Hotel Review: The Everly Putrajaya Hotel

The reason why I didn't update my blog for almost two weeks is not because I was travelling or busy but I was too lazy and procrastination most of the time. Prefer spending my time with my family and Boyfie instead.

Date Stayed: 8th June - 12th June 2014

I was in Putrajaya last few months for Girl Guides National event and the event was held in The Everly Hotel Putrajaya. We even stayed in this hotel throughout the 5 days and 4 nights event. This hotel is quite well-known by the worldwide cause this is where the families and relatives of the passengers of the missing MH370 airplane gathered here.

#1: Situated in Precinct 1, The Everly Hotel Putrajaya is connected to the Alamanda Shopping Centre making this hotel absolutely an excellent and strategic location. 

Travelled alone by myself, I took taxi once I got off from Putrajaya & Cyberjaya KLIA Transit Station and when I thought that the travel distance would be less than 5 minutes, I was completely wrong. The journey took more than 10 minutes.

#2: Gracefully designed lobby with plenty of seats for the value guests

By looking at the lobby, I know that I can't wait to look at the hotel room. Funny thing about this hotel was there are two lifts, one directly to all the rooms whereas the other one to the function hall and most guests, including me got confused right after the check-in procedures. I guess, the hotel need to train their staffs properly on how to assist and give clear direction to the guests.

#3: Colourful and well-designed deluxe room twin sharing furnished with comfort carpet

This spacious and cozy room is equipped with Wireless Internet access, LCD television, coffee and tea maker, ironing facilities, mini refrigerator, hairdryer and in-room safe. The room given to us was directly facing the view of Alamanda Shopping Centre .

#4: Not just leisure, perfectly for the business group of people for them to keep track and do their work.

#5: I personally love the couch area with plenty of cushions. 

#6: Hand towels, bath towels and basic toiletries are available in the spacious and moderate clean bathroom.

#7: As our room comes with complimentary breakfast, this was where we had our hearty breakfast every morning in Fuze Restaurant which located on the ground floor.

Comparing to the rest of the hotels I stayed before, honestly to say the breakfast provided here was much more better which comes with plenty of selection from Asian to Western meals. For Asian, one morning with nasi lemak, fried noodles and so on and the other morning served roti canai. As for Western, they served sausages, ham, toast, red beans and more.

#8: Swimming pool with the Putrajaya lake view

Overall, I was indeed enjoyed my stay here and whenever there were break time between the event, I just spend my time staying in the room instead of going to the nearby shopping complex. So comfortable that I don't even feel like wanna go back home at that period of time.  

The Everly Putrajaya Hotel 

No. 1, Jalan Alamanda 2,

Precinct 1, Putrajaya, 

62000 Kuala Lumpur,

Malaysia.

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Hotel Review: 11@Century Hotel, Johor Bahru

I've been to Johor quite number of times but most of the times, either I stayed at my friends' house or mainly just for stopover to Singapore. So when I about to go Johor for Legoland, I asked my sister, who is currently working in Singapore and she always went to Johor for weekend trip, asking her which hotel would she recommend me to stay and she suggested me this - 11@Century Hotel, Johor Bahru. 

#1: Overview of 11@Century Hotel

As we reserved the room through Agoda.com, all we need to do was printed out the hotel reservation number and showed our identification card upon check-in. The check-in process was smooth and hassle-free and the next thing we know, we were given room card as well as breakfast coupon without any deposit needed.

#2: Standard queen size room

The size of the room was moderately spacious and it looked very modern and descent. The room was pretty simple which equipped with a queen size bed, LCD flat screen, free WiFi internet access and in-room safety box. There is no mini bar, table and chair provided within the room and in case you need hairdryer, iron and ironing board, you need to request from the housekeeping or counter desk, which I found it's kinda troublesome.
 

#3: Bathroom with standard toilet amenities provided

When we looked into the bathroom, we were quite surprised with the huge size of the bathroom. Like I mentioned above, there is no hairdryer within bathroom and they will provide you upon request.

#4: Complimentary coffee and tea making facilities

The room was adequate comfort but there still need a room for improvement when comes to cleanliness. We spotted quite number of small cockroaches not just inside the room, but also in the bathroom. Well, of course we weren't afraid of those cockroaches but somehow felt kind disgusting seeing them crawling within the room.

#5: Complimentary breakfast buffet

Throughout our stayed here, we were entitled for complimentary breakfast buffet every morning. The buffet spread was pretty simple with the range from Asian to western meals such toast bread, eggs, nasi lemak, fried noodle, baked bean and fruit juices.

#6: The main plus point of this hotel was it located very near to KSL City Mall

Travel Tip

If you plan to go to JB Sentral for entering Singapore Woodlands customs, it took less than 10 minute drive and the taxi fare mostly cost less than RM10.

Date Stayed: 24 January 2013 - 27 January 2013 (3 nights)

Rate We Paid :  RM115.00 per night for a standard queen size room inclusive breakfast (Booked via Agoda.com)

Disclaimer:
This review is truly based on my own personal experience and is my genuine and honest opinion of this hotel, and that I have no personal or business relationship with this establishment.

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Legoland Malaysia - My First Trip for Year 2013

Date Visited: 25th January 2013

Boyfie and I just love to visit amusement and theme parks whenever we go. Just like Universal Studio in Singapore as well as Ocean Park and Disneyland in Hong Kong few years back. So when we knew about Legoland opened in Johor, both of us instantly listed this international theme park as one of our wishlist to go. Lucky us where we managed to secure a return ticket KK-JB-KK via AirAsia for only RM15 each, when initially both of our budget was RM50 each. So without any second thought, immediately we booked and here we are at one of the latest attraction in town. And with this, this is my official first trip for year 2013.

#1: Legoland Malaysia - Malaysia's first international theme park and the first Legoland theme park in Asia

#2: The entrance tickets where you can keep and bring back home

Just like every other theme parks, Legoland Malaysia has seven distinctive themed area of attractions to cater all ages, whether for the kids, teenagers and even adults who are young at heart. 

[Note: By the time we visited, Legoland Water Park is still under construction]

The Beginning

This is where the adventures begin. Right after passed through the main entrance area, this is where typical amenities located - locker rental, stroller rental and ATM machine are available on the right-side whereas the restroom is located on the left-side. There are also a cafe and souvenirs stores available here but both of us intended to save it first and return back by end of the day. There is no any attractions, shows and rides in this themed area. 

#3: Ticket counters. I would recommend to purchase the tickets via online to save up to 20% and also to avoid the long queue.

#4: Big Shop - Legoland's largest store selling all kind of Legoland merchandise.

#5: All of these life-size characters were made from Lego bricks. Impressive!

Imagination

We started with this area first before it was getting more crowded. Most of the attractions and rides here are designed specially for kids. However, there are two rides which attract us here - Observation Tower and Lego Studios 4D.

Available Facilities: Baby care and Prayer room.

#6: Imagination Themed Area

#7: Observation Tower - where the guest could have the view of the entire Legoland as well as the areas surrounding it. [Warning: If you are afraid of height, then don't try this]

#8: Studios 4D. There are four appealing 4D shows for the guests to choose from and each show runs every 45 minutes (for weekday) and 25 minutes (for weekends and public holidays).

Boyfie and I managed to catch two of their 4D shows but frankly speaking, they ain't interesting as those 4D in Universal Studio Singapore and Hong Kong Disneyland. Quite disappointed. 

#9: Another colourful Lego bricks creation

Land of Adventure

This particular themed land reminisces the combination of Jurassic Park and The Mummy movie series where both are separate into two different section. The attractions and rides here are designed for both kids and adults especially the Dino Land ride. Unfortunately, we didn't experience this ride cause we afraid of getting wet as we didn't bring any spare of clothes.

#10: Land of Adventures Themed Area. The parrots on the right side were made from Lego bricks as well. 

#11: Dino Island ride and prepare to get wet by the end of the ride. 

#12: Kids will love this Lost Kingdom Adventure - a ride with a laser-blasting.

#13: Good place for phototaking

Miniland

Situated right in the heart of Legoland, this is where the guests can enjoy some of Asia's notable and well-known landmarks in masterpiece and detailed miniature. This is my most favourite themed area compare the rest and we were also being surprised when the whole Miniland comes to life with the touch of a button. Pretty interesting, right?

#14: Petronas Twin Towers and Kuala Lumpur Tower

#15: Can you name all of these South East Asia's landmarks?

#16: Pirates of the Caribbean boat?

#17: Taj Mahal of India

#18: Singapore City and Merlion

Lego City

Lego City is mainly designed for the little one where they can become a captain of a boat or even drive a car at the very young age. Like really? Passing through this area and Boyfie told me how he wish that Legoland open during his young age so he will able to enjoy this ride. So if you have the little one with you, now you know which themed area you should head first.

#19: Remove Control Boat - where adults can play along. Of course, we didn't miss out this for sure.

#20: The Shipyard - An adventure paradise for the little one to climb and crawl.

#21: Legoland Express - Board on Lego train for all sights of the theme park

#22: We took a break and ordered lunch in Market Restaurant. A set of chicken rice cost RM23.00 and a small bottle of Coke cost RM5.00 - No doubt the price of the foods in Legoland are slightly expensive cause this is theme park afterall. 

Lego Technic

If you are looking for exciting and thrilling rides, this is one of the themed area that offer all; from wild high-speed ride in Project X, crazy spin wheel in Technic Twister or even get wet in Aquazone Wave Racers. 

#23: Project X. The one and only ride we experienced here and we indeed love this. 
It's one of the rides not-to-be-missed.

#24: Albert Einstein Lego bricks

Lego Kingdom

This is where the legend and myths come alive. I personally love the design and structure of this particular themed area especially the looking strong and tall grey colour royal castle. This is also where the whole themed area are filled with dragons and knights which mainly built using Lego bricks. The main highlights here would be The Dragon and Dragon's Apprentice rides (these two are two different rides apparently).

 

#25: Lego Kingdoms Themed Area

#26: Once upon a time...

#27: Royal castle, dragons, knight and is that Joker?

We ended our fun and adventures in Legoland by visiting Big C which located in The Beginning Themed Area

#28: Couldn't recall how much the T-shirt and keychains cost but the fridge magnet cost RM55 for a set of 3. That's the one and only thing I bought and it was eventually quite expensive right?

TIPS:

1. Grab a guidemap once you enter the main entrance. Never underestimate the size of this theme park cause there is high possibility you might get lost.
2. Bring along spare clothes cause some rides might get you wet; such as Dino Island in Land of Adventure, Aquazone Wave Racers in Lego Technic and even Boating School in Lego City.
3. Apply sunblock or even bring cap and umbrella along cause firstly, lack of shaded area within Legoland and secondly, Malaysia's weather is always hot and humid. Luckily, I always brought my umbrella whenever I travel. 
4. It's best to arrive early cause besides to avoid the overcrowded, it's also to avoid the unpleasant heat.

Overall, I think the trip to Legoland is worth for a visit although most of the rides are not that as wild and scary as we thought. Both Boyfie and I were indeed fully utilised the amout of the entrance fee we paid by spending our whole day there in Legoland; from 9.45 am until 5.00 pm. Furthermore, we managed to experience majority of the rides except for few where we thought they might be kinda childish rides. As a theme park lover, I noticed there is no any character mascots or even parade in Legoland Malaysia but they don't bother me anyway cause the life-size characters Lego bricks creation were enough to impress me.

If you have little one and can't make up your mind where to bring them during this school holiday, why not plan your holiday by bringing them to Legoland? Trust me, they will enjoy all the fun and excitement here. 

How To Get To Legoland Malaysia

For more information especially if you plan to take public bus, check out HERE. 

I can't share my previous experience on how my Boyfie and I get to Legoland Malaysia cause I found out the bus number has changed apparently. But from my experience, it is advisable to reach the starting point station as early as you can cause at the late hour, it will be more crowded. If your station is JB Sentral, it takes about 45 minutes to reach Legoland Malaysia.

This post is mainly to support Visit Malaysia Year 2014. #vmy2014

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Island Hopping at Mamutik Island

Mainly because my late grandfather was a fisherman and my dad spent the most of his teenager life living nearby the sea, therefore my dad always loves to spend his weekend by going to the islands or even fishing in the middle of huge and rough sea. Frankly speaking, I dislike the latter activity but I don't mind going for island hopping once in a blue moon with my dad and family.

The nearest islands that we could go for hopping would be Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park and this marine park consists of five beautiful and charming islands - Pulau Gaya, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Mamutik and Pulau Sulug. From the five islands, I've been all except for Pulau Sulug which is the farthest island compare the rest. It is considered relatively remote and undeveloped, hence not being well-known if comparing the first four islands. Maybe someday when I able to persuade my dad.

And so lately, everytime we had visit from our valuable guests, either our relatives or even friends, one of the staple itinerary would be the island hopping and most of the time, my dad would prefer Mamutik Island.

#1: Mamutik's jetty

Among the five islands, Mamutik Island is the smallest one. Despite the size, this tropical island host beach activities as well as water sport activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, diving and more. If comparing the rest, I think this is the best spot for snorkelling cause there are variety of colouful fishes and interesting sea creatures that you can find underneath it.

#2:

#3: Welcome to Mamutik Island signboard

In Mamutik Island, basic facilities are provided such as toilets, changing rooms, tables, picnic shelters and barbeque pits. As there is no restaurant or cafe available here, it is advisable to bring along your own foods and drinks. If you are interested for overnight trip, there is 3 bedroom resthouse available for rent.

#4: Beautiful blue sky with crystal clear water

#5:Snorkelling is one of the water sport activities must do in Mamutik Island

Despite the unpredictable weather, we're lucky that the weather on that particular day was on our side. Hence, this is an ideal time for swimming, snorkelling, diving and even sunbathing, which apparently I did see that most of the tourists were doing so. As Mamutik Island is getting well-known and popular among foreign tourists currently, be prepared that it will be overcrowded especially during weekend.

 

#6: My friends and I did kayaking as well 

#7: View of Mamutik Island from the jetty 

#8: Barbeque chicken wings and fishballs by my dad

One thing that I love to go island hopping with my family was both of my parents would definitely prepare such a scrumptious and delicious foods for all of us. Mommy will cook fried noodles or fried rice and daddy will bring along his barbeque facilities to barbeque chicken wings, fishes, prawns, fishballs and more. My dad even being approached by some random China tourists asking my dad how much were the chicken wings cost. That's the most hilarious part! Now I can't wait for another sun-drenched paradise trip with my family.

How To Get To Mamutik Island

The departure and arrival point for the boat transfers is at the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal - See more at: http://www.sabahtourism.com/destination/tunku-abdul-rahman-park#sthash.MabyQHpg.dpuf

For the boat transfer in economical way, the departure and arrival point would be at Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal and these are available from 7:30am to 5:00pm daily. 
Depends on how many island you plan to visit, the boat transfer would be varied. The following list is the boat transfer fares to the islands:


Visitors are also required to pay additional charge for terminal fee [RM7.20 (adult) and RM3.60 (children under 12 years old] as well as the admission fee of RM3.00 for the local and RM10.00 for the foreigner.

And by the way, do you know how Mamutik Island looks like from the aerial view? This is one lucky shot I managed to snap when I flew with Fireflies to Kuala Lumpur few years back:


The top left that look alike a heart shape is Mamutik Island whereas the top right is Sulug Island and the one on the bottom is Manukan Island. Check out my old post on Aerial View of Kota Kinabalu.

This post is mainly to support Visit Malaysia Year 2014. #vmy2014

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The departure and arrival point for the boat transfers is at the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal - See more at: http://www.sabahtourism.com/destination/tunku-abdul-rahman-park#sthash.MabyQHpg.dpuf

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