Thursday, July 26, 2012

Cheap travel idea: tips (4)

Have you ever get stuck in bad weather during your holiday???

Holiday is the time when we spend our time doing something we usually don't do to release our stress. Some like to spend time with family/ friends by the beach, picnic at waterfall or having some adventures. Most of the things we do during our holiday involve outdoor activities. Hence it is utmost to ensure the weather is fine for us to do such activities.

As for my experience, usually I will have an overview of the season that particular place. For example if I want to go to 4-season country, I have to see at what season is the best to that particular country suit to my activities. If I want to go to countries near the equator instead e.g.: Malaysia, Indonesia etc, I will see what is the best month to visit that particular countries. It is important as we do not want to get stuck in the rain.

 The question is where to get all that info???
 As for my experience, travelling book helps a lot to tell you about the destination that you are going to go. Just flip to the weather section (usually in the introduction chapter). It will give you the overview the best time to visit that place.

It sonuds tedious right? Of course I do have better choice. Just go to Air Asia website. Click 'Travel Info' at the left bar and 'Destination Guide'. Next just choose your holiday destination.

STEP1:

STEP 2:

SAMPLE:

Annual weather for Kuala Lumpur
Annual weather for Bali

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Cheap Travel - Selangor: Selayang Hot Spring


Selayang Hot Spring is very well taken care

Cheap Travel heard about Selayang Hot Spring from friends. In the first place, it is quite hard to believe that we can enjoy such natural beauty so near to KL.

Selayang Hot Springs has been upgraded to be a tourist attraction recently. There are 3 pools available enough to attract visitor with the curative properties for muscle aches and minor skin conditions such as rashes. It is believed that the mineral content of the waters such as sulphur, helps in the healing process.

Of the three pools, the one under the shade of trees is the most popular. Visitors like to sit on the edge of the circling wall to relax. This is also the hottest pool; the other two have lower temperatures. In these two pools, it is possible to dip oneself into the pool, but some people prefer to use a bucket to scoop water from the pool to bathe. After cooling off, the bathing process is repeated a few times.

It is so easy to get to the Selayang Hot Springs, just travel along Jalan Ipoh towards Rawang. After passing the Selayang Wholesale Market on the right and upon approaching the Kia Service Centre, keep a lookout for the signboard on the left just before the flyover leading to Bandar Baru Selayang.

The entrance fee is absolutely FREE OF CHARGE however the parking fee is RM 2


one of the pool at Selayang Hot Spring



The 3 pools at Selayang Hot Spring

Since I experienced difficulties to find this place on my first time because the signage is quite small, so I share this map to you. Hopefully it will help.

map to Selayang Hot Spring:


Thursday, July 12, 2012

Cheap Travel - Perak : Teluk Nipah



Teluk Nipah beach
Pulau Pangkor/ Pangkor Island is one of tourist attraction in Perak. Pulau Pangkor is easily accessible through Lumut Jetty. Since 2010, the access has become easier because we can opt to board from Marina Island (terms and condition apply).

If you are board from Lumut Jetty, it takes approximately 30 minutes because it is quite further and it has two stops. It first stop at the fishermen village and the second one is at the tourist jetty. The best thing if we board from Lumut is we can also bring our bike onto the ferry. Of course charges apply. The ferry from Lumut Jetty is however quite crowded.
Marina Island Jetty

The new jetty at Marina Island is brand new private facilities. RM10 for return tickets and it takes approximately 10 minutes to Pulau Pangkor.

Main transportation at Pangkor Island either by big taxi or motorbike. Motorbike can be easily rented at RM30/day (if I'm not mistaken, correct me if I'm wrong).

The BBQ area
Pulau Pangkor has few beaches, but the one and only for me is Teluk Nipah. My recent trip to Teluk Nipah, I can see a new face of Teluk Nipah. Some of the new facilities are well-lit BBQ area, more organized souvenir and food stall. And the best thing is the beach remain unchanged, still nice and beautiful.


Taking afternoon boat from Lumut and I will reach at the hotel just nice for check-in. Upon check-in, it is highly recommended to try the Lempeng Pisang (Banana pancake) and the Pulut Panggang sold by the beach. It is easily recognized because it is the only stall selling Lempeng Pisang and Pulut Panggang.

Once you get your tank filled, then you can enjoy the beach while watching the sunset. The weather usually is very cooperative. With that, I can say it is one of the best sunset view that we can experience. Not far from Teluk Nipah, there is also a observation tower where you can enjoy the sunset.



For those who are looking for water sports, there are few provider readily waiting for you. Some of the water sports available are Island hopping (not the best), snorkelling (worth the price), kayak, banana boat and many more. Do not forget to negotiate to get your best price.


All in all, Pulau Pangkor trip is a budget island trip. Everything is considerably cheap compare to other island in Malaysia yet not at the expense of the activity, view and the ambiance.