sublimingtravel

HCMC French Restaurant "Ty Coz"

2010-03-15T02:21:00.002-04:00

I don't like things French but I was pleasantly suprised when I went with some friends for a rooftop dinner at this local French place. Good, inexpensive, almost-American style French food right in the heart of the city - but in it's own little world. Hard to find on the one-way Pasteur Street and on then on the sidestreet right before Schneider's German bakery.

The best deals are either their 2-hour lunch set-menus or dinner (195,000VND). Dinner comes with your choice of appetizer, main, and dessert - add wine/tip comes to 300,000VND each. I liked my salad, 1/2 chicken, and coffee dessert (w/a little espresso, coffee ice cream, and a brownie). The chef's brother comes out to talk about the menu (but service can be so-so). The tables look like a local Vietnamese restaurant; very casual.

Ty Coz, 178/4 Pasteur, Tel: (84-08) 3822-2457

Where to Live in Washington, D.C.?

2007-10-16T10:31:00.000-04:00

Unless you're living in the expensive area near the Zoo - Embassy Row, Woodley Park, Cleveland Park - D.C. is noisy city-living. A lot of transplanted young people choose to live in high-rise apartments along the Orange line in the northern part of Arlington County (Metro stops: Courthouse, Clarendon, Virginia Square, and Ballston). These are convenient to the Metro - outdoor shops at Clarendon, and the shopping center at Ballston. But the Orange line is always jammed - and the Pentagon City shopping center is larger/better.

It's better to live on the south side of Arlington County - on the Blue/Yellow lines at Pentagon City/Crystal City!

River House Apartments
1400 South Joyce Street
Arlington VA 22202
Phone: (703) 271-8011 • Fax: (703) 892-5652
Email: leasing@riverhouseapts.com, http://www.riverhouseapts.com/

Charles E. Smith Apartments has a bad reputation because they're so huge - and they also add up all the utility cost for the whole place - then divide by square footage. So it's much more expensive for most folks...however, their rent can be cheaper than a luxury apartment like Lennox Club/Warwick House - and Charles E. Smith has a one-time $600 move-in fee. So if you want to move into any of their apartments around - you don't have to pay a yearly fee - like most places.

Eating in New York City

2007-10-09T16:38:00.000-04:00

Corner street vendors are good for $3-6 food. But I had stomach issues after eating at the halal vendor near Park Ave/49th...had the $6 rice and lamb...not sure if it was the spicy sauce or the ranch sauce which didn't sit well.

It seems most delis in Midtown East aren't worthwhile...semi-empty counters with tired-looking ingredients.

What's New York City cost?

2007-10-02T08:48:00.000-04:00

$ 2.00 Subway Fare
$ 2.95 Bagel and Cream Cheese
$ 4.00 Toll to LaGuardia Airport
$ 4.00 lb. for Longan (127B for .45 kilo)
$ 5.00 lb. for Lychee (160B for .45 kilo)
$ 5.00 Street Vendor Pretzel and a Hot Dog
$ 5.45 Regular Deli Sandwich
$ 6.00 Starbucks Coffee
$ 9.00 Deluxe Deli Sandwich
$ 10.00 Tea, Hot/Sour Soup, Calamari
$ 20.00 21-minute Foot Massage
$ 30.00 Taxi to LaGuardia - plus toll and tip
$ 31.00 Chelsea International Hostel
$ 44.00 Discounted Broadway Ticket
$ 78.00 Cheap One-Way Aifare b/t NYC-DC
$220.00 Residence Inn by Marriott - Times Square
$450.00 Waldorf-Astoria

When's the Best Time to Visit Washington, D.C. and New York?

2007-10-01T13:08:00.000-04:00

The best time to visit Washington, D.C. and New York is between Labor Day and Halloween. It's still sunny, not humid, and less crowded. Near Labor Day it will still be humid and crowded with families - but not with the large tour buses of school kids as in the summer. Closer to Halloween - might be rain.

Another time is mid-March thru mid-April.

Most Famous Hotel in New York City: Waldorf-Astoria

2007-09-18T10:08:00.001-04:00

The Waldorf-Astoria is huge - and has a ballroom-sized lobby. It's an easy walk to Rockefeller Center to see NBC's Today Show, get a few pics with the flags, and then walk over to 5th Ave to shop. There are a few cozy eateries near the Ritz-Carlton and the south part of Central Park. It's also a short walk to the East River for a quick morning walk.

The hotel does have irons/ironing boards and refrigerators in the rooms. But unless you're in a suite, there isn't any bathroom counter space - just a small sink/plastic box on top of the toilet, and a bathroom medicine cabinet. It gets a bit confusing with the two East/West elevator banks, and then the separate bank for the Waldorf Towers. Lexington Ave. has more places to eat - basic sandwiches start at $6-9. A quick meal is McDonald's to get their $1.39 wrap.

If you take the 6 subway to Grand Central Station, you can look for the red signs for the Shuttle train to Times Square. It all takes $2 and around 15 minutes.

Washington, D.C. Harbor and Riverview Restaurant

2007-09-10T14:20:00.000-04:00

The view is great from this riverside outdoor restaurant. It's a relaxing way to people watch, see the boats coming in, and watch the planes and helicopters above the Potomac river. Just be sure to know, that as you take in the Watergate, the Kennedy Center - and Rosslyn - you'll be paying a premium.

Stopped in for a small lunch: $40 for 2-people with iced tea. The Soup/Sandwich was $12++ - average bowl of soup and a smaller-than-normal tuna sandwich. Free re-fills on iced tea - but they come in these little plastic Solo cups.

Tony and Joe's Seafood Place
3000 K Street, NW Washington, DC 20007
Ph: (202) 944 4545
Sun thru Thur: 11AM - 10PM / Full Menu
Fri & Sat: 11AM - Midnight / Full Menu
Beverage Service until 1:30AM every night

Best Place to Buy Cheap Souvenir T-Shirts in Washington, D.C.

2007-09-06T10:14:00.000-04:00

What to buy for yourself and family and friends from Washington, D.C.? The best souvenir is something useful and that won't stay on a shelf. T-shirts!! And the best deal is 5-for-10 - you can get 5 adult/kid t-shirts for $10. The only stand I've seen offer this great price is off-the-Mall behind the Smithsonian castle's English garden. It's a street-corner stand on Independence Ave SW at the SE corner of L'Enfant Plaza SW (next to the Department of Energy).

The other t-shirts stands around Pentagon shopping center sell t-shirts 4-for-10. And in retail stores, you'll be paying at least $10-12 or more for shirts.

Seoul Airport and Korean Airlines

2007-04-28T18:24:00.000-04:00

The new Seoul airport is pleasantly glass and windows with an open two-story plan with plenty of shops on the ground level. There's also a free Korean cultural activity area. Internet is $3/hour - and they sell wireless access. However, if you're a transit passenger then go to the second level. (They have free internet, and a TV lounge.)

The ground level has a crowded and busy (think the old Bangkok domestic departure noodle shop busy) noodle place with lots of Korean dishes for $10USD. I tried the Japanese seafood Udon upstairs and was disappointed that it looked good - but didn't have the right taste. They didn't even have any shoyu!

I don't like the transit experience. You get off the plane - and then walk around this huge hall until you figure out that you have to line up on the right for transit flights (immigration counters are way over on your left). And even though there's always two lines with the same two kids getting your bags to x-ray - it's always backed up.

I've been through this airport three times while flying Korean Airlines. It's a great airline with a huge group of petite, very pretty flight stewards, in their green uniforms (w/2-3 old guys). The service is good and the meals are tastey Korean. On overnight flights, economy gets a little satchel with goodies inside. (Business class gets a larger packet along with some slippers.)

April Snow in the U.S.

2007-04-08T08:01:00.000-04:00

The middle and east coast of the United States had an unusual cold spell this week with snow from the President's ranch in Crawford, Texas to Washington, D.C. In D.C., the snow was like a heavy dropping of fluffy ice on the top of cars and plants, which burned off in a few hours. Even a few days later, it's very cold! Pics to follow.

KL Hotels

2007-04-03T11:02:00.000-04:00

Kuala Lumpur hotels are centered around the downtown, chinatown, and the suburbs like PJ (Petaling Jaya). The most expensive business hotel is the Mandarin Oriental Hotel connected to the large KLCC-Suria shopping mall, at the base of the world's tallest twin towers. They have a huge locker room with TV lounge, hot/cold plunge pools, and an outdoor pool. The JW Marriott is located right on the busy day/night-time shopping street of Bukit Bintang, as is the more-modern feeling Westin Hotel. The Ritz-Carlton is smaller - and a bit farther down the street. I have never been impressed with the older Regent Hotel.

A nicer long-term stay option would be the Japanese Prince Hotel with its clean, sunny, hard-wood floor hotel rooms or service apartments.

Nicely located in front of the monorail stop is the Crowne Plaza with a small, but hugely popular gym. Another viable option on the monorail stop is the Marriott chain's Renaissance Hotel. It's smaller and by itself but has a huge/shallow outdoor pool and large gym. Also in this neighborhood is the huge Shangri-La.

If you like a smoke-filled lounge with fun live bands - across the street from the Renaissance is the 15 year-old Concorde Hotel. It's hip, a bit older, but along with its lounge bands, it has the Hard Rock Cafe in the lobby. It's walkable to the many outdoor night clubs.

http://www.concorde.net/kl/index.htm

http://www.mandarinoriental.com/kualalumpur/

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/cp/1/en/hotel/KULCP?&GCID=S13444x010&KEYWORD=%22kuala+lumpur+hotel%22&cm_mmc=Google-PS-CrownePlaza-_-BN+INDIVIDUAL+HOTELS_Kuala+Lumpur-_-kuala+lumpur+hotel-_-464638842%7C-%7C5581648051639995655

Washington D.C. - Ben's Chili House

2007-01-02T20:29:00.000-05:00

This was a huge disappointment!! I've wanted to try this place after seeing it featured on TV shows and reading about it in guidebooks. It's over-priced and resting on its history.

I went out-of-my-way to take the Green Line to the U-Street Corridor. It cost $13 for a small shake/regular chili dog/polish chili dog with potato chips. Not very tasty at all. Yes, the service was friendly and fast. Yes, there's history in the 1911 former silent-movie building - and the business has been running since the late 1950s...but it's still too expensive for what you get.

I was surprised at the regulars who were ordering up a bunch of calories at these inflated prices. It was an interesting walk to nearby Dupont Circle Metro Stop going south on 14th Street...a tiny thrift shop and a couple Pawn Shops. Yes, they were selling Rolex watches and TVs.

See Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben's_Chili_Bowl

Los Angeles, California

2006-06-24T15:28:00.000-04:00

It took six hours to drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles on one of the hottest days of summer. In your own car with air conditioning, drinks and snacks - the time goes very smoothly. We talked and observed the cows and trucks. Saw a few accidents - one in which a car got stuck side-ways on the center divider.

A Southern California tradition - we ate at In-N-Out Burger. These are incredibly clean hamburger places that only serve a few things! But they do everything so fresh that there are always long lines.

Los Angeles is always smoggy and heavy traffic but interesting. There are so many cars and I've never seen so many stretch limousines! Staying at a suites hotel which is full - no more rooms. People pay $150-180USD a night for two rooms/two baths and breakfast.

Picked up dinner at The Loft Hawaiian Restaurant, South Bay, 23305 Hawthorne Boulevard, Torrance, California 90505, United States, Tel: 310-375-4051. Famous Hawaiian food since 2000. It's Japanese-American owned and has a Hawaiian surfer theme and the customers picking up food were all dressed in shorts and slippers.

San Francisco, California

2006-06-21T02:39:00.000-04:00

H i - thanks for checking my blog. I wasn't entering anything because I was really busy packing and moving my house. It took the movers 2.5 days and they finally shipped everything. Then had a lot of farewell lunches and dinners. My United Airline flights were jammed full and the service/food was same as always - not so good. The Air Steward was asking people, "Chicken or Fish? - Sir, Chicken or Fish?!" Bit scary.

San Francisco is a bit windy this week and very clear. Bit hot and will get into the 100s next week. I had lunch at a Mexican place and then dinner at Sushi Rock 1608 Polk St,. SF CA 94109, Tel: (415) 345-1690 www.sushirocksf.com It was pretty good - and had disco music - the service was so fast it was scary. Half-full, we still had our orders in around 10 minutes!! And when we paid - the credit card slip was returned in less than 3 minutes. Not used to such fast service - I was wondering if something was wrong - like they made the sushi too fast or the food wasn't cooked. Their Bento box set is really big.

Went to Karaoke and called it a night.

Kuala Lumpur Restaurant Ciao Caffe Ristorante

2006-05-23T10:42:00.000-04:00

Ciao is on Jalan Tun Razak in an old white house with a large yard. For a white-napkin lunch - it's great. Allow 1.5 hours for the 3-course weekday set lunch, which includes a buffet of appetizers set nicely on a round table, followed by a choice of main course (pasta, soup or pizza), dessert, coffee or tea. Personal pizzas are fast and your best-bet (the thin crust kind). Deserts are tasty and small - great after a large meal.

It can get noisy with all of the expat Aussies, French and locals. This is a relaxing businessman's place - don't expect to see families or children. (OPEN daily from 12.00pm to 2.30pm & 6.30pm-10.30pm)

I have only been there at lunch but I would expect the dinner to be intimate, warm and a good date place. See their great website under "Malaysian Links".

Contact: Ciao Italian Restuarant - 428, Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Tel 03-9285-4827. Getting there: Drive south on Jalan Tun Razak - almost right after RHB Bank Headquarters, turn left into an old white house.

Kuala Lumpur Restaurant California Pizza Kitchen

2006-05-22T10:31:00.000-04:00

California Pizza Kitchen is a relaxing, quiet restaurant with a good view and large portions of salads, pasta and pizza. They have some outdoor tables on the balcony or can sit inside the air conditioning. Last time I was there - they were re-modeling the bathrooms - otherwise, it's nice to have these than go to the small n crowded ones in the mall.

For someone reason, it's always hard to get the waiter's attention once you have your food. So if you want a drink, desert or the check - you really have to get up and go grab someone. The spicy Thai pasta is good as are the salads.

Don't know if they still have the CPK Member's Card - but you used to get discounts with it in Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong. California Pizza Kitchen, Suria-KLCC Mall: Tel: 603-2382-0802

PhotoCrazy has a few pics - choose it from the blog list on the bottom right. I've also added the menu on the right - under Malaysian Links.

Kuala Lumpur Car Repair Shop

2006-05-19T11:05:00.000-04:00

This is a place holder for an entry on the fast, cheap and friendly car repair shop in Kuala Lumpur located near Bukit Bintang. I was busy at lunch and couldn't get over there to take some pics so I'll try to do it this wkend.

Kuala Lumpur Bicycle Repair Shop

2006-05-18T09:28:00.000-04:00

Kuala Lumpur isn't a bicycle-friendly city. Although the roads are generally smooth in the inner city, there aren't any bicycle lanes and people drive too fast. But if you do need to repair your bicycle, here are a few shops below.

Oh, there is a Kuala Lumpur Mountain Bike Hash group http://www.bikehash.freeservers.com/ and there's always an annual international bicycle race called the Tour de Langkawi http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,3253,s1-11201,00.html?category_id=367
Kuala Lumpur Bicycle Repair Shop #1
Joo Ngan Bicycle Centre - No. 377, 1st Floor, Jln Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Tel: 03-4257 5249, OPEN 11am-7.30pm, Closed SUN - if you're lazy to get your bike to the shop or it won't fit in your car - they can pick-up and deliver for RM10 each way. This shop (pictured) is kitty-corner to Ampang Point shopping center. (It's on the corner diagonally opposite Ampang Point -- after you get thru the maze below the overpass.)

Kuala Lumpur Bicycle Repair Shop #2
Joo Ngan Bicycle Centre No. 3, Jln SS 21/37, SS21, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Tel: (03) 7727-8741

Kuala Lumpur Bicycle Repair Shop #3
Taman Melati Wangsa Melawati near the Zoo
Bicycle World No. 45, Jln Bandar 1, Taman Melawati, 53100 Hulu Klang, Selangor, Tel: 03-4106-6749

Also go to www.yellowpages.com.my and play with the search options on your left for bicycle repair shops in your city/state.

Kuala Lumpur Camera Repair - Kodak Repair Service Malaysia Is No Good

2006-05-17T12:01:00.000-04:00

I haven't had as much luck with camera repairs as with my stereo or bags. I had to wait a few weeks for my Kodak to come back from the shop. I only got my camera back because I called a few times asking for it to be fixed soon - I didn't want to wait a month! Unfortunately, it's still broken - RM35 didn't fix it. They said fixed but it's not - I don't see any use in taking it back and trying to get them to fix it again. If Kodak cared, they would've actually powered it up and tried to take a few pics before returning it to me as "fixed". When taking a picture, the zoom will go back and forth. Only sometimes will it take a picture. Other times it will close back up.

My Canon PowerShot 450 also just had the battery compartment lid break. The battery is too heavy for it! I guess I could go back to my heavy but quite good Pentax 105-R with it's 38-105 zoom lens. But it's not digital and won't be too much help in posting pics to Sublimingtravel.

Kuala Lumpur Stereo/HiFi Repair Shop

2006-05-16T09:24:00.000-04:00

KLCC shopping mall has a large Sony store with a side shop doing repairs. It's great - I used it to fix my stereo system/HiFi coz the CD drive stopped working. They fixed it and it only cost RM55 - and it has a 3-month warranty.

I highly recommend these repair shops as being convenient, English-friendly, fast and cheap. There's a standard set price list on their website - and you can even check the status of your repairs online. There are two Sony Service Centres in Kuala Lumpur both OPEN DAILY 10.30am - 9.30pm. There are authorized dealers and repair centers all over Malaysia - even in Sabah.

Sony Style KLCC, Tel: 03-2161 9308
Lot No. 322-324, Level 3, P. Ramlee Mall, Suria KLCC, 50088 Kuala Lumpur

Sony VAIO Store, Tel: 1300-88-1233
Lot No. 01-10A, 1st Floor, Berjaya Times Square, No. 1, Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur

The main headquarters is in PJ: Sony Sdn. Bhd., Tel: 603-7725-1101, No.7, Tanjung Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya

http://www.sony.com.my/support/ssc_kul.asp

Kuala Lumpur Luggage Repair Shop

2006-05-15T10:59:00.000-04:00

What's a good thing to have done in Malaysia? Repair your gym bag, duffel bag, or your luggage. It takes about 3-5 working days and they can pick-up and deliver. If you'd rather not pay the extra charges - you can easily drop your bag.

Bag Repair Shop #1 has been around for a long time and is right on one of the main roads of Chow Kit. It's also the sole professional agent to repair luggge for a lot of major airlines. If your bag was damaged by an airline at KUL/KLIA - and you insist on them repairing it - this is the shop that will fix it.

DIRECTIONS: From the Star Line's PWTC STN (World Trade Centre Station) - exit to your right and go downhill to the first major intersection (@ Jalan Raja Laut). At this light, you'll see a 24-hour KFC on your left and a corner Chinese food stall on you right. Cross over the street to the corner with the 7-11 and go right. (You'll be walking down the sidewalk agains the traffic. This is important because if you've gone one major street too far - then you'll be walking in the same direction as the traffic.)

Just about a block - right after you pass a corner hotel - and cross a small side street - you should see the shop on your left. It's old and dusty. If you've hit the City Hotel - you've gone too far.

DIRECTIONS: From the Monorail's Chow Kit STN - get off going south. Just ask someone which way to Chow Kit - they'll send you down the stairs. Walk in the same direction as the traffic on this one-way street. About half a block down, take a right at the first big street -- onto Jalan Chow Kit. Cross over and take your left at the next major street -- Jalan Raja Laut. You'll see the 7-11 on your left and kitty-corner is the 24-hour KFC. Follow same directions as above.

Each shop would have to see your bag to give you an estimate. But just to re-sew a 5" tear on the bottom of a duffel bag was RM20.

KL Bag Repair Shop #1 Long March Trading Co (376 Jln Raja Laut, 50350 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Tel: 03-4041-6663, 4042-0240. OPEN Mon-Fri 11am-6.30pm, Sat 11am open & Sun closed.)

KL Bag Repair Shop #2 City Luggage (39 Jalan Jejaka Tujuh, Taman Maluri, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Tel: 03-9285-5529/2926. This is recommended by Kuala Lumpur resident VirtualTourist chiabh

http://www.pwtc.com.my/contents/aglance/getthere.htm

More on Tailoring a Custom Made Suit

2006-05-12T02:02:00.000-04:00

I just ordered a few final pairs of pants this week - so that means I'm done having clothes made. The only things I'm considering are taking in pants to be hemmed, having a pocket put in my jackets for a BlackBerry, and finding a source for name tags. Yes, just like kindergarten - I want my name and email in my jackets so I can get them back if I forget them somewhere. Here are some useful links if you're thinking of buying some new men's clothes.

http://www.zegna.com/
http://www.alanflussercustom.com/
http://www.gievesandhawkes.com/cgi-bin/Content.pl?_pageid=14

http://www.gqmagazine.co.uk/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A14310-2004Oct31.html
--- and I have those previous posts for custom tailoring in my blog.

I found the most amazing and perhaps useless thing - the Dimpler (R) Tie Tool. I don't know what's more amazing - that someone has created this or that hundreds of people have already bought it!

Kuala Lumpur Restaurant: Aunty Nat

2006-05-11T10:01:00.000-04:00

Along the western coast of Malaysia has been a long-time settlement of mainly Hokkien Chinese who have inter-married with Malays and created their own language and food. Collectively know as the Peranakan - they settled in Penang to Malacca and thru to Singapore. Their food is known as Nonya food - and has a good blend of Chinese, Thai and Malay spices. Definitely spicier than Malay food.

About two weeks ago Aunty Nat moved from its former Mid-Valley location to the center of town (north of the Suria-KLCC Mall and the Petronas Twin Towers). It's set in a little house with a few parking spaces and has A/C indoors or outside tables. Your choice of classic marble-topped tables or wooden benches n tables. Definitely a place to come back and try their RM9 lunch special.

Map: http://www.malaxi.com/ShowMap.php?t=Kuala+Lumpur+City+Center&i=maps/KL/klcc05.gif

A group of us shared dinner and can recommend the salted deep fried fish cut-up to bite-size pieces with a pitcher of Tiger beer for appetizers followed by kailan vegetables mixed with onions/chilis, curry chicken, sambal angle beans, Chinese-style chicken mixed with herbs and steamed rice. Hot Chinese tea is served in glasses - and comes with free re-fills and the lime drinks were popular.

Desserts are not too sweet - the caramel custard came with a great sauce, the pumpkin was cooked in the shell and came with some custard. Also tried the home-made sago gula melaka -- unsweetened sticky rice wrapped in leaves and served with a sweet sauce.

1. Aunty Nat: 4 Lorong Yap Kwan Seng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Tel: 03-2168-8126

2. Aunty Nat: 7, Jalan Sri Hartamas 7, Sri Hartamas, 50480, Kuala Lumpur, Tel 03-6201-1833

TIPS: If you're bringing someone with bad eyesight - be careful because there's an open culvert around the parking lot and some steps. The toilet is throne-like coz it's set three steps above the washroom floor - and has no railing. The restaurant is north of Menara Public Bank, Menara AmFinance, and the Australian High Commission - off Jalan Yap Kwan Seng. A great place to unwind after work and wait for the traffic to die down. The music's very relaxing too.

Here's their larger, older and more famous next-door-neighbor

Can anyone guess what Aunty Nat stands for?

It's Raining Inside My House & the Ceiling's Falling Down

2006-05-10T07:17:00.000-04:00

I'm very tired because I can't sleep well. My air conditioner hasn't been working in the master bedroom for a few days and I had to sleep in a spare bedroom. But the room is much louder.

The problem is that the air conditioner filters get clogged which leads to warm/humid air coming through the vents in the master bedroom. It got so bad that at one point, the motor broke. The A/C guys have to flush out the filter...so that it can start cooling again.

Another problem that started up again was water leakage from the a bathroom ceiling. It went away and came back but has been going on for days. It's so strong that it fills up an umbrella stand in a few hours. Last night part of the crown molding - about four feet - came crashing down. Luckily, the guys were able to plug a hole somewhere and the water's stopped. It seems like only the upper floors have humidity problems - the paint's coming off in a few places and the paint on the doorframe has buckled. I'm hoping that the ceiling doesn't cave-in until I move out.

http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/housing/aircond/aircond.htm

Kuala Lumpur Tourist: Chow Kit Wet Market

2006-05-09T06:41:00.000-04:00

Chow Kit is Kuala Lumpur's version of San Francisco's South-of-Market mixed in with the Tenderloin. It's filled with older buildings of the city center which have been inundated with short-time hotels, wholesale shops and markets. I dropped off my luggage to be repaired and visited the large wet market to see the fruits. Picked up some very tasty Thai black-gold mangos RM5 for 2 kilos (about seven mangos). Pakistani oranges were for sale as was a lot more. There was even a large kiosk with used clothing. Normally open from 9am till 5pm - but a lot of stalls are still open in the evening. Also known as Bazaar Baru Chow Kit.

I did see one interesting shop in an orange building close to the Monorail stop which had imported Chinese ceramics. Quite reasonable - RM10 for those cultural revolution figurines, RM60 for large pots and RM180 for huge vases. (Open 10:00am-7:00pm).

TIPS: If you tell people you're going to Chow Kit - you might get some strange looks. It has a reputation as being a seedy, dangerous, dirty area. It is - but if you go in the daytime and are aware of everyone around you - and blend in - then it should be fine. There are a lot of interesting low-rent stores and you can walk southward to other districts like Little India.

http://www.mapskualalumpur.com/
Map from Malaxi: http://www.malaxi.com/Map_transit.htm

Kuala Lumpur Tourist: Genting Highlands

2006-05-08T09:32:00.000-04:00

Being in Kuala Lumpur means having the easy option of heading to Genting Highlands for the day. If you don't drive up, you can easily get there by taking a bus to the Genting Skyway. If you take the KL Sentral bus - it'll take an hour and then the tram is great - high above the rain forest you can see a lot of trees and huge ferns.

I'm sure you know that Genting is a huge complex of inter-connecting hotels and indoor/outdoor theme parks on a high peak surrounded by fog-enshroud jungle. It gets a lot of regional tourist groups from Hong Kong and Taiwan. Besides the fun parks, there are casinos, shopping, movie theater, bowling, huge arcades - it's like a mini-Disneyland. Gotta see the lobby of the huge First World Hotel for the artificial trees - a bit of Las Vegas.

The best meal deal is the 8-month old Coffee Terrace buffet - RM40 net for five food stations, dessert and self-serve iced water, coffee/tea. The local noodles like asam laksa are tasty, the Japanese teriyaki chicken is good, as is the deep fried squid. Oh, and they have an ice cream station with durian and yam.

We bought our tix from KL Sentral for 11:45AM - went up, ate a leisurely lunch, walked around and took the 4.30PM bus back down. So we were back at KL Sentral by 5:30PM and could take the LRT, KTM Komuter or Monorail. A very interesting diversion for locals and tourists.

Genting TIPS: If you intend to go into the casino for a bit of gambling (poker, baccarat, 21, slot machines - etc.), be sure to wear a polo shirt or some other shirt with a collar. The cable car ride over the jungle is quite nice - even more enjoyable if you sit on the left side of the cabin.

http://www.genting.com.my/en/dine_drink/local/cterrace/index.html

Kuala Lumpur Eating: Japanese Restaurant

2006-05-05T11:10:00.000-04:00

I read about the grand opening of the high-end seafood buffet restaurant earlier this year...and heard reports from people...never thought I would end up going over there just to try it. But tonight I met up with some people at Shook! and we ended upstairs at the Taiwanese import - JOGOYA. If you want to just sit, relax, eat and drink without bothering to read a menu - this is perfect for you - and they're open late. Take a taxi to the JW Marriott - then take the escalators to the Relish Floor. Can also walk downhill from the Bukit Bintang Monorail stop.

It was a very interesting experience and one I'll try again. It's just like the huge California seafood buffets - only much more elegant, darker and more upscale. It's over 2,700 square meters. It's filled with a maze of glass, steel and wood.

I think this should be saved for a special night out. There's a fun drinks bar where you can help yourself to a selection of teas, iced coffee, espresso and fresh coconuts. We liked the oysters on the halfshell and one of the larger grilled salted fishes was excellent. Prawns were a bit salty and the salmon sushi seemed almost frozen. The little cakes are definitely tastier than the cookies. Everything looks great but a lot of the dishes were too sweet - from the BBQ'd salmon to the Thai crab.

Contact: JOGOYA, T3, Relish Floor, Starhill Gallery, 181 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur (Tel: 03-2142 1268). Brunch 78++ 11.30am-1.40pm (11am-2pm Sat-Sun); HI-TEA 68++ 1.40pm-4.20pm (2-4.20pm Sat-Sun); DINNER 88++ 5-9.30pm; SUPPER 78++ 9.30pm-12am (9.40pm-12am Sat-Sun).

http://www.starhillgallery.com/
http://www.jogoya.com.tw/

Kuala Lumpur Tourist: Chinatown

2006-05-04T09:26:00.000-04:00

We were in front of McDonald's near Lot 10 - and jumped on the new RM 2 bus...got off in the jam around Masjid Jemak and found our way through a bunch of Indian places to Chinatown. It's THURS - and the sellers didn't have their stalls up in the middle of the street - so it was easy to get around.

In the middle of the main shopping street - Jalan Petaling - went left at the cross-roads down the short side-street past the plastic tables covered with red linen tablecloths (real toursists here) to find some Portuguese spicy fish wrapped up in aluminum foil and BBQ'd over the grill. Didn't see any of those stalls tonight, so instead we ordered RM10 BBQ'd pork to take out and farther down the street - at one of those stands with the plastic boxes - got RM5 of curry chicken n potatoes.

Walked back down the side-street opposite the cross-roads and thru the flower market and fruit stands - bought a kilo of large bananas for RM3.50 - and walked through the dark to Pasar Seni LRT station. That one old guy was there again sitting in front of the escalators. The trains were really crowded even at night - and made it home to fry up some chicken that had been marinating overnight. Relaxing - especially since we missed the rain. Hope your day was interesting and good.

Kuala Lumpur Tourist: Crab Island (Pulau Ketam)

2006-05-03T10:07:00.000-04:00

I took the day-off to show my houseguests the famous island off the coast of Kuala Lumpur. Okay, lah - but it's a bit like the famous firefly park in that it's so far and arduous to get to - the attraction doesn't quite live up to expectations. Supposedly, this island is a wonderful place where people and tourists like to go to relax, see the old fishing village and eat some good food.

Everyone who goes there seems to be locals - and just a couple tourists. The KTM Komuter train departs from the main hall at KL Sentral from Track 5. It's incredibly hot and boring waiting on the tracks. The trains are okay - but can get quite crowded. And it takes about an hour and 18 stops each way. This is a very long way to get some food.

Don't forget to pre-pay RM 8.60 for a round-trip ticket. When you finally arrive at the end-of-the-line, the bathrooms are outside and to the left. The smell from the port and the bathrooms -- not a good thing. There's a small KFC near the station. From the station entrance, head out toward the building on your right. Then go to the far end of the dock and look for the sleek, commuter taxi boat. There's no ticket counter and no one's going to announce the arrival/departure of boat's for you. The workers don't speak English. Just make sure it's the right one.

One-way is half an hour and RM 6. I'd suggest sitting in the front row to get some more leg room. It's all A/C but the seats are covered in PVC - so it's half-of-one and half-of-another. On the way in, we were treated to Chinese karaoke - and the way back we saw a swimsuit contest and some WWF wrestling. The way back seemed shorter.

You'll want to get off at the end-of-the-line. Once off, you're on a really nicely made pier. As you enter the village, you'll see a large restaurant on your left - I think we should've tried it. If you try it, please leave a comment.

I suggest getting some drinks and ordering as soon as you arrive at the village because it's hot outside and it takes a while to cook-up your crab and fish. Then walk down the block looking at the shops - check back-in at the restaurant for your food - maybe leave one person there to hold your table. Take some pics at the end of the block outside the temple - and of the houses across the river. If you have time after lunch, you can walk farther down and take a peak at the houses on stilts.

We ate opposite the yellow sports hall - at Kim Hor restaurant. It was okay, lah - service not so good, but what to expect? We liked the RM28 - 1 kilo chili crab (about two small crabs), the RM15 fried chili squid was quite large and the RM 26 steamed fish was … well, steamed. (This dish took the longest.) I didn't like the menus which came without prices - that always means the more expensive-looking tourists pay the most. I think we were charged a bit on the high-side - but my friends were hungry and I didn't want to look cheap trying to negotiate a better price. A small lunch for four persons was RM 100.

We enjoyed the food and seeing the island inhabitants on their home-made electric bikes and electric scooters. Some guys were pulling their shop supplies by hand!! No cars because everything's on stilts.

TIPS: If you're going - do a little more pre-planning than we did and it'll save you hours of waiting time. 1.) check ur departure from KL Sentral, 2.) same with the boat from Port Klang - leaves every 45 minutes, 3.) make sure you plan to be at the Pulau Ketam dock a few minutes before departure (find out when the boat leaves), 4.) on your return during a weekday, the trains leave Port Klang every 15 minutes (from 3-8pm).

TIPS - EATING:
Here's how to make chili crab: http://www.straitscafe.com/recipes/337.htm

General crab info: http://www.crabplace.com/shopping/seafood.asp

TIPS - TRAINS:
Schedule has changed as of 15APR06 - http://www.ktmb.com.my/images/default/2006/rentas/041506stlpklg.pdf
http://www.ktmb.com.my/images/default/2006/rentas/041506pklgstl.pdf
The train from KL Sentral to Port Klang is listed as "Sentul - Pelabuhan Klang."

TIPS - BOAT - SUN
After my trip - I found the ferry boat schedule. Best to review it coz u don't want to wait another 45 minutes for the next boat back! http://www.pulauketam.com/pulauketam/en/pkferry.html

This island doesn't have trees - so it's hot. Bring sun lotion. If the weather's rough don't forget to take your sea-sick pill and bring ur own baggie. Oh, and some of your family or friends might be leery of getting into the boat - it looks old, low to the water and not very safe. Don't bring anyone who has a thing for safety.

This appears to be the official island website. It has great historical information and pics of the main buildings. The village was founded in the 1860s and received running water in 1991 and electricity 24/7 in 2001. http://www.pulauketam.com/pulauketam/en/pkfacilty.html

KTM Komuter has a shower room at KL Sentral. I've never used it - but it might be nice on your way back: http://www.ktmb.com.my/article.cfm?id=1254

PS I see that there's a guy in New York charging US$28 for chili crab. He's shamelessly based his restaurant on his trip to Malaysia and appropriated the same restaurant name of a very famous local chili crab chain.

Just Working

2006-05-02T09:16:00.000-04:00

I've just been working. Luckily for me, the sun has been coming up earlier so it's easier to get to work. The downside is that it's so dark outside later on. (Sun-up 7.04am and sun-down 7.17pm.)

And it's been raining every afternoon about 3.30pm. It get so humid right before the rain - terrible, lah. Tomorrow thinking of taking the day off and taking my guests by train n boat to the Chinese village on the sea - eat some seafood. Will write a bit more if I go.

Eating 24 hours

2006-05-01T10:31:00.000-04:00

Kuala Lumpur has McDonald's delivery 1-300-13-1300 and Indian/Malay outdoor eateries for 24-hour eating. Stopped into the relatively new Indian place near Hotel Nikko in the city center (KLCC).

OK - it was Indian so they didn't have any Chinese tea. Had pulled Indian tea with milk and a coconut drink. RM 9 for a largish spicy squid in tomato sauce, RM 3 for a tasty small fried fish with spicy lemon sauce and RM 5 for a basket of french fries. Hint: Don't buy french fries at an Indian place - they were solid oil.

The restaurant's nice in that it has plush red velvet chairs and huge fans. The bathrooms are quite nice for Malaysia. Being 24 hours, the prices are higher so for three persons with just a few dishes - it was RM 33.

Kuala Lumpur: Isetan's 8th Year Anniversary Sale

2006-04-28T09:53:00.000-04:00

Being in a city with lots of ethnic Chinese - of course Isetan will make a big to-do about their 8th Anniversary. A lot of prices were RM8.

I didn't realize they only have two Isetans in Malaysia. Tonight I stumbled into both. I was looking for the bathroom at Isetan in Lot 10 -- which they don't have. Then I went to get some food at Isetan in KLCC - it was packed even close to closing time because it was a member's only pre-sale. They made us enter at one level only and were checking cards - one person per card. But still it was jammed inside.

People were paying RM20 for a two-year membership card to get weekday discounts in the grocery store, free two hour parking with a RM100 purchase and pre-view of their sales days. You can also rack up points - but that's never worked for me.

I like the fact that they're open DAILY 10am-9.30pm and have sushi and cooked Japanese food at 50% after 8.30pm. Of course they have lots of freshly made tofu.

You can click here for their 8th Anniversary Sale flyer: http://www.isetankl.com.my/nl_01.htm#

And pictures of their two stores in Malaysia: http://www.isetankl.com.my/contactus.htm

City Square: Food Court

2006-04-27T07:46:00.000-04:00

My colleagues rave about the dining choices at City Square food court. I guess I've never been there at lunchtime, so I went. Okay, lah - they have a large assortment. But I find the food court to be gloomy in its dungeon-like expanse.

Fish Head Curry, Thai Corner (food was tasteless), Japanese Teppanyaki (always 50% off), Just Soups (Malay coconut curry soups), Vegetarian, and so forth. I have to admit that I like the slightly expensive Soya drink chain, the reasonably priced (but slow) nan place and the OTOP shop. There's also a Toys R Us and a Guardian.

I like the nan bread shop the best. Got some to go -- plain nan, garlic nan, butter nan with the side dipping soup - RM 5.50. The large Thai OTOP shop is very famous amongst locals and expats for their interesting wares and above-board massage place in the back. Many expat women enjoy the massage.

Cleaning the House

2006-04-25T09:55:00.000-04:00

I have visitors coming in this week and have to clean the house. Since I don't have a maid - it's taking a while and I can't think of anything interesting to blog about. As I'm going along cleaning, I'm opening drawers n cabinets, tossing old things, organizing and boxing up small things. I've finished the kitchen, half-way thru the dining room. The refrigerator's empty because I was going to buy food from the thrice-weekly grocery trucks. But, evidently, they don't stop in front of my place on Tuesdays.

Reading: Harry Potter

2006-04-24T08:49:00.000-04:00

I'm taking a break from my many other things on my to-do list to read the 6th Harry Potter book: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling. I know it came out last summer - but I've never read it. I picked up a copy from a co-worker -- and it's interesting. Incredibly, it's almost 2.5 pounds, 2" thick and has 652 pages.

I enjoyed J.K. Rowling's explanation of the London fog and the effect it has on people.

Kuala Lumpur Tailors: City Square

2006-04-21T10:21:00.000-04:00

I've just dropped off my camera to be sent in for repair. Once it returns, I'm going to take a couple pics of a locally tailored suit. I'll do a write up.

I did drop-in at City Square in Kuala Lumpur to check-out some shops. They want $68 for a shirt and $250+ for a suit. I saw some of the jackets on hand and wasn't impressed. I'll look around some more because they do have a lot of tailors.

Bangkok Tailor: others to try

2006-04-20T09:37:00.000-04:00

Rajawongse Tailors on Sukhumvit - was closed. I hope to try them in the future. This is right after the steps going up thru the coffeeshop and into the Landmark hotel mall. Their shops is up a few steps from the sidewalk and has large glass doors.

Raja's Tailors on Sukhumvit Soi 4 - also might try in the future. Bit more expensive.

Bangkok Tailor: Narry's

2006-04-19T11:06:00.000-04:00

An $80 suit? Yes - can but not much material to choose from. I figure if I can wear this black suit twice a month for two years - I've gotten my money's worth and can toss it.

This $120 suit is of better material but somehow it ended up being cut a bit larger than the black suit. I've noticed the lining on both jackets is thinner than at Nickermann's. The pants are only lined down the front and then just to the knees. One annoying thing is that the jackets are walking advertisements for Narry's. They've sewn-in three different labels inside each jacket. I'll take them out later.

The shirts look good and were 800 baht each. I'll give an update later on how they wear but at the moment, I'm quite happy with the shirt material and the cut.

Even though this shop is definently set-up to serve the tourist trade - I've always wanted to try it after having seen their ads in Thai Airways' in-flight magazine. The shop is much more convenient to get to than their map implies. Just get off the BTS Skytrain at Nana (E3) station and get off going toward Soi 11. Take your first left onto Soi 11. You'll be walking thru a motorcycle taxi stand - then cross over to the new Grand Business Inn. Take your first right on the next side street and you'll see Narry's right there in the corner.

It's always open 0800-2100 (SUN 0900-1900). It's a bit like a dim sum place because they have all these signs up promoting their sales. They group their cloth based on price. It gets a bit confusing so I'd just tell them to hold off their sales pitch while you take a moment to examine the material. Definently allow enough time for two fittings and ask to try every pant and jacket. Be specific if you want an American-cut or their preferred Milan Armani-style. Don't forget to bring your dress shoes (or ask them to tailor them extra long so you can shorten them back home).

Overall, I saved some money but found the experience not to be relaxing. My suits were handed to me with the customer numbers still sewn to the sleeve (that white tag in the pic) and had some grease spots inside the jacket (which they cleaned after I pointed them out). It was nice that they took credit cards at no extra charge - but that might've also been why they didn't really want to bargain the price even after I added on more shirts. If you go, I'd wait to be served by Mr. Narry himself - he's very patient and works without a hard-sell.

Contact: 155/22 Sukhumvit Road, Soi 11/1,Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110
(Behind the new Grand Business Inn - next to Swiss Park Hotel - and on the same road as the big Ambassador Hotel) Tel: +66 (02) 254 9184-5, +66 (02) 651 0898, Mobile: +66 (01) 374 0046 http://www.narry.com/contactnarry.php

Bangkok Tailor: Nickermann's Blue Blazer

2006-04-18T10:28:00.000-04:00

One of my goals whilst in Bangkok was to have some trial clothes made. This Blue Blazer has a nice, heavy lining and I enjoy the fit. Even better - the shopkeepers were always polite, chatty and easy-going. $150 for this blazer was a bit expensive for Bangkok but I'm happy with it. I think I've paid $250 in the U.S. for a similiar off-the-rack.

Nickerman's has two shops in the Landmark Hotel shopping mall. Can get a taxi direct to the hotel lobby and take the elevators to the basement. Or can get off the BTS Skytrain at Nana Station (E3). Check the map for which way to walk. Then go in through steps on the street-side through the coffeeshop into the mall atrium. Then to the basement. Do not go between 5-7pm because the shops is filled with expat women (& their moral support) trying on their dresses. I really wanted to try this shop and ended up having a light meal at the pub whilst waiting for the shop to clear out.

Contact: Nickermann's Boutique 138 Sukhumvit Rd., 10110 Bangkok, Tel: +66-02-252-6682, 252-6692. In two years time, they'll be moving to Asok BTS Station.

Yams - Sweet Potatoes

2006-04-17T10:25:00.000-04:00

I was visiting Thailand and saw these sweet potatoes on the side of the road. Small bag was only 50B and the big bags 100B. They looked really good but I didn't buy any. I did buy great big pomelos --- three for 100B. These were the size of large grapefruits --- sweet too.

Coconut Drink

2006-04-04T09:42:00.000-04:00

My doctor said my cholesterol count is a bit high...so I didn't mention the coconut drinks and curries I've been eating.

Hot In Kuala Lumpur

2006-04-03T09:53:00.000-04:00

It's been really hot the last few weeks. I went to find this clock tower so you could see how hot it is in the morning!! The tallest twin towers in the world (Petronas Twin Towers) are in the background.

27 celcius = 81 fahrenheit
http://www.cooks.com/rec/dnd_nc2f.html

Fish Balls

2006-03-31T09:40:00.000-05:00

One of the easiest things to add to a soup or fry up for a snack are fish balls. All the vendors have it or you can buy them at the supermarket. We fried these up late one night as a quickie-snack. Does anyone actually know the ingredients for fish balls?

Kuala Lumpur Airport to Singapore Airport

2006-03-30T10:30:00.000-05:00

What to do if you arrive Kuala Lumpur international airport and just need to get over to Singapore Airport for your next flight? It's not so convenient - unless you're willing to pay a bunch for a connecting flight.

By Plane
The absolute easiest way is to stay in the airport and fly directly to SIN (not on AirAsia coz a.) you'd have to go to a different terminal to get AirAsia and b.) it doesn't fly to SIN - you'd have to transfer from Johor Bahru by bus, taxi or train. But it's expensive 1-way at RM 342 Singapore Airlines SQ 111, dep KUL 14:20 - arr SIN 15:15. (RM 353 on Malaysian Airlines 15:40-15:35 on MH 605.)

By Bus SEREMBAN
This is the fastest/cheapest way from KLIA (KUL) to SIN. This is close to KLIA (KUL). Here's a good map http://www.kiat.net/klia/getthere.html

Go to the basement of the airport to catch a RM 2.50 Semi Exspress bus KLIA to Nilai Commuter Station then look for a feeder bus to Seremban?? http://www.klia.com.my/index.php?ch=62&pg=138&ac=2684

There are a lot of buses from here to Johor Bahru. Then connecting bus to Singapore.

By Bus www.aeroline.com.my
This more expensive and bit longer routing takes u to KL town and gives you a chance to explore the Twin Towers - a bit more expensive and longer than Seremban but you can book your bus online before your arrival. Depart the airport via KL Ekspress RM 35 to KL Sentral. I suggest staying inside KL Sentral to the Putra LRT and taking it to KLCC. Exit to your right (toward Secret Recipe) and go up the escalators to the street level. You're across from the Petronas Twin Towers. Go left - stay on this side of the street about a block to the Corus Hotel.

Go inside to your left for the little desk for Aeroline Bus. You should pre-book online or call them to reserve your RM 80 seat from here all-the-way to SIN. If you arr 10am at KLIA (KUL) - you can easily make their next 1530 dep time. It'll take around 5 hours. Then you'll have to get from there via taxi (or MRT) to the SIN airport.

If you have time - it would be easier to go from the airport to PJ (Petaling Jaya) and take the same express bus near the PJ Hilton - after their 0930 bus - the next one is 1830. It would take approx. 5 hours and they'd go from PJ (closer to the KLIA airport than KL Sentral) directly to downtown Singapore.

I like Aeroline coz they're one of the high-end bus companies with a drink and snack. Plus they use the 2nd link border crossing (not the Causeway) which is newer, cleaner and faster. And they'll take care of you - they drop you off at the door and wait for you at the other end.

By Train
Yes, you could easily make the train (if you can get tix) - but you'd be only saving a bit, you'd have to somehow buy your tickets & the train is slower than the bus and confusing at the border. The EKSPRESS RAKYAT dep KL Sentral 1445-arr SIN 2045. But you can find my blurb on ThornTree re the trains - almost impossible to figure out how to buy online. You'll have to call or have someone go down there in-person in advance to get your tix. It's also confusing on the train coz you'll stop at Woodlands in northern SIN and have to get on/off once or twice...then actually leave at the last stop west of Chinatown. From there, you're a close taxi ride to the MRT but you'll then have to switch trains to get to the airport. Maybe better just to get a taxi straight to the SIN airport. Train only cost: RM 34 or RM 68.

Can you suggest a different way to get to Singapore? Please leave your routing with time and cost estimates.

Salted Chicken n Yams - Hai-O Roses for My Tea

2006-03-29T08:02:00.000-05:00

RM 4.50 chicken roasted in salt over a gas stove and RM 5 for four pieces of salted yam. It's cooked outside in a large wok - like cooking chestnuts. At a Chinese herbal shop called www.Hai-O.com.my - picked up RM 6 dried roses for tea. Clerk said to use about a sixth of the packet for 2-3 people. I also was daring and bought this RM 7.50 pre-mixed tea, rose, rock sugar -- okay, lah -- bit sour (hence the sugar). Oh, the bunch of bananas were RM 1.50. How much are bananas where you live?

Desserts at the Westin Hotel

2006-03-28T09:15:00.000-05:00

The Westin is really trying to make things special by always changing their programs. They have afternoon tea on Sats n Suns. Here's the dessert tray.

The squarish coconut-covered cake is some Australian cake with cream. The fruitcake on the bottom was very tasty n wet.

SAT is the local hi-tea 12-5pm rm48++ n SUN is the traditional afternoon tea w/jazz at 58++ 2-6pm The Westin KL 199 Jalan Bukit Bintang 55100 KL 03-2773-8015

How to Go From Penang to Kuala Lumpur?

2006-03-27T09:48:00.000-05:00

City Guides
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penang
http://www.cuti.com.my/guide_penang.htm
http://www.tourismpenang.gov.my/index.cfm

By Air
The fastest and most direct way to get Penang-Kuala Lumpur is by the discount carrier www.airasia.com (Search my blog for entries on AirAsia & on the new Terminal Building). The Penang Int'l Airport is in Bayan Lepas 16km (10 miles) south of Georgetown.

Call AirAsia's toll-free center 1-300-88-9933 (Open 0800-2100 daily in Malaysia).(Thailand is 02-515-9999) (Singapore is 65-6733-9933)

AirAsia can be booked online w/a credit card (know your mailing address & ID No.). But faster just to get it done by phone, in-person or through a friend who can do it on-line for you. These are etickets - so you just need flight info & confirmation number when you check-in.

SAMPLE FLIGHTS n FARES RM 144.98 (US 39.72)
Fri, 31/Mar/2006 RM 29.99 + RM 32.50 (taxes/fees) = RM 62.49 (US 17.12)Flight AK6317 22:20-23:10 dep Penang (PEN)-arr Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

Sun, 02/Apr/2006 RM 49.99 + RM 32.50 (taxes/fees) = RM 82.49 (US 22.60) Flight AK6314 13:40-14:30 dep Kuala Lumpur (KUL) -arr Penang (PEN)

RM 264-345 (US 73-95) Estimated total cost of this trip
RM 40 - Taxi to/fr hotel in Penang-to-Airport (RM 20 x 2)
RM 145 - Cheapest round-trip flights on AirAsia
RM 79 - (LCCT-MTB RM 1.50 x 2)(KLIAEkspress RM 35 x 2)(LRT RM 2.60x2)
RM 160 - Taxis KLIA/KUL-KL (RM 95 & 65)

I recommend KLIA/KUL going by shuttle from the discount terminal to the main terminal and catching the train because I believe it will be faster in the long-run. The AirAsia RM9 bus to KL Sentral is supposed to leave on a set-schedule but then you'll have to deal with road traffic. Taxis are fine - but more expensive.

Office @ Penang International Airport , Lot 3, Departure Concourse
Office @ KL Sentral Sales Office Unit 11, Level 1 (Grd Level by McDonalds)
Office @ KLIA/KUL Island C, Level 5, Departure Hall

By Train
The state railroad Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) from Butterworth (the town on the mainland opposite Georgetown) to Kuala Lumpur takes approximately 6 hours. Contact KTMB offices at Port Weld in Penang (Tel: 604-261 0290) or Butterworth (Tel: 604-331 2796).

Malaysian train website sucks. It hides all the info you need to book a ticket. To see the schedule - click on the yellow box on the right "Inter-City Timetable" then under "North Bound." If ur lucky, you'll see a green box pop-up that says (in the far right hand column) from Butterworth (mainland city opposite Georgetown) train leaves at 2130 to arr 0635 the next day at KL Sentral (Kuala Lumpur).

Evidently, the Malaysia train company doesn't want to sell tickets online because their website is so hard to read and then it blocks you from buying a ticket on-line by having to figure out how to register onto their website. At the very bottom of the webpage, it says "General Line for KTM Berhad Headquarters : 603-2263 1111."

RETURN: one daily train KL Sentral-Butterworth dep 2045 (8.45pm) - arr 06.05am the next day.

By Bus
There are many bus services but also takes a long time. And most buses leave you in the dirty, crowded, grimy part of town where the taxis always overcharge.

-- NiCE Bus
RM 57 NiCE2 dep 9.30, 16.00, 18. 00
RM 50 NiCE dep 8.00, 11.30 (Fri/Sun), 13.00, 15.00, 19.30 (21 seater)
Departure Penang Arrival Kuala Lumpur
9.30 14.30
11.30 16.30
13.00 18.00
16.00 21.00
17.00 22.00
19.30 0.30

-- PlusLiner Bus (cheaper/slower)
RM 26.80 dep 8.30, 11.00, 14.30, 17.30 (32 seater)
The Plusliner makes two stops at Taiping and Ipoh to pick up passengers.
Departure Penang Arrival KL Departure KL Arrival Penang
8.30 14.00 8.30 14.00
10.30 16.00 10.30 16.00
14.30 20.00 14.00 19.30
15.30 21.00 15.30 21.00
17.30 23.00 20.30 2.00

Penang has two offices for NiCE/PlusLiner buses:

Garden Inn Hotel, 41, Anson Road, 10400 Penang 04-2277370
Located opposite KDU college (Kolej Damansara Utama).

Counter 39, Terminal Bas Ekspress Sg. Nibong , Penang 04-6582371
RM 20 taxi to the new bus station in the town of Sungai Nibong close to the Penang Bridge and Bukit Jambul. Great website w/photos n details: http://www.malaysiasite.nl/nibongeng.htm

Kuala Lumpur
Mezzanine Floor, KTMB Building, Jalan Sultan Hishamudin, 50621 Kuala Lumpur. Old Train Station (Stesyen Keretapi Tanah Melayu)03-22740499, 03-22721586, 03-22723634, Penang 04-2277370

-- Transnasional Bus (cheapest)
Ticketing Agent: Pulau Pinang http://www.nadi.com.my Transnasional Bus Services are for the mass-market and not very foreigner-friendly because the stations and ticketing agents are not readily apparent. For instance, you'll have to choose the State of Pulau Pinang if you are staying in Georgetown, Penang and figure out where to go.

Departure Terminal : Pulau Pinang : Kompleks Penang Port Phone : +604 - 3315986 , 604 - 3331923, Fax : +604 - 3246824, Arrival Terminal : Kuala Lumpur : Hentian Duta, Jalan Duta, Persiaran Duta Phone : +603 - 62013463,603-62013469

Coffee in A Bag

2006-03-24T09:49:00.000-05:00

I have adopted the habit of morning coffee, afternoon coffee and late-night coffee. The worst thing is having to brush the teeth enough to get the stains out. At work, I buy coffee but sometimes I brew up these tea-like packets. The heavy Tenom coffee is from Indonesia and the Folgers is expensive import from the U.S. (a gift from my co-worker).

Yummy Vegan Indian Food

2006-03-23T09:15:00.000-05:00

My friend V. called me up to go out to Bangsar Shopping Village. All together, we were out for four hours. Quite the haul because the rain made the traffic a bit bad around the World Trade Center. We ended up parking in the very nice underground and looked around some shops before heading outside.

While it was raining pretty hard, we took some shelter and ate at this great Malaysian shop - he had the large Paper Tosai with soya milk and the smaller Masala Tosai is mine. It was filled with vegetables and came with the sides. I forget the prices but they were around RM 2.40 each.

Just a few foodsites for Malaysia:

http://www.friedchillies.com/
http://www.foodvenue.com/
http://www.dinemalaysia.com/

Breakfast - Toasted Oats, Oatmeal & Noodles?!

2006-03-22T08:46:00.000-05:00

This is what I eat for breakfast...

...or sometimes I eat this...the Quaker Oatmeal is quick-cooking. I love to microwave them, add some milk and whip it up. Each 35g has 20g carbs, 3g fat.

The Australian Toasted Oats are a bit sour for my taste. Each 50g has 35.8g carbs, 1.2g fat.

Future Breakfast Blog
I'll look out for the local noodles and create a separate breakfast entry. Of course, I also like to eat Char Kueh Tiaw (greasy egg noodles w/bean sprouts), but unlike sixthseal - I don't eat it with an extra fried egg on top.

New AirAsia Low Cost Carriers (LCCs) Terminal (LCCT) at KLIA (KUL) Kuala Lumpur International Airport

2006-03-21T08:04:00.000-05:00

I'm not an optimist that the new Terminal Building for AirAsia is a good thing. AirAsia is already quite often delayed and now people will have to find this new Terminal Building which is close enough to KLIA (KUL) as to be far from the city center yet far enough from the current airport (20km) to make it very inconvenient. It opened March 23, 2006. Click on this map to see it larger.

HOW TO GET TO THE NEW TERMINAL BUILDING?
... from KL Sentral (KLS) there is a new RM 9 Skybus http://www.skybus.com.my departing every half hour from the KLS lower ground floor bus station (facing the open air car park/Jalan Tun Sambanthan). [Malaysia has confusing definitions of floors - I think they mean street level outside in the back on the way to the monorail. The same level that the KLIA Ekspress/Transit and LRT arrive has a McDonalds. Go in the opposite direction of McDonalds. At this end, you'll see a mini-McDonald's ice cream stand - go outside to your left and down the elevator w/your bags. You'll be outside facing a parking lot, Genting Bus, Monorail (in the distance.)] It takes from 1 hour to 1.5 hours by bus (runs from 3.30am-7.30pm). [Return from LCCT to KLS first bus at 7.15am-24.30am.] More info: KL Sentral English-speaking information desk at 60-03-2279-8699 (Open 5.30am-1.30am).

Or from KL Sentral (KLS) using the RM 4.70 KTM Komuter train you exit at the Nilai Station and board the feeder bus from the station to LCC Terminal.

Or from KL Sentral (KLS) RM 12.50 KLIA Transit train exit at the Salak Tinggi Station to connect to public buses.

Oh, from KL Sentral (KLS) the KLIA Ekspress doesn't stop at Nilai Station so you'll have to take the RM 35 train to KLIA (KUL) then find the RM 1.50 (15-20 minute) connecting bus at the ground floor (basement) platform #8. Departs KLIA's Main Terminal Building (MTB) from 5.30am-24.10am. [Returns LCCT-MTB 5.55am-24.35am.]

TAXI INFORMATION
March 8, 2006 - 15 companies were given licenses to run 360 taxis at the airport with pre-paid pricing. Any normal public taxi can drop-off. The cost including toll will be RM 59.90 budget taxis, RM 92 for one of the twenty-five premium taxis and RM 138 for one of the 25 seven-seater taxis. They will not be allowed to charge extra after 11pm.

THE NEW TERMINAL'S AMENITIES
Domestic arrivals has three baggage carousels. International arrivals has two baggage carousels and twelve immigration counters each for departure/arrival.

Maybe this is Malaysia Airlines way to get back more business? Imagine having to arrive at KLIA (KUL) and then figuring out where the RM 1.50 bus to the other Terminal 20 kms is located!! It opened 3 days before Singapore's Budget Terminal and come in at S$1 million less.

It's the Low Cost Carriers Terminal (LCCT) because inside will be low-budget meaning no air conditioned airport tunnels from the terminal to the plane. Sounds like we'll be walking on the tarmac. Even with 35,290 square meters, they won't have escalators or moving sidewalks. I hope they don't scrimp on the air conditioning.

I'm dreading my pre-bought AirAsia tickets.

http://klia.com.my/LCCTerminal/
http://www.airasia.com/lcct/how.htm
http://www.kliaekspres.com/klia_transit.htm#

You could try the Malaysian Tourist Center for more information at 60-03-2164-3929 (Open Mon-Fri 7.30am-5.30pm).

MATTA TRAVEL FAIRE

2006-03-20T09:26:00.000-05:00

I went to the MATTA TRAVEL FAIRE over the weekend to find some good bargains. It's really an interesting Malaysian custom to have these shows at the convention center jammed with booths and filled to the brim with people handing out flyers for package trips to Egypt, China and the United States. I went to my first MATTA FAIRE just a few days after arriving in the country and thought people were crazy to put themselves through the crowds and heat just to save a few bucks.

But now I look forward to them and made sure to arrive before six o'clock so I could see the Balinese cultural dancing. I know it was a just a small show but never mind, lah. I like Bali and their dancing - it was only missing the gamelan orchestra.

Unfortunately, I couldn't make use of the 1-month return Thai Airways KUL-BKK-JFK ticket for $500USD and they didn't have the special KLIA Transit tickets. So I went away with just a few brochures on Thailand.

Banana Bread

2006-03-17T08:17:00.000-05:00

Malaysia has many bakeries with some nice products. The grocery was out of my normal brand, so I gave this one a try. You might like it but I found it to be too airy and moist.

This Samudra Pisang Kek cost RM 2.70 for 350 grams. I just noticed that it's 20g fat, 26g protein, 47g carbs, 390kcal of tenaga which has been translated as ENERGY.

I've already finished off the banana cake, but luckily I found this photo in my camera - looks good, eh?

F1 Racing, BMW and the Mandarin Oriental Hotel

2006-03-16T07:36:00.000-05:00

Every year when auto racing comes to Kuala Lumpur, Auto Bavaria hosts a couple evenings of cocktails and new BMW models inside these large tents at Mandarin Oriental Hotel, KLCC.

It's where all the beautiful people go.

Last year I went, but this year I didn't get an invite. I could've asked to go with my co-worker. Instead, I just dropped by to see what it looked like. Actually, I was holding out for some last minute concert tickets for Lionel Richie at the KLCC Convention Centre next door. Aiyoh, not my day, lah - didn't get those either and too cheap to pay RM 900. Anyway, the rain's huge today - better to get home before the traffic really gets bad.

Ford Dealership in Kuala Lumpur

2006-03-15T09:59:00.000-05:00

Just east of the aptly named Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) - there are a lot of auto dealers - Volvo, Land Rover, Proton, Jaguar (Vista Damai Condo), second hand lots (one of which has a rather large number of used Mercedes Benzes) - and now a new Ford dealership.

Here's a picture of the new Ford place - it's a bit of a work-in-progress. They have a guardhouse on the left and a large lot in front. The contractors have left a bunch of dirt on the sidewalk. And then there are drainage holes which makes the water make it muddy.

There's a June 1981 New York Times article that says Ford will retain a 51 percent share of Ford Malaysia, its Malaysian unit, with the remaining 49 percent being held by Pernas Sime Darby, a holding company owned jointly by Pernas, a Government conglomerate, and Sime Darby, the largest multinational company in Southeast Asia.

Sime Darby also owns PNB Darby Park, Auto Bavaria, Land Rover, Hyundai and Alfa Romeo rights in Malaysia.

http://www.ford.com.my/index.shtml

Leaving Malaysia

2006-03-14T06:38:00.000-05:00

Departing Kuala Lumpur by BUS
Bus is convenient to Singapore. Trying to avoid the mad crowds and heat of the main Puduraya Bus Station, try booking one of the executive buses to Singapore.

Aeroliner Buses are from Germany/Sweden
They depart from near KLCC at Corus Hotel or at the Menara Axis, PJ.
Tel : (603) 6258 8800, OPEN Mon-Sat 0800-1800 (Closed SUN & Public Holidays) Can pay in-person or online. Clean, some are double-deckers and pleasant.
https://www.aeroline.com.my/bus_features.html

Departing Kuala Lumpur by AIR
Taxi drivers love going to the airport!! You can go direct by public taxi from central KL for RM 65. (A taxi van will cost you more.) Should leave your hotel around 2-2.5 hours before your flight: 45 minutes to an hour to get to the airport, plus 1.5 hours for check-in, allowing your bags to get to the plane and immigration. Departure tax is scheduled to go up but is already included in the price of the ticket.

KLIA Ekspress Train
But the easiest route is to take a taxi or the LRT to KL Sentral. Then take the KLIA Ekspress @ RM 35 departing every 15 minutes. The entrance is hidden - at the street level and inside a corner. Takes 28 minutes. Try to sit near the front of the train so that when you arrive you can be one of the first off. For some reason, there's always a jam trying to get out of the gates into the airport. You can get a trolley and take it on the escalators.

Departure - Immigration
Your next floor is arrivals. Then you walk down the arrival hall to the next set of escalators going up to departures. AirAsia check-in terminals are on your left. Always lock your bags, have an intinerary in your outside pocket, ID your bags.

After check-in, go down the middle of the hall - you'll see a drop-off ledge with escalators going down. Show your passport n ticket to security and wind your way down. If you're flying business/first class or you're a diplomat, you can head off to your left for the carpeted Executive Line. Otherwise, head off to your right and find a fast-moving clerk. Don't be shy about finding the head guy walking around if your clerk ends up talking on his handphone or something - report them. It makes life go faster for all of us.

Airport Shopping
Once inside, you walk down the hall and to your right if you're flying AirAsia. Otherwise, take the tram to Terminal A for other international departures. As you get off, find Body Shop on your left (airport shop is 5% cheaper than in town); Burger King will be on your right (across the hall and upstairs); Starbucks is to your left and upstairs. The bookstore on your left is convenient. Hotels and lounges are on the second level.

Departing Kuala Lumpur by TRAIN
This is a bad way to go as it's not only far but inconvenient. One year we went by train to Thailand in November and got caught up in a 3-day flood which covered the tracks and had us sleeping in the train car. We then thought it was safe and went to a hotel in Had Yai - only to wake up to streets that had been turned into rivers - escape was finally made by swimming through the guck to the train tracks and sogging it through to the nearest road - past dead animals. See my Singapore post if you want to leave by train going southward.

Malaysia "Truly Asia" Airport, Hotels, Transportation

2006-03-13T07:41:00.000-05:00

Moving on to another country...Malaysia. It's a member of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). http://www.oic-oci.org/

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) is known locally as KLIA. It's really a wonderfully Japanese-designed airport built in an Islamic style. Quite interesting and very clean/modern. http://www.klia.com.my/index.php?ch=8&pg=6&ac=65

Airport Food
Starbucks located in Terminal C above the bookstore before you enter the tram on your right to the main terminal. Burger King is located on your left - opposite end of the hall/2nd floor.

Currency Exchange is found after immigration near Baggage Carousel E. ATMs with banks like Maybank, EON Bank and RHB Bank are located:
• Arrival - Baggage Carousel E
• Arrival Hall Lobby
• Departure Hall, Level 5 of Main Terminal Building
• Satellite A – Upstairs after customs/immigration
• http://www.klia.com.my/index.php?ch=8&pg=6&ac=67

Transportation by Train
Baggage Carousel E has a desk to take the KLIA Ekspress train to the center of town. It's a good thing - leaves every 15 min. @ RM 35. The trains are like Hong Kong's --clean, fast and comfortable. After customs - exit the sliding glass doors and head out towward your right (thru the touts) to the first set of elevators. You can only use the set on the right with the purple signs "KLIA Ekspress". You can push your trolley all the way down, thru the train gates and via the escalator - right to the train door.

http://www.kliaekspres.com

Transportation by Taxi
A less comfortable way to town is via the airport taxi. It's uncomfortable because a.) you have to use the airport monopoly which is unfriendly and will actually try to charge you .10 cents! (How many international travelers just arriving are going to have .10 local cents?); b.) you have to figure out which door to exit to the taxis; c.) the taxis will get upset at you if you mistakenly gave a slightly different street than your actual destination; d.) the taxis/limos are small, old and locally made.

Hotels Near the Airport
Concorde Inn Kuala Lumpur International Airport http://www.concorde.net/sepang/
Locked Bag No. 8, Jalan KLIA 1/60, KLIA, 43900 Sepang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, MAL Tel: 603-8783-3118 Fax: 603-8783-1211 Complimentary hotel shuttle (Level 1/Door 3) at 30-minute interval from 5.30 am to 12 midnight. After hours, must take taxi (3 min away) - RM 145-175/US $38-46 nett w/brkfast (Check-In 2pm & Check-Out 12NOON)

Pan Pacific Connecting to the Airport
Jalan CTA 4B, 64000 KLIA, Sepang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Tel: +603 8787 3333 Fax: +603 8787 5555, klairport@panpacific.com
Cheapest corporate rates: RM 378 w/breakfast, RM 325 w/o brkfast

Business Class Lounge open to all passengers: RM70/US $18
Plaza Premium Lounge - Mezzanine Fl., Satellite Bldg KL Int'l Airport
Tel: (603) 8787-2323 Fax: (603) 8787-2727 www.plaza-asia.com

Transit Lounge Open 24 hours (near LIFT #2) - US$18 includes food/beverage/free flow beer, shower, high-speed internet, free local calls, papers, magazines, movies, massage chair and golf putting. http://www.klia.com.my/index.php?WebsiteId=13&ch=62&pg=135&ac=2643

Airside Transit Hotel http://www.klia.com.my/index.php?ch=22&pg=72&ac=49 Satellite Bldg A, near Gate C5. KL Int'l Airport, Tel: (603) 8787-4848 Fax: (603) 8787-4747 airsidehotel@klia.com.my This is not a good hotel if you are arriving on one carrier w/your bags arriving KL & flying back out on a different carrier - you'd need to exit immigration and get your bags. If your flight is more than 2 hours away, you can't check-in and go thru immigration again to get to the airport hotel. However, if you were flying in/out on the same carrier - then you could have your bags routed to your final destination and no need to go thru immigration. Room starts at RM120 for 6 hours.

Chiang Saen Hotels - Northern Thailand

2006-03-11T22:14:00.000-05:00

If you're planning a trip to the Golden Triangle - here are some suggestions for medium-to-expensive priced hotels near Chiang Saen.

Chiang Saen River Hill Hotel 600B
714 Moo 3, Tambol Wieng, Chiang Saen A budget hotel with 60 Lanna-style rooms Doi Tung Royal Palace and only 20 minutes from the Golden Triangle.

Greater Mekhong Lodge Hotel
M.1 Sobrunk, Viang, Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai 57150 Thailand, Chiang Rai, Thailand Greater Mekhong Lodge Hotel overlooks the Mekong and offers excellent views of the river and surrounding areas.

The Imperial Golden Triangle Resort
222 Golden Triangle, Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai 57150 Thailand
Tel 66 (053) 784-001-5,Fax 66 (053) 784-006, Reservations (66 2) 261-9000 Ext.4117-9 Fax. (66 2) 261-9546-7, Email : goldentriangle@imperialhotels.com http://www.imperialhotels.com/goldentriangle/
Low Season Price Range: 2,100-2,400

This 73-room resort features classical Lanna design. Each of its all-river-view rooms and suites are characterized by traditional Thai decor and complemented by the most up-to-date facilities. Rooms have air-conditioning, balcony, cable TV and mini-bar. Other facilities and services include room service, business facilities, boating and a swimming pool.

Anantara Resort & Spa Golden Triangle
Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai Chiang Rai, Price Range: 4,400-16,000B

Forty-five minutes from the Chiang Rai airport (63 km)situated on a hill in the Mekong region. Its 110 air-conditioned rooms have Lanna decor and overlook the Golden Triangle. It's a resort with fantastic views and an elephant program. Their infinity-view pool overlooks the Mekong River. Opium Museum is opposite.

At the late Princess Mother's Royal Chalet rising 2,000 meters above sea level, Doi Tung Tourism and Service Centre introduces 45 newly furnished guestrooms accommodation. Each room comes complete with its scenic verandah, overlooking meadows and hill tribe villages and has ensuite bathroom with hot/cold shower, air conditioning, satellite TV and a mini bar. Tel. (053) 767-015-7 ext. 308,309 [Bangkok (02) 254-2225-6]tourism@doitung.org

Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai city is the capital of Chiang Rai Province, Thailand's most northern province, about 785km (491mi) from Bangkok and at an average elevation of 580m (1,900ft) above sea level. Its area, mostly mountains, is 11,678sqkm (4,508sqmi) and divided into 12 districts and 1 sub-district. The most important river is the Mae Kok which is about 130km (81mi) long and flows through Chiang Rai city.

Chiang Rai was founded in 1262 by King Mengrai. At the end of the 13th century, for around 30 years, Chiang Rai was the capital of the Lannatai Kingdom. Later the city was conquered by Burma and remained under Burmese rule for several hundred years. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became Thai territory. It was proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910.

LINKS
http://www.loikrathong.net/EN/
http://www.travelfish.org/country/Thailand

Singapore "The Lion City"

2006-03-11T01:49:00.000-05:00

Singapore is like San Francisco in that it's on the water and is a self-enclosed city/state (San Francisco is a city/county.) It's a financial and physical safe harbour residence for expats and especially Southeast Asia's ethnic Chinese population who will want places to stash their money and their families in times of ethnic strife. Unfortunately, even as recently as 1998, there have been mob actions against ethnic Chinese in the region. Singapore is a safe place, lah.

It's also very tourist-friendly with everything being organized, in English and people polite and friendly. You'll notice that even the immigration desks are low-rise counters with candy for you and the agents don't sit way high up on a podium.

Singapore - Transportation
http://www.comfort-transportation.com.sg/rates_charges.html
Great train system - but can take a while. Should study the maps before arrival from Malaysia.

Taxis are clean and well mannered - but various extra charges.

Airport is one of the best in the world!! It's a very interesting shopping mall with sales, promotions, game-show contests, gym, outdoor swimming pool - everything you'd need to really enjoy your stop-over or departure. The best souvenir is one of their local women's magazines with their little freebie bags.

If I have a choice, I like to route my planes thru Singapore just to see the great view of the ships and island, and to enjoy a few minutes inside the airport.

Singapore - TRAIN
When you arrive from Malaysia, you'll stop inside Singapore at the new WOODLANDS stop. Get off the train, go through immigration and get back on the train to its final destination. The Railroad Station is a bit far on the west side.

When you depart, you'll first clear Malaysian Immigration and then the Malaysian Customs will stamp customs card. Then get on the train. Do not lose the train ticket or either of the forms because there is no visa in your passport these documents prove you entered Malaysia legally.

After a 45 minute ride youÂll have to clear Singapore Immigration and Customs. Go to the last two counters on the right, as they are usually the least crowded. At this point, Singapore Immigration will grant your exit visas.

Once you actually arrive in Johor Bahru, Malaysia nothing happens as you're in Malaysia. So technically you enter Malaysia before you leave Singapore.

SINGAPORE LINKS

http://www.sg/
http://sg.yahoo.com/
http://www.smrt.com.sg/
http://www.smrt.com.sg/smrt/index_travel_time.htm
http://app.stb.com.sg/asp/index.asp
http://www.virtualtourist.com/vt/
http://us.visitsingapore.com/frameset.asp
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/south_east_asia/singapore/

How to Increase Traffic to Your Blog

2006-03-10T10:01:00.000-05:00

If you're just starting out with your blog, here's how to increase the traffic to your website. Normally Google's spiders will have found your webpage. This is especially true if you use a structured blog via the blogger website. But you can speed things along by creating and submitting a detailed Sitemap of your pages using Google Sitemaps. I haven't done this yet - so if anyone can leave some tips...it does look a bit confusing! https://www.google.com/webmasters/sitemaps/docs/en/about.html

You can also create a Yahoo account. Then go to http://submit.search.yahoo.com/free/request and enter in your webpage data. This automatically sends your webpage to Yahoo's crawlers to look at for submission in their search engine.

Webcrawler has a paid placement service.

Tourist Sites in Chiang Mai

2006-03-09T08:31:00.000-05:00

EATING OUT
Whole Earth Restaurant 88 Sridonchai Rd., A. Muang CM Tel: +66-(0)53-282-463traditional Thai house w/garden. Vegetarian food at the far north end of the Night Bazaar. DAILY 1100-2200

Goodview Restaurant 13 Charoen Raj Rd, Watgate, Muang, Chiang Mai 50000 Thailand, Tel: (66-53) 241886, 249029, 249726 - call days ahead to get a table on busy nights. As huge and loud as a German beer hall with good Thai food in a fun setting. Must eat here while in Chiang Mai.

Riverside Restaurant 9-11 Charoenrat Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand - along the river near Goodview - a bit more expensive and upscale - this is where First Lady Hillary Clinton ate. http://www.theriversidechiangmai.com/the_riverside_chiangmai.php

SA PAPER - CELADON CERAMICS - HANDICRAFTS
Take an early afternoon drive to the street on the outskirts of town where the villages dry the mulberry paper in the fields, and the women's collectives come together to make their sa paper products. Also handicraft, silver, leather and celadon ceramic factories and showrooms. Interesting tours can be had at the gigantic Shinawantra Thai Silk 145/1-2 Chiangmai-Sankumpaeng Rd www.shinawatrathaisilk.co.th and at the Gem Factory. You can get free welcome drinks, tour and A/C showrooms in each!!

ELEPHANT RIDE - SHOW PARK
Maesa Elephant Camp wwww.maesaelephantcamp.com
OFFICE in C.M. 119/9 Tapae rd., Muang District CM 50100 Tel:53-20-6247/8
Show Times: 0800, 0940, 1330 OPEN DAILY: 0700-1430
Pre-purchase your tickets and show up early for elephant photos, elephant rides and to go farther up the mountain for a picturesque hillside lunch.

GOLDEN TRIANGLE - Burma/Laos/Thailand

2006-03-08T08:29:00.000-05:00

GOLDEN TRIANGLE - overnight trip from Chiang Mai, Thailand travelling by rental car. Leave Chiang Mai around 0645AM to beat the tourist buses for the 1/2 hour stop about an hour out at the roadside country market to boil an egg @ the natural hot springs. Very good bathrooms cost 15B.

Later, take a 15-min detour into the hills to the Royal Mae Fah Luang Gardens (80B). Walk around for a while and take many pics - then back out to eat at the restaurant (next to the cafeteria). It has its own bathrooms - can eat local delicacies like black mushrooms n oyster sauce, bamboo shoots w/fermented pork, northern Chiang Mai sausage. The nicer restaurant is on the right - not the larger, more noisier cafeteria in the same building.

It's then 8-min back down the hill to the main road and onward another couple hours to Chiang Rai town to stop at the Big C for a bathroom/coffee break. It'll take a while longer to get to the border at Mae Sai (Thailand)/Tachilek (Burma).

The next day, head out in the car for a leisurely drive thru the windy mountain roads following the border east toward the Golden Triangle of Thailand, Burma, Laos.

Soon you'll get to the Golden Triangle area and stop off at a new monument with elephants and Buddhas for lunch and picture taking. After seeing signs for the Golden Triangle - look for the big sign on the right for the Hall of Opium Museum - a new, modern and well regarded exhibit for a first-hand look at the drug use in the Golden Triangle. Don't be surprised!! The cost is B200 for at least a 1-hour tour. Drop off in front then your driver goes around back and parks in the parking lot on the left. They're supposed to have a shuttle service to bring the driver back round to the front. You pay and wait for a guide to take a group. It's huge - two stories and includes many mini-movies with great Smithsonian or Holocaust Museum-like exhibits. Very worthwhile. http://www.tatnews.org/new_products/detail.asp?id=1620

Follow the river thru Chiang Saen town (75km (47mi) northeast of Chiang Rai), on the bank of the Mekong River, and then follow the signs to the right to Mae Sai - going thru their very short downtown. On the left, stop off at the meet 0645 at your coffee shop. We'll stop about an hour out at the roadside country market/use 5B bathroom/boil an egg @ the natural hot springs. Then take a 15-min detour into the hills to the Royal Mae Fah Luang Gardens (80B). Walk around for a while and take many pics - then back out to eat at the restaurant (next to the cafeteria). It has its own bathrooms - can eat local delicacies like black mushrooms n oyster sauce, bamboo shoots w/fermented pork, northern Chiang Mai sausage.

http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/41d2d/160f62/ You'll see it after passing a bit of downtown and right before you enter a park.

AREA MAP w/distances: http://www.asia-discovery.com/chiangrai-hotels/baan-ton-nam/map.htm
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/Thailand/Northern_Thailand/Chiang_Saen-1445730/Things_To_Do-Chiang_Saen-BR-1.html

Good view at Wat Phra That Phu Khas 1,200 years old, 45 minutes from M.S. Chiang Saen Museum (National Museum Branch) (30B)
702 Phahonyothin Road, Chiang Saen District
Phone: (053) 777-102, (053) 777-102 Ext. 28
Located near Chedi Luang temple. On the West of city.
http://www.thailandmuseum.com/thaimuseum_eng/chiangsaen/main.htm

The reason to visit C.S. is to see the local branch of the national museum (OPEN WED-SUN 0830-1630) (closed Mon/Tues/and national holidays) 14th-century city kingdom. The town is literally littered with temples (36 in total), fortresses, moats, Buddha images, remnants of city walls and chedi that all bear witness to its’ intriguing past. In fact some of the monuments are actually older than the Chiang Saen era, providing evidence to an even later kingdom known to locals as ‘Yonok’. Many of the artifacts (sculptures, Lanna-style Buddha images and pottery) unearthed in Chiang Saen have been moved to the Chiang Saen branch of the National Museum to provide a fascinating insight into the area’s history and pre-history.

Spam Block on My Blog

2006-03-04T22:16:00.000-05:00

I'm a novice to blogging. But now my site has been caught up as a potential SPAM BLOG. I've been blocked from being able to post blogs.

I created this blog so I can refer family, friends, colleagues and folks I meet to a central web-based site for answers on their travel questions and suggestions on places to visit. So I've included links to hotels, restaurants and places that I recommend. Waiting to see what the BLOGGER people say for me to do to still provide links but not get caught up as a bad blogger.

Travel Health - Airplane Health, Colds, Flus, Germs

2006-03-03T08:41:00.000-05:00

These travel health articles, tips and thoughts will be edited on a continual basis.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
When traveling, don't touch your eyes! Use tissues. This temporary condition is not just for summer camp:

http://www.healthy.net/scr/article.asp?ID=2094
http://www.medicinenet.com/tetracycline/article.htm

Colds, Flus, & Things on the airplane
Don't call me a hypochondriac - I might start worrying. But I do worry about traveling, catching germs and getting sick. We travel for pleasure and because we have a program at the other end, right? No need to be sick.

Always wash your hands thoroughly for 20-30 seconds with a lot of lather to get rid of the dead skin cells which the germs stick to - then use your towel to turn off the water and open the door. I also like to use those airplane wet towels to clean my face n hands then the arm rest and food tray. Be sure to follow-up with an alcohol-based handywipe to the same area. You could also bring your own large cotton napkin to put over your tray. See my other blog entry on airplane water.

For a good night's sleep, try one of those cheap cotton masks (which they sell for 5-10B in Thailand). Spray it with a mist of water whenever you wake up from your nap on the plane. This will help your sleep better because your air will be more humid than the dry airplane air. Of course you should also drink a hot drink everytime you wake up. (I haven't tried this mask idea yet - so please let me know if you've tried it.)

For health reasons, also bring along a few of the expensive high-grade masks. If someone's coughing, see if you can politely offer one up to them so they don't infect other passengers. (Keep one for yourself.)

http://www.independenttraveler.com/resources/article.cfm?AID=647&category=1

Chiang Mai, Thailand - Hotels and Car Rental

2006-03-02T09:17:00.000-05:00

The Northern part of Thailand in Chiang Mai is a cultural hub of the old Lanna Kingdom encompassing their dialect, dancing, handicrafts, housing style and flair. It's the second largest city in Thailand but is so much more relaxing than Bangkok and not nearly as large. The city has the most temples per square mile than any other place in Thailand.

I can highly recommend this car rental company, which will meet you outside the arrival hall (either curbside or across the street in the parking lot). You can also make plans to deliver the car back at the airport. A car is useful as there aren't taxis in Chiang Mai (just get in the back of the red pick-up trucks) and you can drive around as you please - especially to Fang, Chiang Rai, Lampung, Lampang and to Mae Sai/Tachilek if you'd like to walk over the border to Burma.

CAR RENTAL - CM: North Wheels 70/4-8 Chaiyaphum Rd., Changmoi, Muang, Chiang Mai 50300 Thailand TEL: (66-53) 874-478 FAX: ( 66 53 ) 874-378

CAR RENTAL - CR: North Wheels 591 Paholyotin Rd., Viang, Muang, Chiang Rai, 57000 Thailand TEL: (66-53) 740-585 FAX: ( 66 53 ) 740-585

HOTEL # 1 - Suriwongse Hotel, 110 Chang Klan Rd, Chiang Mai, 50100 Thailand +66 53 270 051-7 1,600 B per night w/2 brkfasts, 1,800 B per night w/2 brkfasts (16th) It's a large tourist hotel with free breakfast buffet, large (pretty clean) rooms and a great location right in the middle of the Night Bazaar area. It's above Starbucks and across the street from McDonalds (MAC DONALDS). Just a few blocks to the river, flower market, U.S. Consulate, City Hall.

HOTEL # 2 - Sheraton sometimes you can get a good internet deal. 318/1 Chiang Mai-Lampoon Road Chiang Mai 50000 Thailand, Tel: (66)(53) 275 300 http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/search/hotel_detail.html?propertyID=1070 Used to be the WESTIN - very large, formal hotel.

HOTEL # 3 - The Imperial Mae Ping Hotel Chiang Mai 153 Sridonchai Road, Changklan District, Amphur Muang, Chiangmai 50100 Thailand +66 (0) 5327 0181 (General)+66 (0) 5320 6697 or 5327 6486 (Sales & Reservations)
http://www.imperialmaeping.com/home.php

RECOMMENDED BANGKOK TAILORS

2006-03-01T09:01:00.000-05:00

I think the experience of buying shirts, pants, jackets, or suits is more professional and smoother in Bangkok than in Hanoi. Definetly cheaper than Malaysia! You do two fittings and then try on before you depart. Sometimes you can have the first fitting the next day. You should do some research before you arrive and bring clippings. Do things like consider collar styles, suit fashions and try on some suits with a friend to see how you look.

Best to see samples, choose the cloth and styling - and get measured in the first couple days upon arrival. You can look at the website http://www.dress-for-success.com/. You can choose from these recommended tailors - and they're almost right next to each other. And within walking distance of the Ambassador Hotel or the Grand Business Inn. They can keep it until you depart and deliver to your hotel.

BY BTS SKYTRAIN: Take the Sukhumvit Line to Nana Station. Exit the station down Stairway 2 and walk straight along Sukhumvit Road toward the Landmark Hotel. Rajawongse Clothier is on the left just past the hotel.

TAILOR #1 Nickermann's Tailor
Nickermann's @ Landmark Hotel Basement 138 Sukhumvit Road +66-2-252-6682 See Khun Dee and tell her you saw it on this blog. Near BTS Nana Skytrain STN - at the Landmark Hotel - go down the escalator which is right on Sukhumvit Rd and turn left through the glass doors. The shop is on the left. Good for men's and women's clothing. Sample price $200 suit and two shirts

TAILOR #2 Rajawongse Clothier
http://www.dress-for-success.com/ 130 Sukhumvit Road, near Sukhumvit Soi 4 (next to the Landmark Hotel) Bangkok 10110 • Thailand Phone: 02-255-3714 or 02-255-3715m, Fax: 02-253-8390 OPEN MON-SAT 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Closed SUN) Sample price: $250 3-pc suit and xtra pair of pants

TAILOR #3 Narry's Tailor www.narry.com
155/22 Sukhumvit Rd, Soi 11/1 (opp. Zanzibar & next to Swiss Park Hotel) Open Daily 0800-2100(SUN 0900-1900),Tel: +66-02-254-9184/5, 651-0898 High volume tailor which advertises in the airplane magazines and newspapers. They're the closest to the Asok Skytrain Station (#3) than any of the others. Then you get out and walk down to Soi 11 and take a right (look at the online map). Let me know if you've tried them...I'm thinking about it just for some inexpensive travel clothes. Sample price $199 3 men's suits, 2 shirts, 1 summer suit, 2 silk ties, 1 silk kimono, 2 leather belts.

TAILOR #4 Diana Fashion House
463/68-69 Lookluang Rd., Seeyek Mahanak, Dusit, Bangkok, Tel: +66-(0)2-282-5329/80 My old tailor near the Dusit Zoo is used by many United Nations diplomats. Always good for a welcome drink, relaxed workers, pleasurable experience. I still use these shirts and suit - it's been over 5 years.

Please send in your comments on Bangkok tailors.

Arriving Bangkok Airport (BKK)

2006-02-28T09:05:00.000-05:00

Here's how to easily arrive in Bangkok and get to your hotel:

Be sure to complete the arrival card, including your flight information and signature before you land. You also need to put down your contact address. Late-night flights from Narita arrive in the far section of the airport. So you can avoid having to wait for the buses, try to get on the first set of buses by walking down the right aisle of the plane and through first class.

It might be hot n humid as you walk down the metal stairs to the buses. Try to sit in front or at least stand by the door on the opposite side of the bus. The bus weaves through the tarmac and then deposits you at the terminal. Go ahead and enter the sliding glass doors and either take the elevator or the escalators on your right. Follow the crowds till you get to the end of the hall. There - look at the small arrival board to see which carousel is for your luggage.

Then go right and find a "Foreigner Passport" line with a fast worker. (They'll want to see your arrival ticket stub and to take your picture - just stand on the yellow footprints.) Go down the escalator to the right to grab a free luggage cart. The bathrooms are at the far end to your right. You will have enough time to use them before your bags arrive.

Exit the green line with your bags. (You'll have to x-ray your bags before leaving.) Then you'll walk into a secure holding area in the arrival hall. Go to the information desk in front of you or the Thai Tourism Board stall for maps and to ask any questions. You can also use ATMs or change money or travelers checks here.

Go outside with your luggage cart to the street to wait in line to get a pubic taxi. After 5-10 minutes, you'll get a taxi for a 25-minute drive to most hotels. The new system means you tell the workers where you want to go, then you give the stub to the driver. They have a lot of new and large taxis. This service has a 50B surcharge plus tolls n tip. Taxis run 24-hours so don't worry about getting to your hotel. Even if you don't have a hotel room - you could a.) book an available room at a hotel at the kiosk in the arrival hall or b.) just get a taxi to 24-hour Khao San Road and hang out with the backpackers watching free movies at the bars.

If you arrive early enough, you can take the A/C airport bus. One-way is 100 Baht and runs every 15 minutes from 5:00AM-11:00PM. Go outside and to your left to the airport bus stop - the buses are blue/white and have signage. There are four routes which deliver you to major hotels.

Oh yeah, put on bug repellent before you exit the plane (if you're prone to get bit) because there are always lots of mosquitos inside the airport!

http://www.airportthai.co.th/airportnew/bia/html/service7.html

Rangoon, Burma (Yangon, Myanmar)

2006-02-27T11:02:00.000-05:00

Rangoon, Burma (Yangon, Myanmar) is run by a military establishment which has imprisoned its political opponents. Because of severe economic sanctions led by the United States and Great Britain - there is limited economic opportunity for the common person to make a living.

A typical street scene in the capitol. Surprisingly, the streets are wide, clean and quiet. I'm told the smooth, main road from the airport to the city center was an aid project by the Japanese.

Trader's Hotel 223 Sule Pagoda Rd Tel: (95-1) 242-828 Singapore invests a lot in this country. You could stay at the Shangri-La's Trader's Hotel which is centrally located, luxurious and has friendly staff. The staff can easily remember you by name. Morning breakfast is like any other hotel - served in the lobby restaurant. But it feels nicer than other places - and one can enjoy the picture windows and see the locals walk to work. (Gas is expensive and rationed.)

Schwedagon Pagoda is 100 metres high and the largest and most sacred Buddhist site in the country. It's believed to be 2,500 years old and topped with stolen gold which they stripped off Thai Buddhist pagodas and statues from the ancient Thai capitol of Ayutthaya. The Thais are still mad at this pillaging of their capitol.

If you go to the temple, don't be shocked or upset that they'll guide you to the international tourist area (go through the parking lot) and into the main hall. Just pay your $5 and some extra for the mandatory guide. Then leave your shoes and head upward via the elevator for your tour. It's actually worth the money to get this V.I.P. treatment and learn about the site.

Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scotts Market) Open Daily 0930-1630 (Closed MON) built in the 1930s by the British and just down the street from Trader's Hotel is a few blocks of old-style buildings and a large market building to buy souveniers and gems. There are three shops that I particularly liked: a.) U Maung Gyi Myanma Lacquer-Ware & Tapestry No. 1-2, Eastern (C) Block is a small narrow shop for buying lacquerware - they'll bargain if you buy a lot and they even threw in a free car ride back to the hotel, b.) a shop on the left side of the small street closest to the pedestrian walkway - sells home-made black velvet dress slippers, c.) U Kyaw Win Academy Optico No. 140/141, West Block, Bogyoke Aung San Market, Tel: 252-071 - eyeglass shop way in the back where you can get your custom lenses and store frames ready the next day. Mid-20s gets you plastic-framed prescription sunglasses and high-20s gets metal Japanese frames.

Besides seeing the big pagoda and shopping area - most people move straight onward to the northern city of Mandalay. The best souveniers include home-made black felt dress slippers, lacquerware, teak woodcarvings and jade.

There are expensive direct flights from Bangkok. One will most definently need a visa before arrival. This country is not on the A-List for tourism. Once things open, people will see the incredible Buddhist heritage on par with Cambodia's Angkor Wat or Indonesia's Borobudur. Minority religions include Christian hilltribes (American Baptist missionaries) and Muslims.

http://www.myanmar.com/
http://www.myanmar.com/nlm/
http://www.omf.org.uk/content.asp?id=8517&cachefixer=

http://www.dassk.com/
http://www.freeburmacoalition.org/
http://www.loc.gov/rr/asian/guide/guide-theravada.html
http://www.shangri-la.com/yangon/traders/en/index.aspx
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/asia/myanmar/

Cheap Discount Tickets, Travel Agents, Bucket Discounters, Consoldiators

2006-02-26T07:11:00.000-05:00

My friend recommends Thaifly for cheap tix to Thailand and Southeast Asia. Looks like their main office is at the end of the BTS Line (Aon Nut Station) - then walk down to your left to Sukhumvit Soi 101. I'll use them and write an update later. http://www.thaifly.com/Home/index.php ?

Bangkok OfficeThaifly travel Co., Ltd639/18-19 Sukhumvit 101/1 Rd.Bangchak Prakhanong Bangkok 10260 Thailand.Tel. : (662) 743-9125 -7Fax. : (662) 398-7066 Email : info@thaifly.com

Chicago Office I FLY travel, Inc.516 W. Cornelia Unit# 218 Chicago IL 60657 USATel. 1-800-773-7126, 773 528-8970 Fax. (443) 458-4555Email : sales@thaifly.com Office hours 9.00 AM - 6.00 PM (Mon - Fri), 10.00 AM - 2.00 PM (Sat)

Run for the Border (Thai tourist visa renewal)

2006-02-25T09:36:00.000-05:00

If you're in Thailand for an extended length of time, you'll need to do a border run. To renew your tourist visa, you'll need to physically depart the country and renew your visa just by crossing back into the country.

A. Burma Border Crossing -
From Chiang Mai - take a bus to Mae Sai and get off and follow the few westerners onto the red taxi truck. Pay again and get let off near the border. Be prepared for a busy, hectic, hot place!! Go to the middle of the street before the bridge and to your left. Get processed going out of Thailand - then walk on the sidewalk on your right into Burma. Go in and pay your USD$5 and you're in the Burmese market town of Tachilek until the border closes. The market's relaxing and has a lot of Chinese imported goods. Get back across the border - don't forget the time change. If you're staying a couple nights, there are a lot of guesthouses overlooking the river. A nice one is:

The Mae Sai Guest House -688 Wiangpangkham, Mae Sai. Tel: (053) 732 021
The best location in Mae Sai with wooden bungalows right on the river. 17-25 fan rooms at 400B. There are many guest houses with similar name but this is the best one. From the main road turn left just before the bridge into Burma. Go to the end of the road and then continue up the hill behind the buildings. Go past the Mai Sai Riverside Guesthouse and then drop down to the entrance of the Mae Sai guest House it’s right on the river.

B. Malaysian Border Crossing - This shuttle bus is actually the one that will take you into Malaysia. I'll write more on this later....

Discount Airline Travel in Bangok, Thailand

2006-02-23T22:50:00.000-05:00

Getting around Thailand is a breeze via the bus, train or plane. I prefer the plane to cut-down on those small highway roads.

The best low-cost airfare can be found via Nok Air. It's a subsidiary of Thai Airways and often uses the same planes. Service is good and you can upgrade. You just pay another 500B and you get a welcome drink, newspaper, more luggage allowance and can change your dates for free.

Luggage 15kg/33 lbs - or 30kg/66 lbs - both by total weight. Call center in Thailand: 1318 (+66-(0)2-900-9955), http://www.nokair.com/html/about/fastfacts.html

The picture above is mine - but here's a cool website with a lot more Nok Air pics:
http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?airlinesearch=Nok%20Air&distinct_entry=true

Bangkok Mid-Range Hotels

2006-02-22T12:12:00.000-05:00

Mid-Range Hotels in Bangkok, Thailand Bangkok has one of the best choices in the world for accommodations. If you want history, luxury, and special guest services with a view of the Chao Phraya river, then you could choose the Peninsula, Marriott Royal Garden Riverside, or the Shangri-La.

If you'd like a medium-sized hotel within close walking distance to the Skytrain (and easy connections to the underground MRT) - then choose from the following:

Amari Boulevard Hotel - 2 Soi 5 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110 Tel. +66 (0) 2255 2930, http://www.amari.com/boulevard/ Nice luxury hotel with excellent Sukhumvit location, walkable to the Skytrain and to a 24-hour grocery store. Cheapest price $65-85 USD. See picture above.

The Grand Business Inn - 2/11 Sukhumvit, Soi 11 Tel: 66-2-2557-155, 254-7881 http://www.awgroup.com/gbi/room.htm A premier room (24-28 sqm.) 1,500B net. Premier suite (27-35 sqm.) 1,800B net.

OK - the website looks a bit dorky but this hotel is brand-new from Jan '05 and looks exactly like the pictures. This place is on same street as Ambassador Hotel and just around the corner from the Skytrain station. The staff is very efficient, good security, and there's one free internet computer in the lobby. From the lobby to the rooms - everything is sparkly clean.

It's near a 24-hour Foodland Market and half a block to a Skytrain station. Nearby is the Ambassador Hotel, Amari Boulevard Hotel and the Soi Cowboy nightclub area runs parallel to Suhkumvit on Soi 18-21 - can take Skytrain to ASOK Stn and go to Soi 21 also called Soi Asoke and walk down to Soi 23. http://www.bangkokbob.net/cowboy.htm To see what's around your hotel: http://www.bts.co.th/en/result.asp and choose places around station NANA BTS STATION (E3). You are on Soi 11 - corner Sukhumvit (before AMB HOTEL). Not yet on the map - but you can find restaurants and things around it.

V.I.P. Golden Guesthouse - 1025/5-9 Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330 www.goldenhouses.net is 1,200 w/o brkfast or 1,300 w/2 brkfast. It's a bit older but on a small, quiet, safe-looking street directly in front of the Chitlom station. You can walk to the Grand Hyatt Erawan's shrine, CentralWorld (formerly World Trade Center), taxi to Big C or to the view at the Baiyoke Tower. It takes 15-20 minutes above the street on the Skyway to walk to Siam Center (Skyway OPEN 6am-12midnight). Of course - taking the Skytrain would be 5 min. and 15 baht.

You can go up the escalators to the Skytrain and one stop down is the Grand Hyatt Erawan/CentralWorld (formerly World Trade Center) followed by the SiamCenter and the National Stadium (MBK, Tokyu Dep Store, Jim Thompson's House) stations.

Also can walk by going up and follow the Skytrain tracks to the Grand Hyatt area via the Skyway elevated walkway (OPEN 6am-12midnight). You can walk on a clean, elevated sidewalk and look down upon the Erawan Shrine - goes all the way to Siam Center. http://2bangkok.com/2bangkok/MassTransit/crucible.shtml

To see what's around your hotel: http://www.bts.co.th/en/result.asp and choose places around station: NANA BTS STATION (E1).

You can see this guesthouse (it's the one with the wooden house on the rooftop) from the Chitlom station. Some caveats: 1.) the website doesn't seem to work, so you'll have to call to reserve a room and 2.) the lobby/rooms are definently older-looking than the pictures.

The closest interchange station from the Skytrain to the MRT is at the Asok BTS station & the Sukhumvit MRT station. Exit the Asok BTS station and go down to your left following the people down a few escalator to the underground Sukhumvit MRT station. For the weekend market, you pass the Chatuchark Park EXIT and get off at the Kamphaeng Phet (Gam-paeng Pet) EXIT. This is the one with two entrances right inside the Chatuchak weekend market!! The underground MRT is faster and cheaper to get to places like the weekend Chatuchak market and to Chinatown/Hua Lamphong railroad station to see the Golden Buddha at Wat Traimit.

Map of the MRT Kampaeng Phet Station:
http://www.bangkokmetro.co.th/en/services/service_station.asp?intContentType=13&intStationID=17

http://www.bangkok.grand.hyatt.com/ http://www.amtel.co.th/bangkok/index.html http://www.seat61.com/Thailand.htm http://www.bigc.co.th/en/branch/Store.asp?StoreID=6 http://www.baiyokehotel.com/baiyokesky/location.html http://www.centralworld.co.th/e_whatsn_skywalk_update.htm http://www.into-asia.com/bangkok/districts/chinatown.php http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/Thailand/Central_Eastern_Thailand/Bangkok-1445238/Things_To_Do-Bangkok-Wat_Traimit_Temple_of_the_Golden_Buddha-BR-1.html http://www.bangkokmetro.co.th/en/services/service_station.asp?intContentType=13&intStationID=7
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A744833
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chatuchak_weekend_market

Please post your comments or suggestions (w/ details) on other budget, mid-range and luxury accommodations in Bangkok!

Grand Palace (Bangkok, Thailand)

2006-02-21T22:59:00.000-05:00

Grand Palace (Wat Phra Kaew) Bangkok, Thailand

SUGGESTED ITINERARY
This is a working palace for the Thai King Rama IX (His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej) and appropriate dress is required for entry. Closed-toe shoes (e.g., no sandals), no shorts nor short sleeve shirts.

TIME OF DAY
Best to start out early.

RATANA KOSIN AREA (w/Grand Palace) Formal name of the old city Palace Area and with some of the temples. Coin pavillion includes Emerald Buddha's clothes.

a. Reclining Buddha at WAT - After finishing here, take a taxi to the Grand Palace. (Yes, it's close but first you have to figure out the right direction and then you have to walk pretty far with an intense sun.)

b. Grand Palace (WAT PHRA KAEO) (Open 8.30am-3.30pm)
Enter via Thanon Na Phra Lan (closest river exit is the Chang Pier #6) entry for the Palace is 200B (includes entry to the Vianmek teak palace by the zoo). Best to pay for a tour guide or else you'll just see a bunch of buildings. But these are the most photographed buildings in Thailand with elaborate peaks. Don't forget to study the Buddhist murals on the walls and to inspect the mock-up of Cambodia's Angkor Wat. At the end of the tour, go back out to the entrance and look for the coin pavallion where they also house the clothing for the Emerald Buddha.

After you finish, you could take a taxi to the largest all-teak building in the world VIANMEK MANSION. Compulsory free tours every 1/2 hr (last one at 15:15).

c. For lunch - I'd suggest either taking a taxi or the river boat (to Phra Athit pier) and walking along the temple around the backpacker road called Khao San. Lots of outdoor cafes to relax, people-watch, eat and shop at the second-hand bookstores.

SIDE-TRIP
WAT BENCHAMABOPHIT (The Marble Temple) 69 Rama V Road, Chitralada, Corner of Sri Ayutthaya and Rama V Roads, Bangkok, 10300 Thailand DAILY: 0830-1730 Constructed by King Rama V in 1901 of white Carrana marble with European accents. There are over fifty different types of Buddha images from around Asia. Taxi to nearest Skytrain STN (Victory Monument - N3) and relax back at the hotel.

WAT TRAIMIT (Open 9am-5pm) Chinatown (Sampeng) 5.5-ton gold Buddha image in Chinatown's Wat Traimit temple can be easily reached by the Chao Phraya river taxi pier Tha Rachavongse (5) or thru the end-of-the-line on the underground MRT at the Hua Lamphong station. If by river, take a taxi to the temple. If by MRT, take the left exit (before going down the long tunnel to the railroad station). You'll come out above ground, and can see a small bridge on your left, then the main plaza and the half-dome shaped railroad station on your right. Go across the bridge and up Traimit street. The back entrance to the temple will be on your right.

WAT ARUN (Temple of the Dawn) on the river at sunrise. Open 7am-5pm via the Chao Phraya river Tha Tien pier.

TAILORS - see my post on SUGGESTED BANGKOK TAILORS because there's one near the Dusit Zoo.

Bumrungrad International Hospital - Bangkok, Thailand

2006-02-20T12:37:00.000-05:00

Bumrungrad International (BI) Hospital (Bum-rrrun-gradt) is a world-famous hospital in Bangkok that is doing extremely well catering to expats and to foreign medical tourism. It's the largest private hospital in SE Asia and they're still building. This picture is of their entrance. Any taxi driver should know this hospital (if you show them the name/address in Thai). Or you could get off the Skytrain at the Nana Station (E3, Exit 1) and walk toward the Amari Boulevard hotel and down Soi 3 to your right. There are a bunch of places to eat along the road, but being Bangkok - it does get hot.

The reception staff were very professional, the wait times not that much at all, the cost very good and the overall hotel-feel so nice. People fly-in from all over to Bumrungrad. They're famous thru-out SE Asia as well as the Middle East and the United States. You can go online and read your doctor review, education, and languages - and then book an appointment before you arrive. Not sure about traveling to Thailand for medical procedures? People go for expensive operations, skin cancer checks, routine medical exams and a lot of plastic surgery or maybe you need some liposuction. I've heard their adjoining hotel is also very convenient. Intel Corp. has even released a 2006 case study of BI upgrading their IT infrastructure based upon the Intel Xeon processor.

Bumrungrad was featured for their skill in catering to international medical tourism in 60 Minutes, Conde Nast Traveler, and Reader's Digest. 33 Sukhumvit 3 (Soi Nana Nua), Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Thailand, Telephone: +66 (0) 2667 1000, Dental Appointment: +66 (0) 2667 2300
E-mail: info@bumrungrad.com
http://www.bumrungrad.com/htm/eng/main.asp

http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/07/27/news/hospital.php
http://www.intel.com/business/casestudies/bumrungrad.pdf

Airline Water - AirAsia

2006-02-20T11:49:00.000-05:00

Can anyone guess which airport?

AirAsia's online potable water. Click on the picture to see the lettering on the side of the truck. How does it make you feel after seeing this truck deliver your drinking water? Is airplane water safe to drink? AirAsia is Southeast Asia's answer to discount airline travel (think Southwest Airlines). Singapore has Tiger Airways, the Thais and Malaysians have AirAsia, Thai Airways has Nok Air and Jetblue is around the corner.

Below are a few links on the subject.

http://www.airasia.com/site/en/home.jsp
http://www.thaiairways.com/
http://www.tigerairways.com/home/
http://www.epa.gov/ogwdw/airlinewater/questions.html
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/01/19/earlyshow/living/ConsumerWatch/main667690.shtml

# posted by blogtrek : 11:49 PM
0 comments

thai food court @ central department store - chitlom bts station

2006-02-19T02:03:00.000-05:00

Bangkok, Thailand (Krung Thep)
Hot, hungry, tired and don't speak Thai? You can relax in air conditioned splendour at Central department store's BTS Skytrain - Chidlom Station (EXIT 5).

On the ground level - go all the way to the back and thru Tops Supermarket to get to this small food court. Just buy your food coupons (pictured) and get your drink and lunch. Since you're a tourist with your passport, you can also go to customer service and get your 7-day 5% discount card on regular-priced goods. They have nice prices on carry-on luggage and leather made out of ostrich, snake skin and elephant skin.

Central Department Store Food Court
Operation Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., daily
Address: 1027 Ploenchit Rd., Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 http://www.central.co.th/web/index.html
http://www.bts.co.th/en/tourist.asp
http://www.thaifocus.com/thaifood.htm