Malaysia
Travel
The villas are spacious and clean, though these aging units could do better with some restoration especially in plumbing and fittings (we encountered problems with ours and had to request for a different unit). If you are not one who's daring enough to take a dip in the polluted sea, rejoice in other forms of activities instead e.g. go-karting and ATV. Canoeing, paddle-boarding and hourly bicycle tours are also available!
AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort, Selangor
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| AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort, Selangor |
AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort, Selangor
Formerly known as the Golden Palm Tree Iconic Resort &Spa, AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort is the quickest and the most effortless way of getting out of the city for a weekend of relaxation. Unfortunately, Sepang remains unpopular due to the murky seawater and a shore full of waste. |
| Buggies and bicycles are plenty and readily available |
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| Chalet at AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort, Selangor |
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| Room at AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort, Selangor |
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| Rooms at AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort, Selangor are spacious and comfortable |
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| Water chalets at AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort, Selangor |
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| Water chalets at AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort, Selangor |
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| Room at AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort, Selangor |
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| Free bicycle rental at AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort, Selangor |
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| Infinity pool at AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort, Selangor |
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| The infinity pool provides an awesome view of the sunset |
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| Beach at Sepang |
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| Beach at Sepang |
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| Quiet and serene beach at AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort, Selangor |
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| The shore is unfortunately covered with waste and occasionally, carcasses of fish |
The villas are spacious and clean, though these aging units could do better with some restoration especially in plumbing and fittings (we encountered problems with ours and had to request for a different unit). If you are not one who's daring enough to take a dip in the polluted sea, rejoice in other forms of activities instead e.g. go-karting and ATV. Canoeing, paddle-boarding and hourly bicycle tours are also available!
AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort
Address: No. 67, Jalan Pantai Bagan Lalang Kg Bagan Lalang, 43950 Sungai Pelek, Selangor
Contact number: +60 3-3182 3600
Happy traveling!
For related travel stories, click here.
Thailand
Travel
Exploring Ko Samet of Rayong, Thailand
Located 220 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, Ko Samet is a tranquil and serene island just a casual drive and a short boat trip away from all the hustles and bustles of the city life. Be it for a weekend of delightful feasts and flavorsome treats, or a well-deserved indulgence in the glorious sea and inexhaustible sunbeams after a long week at work, this well-liked island will give you a taste of Thailand in a recognizably different way.
The wonders of this country is endless - Thailand just would not have it any other way.
Having planned for this trip for some time, I finally got to see the locals' favorite hideaway myself. Being the beach bums that I am, the trip to the island was as amazing as it could be.
The day started off with breakfast from Starbucks (how incredibly un-Thai-ly) and occasional dozes on the back seat of a Camry while the driver unwaveringly cruised through the roadway. The journey to the pier in Ban Phe from the city took approximately two hours.
The journey progressed on a speedboat from the pier onward. It was impossible to take a picture since the sea was excessively choppy and rough that afternoon. Maybe it's time to get a GoPro!
I have always believed that the best gastronomic experiences are not dependable on the prices that come along with the meal, but are built upon the authenticity and taste, as well as the dining companion and the surrounding amenity. For me, this has got to be one of the most memorable lunch that I have had.
As evening approached, I headed to another side of the island for sightseeing. A couple was just about to get wedded here with the breathtaking sunset and galloping waves as a backdrop.
Staring at the skyline, hoping that reality could be as easy and soothing as the evening breeze. And maybe, just maybe, I could just spend the last decade of my life staying in a modest beachfront bungalow with not a single thing to worry about.
And at nightfall, it was time for a feast!
A lengthy dinner on the sandy shore accompanied by an endless warmhearted conversation followed by a ride on the ATV to a bar? Yes, this must be life.
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| Exploring Ko Samet of Rayong, Thailand |
Exploring Ko Samet of Rayong, Thailand
From the first step out of the high-rise building in Bangkok to the gate of the pier in Ban Phe where the boats await, travelers will be able to experience an exciting transition in sight and in senses from the beginning to the very end of their journey. Each step away from the city brings a intriguingly different aroma and taste, all which are equally as fascinating and refreshing.The wonders of this country is endless - Thailand just would not have it any other way.
Having planned for this trip for some time, I finally got to see the locals' favorite hideaway myself. Being the beach bums that I am, the trip to the island was as amazing as it could be.
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| Salad for breakfast for a change |
The journey progressed on a speedboat from the pier onward. It was impossible to take a picture since the sea was excessively choppy and rough that afternoon. Maybe it's time to get a GoPro!
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| Ao Wong Duean, a lovely crescent-shaped bay located within the Rayong Province. |
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| Upon arrival, we were greeted by many chummy dogs which of course, made me squealed with joy. |
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| Stayed in a bungalow in Vongduern Villa, in which its restaurant serves the best food ever. |
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| Mere words are not enough to describe the taste of the lunch we had, but it certainly revolves around explosive, fierce and intense. |
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| Thai-style lunch on the beach accompanied by the subtle chants of the waves had only amplified our dining experience. |
I have always believed that the best gastronomic experiences are not dependable on the prices that come along with the meal, but are built upon the authenticity and taste, as well as the dining companion and the surrounding amenity. For me, this has got to be one of the most memorable lunch that I have had.
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| Friendly dogs at the chalet in Ko Samet that we stayed in |
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| Beach dogs are the luckiest. |
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| After lunch, it was time to get sun-drenched! |
As evening approached, I headed to another side of the island for sightseeing. A couple was just about to get wedded here with the breathtaking sunset and galloping waves as a backdrop.
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| Beautiful beach wedding at Ko Samet |
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| Being spoiled with an awesome selection of cocktails and Thai food! |
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| Cosy evening at Ko Samet, Thailand |
Staring at the skyline, hoping that reality could be as easy and soothing as the evening breeze. And maybe, just maybe, I could just spend the last decade of my life staying in a modest beachfront bungalow with not a single thing to worry about.
And at nightfall, it was time for a feast!
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| Fresh seafood at a restaurant on Ko Samet beach |
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| Dinner at Ko Samet |
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| Fresh mussels at a local Ko Samet restaurant |
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| Seafood galore at Ko Samet |
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| Breakfast on the deck overlooking the splendid sea glazed by the unremitting morning sun rays. |
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| Breakfast at Ko Samet |
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| Even the dogs get to have breakfast here! |
On the whole, the trip to Ko Samet was nothing short of being delightful and enjoyable. The day goes by so seamlessly, and it is just so easy to be happy!
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Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles and it has definitely lived up to its name. |
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| Delectable food and addictive flavors that you discover during your stay here |
Ko Samet Travel Guide
- Ko Samet is a part of the national park so foreign visitors need to pay an entrance fee of 200 baht (40 baht for locals)
- Yes, the Thais might be overly calculative and business minded so travelers might feel as though they need to pay for every breath that they take while vacationing here. To avoid bad services, try tipping. It does not have to be a lot, but a little goes a long way!
Happy traveling!
For other travel stories, click here.
Restaurant Reviews
LOKL Coffee Co. at Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, Kuala Lumpur
"Grace, you are not spending another dime on ridiculously priced coffee just because they make your Instagram looks more... fetching," I told myself every single time after I place my order at a café.
And every single time, I thwarted myself.
I guess there is just no quitting a good cup of latte (with cute little hearts/leaves/ducks/dogs/fishes floating all over it. And not forgetting the prettifying effect it has on your Instagram too)
LOKL has been listed as one of KL's best coffee place by many reviewers and food lovers alike, hence it isn't surprising at all why the cafe is almost never half empty although there isn't any parking bay anywhere near the cafe (the nearest parking lot being about 200 meters away)
I love the atmosphere here - quaint and traditional with a touch of fresh novelty. The space is rather confined, hence cluttered with closely-placed tables and chairs. If you are unlucky enough to be seated right beside a bunch of rowdy teens, consider moving to another table because not everyone understands the concept of a "quiet cafe to chill and to get work done."
I think the cakes that I've tried were average, but the ambiance of the cafe definitely made up for it. What's more, the service is great and the waiters are helpful.
BackHome is a backpackers' hostel which is situated right beside the cafe, and according to reviews, many backpackers enjoyed their stay there. It's definitely the kind of hostel that I'd love to stay at during my travel. Hopefully they will consider expanding their business to other parts of Asia :)
For similar articles, click here.
And every single time, I thwarted myself.
I guess there is just no quitting a good cup of latte (with cute little hearts/leaves/ducks/dogs/fishes floating all over it. And not forgetting the prettifying effect it has on your Instagram too)
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| LOKL Coffee Co., Jalan Tun H.S. Lee Kuala Lumpur |
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| LOKL Coffee Co., Jalan Tun H.S. Lee Kuala Lumpur |
LOKL Coffee Co. at Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, Kuala Lumpur
Where better to continue my caffeine-turous odyssey but at LOKL, a well-known (but rather hidden) cafe situated along Jalan Tun H.S. Lee.LOKL has been listed as one of KL's best coffee place by many reviewers and food lovers alike, hence it isn't surprising at all why the cafe is almost never half empty although there isn't any parking bay anywhere near the cafe (the nearest parking lot being about 200 meters away)
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Menu of LOKL Coffee Co.
Retrieved from loklcoffee.com
(click to enlarge)
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| Interior of LOKL Coffee Co. |
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| Interior of LOKL Coffee Co. |
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| Interior of LOKL Coffee Co. |
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| LOKL Coffee Co. is a cosy cafe in Kuala Lumpur |
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| Assorted cakes, mille crêpes, and quiche at LOKL |
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| Exterior/smoking area |
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| LOKL Coffee Co. at Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, Kuala Lumpur |
I think the cakes that I've tried were average, but the ambiance of the cafe definitely made up for it. What's more, the service is great and the waiters are helpful.
BackHome is a backpackers' hostel which is situated right beside the cafe, and according to reviews, many backpackers enjoyed their stay there. It's definitely the kind of hostel that I'd love to stay at during my travel. Hopefully they will consider expanding their business to other parts of Asia :)
For similar articles, click here.
Events/Products
How to Use Uber / Uber in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Let's admit it - travelling around Kuala Lumpur is a pain the ass and an agony to our wallets for having to bear for all the expenses needed for fuel and tolls just to get us to our destinations. The appalling traffic condition that hammers the city during on-peak hours (AND off-peak now, thanks to the on-going MRT constructions) only rubs salt into the wounds.
Since there is no escaping the traffic congestion and the constantly increasing travelling costs, why not then let someone else do the worrying and fussing while you lounge on the back seat of a luxury vehicle and do something more pleasing like taking a #selfie or just wait around #likeaboss while you are en route to your destination?
For both locals and foreigners alike, Uber is here to ease that pain and will help you accomplish just that!
Since there is no escaping the traffic congestion and the constantly increasing travelling costs, why not then let someone else do the worrying and fussing while you lounge on the back seat of a luxury vehicle and do something more pleasing like taking a #selfie or just wait around #likeaboss while you are en route to your destination?
For both locals and foreigners alike, Uber is here to ease that pain and will help you accomplish just that!
How to Use Uber / Uber in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Uber had its official launch in Kuala Lumpur just less than three months ago and it has now become the topic of conversations among socialites and bloggers from all across the city.
Being invited to the official launch/media event of Uber not only made it possible for me to meet the vibrant Uber team, but I also got to ride in Uber first-hand for free!
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| The Uber app, available on iPhone, Android, and at m.uber.com |
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| Using the app is as easy as it can be! |
After downloading the app and keying in essential details (i.e. credit card number, phone number, email address etc), users can instantly call for a ride at the push of a button.
Requesting for a car is literally as simple as dropping the pin at the desired pickup location. Once that is done, you will receive a message within a few minutes (or even seconds) to ratify your request, as well as to inform you about the driver's information like his name, vehicle license plate and car make and the ETA:
The app comes with a map which allows you to track the car real-time as it navigates towards your location. When the request is confirmed, a notification will show up in the app:
Although it was stated that the ETA was 65 minutes, Mr. Bong, my driver that afternoon, called to inform me that he will arrive in approximately 20 minutes. About 5 minutes before I got picked up, he gave me another call to ascertain my precise whereabouts so he could come right up to me, rather than having me walking towards him.
Needless to say, just like every other Uber-riders, I was blown away by the quality of the service being provided.
I supposed all the fancy cars were taken that day because I got picked up in a Toyota Camry (although it wasn't any less gratifying)
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| Mr. Bong is a very friendly man and I absolutely enjoyed my conversation with him. |
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| A few magazines neatly tucked behind the passenger's seat and a complimentary bottle of water |
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| A receipt will be sent to your email once you have arrived at your destination. |
The journey from the Mines, Seri Kembangan to Bangsar took less than half an hour with a total fare of RM55.27. I have taken cabs for a few years in the past and I personally feel that the pricing is very reasonable, in view of the type of car you are travelling in as well as the safety features, convenience, and luxury that come along with it.
The transaction is totally cashless, meaning money will only be deducted from your credit/debit card, making the rides safe, seamless, and exceptionally convenient.
At the end of the ride, both the user and the driver is required to rate each other through the app in their respective devices/phones, which is great as it allows them to see how staunch and accountable the other party is in the forthcoming rides.
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| One with the bloggers |
Uber Quick Facts
- Uber has a base fare of RM7.00, with an additional RM0.30 per minute and RM2.00 per kilometer
- Uber is a premium and safe on-demand private chauffeur service
- Uber is not an taxi app. They partner with professional limousine companies that provide chauffeur services
- Range of cars includes Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Teana, Mercedes E-class, BMW 7-Series etc
- Uber is foreigner-friendly and is available in 15 different languages
- Seats up to four (or more, depending on the cars you are getting - I got an Alphard on the way back)
Uber Fare Rates
- KLCC to Bangsar Baru - RM29-RM37
- Subang Jaya to Publika - RM64-RM71
- KL to Genting Highlands - RM150 (Flat rate)
- KL to KLIA/LCCT - RM300 (Flat rate)
All in all, I was uber-impressed with my Uber ride!
Get free credit to give Uber a first-hand try for free (only for new users) in an exclusively luxury vehicle around the city by keying in the promotion code 'dhlot':
Key in 'dhlot' as the promotion code to get free credit (amount changes from time to time)!
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