</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You are extremely near to Man Fat Sze now. You may choose to cross the road and walk along the side of Sha Tin Government office or cross the road later. However as it is working hours, there's many people along that area. Man Fat Sze Temple is at the side of Sha Tin Government Offices.<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wy02NEtymZw/VcdxNqx06HI/AAAAAAAAHDo/n4yPzL4-xSg/s1600/20150611_085135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wy02NEtymZw/VcdxNqx06HI/AAAAAAAAHDo/n4yPzL4-xSg/s640/20150611_085135.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Walk straight</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And ta da ~ At the end of Sheung Wo Che Road you will see the sign towards Ten Thousands Buddha Monastery (Notice in Red and yellow words).<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_K-m_tIhR2E/VcdxN4zXsgI/AAAAAAAAHDs/2tTOfV6KLL4/s1600/20150611_085324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_K-m_tIhR2E/VcdxN4zXsgI/AAAAAAAAHDs/2tTOfV6KLL4/s640/20150611_085324.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sign to Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery / Man Fat Sze</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We saw on the internet that many tourists ended up on the wrong track and headed towards a chinese cemetry. We believe that they headed to Fuk Shan Tse (Green and brown sign in the background of the image below)<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LfrgKrD0uNo/VcdxOs67ZtI/AAAAAAAAHD4/Pp6Ua4BSyXE/s1600/20150611_085450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="372" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LfrgKrD0uNo/VcdxOs67ZtI/AAAAAAAAHD4/Pp6Ua4BSyXE/s640/20150611_085450.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>signs at the end of the road to guide you!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So to get to Man Fat Sze, be sure to turn left, and follow the red sign. You will see this path. Follow the dog path in the image below!<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-USbdC64e3wE/VcdxPTs9SfI/AAAAAAAAHEA/N1z-edsCJG0/s1600/20150611_085554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-USbdC64e3wE/VcdxPTs9SfI/AAAAAAAAHEA/N1z-edsCJG0/s640/20150611_085554.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Right way to Man Fat Sze Temple</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As you walk on, soon you reach the foot of the temple!<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XGTi18-R1io/VcdxPWEqWbI/AAAAAAAAHEI/pngCwWKKQlI/s1600/20150611_085655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XGTi18-R1io/VcdxPWEqWbI/AAAAAAAAHEI/pngCwWKKQlI/s640/20150611_085655.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Foot of Man Fat Sze Temple</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It took us a leisurely 10-15 minutes walk to foot of Man Fat Sze Temple from Sha Tin MTR.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One you reach the foot of the temple, be prepared to climb the steps up! Plenty of steps!</div>
<div>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v_iZyBbNTus/VcdxQbnb6uI/AAAAAAAAHEc/7vbpblTKe2c/s1600/20150611_085902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v_iZyBbNTus/VcdxQbnb6uI/AAAAAAAAHEc/7vbpblTKe2c/s640/20150611_085902.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>steps up to reach the temple</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There's plenty of steps but they are quite shallow and not steep. Do not try to attempt the slope at the left side of the walkway, as it is pretty steep. Along the way, there are plenty of Arhats on both side of the walk way. There are chinese wordings on red paper along the way too.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Abz-EtSUQ4/VcdxYMlVnTI/AAAAAAAAHGg/OFGWerHOA48/s1600/20150611_101056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Abz-EtSUQ4/VcdxYMlVnTI/AAAAAAAAHGg/OFGWerHOA48/s640/20150611_101056.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Chinese wordings</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
If you are interested, do take some time to read them, afterall they are 'wisdom wordings'! No harm no harm!</div>
<div>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZy-qddg6f8/VcdxP1O6zqI/AAAAAAAAHEM/f9diUWz88wk/s1600/20150611_085810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZy-qddg6f8/VcdxP1O6zqI/AAAAAAAAHEM/f9diUWz88wk/s640/20150611_085810.jpg" width="390" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rest stop</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Halfway through we come across a rest stop, with a drinks fridge for you to refuel before you continue to climb. They do not dictate the amount to the soft drinks but do pay the amount that you deem it to be worth.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H04ZJ8ez_II/VcdxRDGYLoI/AAAAAAAAHEg/EV-JmDizRwg/s1600/20150611_090612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H04ZJ8ez_II/VcdxRDGYLoI/AAAAAAAAHEg/EV-JmDizRwg/s640/20150611_090612.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>More steps!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nearing the top ~</div>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwNcm1jXAJk/VcdxR9qZSrI/AAAAAAAAHEw/s7RRK_9J82s/s1600/20150611_090802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwNcm1jXAJk/VcdxR9qZSrI/AAAAAAAAHEw/s7RRK_9J82s/s640/20150611_090802.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Final few steps and we are nearing the temple! </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bZRcz_sHJVY/VcdxYJfohDI/AAAAAAAAHGc/_drIajp7qiI/s1600/20150611_100814_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bZRcz_sHJVY/VcdxYJfohDI/AAAAAAAAHGc/_drIajp7qiI/s640/20150611_100814_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Temple - viewed from the steps</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0mROSTm-doc/VcdxSH3pnlI/AAAAAAAAHE0/yPu3SxoFlcM/s1600/20150611_091122_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0mROSTm-doc/VcdxSH3pnlI/AAAAAAAAHE0/yPu3SxoFlcM/s640/20150611_091122_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pretty scenary</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yup, after climbing all the steps, you are almost at the 'top of the world'. Haha. There's great scenary up there. The temple is situated on a 'hill'. The whole place is pretty peaceful. When we reach, there was only another solo traveller and a few temple volunteers. If you are seeking for peacefulness within the Hong Kong city, this is a place to visit.<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dqfh3i9xkm8/VcdxTfZItlI/AAAAAAAAHFM/SY8ZB2ChDmk/s1600/20150611_093809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dqfh3i9xkm8/VcdxTfZItlI/AAAAAAAAHFM/SY8ZB2ChDmk/s640/20150611_093809.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Man Fat Sze Temple - Main Hall</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was a leisurely 15 minutes walk up the steps to reach the main hall of the temple. By the time we reach the main hall of the temple it's around 9.15am. The weather is starting to get more and more humid.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We made our offerings and prayers at the main hall of the temple. Just opposite the main hall, is a pagoda and some statues of the Goddess of Mercy. There is a reason for its name - Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery because it really has around 10,000 buddha statues in its compound.</div>
<div>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kvzj5v5_4_k/VcdxSY9QzbI/AAAAAAAAHE8/W4f1ZDkXz0I/s1600/20150611_093544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kvzj5v5_4_k/VcdxSY9QzbI/AAAAAAAAHE8/W4f1ZDkXz0I/s640/20150611_093544.jpg" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pagoda</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FrFeceqmqDk/VcdxTKyDGUI/AAAAAAAAHFQ/5zS34RQEZhk/s1600/20150611_093731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FrFeceqmqDk/VcdxTKyDGUI/AAAAAAAAHFQ/5zS34RQEZhk/s640/20150611_093731.jpg" width="388" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Goddess of Mercy</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ssc7hlBrGQ/VcdxznQcHyI/AAAAAAAAHNg/0brbEkTs7h4/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="144" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ssc7hlBrGQ/VcdxznQcHyI/AAAAAAAAHNg/0brbEkTs7h4/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B%25286%2529.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Other statues of the Goddess of Mercy</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There is also a second level after the main hall level. Yup more steps coming up!</div>
<div>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h0-hn58rxn8/VcdxT8_obNI/AAAAAAAAHFU/LRmQB-rFA1o/s1600/20150611_094428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h0-hn58rxn8/VcdxT8_obNI/AAAAAAAAHFU/LRmQB-rFA1o/s640/20150611_094428.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>More steps to the 'second level'</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AvkXKWed9tc/VcdxUobloEI/AAAAAAAAHFk/9euB9dgKGjI/s1600/20150611_094514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AvkXKWed9tc/VcdxUobloEI/AAAAAAAAHFk/9euB9dgKGjI/s640/20150611_094514.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>statue of buddhas around you as you climb up the steps to the 'second level'</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xFnxW7c8bMk/VcdxU7k-CpI/AAAAAAAAHFs/eDMVJKAGC3o/s1600/20150611_094637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xFnxW7c8bMk/VcdxU7k-CpI/AAAAAAAAHFs/eDMVJKAGC3o/s640/20150611_094637.jpg" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>'Second level'</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are more buddha statues here and also pagoda. There is also a 玉皇殿 which is also the Hall for the Jade Emperor.<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TzDdM0b2AGk/VcdxU7f3LcI/AAAAAAAAHFo/Z2l9mQZL24A/s1600/20150611_094956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TzDdM0b2AGk/VcdxU7f3LcI/AAAAAAAAHFo/Z2l9mQZL24A/s640/20150611_094956.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>More buddha statues with the city and sky as its backdrop</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKxApYUsntM/VcdxVwMmcYI/AAAAAAAAHF8/11yEgDNZda4/s1600/20150611_095522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKxApYUsntM/VcdxVwMmcYI/AAAAAAAAHF8/11yEgDNZda4/s640/20150611_095522.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pagoda and rocks</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the rocks, there's different characters on it. Some maintenance work was ongoing when we were there. Be careful!<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5KXO5I7UcfU/VcdxWqhIteI/AAAAAAAAHGI/cU47zdx_Lb4/s1600/20150611_095859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5KXO5I7UcfU/VcdxWqhIteI/AAAAAAAAHGI/cU47zdx_Lb4/s640/20150611_095859.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Characters on the rocky hill</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The 'second level' is higher hence the view of the city is nicer too from there too. You see plenty of hills which is a rare sight in Singapore where all you see is skyscrapers.<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-deEzG6WbeZA/VcdxWlm8-eI/AAAAAAAAHGA/YHgnfGnFlvo/s1600/20150611_095939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-deEzG6WbeZA/VcdxWlm8-eI/AAAAAAAAHGA/YHgnfGnFlvo/s640/20150611_095939.jpg" width="640" /></i></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>View from the 'second level'</i></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We spotted a family of monkeys there too! So be cautious if you are bringing food there.<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ej0S5b4cFpU/VcdxXAQLBAI/AAAAAAAAHGM/ZiKrhsg6mBU/s1600/20150611_100123_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ej0S5b4cFpU/VcdxXAQLBAI/AAAAAAAAHGM/ZiKrhsg6mBU/s640/20150611_100123_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Monkey!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We saw on the internet that they do serve vegetarian dishes too and it is not bad. However we wanted to try the vegetarian dishes at Chilin Nunnery more, so we did not stop for lunch before setting off. We start to make our way down at around 10.05am.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--l52VOl2_tA/VcdxYWMDsdI/AAAAAAAAHGk/gGIE_fLj42k/s1600/20150611_101349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--l52VOl2_tA/VcdxYWMDsdI/AAAAAAAAHGk/gGIE_fLj42k/s640/20150611_101349.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View on our way down</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This time round, we saw more people along the pathway, but they are heading in the opposite direction from us. We are headed down but they are heading upwards. At this point of time, its getting even hotter. We can really feel the heat. So I would recommend that unless you are coming during winter when its cooling, if not <b>start off early</b>. The monastery opens at 9am, but it is the main hall gate that opens at 9am, the foot of the monastery where you start climbing the steps up is opened a little earlier! We were there at aroudn 8.55am and it was already opened. Climbing the steps up when it is very hot and humid can be a chore and it is definitely not gonna be an easy task!<br />
<br />
On our way back to Sha Tin MTR we saw a make shift preserved sweets store.<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0kBdnwAHl1g/VcdxZSkndeI/AAAAAAAAHGs/-vNOP7nyhwU/s1600/20150611_103554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0kBdnwAHl1g/VcdxZSkndeI/AAAAAAAAHGs/-vNOP7nyhwU/s640/20150611_103554.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Temporary preserved sweets store @ Sha Tin MTR</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now our next stop is to Chilin Nunnery which is situated near Diamond Hill MTR!<br />
<br />
To get to Diamond Hill MTR from Sha Tin MTR, this is the route we have to take:<br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: cyan;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: black;"><b><span style="color: cyan;">Sha Tin (East Rail Line)</span><span style="color: white;"> -> </span><span style="color: lime;">Kowloon Tong (Kwun Tong Line) </span><span style="color: white;">-> Diamond Hill</span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><b><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">The East Rail Line is generally above land surface and there's wires hanging over the train. We took the train from Sha Tin and alighted after 1 stop.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K-7pSKZHNo0/VcdxZs5rxsI/AAAAAAAAHGw/KN8IWqNYk5U/s1600/20150611_105314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="422" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K-7pSKZHNo0/VcdxZs5rxsI/AAAAAAAAHGw/KN8IWqNYk5U/s640/20150611_105314.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>MTR @ Kowloon Tong</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The above picture show where we alighted and as we walk we pass by the 'first class' cabin! Generally first class cabin has more comfy seats - seats are cushioned like those long distance/cross border trains.<br />
<br />
To transit to Diamond Hill, we get off the '火车‘ (Railway train) and hop on to an underground MTR.<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-73QLRItS7zk/VcdxZ3P4dZI/AAAAAAAAHG4/xkwXw_8XS4g/s1600/20150611_113113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="550" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-73QLRItS7zk/VcdxZ3P4dZI/AAAAAAAAHG4/xkwXw_8XS4g/s640/20150611_113113.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kowloon Tong MTR underground subway</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
However when we reached Kowloon Tong MTR, one of us needed a shoe replacement at Kowloon Tong MTR area as the shoe strap snap :(<br />
<br />
Sigh what an unfortunate event which no one would hope to happen when you are overseas, especially when it is still the early part of the day and there's many more places to go and you aren't too familiar with the place around hence clueless as to where to get a pair of shoes.<br />
<br />
Luckily Kowloon Tong MTR has a shopping mall called <i>Festival Walk</i> linked to it, so we were able to get a pair of shoes instantly. However it houses big brands like Burberry :/ And all we are looking for is just a simple pair of shoes so that the person can just continue with walking. At this point of time, we are really thankful for the existence of huge department stores like Uniqlo and H&M that makes things affordable yet not expensive.<br />
<br />
<i>Festival Walk</i> has a Uniqlo department store and a H&M department store. We passed by the H&M departmental store first and just nice, its flats were on sale. We purchased a basic Black flats for HKD 70 (SGD $12.20). Not too bad! Yay unlucky yet lucky us! A quick walk around the H&M store, we realised the price is not too bad. Not too sure if its the exchange rate difference or what but the price is cheaper than what we can get in Singapore. So do visit H&M in Hong Kong! Uniqlo wise the clothes are cheaper but not exactly as cheap cos afterall Uniqlo's Singapore has plenty of offers on and off.<br />
<br />
Okay back to topic, we are well equipped with comfy shoes and we board the train again! We alighted at Diamond Hill MTR at We reached Diamond Hill MTR at around 11.40am. If everything is smooth, the train ride including transit trains from Sha Tin to Diamond Hill should take approx 20 mins only!<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F0ltPTNoD-8/Vd64nvLet0I/AAAAAAAAHRw/qyRVPzYYz7o/s1600/20150611_114153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F0ltPTNoD-8/Vd64nvLet0I/AAAAAAAAHRw/qyRVPzYYz7o/s640/20150611_114153.jpg" width="332" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Exit C2 @ Diamond hill MTR</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Remember to get out from Exit C2 of Diamond Hill MTR, you should see the Uniqlo department store on your left when you reach ground floor from the exit. On the main pavement you will see signs directing you to Chi Lin Nunnery. Just follow the signs and you are in safe hands.<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LgejoYl2djY/VcdxavBc40I/AAAAAAAAHHA/j7j6vLR70og/s1600/20150611_114313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="374" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LgejoYl2djY/VcdxavBc40I/AAAAAAAAHHA/j7j6vLR70og/s640/20150611_114313.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Turn left for Chi Lin Nunnery</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was only a 2-3 mins walk to Chi Lin Nunnery entrance.<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ED0BiDtfqeQ/Vcdxa061x8I/AAAAAAAAHHM/ZKa-7q28RMA/s1600/20150611_114532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="442" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ED0BiDtfqeQ/Vcdxa061x8I/AAAAAAAAHHM/ZKa-7q28RMA/s640/20150611_114532.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Chilin Nunnery entrance</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zo-joLXj_eI/VcdxbVzLrrI/AAAAAAAAHHQ/4NqkH2_eUS4/s1600/20150611_114623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zo-joLXj_eI/VcdxbVzLrrI/AAAAAAAAHHQ/4NqkH2_eUS4/s640/20150611_114623.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Just entered Chi Lin Nunnery</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we first entered Chi Lin Nunnery, our expectations was kept low. We knew that it was ranked high on <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Attraction_Review-g294217-d437839-Reviews-Chi_Lin_Nunnery-Hong_Kong.html">Tripadvisor</a> but to know that admission is free and it is easily accessible, we thought it must be small and there's nothing too fancy given that maintenance cost are often high and this doesn't seem to be funded by government. Afterall when we just entered Chi Lin Nunnery (see image above), the first impression doesn't seem good.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But oh my, look at how much we have underestimated it! We were totally <b>GRATEFUL</b> that we actually pay a visit to this city beauty! </div>
<div>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gL-nhrpvA4s/Vcdx2AI-VSI/AAAAAAAAHOU/-7KMjTCcXKI/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage3%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="452" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gL-nhrpvA4s/Vcdx2AI-VSI/AAAAAAAAHOU/-7KMjTCcXKI/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage3%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Chi Lin Nunnery</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is a really big 'park' with traditional architecture inside. There is a pond/lake around the middle too. The flowers/bushes/grasses were all in a nice pattern which just reflects how well maintained it is. We wouldn't mind even if we need to pay a small admission fee to enter! It is really beautiful and it amazed us on how this park can exist in this city.</div>
<div>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hv_6Aq5lw2o/VcdxzoGZTdI/AAAAAAAAHNk/goI2xLQzFbs/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="322" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hv_6Aq5lw2o/VcdxzoGZTdI/AAAAAAAAHNk/goI2xLQzFbs/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B%25285%2529.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Trees and greenery in Chi Lin Nunnery</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are many photo taking opportunities because everything is just too pretty and the houses/greenery makes you feel as if you are in Korea or Japan too!<br />
<br />
This whole park is actually called 'Nan Lian Garden', but it is often known as Chi Lin Nunnery. The nunnery is actually really a nunnery which is situated at the back of the garden which we visited after lunch. Speaking of lunch, if you are here at Nan Lian Garden, we strongly recommend you to have a vegetarian lunch @ Chi Lin Vegetarian.<br />
<br />
So why?<br />
<br />
1. For the <b>scenary</b><br />
2. The food is <b>delicious</b>. Best vegetarian that we have tasted.<br />
3. Now that you have appreciated the garden scenary, time for you to <b>contribute </b>back. All proceeds from your spending in the restaurant, will be contributed to maintaining Nan Lian Garden.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-80_GI03Zs0A/Vcdxh2ZB4fI/AAAAAAAAHIs/SkHnU15ep8Y/s1600/20150611_125940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-80_GI03Zs0A/Vcdxh2ZB4fI/AAAAAAAAHIs/SkHnU15ep8Y/s640/20150611_125940.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Chi Lin Vegetarian house under the waterfall</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Look at how classy and nice to dine under the waterfall! However, if you want to get seats right beside the glass window overlooking the waterfall, we recommend reaching early (11.45am or earlier) OR make a reservation. The latter is preferred because it is really popular even with the local working people. Hence as we did not make a reservation, we did not enjoy a good seat (beside the window) and we have to finish our food within 1 hour. However if you had reserved beforehand, there will be no time restriction!</div>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ig_hvz8Otg/VcdxcVC572I/AAAAAAAAHHo/87V73Dqu0pc/s1600/20150611_120022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ig_hvz8Otg/VcdxcVC572I/AAAAAAAAHHo/87V73Dqu0pc/s640/20150611_120022.jpg" width="402" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Chi Lin Vegetarian</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j7CjdCk9cnw/VcdxcS0anZI/AAAAAAAAHHs/TgNTnc42Ymg/s1600/20150611_120033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j7CjdCk9cnw/VcdxcS0anZI/AAAAAAAAHHs/TgNTnc42Ymg/s640/20150611_120033.jpg" width="398" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Chi Lin vegetarian poster 2</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you are not sure how to get here, do look out for the signs along your way in the garden, it will state to Chi Lin Vegetarian /Restaurant. There's only 1 place selling food in Nan Lian Garden.<br />
<br />
When we reached the restaurant it is 12pm. By the time we enter, there were plenty of people sitted inside the restaurant already! The opening hours of the restaurant is 12pm! So, be there early if you dont want to reserve!<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vrcAbe-XQAo/VcdxelMAIxI/AAAAAAAAHIE/IhntQBBnOW4/s1600/20150611_120111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="510" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vrcAbe-XQAo/VcdxelMAIxI/AAAAAAAAHIE/IhntQBBnOW4/s640/20150611_120111.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Entrance to Chi Lin Restaurant</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Don't you think that the entrance to Chi Lin Restaurant looks like traditional houses in Japan? Haha</div>
<div>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DodSS2oMTyo/Vcdxht8BorI/AAAAAAAAHIw/oKdIeK8uHns/s1600/20150611_125352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DodSS2oMTyo/Vcdxht8BorI/AAAAAAAAHIw/oKdIeK8uHns/s640/20150611_125352.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Interior of the restaurant</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were seated at the last row from where the image of the restaurant (above) was taken. Thus as you can see Chi Lin Vegetarian is not exactly big. The windows seats (left side of the image) are the best for scenary ~</div>
<div>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dF7x7NATt3E/Vcdx3d_XIPI/AAAAAAAAHOs/QK1XqvBGMok/s1600/day%2B11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="458" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dF7x7NATt3E/Vcdx3d_XIPI/AAAAAAAAHOs/QK1XqvBGMok/s640/day%2B11.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Menu pg 1</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XSSsKMIAed4/Vcdx3GDpWKI/AAAAAAAAHOo/Qk8davqhQpI/s1600/day%2B11.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="474" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XSSsKMIAed4/Vcdx3GDpWKI/AAAAAAAAHOo/Qk8davqhQpI/s640/day%2B11.1.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Menu pg 2</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So what to order? You can order ala-carte or their set menu. As we saw good online reviews about Chi Lin Vegetarian, we decided to go for their 4 persons set @ HKD 688 (SGD $120). It is around SGD $ 30 per pax. Whether it is expensive or not I guess it is subjective. If you think it is expensive, then just treat it as doing a good deed - donation yet you are able to satisfy your meal need. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Another reason on why we ordered the set meal is because we thought they will cook and serve faster too since its standard on their menu.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yup, food was served pretty fast. The first 2 dishes came at 12.10pm, just 10 mins after we were seated. There are a total of 8 dishes in the 4 persons set.</div>
<div>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tBW8sIBDRPA/Vcdxe0KSYuI/AAAAAAAAHIA/V77METkTZlY/s1600/20150611_121058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tBW8sIBDRPA/Vcdxe0KSYuI/AAAAAAAAHIA/V77METkTZlY/s640/20150611_121058.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>From left to right: </b>Beancurd with spicy sauce, Roasted Marinated mushroom in homemade sauce</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9igNItQfOog/VcdxeygsQrI/AAAAAAAAHH8/JOBsJ4J2w7o/s1600/20150611_121313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><b><img border="0" height="324" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9igNItQfOog/VcdxeygsQrI/AAAAAAAAHH8/JOBsJ4J2w7o/s640/20150611_121313.jpg" width="640" /></b></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>From left to right:</b> Braised Shimeji Mushrooms with white fungus, Braised Cauliflower fungus w/ Faba beans & beancurd</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7AOF818Y5Ik/Vcdxf4XwJmI/AAAAAAAAHIU/Wd5bb1VxKrc/s1600/20150611_121525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7AOF818Y5Ik/Vcdxf4XwJmI/AAAAAAAAHIU/Wd5bb1VxKrc/s640/20150611_121525.jpg" width="572" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Stir Fried black termite mushroom</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kq46d7SyMto/VcdxgAVIGTI/AAAAAAAAHIc/dSHbRqGg_xA/s1600/20150611_122932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="380" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kq46d7SyMto/VcdxgAVIGTI/AAAAAAAAHIc/dSHbRqGg_xA/s640/20150611_122932.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yellow Porcini Mushroom Fried Rice</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q2JD_HkK9oM/VcdxhctP4RI/AAAAAAAAHIo/rZIlP5uzmgQ/s1600/20150611_123500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="346" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q2JD_HkK9oM/VcdxhctP4RI/AAAAAAAAHIo/rZIlP5uzmgQ/s640/20150611_123500.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>From left to right:</b> Deep fried pumpkin & seaweed wrapped in beancurd roll, Braised beancurd patty with mixed vegetables</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There is simply nothing that we dislike.Everything is really good. The dishes looks exquisite and not common from the vegetarian dishes we typically have. Do note that the deep fried pumpkin and seaweed wrapped in beancurd roll consist of 2 different flavours, the slightly curved pastry is pumpkin wrapped in beancurd roll while the other one that looks like a bolster is the seaweed wrapped in beancurd roll.</div>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WeMQU8o0urg/VcdxgAVnXPI/AAAAAAAAHIY/tBdind-WaK8/s1600/20150611_122845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WeMQU8o0urg/VcdxgAVnXPI/AAAAAAAAHIY/tBdind-WaK8/s640/20150611_122845.jpg" width="268" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>List of dishes</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-daD17_CiRc0/Vcdx3CV0V6I/AAAAAAAAHOk/98TmeFTSBYw/s1600/day%2B11.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-daD17_CiRc0/Vcdx3CV0V6I/AAAAAAAAHOk/98TmeFTSBYw/s640/day%2B11.2.jpg" width="430" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Receipt @ Chi Lin Vegetarian</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In total we paid HKD 688 (SGD $120.70) and as you can see from the bottom of the receipt " Net proceeds will be used to finance the management and conservation of Nan Lian Garden". </div>
<br />
So how's eating plenty of delicious vegetarian dishes, and under a waterfall<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JyufCSCMtPI/Vcdxb_LUdzI/AAAAAAAAHHk/3vOLqLYvcMw/s1600/20150611_115837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JyufCSCMtPI/Vcdxb_LUdzI/AAAAAAAAHHk/3vOLqLYvcMw/s640/20150611_115837.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Chi Lin Vegetarian</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
yet knowing you can contribute to the greenery of the garden. Doesn't that sounds good?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJwQPcFJZJs/VcdxjH07uTI/AAAAAAAAHJA/OuDmFDkbZkY/s1600/20150611_130635_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJwQPcFJZJs/VcdxjH07uTI/AAAAAAAAHJA/OuDmFDkbZkY/s640/20150611_130635_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Horticulture</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They need plenty of workers to trim the bushes and maintain the garden and that's involve a high running cost!<br />
<br />
If you are interested, here's Chi Lin Vegetarian name card! Do give them a reservation for a better view!<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><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mWRG_08SU2g/Vcdx0iCmsTI/AAAAAAAAHN4/ZDecD-znIXo/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mWRG_08SU2g/Vcdx0iCmsTI/AAAAAAAAHN4/ZDecD-znIXo/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><i>Chi Lin Vegetarian name card</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After a hearty lunch, we continued our journey to Chi Lin Nunnery ( The place of worship which is just beside Nan Lian Garden). Time checked: 1pm. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Do note that if you happen to visit the place on a Wednesday, you will get free admission to their <a href="http://www.nanliangarden.org/events.php">Exhibition of Chinese Enamel Wares and Japanese Cloisonne Enamels</a>.<br />
<br />
The exhibition is on till 30th September 2015, from 10am-5pm daily. Usual price is HKD 20 (SGD $3.5) but free admission on Wednesday. We weren't exactly interested in it so we did not specifically plan it on a Wednesday. If you are interested, the exhibition is located at: Xiang Hai Xuan Multi Purpose Hall @ Nan Lian Garden. It is situated near Chi Lin Vegetarian.<br />
<br />
In order to get to Chi Lin Nunnery we have to cross a Tang Dynasty style grey bridge which overlooks a pavilion.<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l071_cnvgqo/Vcdxj6GHw9I/AAAAAAAAHJQ/tZeLkheQTRE/s1600/20150611_130851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="408" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l071_cnvgqo/Vcdxj6GHw9I/AAAAAAAAHJQ/tZeLkheQTRE/s640/20150611_130851.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bridge overlooking a tower/pavilion</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Thereafter you will see temples looking like structure and that's Chi Lin Nunnery - place of worship.<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0plDy5O54Ts/Vcdxj9MmzMI/AAAAAAAAHJU/MRTrXZLQ79U/s1600/20150611_130913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="382" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0plDy5O54Ts/Vcdxj9MmzMI/AAAAAAAAHJU/MRTrXZLQ79U/s640/20150611_130913.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Chi Lin Nunnery main entrance</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are a couple of temple halls around so do take your time to look around. The whole place reminds us of our trip t<span style="font-family: inherit;">o Korea's <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.1200008392334px;">Gyeongbokgung palace in Seoul.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 16.1200008392334px;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iPsu-ql3inc/VcdxzPdPccI/AAAAAAAAHNY/FCiomCcWCH4/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iPsu-ql3inc/VcdxzPdPccI/AAAAAAAAHNY/FCiomCcWCH4/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B%25284%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;">We offered our prayers and that's about it for Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden. We thought that we would take a much longer time, but looks like we didnt. It was around 1.30pm. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;">Our original plan for the day was to head to Chilin nunnery, Man Fat Sze Temple and Mong Kok. However as we went Mong Kok yesterday, and since we realised we overestimated the time for Chilin Nunnery and Man Fat Sze Temple, so we actually push forward most of Day 6 itinerary (Hong Kong Island) to this day. We decide to conquer the famous Avenue of Stars and Hong Kong Island. Stay tune for our rides on the Star Ferry and Ding Ding Tram!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
We decided to take the MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui MTR as we have a couple of 'errands' to run!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: lime;">Diamond Hill (Kwun Tong Line)</span> <span style="color: white;">-> </span><span style="color: red;">Mong Kok (Tsuen Wan Line)</span> <span style="color: white;">- > Tsim Sha Tsui </span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;">It was around a 20 minutes train ride inclusive of transfers. We reached Tsim Sha Tsui at 2pm.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;">Our first stop at Tsim Sha Tsui is <b>Golden Crown Court</b> - to collect our admission ticket to the Peak from <b>Golden Crown Guesthouse.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Golden Crown Guesthouse offers cheap accomodation (but only if you aren't a fussy traveller) and also cheap tickets! Since we have used the tickets before, I can safely say that the tickets are legit! Also, you DO NOT need to stay at the guesthouse to be eligible for the tickets. We decided to buy our peak combo tickets (Sky terrace + Peak tram + Madame Tussaud) tickets from Golden crown Guesthouse as it offers the best pricing among all the other agencies that we have compared. Furthermore, there is no need to pay online, but rather they accept cash when you get your physical tickets at their office which is located at Tsim Sha Tsui - a VERY centrally located area!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
We reserved 4 Peak combo tickets on <a href="http://www.goldencrownhk.com/tickets/order">Golden Crown Guesthouse website</a> a week before departure. The website comes in English and Mandarin version :) You just have to reserve the number of tickets and the date of your collection and they will send you a reservation form where you just need to print it out for collection on the day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mbzy3Wd3fvw/VeKJyyD-lpI/AAAAAAAAHSQ/zA8Aa6gvqrw/s1600/golden%2Bcrown.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="396" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mbzy3Wd3fvw/VeKJyyD-lpI/AAAAAAAAHSQ/zA8Aa6gvqrw/s640/golden%2Bcrown.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Golden Crown Guesthouse reservation</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
They provide other discounted admission tickets such as : Disneyland, Ocean Park, Ngong Ping cable car and Sky 100. Trust me, the admission tickets are all open dated which makes it flexible and they are all competitively priced. You get the same deal at a lower price!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For example, for the 3-in-1 peak combo tickets, if you were to buy on the spot at the Peak counter, it would cost you HKD 320 (SGD $56.14) and if you were to buy online in advance from the official website, it will still cost you HKD 300 (SGD $52.63). However if you purchase from Golden Crown Guesthouse, it cost you HKD 218 (SGD $38.25) only! Look at the amount of savings per pax you get - a whopping SGD $18 per person. For a family of 4 like us, we have saved SGD $72!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, we recommend that you put Golden Crown Guesthouse discounted tickets in your consideration during planning! :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For The Peak, if you are just interested in heading up the peak and Madame Tussaud Museum but not the Sky terrace 428, then we suggest you to purchase the Madame Tussaud ticket form the website directly and pay for your tram ride via Octopus Card. It is cheaper this way if you are visiting the museum during the off peak period of 10am-11am or after 8pm.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
So, we alighted at Exit A2 of Tsim Sha Tsui station. It is just beside Standard Chartered bank. Thereafter take the lift to 5th storey and you will see Golden Crown Guesthouse office. Collection if fast, just provide the person with the printed reservation and cash, then he will pass you the tickets instantly. For the Peak 3-in 1, we get 2 physical tickets each - 1 for the Peak tram and sky terrace, and another one for the Madame Tussaud Museum.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
After settling, we went straight to the building beside it - Mirador Mansion for the famous Jenny Bakery cookies!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X5CknWgWA2g/VcdxkEe7EGI/AAAAAAAAHJM/dPiBjGiDEuk/s1600/20150611_142357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="516" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X5CknWgWA2g/VcdxkEe7EGI/AAAAAAAAHJM/dPiBjGiDEuk/s640/20150611_142357.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jenny Bakery @ Tsim Sha Tsui (Mirador Mansion)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="line-height: 15px;"><u>Jenny Bakery @ Tsim Sha Tsui</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;">Shop 24 Ground Floor, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;">Mirador Mansion,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;">54-64 Nathan Road.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Jenny Bakery has 2 outlets in Hong Kong - Tsim Sha Tsui and Sheung Wan.We read that there has been long queue for the biscuits in Hong Kong so we wanted to find out whats the hype about it. Luckily when we reached at 2.30pm, the queue was still alright! We decided to buy the smallest tin for trying. Then if it's really that nice perhaps we can go over to its outlet at Sheung Wan to buy again the next day if we pass by that area. The attitude of the staff is like what's described online - fast pace and rude. Typically they expect no questions asked and just get the goods and you pay them the money and leave.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sQJaqI3GIHQ/Vcdxl0hyJSI/AAAAAAAAHJo/rCOoaAroq6U/s1600/20150611_152751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sQJaqI3GIHQ/Vcdxl0hyJSI/AAAAAAAAHJo/rCOoaAroq6U/s640/20150611_152751.jpg" width="384" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>4 mix butter cookies @ HKD 70 (SGD $12.30) </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We bought that 4 mix butter cookies for HKD 70 (SGD $12.30). On our way to the Avenue of star, there was some sitting area with nice green grass patch, so we decided to have an 'open picnic' there just like everyone else. We opened our tin of Jenny Bakery cookies and tried. It is indeed crunchy and it seems to melt in your mouth. However we thought that it isn't that fragrant. Afterall given the price we paid it isn't considered cheap, we thought the butter smell or so might be more fragrant but it wasn't. However, something funny about Jenny Bakery cookies is that, there seem to be friends like us who does not think Jenny Bakery is worth queuing up for, but there are friends who really adore the cookies though! So we will leave it up to you to decide! But to play safe, we recommend buying the small tin to try first. If it's to your liking, then buy more thereafter.<br />
<br />
If you are interested, do visit <a href="http://www.jennybakery.com/">Jenny Bakery's website</a> to find out more. They are quite transparent with their pricing too!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e60WexrrI0U/Vcdxl-jLBPI/AAAAAAAAHJs/HhayV_ZOq-w/s1600/20150611_154214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e60WexrrI0U/Vcdxl-jLBPI/AAAAAAAAHJs/HhayV_ZOq-w/s640/20150611_154214.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Avenue of Stars ~</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We reached Avenue of Stars at around 3.30pm and the sun was blazing hot :( You can just follow the whole Nathan Road down ( see map below) and you will reach the Avenue of stars / promenade in around a 10-15 minutes walk - depending on weather conditions too.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YjRHjiql4Ic/VeKcqdEdi8I/AAAAAAAAHSg/Xm52zKojF9A/s1600/google%2Bmap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="436" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YjRHjiql4Ic/VeKcqdEdi8I/AAAAAAAAHSg/Xm52zKojF9A/s640/google%2Bmap.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Map ( Mirador Mansion to Avenue of Stars) - Courtesy of Google Map</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Victoria Harbour is the natural landform harbour situated between the Hong Kong island and Kowloon in Hong Kong.<div>
<br /><div>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zq3mX3uPhMo/Vcdxlp0IxnI/AAAAAAAAHJk/bMnleXMI7ew/s1600/20150611_153819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="384" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zq3mX3uPhMo/Vcdxlp0IxnI/AAAAAAAAHJk/bMnleXMI7ew/s640/20150611_153819.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Overlooking Hong Kong Island - view of the Victoria Harbour</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There is a light show against the backdrop of the Victoria Harbour on 8pm every night. Several places good for viewing are at the Wan Chai Promenade or Avenue of stars promenade. However a research on tripadvisor, we found that many recommended viewing at Avenue of stars area as there's more building on the Hong Kong Island then Kowloon island where Tsim Sha Tsui is, so the effect isn't that great? As there's still around 4-5 hours to the light show, we have no idea where else to head to, so we didn't catch the light show. We were in the hope of watching it the next day on the Peak, but sadly if you read our <a href="http://all-4-travel.blogspot.sg/search/label/HK%26Macau%20Day%206">Day 6 post</a>, we can't see any light show from the peak :(<br />
<br />
Do note that The avenue of stars - where you can see many famous artiste statues is at the <b>opposite end</b> of promenade from the star ferry pier where you can take a very affordable ferry across the island to Wan Chai or Central.<br />
<br />
Who can forget Bruce Lee when they think of Hong Kong martial arts?</div>
<div>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dV5Uqp8vFIA/Vcdxmk1XBjI/AAAAAAAAHJ8/wv4SEvhdkpE/s1600/20150611_154804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dV5Uqp8vFIA/Vcdxmk1XBjI/AAAAAAAAHJ8/wv4SEvhdkpE/s640/20150611_154804.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bruce Lee's statue</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jtcAhA-PNqk/VcdxnJ2emdI/AAAAAAAAHKE/aw-PmdsrdQU/s1600/20150611_155223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jtcAhA-PNqk/VcdxnJ2emdI/AAAAAAAAHKE/aw-PmdsrdQU/s640/20150611_155223.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Aqua Luna boat in the background</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote style="text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px; text-align: justify;">"To pay tribute to outstanding professionals of Hong Kong's film industry, to promote tourism industry, and to consolidate Hong Kong's position as Asia's World City, the Avenue of Stars which is located at the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade was given a glittering official opening on 27 April 2004"</span></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote style="text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px; text-align: justify;"></span><span style="line-height: 24px;">- <a href="http://www.avenueofstars.com.hk/eng/home.asp">Avenue of Stars official webpage</a></span></blockquote>
</div>
<div>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LcvMuX-SqGA/Vcdx0G52_KI/AAAAAAAAHN0/xFlt2KqZeGA/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="482" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LcvMuX-SqGA/Vcdx0G52_KI/AAAAAAAAHN0/xFlt2KqZeGA/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>hand print of Jackie Chan and the entertainment industry of Hong Kong</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are plenty of photo taking opportunities there against the Victoria Harbour. You can spot many people vying to get the best shots!<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QiUgAlLk2A/Vcdx2EO-_-I/AAAAAAAAHOQ/50FStFXFTBM/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="274" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QiUgAlLk2A/Vcdx2EO-_-I/AAAAAAAAHOQ/50FStFXFTBM/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage4.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo taking</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If your itinerary allows, it would be good to plan a trip to Avenue of stars in the evening so that it is much cooling to walk along the promenade too! However do keep in mind that evening is the most 'peak' period of the promenade as many tourists flock here to get the sunset view of Hong Kong and also to wait for the Symphony of lights performance.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As mentioned, the Avenue of stars is opposite the ferry pier where you can get a star ferry to Hong Kong Island. So we have to walk back along the promenade to the Star Ferry pier to catch the ferry!</div>
<div>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e1hHot9x7Js/VcdxnPmZoqI/AAAAAAAAHKA/UA8OPTs3zZY/s1600/20150611_162154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="386" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e1hHot9x7Js/VcdxnPmZoqI/AAAAAAAAHKA/UA8OPTs3zZY/s640/20150611_162154.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Star Ferry @ Star Ferry Pier</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Star Ferry is an iconic classic symbol of Hong Kong too as it used to be an important part of the commuter system between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Island, before the subway/buses came about when underwater tunnels were built. The Star Ferry traces its origins back to 1880!<br />
<br />
Furthermore, it costs just HKD 2.50 (SGD 44c) per ride and it is quite frequent. So why not?<br />
<br />
The Star Ferry pier @ Tsim Sha Tsui is also located near the famous clock tower!<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kcDBSg3n6i8/Vcdxob1HocI/AAAAAAAAHKc/EbFQc1Orf_M/s1600/20150611_162536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kcDBSg3n6i8/Vcdxob1HocI/AAAAAAAAHKc/EbFQc1Orf_M/s640/20150611_162536.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Star Ferry pier ( To Central & to wan chai)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is quite crowded actually. Do take note of the signs where you are heading to!<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ttlDDtx4piU/Vcdxn1dWJQI/AAAAAAAAHKU/1nyg31U13Ag/s1600/20150611_162454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ttlDDtx4piU/Vcdxn1dWJQI/AAAAAAAAHKU/1nyg31U13Ag/s640/20150611_162454.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ferry To Wan Chai </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the top right hand corner of the steps, there is a clock and an electronic board that states the next ferry timing. Alternatively you can keep track of the ferry frequency on the Star Ferry <a href="http://www.starferry.com.hk/en/service">website</a>. You may select 'Download timetable' and print out the pdf file for easier reference on your trip! It's frequency range from 6-20 minutes depending on the timing you board.<br />
<br />
Payment for your ferry fare can be paid by tapping your octopus card! Extremely convenient !<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uAIL32GX9xI/VcdxoWCLTCI/AAAAAAAAHKY/qc93sGPmha0/s1600/20150611_162707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uAIL32GX9xI/VcdxoWCLTCI/AAAAAAAAHKY/qc93sGPmha0/s640/20150611_162707.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Payment by octopus card and enter the gantry</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0k6xGq64wrE/VcdxpBNVTOI/AAAAAAAAHKw/PSxXzI7MUUA/s1600/20150611_163043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0k6xGq64wrE/VcdxpBNVTOI/AAAAAAAAHKw/PSxXzI7MUUA/s640/20150611_163043.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Waiting area for the ferry</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Don't you think that the infrastructure doesn't seem that well maintained/developed. It seem to be a little different from what we see in city states, but it is this that makes it very 古色古香? haha<br />
<br />
We didn't have to wait long and we board the ferry at around 4.38pm.<br />
<br />
Once everyone board the ferry, it departs off - across the harbour. Do note that the seats on the Star Ferry is reversible! you will have to change the backing of the bench around so that you are facing in the direction of sail! If you are unsure, dont worry, just follow the other commuters!<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gY18lT4JzrI/VcdxpR9fksI/AAAAAAAAHKk/z-_2WpLnxeQ/s1600/20150611_164043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="486" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gY18lT4JzrI/VcdxpR9fksI/AAAAAAAAHKk/z-_2WpLnxeQ/s640/20150611_164043.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>And we cross the victoria harbour ~</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was indeed around a 8 minutes ferry ride as stated on their website. Very short ferry ride but we were really glad that we took the star ferry! Afterall it is extremely affordable at just SGD 44c per ride. Do you know it is cheaper than taking the MTR. If you take the MTR from Tsim Sha Tsui to Wan Chai it will cost HKD 9.4 (SGD $1.65), which is 4 times more expensive!<br />
<br />
We are worried for the future of the Star Ferry as we understand that ferry operation costs is high yet they only earn a meagre SGD 44c from each commuter each trip. Their ferries are not new either, so that means higher maintainence costs too. Furthermore it's not full load when we took their ferry. It seem like they might slowly get replaced by bus and MTR, but we really hope, that the Star Ferry can still survive one day when we return back to Hong Kong...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Back to topic again! So we alighted at the bustling Hong Kong Island. Everywhere is human traffic. It is really full of people and everyone is walking at a very fast pace mode. The Wan Chai Star Ferry pier is near to the Hong Kong Convention centre which is located next to the Golden Bauhinia - which is our destination!<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wL3bPX7OERE/VcdxqeUdr9I/AAAAAAAAHK8/H089NLgBD0c/s1600/20150611_170219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="540" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wL3bPX7OERE/VcdxqeUdr9I/AAAAAAAAHK8/H089NLgBD0c/s640/20150611_170219.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Golden Bauhinia Square, situated outside the Hong Kong Convention and exhibition centre</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: right;">
</blockquote>
There will be signs along the way to guide you to the Golden Bauhinia. Just look out for directions saying "Hong Kong Expo/convention centre" or "Golden Bauhinia" and you are in the right way to this place.<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dQxl9HqKB1c/VcdxphA5FXI/AAAAAAAAHKs/4lm90mq5GlE/s1600/20150611_170130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dQxl9HqKB1c/VcdxphA5FXI/AAAAAAAAHKs/4lm90mq5GlE/s640/20150611_170130.jpg" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Up close shot of the Golden Bauhinia</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.7620010375977px;">"The bauhinia is the emblem of Hong Kong. The Forever Blooming Bauhinia Sculpture that gives the Expo Promenade the commonly-used name, Golden Bauhinia Square, was a gift from the Central Government to mark the 1997 Handover -- an occasion that held tremendous significance for the world’s largest nation and that stands out as a landmark event in 20th century history." </span> </span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.7620010375977px;">- </span><a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/see-do/highlight-attractions/top-10/hong-kong-convention-and-exhibition-centre.jsp#ixzz3k0hUQHLf" style="line-height: 16.7620010375977px;">Hong Kong Tourism Board</a></span></blockquote>
It is a touristy place - famous with Mainland tourists especially. It is a historic landmark in Hong Kong as it is a gift from the central government to mark the return of Hong Kong to People's Republic of China.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Just opposite the Golden Bauhina is also the Wan Chai Promenade, which is similar to the Avenue of stars Promenade. </div>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QHBICOoeDUs/Vcdxrrk1Y_I/AAAAAAAAHLU/6DcywDt4HzU/s1600/20150611_171000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QHBICOoeDUs/Vcdxrrk1Y_I/AAAAAAAAHLU/6DcywDt4HzU/s640/20150611_171000.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View of the Victoria Harbour from Wan Chai Waterfront Promenade</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
There's a huge helicopter landing pad there and our timing was just alright - we happened to caught the landing and departure of the helicopter coincidentally!<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2X4nx1JSDhM/VcdxyEXtllI/AAAAAAAAHNI/7_-Y_MTseTY/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2X4nx1JSDhM/VcdxyEXtllI/AAAAAAAAHNI/7_-Y_MTseTY/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B%25283%2529.jpg" width="376" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Here comes the helicopter in action !</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We thought there might be a chance of seeing celebrities (明星) alighting from the helicopter but sadly we didnt. 3 guys alighted from the helicopter but they seem like ordinary people :/ </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wE1-8IPrrkA/Vcdxqyoz2XI/AAAAAAAAHLE/DdoXgH5l1J0/s1600/20150611_170803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wE1-8IPrrkA/Vcdxqyoz2XI/AAAAAAAAHLE/DdoXgH5l1J0/s640/20150611_170803.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There were plenty of others rushing to the promenade to catch the helicopter in action too! Afterall, how many times in your live do you even see a helicopter?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Do note that the star ferry pier and the Golden Bauhinia is not located directly next to the MTR (Subway). So you will need to walk a distance. According to the map, there's a few ding ding tram lines near the MTR and we decide to take them! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AF-guYDURyk/VeKzr88k1LI/AAAAAAAAHSw/oAFOPceF8Jw/s1600/google%2Bmap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AF-guYDURyk/VeKzr88k1LI/AAAAAAAAHSw/oAFOPceF8Jw/s640/google%2Bmap.JPG" width="634" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Direction from Golden Bauhinia Sq to Wan Chai MTR - Map courtesy of Google Maps</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As you can see from the Google Map above, it is generally a straight walk through Expo Drive and Fleming Road.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We left Golden Bauhinia Square at around 5.20pm and we past by the Hong Kong Convention and exhibition centre. There was PLENTY of people leaving the exhibition centre. We wonder what exhibition was ongoing. What made it worse was there's plenty of Hong Kong-ers selling the limited edition HSBC 150th anniversary notes! We then realise it should be the collection of the notes in the exhibition centre, and then profiteers start to sell it outside of the exhibition centre at double or triple the price.</div>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ozfQZZy3GZY/VcdxyFpQycI/AAAAAAAAHNQ/Mtr13Fdn2AI/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="410" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ozfQZZy3GZY/VcdxyFpQycI/AAAAAAAAHNQ/Mtr13Fdn2AI/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Human traffic everywhere</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A search on the internet and we saw an <a href="http://www.about.hsbc.com.hk/~/media/hong-kong/en/news-and-media/10-june-2015">official announcement by HSBC </a>that collection of the 150th Commemorative notes is available from 9th - 28th June 2015.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The commemorative notes were launched in celebration of HSBC's 150th anniversary in Hong Kong. All net proceeds from the sale of the notes is said to be going towards local charity. Only permanant residents in Hong Kong are allowed to apply for the commemorative notes and you will need to auction for special set of bank notes (like with selected numbers on the notes or in folders).</div>
<div>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P7tt5YqUlJ0/VcdxsBHcP_I/AAAAAAAAHLg/fYmL50R9IWk/s1600/20150611_172613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P7tt5YqUlJ0/VcdxsBHcP_I/AAAAAAAAHLg/fYmL50R9IWk/s640/20150611_172613.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Retailing HSBC 150th Commemorative Notes</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Look at the stack of HSBC commemorative notes folder this retailer has. She/he is not the only one. There's more of them all along the street and road. Many were selling them and they do not just have 1 or 2 but really bags of them. It comes to a point where we doubt whether the notes are real or it may be counterfeit goods! We were appalled by this scene since we have never experience it in home country. I really wonder if they are going to earn huge profits from these sales to mainland tourists. No comments on whether they should do so, but still an interesting sight for foreigners like us.<br />
<br />
If you are interested in the 150th commemorative notes by HSBC feel free to head to their <a href="https://www.hsbc150banknote.com.hk/">website </a>to find out more.<br />
<br />
Along our way on Wan Chai, we see plenty of people getting on the buses as its the time where most knock off from work. Bus seems to be a popular way of transport for the locals. Their bus are pretty comfortable too!<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4cfe5V6pzA/VcdxsEMHLLI/AAAAAAAAHLc/ufoOMGo4nKg/s1600/20150611_174750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="402" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4cfe5V6pzA/VcdxsEMHLLI/AAAAAAAAHLc/ufoOMGo4nKg/s640/20150611_174750.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Spot the human traffic on the overhead bridge!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7T8Rx8Xk3wc/VcdxskxQj_I/AAAAAAAAHLs/vlSvtm5RJhQ/s1600/20150611_175725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7T8Rx8Xk3wc/VcdxskxQj_I/AAAAAAAAHLs/vlSvtm5RJhQ/s640/20150611_175725.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>more people!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N8dwzJF1cyY/VcdxtnvnoYI/AAAAAAAAHME/3vqETCz3iCA/s1600/20150611_180556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N8dwzJF1cyY/VcdxtnvnoYI/AAAAAAAAHME/3vqETCz3iCA/s640/20150611_180556.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><i>Wan Chai MTR</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And finally we saw our ding ding ~ *Excitement*<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fnq3g6gbikk/VcdxtOzUcvI/AAAAAAAAHL8/QFiN9hejEtA/s1600/20150611_180342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fnq3g6gbikk/VcdxtOzUcvI/AAAAAAAAHL8/QFiN9hejEtA/s640/20150611_180342.jpg" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ding Ding Tram</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ding Ding was first founded in 1904 and is formally known as Hong Kong Tramways. However because the tram will make a 'ding ding' sound when it reaches the station, hence tourists and locals alike start to call it ding ding.<br />
<br />
It operates on track lines on the road with overhead hanging wires to provide it with the electricity.<br />
So as you can see, even if there's traffic congestion on the road, it should not affect ding ding tram since it is a separate section on the road.<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qkc-tAmr_tI/VeLT-dKUy5I/AAAAAAAAHTA/mAXlaI-VxIM/s1600/20150611_180414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qkc-tAmr_tI/VeLT-dKUy5I/AAAAAAAAHTA/mAXlaI-VxIM/s640/20150611_180414.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Board from the back and alight from the front!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Each tram ride cost HKD 2.30 (SGD 40c) no matter how far the journey you take. You can board it for a stop or bord from the start to the end of the tram journey it will still cost the same price. Fare payment is via Octopus Card or cash (no change provided) when you alight the tram at the front. </div>
<div>
Contrary to Singapore's Public transport, you have to board the tram from the back door!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The tram only operates on the Hong Kong Island (it is a straight route). As we are not rushing off to anywhere, and our main aim is to have the ding ding experience, thus we just board on to any tram that came. Mind you, the trams come very frequent! Not too sure if it's because of the time - 6pm.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For a better planning in using Ding Ding to commute around Hong Kong island - do look at their <a href="https://www.hktramways.com/en/interactive-map/">website </a>and plan your trips from there. It is quite useful!</div>
<div>
<br />
The distance between each stations does not seem far.<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZWsvLl0M2A/VcdxunRjj6I/AAAAAAAAHMU/s6T73el1l4U/s1600/20150611_181602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZWsvLl0M2A/VcdxunRjj6I/AAAAAAAAHMU/s6T73el1l4U/s640/20150611_181602.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>onboard the Ding Ding</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We went up to the upper deck and the view is so much nicer! You can feel the breeze as the ding ding moves along! It took us around 40 minutes to reach Sheung Wan MTR. This is because there was a traffic accident at one of the junction and hence, it resulted in some inconvenience for the road traffic including ding ding. Thus the traffic slowed down to a halt. Otherwise, the tram ride should not take that long perhaps maybe 20 mins only! It was a very scenic ride - in the sense you get to see the streets of Hong Kong not by foot but in the comfort of sitting in the tram. We strongly recommend everyone to give the tram a try - especially when you have some time to spend and you just take it on leisure and alight at the stop which you feel like it or nearer to the MTR station.<br />
<br />
Similar to the Star ferry, we fear for its future. In recent news, there have been rumours of removing the ding ding tracks in Central too. Maintenance of this railway track and overhead wires yet charging at a minimal amount can be a heavy toll on the operators. Ding Ding tram is a classic yet fading icon in Hong Kong,we will definitely missed it and will be back to board it again as long as it is there!<br />
<br />
Back to topic, we alighted near Sheung Wan MTR and we call it a day - retreat back to Yau Ma Tei.<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yEEshkRpgeo/VcdxulH2CNI/AAAAAAAAHMY/dMV4FdqfpPU/s1600/20150611_190813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="304" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yEEshkRpgeo/VcdxulH2CNI/AAAAAAAAHMY/dMV4FdqfpPU/s640/20150611_190813.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Central MTR @ 7.10pm, Thursday</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We reached back at Yau Ma Tei MTR at around 7.30pm. We are on 3 final missions before we head back to our apartment!<br />
1. To get Hong Kong egglet (<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">雞蛋仔) </span>near Yau Ma Tei MTR<br />
2. Get next day's morning breakfast @ Dragon Ball Bakery<br />
3. Sham Tsai Kee wonton Noodles for supper!<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LcyJHTu8iro/Vcdxu-dVGYI/AAAAAAAAHMc/tlyi19STClE/s1600/20150611_193209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LcyJHTu8iro/Vcdxu-dVGYI/AAAAAAAAHMc/tlyi19STClE/s640/20150611_193209.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hong Kong Egglet store @ Yau Ma Tei</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>哈夫Q饼</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yau Ma Tei MTR Exit A2</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Walk along Pitt Street, till you reach Shanghai Street.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We will have to pass by this shop everyday along the way to/fro Yau Ma Tei MTR from our apartment. The smell coming out from this store is always very fragrant. Hence we decide to try this local delicacy!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-14qiZ0VB0Uc/VcdxwPV43kI/AAAAAAAAHMw/EuF6Vuap7pI/s1600/20150611_200316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-14qiZ0VB0Uc/VcdxwPV43kI/AAAAAAAAHMw/EuF6Vuap7pI/s640/20150611_200316.jpg" width="480" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hong Kong Egglet @ HKD 12 (SGD $2.10) </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is really nice and 'crispy' on its skin. It basically taste like waffle. I guess for the price of HKD 12 (SGD $2.10) it is considered cheap, and we think it taste really not bad, so it can be considered as value for money! Haha<br />
<br />
Beside the store is Dragon Ball Bakery (龙珠饼店).<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-felABIrfTA8/Vcdxv2FvSTI/AAAAAAAAHM0/_aH5aVjcvTM/s1600/20150611_193224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-felABIrfTA8/Vcdxv2FvSTI/AAAAAAAAHM0/_aH5aVjcvTM/s640/20150611_193224.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dragon Ball Bakery @ Yau Ma Tei</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: center;"><div style="display: inline !important;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It has freshly baked egg tarts everyday, once sold out means sold out. We love their egg tarts as well as its other bakery items like cha Siew bun too! </span></span></div>
</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Last but not least, our host recommended us to Sham Tsai Kee wonton noodles which is just a straight road down from our apartment. This wonton noodle store is especially famous for its supper given that it opens till 4am in the morning!<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xVYLatOx42s/Vcdx1-Ul8zI/AAAAAAAAHOM/-RD7nGVsb4k/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xVYLatOx42s/Vcdx1-Ul8zI/AAAAAAAAHOM/-RD7nGVsb4k/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage3.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sham Tsai Kee 深仔记 Wonton Mee</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sOuXIAoHmNg/VcdxwBpkUWI/AAAAAAAAHMs/Sw6l9AtJybQ/s1600/20150611_194755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sOuXIAoHmNg/VcdxwBpkUWI/AAAAAAAAHMs/Sw6l9AtJybQ/s640/20150611_194755.jpg" width="418" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Side door of the eatery</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Sham Tsai Kee</u></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>深仔记粥面</u></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.7999992370605px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">G/F, 97 Portland Street, </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yau Ma Tei<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.7999992370605px; text-align: left;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.7999992370605px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 Min walk from Exit A1, Yau Ma Tei MTR</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
There was no seats inside during our time of visit - 7.45pm. Hence we decided to take away back to our apartment. We ordered the Wonton Mee (鲜虾云吞面) for HKD 25 (SGD $4.40). Do note that similar to our earlier experiences, soup and without soup cost differently. I have no idea why though that noodles with soup cost cheaper.<br />
<br />
We waited for around 5-10 minutes for the wonton mee. There is no extra charge for take away.<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sAxe8hTq8wQ/Vcdx0mRb1WI/AAAAAAAAHN8/WHqZbaInKSg/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sAxe8hTq8wQ/Vcdx0mRb1WI/AAAAAAAAHN8/WHqZbaInKSg/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage2.jpg" width="490" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Take away wonton mee - bowl is courtesy of the host</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t8NQX_O8bmw/Vcdxxj4g5bI/AAAAAAAAHNE/sVAweUqVm3s/s1600/20150611_201034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t8NQX_O8bmw/Vcdxxj4g5bI/AAAAAAAAHNE/sVAweUqVm3s/s640/20150611_201034.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wonton Noodle HKD 25 (SGD $4.40)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are 5 dumplings in total. We think that the noodles is nice but perhaps a little too flavourful which we suspect is MSG. However one thing about wonton noodles in Hong Kong is that you really get to taste prawns in each and every 1 of the dumpling. This is not something you will find in Singapore. Even if there's prawns in the dumpling, it is not a whole prawn. But in Hong Kong, tehey are absolutely generous with it.<br />
<br />
Our day ended early (around 8pm) as we were tired from the 1 full day of activities. However we had an enjoyable experience today and of course a hearty Hong Kong meal - Wonton noodles and egglet to end the day on a happy note :)<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">Side-note:</span></b><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><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7MxBLy8mNpA/VcdxJTPEp-I/AAAAAAAAHCU/bqwLosQe2Xk/s1600/20150611_080505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7MxBLy8mNpA/VcdxJTPEp-I/AAAAAAAAHCU/bqwLosQe2Xk/s640/20150611_080505.jpg" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: start;">bamboo </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: start;">scaffolding</span></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Bamboo Scaffolding is a common sight in Hong Kong. Typically you don't get to see this in cities like Singapore, especially when they even use bamboo which is pretty traditional!<br />
The photo above was taken at Yau Ma Tei where we pass by many houses with this typical scaffolding everyday during our stay there.<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLKK7WHaQNk/VcdxJBSlNSI/AAAAAAAAHCQ/X8W5JLPLxwU/s1600/20150611_080621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLKK7WHaQNk/VcdxJBSlNSI/AAAAAAAAHCQ/X8W5JLPLxwU/s640/20150611_080621.jpg" width="360" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rental prices</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How's rental prices in Hong Kong compared to your own country? ;)</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0