Self-Discovery in Bali

How would I describe this feeling? I was in a state of euphoria as I walked out of Denpasar Airport this afternoon. I'm finally doing this! I've always wanted to travel on my own, walking at my own pace in my personal itinerary (ie none) on a foreign land. Beach is a must tho. I've done this in Barcelona but that's was 5 years ago. Those days I was living in a place of freedom yet my life as a student was a constraint. And now it's the other way round, I'm a free person living in a place filled with constraints. Life always work out in a funny way, doesn’t it? Wish I had the entire trip to myself but for the time being, even 2 days of me-time on this foreign island is good enough!

I'm currently sitting at this alfresco chic bar called Vi Ai Pi, sipping Vodka Madras while making my thoughts known on my Blackberry. I was so carried away by this refreshing sense of freedom that, I forgot I haven’t eaten since 7am today and I wasn't the least bit hungry! The live band here is awesome. People are super friendly too...

So today, upon checking into the hotel I was more than delightful to be given a free upgrade to a suite. Niceeeee! I also ordered a room service Balinese massage before venturing into Kuta town centre. Witnessed the most beautiful sunset at the beach, took some nice shots of random couples; got intimidated by persistent sellers; went shopping for a new pair of Havaiana; passed through Legian Street where I stopped for a beer and now chilling here where the live band keeps playing with my sentiment…

There's so much self-discovery done in just a day....

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Diving in Perhentian Kecil

About three weeks ago, I ran away from the city to this beautiful island for a weekend getaway. Pulau Perhentian is a little gem located in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia where it offers fine sandy white beach and beautiful marine world. Exactly what I needed for a little breather.

 

First time in Pulau Perhentian and my second dive trip of the year.

Quality fine sand beach and the weather was beautiful throughout the weekend.

 

Stayed at Bubu Resort. It’s the best resort on the island, or at least I was told. 
Overall it wasn’t too bad, at least it’s hygenic. But paying for a 5 star hotel rate but resort condition is an average 3 star hotel you get in the city, I’m not sure if it’s exactly value for money. (RM400 incl tax per night during peak season)

The dive centre called “Turtle Bay” where I hung out at most of the time. Logged in 5 dives on that weekend itself. Spotted a bamboo shark, lion fish, loads of colourful nudi branches and angel fishes, variety of big ass sting rays among others. Oh the sugar wreck dive was absolutely awesome too!

 

Lazing around at the dive centre during surface interval.

Watching sunset while enjoying alfresco dinner by the beach.

It was a very short break where I got to practiced buoyancy a little better and also learnt how to fight against current in the water.

Can’t wait for the next holiday already… counting down the days now!

July month

what have I been up to lately?

Starting end of June … …

Attended my unimate Philip’s wedding where I didn’t know anyone except the groom. Phil is a HK born New Zealander marrying a KL girl. 

 

wow, lucky me!

 

The next morning, I turned into a running bunny hopping around the city at The Standard Chartered KL Marathon where I went for the 10km distance run.

It was a nice run, not too torturing considering I haven’t been hitting the park much lately.

Broga Hill

I've seen some nice pictures of Broga Hill all over fb but the thought of having to wake up at 4am just didn't sound too appealing.

  

Finally, I decided to make an effort to see the real Broga Hill myself on Sunday. Thanks to John Heng who invited me along for this outing.

Broga Hill is located somewhere off Kajang in Seminyih. For those who are not familiar with Klang Valley, it’s strongly advisable to rely on a GPS.

There are 4 mini peaks to conquer. It wasn’t so bad a climb but descending was definitely much tougher. Check out the view… it’s really beautiful isn’t it?

That’s the reward we get for waking up at 4am :) Can you see those little ants from afar?

 

But the place is super crowded and packed with curiousity birds like us.

It was like a wet market!

Bouldering at the last part of the peak

Finally reaching the peak after 1.5 hours!

Great Sunday workout and I made some new friends that morning too!