21 September 2017

KL TravelPass Ticket KLIA, KLIA2 Airport to Kuala Lumpur Sentral Malaysia

KL TravelPass offers travellers airport transfers from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and KLIA2 on KLIA Ekspres high-speed train to KL Sentral, Kuala Lumpur City centre and Klang Valley, to connect Malaysia rail network - MRT, LRT and Monorail, Rapid KL buses and KTM Komuter rail services.

Similarly to London Heathrow Express Train Tickets and Oyster Card, Hong Kong Airport Express Travel Pass and Octopus Card, the integrated transport  KL TravelPass card with TouchnGo, provides tourists and locals a seamless travel experience on rail network around Kuala Lumpur city tourists attractions, surrounding suburbs as well as to pay for purchases at selected retail, food and beverages outlets.

Developed by Prasarana Malaysia Berhad and Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd, the KL TravelPass was launched by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Executive Chairman of ERL, YBhg. Tan Sri Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh; Chief Executive Officer of Suruhanjaya Pengangkutan Awam Darat, Azharuddin Mat Sah; Chief Executive Officer of Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd, YBhg Dato’ Ir. Zohari Sulaiman and Chief Executive Officer of ERL, Noormah Mohd Noor.
 

 
Prasarana Malaysia Berhad is the operator for Kuala Lumpur LRT (three networks),  KL MRT, KL Monorail including bus services of Rapid KL, Rapid Penang, Rapid Kuantan and Rapid Kamunting.

Express Rail Link operates KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit high-speed train services connecting Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA & KLIA2) and the city. The non-stop 57-km journey on KLIA Ekspres between KL Sentral and KLIA takes only 28 minutes. Passengers can also take a 3-minute ride between KLIA2 and KLIA. The KLIA Transit service stops at three intermediate stations Bandar Tasik Selatan, Putrajaya & Cyberjaya and Salak Tinggi.

 
The KL TravelPass airport transfer card is available for sale at KLIA Ekspres Ticket Counters in KLIA, KLIA2 and Departure Hall, KL Sentral and priced at RM70 for single trip and RM115 for return trips  (A 6% GST charge of RM0.30 is applicable on the card price of RM5), inclusive of two days of unlimited rides on KL MRT, LRT and monorail. For travelling on Rapid KL buses and KTM Komuter rail services or to pay for purchases, simply add cash value to the KL TravelPass.

14 September 2017

Lake Toba Medan Indonesia travel guide holiday attractions must visit list

Lake Toba, Sipiso-piso waterfall, Parapat, Samoir Island, Berastagi Gunaling hill with views of volcanos Mount Sibayak and Mount Sinabung, Blue Lake Sibolangit waterfall, Taman Alam Lumbini Golden Pagoda Natural Park, Maimoon Palace, Mesjid Raya Al Mashun mosque are must visit attractions located in Medan and beyond, in North Sumatra Wonderful Indonesia.
 

Poised to be Indonesia ecotourism destination and top 10 must visit places in Indonesia, the fascinating lake toba flora and fauna greenery is set to be even more magnificent with new flower park and millions of new trees to be planted by 2019 through sustainable tourism planning.
 
Lake Toba, North Sumatra Indonesia (Medan to Danau Toba approx 4-5 hours drive)
 
Mejuah-juah ! Crater Lake toba (Danau Toba) in Medan Indonesia is the 2nd largest and deepest volcanic lake in the world.
 
 
The picturesque lake toba is a spectacular sight to behold with its breath-taking enchanting views amidst rolling green hills, colourful flora, primeval forest and gentle breeze climate at approximately 900 meters above sea level.
 
Rest, relax and recharge yourself in Lake toba pristine postcard perfect scenery and infinity instagramable places for ultimate holiday memories.
 
Sipiso-piso waterfall Indonesia (from Berastagi 45-minute drive)
 
Sipiso-piso waterfall Indonesia is the largest and highest plunge waterfall at 120 meters formed from a river cave in Karo Highlands at 800 meters above sea level.
 
 
Surrounded by enthralling flora greenery, Sipiso-piso waterfall with its cascading water forms rainbow hues as it descends in the gorge captivates  travellers to soak in the extraordinary panoramic views of northern Lake toba as its enchanting backdrop.

Nature lovers could trek to Tongging village and be right next to the magical waterfall in around 30 minutes.
 
Berastagi Karo highlands, Indonesia (from Medan, 2 hours drive)
 
With an altitude of 4595 feet above sea level, the beautiful city of Berastagi charms visitors pleasantly with cool climate of 18-26 degrees all year round with lush flora and fauna greenery, fruits picking farms and fresh vegetation.
 
Gundaling Hill in Berastagi offers alluring views of dormant volcano Mount Sibayak and active volcano Mount Sinabung with hotsprings in the vicinity.
 

Adventurous travellers can hike up Mount Sibayak for magnificent views and see a sulphur crater lake or trek down to foothills (around 2-3hours trek) to Sibolangit waterfall or Blue Lake Sibolangit, renown for its magical light blue and white colours due to the high phosphorus and sulfur content from the volcano.
 
 
Mount Sinabung volcano erupted gas while we were on Gundaling Hill and volcanic ash landscape offered another insight of wonderful Indonesia.

 
Taman Alam Lumbini Berastagi
 
Taman Alam Lumbini natural park is a replica of the renown Shwedagon pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar and is the second highest replica golden Pagoda outside Myanmar and surrounded by strawberries fields, raspberry, avocado and orange farms.
 

Officially opened in 2010 with a beautiful garden park behind the Golden Pagodas, vegetarian restaurant and souvenir shop, Taman Alam Lumbini was inaugurated by 1300 monks and hundreds of Buddhist devotees at Tongkoh village, Dolat Rakyat, Berastagi during the celebration.
 
Berastagi Market
 
Berastagi fruit market beckons with countryside pony rides and horse drawn carriages, fresh strawberries and raspberries, beautiful flowers stalls and local village food.

 
Berastagi produces Marquisa passion fruits, oranges, strawberries, raspberries, avocado, mangos, melons, pineapples, carrots, vegetables and beautiful flowers like lavender and hydrangea with fruit picking farm tours available.
 

Fruit and veggies lovers, flowers fans rejoice as you take your pick for fresh fruits - strawberries IDR15,000 a pack, avocado around IDR20,000/kg, egg mango or mangosteen at IDR25,000/kg.
 

Enjoy a bowl of home style Indonesia's most famous instant noodles Indomie and a cup of piping hot Bandrek - a traditional popular Indonesian drink made from spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, palm sugar and condensed milk which Indonesians drink to keep warm in cool highlands or chilly  weather .
 

Sip a cup of Indonesia's  favourite Indocoffee and roasted sweet corn / sweet potato at local coffee shops in Berastagi market while admiring the soft cuddly rabbits opposite the flower shop during tea break.
 
 
Flying fox / fruit bats are the world's biggest bats and used in traditional medicine in Indonesia to treat asthma symptoms. We made a pit stop to visit a small flying fox farm before stopping for durians.
 

Take a break, have some durians at the local stalls stocked with abundant supply of decadent creamy Medan durians by native Karo villagers for sale at around IDR100,000 (USD7.50/MYR33/SGD10.50) for 3 durians, compared to Medan city for double the price. Most of the durians are collected from Berastagi villages before transporting to Medan city centre for sale.

Indonesia Berastagi hotels, resorts and accommodation in the vicinity

Berastagi cottage hotel sits on an immaculate flora landscape garden of a hill slope with Mount Sinabung view and a stone throw away from Berastagi local fruit market.
 

Mikie holiday resort hotel 4 star accommodation with weekend Funland theme park attraction offers 35 fun rides, carnival games and paint ball activities is the perfect choice for families with children and located in Sempajaya on a gentle hill.
 
 
 
Hotel Sibeyak 4 star resort with President Suite and white washed cottages is located on the foothills of Gundaling Hill, just five minutes walk to Berastragi fruit, vegetables and flower market. Reservations: res@hotelsibayak.com

 
Relax at the delightful Taman Simalem nature five stars agro resort on Merek Hill, Berastagi consisting of villa hotel hostel lodge, restaurants, golf course, Buddhist temple with carved statues from Fujian China, Batak cultural centre, mini zoo, flower nursery, orange, mango and passion fruit orchard, agriculture research centre, a natural river running through the sprawling resort with a spellbinding panorama bird's eye view of Lake Toba and beyond at 1200 meters above sea level.
 
 
Explore day trips, sports adventure, just for kids activities, cultural batik weaving handicrafts, art gallery, eco green activities tree planting, flower nursery, golfing, trekking, camping activities and more.

Dine in at Taman Simalem resort cafes and restaurants like Teahouse Chinese cuisine, toba cafe for quick bites,  Kodon Kodon rainforest Cafe, Pengambatan Asian and western style cafe and Afro organic cafe, most with views of Lake Toba and Mount Sinabung volcano at the hidden pearl of Lake Toba.

Taman Simalem resort offers a range of accommodation at Tongging Point Hotel, Waterfall Lodge Villa hotel lodge and Sidompak Camping for travellers with different needs and budgets and is located at Km 9, Jalan Raya Merek – Sidikalang, North Sumatera Indonesia. For reservation, email info@tamansimalem.com.

Parapat / Prapat Indonesia ( from Medan approx 5-6 hours drive)
 
Horas ! Visit beautiful Parapat and wake up to wonderful views of crystal clear lake toba, misty mountains and blue sky at Inna Parapat hotel, situated in front of the lake with its own private jetty.
 
 
Inna Parapet hotel sits on the sunsoaked lake front with alluring mountainous lake views and is located at Jl. Marihat No. 1 – Parapet,Lake Toba, North Sumatra Indonesia.
 
 
If you happen to be in Parapat on Saturday, visit the Pekan Tigaraja weekend market just next to the ferry pier and Inna Parapat hotel for local Batak handicrafts, fruit, flowers and more by the local farmers and  villagers.
 
Samoir Island Lake Toba Tomok / Tuk Tuk (Approximately 50 mins from Parapet pier)

Take a ferry cruise to Samoir island the largest volcanic island in Toba Lake and encounter the mythical legends of King Sidabutar, experience Tor-tor dance by Batak tribe of Christian beliefs living in traditional bolon house with peak roof in Tomok village, explore Lake Aek Natonang and Lake Sidihoni, renown as lakes above lake.
 
 
Try Batak toba local staple food - mie gomak, a curry noodle with condiment, Sidak fish or shop for ulos traditional woven cotton fabric for gifts or souvenirs at Samoir island or Parapat.
 

Most of the stalls retail similar items, do negotiate and typically you could purchase a batik shirt for IDR60,000 and a scarf for IDR50,000.


Samosir attractions on the island include Pusuk Buhit dormant volcano, 1800metres above lake toba with Aek rangat sulfur hotsprings at the foot of the mountain, Binangalm waterfall, Batak ulos cloth weaving at Lumban suhi-suhi village, Batak museum tomok, Sigale gale puppet show or simply hike, trek, kayak, jet ski, swim or cruise in the crystal clear lake.
 
 
On your cruise back to the Parapet hotels, keep a lookout for Batu Gantung hanging rock on the edge of a mountain which resembles a lady.
 
 
Silangit Airport (approximately 2h+ drive from Parapat)
 
Take a 45 mins flight from the new Silangit airport to Medan Airport - Kuala Namu on Garuda Airlines, Sriwijaya Air, Susi Air or it's only a couple of hours away for 90Km drive.
 

 
Medan City Tour, Indonesia
 
Medan is the capital of South Sumatra and the largest fourth city in Indonesia after Jakarta, Surabaya and Bandung with new Kualanamu international airport (KNO) as gateway to Lake toba and beyond.
 
Maimoon Palace Medan / Istana Maimun is the royal residence for Sultanate of Deli and was built in 1888 during Dutch colonial times with Malay, Moghal and European influences across its 30 rooms and sprawling gardens, just next to great mosque of Medan, the Al-Maksum mosque.
 

The Istana main throne room functions as a museum attraction with historical artefacts and Maimoon palace offers a heritage insight to the majestic grandeur of inauguration throne, golden royal bedroom and state meeting rooms.
 
Visitors could dress up as Sultanate royalty in traditional Malay costumes for an incredibly small fee from RP10,000 (approximately from USD 80 cents/ SGD 1.10, MYR 3.30) depending on your choice of costumes, accessories like gold necklaces, diamanté tiaras, rubies, ceremonial kerises daggers and even gold shoes!
 

Onsite photographers are available and would take your photographs for you, print and deliver your very own royalty momento to the hotels in the city from only RP25,000 per copy.
 
Mesjid Raya Al Mashun mosque was built in 1906 and is reminiscent of the great mosque in Banda Aceh. Beautifully built and maintained, it's certainly instagram worthy to visit the biggest mosque in Medan at Jalan Sisingamamangaraja, Medan Kota.
 
 
Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni is a majestic Marian Shrine dedicated to Mary, Our Lady of Good Health with a chapel of Annai Velangkanni and a garden for Marian Pope John Paul II.
 
The Medan Indian Catholic Church's impressive Indo/Mogul architecture, intricate designs and towering temple design draws devotees, visitors and tourists to step into the community hall on the ground hall, worship place on the first floor with balcony and a seven storey tower with triple domes symbolizing Heaven, home of God.

 
Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni was built in 2005 and is located at Jl.Sakura III, No.7-10 Tanjung Selamat, Medan 20134, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia  
 
Gunung Timut  (Temple of eastern mountain/Yuk tong kuang) Chinese temple at Jalan Hang Tuah, next to Babura river is the largest Taoist Temple in Medan with devoutees in droves during Chinese festival celebrations.
 
 
Sri Mariamman temple in Medan is the oldest Hindu temple and was built in 1884. Adjacent to sun plaza, Sri Mariamman temple is at Teuku Umar 18, Kampung Madras, Medan.
 
 
Durian lovers can look forward to indulge in Medan durians, known for its lighter taste and goes extremely well with sweet glutinous rice and cockles satay at popular Ucok Durian Shop.

Takeaway boxes of durian prices range from IDR100,000 to IDR250,000 (approx. USD19/MYR81/SGD26)
 
 
Medan souvenir shopping includes Bolu Meranti sponge cake, Bika Ambon Zulayka cake, Napoleon cake, Indo coffee, Sido Muncul ginger tea and tingting ginger sweet.

Medan is famous for Indonesia food, do embark on a culinary delicacy tour in the city. Rumah Makan Sinar Pagi Indonesian food,  Bihun Bebek Kumango Koh Asia noodles, Jalan Perniagaan roti canai, Tip top restaurant colonial deco with charcoal oven opened since 1929 and bakery cake shop next door are some popular restaurants. Try local street foods at Merdeka Walk or while zipping across the city in motorised rickshaws becak or toyoko.
 


Medan shopping at Centerpoint mall with anchor tenants H&M, Lotte Supermarket, Ace Hardware, restaurants, cafes and more.

Popular Medan hotels - JW Marriott Hotel, Grand Aston City and Danau Toba hotel are all in the vicinity together with Medan rooms stays budget accommodation for everyone to visit the beautiful Medan city.
 
 
Grand Aston city hotel in Medan is a five stars property home away from home, located in the heart of the city, directly opposite airport railway station (30mins ride from Medan Kualanamu international airport, ticket IDR80,000), Merdeka Walk market and Centerpoint shopping mall.


 Airlines to Medan Indonesia Kualanamu international airport includes AirAsia from Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, Indo AirAsia, Batik Air, Malindo Air, Lion Air, Garuda airlines from Singapore and Jakarta, Singapore Airlines, Silkair, Jetstar Asia.
 
Lake Toba Medan Travel destinations Indonesia
 
Best weather to visit Medan : Dry season April to September, wet season October to March.
 
Lake toba festivals in Indonesia : Lake Toba festival, Coffee Festival Toba, Samoir Jazz festivals, usually May to November, check Wonderful Indonesia travel events page for latest updates
 
 

Suggested Medan Indonesian itineraries: Medan, Lake Toba, Berstragi, Gunaling Hill, Sipiso-piso waterfall, Mount Sibayak crater, Sibolangit blue waterfall, Mount Sinabung,  Taman Simelan eco resort, Parapat, Samoir Island.
 

 
AirAsia flights from Malaysia to Indonesia Bali, Bandung, Banda Aceh, Jakarta, Lombok, Makassar, Medan, Manado. Padang, Palembang, Pekanbaru, Pontianak, Semarang, Solo, Surabaya and Yogyakarta - 16 different cities with more than 350 times weekly flights including Kuching to Pontianak to explore Indonesia, the biggest country in South East Asia.
 

Singapore to Medan flights (flight time from Singapore 90 minutes) includes Garuda Indonesia, Singapore Airlines, Silkair, Jetstar Asia or via Kuala Lumpur by Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia , Batik Air,  Malindo Air and Lion Air (flight time from Kuala Lumpur 60 minutes).

Garuda Indonesia Medan Singapore holiday packages with spa and shopping options starts from S$299

Visit Wonderful Indonesia to discover the wonderful wonders and Thank you Wonderful Indonesia for the warm hospitality.

Dior Homme Fall Winter 2017 | 2018 Show Sunglasses HarDior designer eyewear shades

HarDior by Dior Homme Winter 2017/18 Show is the new iconic sunglasses with cutting edge design and electric colours, inspired by the rave and newave spirit.  Hardior sunglasses features an almost flat rectangular mirror effect mask on a fine metallic frame, creating an unique structural design and a break away from the usual aviator style, oval, round, square frames sunglasses.
 
 
HarDior sunglasses delicate silver-tone metal structure with openwork temples matt black lacquered endtips with Dior Homme cut creates lightness while the wrap design mirrored lenses in silver, orange and green ensures 100% UV protection.
 
 
Dior Homme Winter 2017 HarDior sunglasses are available exclusively at Dior Homme boutiques and exquisite fine eyewear specialist stores worldwide.
 
 
 

13 September 2017

Jennifer Lopez | Celine Dion | Jaimie King - Celebrities in Elie Saab Sunglasses Designer eyewear

Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion and Jaimie King are some of the celebrities seen wearing Elie Saab eyewear sunglasses by Lebanese luxury fashion couture designer label. Elie Saab début eyewear collection 2017 inherits the elegant femininity glamour DNA that Elie Saab is renown for.
 
 
 
Inspired by the 70s fashion era, Elie Saab eyewear are defined by diamantes on the glamorous round and square frames akin to the elaborate embroideries on Haute Couture designer gowns, lending a touch of luxury to the exquisite Italian craftsmanship and Japanese technology.
 
 
Elie Saab Diamant sunglasses designs  with sparkling diamond cut Swarovski crystals exudes sophistication and are available exclusively at Elie Saab boutiques in Paris, London, New York, Mexico, Beirut, Dubai, Doha Qatar and eyewear specialists stores worldwide.


 

05 September 2017

Changi Airport T4 Singapore Shilla Duty Free SHINee | Red Velvet Beauty Concert at Suntec City

SHINee and Red Velvet K-pop groups will perform at Shilla Beauty Concert presented by Changi Airport Group and Shilla Duty Free Singapore in celebration of the new Shilla Duty Free store at  Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 4.
 
The Shilla Duty Free store at Changi Airport T4 will feature a seamless walkthrough duty-free shopping experience for travellers to purchase cosmetics, perfumes, liquor and tobacco, including new brands like Alexander McQueen, Bath & Body Works, Bentley, Diptyque and Hera in Changi’s Airport's first integrated duty-free zone at Terminal 4.
 

Sponsored by Samsung, Global Tax Free, Korea Tourism Organization and The Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Shilla Beauty Concert in Singapore at Suntec Convention Centre on 24 November 2017 tickets are available exclusively at The Shilla Duty Free stores located at Changi Airport Terminals 1, 2 & 3 (both transit and public areas) or online at iShopChangi.com.




Shop at Shilla Duty Free stores at Changi Airport or online at iShopChangi.com to redeem a pair of tickets to the Shilla Beauty Concert with spending of S$700 for a pair of Tier 1 tickets or S$500 for a pair of Tier 2 tickets from 15 September, limited to one pair per qualifying receipt. Ticket issuance is strictly limited to the first 2,000 registration. #ShillaBeautyConcert/ #ShillaDutyFreeSG / #ShilaSG / @Shilladutyfree.sg
 

 
 
 

14 March 2017

IPPUDO Japanese Bar Choinomi Sake Highball Beer Bar Food Singapore Offerings

IPPUDO Japanese Restaurant in Singapore, popular for its Hakata-style ramen added IPPUDO Choinomi set menu where diners can enjoy sips of sake, high ball, shochu,  draft beer or bottled beer with curated Otsumami Japanese bar food like Yakimono, agemono and street snacks.

Choinomi literally means a little drink - is a new culture where Japanese diners enjoy small quality alcoholic drinks with bar bites snacks at best-value prices, unwinding with friends after a hard day at work. IPPUDO is one of the first restaurants to introduce Choinomi concept in Singapore to enjoy Japanese bar food and drinks at most pocket friendly prices.


At IPPUDO media preview, SioButa, Eihire, menma, Yaki Ika and Crab Fritters were crowd favourites.
 
IPPUDO Mohamed Sultan Otsumami set exclusive includes highball drink or draft beer with Yakimono items like Eihire (grilled stingray fin), Yaki Ika (grilled squid), Short ribs, salmon belly while shochu drink with Nasu Miso and Crab Fritters are exclusive at IPPUDO Shaw Centre outlet.

Sake, bottled beer, SioButa (Grilled Bacon with Potato Salad),  Otsumami menma (seasoned bamboo), Chicken Namban, Chicken Karaage, Kani Cream Croquette, Pepper on Edamame, Shio Konbu Tofu, Takoyaki and Crispy Corn are available at both outlets.


IPPUDO Choinomi sets priced at S$9.90++ includes one sake/shochu/ highball/ bottle beer/ draft beef  +  one Otsumami  or Otsumami set priced at S$15++ with any 3 items from Otsumami menu will be available at IPPUDO Mohamed Sultan Izakawa style outlet, 207 River Valley Road, #01-55 /56, phone  6887 5315 (all night long starting 5.30pm onwards, from March 14) and at IPPUDO Shaw Centre smart casual style outlet 1 Scotts Road #04-22/23, Singapore 228208, phone 62352547 from March 21, 5pm onwards.

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