Day Trip to Boao 博鳌一日游

After several days of helping the adults cook and prepare the food offerings for our coming ancestral worship, the children grew restless. They ambushed me in the hall one morning and cajoled me into agreeing to bring them to the beach in Boao.

I asked the elder daughter-in-law Tian to drive us to Boao, she was more than happy to get away from the cooking for a day. The children jumped for joy. They grabbed thick jackets and piled into the car.

From our house, it took an hour to reach Boao because of the traffic congestion. Many mainlanders from northern China traveled to Hainan island for the festive holidays to escape the cold winter. We saw many of them at popular tourist attractions.

Boao, a coastal town in the east of Qionghai city, has been the permanent venue for the annual Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) since 2002. This international non-profit organisation hosts high-level dialogues for leaders from government, business and academia in Asia and other countries.

Within 15 years, the annual forums have transformed Boao from a fishing village into a world-class tourist hub consisting multi-million condominiums, sprawling golf courses and majestic hotels.

Boao is more prosperous and more happening than Qionghai city. It is attracting many tourists because of its scenic views and laid back charms. There are a few mega projects under constructions to attract more visitors and investors.  

Tian brought us to a beach near a resort. The beach looked deserted because temperature that day was 14 °C and there was strong winds. Not bothered by the cloudy and damp weather, the children were ecstatic by the sight of the waves. They took off their shoes to frolick in the cold water for an hour.

They enjoyed themselves running on the sandy beach and chasing the waves. It was a rare trip to the seaside for the kids as their parents are usually busy working. It is also out of the way for them to come here.

Tian wanted to bring me to the island to see the site of the BFA on Dongyu Island. but the children objected.

We visited Boao Buddhist Temple instead because Tian wanted to sit on the same seats where US President Obama and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping sat when they came for a tour of the temple. LOL

The temple grounds is huge, housing a towering pagoda temple which has a viewing deck on its highest level. I didn't want to climb the stairs, so we missed seeing the stunning views of Wanquan river and Dongyu island from an elevated angle.

Tian insisted on following a tour guide to listen to her specific narration about the temple. I could see the children were bored as we followed the guide around. The youngest child started whining for a drink. I realised it was almost five o'clock, When it was time to leave, the children were overjoyed.

Initially we planned to go to Tanmen Fishing Port, the largest fishing port on Hainan island, but it was getting dark and it would probably be closed if we proceed at that hour. So we detoured to Boao Town for a snack and drink before dinner.

The children's eyes lit up when they saw this little food van. They wanted to eat the wraps which come with assorted fillings. I was amused to discover that the wrap they sell is similar to our roti prata.  

I had a wrap with meat floss filling to try. It tasted so-so. Well, the snacks would keep the children happy until we get to a restaurant.

The kids asked for spicy food, so we went for Xiang cuisine (Hunan cuisine). One of the eight Chinese cuisines in China, it is well-known for its greasiness, dense colours, spicy and sour flavour.

I let the kids select the dishes from the menu while I enjoyed a tea pouring demonstration from this 19-year-old boy. The brass kettle contained hot water. I could see the scalding scars on both his hands.

The kids ordered one spicy fish and a couple of cold appetizers, they were probably trying to save money for me. I had to add a few more meat dishes. The kids were ravenous, we had to order two pots of steamed white rice to go with the dishes. LOL  

Glad that they enjoyed the meal and the outing. We reached home around 9 pm, passed the bed time of the youngest child. Before he was bundled off to bed after a good clean up, he came to my room and said, "Nai nai (grandma), tomorrow we go out again, ok?"


与大媳妇带了家里的小孩们去博鳌玩。我们参观了博鳌禅寺, 中国国家主席习近平与美国总统奥巴马曾经到此一游。

博鳌禅寺的建筑于2005年落成, 是目前海南建筑规模最大的正宗佛院禅林。禅寺内的 “万佛观音塔” 供奉着两尊国内独有的佛像; 一是全中国最高大的青铜千手千眼观音双面观音菩萨像，二是佛祖故乡尼泊尔国国王亲赠的镏金释迦牟尼佛像。

我们在博鳌禅寺可以看到对面的东屿岛, 那是博鳌亚洲论坛永久会址所在地。本想去东屿岛看看, 但孩子们不肯去。他们选择去海边玩水, 平时他们的父母亲都没空带他们出去游玩。今天难得出来走走, 就顺着他们, 让他们开心一下。

孩子们肚子饿了, 我们到博鳌镇上逛逛, 买小吃充饥。晚餐他们要吃酸辣鱼, 就带他们去餐馆吃湘菜。菜很下饭, 孩子们也都饿了, 每人吃了两碗白饭。哈哈 。。。

Bon Ton Resort, Langkawi 浮罗交怡的邦塔恩度假村

After breakfast on the second day, we checked out early and Amir brought us on a tour of Bon Ton Resort which is located not too far from Temple Tree Resort. Bon Ton Resort is built on an old coconut plantation.

That explains the warning signs on the coconut trees. LOL

The resort is surrounded by padi fields and sugar cane fields with a lake in a corner of the estate.

This resort resembles a Malay village because of the traditional houses on stilts.

The interior of the houses are tastefully furnished with all the modern comforts.

There is their signature vintage bath tub .....

Guests can choose to relax or have their breakfast on the balcony which overlooks the swimming pool.

Besides an indoor bar overlooking the beautiful lake, there is an outdoor bar at the swimming pool.

You get a view of the lake while you enjoy your meal at Nam Restaurant ....

or alfresco on the deck overlooking the lake.

The alfresco area when the sun is setting .....

Here are two types of their single room traditional houses.

For the overseas visitors like us, it is an amazing way to experience the richness of Malaysia's cultural heritage.



邦塔恩度假村 (Bon Ton Resort) 就在树下神龛度假村 (Temple Tree Resort) 的旁边。位於浮罗交怡最热闹的珍南海滩, 这两家度假村属于相同的公司 。

我第一眼看到这马来甘榜和传统的房子就深深被吸引。度假村里的传统甘榜房子外表看来很旧, 但内部房间非常干净、舒适, 均备有空调、吊扇、保险箱、热水淋浴、吹风机、电视、冰箱、拖鞋、驱蚊剂、免费矿泉水、咖啡和茶冲泡设施等一切必需品。

房子拥有可俯瞰泳池的独立阳台; 浴室设有泡澡的私人空间; 还可以免费在整个度假村上网（Wifi）。

这里的餐馆提供当地特色美食和西方料理。餐馆前面是湖, 可以一边吃饭一边欣赏美丽的风景。晚上除了度假村住客, 还有好多人来这里享用餐点。

住客可以体验当地文化, 这是一个非常奇妙、特別的经验。

Temple Tree @ Bon Ton, Langkawi

After checking out from Cinta Sayang Resort, together with another 4 group members, we set off for Kuala Kedah Ferry Terminal to board the 2 pm ferry to Langkawi. One adult ticket costs RM23.

The ferry ride took about 1 and 1/2 hours. We watched a movie onboard to pass our time. A staff from Temple Tree Resort came to fetch us at Jetty Point Langkawi. His name is Amir. He gave us a tour of Langkawi island before sending us to the resort.

We had a brief stop at Tanjung Rhu Beach to take some photos. It was such a lovely beach. Glad that there was no tourist crowds.

When the car turned into a gravel road and stopped in front of a wooden house, I was taken aback when I found out where I was going to spend the night. We were ushered into a room which is the bar and were served their signature welcome drink, the delicious pineapple tea with mint.

Amir allocated the houses for our night's stay. He told us to go wash up and gathered at the reception area by 7.30 pm, so we could go to the night market for dinner.

I was almost fainting from hunger because I didn't dare to eat my lunch. My good friend Criz frightened me with his warning of seasickness and vomiting during the ferry ride. Ish,

I ordered the Indian bread with dips (RM 16) while hubby had a plate of fried rice (RM 36). There is a limited choice of food on the menu and it is expensive.

After our meal, we were led to our "house". My jaws dropped when I was brought to Chinese 1. I couldn't believe my eyes! This magnificent two-storey Chinese house is more than 100 years old. It is built of wood without using any nails. It was relocated from Batu Pahat, Johor. Originally a farmhouse, it has large verandahs on 3 sides.  

Here's a short video of the interior

The creaking wooden doors gave me the creeps. hahaha..... 

Chinese 1 has a master bedroom with a queen-sized bed with mosquito netting, its own bar room, plus a separate bedroom with two single beds. Love the Chinese colours of red and black which contrasts with the simple wooden walls.

I couldn't find the stairs to the upper floor which is Chinese 2. It has a master bedroom with a queen-sized bed, a private Mahjong room and Chinese library which can add in an extra bed.

Walking into the spacious bath room ......

this familiar shower room transport me back to the past...., my childhood days when I was living in a village.

TA-DA!

Isn't it awesome!? There were bath salts and a moisturising massage cream too. 

Despite it being 1 am in the wee hours of the morning, we had a good soak in the wooden tub after our night market visit and a heavy supper. LOL

While getting ready for bed, I was worried when I saw the gaping holes in the mosquito netting. I am terrified of getting mosquito bites after contracting dengue fever several years ago. To play safe, I put on a long sleeve tee and long pants, but it became too warm to sleep in them.

The resort has included a local made balm for mosquito bites and there is insect repellent inside the bathroom. There are sarongs (a wrap around cloth) in the closet.

I woke up at 6.15 am,  trying to capture a sunrise shot. I opened the wooden window to a pitch black sky and a white cat perched on the verandah railings.

I shut the window and went back to bed. When I opened the window at 6.48 am, the white cat was still waiting for me on the railing in the dark.

Finally at 7.05 am, I could see a little sunlight. I put on a sarong and grabbing my camera, ran out to catch the early morning sun.

Hubby woke up and joined me, we had fun posing for pictures in our sarong.

The resort had placed our breakfast in the fridge the night before, so I brought it out to have breakfast on the verandah. It was a simple and light meal.

We went for a swim after breakfast, then took a shower and got ready to check out at 10.15 am. Amir was bringing us on a tour of Bon Ton resort.


从吉打港口码头坐船去马来西亚浮罗交怡旅游, 抵达我的旅店, 让我吓了一跳! 怎么会是住甘榜呢 !? 开什么玩笑? 要我喂蚊子吗? 哈哈 。。。

树下神龛度假村（Temple Tree ）是一个蛮特别的度假村。我入住的 Chinese House 1, 年龄超过100岁了, 是从柔佛峇株巴辖州迁往这里。屋子装饰非常华丽, 有两间房间, 还拥有自己的酒吧台。哇! 还有一个巨大的木制浴缸, 足够我和老公一起在里面泡澡。

坐在阳台上就可以看到日落。屋子前面是110英尺的游泳池, 打开房门走几步就可以跳下去游泳。哈哈 。。。

楼上有一间套房，有私人麻将室和图书馆。

房子房间很棒, 我好喜欢, 也很享受这种轻松的旅游。

Balik Pulau Day Trip 槟城浮罗山背一日游

Balik Pulau Old Fisherman Mural by Julia Volchkova 

Met a Chinese family of three who were also staying at the same guest house as me. The young couple and their seven-year-old daughter were on a 7-day holiday in Penang. It was not their first trip to Penang though, they came specially for the durians. I was surprised that the Chinese appreciate durians so much. haha....

Owner Jason suggested I travel with the family to Balik Pulau when he found out that I was travelling there on my own. Jason helped them book a car for a day trip. I could hitch a ride to the village and also join them for a durian farm visit for a small fee. The family and lady driver were happy to accommodate me.

After breakfast on the second day of my trip, we commenced on a journey to Balik Pulau or "Back of the Island", a charming village on the other side of Penang.

We had to drive over a hill to get to Balik Pulau. The driver stopped to let us take a few pictures of the village from the peak.

There were a few make shift stalls selling "branded Balik Pulau" durians. We were advised by our driver not to buy from them. haha.....

The journey from our guest house to the village took a little over an hour. Our driver spent some time looking for the durian farm because she got lost. Finally we found the farm but there were only a few durians left. It was "take it or leave it" because these were the only available durians for the day.

I had wanted to go to another fruit farm but was dissuaded by the driver because she had a packed itinerary for the Chinese family. So I settled with two not-so-good durians for RM45.  *upset*

The Chinese family bought some mangosteens and rambutans and shared some with me. It has been a long time since I had rambutans, they were so crunchy and sweet.

I thought of buying a few kilos of it to bring back to Singapore ..... but on second thought, I would be on my own after lunch. The image of lugging a few kilos of hairy fruit around Balik Pulau was one of suffering, so I had to give up the idea. arrrgh.

After our durian "feast", we took a walk around the farm. I pointed out starfruit trees, durian trees, mango trees and nutmeg trees to the family. We then watched a couple of farm workers sort and pack eggs.

The driver was going to a nutmeg farm next and asked me to tag along. It was located not far from the durian farm. I was glad she offered me a ride. The nutmeg farm was quite some distance from town, it was an extremely hot and hazy day for long walks.


我在旅馆认识了一家从深圳来槟城旅游的中国人。这一家三口特地飞来槟城吃榴梿! 他们比我早到三天, 也吃了三天的榴梿。没想到中国人也这么爱吃榴梿!

在槟城的第二天早上, 他们租车去浮罗山背一日游。我付了司机40马币, 搭上他们的顺风车去浮罗山背。

第一站去有机榴梿庄园吃榴梿。因为去迟了, 没剩下多少榴梿可选择的了。我勉为其难付了马币45块钱, 买下“红虾”和“D14”两粒味道平平无奇的榴梿。那家中国游客付了马币100多买榴梿, 还买了山竹和红毛丹; 分了几粒请我吃。

吃完榴梿带他们认识我们的热带果树, 也参观并了解在农场一角的员工们怎样把鸡蛋分类、装盘。

接下来他们要去附近的豆蔻厂参观, 司机邀请我同行, 我欣然接受了。

Chew Jetty Penang

On the second day of our trip to Penang, from the bus-stop outside Queensbay Mall, we took a bus to Weld Quay Bus Terminal. We walked a short distance to Chew Jetty which is a huge attraction with busloads of tourists stopping by.

This is a world heritage site. We saw how locals live in a historical waterfront settlement built by Chinese immigrants more than a century ago.

It was low tide that morning, moored boats were stranded on mud flats.

We took some quick shots as there were too many tourists, they kept getting into my pictures, We decided to slow down with a cold beverage each, sitting on a wooden terrace and watched the locals carried on with their daily tasks.

It must be pretty cool to stay in a village built on stilts. At the same time, a bustling city is within walking distance. So convenient!

After most tourists had departed for lunch, we started our photo shoot.

Every corner of the jetty is a picture. We took some really awesome shots.

We chatted with some of the residents and were offered peeks to the inside of their homes. A few of the residents were enterprising and have started side businesses selling to the jetty's visitors.

Tan Jetty

Not too far away was Tan Jetty. We walked over for a look.  It was very quiet and has lesser residents. We took some photos and left for lunch.

Elephant Ear Fish@ Ho Chi Minh City - PhotoHunt

 The Kissing Elephant Ear Fish :P

PhotoHunt theme : Ginormous/ Stones

We spent a day island-hopping, exploring the natural beauty of the Mekong Delta to escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Walking on dusty dirt roads as we passed through a village to the next stop, we often saw piles of bricks and stones outside dilapidated houses. The owners are probably making a good living with the hundreds of tourists descending on their village daily. ;)

After visiting a honey bee farm and a candy factory, about mid-day we were absolutely famished when we arrived at a fruit tree farm. After snacking on some local fruits, we had a thrilling ride on a sampan into the deeper canals of the Mekong river to find lunch.

We had a unique lunch set in a pagoda restaurant, surrounded by lotus and koi on the Mekong Delta. 

The moment the eight of us seated ourselves around the table, a waiter plopped a pair of ginormous Osphronemus Exodon or Elephant Ear Gouramis as its commonly known before us. A waitress followed with a ginormous sticky rice ball and placed it in front of me.

Every one whipped out their camera phones and snapped away, not allowing the service staff to touch the two items until we had taken photos to our hearts' content. LOL 

Gutted and deep fried, then propped up on a plate between wooden chopsticks, the fish has a sweet and succulent flesh which is meaty. Deep fried with its scales on, the whole fish including its fins and scales are all edible. :)

The waiter picked off the flesh and together with local herbs (such as mint, cucumber basil), and noodles are placed in wafer thin rice pancakes which are tightly rolled and dipped into a Muoc Cham fish sauce.

yummy fish wrapped in rice paper

We had fried chicken, deep fried cassava balls, steamed prawns and a vegetable soup.

This local Mekong cuisine is served at Diem Phuong Restaurant. After lunch we returned back to Ho Chi Minh City.