Showing posts with label Vacation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vacation. Show all posts
Saturday, October 20, 2018

Things to take note before you visit Cappadocia

The hot air balloon and mystifying landscape in Cappadocia has become very popular in recent years thanks to Instagram! It's been on my bucket lists for ages, and finally is now off my bucket list. Woohooo. Here's a few things I wish I knew before visiting Cappadocia, so you can refer to them to avoid same mistake. 
What to know before you go?

Best time to travel: April-June OR September-October 
During this period, it isn't peak season and the weather is moderate ( Just nice for a hot air balloon ride). June-August falls in summer can get pretty hot-up to 32'C, also the busiest time of the year flocking with many tourists, while December-February falls in Winter can be bitingly cold as the temperatures is going down to -6'C. 
How to get there:

Cappadocia is most easily accessible by plane and there are 2 major airports : Kayseri Erkilet Airport ( ASR) in Kayseri (about an hour drive to the city) and Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport ( Nav) in Nevsehir. We flew with Peagrus airline, a local flight from Kusadasi to Kayseri with RM176 and we were transferred to our hotel upon arrival. 

About hot air ballon 

1. The hot air balloon don't fly everyday 
Yes! The ride is very much depending on that day's weather and wind condition. The local Turkish holds the authorities to decide today's weather is it suitable for a balloon ride. As you know weather can be very unpredictable and if it's windy, the ride may be cancelled at anytime. Nothing can be done. So if balloon ride is one of your ' must-do list', I recommend spending a few days in Cappadocia as occasionally balloon ride are cancelled due to the weather. 

2. Many photos had been photoshopped
Many of the photos you see on Instagram are photoshopped with many more balloons than they are in reality. Only about 100-150 balloons fly each day and they do spread out to different direction depending on the wind, so it's difficult for you to get a perfect shot with the skies completely filled with balloon. Somehow you may try your luck and be ready before the balloon launching, you'll see them more densely!

3. Hot air ballon only fly on 6.00-8.00am
Let me warn you if you're not a morning person, it's earlyyyyyy! The local will pick you up at approximately 4.30am or maybe earlier, so you can witness the balloon launching and soon the ballon started to lift off. It's amazing!! 



Where to stay?

One of the most frequent question I got is: Are those hotels in Cappadocia very crowded/ touristy? Maybe, but at least not mine. The best thing about Cappadocia is the unique experience of staying in a cave hotel, isn't? I've chosen Cappadocia Cave Suites in Goreme, and this was the last room when I booked. Phewwww I nearly missed the chance. lol. So if I were you, I will make sure to book in advance because this Instagram places are likely to fill up first. The reason I booked CCS is because they offer large bedroom, and the bathroom is a treat! There's a jacuzzi bathtub which is perfect for relaxation. Perfect? I know right. 

And the rooftop terrace is filled with nice carpet, tables and many props that you can take photo with. It wasn't crowded as I thought, it was totally empty by time I arrived. How is that possible? You don't even need to get up earlier to avoid the crowd, is all yours! Best place you could ever imagine. 




How to pronounce Cappadocia?

Its not Cah-Pah-Do-Siah or Capa-Doc-Ia ( Oops...This was how I pronounced it earlier, awkward....) The correct pronunciation is Can-Pah-Doh-Kia. 


What mistake I made? 

I went in early October and it was fairly chilly at night and reasonably warm during the day time. We never expected raining day. But here's the unlucky thing, we were told by the locals that the weather was really bad and balloon ride were cancelled the day before we arrived in Cappadocia. It was pouring rain and I was worried that I barely got any sleep that night. I just had one day in Cappadocia. JEEZZZZZ the biggest mistake I've ever made...T.T So please make your stay for at least 2-3 days to avoid disappointment or pick the right month for the least likely chance of rain. 


What to see and do

If you think hot air ballon are all what Cappadocia is, you are completely wrong. Cappadocia has numerous attractions and activities to do, which are worth exploring. 

1. ATV Tour
If you're an adventure junkie, an Atv tour is a must! You get to explore many different valleys. But most impressively, you get the opportunity to watch the sunrise as roughly 100-150 balloons flying up to the sky, it was a magical experience indeed. Prices are affordable, and there's a local named Osman who will help sort out your booking if you hit him up! Add him on WeChat: osmanwolf. 



2. Camel ride 
My first experience on a camel. Head down the hill at the Goreme open air museum where you can find 4 camels sitting there.  TIPS: Confirm the price before you agree to take the camel ride! We thought it was 30 TL as written on the board ( Actually that's the actual price), and did not ask any further question but straight went for the ride. At last the man actually charged us 30 USD. WHATTTTTT? 



3. Hot air balloon ride 
Like I mentioned above, riding a hot air ballon is often the most popular activity to do in Goreme, so you really want to book in advance as the price is cheaper online about 130-140 Euro. Here I would like to recommend a few hot air balloon companies: Royal Balloon, Voyager Balloons, Kapadokya Balloons, and Butterfly balloons. Your flight will begin at sunrise, where your pilot will climb about 3000 feet above ground level. It is from this elevation that you will marvel at the beauty of Cappadocia below you. The standard flight is a total of 60 fascinating minutes. There will be a champagne celebration at the end of the flight, and you will be presented with a flight certificate. 

4. Shop at Grand Bazaar
One of the highlight was shopping in the grand bazaar. With it's colourful lamps, nice carpet, ceramic dishes and its maze of hallway, grand bazaar is definitely a joy to explore. You will be asked " Where are you from?", "Hello beautiful", "What can I help you?" more than 10 times. Anyhow if you would like to get something from their shop, you can always start bargain with them and you'll be surprise that you can get the item with very low price. 

It was truly an amazing experience that I hope I could stay longer. I'll be posting more about my experience in Turkey so stay tuned! >>>
Sunday, November 27, 2016

How to stay in Bali's luxury hotel for less


I will come right out and say it, I love to stay in a luxury hotel. But what I dont have is enough funds, so I always looking for ways to save. Generally, there are 3 ways to ethically do this.
1. Research
2. Aviation of the best offers
3. By leveraging hotel loyalty programme

As someone who love to travel around, as well as being a travel blogger, I make a good research hahaha!This was my first time traveled to Indonesia, Bali. I wanted to stay somewhere private, relax and cheap, ideally a private villa. This is how I came to love Agoda.com, a platform that allow travelers to book discounted hotel rooms.




So like I've mentioned, It's a 4 persons trip and I spent only a total of RM438 staying in three different luxury private villa, Bali @  5 days 4 nights. How do I find cheap hotels in Bali? Here's my tips!






The first 2 nights : Astana Batu Belig, Kerobokan

The first villa I booked on Agoda in Seminyak, conveniently located for a beach trip and priced at just RM815 for 2 nights. When I found Astana, I not only got my wish staying in a private villa, but also the best services I ever seen. It's within walking distance to the BatuBelig beach, the rooms are equipped with facilities and amenities such as private swimming pool, huge bath tub, safety box, free Wifi and etc.

At first glance, it was a beautiful and luxurious suite. 





Check out the the bathroom! Omg the bath tub!





However there's some incident happened here. Four of us were dragging our suitcases to the hotel at 10pm. But the moment I checked in, I was told that there's only one king size bed for 2 persons.  As soon as I found out I was very frustrating, knowing that we would need 2 beds for 4 persons, so I booked Astana because of the website written: 1 king size bed and 2 queen size bed. I requested to talk to the manager. What happened next surprised me, he listened to my story and he apologized again. He admitted his mistake and that he will contact the Agoda to ensure it doesn't happen to the next guest.Already, I was cooling off a bit. By the end the services were good and professional. It was a great experience indeed.

Swimsuit sponsored by: @ShelotMalaysia


Float sponsored by: Where To Float


I can spend forever in here if I wake up with breakfast everyday


Paradise found and all I can do is to soak in a bubble bath

Astana BatuBelig
Location: Jalan Batubelig No 28, Seminyak Bali, Indonesia
Price: RM815 for 2 nights (early booking saver 35% discount)
Contact: +62 361 4738336


3rd night: Twin Island Villa, Nusa Lembongan 

We caught a ferry to the island, Nusa Lembongan. It was a little "uncivilized" but also the most peaceful and relaxing place you could wish for. It was an ideal place for snorkeling or diving activities, one of the reason we came here was to dive. So we spent 1 night here at stayed at Twin Island Villa, RM156 per night. 

Situated on the south end of the island with panoramic views overlooking the ocean view, a place that enable you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This is what an island living about. 



Hello, meet my room!



I never stayed in a room like this. It's a wooden structure villa with a nice balcony view, I enjoyed it nonetheless. Initially I was expecting a cluster of shops and bars, just like KohLipe Island, but unfortunately there's only a few restaurants along the shore. To reach Twin Island, you'll have to take the shuttle car and go through a "jungle" which takes around 10 mins to arrive. And one thing, the road rough to get to the villa. Yes I know most roads there aren't great, but this was next level lolllll... 

Snacks and beer, anyone?The mini fridge was stocked with everything from carbonated drinks and beers.


The bathroom comes with toiletries such as shampoo, towers , toothbrush shower-cap and etc. I love the ambient so peaceful. 

Breakfast are included! 


It's a perfect escape from everything


Swimsuit sponsored by: @Shelot Malaysia





Our days were mainly spent diving, sitting at the pool side, or exploring the island. Nothing much to do. There's a few hidden gems which you can go and visit such as Dream Beach, and The Blue Lagoon. I recommend you to ask a local how to get to these amazing places, in case you are lost! 




If you are looking for great food, you can dine in Sunrise Hut's Lembongan, its just 5 mins walking distance.



Twin Island Villa
Location: Ancak Village, Nusa Lembongan
Price: Rm156 per night
Contact: +62 813-3864-9035



The 4th night: Hideaway Villa Bali

The last and the best villa!! I will save the best for the next post, because it's too much to share with you guys! A very luxurious,minimalistic and modern hotel which is smartly designer in terraces. So.....

Please stay tuned for the next post! :)

Tips: 4 persons are just nice for a Bali trip! You can share the accommodation fees and meanwhile you all get to stay in a very luxury rooms! Happy travel guys :)

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Go Visit London: Top 3 Hidden Gems


I have so much to share about my adventures in London and it would be impossible to write everything in an article. So yeah, welcome to Part 2!

Let's start off with London. As everyone knows, Big Ben, London Eye, Tower Bridge or Buckingham Palace are the main highlights of the city. And many tend to forget there's many other hidden gems in London that you should actually go and explore! To make your trip truly unforgettable, check out these places that people don't even know they were existing. The best thing? Most of them are free to visit, meanwhile you can discover a different side of London off the beaten path. Although I've been to London several times in the past, but exploring London is never enough for me. I'd still wish I could pay more visits in the future. 

1. Sky Garden
Just as it's name suggests, Sky Garden is located on floors 34-37 of the building offering you the best panoramic view in London. A very spacious rooftop garden offers 360 degree uninterrupted view across the city of London and beyond.  There was also a cafe bar serving tea, coffee, cocktails with some pastries and muffins available too. Well, the entrance is totally free but booking is required to guarantee a decent slot. Just head over to their website https://skygarden.london/ for your reservations. 






I wandered around the semi-tropical greenhouse garden,  it was very refreshing indeed. After months of cold weather, summer is finally here and London is back with glorious sunshine. Somehow, being an indoor garden, of course the flowers and trees can be kept in bloom all year round in whatever season. 



TIPS:  Whether it be a for a little cocktails, a cup of tea or just sit to watch the world go by, I would recommend you getting a seat near to the Shard window. It was brilliant to see London from this view point, as you'll see all of the famous London landmark and everything look so small from Sky Garden. Wonderful experience! :) 




2. Portobello Road
-Beautiful colored row house- 


OMG OMG! I definitely love hanging out in this place. Portobello Road is famous with its market and charming little stores, selling everything from vintage clothes to artwork and accessories. You can see all the colourful houses lining the way down to the street, I can't get my eyes off from these pretty pastel buildings. On almost every corner you'll find a street performer singing on the street and playing with guitars, it is a live street music experience. I think I wouldn't mind living here forever, I love them all, I want them all. 

How to get there?
The main tube station is Notting Hill Gate, which is easily accessibly via the Central circle and District lines. It's pretty easy, just take the underground from anywhere and hop off at Notting Hill. 



















Portebello Market
Address: Portobello Road, 72 Tavistock Road, London W11 1AN
Public Transport: Ladbroke Grove Station




3. Little Venice
I couldn't believe that this unique place actually existed. With all those colourful canals and typical houseboats, you can spend hours- a lifetime exploring it, as it is vast and fascinating. Whilst there, you can talk a walk or either take a boat trip along the canal. Despite being a beautiful area with stunning view, not many people visit. The area was quiet and uncrowded. 

How to get there?
It is a short walk from the tube Station (Warwick Avenue) to Little Venice approximately 5 mins.




I used to dream of living in a houseboat lol.... and I still do.. Wish I own one of them. Who knows? Maybe next time I'll get a small boat, or not..



Little Venice
Address: Maida Ave, London W2 1ST, United Kingdom
Station: Warwick Avenue Station, then walk 5mins to Little Venice
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