HOLIDAY TRIP TO VIETNAM

In September 2014, my while family went to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam for 3 days holidays. The trip was organized by my father’s office to bring their staffs for a short holiday and my family took the opportunity to join them. We took AirAsia early flight from KLIA2 to Ho Chi Minh for approximately 2 hours flight journey. Our tour guide in Ho Chi Minh fetched us at the airport and a packed visiting itinerary was organized for the 3 days trip. The old name of Ho Chi Minh is Saigon, a popularly known during the war.

Me and Ain at the airport 

On the first day, after we checked in a hotel, we were taken to visit some tourist attraction places and shopping arcades. One of the shopping destinations was Ben Thant Market which is located near our hotel in a walking distance. We spent at the market for several hours doing our shopping. The price for the goods is relatively cheaper as compared to Malaysia but we have to bargain as the traders usually fix a higher price. There are variety of goods sold from textiles, clothes, souvenirs, bags and luggage, ladies accessories, crafted and decorated goods and other consumer goods. In the afternoon, we were taken to visit the War Memorial Museum in Ho Chi Minh and spent 2 hours at the museum displaying the war weapons, aircrafts and photographs relating to civil war against Vietcong and American.

Me and my family at the War Memorial Museum

On the 2nd day trip, we were taken by bus to Mekong River Delta to visit cultural villages at the islands. The journey took about one and a half hours from Ho Chi Minh as it is located quite far outskirt city. After arrival at the jetty, we went taken to the islands by ferry boat. At the islands, we visited the cultural villages where some traditional village activities were shown exhibited and some crafted hand made goods are sold to visitors at quite cheaper price. The trip to the cultural villages took three hours and we returned to Ho Chi Minh at 5pm in the afternoon and did our shopping at other shopping malls until sunset.

We using boat as our transportation to go to Mekong River

After that, we have to use canoe 

They show us about their traditional villages activity

They sing for us.

On the final day itinerary, the tour guide took us to another destination to a place located far from Ho Chi Minh to a jungle war memorial site. The journey by bus took almost two (2) hours and at that war site, we had the opportunity to see how the Vietnamese soldiers make a war tunnels, traditional deadly weapons, entrapments and others during the civil wars with Vietcong and War against the American soldiers.  Some of the war vehicles and weapons are also displayed at the war site. In the afternoon, after returning to Ho Cho Mint city, we went to a historical Vietnam Presidential Palace in which the for king was resided until the Vietnam Revolution.

The Scary tunnel

We have opportunity to try shoot

Before our departure to Kuala Lumpur in the late afternoon, we went to Ben Thant Market again to do our last shopping. Our holiday trip to Ho Chi Minh this time in fact was our second trip to Vietnam as my family had visited once in the year 2013. We hope we could visit Vietnam again to visit other places in the northern part of Vietnam, Koh Samui in Hanoi and other heritage places.

       

TRIP TO UNIVERSAL STUDIO SINGAPORE

On May 2012, I and my family decided to visit Singapore. There are a lot of interesting places in Singapore. Therefore, this time I’m gonna tell everyone about Universal Studios Singapore (USS). Universal studios were launched on 2010. There consists 7 zones, Hollywood, New york, Sci-fi city, Ancient Egypt, Lost world, Far Far away and Madagascar. There are also have Hollywood Dreams parade and Lake Hollywood spectacular for Park Entertainment.

Upon arriving there, my parents were line to buy a ticket for us. The USS opens daily from 10am until 7pm. Entrance fees are from S$74 for adults, S$54 for children and S$58 for senior citizen (65 and above). My aunty were already bought us express ticket, so we don’t have to queue to play their games. The express ticket were cost RM150 per tickets. My aunty bought 7 express ticket for all of us.

My family potraits

Taking pcture with this fluffy blue elmo

Taking picture with this fluffy red elmo

First, we reached to the Sci-fi City. There are  3 attraction in this zones, Transformer the ride, Accelerator and Human and Cylon roller-coaster. The best in this zones were transformer, the guest must be 102cm in height, children 102 to 122cm must be accompanied by supervising companion. Guest that have sickness, dizziness and pregnant should not ride.

The character from the transformer

After that, we all go to the Human roller-coaster. The roller-coaster was scariest for us even not to height but we all feel so scary to ride again. After ride human roller-coaster we not brave enough to ride another roller coaster, Cylon.

Human and Cylon Roller-Coaster 

Infront of Far Far Away Castle

Next, we   go to the next zones that consists 2 attraction. First is the revenge of the mummy. Guest must be least 122cm in height to be ride. This park have roller-coaster to be ride in. this roller-coaster is the most scariest roller-coaster and many shocked part in this revenge of the mummy. Second attraction in this zone were treasure hunters. Children under 122cm must be accompanied by supervising companion.

Taking picture with Firaun

Moving on, next we stop at the Hollywood zones. There are many interesting things in this zones. Many unique things like a old cars, a hollywoods celebrities. Next, we go to the lost world zones. There are 4 attraction in this zones which is Jurassic park adventure, Dino soarin, amber rock climb and canopy flyer. The lost world zones many wet part but we enjoy playing in this zones.

It was late in the afternoon, the last zones that we still be able to is Madagascar. Madagascar was my favourite cartoon. I’m very excited to meet Madagascar there. Alex was my favourite character in this movie. My family and I bought some souvenirs for friends. 

Very crowded in Hollywood zones

Antique Car

Me and my cousin taking pictures with penguin of Madagascar

My family taking picture with Gloria

Last but not least, I had a very great time here even we not able to visit all zones. I was very tired at the end of the day, but it was worth it. Universal Studios Singapore (USS) is a definitely a must go places. Enjoyed myself here and I am really looking forward to coming back here soon.  

UMRAH TRIP TO MADINAH AL-MUNAWARAH AND MAKKAH AL-MUKARRAMAH DURING MID-TERM SCHOOL HOLIDAY IN 201

On 30^th May 2011, the whole of my family went to perform umrah at the Holy Lands in Makkah al-Mukarramah and Madinal al-Munawarah, Saudi Arabia. The umrah’s package was a thirteen days trip in which 4 days period was in Madinah and the rest of the days was in Makkah. The package was organized by Andalusia Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd during the mid-term school holidays. Since the umrah trip was the first for all the children, we attended one day course organized by the travel agent before leaving for Saudi Arabia.

The flight from Kuala Lumpur to Madinah took seven hours non-stop journey. Upon arrival at Madinah, we check in at the designated hotel not very far from the Prophet’s Mosque, Masjid Al-Nabawi also known as Grand Mosque in Madinah. All my siblings were very excited to visit and perform our prayers in the beautiful Masjid Al-Nabawi. My parents had performed umrah twice before and it was their third visits to the Holy Lands.

Safely arrived at Madinah Airport

In Madinah, we took the opportunity to visit Masjid Al-Nabawi, the Prophet’s and his companions Tombs located in the Al-Nabawi Mosque and other historical places such as Bukit Uhud, Al-Qubah Mosque, Dates’ Factory and other places. The four days period was mostly spent for performing our prayers five times a day at the Grand Mosque, shopping and visiting in and outside Madinah.

After performing zuhur prayers

After performing isya; prayers

At the end of the fourth day in Madinah, we check out from the hotel and proceeded our journey to perform umrah from Madinah to Makkah. The journey was by bus and took almost 12 hours to reach Makkah. We stopped over at the place named Bir Ali or Zhuhulaifah, not very far from Madinah to pronounce our “niat umrah” and wear the ihram (a special non-stitch two pieces of white garments worn by men). 

My father and brothers wearing ihram

After that, we continued our journey to Makkah al-Mukarramah and arrived at Makkah at about 3.30 o’clock before fajr. After check in a designated hotel, we went to the Grand Mosque, Masjidil Haram to perform fajr prayer and continue our umrah activities that is a tawaf around the Kaabah, Saie between Safa and Marwah and finally Tahallul (cutting at least 3 pieces of hairs) when finishing Saie.

Makkah al-Mukarramah is a bigger city than Madinah al-Munawarah. Apart from the first umrah, the travel agent also organised three other umrahs to perform for the pilgrims and provided a guide called Mutawif to lead us. The pilgrims can perform the umrah first from Tanaim, second from Jaranah and third from Hudaibiah. We took the opportunity to perform our second to fourth umrahs from all the above places. Although umrah activities are very tiring especially Saie but we were satisfied and thankful when we managed to perform it without any obstacles.

My family infront of Kaabah

Visiting Camel's farm

Other activities apart from performing umrahs and prayers in the Grand Mosque, the travel agent also organized visits to other historical places such as Jabal Rahmah, Arafah, Mina, Hudaibiah, Jaranah, Al-Quran’s Factory and Museum. The eight days period in Makkah was a short period of time full of activities, not forgetting shopping. On the final day, we check out from the hotel and departed to Jeddah by bus to return home. Jeddah is located about one hour drive from Makkah al-Mukarramah.

WINTER VACATION IN ENGLAND AND PARIS

In February 2012 during the Chinese New Year holiday, my family went to London, Manchester and Liverpool in England and Paris in France for 8 days trip. Since we had not visited England and France before, the trip was well planned for few months since end of 2013, buying air tickets, accommodation and tourist guides. Our main itinerary mainly visiting tourist attraction places and football clubs in London, Manchester and Liverpool. Our non-stop flight from Kuala Lumpur to Gatwick Airport, London took 13 hours to touch down. By the time we arrived, all of us were exhausted and tired due to long journey. We arrived in London after 9.00 o’clock in the evening and was fetched by our tourist guide, Encik Mohd Kamel, a University Malaysia Sabah’s lecturer pursuing his doctorate in engineering at Sheffield University. 

The Landing Card

On the 2nd day trip, we were taken to visit interesting places in London and few football clubs namely Chelsea FC, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Wembley Stadium and Harrods Shopping Mall. We managed to spend the whole day visiting the stadiums located in London and bought some souvenirs to take home.

Chelsea football stadium

Arsenal football stadium

My family photos in front of Harrods Shopping Mall

 The next day, we visited Stonehenge, a historical stones during the stone age, London Bridge, Big Ben, Tower of London, Eye of London and Madam Tussauds. Although all of us very tired visiting one place to another by underground tube, we felt satisfied for able to visit many places.

My family photos at stonehenge

The beautiful London Bridge

The BigBen

Eye of London

 We continued our journey on the 4rd day tour by travelling to Paris, France. We travelled to Paris by Eurostar Train from London and the journey took 2 hours.  In Paris, we took the opportunity visiting many well known places including the Eifel Tower and shopping malls and return to London taking the last train at 9.30 o’clock in the evening.

safely arrived at France

The Eiffel Tower

 The next day, we travelled to Manchester by van. The journey took almost 3 hours from London to Manchester and along the way, we stopped at certain cities and places for visiting and shopping. Upon arrival, we visited Manchester City Football Club and spent about one hour there. After that, we continued our journey to Manchester United Football Club located at Old Trafford and took part a tour inside the stadium and spent almost two hours at the club.

Inside of manchester united Stadium

 On the same afternoon, we continued our journey to Liverpool and along the way we stopped at the city of Birmingham for shopping at many factory outlets. The winter sale prices were quite reasonable and there were many choices of goods and clothes for the shoppers to buy. Liverpool is located at the seaside and  a port and finally we arrived Liverpool city at late night. On the 6th day tour, we visited Liverpool Football Club at Anfield and bought some souvenirs. We did not take part in the stadium tour as we did in Manchester. We also visited Everton Football Club located not very far from Liverpool Football Club, Liverpool Museum, The Beatles Museum as the Beatles pop group hailed from Liverpool. On the last day, we return to London visited other interesting places such as Trafalgar Square and Westminster Palace.

Infront of Liverpool football Stadium

The Beatles Stadium

 After spending few hours visiting and shopping, we proceeded to the Gatwick Airport for return flight to Kuala Lumpur. In winter, the daytime was shorter, as a result, we could not visit other interesting places in London. We hope to come again one day during summer or spring vacation.

AUTUMN HOLIDAY IN SOUTH KOREA

It was my dream to visit South Korea as there are many beautiful places and sceneries especially during autumn, winter and spring. When I was told by my parents that all of us would be spending a autumn holiday in South Korea in November 2014, it was indeed a dream comes true for me.

We departed Kuala Lumpur to South Korea in mid November 2014 via AirAsia flight from LCCT, KLIA Airport and the to Seoul took almost 6 hours to touch down at Incheon Airport, South Korea. Our companions in South Korea for this holiday were Malaysian students acted as our tour guides. 

The trip was a 6 days trip with pre-arranged tight schedule. We decided to stay at Itaewon Inn which we booked via online booking. The reason for choosing Itaewon District was because it is a tourist area with many muslim restaurants and where the Itaewon Mosque is located, the only mosque in Seoul.

The view of South Korea

As we arrived at late afternoon, nothing much we could do except resting at the hotel. On the 2^nd day, we went to Everland Theme Park by train for 45 minutes ride. The theme park is located outside Seoul and we spent almost whole day time at the park. On the 3^rd day, we went to Nami Island by multi purpose vehicle (MPV). The tour guides told us the journey by road would take approximately 2 hours. However due to heavy traffic on the weekend and religious festival held at the island, we spend almost 6 hours journey and arrived Nami Island at almost sunset. As a result, we could not photographed beautiful scenery in the island and left at 9 pm. We ended our day trip by taking a cruise ride at the Hang Gang River to catch the night view of Seoul for one hour ride.

safely arrived at Nami Island

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The schedule of our 4^th day trip was visiting Mount Sorak which took one and half hours drive. Upon arrival, we took a cable car to reach the top of the mountain. We spent forty-five minutes at the top of the mountain and the scenery at the top is very beautiful. The next day, we went to Namdemun Market for shopping. We took the apportunity to buy some souvenirs, bags and clothes. Generally the prices of goods are more expensive there. After spending one hour there, we continued our shopping at Dongdaemun Market and returned to our hotel in the evening.

On the final day in Seoul, we did not go anywhere as we had to be at the Incheon Airport early in the morning to catch the return flight to Kuala Lumpur. The 6 days trip was not enough for us to cover other interesting places such as Busan and Jeju Island which are located at the south of South Korea. We hope we would come back one day later to spend winter holiday in other tourist’s attraction places. Although the short trip was very tiring especially travelling via train from one place to another but we really enjoyed our autumn holiday in Seoul, South Korea.