Traveling can be quite tiring. The planning usually the one that will make you stress the most.
As for me I had a bad experience before where I forgotten my travel documents. I ended up missing the flight, rush back home to collect my documents and rush back to the airport to catch the next flight. One single mistake can cost you dearly.
So as a reminder to myself I now will always create a default checklist for my trips. Feel free to use it or edit it to your suiting.
Mandatory
- Flight ticket
- Passport
- NRIC/Identification card
- Hotel reservation
- Tours reservation
Essentials
- Shirt x?
- Pants x?
- Shorts x?
- Socks x?
- Underwear x?
- Swimwear
- Jacket
- Toiletries
- Shoe / Sandal
Basically the Mandatory items I will put it in the clear folder so it would be easier to view and confirm. The Essential items on the other hand will be planned base on the duration of my stay.
Ok then. I'll put more tips if I happen to remember it.
Trips and Travels
Egypt Air (MS)
Travel Date: 05 October 2011
Sector: Bangkok (BKK) - Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Egypt Air is the flag carrier airline of Egypt. it is based at Cairo International Airport. The airline is a member of Star Alliance [source:wikipedia]
Check In
Since the aircraft is just transiting from Cairo, the check in is seamless. All done in mere minutes as there is no line up at all.
Aircraft
The aircraft for today would be the Boeing 777. I noticed they had a new livery for the aircraft which look very cool and professional. The aircraft is well kept and seem very new.
Cabin Crew
The crew were good. They tend to you for your need. Just the problem would be on the communication part. I asked for something else which they acknowledge but end up getting something else. It would be nice if there were more attentive to the passengers.
In Flight Entertainment
Meal
Great taste. Not so great on the presentation. Looked very simple. But what can I say, it's Economy class food and I had worst. The fish curry is very Thai suit for the journey from.
Overall
Check In 5/5
Aircraft 4/5
Cabin Crew 3/5
In Flight Entertainment 1/5
Meal 3/5
Korean Air (KE)
Travel Date: 21 November 2011
Sector : Incheon (ICN) - Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Korean Air is both the flag carrier and the largest airline of South Korea. Incheon international airport serves as Korean Air's international hub. [Wikipedia]
Check In
The check in staff are extremely polite and really take care of you even though I am checking in for the Economy class. The treatment they gave was as good as the treatment you get traveling on Business or First Class. They really helpful and tend to your questions the best they could.
Departure Hall
Incheon International airport served as the hub for Korean Air. The departure hall is an open area. Though the gate a little bit far from the immigration, you get to do some last minute shopping. Ample of seats to rest on.
Aircraft
The aircraft for today is the majestic Boeing 747-400. The aircraft look aging but when you walk inside you could see how good they keep the aircraft. For Economy configuration, it a bit cramp but that the price you pay for traveling on it.
Cabin Crew
The crew are generally nice. They get the job done and they did anything you requested for. To me they should not lost the human touch and work like a robot. In comparison the check in staff were much more better.
In Flight Entertainment
Good IFE. A lot of options to choose from. Screen a little bit small. Perhaps they new aircraft would be much better. Since its the old Boeing 747, I would not blame for the lag in technology when it come to IFE. It's not easy to upgrade to all aircraft. Nonetheless, it's sufficient enough to keep you occupied for the flight.
Meal
Two meal service were given. Dinner was a nice fish with cream sauce. Plus bread and butter and I'm already full. The second service would be snack. A choice from their traditional sticky rice, chips or biscuits. Jus were given from time to time to keep everyone hydrated.
Overall
Check In 5/5
Departure Hall 3/5
Aircraft 3/5
Cabin Crew 3/5
In Flight Entertainment 4/5
Meal 3/5
Shanghai Trip
Travel Date: 08 March 2012 - 10 March 2012
Day 1
Day 1
Departed from Kuala Lumpur and arrived late in the evening. The travel time to the hotel from Pudong International Airport is already about an hour. So by the time I reached hotel, I'm too lazy to go out and sleep straight instead.
There are few option to travel to Shanghai city from the Pudong International Airport. The best option would be to take the Maglev which travel speed of 430km/hr making your travel time to about 7 minutes only to Longyang Station where can easily connected to Metro line 2. The price per trip would be RMB50 or RMB80 for single and return trip respectively.
The other way is to take the Metro line which stops at few stations along the way which will take a longer time to the city.
Day 2
I woke up at about 9am for breakfast and take a quick nap again before starting my day. It's very cold outside with temperature averaging at 6 degree Celsius plus strong wind making it worst. I went out at about 1230pm for lunch. A simple bread and lamb skewer would do the trick to heat up the body a little bit.
My hotel is located near Jing'an Station (Metro Line 2). So it's easier to travel around the city area. Be wary that the Metro line system in Shanghai is very big with Metro line up to Line 11. So in peak time you might be having trouble moving around and catching the train as the stations would be full with people.
The first place of visit would be Shanghai Science & Technology Museum Station. Don't be surprise as the station actually a huge underground mall. There are lots of shop selling various stuff. The only thing I don't like is sellers trying to pull you to their shop to buy. Word of advise, never bargain unless you buying it and the price is right. Otherwise, be ready to put up at fight and scolding from the sellers.
The Science & Technology Museum is a huge place and the entrance fee is not that expensive judging from the view outside. I didn't go in as I was not really interested to visit.
For those who like to shop for clothes, Qipu Rd (Fashion St) offer a huge range of local design. To get there just stop at Qufu Rd Station and walk for about 10mins. Taxi would be easier to travel around and the fare around the city is not that expensive either.
The next place would be Building 580. It's actually another mall which variety of shops. This time I could notice there are a lot of tourist too. So the price quote by the seller are much more higher.
By the time I finished visited all the places it is already 5pm and I've decided to walk back to the hotel. Dinner by 7pm and I call it a day.
Day 3
I was still lazy to go out with the cold temperature actually. Still I drag my butt out from the bed and get myself ready to go for a walk.
The best place for picture taking would be The Bund. It's located along the Huangpu River. It's the architectural design which makes it so unique. A combination of the modern and the past.
Over looking the river would be the Pearl Tower. The bright pink/purple color would not make you miss it. For those who wish to visit could take the Metro and stop at Lujiazui Station. Visit it at night for more spectacular colorful lights.
All trip must come to an end. The flight back is schedule at 950pm and with a long travel time to the airport, I had to pack up a little bit earlier. Just head back to room and watch some movies to kill the time. It's time to say good bye for now.
Melbourne Trip
Travel Date: 02 March 2012 - 05 March 2012
Day 1/Day 2
The flight departed from Kuala Lumpur the night before and arrived earlier from schedule at around 8:50am. The weather is not on my side this time as it was expected to rain the whole day which were true in the end. For those who first time coming to Melbourne, the city is easy to navigate with wide range of public transport to select on.
The Melbourne International Airport is located a little out from the city area. So the best way to travel to the city would be via Skybus which offer a direct service to Southern Cross Station in Melbourne City every 10 minutes. The cost for single trip and return trip are $17 and $28 respectively. However, for those who is a bit daring and have time with them can opt for their local public transport. From airport take the bus 478/479 at the Terminal 4 Depot just opposite from the Toll Dnata building. The bus will bring you either direct to the city or if not you could stop at Essendon Station for connecting train to the city. The cost for the trip will not cost you more than $6.50 (2 hours ticket) or $3.50 (on all day weekend ticket). Visit Metlink website for the exact fares and timetables.
For me, the trip will not complete without a visit to my favorite restaurant - Bali Bagus located at Franklin Street. Opening hours usually from 11:00am until 9:00pm daily. Most of the dish are great and priced reasonably but the best would be Iga Penyek. To Muslim, it's a halal certified restaurant. Since its raining, a walk seem more difficult as the path aren't covered with shelter. So it is good to just walk at the mall street at Bourke Street.
In the evening, I was scheduled to watched the theatre at Her Majesty's Theatre located at Exhibition Street. Apparently there is also Comedy Theatre just opposite of it. I was watching A Chorus Line for tonight show. It ended just past 10:00pm and since it Saturday, some restaurants open late. Usually on Friday and weekends it's normal for shops to close a bit late than their 6:30pm on weekdays.
Day 3/Day 4
Note: Sunday Saver ticket valid for Zone 1+2 all day at $3.50 was used for today to all venues.
Since I was still feeling a little bit tired from the flight, I've decided to go out in the afternoon instead. So after brunch at Bali Bagus, I went to Queen Victoria Market for some groceries shopping. It's huge and sell a lot of stuff. The best thing I love about the market is how organize all the area were. It is super clean and easy to navigate with most same items are groups at the same location. Wet market, fruits and vege, souvenirs, cafes and so much more. Word of advise, do come a little bit late as the seller usually will cut the prices when it's near closing time.
Two prominent factory outlet shopping area in the city would be Waterfront City HabourTown or DFO South Wharf. It is easier to travel to HabourTown as it is well connected with trams route 35(Free), 70 or 86. The shops best visited during their sales as it is much cheaper. DFO South Wraft on the other hand a little difficult to access using the public transport. Taxi would be the best way but it will cost you a lot. As for me I usually take the tram half way and walk for about 20 mins to reach. Limited shops but selling cheaper than normal market price. The biggest DFO would be DFO Essendon. How to get there? I'm not really sure as I never been there before.
The evening ends with relaxation at Brighton Beach with could easily reached by taking train directly to the beach station. It's not a great place to swim as I noticed the water was a little bit dirty and murky. However, it would be a great place for sun tanning.
Before heading back to the hotel, I stopped by at Prahan Station for a quick groceries shop at Coles located at Chapel Street. Just for info, it is much cheaper to shops at supermarket which located outside the city area. However, depending on the things you wish to purchase, time travel to Chapel Street from the city is 20 minutes via tram and might not be economical.
Departing back to Kuala Lumpur at 3:00pm the next day.
Skybus
Metlink
Her Majesty's Theatre
Queen Victoria Market
Waterfront City HabourTown
DFO South Wraft
Melbourne Tourism
Melbourne Trip - A Chorus Line
Travel Date: 03 March 2012
It was unplanned show this time. I thought I won't be able to make it as the show was supposed to end today. Apparently they extend the show time to 11th of March.
So since it was Saturday, I thought maybe to book for the night show would be better. After all the seat were limited. I don't like the booking method that is done online. I was not even able to pick my own seat. It was preassign during the booking. Hate it a lot. Plus there were so many type of fee charges to you for the booking such as credit card fee and ticket collection fee. Even if you were printing on your own the ticket, you are charged for them to sent the email to you.
It was my New Year resolution so I don't really mind spending for the theatre. It just one time for the show. It was the theatre for A Chorus Line venue at Her Majesty's Theatre located at Exhibition Street. It's not hard to locate with huge signs for the show displayed outside the theatre. The building was a little bit old but very well maintained. It's quite big in the inside compare to the outside. To maximized the patrons, the arrangement of the seat seem to be a little bit small and cramp especially for those who are tall. As always, the middle seat is always better.
Basically, the show is not really as superb as I expected it to be. Well, I have been to two shows before and both were amazing to me. The story is about dancers wannabe trying to get a job in the chorus/musical. It's revolve around them and most of the plots are draggy and boring. The comedy rise the storyline to be a bit better. The thing I could praise about the show is the great dancing and catchy songs. It's doesn't seem like a huge production to me as there isn't much props involved. Total show time is 2:10 hours.
It's coming to Singapore next. So if you feel like watching the show, book you ticket early.
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