Day 1: Arrival in Kuala Lumpur

Part 1 of 10
September 13, 2013
Arrival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia


This is our annual trip with my Ateis. We were able to grab another seat sale to Malaysia and Singapore through the Airasia and PAL respectively.

We arrived in the Low Cost Carrier Terminal in Kuala Lumpur in a good afternoon of September 13. LCCT is much like the Terminal 4 of our NAIA and is catering to most AirAsia flights to Malaysia.

After grabbing our bags and passing through Malaysian immigration, we bought our tickets from upon exiting the arrival area. The bus ride costs RM 9 (or approximately Php 130.00) and will be in KL Sentral MTR Station in an hour.

Since we didn't know how to get to our hotel from the KL Sentral station, we decided to grab a taxi to Hotel Al Jafs - which is our first interaction with the tuts taxi drivers. :( We were initially quoted RM 45 to the Hotel but we haggled it to RM 38. After 10 minutes, we were dropped in front of Hotel Al Jafs.

CHECKING IN THE HOTEL

Hotel Al Jafs is near Bukit Bintang, and may be the best hotel we had so far. The hotel owner was kind enough to change our large RMs to smaller ones. Our supposed room had some maintenance works during our arrival, but he was kind enough to make us stay to 2 rooms, without charging us extra. He was also kind enough to buy us some adapters since Malaysia has different outlets than we have in the Philippines.

More of Hotel Al Jafs, on my hotel review entry.


WALKING AROUND KUALA LUMPUR

When I was looking for our Kuala Lumpur accommodations, I am particular in the area. We wanted to be on the area near to basic food area - Bukit Bintang and Jalan Alor. Good thing, our hotel is just 5 minutes away from Jalan Alor.

Off to Jalan Alor

So after a quick freshening up, we walked around and found ourselves in Jalan Alor - aka the KL Food Central. We were quite early in the area, some of the vendors are just setting up. We grabbed a quick late lunch at Fat Brothers Barbeque and finished with the Turkish ice cream.

The famous food street in Bukit Bintang

Shrimps ready for grilling

Their street version of hot pot. The tube below is connected to an LPG tank and the vendor will turn it on for you. Once the water is boiling, you can blanch everything. :)

Their Street version of Hot pot. 

After the quick lunch, we decided to walk around KL through the main avenue. Petronas Tower or the twin towers of Kuala Lumpur is just 20 minutes walk from Hotel Al Jafs. We passed by KL Tower as well, and a small park along the main avenue.

Standard Chartered building

KL Tower

The twin towers

We never missed visiting any bookstore when we are on the road. Kinokuniya was the biggest bookstore chain in Kuala Lumpur and probably the best one we visited so far.

TIPS:

1. The taxi was definitely a rip off. The Hotel owner mentioned it was only RM 15 from KL Sentral to Hotel Al Jafs. But since we were tired on a long day, the taxi was a good pahingahan. Just like the same countries we have been to, make sure you haggle.

2. Do not miss Jalan Alor. It was a food heaven, you can find various cuisines - from Chinese to Malay to Indian. We loved the kitchens along the street. Just be adventurous!

3. Make sure you wear comfortable clothes. And bring an umbrella. Malaysia is a tropical country, you never know when it will rain or not. Umbrella will also protect you from the sun.

I'm back with few announcements!

I missed my blog. I have 3 months worth of backlogs, 3 country travel notes and a lot more pictures to stamp.

I'm so sorry (as if andaming nagbabasa ng blog ko) for being MIA for the past 3 months. Its been a crazy, rollercoaster ride last quarter for me.

I have yet to write my entries on my Singapore and Malaysia trip last September but I would like to skip that on this entry, since my Japan trip was the highlight of my year.

MY NEW STATUS

Yes, I am getting married next year. My boyfriend of 7 years proposed at our Hakone trip on our 7th anniversary last November. It was an unexpected event, but we have been jokingly talking about marriage since we entered our 5th year. We are not serious then though, but simply parinig and sharing pictures via Pinterest.

I won't go so much on the proposal details, kasi hindi naman talaga that sweet, down-on-his-knees proposal. We are on a ship with many, many people and we don't want to have that spotlight on us. In any way, we are not that typical couple of sweet nothings.

MOVING ON

Since I have been busy gathering stuff about weddings and reading wedding blogs, I missed out that I have a travel blog to maintain. I am back to the writing dashboard, rest assured that I will be finishing all the trip entries within the year.

And also, due to my (our na pala) priorities next year, travel has to take a backseat and maybe, all the travels that I will have are only work related. Buti na lang, my job gives me the opportunity to travel once in a while. But will still squeeze in some leisurely side trips after work.

AND MY NEW PROJECT 2014

I know, I am having troubles on maintaining this one, but I would like to help others on their wedding needs, so I decided to create a blog that would cater on them. Though I am still thinking if I would just write the entries on this blog and just create tabs for weddings.

I have few more days to finish things up and decide on the new project, and I better start now! :)

Japan Visa: How to Apply and Increase your chances of getting approved

Note: This is only a guide and suggestions - based on my personal experience and presented in a subjective manner. This will not answer your Visa problems, but hopefully will help you in preparing your Japan Visa requirements.


SEPTEMBER 2013

My Japan visit is long overdue. My boyfriend of 6 years is an Filipino Engineer, working for the last 5 years in Japan. We have been preparing for my visit years ago, but it was only this year that we had the courage to push them through.

Although I have a "friend" living in Japan, I should have applied for "Visiting Relatives/ Friends" status in the Visa application. However, I find it very tedious for me and my boyfriend to prepare all the documents needed, so we decided to apply on "Tourist" status instead. Less documents will be prepared and you will not bother your friend or relative the Japanese documents needed.

We planned that during our anniversary this November, I get to visit him. Japan Visa is valid for 3 months - starting from the actual date of approval. September is definitely a good month for my application - November falls somewhere in between the validity.


THE PREPARATION

PinoyExchange Japan Visa Section is of great help for me. I have been reading all the recent posts (2011 onwards) to understand the what not's and what to's on the application. There are some suggestions on the how much money should you have in the bank, and if you are lucky, some of the applicants post their profile and what they have submitted during their application.

Aside from document preparation, you must know that you can only apply through Japanese Embassy- accredited travel agencies. List are down below:


THE REQUIREMENTS

For Tourist Visa application, the requirements are as follows:

1. Birth certificate
2. Application form
3. Valid Passport
4. Japanese visa sized ID picture
5. Tour Itinerary
6. ITR
7. Bank Balance Certificate

Here are the documents that I submitted for my application and some notes.

What I submitted. 

Itinerary. This is the exact itinerary I submitted to Friendship Tours. 

APPLICATION

I went to Friendship Travel and Tours in Dusit Thani early Friday morning to submit my documents. I chose Friendship Tours since I read many good reviews from this agency - and all of it is true.

The agent who checked my requirements is so helpful and fast. They have a checklist of what you submitted, making sure you have complete requirements. Once checked, you have to pay Php 1,200.00 for the Visa application fee. They will give you a receipt that you need to present upon claiming of your passport.

The agent also explained to me that since it was a Friday and there is no Embassy on the weeken, Monday is the earliest submission of my passport to the Embassy. 7 days is the longest processing time, but passports can be claimed as early as the third day.

Make sure you have complete documents so the checking and transaction will be faster. I came in at 8:30am and I am done by 8:45am (I have to leave since I still have work).


WAITING TIME

I was informed that I can follow up my application status as early as Tuesday afternoon. Friendship Tours has a scheduled follow up time, which is 4:00 - 6:00pm.

I called up Tuesday but was informed that my passport is not back yet. I was asked to call up the next day. Wednesday came, and when I called up, agent congratulated me because I have 15-day Visa to Japan.

The very next day, I dropped by their office to get my passport, around 8:15am and the Japanese agent accommodated me, despite formal opening hour is at 8:30am.

My approved visa. (Personal details are removed)

NOTES:

1. The best advice is that you should present enough and valid documents that would justify your ties with the Philippines. An Employment Certificate is a best example of this - meaning, you have a reason to go back to the Philippines.

2. Aside from COE, I attached my Leave form, indicating that I am only allowed to be off my job on certain dates.

3. Your itinerary should be plain and simple. Make sure you research on the places to visit. Japan Guide is the best source of information for this (You can also use my Itinerary as well).

4. Your bank account should complement your itinerary and your profile. If you are a student with Php 200,000.00 in your bank account, they will doubt you on how you come up with that money. Similarly, if you have indicated a 4-day stay, having Php 500,000.00 on your bank account will also give raised eyebrows. They would think that if you have that big amount, then, you can stay longer in Japan - thus TNT.

5. Tokyo will definitely need more money than Osaka and Kyoto. Make sure you take into account the transportation, lodging and food on your bank balance certificate.

6. More passport/ immigration stamps will help you. This means you are a traveller and thus, tourism is the only reason for you to visit Japan. Although there are some first timers who were able to have Japan Visa, they might have presented some documents that convinced the Japan Embassy.

7. MOST IMPORTANTLY, Your documents will talk for you. There is no personal appearance in the Japanese Embassy, you cannot defend yourself to them. They won't give you their reason for denial either.

I hope this will help you in preparing for your Japan Visa application. I will answer your questions if I can. :)

Staying safe and secure: Pacsafe Locks

I want to think that I am a traveller, thus, I want to make sure I won't experience the dreadful things that happened to my own kababayans when they go out abroad. Being safe and secure, not only during your flight and while on the road is a must. You will never know who handles your luggage while being transported on their respective baggage doors.

The same as my bag, I was in the look for a good lock for my baggage. I used an ordinary (yet colorful) lock when we did our Indochina trip last year, but I kept on misplacing (or sort of losing) the keys. So this time, I was thinking, should I get the key card or the key-based again?

I religiously pass by any of the bag and luggage stores when I see them. Travel club and ROX both have a huge collection of TSA approved locks, but I can't seem to find the one that calls me when I first laid my eyes on them. My second resort, SM.

Just late last week, I was able to find the lock I was looking for. My main consideration is that something that I won't lose. Second is that it should be TSA approved (for added security and peace of mind). Luckily, I passed by the luggage section of SM and skimmed through the Pacsafe section and found these babies!

My new lock(s)!

One, this solves my problem of losing and misplacing the keys. It comes with keycards, 2 of them, one that you can place in your wallet and another on your travel notebook (if it has inner pockets, like mine) or your passport holder. Each lock has a keycard identification card, which tells you what is the card's ID is. In cases that you misplace them or break them, as long as you know the one letter identification, Pacsafe can give you the replacement for the keycards.

The holes are the "keys" for the lock. Insert it on the slot and push and voila! It will open. 

I bought mine in the set of two, since I am more of a backpack lady and is very happy with all sorts of zippers and closures.

Two keys, one card. (I stored already the other in case). Two set of holes on either side of the keycard. You can use either side when opening your locks. 

Pacsafe keys are TSA approved. And according to the one that assisted me (thanks for the lessons buddy!), should there be random inspections in the airport and your bag was selected, you do not need to go to the baggage department and open it for them. Pacsafe has the TSA master key, which the customs and inspectors have. It saves you the hassle of running in the long airport hallways and coming back.

Will road test my new lock as we go to a 10-day trip in Malaysia and Singapore by the end of this coming week! :)

Now, I am back to writing down directions.

New Travel Buddy (yet again): High Sierra Access Bag (45Liters)

I think I will never stop finding a new travel buddy. Last year, I ended up bringing a TNF bag for our Indochina trip, but I was not happy on how it fits my body. Similarly, despite its size, the back panel is such a space limiting, I cannot maximize its space.

Now, I am on the trial of this new travel buddy. And hopefully, this will be the last. Introducing Cess.

I was able to buy this bag at 40% discount. High Sierra is known for the travel and school bags that are quality made. My new buddy is the biggest of their bag line, a 45-L backpack.

Backpack Specifications

One thing I loved with this bag is that it has that many pockets. Many pockets mean many compartments, thus, bigger space.

Front Shot

The easy access pocket is on the top, where you can put your MP3. Two smaller pockets are in the front panel, one which can hold your mobile phone, or things that should be access readily. The bigger pocket contains a organizer - for your pens, probably your passport, and other documents. It has two zippers, which means you can lock it.

Easy access pocket on top. Two views of the inside pockets of 2nd compartment

The main compartments are divided into two. The first is a smaller one, which this time, contains my undergarments and my sleeping clothes. The bigger one, has two zippers. The main with two, which you can lock and the tech spot zipper - which you can use when you need to grab your laptop without opening the main zippers.

Left: Small Compartment 1; Right: Big Compartment 2 (with laptop and document packets)

The bigger compartment can hold your laptop, documents that should not be folded and your clothes.

(Left) Opened zips for big compartment. (Right) The tech spot zip. 

One more thing that I liked about this bag is that it has its waist band, a back support and a chest band. This means you can keep your bag secured on your body as you travel with it. There is also a detachable cellphone pouch at the shoulder pad.

(Left) Cellphone pouch. (Right) Packet for waistband.

Similarly, it has hidden pocket that can store your waist band if you are not using it.

Aside from the front panel zippers, it has its side panel slot which can also store several more items. Side panels are garterized, which you can put your water bottles while on the road.

Side compartments. 

Probably the best thing in this bag is the inclusion of this rain cover, which can be accessed at the bottom of the bag. It is sewn on the packet, so you won't lose it. Unfortunately, it comes only in one color - yellow- but at least you can see if from afar.

(Left) Accessing the rain cover from the bottom of the bag. (Right) Bag in its rain cover. 

I will be road testing Cess in my upcoming 10-day trip in Singapore and Malaysia. Will be posting updates when I am about to finish packing so we can see the full extent of it. :)

Yoga Studio in the Metro: Urban Ashram Manila

Since the weather on the second quarter of the year is very unpredictable, I cannot continue my running at the tracks. In as much as I would like to enroll in the gym, membership fees are beyond my reach. My only option in maintaining weight is indoor fitness.

Good thing, I stumbled upon dealgrocer's coupon on a yoga studio, which I was eyeing since my birth month. I got the 25-day unlimited pass for Php 2,500 for Urban Ashram Manila.

UAM in Highstreet

I am on my 7th day of yoga class (as of this writing), much more of after work workout. I have been to their two studios - Brixton, Pasig and ActivFun, Highstreet.

The Studio

Honestly, it is small yet homey studio. Brixton studios has 4 rooms, Highstreet studio has 2 rooms - which can turn into a big room if the class calls for it.

Brixton Studio room

Each studio branch has shower room, locker room and toilets, separately for men and women. Drinking station is also available, the studio calls for their students to bring their personal containers. Should you forgot yours, you can buy paper cups for 5 pesos.

Locker room at Brixton

Toilet at Brixton

Shower room at Brixton

Yogini : Women's locker room

I attend usually the night classes, and bringing a yogamat is such a hassle. UAM has yogamats, which are sanitized every class. But for hygienic purposes, they highly recommend their students to bring their personal mats.

The Classes

There are different classes offered by Urban Ashram Manila. I attend the Flexibility Not Required (FNR) class, which are classes for the beginners or less experienced yoga students. As the class title is, the teachers do not expect you to do the "exorcist" poses, but gives you different options for each pose, if you can't do it. The FNR class lasts for 75 minutes.

The class usually have 10-15 students, males and females. I had male and female teachers. The first part of class is to clear your mind of the stress and bring your awareness to your body. After this, you will learn different poses, and by the end of the class, you will have to relax your body again.

I observed that when we had classes with male teachers, during the ending relaxation, they would open the doors - making us, female students, comfortable and feel safe as the light is turned off.

My Verdict

I love attending classes in UAM. As a yoga first timer, you don't feel intimated with the teachers and more experienced co-students. Teachers check your pose, and when they see you with the incorrect pose, they would go to your station and help you correct it by guiding your body and repeat the instructions.

The teachers are very friendly, they find time to be available after each session, and talk with you.

After my 25-day class, I will definitely continue my yoga classes with UAM.

Website: www.urbanashrammanila.com

Branches:
Brixton: Unit 302, 3 Brixton Building, Kapitolyo, Pasig City

High Street: 3rd floor, ActivFun Bldg, 9th corner 28th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City

Manila Ocean Park: A Holiday Destination

Finally, I am writing this just a day after our trip. I love long holidays! :) Anyway, since it was a holiday yesterday because of Eid'l Flt'r and we were able to score discounted tickets for Manila Ocean Park from Metrodeal, we decided to use it for the Holiday.

MOP Wall - most of the visitors have their pictures taken with this wall. :)

It was my second time in Manila Ocean Park, but it was a first time for my mom and my sister. We arrived at Manila Ocean Park at 10:30, got in the line for redeeming the coupons (the line is very long), and finally we were able to get in by 11:15. Our first stop, The Birds of Prey.


The Birds of Prey Kingdom

This was the first attraction that will greet you as you enter the main building. The Birds of Prey Kingdom houses several brahminy kites - also known as red backed sea eagle from Australia. They would fly freely as you walk at the boards. You can also have your pictures taken with them.

The Brahminy Kites of MOP. 

Main Oceanarium

After a quick visit with the birds, the main oceanarium was our next stop. The main oceanarium houses about 250 species of marine life, endemic to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Some of the famous fishes that you can find are the kois, regal tang (just like the short-term memory loss Dory from Finding Nemo), clownfish (Nemo of Finding Nemo), manta rays, sting rays and sharks.

(From left, clockwise) Golsfishes, Parrot fish, Albino fish, Scorpion Fish

(From Left, clockwise) Sting ray, Koi, Longhorn cowfish, Sac shark

(From L-R) Clownfish, Nautilus, Stonefish

It will be a quick walk, if you don't stop and take pictures of everything, in an hour, you'll be out of the big aquarium. You can proceed to the fish spa which is located at the upper floor of the oceanarium.


Trails of Antartica

You will pass by the Fish Spa and Glass Bottom Boat ride as you walk towards Trails of Antartica. There are three mini-attractions inside: The Slide O'Fun features a slide ride for a minute. You can have your pictures taken as you go down the slide.

Trails of Antartica houses several penguins, which you can personally feed.

Penguins

Aside from these two, you can visit the Snow Village as well, to experience the coldness of Antartica.

Jellies

After the Trails of Antartica, we were up to our next stop at the Jellies. It was probably my favorite attraction - the Jellies are like dancing sea creatures and very colorful.

Marine Life Habitat and Sea Lion Show

There are two main shows at Manila Ocean Park - The All-Star Bird Show and The Sea Lion Show. Our tickets originally include The All-Star Bird Show but by the time we get our tickets, the All Star Bird Show was already full. The Sea Lion Show was part of the original ticket, we managed to get at the 3:30pm show.

The Sea Lion Show features two sealions - Aira and Isha - two of the four sealions living at Manila Ocean Park, aside from one male (a total of 5 sealions). The show is interactive, it involves the audience as well, and if you're lucky enough, you get to see them upclose and have them kiss you. :D

Manila Ocean Park is a far cry from Hong Kong Ocean Park - which also features rides and other attractions. Aside from the features, the access to the Ocean Parks are far from one another. I hope there was a shuttle bus to Manila Ocean Park from Mall of Asia and vice versa. By this, they can attract more visitors by ease of access.


Directions to Manila Ocean Park:

From North and East of NCR (Caloocan, Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Makati, Taguig, Pateros, Pasay)

1. Take EDSA.
2. When you get to Roxas Boulevard, take a right turn towards US Embassy and Luneta Park.
3. Turn left when you see Quirino Grandstand (Manila Ocean Park marker can be seen).

When coming from Manila:

1. Take a PUJ to Luneta.
2. Walk for about 30 minutes toward Quirino Grandstand, passing by the Rizal monument and carabao monument.
3. Manila Ocean Park can be found at the back of the Quirino Grandstand.

When coming from South of NCR (Muntinlupa, etc)

1. Take Baclaran road towards Roxas Blvd.
2. Traverse Roxas Blvd until you reach the US Embassy and turn left when you see Quirino Grandstand.

Travel tips:

1. Visit Manila Ocean Park at its opening hours. You can avoid the rush of guests.
2. Take the afternoon shows for All Star Bird Shows and Sea Lion Show. If you can get the succeeding shows, get it. :)