Travel Blog

Various Trips Summary

2012-09-30T22:24:00.008+08:00

Bandung Trip Jan 10-13, 2012 Summary/Itinerary

Bangkok Trip Sep 13-15, 2011 Summary/Itinerary

Bangkok Trip Feb 14-16, 2011 Summary/Itinerary

Bandung Trip Jan 11-14, 2011 Summary/Itinerary

Japan-Tokyo Trip Nov 29 - Dec 9, 2010 Summary / Itinerary

4D/3N Macau Trip Jan 13-16, 2010 Summary / Itinerary

Taiwan Dec 6-14, 2009

Taiwan June 23-27, 2009

Bangkok June 10-13, 2009

Bandung 4D/3N Trip Day 4 - Breakfast / Home Sweet Home

2012-01-29T22:09:00.007+08:00

Breakfast is the best meal of the day, probably because it is more Chinese. They had baso mie today. Yummy.

Love the Longtong!

Hired the hotel car to go to the airport. Transfer from airport was complimentary but to airport it costed IDR45000.

Bandung 4D/3N Trip Day 3 - Lunch at Pasar Tong Tong at Ci Walk -> Shopping at Jalan Dago -> Dinner at The Kiosk at Ci Walk

2012-01-29T21:33:00.008+08:00

Pasar Tong Tong - where we settled our lunch

Hubby ordered fried rice

Soup Buntun for me again - not as good as that of Kampung Daun but realised all the dishes are generally salty.

And jasmine tea - look at the size...

Choose this restaurant because of the martabak - sweet ones - so so only. Total cost: IDR 70000

After lunch, took a angkotan to Jalan Dago. There are angkotans going to Rumah Mode and Jalan Dago on the opposite one way street of Jln Cipaganti. Just ask the driver and hop on. It costed about IDR2k/person to Dago, but will have to transfer another angkotan (another IDR 1K) to the factory outlets. After shopping, went to buy brownies from Amanda before taking angkotan back to Hotel. It was fun on angkotan...

We were lazy to venture out so dinner was at Ciwalk again.
Sensa Hotel at night

Ciwalk

The Ksiok

Unique decor

Hubby was not hungry so order mee soup.

I ordered Nasi Timbel- only chicken was nice. The soup tasted cold and terrible.

Hot jasmine tea again.

Plucked up courage to order Ais champur. This one tasted very good and refreshing with lots of fruits and coconut milk. Similiar to chendol. Thank God we were well. Total cost: IDR100000. Hubby commented that the variety/choice of food here is better than pasar tong tong.

Another eatery on the way back to Hotel.

Bandung 4D/3N Trip Day 3 - Breakfast -> Ciwalk

2012-01-29T21:28:00.005+08:00

Today, the hotel had mie koko. Breakfast is the always the best meal of the day... Menu are changed every day.

After breakfast, rested a while before visiting Ciwalk. Afterall, it was just next door. Many modern, upmarket eateries and shops here. Big contrast with the dusty and old shops outside. The mall is very well designed.

Many eateries, asian and western , in a very nice and pleasant setup.

And then it rained ...

Bandung 4D/3N Trip Day 2 - Dinner at Simpang Raya Nasi Padang

2012-01-29T21:10:00.005+08:00

After lunch, visited Cascade/Heritage. Picked up some stuff and then we went to buy brownies and almond cookies at Kartika.

After that, went to BIP before having dinner at Simpang Raya at Dago. Stayed at Luxton the last visit but did not know there was a Nasi Padang restaurant nearby.

Big spread of dishes with free flow of rice

Beef Rendang

Only find the curry chicken nice.

Total cost : IDR 70000. Quite X for 2 persons who could not finish the food. We selected only about 4 dishes - curry chicken, beef rendang, potato and curry veg but only managed to finish the curry chicken.

Bandung 4D/3N Trip Day 2 - Lunch at Kampong Daun

2012-01-29T21:03:00.002+08:00

Next, requested the driver to bring us to Kampong Daun for lunch. Many people said Kampong Daun was along or on the way dowm back to Bandung town but it was not so. It was way out...
After a long drive, we reached Kampong Daun. There was a stretch of road that was so bumpy..

This is our hut. Each hut was like a private room. The restaurant is set in a "forest". I pity the waiters who had to walk a long way carrying food to each hut spread out throughout the "forest"

Ordered Coconut drink

Sambal kangkong

Soup Buntut - very tasty - tasted like mee soto

Rice that comes with the soup

Ikan Gurame , recommended by our driver

Total cost : IDR200000. Quite a ok lunch but the place is really way out...

Bandung 4D/3N Trip Day 2 - Tea Plantation / Strawberry Picking

2012-01-28T22:33:00.003+08:00

We requested the driver to bring us to a tea plantation and he brought us to this one. We paid IDR60k to tour the factory which smells very nice of Jasmine. The factory was very old, low tech and very hot. The processing of the tea leaves was very manual. We were treated to a cup of tea after the visit.
Tea Factory

Tea plantation. Only the young leaves are harvested and there are different grades.

Took a picture of a terraced tea plantation on the way to the strawberry farm. Our driver was obliging to make a special stop for this picture taking.

Another shot

After a short while, we arrived at a strawberry farm

There is a restaurant nearby, catered mainly for tourists. Many tourists came here for lunch in loads of buses.

Entry tickets to strawberry farm. It costed IDR5000.

Here we are : Kebun Strawberry Farm. Strawberries can be picked and it costs IDR50000 for 1kg.

Very few strawberries to pick and they were not sweet as claimed.

Free strawberry juice (with milk added). Tasted nice but forgot that we are not supposed to take uncooked stuff. Thank God nothing happened later in the night. And the strawberries I picked. They overcharged me - IDR 15000 instead of IDR 10000 for 200g.

The farm keep some deers and they feed on grass bought by the owner. We fed them.

Some chalets in the area.

Someone was enjoying his flying fox adventure....

Bandung 4D/3N Trip Day 2 - Tangkuban Parahu Volcano/Crater

2012-01-22T22:49:00.002+08:00

Booked a cab with muliarental for whole day at IDR475k. First stop was Tangkuban Parahu Volcano/Crater.
The place was crowded with many people

The boiling crater - the wind was very strong with light drizzle that day

Area around the volcano

There were many shops here and touts too.

Bandung 4D/3N Trip Day 1 - Jln Cihampelas

2012-01-22T22:43:00.001+08:00

After breakfast, took a quick look at Jln Cihampelas.
The famous spiderman along this busy road

Superman too...

Busy street along Jln Cihampelas. Buildings/shops here are a contrast to Ci Walk. Two world apart. No proper pavement for pedesterians.

Another shopping mall with more heros

Bandung 4D/3N Trip Day 2 - Breakfast

2012-01-22T22:35:00.002+08:00

Breakfast was the best meal of the day since it was more Chinese...
The spread was big - cooked food

Banana fritters and assorted kuehs

Breads and Crossiants

Porridge

Assorted cheese

Longtong - very nice!

Some indonesian titbits

Fruit juice and cereals

Assorted fruits/cocktails

Our breakfast

Some advertisement on the breakfast table.

Colourful and bright breakfast area

Outdoor dining and swimming pool

View taken from breakfast area

Bandung 4D/3N Trip Day 1 - Dinner at D'cost -> CiWalk

2012-01-22T22:12:00.003+08:00

It was raining when we got to Rumah Mode via the very lousy cab which costed IDR35k.
After shopping at Rumah Mode - not many items to pick this time, it was time for dinner. Intended to walk to D'cost for dinner. Saw some Angkotan passing by so we hopped on one to get to the end of the wet, dark and uneven road before continuing to D'cost. Then we realised that the Angkotan actually can stop outside D'cost.
Ordered fried rice for two. It was good.

Ikan Gurame

Wanted to order BBQ prawn on stick but they said it was not available. So we ordered prawn fritters

Stir Fried Kailan

Simple and value for money dinner - total cost : IDR60k.
After dinner, we visited CiWalk

Sensa Hotel in the background

Inside the mall

Big Sign Boards outside CiWalk

Bandung 4D/3N Trip Day 1 - The Sensa hotel Review

2012-01-21T22:49:00.006+08:00

The location of Sensa Hotel is good as it is just beside CiWalk Mall, which makes
dining very convenient when you are lazy to venture out. The road outside is always
very busy and dusty and jammed with cars, angkotans, etc.

There are angkotans going to Rumah Mode and Jalan Dago on the opposite one way street
of Jln Cipaganti. Just ask the driver and hop on. It costed about IDR2k to Dago, but
will have to transfer another angkotan (another IDR 1K) to the factory outlets. Did
not take that to Rumah Mode. We took a cab called by the hotel and it costed IDR35k.
We felt ripped off as the taxi's aircon was not working and it was a very, very old
taxi. We minus one point for the hotel for this.

The bed/pillows were very comfortable, as what others say. Amenities were adequent
and room was bright with 3 windows. So far, this is the only hotel room I have stayed
that has most windows. Most hotels only have one window. The shower area is unique
with no door but the floor does not get wet. The only problem we had was the safe
which was not working. Fedback the problem to hotel but no action was taken, even
till the day we checked out. Another negative point.

Breakfast was great with a lot of variety and we got to taste the mie baso one morning.
That was great because we got to taste this popular street food without having to
worry that we will get a stomach upset!

The hotel provides free transfer from the airport but the return journey costs IDR75000.

Overall, a value for money hotel because of its location and comfort level.

Our room was 901.

Room card

Bright Room with 3 windows.

Bathroom on the left

Entrance on left, bathroom on right

Sofa

Mini bar/Tea/coffee - unique sofa

TV and Working Desk

Coffee/Tea

Fridge and mini-bar

Bathroom - basin area and shower area with only a partition, no door

Adequent Amenities

Basin Area

Floor Map

Hotel Exterior

Entrance of Hotel

Lobby Area - Huge and spacious but lack of sitting sofas

Only one set of sofa

Reception Area

Bandung 4D/3N Trip Day 1 - Flight to Bandung

2012-01-21T22:41:00.005+08:00

Lunch was at Paradise Inn. Hubby ordered curry chicken set while I ordered stir fried vension set.
Curry Chicken Set @$9.80 . Each set comes with a soup, cabbage, rice and barley drink. Paradise Inn was supposed to be famous for their soup but this one does not taste good. The barley drink also tasted wierd.

Stir Fried venison set with a side of shishamo @$9.80. Strange, did not realise there was a crack in the plate till I write this blog.

Order Or-Nee or taro paste @$4 - tasted so so.

2 Sets including peanut, towel and taxes/GST : $30.25
With a full stomach, did not eat anything on the flight to Bandung. Just ordered a bottle of water.

Bandung 4D/3N Trip Summary/Itinerary

2012-01-21T22:31:00.010+08:00

Day 1 - Flight to Bandung -> The Sensa Hotel (Review) -> Shopping at Rumah Mode -> Dinner at D'cost -> Visit Ci Walk

Day 2 - Breakfast -> Jln Cihampelas -> Tangkuban Parahu Volcano/Crater -> Tea Plantation -> Strawberry Picking -> Lunch at Kampong Daun -> Shopping at Hertiage/Cascade/Kartika/BIP - > Dinner at Simpang Raya

Day 3 – Breakfast -> Rest in Hotel -> Lunch at Pasar Tong Tong at Ci Walk -> Shopping at Jalan Dago -> Dinner at The Kiosk at Ci Walk

Day 4 - Breakfast - > Home Sweet Home

Bangkok 3D/2N Trip Day 3 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Food tasting at Chinatown -> Home Sweet Home

2011-09-20T16:32:00.008+08:00

Breakfast at Hotel. This time, forgot to take photos. We were busy eating away… After breakfast, we rested our tummies a little before venturing to Chinatown to eat again.
Enroute to Chinatown.
Wat Traimit Wittayaram

Street lined with shops leading to Wat Traimit Wittayaram and the Odeon Gate or start of Chinatown

Wat Traimit Wittayaram

Outside Wat Traimit Wittayaram, Straight ahead is Odeon Gate.

Odeon gate at Dragon Head

Golden Shine Foundation

Tian Hua Hospital

Some scenes of Chinatown en route to market

The lane where Nam Sing Restaurant main branch is

En route to market

Trok Issaranuphap Market Lane. We came later this time so it was not so crowed.

First stop – HK noodles.

Inside the shop

Table with cutleries and condiments

Dry HK noodles at 40baht/bowl served in a HUGE bowl which my daughter said looked like a doggie’s bowl!

A metal cup of ice costed 2 baht/cup with free flow of very diluted chrysantham in the tea pot. But it did help to quench thirst..

The noodles are quite springy. Somehow, it tasted better here. But hubby said it tasted the same as the branch in Siam Square. The wantons were as hard as those in Siam Square.
Soup noodles which is not as nice as the dry verion

On the way out of the market. Surprisingly, the floor was pretty dry.

Stopped to buy 1 rice kueh to try. During the last visit, a different stall owner did not allow me to buy one. There was a minimum I need to buy. This one was kinder, he allowed me to buy one to try.

We re-visited Hua Seng Hong restaurant to try the dumplings in ginger syrup. The dumplings are very soft and nice. 30 baht for 4 dumplings and 50baht for 2 dumplings with gingko nuts.

After that, we visited Nam Sing again to eat our final bowl of bird nest before leaving for the hotel. Bought mango rice from the foodcourt at Robinsons before packing up and getting ready to go to the airport.

Though it was a short trip with similar itinerary in Feb, we enjoyed ourselves very much. Guess the food was the attraction. We all loved the bird nest, dumplings, mango rice and fried rice. Will be back

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Flight to Bangkok -> Shopping at Platinum Mall -> NaRaYa at Central World -> Krispy Kreme at Siam Paragon - > HK Noodles at Siam Sqaure -> Dinner at Nam Sing, Chinatown -> Thai Body Massage a Reflex Place

Day 2 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Chao Phraya Express Boat Ride -> Wat Arun - > Wat Pho -> Shopping at Robinsons -> Lunch at Shabu Shi, MaBoonKhrong -> Review of Sacha Uno Hotel -> Facial at Dee Saloon -> Dinner at Je Ngoh -> Thai Body Massage

Day 3 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Food tasting at Chinatown -> Home Sweet Home

Bangkok 3D/2N Trip Day 2 - Review of Sacha Uno Hotel -> Facial at Dee Saloon -> Dinner at Je Ngor -> Thong lor -> Massage

2011-09-19T22:46:00.009+08:00

We paid 4708 baht plus 500 baht (for 3rd person) for 2 nights for the deluxe room. The charge for 3rd person is for breakfast. The sofa bed is free of charge. See last review for more details.
Big king size bed, this time without the squeaky sound when you turn on the bed.

Sofa bed at right corner.

Bathroom

Basic amenities

Shower

Longans and tea/coffee

We took turns to go facial as Dee Saloon can only accomodate 2 persons for facial at one time.
Cost: 800baht per person. After facial, it was time for dinner at Je Ngor. We took MRT to Lumpini and walked to Je Ngor. Ordered lime and free flow hot tea

Delicious kang kong or morning glory and crab fried rice - a must try!

Crab in tang hoon - the crab was fresh this time. Total bill : 1365 baht

After dinner, went to take a look at Thong lo Soi 38. This was how it looked..

Lots of food stalls but we are very full already.

And then we crossed over to Soi 55 to the Mae Varee fruit shop to buy mango rice which is supposed to be the best in Bangkok.

Outside the shop

Mae Varee Mango Sticky Rice 80baht - Yummy

Back at Asok Station

Westin Hotel

A big shopping mall, Terminal 21, is currently being built near the Aoske BTS Station and it should offer more shopping and dining options once it is built.

Shops along Sukhumvit Soi 19 leading to Sacha Uno Hotel

Dee Saloon where we had our facial

Reflex Place where we had our Thai body massage - 300 baht for one hour.

Sacha Uno Hotel

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Flight to Bangkok -> Shopping at Platinum Mall -> NaRaYa at Central World -> Krispy Kreme at Siam Paragon - > HK Noodles at Siam Sqaure -> Dinner at Nam Sing, Chinatown -> Thai Body Massage a Reflex Place

Day 2 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Chao Phraya Express Boat Ride -> Wat Arun - > Wat Pho -> Shopping at Robinsons -> Lunch at Shabu Shi, MaBoonKhrong -> Review of Sacha Uno Hotel -> Facial at Dee Saloon -> Dinner at Je Ngoh -> Thai Body Massage

Day 3 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Food tasting at Chinatown -> Home Sweet Home

Bangkok 3D/2N Trip Day 2 - Shopping at Robinsons -> Lunch at Shabu Shi, MaBoonKhrong

2011-09-19T22:26:00.008+08:00

After temple visit, it was shopping at Robinsons. Lunch was Shabu-shi at MBK - Steamboat buffet on conveyor belt with sushi too and free flow of drinks and ice cream. It only costed 295 baht nett per person and time limit is 1 hr 15mins. Really value for money.

En route to National Stadium BTS Station

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Flight to Bangkok -> Shopping at Platinum Mall -> NaRaYa at Central World -> Krispy Kreme at Siam Paragon - > HK Noodles at Siam Sqaure -> Dinner at Nam Sing, Chinatown -> Thai Body Massage a Reflex Place

Day 2 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Chao Phraya Express Boat Ride -> Wat Arun - > Wat Pho -> Shopping at Robinsons -> Lunch at Shabu Shi, MaBoonKhrong -> Review of Sacha Uno Hotel -> Facial at Dee Saloon -> Dinner at Je Ngoh -> Thai Body Massage

Day 3 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Food tasting at Chinatown -> Home Sweet Home

Bangkok 3D/2N Trip Day 2 - Chao Phraya Express Boat Ride - Wat Arun - Wat Pho

2011-09-18T22:32:00.016+08:00

Took BTS train to Saphan Taksin station and took the orange flag Chao Phraya express boat to N8 Tha Thien. It was 12 baht to N9 half a year ago. It costed 15 baht/person now.
En route - Holy Rosary Church

It was very high tide at Chao Phraya River today.

We had to get off at N8 Tha Thien where Wat Pho was to transfer ferry to Wat Arun. But the area to the transfer pier was flooded till ankle.

We had to take off our shoes to get across.

This is the bridge linking to the pier to get over to Wat Arun

It costed 4 baht per person to cross over to Wat Arun.

River views en route to Wat Arun

Area around Wat Arun

Steep steps to reach the top

View from top

Steep steps

Bye, Wat Arun

River Views - different types of boats/ferries while waiting for the cross ferry.

When we arrived at the Tha Thien pier where Wat Pho was, the flood had subsided. En route to Wat Pho

Entrance to Wat Pho

Inside Wat Pho - very crowded

Reclining Golden Buddha

Outside temple grounds

En route to N8 Tha Thien Pier

Wat Arun - Temple of Dawn. Took shots around the pier while waiting for the Chao Phraya express boat.

En route to Central Pier. Fort Vichai Prasit

Next, the Memorial Bridge, Saphan Phut

On board express boat

Views en route to Sathorn Central Pier

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Flight to Bangkok -> Shopping at Platinum Mall -> NaRaYa at Central World -> Krispy Kreme at Siam Paragon - > HK Noodles at Siam Sqaure -> Dinner at Nam Sing, Chinatown -> Thai Body Massage a Reflex Place

Day 2 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Chao Phraya Express Boat Ride -> Wat Arun - > Wat Pho -> Shopping at Robinsons -> Lunch at Shabu Shi, MaBoonKhrong -> Review of Sacha Uno Hotel -> Facial at Dee Saloon -> Dinner at Je Ngoh -> Thai Body Massage

Day 3 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Food tasting at Chinatown -> Home Sweet Home

Bangkok 3D/2N Trip Day 2 - Breakfast at Sacha

2011-09-18T22:14:00.006+08:00

Loved the cooking at Uno Sacha. Good, value for money breakfast. The breakfast is included in the room. But my daughter, being the third person, needed to pay 250 baht.
See last review for more pictures.

Some of the breakfast items - baked beans and potato wedges

Fried tanghoon - simply delicious!

Hot dogs, bacons and french toast

Fruits too

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Flight to Bangkok -> Shopping at Platinum Mall -> NaRaYa at Central World -> Krispy Kreme at Siam Paragon - > HK Noodles at Siam Sqaure -> Dinner at Nam Sing, Chinatown -> Thai Body Massage a Reflex Place

Day 2 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Chao Phraya Express Boat Ride -> Wat Arun - > Wat Pho -> Shopping at Robinsons -> Lunch at Shabu Shi, MaBoonKhrong -> Review of Sacha Uno Hotel -> Facial at Dee Saloon -> Dinner at Je Ngoh -> Thai Body Massage

Day 3 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Food tasting at Chinatown -> Home Sweet Home

Bangkok 3D/2N Trip Day 1 - Shopping at Platinum Mall ->NaRaYa at Central World > Krispy Kreme at Siam Paragon - > HK Noodles at Siam Square -> Dinner at Nam Sing, Chinatown -> Thai Body Massage at Reflex Place

2011-09-18T21:30:00.017+08:00

Took train to Chit Lom and walked to Platinum Mall via overhead skywalk, passing by Hyatt, via Central World to escape the heat.
4 faced buddha at Hyatt

Entrance to Central World

Outside Platinum Mall. There was a new extension, smaller in size though, compared to the older ones. did some shopping here.

Boats along the "drain"

En route to Central World

BBQ fish - smelt very nice but dare not try.

More new shrines outside Central World.

Shopped at NaRaya and then to Siam Paragon for krispy kreme. The queue had become shorter, compared to the last visit half a year ago. I'm afraid this shop will be gone when I visit Bangkok the next time. This was what happened to shops in HK. The craze had gone!

Still love the taste of the very delicious original glazed donuts! 27 baht each!

Next, to Siam Square ...

to try the HK Noodles...

Dry wanton mee at 50baht. Small portion of noodles in a VERY BIG BOWL.

10 baht more expensive than that in Chinatown. Wanton skins were hard.

Mee with soup and lemongrass drink (20baht). I ordered guava juice, also 20baht. My daughter ordered water with ice - 15 baht plus 5 baht.

Next, we went to Chinatown for birdnest as well as dinner ..

It was very quiet .... kind of strange ...

Finally at Nam Sing... Very quiet inside too. There was only 1 other table occupied...

Were served complimentary iced refreshing chrysantham after ordering birdnest. The drink was so refreshing for such a hot day! Furthermore, it was FOC and free flow.

Sweet Condiments to go with bird nest.

Blood bird nest which costed 200 baht. It tasted very much better than those at MBK's.

Yummy fried rice (200baht), very big portion, enough to feed 4-5 persons. Hubby loved the fried rice! Our stomaches still full with noodles and donut so just ordered fried rice and veg.

Brocolli with scallops and pork floss at 300 baht. IT was a nice dinner! Total bill : 1100 baht.

En route to Hua Lampong MRT station ...

Odeon Gate at the Dragon's head

Hua Lampong Train station at night

Another branch of HK Noodles at Chinatown near MRT station.

After reaching hotel, it was massage time at Reflex's.

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Flight to Bangkok -> Shopping at Platinum Mall -> NaRaYa at Central World -> Krispy Kreme at Siam Paragon - > HK Noodles at Siam Sqaure -> Dinner at Nam Sing, Chinatown -> Thai Body Massage a Reflex Place

Day 2 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Chao Phraya Express Boat Ride -> Wat Arun - > Wat Pho -> Shopping at Robinsons -> Lunch at Shabu Shi, MaBoonKhrong -> Review of Sacha Uno Hotel -> Facial at Dee Saloon -> Dinner at Je Ngoh -> Thai Body Massage

Day 3 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Food tasting at Chinatown -> Home Sweet Home

Bangkok 3D/2N Trip Day 1 - Flight to Bangkok

2011-09-18T21:03:00.012+08:00

The purpose of this trip was to enjoy the bird nest and mango rice again! Itinerary is almost similiar to last trip in Feb. Our flight was 1055am so after checking in the luggages at around 930, we had breakfast at Kiliney. Had tea, kaya toast and mee rebus. Mee Rebus costed $5.50!

Has nasi lemak on board. We were quite full and could not finish the nasi!

When we reached the hotel, our room was not ready yet so we had our welcome drink first! This is a small boutique hotel so do not expect much from the welcome drink. The hotel gave a complimentary drink for my daughter. They claimed that the drinks were only for two. I was very thirsty so the drink was very refreshing!

Since the room was not ready yet, we decided we should go shopping at Platinum Mall first.

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Flight to Bangkok -> Shopping at Platinum Mall -> NaRaYa at Central World -> Krispy Kreme at Siam Paragon - > HK Noodles at Siam Sqaure -> Dinner at Nam Sing, Chinatown -> Thai Body Massage a Reflex Place

Day 2 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Chao Phraya Express Boat Ride -> Wat Arun - > Wat Pho -> Shopping at Robinsons -> Lunch at Shabu Shi, MaBoonKhrong -> Review of Sacha Uno Hotel -> Facial at Dee Saloon -> Dinner at Je Ngoh -> Thai Body Massage

Day 3 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Food tasting at Chinatown -> Home Sweet Home

Bangkok 3D/2N Trip Summary/Itinerary

2011-09-18T20:50:00.007+08:00

Day 1 - Flight to Bangkok -> Shopping at Platinum Mall -> NaRaYa at Central World -> Krispy Kreme at Siam Paragon - > HK Noodles at Siam Sqaure -> Dinner at Nam Sing, Chinatown -> Thai Body Massage a Reflex Place

Day 2 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Chao Phraya Express Boat Ride -> Wat Arun - > Wat Pho -> Shopping at Robinsons -> Lunch at Shabu Shi, MaBoonKhrong -> Review of Sacha Uno Hotel -> Facial at Dee Saloon -> Dinner at Je Ngoh -> Thai Body Massage

Day 3 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Food tasting at Chinatown -> Home Sweet Home

Bangkok 3D/2N Trip Day 3 - Home Sweet Home

2011-02-20T16:49:00.008+08:00

Back at Hotel from Chinatown, took sticky rice mango one more time at Tops' foodcourt before taking a short nap at hotel. After that, checked out and took cab to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. Cab fare: 200baht.
There were many new eateries added, compared to last year.

Our Plane

Fried Rice with satay - not so nice. Nasi Lemak was fresher and nicer.

End of Trip

Day 1 - Flight to Bangkok -> Sacha Uno Hotel (Review) -> Dinner at Je Ngor -> Thai Body Massage a Reflex Place

Day 2 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Chao Phraya Express Boat Ride -> Grand Palace and Temple of Emerald Buddha-> Lunch at Nam Sing, Chinatown -> Facial at Dee Saloon -> Central World -> Krispy Kreme at Siam Paragon -> Madam Tussadd's at Siam Discovery -> Dinner at MBK -> Massage

Day 3 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Food tasting at Chinatown -> Home Sweet Home

Bangkok 3D/2N Trip Day 3 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Food Tasting at Chinatown

2011-02-20T16:34:00.014+08:00

Another wonderful round of breakfast at Sacha...
Bacons and hotdogs

Tomatoes and french fries

Very nice french toasts

Salad and cold cuts section

Fruits

Did you realise they shifted the position of the food?
Corn flakes/milk

Our breakfast today: the french toast is very nice.

Gigantic tea cup, bigger than the teapot!

After a short rest, we headed for Chinatown for food tasting. The birdnest is memorable. En route to Sukhumvit MRT - street scene outside hotel

Westin Hotel and Robinsons Shopping Centre on the left

BBQ food stall but dare not try... Smelt very very good...

Visited the Railway Station before Chinatown

The trains sure looked very old.... They are still in operation tho.

Outside the station

En route to Chinatown

Wat Traimit

Out of this gate will be Chinatown

Here we are, Chinatown

A lane off Yaowarat Road , where main branch Nam Sing was.

Texas Suki, a chinese restaurant is also here.

Lane with many lanterns

Trok Issaranuphap Market Lane, opposite the lane with lots of red lanterns. Many food stuff , dry and cooked, were sold here... They even have pig stomach/fish maw soup, roasted chestnuts, roasted meat, chicken, etc, etc, look at the photos...

Lots of stalls selling Teochew Ku Chai and Rice Kueys - bought a few - quite nice.

Chinese cakes

More kueys ...

After walking for some time, it was time to taste the food. First stop : HK Noodles, recommended by my colleague. The main branch is near the MRT station. Price here is cheaper.

Cutlery

Interior - pretty crowded

Dry Wanton Mee @40baht. Noodles was very fine and springy, QQ. Overall taste was delicious.

En route back to main road, more food stalls...

Thought these were Rice Kuehs. They were in fact also Ku Chai Kueys.

Ku Chai Kueys. 3 small kueys and 2 big ones above costed 55 baht

Hua Seng Hong. My colleague recommended the dumpling...

Dumpling in ginger soup - 30 baht - very nice too! Ginger was very strong. Dumpling was very soft but does not stick to the teeth.

Lao Li Restaurant but it had another name ...

Decided to try the birdnest at Nam Sing branch along the main road

Were served complimentary iced refreshing chrysantham after ordering birdnest. The drink was so refreshing for such a hot day!

Ordered 2 bowls of blood birdnest. The quantity of birdnest is more here...

En route to MRT

Day 1 - Flight to Bangkok -> Sacha Uno Hotel (Review) -> Dinner at Je Ngor -> Thai Body Massage a Reflex Place

Day 2 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Chao Phraya Express Boat Ride -> Grand Palace and Temple of Emerald Buddha-> Lunch at Nam Sing, Chinatown -> Facial at Dee Saloon -> Central World -> Krispy Kreme at Siam Paragon -> Madam Tussadd's at Siam Discovery -> Dinner at MBK -> Massage

Day 3 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Food tasting at Chinatown -> Home Sweet Home

Bangkok 3D/2N Trip Day 2 - Facial at Dee Saloon -> Central World -> Krispy Kreme at Siam Paragon -> Madam Tussadd's at Siam Discovery -> MBK -> Massage

2011-02-20T08:00:00.009+08:00

Back at Sukhumkit, shopped at Robinsons. There was a home sale. Bought 8 plastic dining mats and the price was cheaper (19baht/each and buy 3 get 1 free) than that in the market back home ($1 verus 60cents after discount) , plus there were many nice designs to choose from. After that, we had facial at Dee Saloon just diagonally across the hotel at 800baht/person for an hour. This is the only shop that provided steaming. Had a relaxing time doing facial, in fact, we were so tired that we fell asleep during the facial.
After that, we took the BTS to Chitlom and walked to Central World.
Overhead skyway from chitlom to Siam BTS

En route, four faced buddha next to Hyatt Hotel

Central World, which was rebuilt after it was partially destroyed last year by rioters.

Bought a pouch from NaRaYa which was very crowded. Spotted 2 persons carrying Krispy Kreme boxes. The shop was not at Central. Enquired at Siam Paragon next door and it was at the basement. Look at the queue! There was a separate queue for original glazed donuts.

Bought 2 original glazed donuts at 27baht each. They were also distributing defective doughnuts at the same time. I got 1 free! Not nice to look at but still yummy.

Yummy yummy. Forgot to tell them to take it hot from the conveyor belt otherwise it would have tasted even better!

To get to MBK, we walked through Siam Centre and Siam Discovery Centre. Madam Tussauds' Museum just opened in December.
Jackie Chan's wax figure.

MBK and its surroundings. Wanted to grab some titbits and have sticky rice mango here so decided to have a light dinner here.

MBK Foodcourt

We had Pad Thai @40baht and brown rice/vegetables, also @40baht. Pad Thai tasted sour.

Orange/pineapple juice 55baht each and sticky rice mango 80baht. The juice was very sour! The sticky rice mango is very nice! The drinks and deserts were more expensive than the mains!

After dinner, shopped for some titbits and went back to Hotel. Had massage again at Reflex Place but this time, the massage was not so good.
End of Day2.

Day 1 - Flight to Bangkok -> Sacha Uno Hotel (Review) -> Dinner at Je Ngor -> Thai Body Massage a Reflex Place

Day 2 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Chao Phraya Express Boat Ride -> Grand Palace and Temple of Emerald Buddha-> Lunch at Nam Sing, Chinatown -> Facial at Dee Saloon -> Central World -> Krispy Kreme at Siam Paragon -> Madam Tussadd's at Siam Discovery -> Dinner at MBK -> Massage

Day 3 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Food tasting at Chinatown -> Home Sweet Home

Bangkok 3D/2N Trip Day 2 - Lunch at Nam sing, Chinatown

2011-02-20T07:29:00.016+08:00

Brilliantlly colourful Chinatown

Market Lane

Food Street/Market, opposite the lane with many red lanterns. we will explore this lane the next day

Nam Sing Restaurant front

Nam Sing Restaurant's menu, main branch, off Yaowarat Road

Condiments for Sharkfin in claypot

Birdnest 200baht each - one blood, one white with sweetened red dates, longans and gingko nuts to go with. More value for money than that in MBK and quality is very much better. Very yummy and nice!

White birdnest

Blood birdnest

Order stir fried Kang Kong - 100baht - Portion was so big it can feed 4-5persons. We cannot finish. Tasty.

Claypot sharkfin - 1000 baht - not very big sharkfins tho.

Shrimp and crab fried Rice - 200baht - recommended by restaurant. Again, gigantic portion but it was very delicious!

We were so stuffed that we could not take in any more food so we decided to head back to hotel. Also, it was very hot!
En route to Hua Lamphong Station, Tian Hua Hospital

We crossed over to Wat Traimit Wittayaram (Temple of Golden Buddha)

Wat Traimit

Wat Traimit Wittayaram - We did not go in as admission fee of 20baht was required. Just took picture from outside.
Wat Traimit Wittayaram is better known as the “Temple of the Golden Buddha” and possesses a three meter high, five ton solid golden Buddha image and an exquisite work of craftsmanship. The Buddha in solid gold was discovered by accident in 1957, when it was accidentally dropped by a crane and its outer shell of plaster disintegrated, revealing the true composition of the statue. Historians believe the golden Buddha had been covered with plaster to hide its value from an invading Burmese army.

Odeon Gate at the Dragon's head

Street en route to MRT station. Walk straight and turn right at the end of the street to the MRT.

HK noodles and Railway Station opposite MRT Station

Hua Lamphong MRT Station Entrance

Day 1 - Flight to Bangkok -> Sacha Uno Hotel (Review) -> Dinner at Je Ngor -> Thai Body Massage a Reflex Place

Day 2 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Chao Phraya Express Boat Ride -> Grand Palace and Temple of Emerald Buddha-> Lunch at Nam Sing, Chinatown -> Facial at Dee Saloon -> Central World -> Krispy Kreme at Siam Paragon -> Madam Tussadd's at Siam Discovery -> Dinner at MBK -> Massage

Day 3 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Food tasting at Chinatown -> Home Sweet Home

Bangkok 3D/2N Trip Day 2 - The Grand Palace / Temple of Emerald Buddha

2011-02-19T22:27:00.016+08:00

Walking towards the main entrance

Walkway to entrance

A glimpse of the Grand Palace

Entrance to the left

Entrance ahead

Entry Ticket - 350baht/adult

Right after the entrance

The two small buildings - Hor Phra Rajkoramanusorn - left, Hor Phra Rajphongsanusorn -right

Assortment of temple buildings

Phra Siratanan Chedi

Phra Mondop

Road Signs

Phra Sri Ratana Chedi

Temple of the Emerald Budhha

Corridor outside Temple of the Emerald Budhha

Prasat Phra Dhepbidorn (The Royal Pantheon)

Mini replica of Ang Kor Wat

The Royal Pantheon

Out of bounds to visitors - taken thru the gate - Borom Phiman Mansion

Various palaces with golden thrones in it - Amarindra Winitchai Hall

Chakri Maha Prasat Hall (Grand Palace)

Snamchand Pavilion. To the left, Hor Phra Dhart Monthian

Dusit Maha Prasat Hall with Rajkaranyasasapha Hall in front

Chakri Maha Prasat Hall

PhimanChaisri Gate

Outside the Palace

After visiting the temple, we took a cab to Chinatown.

Day 1 - Flight to Bangkok -> Sacha Uno Hotel (Review) -> Dinner at Je Ngor -> Thai Body Massage a Reflex Place

Day 2 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Chao Phraya Express Boat Ride -> Grand Palace and Temple of Emerald Buddha-> Lunch at Nam Sing, Chinatown -> Facial at Dee Saloon -> Central World -> Krispy Kreme at Siam Paragon -> Madam Tussadd's at Siam Discovery -> Dinner at MBK -> Massage

Day 3 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Food tasting at Chinatown -> Home Sweet Home

Bangkok 3D/2N Trip Day 2 - Chao Phraya Express Boat Ride

2011-02-19T21:46:00.010+08:00

We have been to Bangkok so many times in recent years but have not been to the Grand Palace before. Hubby went there when he was a student. That was many years ago. Decided to take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to the Grand Palace. We need to take the BTS to Saphan Taksin Station where the Boat Pier was.
Aoske BTS Platform

The train

Around the pier

Our express was the orange flag at 14baht/person. The conductor will collect the fare after you board the boat

Leaving the Sathorn Pier

Beautiful Shang-rila Hotel

Along the journey. Journey was pleasant though the waters were choppy.

Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel

River City Shopping complex

Wat Prayun Wongsawat

Wat Kanlayanamit

Wat Arun - Temple of Dawn

Reaching the Grand Palace

Inside the boat

Embarking

Ta Chang Pier

Market Place, en route to Palace

Day 1 - Flight to Bangkok -> Sacha Uno Hotel (Review) -> Dinner at Je Ngor -> Thai Body Massage a Reflex Place

Day 2 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Chao Phraya Express Boat Ride -> Grand Palace and Temple of Emerald Buddha-> Lunch at Nam Sing, Chinatown -> Facial at Dee Saloon -> Central World -> Krispy Kreme at Siam Paragon -> Madam Tussadd's at Siam Discovery -> Dinner at MBK -> Massage

Day 3 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Food tasting at Chinatown -> Home Sweet Home

Bangkok 3D/2N Trip Day 2 - Breakfast at Sacha

2011-02-19T20:41:00.004+08:00

I would rate breakfast at this hotel very good for the room price you pay. The kitchen was just behind the eating area so it served as an egg station. The spread and variety was sufficient and good enough for you to start the day. There was cold section, 3 types of freshly baked pastries, wholemeal and white bread, cooked food (porridge, noodles and waffles, hot dogs, harshbrown, beacons), cereals/milk, juices, yougurt and fruits (pineapple, watermelon, banana, dragonfruit, rock melon). More importantly, the food was very tasty.
Kitchen at background

Assortment of freshly baked pastries

Bacon and hot dogs

Baked beans and harsh brown

Porridge

Condiments for porridge

Fried Mee/noodles

Wafer and honey

The food all kept warm under a strong hot light

Cheese too!

Cold cuts

Salads

Cocktails/fruits

Fruits

Corn flakes/fresh milk

Various Juices to choose from

Yoghurt

Our breakfast - yummy yummy - the tea cup was hugmonous! Bigger than the teapot!

Very tasty food!

Bristo19's interior - very modern and neat

Day 1 - Flight to Bangkok -> Sacha Uno Hotel (Review) -> Dinner at Je Ngor -> Thai Body Massage a Reflex Place

Day 2 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Chao Phraya Express Boat Ride -> Grand Palace and Temple of Emerald Buddha-> Lunch at Nam Sing, Chinatown -> Facial at Dee Saloon -> Central World -> Krispy Kreme at Siam Paragon -> Madam Tussadd's at Siam Discovery -> Dinner at MBK -> Massage

Day 3 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Food tasting at Chinatown -> Home Sweet Home

Bangkok 3D/2N Trip Day 1 - Dinner at Je Ngor

2011-02-19T20:30:00.008+08:00

Dinner was at Je Ngor Restaurant at Sathorn Road. We never fail to come here everytime we visit Bangkok. We took MRT to Lumpini Station and walked to the restaurant.
Address:Je Ngor's Kitchen/Seafood at Sathorn Branch25
Bangkok Insurance-YWCA Building (next to Sukhothai Hotel entrance)
11 Floor, South-Sathorn Road, Tung Mahamek,
Bangkok 10120
Tel : 02-677-3927, 02-677-3928, 01-170-9544

We ordered stir fried morning glory (100baht). This is very yummy. No leaves tho.

Sea bass (not very fresh) in spicy soup (200baht)

Crab with tang hoon(960baht)

Restaurant Interior

Jasmine tea was free flow at 30baht/person. Forgot to take photos.
Outside the restaurant

En route to Lumpini Station - street food stall

Lumpini Station

Next, went to Suan Lum Night Market but unfortunately, it was no longer there. It was demolished. So we went back Hotel
Sukhumvit Soi 19 - the street outside the Hotel

Many massage shops near the Hotel

We had 1-hr Thai Body massage (300baht) at Reflex Place before retiring for the day. The massage was very good.
End of Day1

Day 1 - Flight to Bangkok -> Sacha Uno Hotel (Review) -> Dinner at Je Ngor -> Thai Body Massage a Reflex Place

Day 2 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Chao Phraya Express Boat Ride -> Grand Palace and Temple of Emerald Buddha-> Lunch at Nam Sing, Chinatown -> Facial at Dee Saloon -> Central World -> Krispy Kreme at Siam Paragon -> Madam Tussadd's at Siam Discovery -> Dinner at MBK -> Massage

Day 3 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Food tasting at Chinatown -> Home Sweet Home

Bangkok 3D/2N Trip Day 1 - Sacha Uno Hotel (Review)

2011-02-19T19:35:00.020+08:00

We saw Hotel Sacha on our previous visit when we were staying at SILQ and Hubby said this hotel looked nice. We paid ~4,400baht with taxes included for 2 nights with breakfast included. Hotel is located in a very good location. The Asoke BTS and Sukhumkit MRT is about 150m away with many saloons and massage shops within walking distance from the hotel. Robinsons Shopping Centre/Tops supermarket and foodcourt are also nearby. There are 3 mini-marts in the area , with one directly opposite the hotel. Free Wifi/newspapers in hotel and room.
Hotel is pretty new so everything is clean. Hotel gave us free upgrade from superior to deluxe room and 2 welcome drinks. They also extended our checkout time to 2pm with no charge! If you dine at or call room service from Bistro19, the hotel cafe, you will be given 50% discount.
Hotel Exterior

Outside Bistro19

Red Tuk tuk for guest's use but we walked all the time

Entrance to main lobby

Corridor outside our room

Lift lobby at 5th floor

Our room was 155.

Room Key

Spacious and nice bathroom

Big rain shower - hot water was instant and pressure was strong

See through bathroom

Simple but fully functional basin area with sufficient amenities.

Nice, big, bright room with big window and nice room deco

King Size Bed but it squeaked when you turned on the bed. The floor is wooden tiled. Very spacious room.

Free fruit basket everyday

Tea/coffee

2 bottles of complimentary water every day

Writing table and 2 way wardrobe - very special - sliding doors on both sides, from the room and bathroom. Easy to reach your clothes. Safe in wardrobe

LCD TV above writing table

Chic, contemporary lobby with many sofas.

Lift Lobby

Reception area

Street opposite the hotel

Breakfast (Day2, Day3)is very good too. Main dishes are changed daily.

Day 1 - Flight to Bangkok -> Sacha Uno Hotel (Review) -> Dinner at Je Ngor -> Thai Body Massage a Reflex Place

Day 2 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Chao Phraya Express Boat Ride -> Grand Palace and Temple of Emerald Buddha-> Lunch at Nam Sing, Chinatown -> Facial at Dee Saloon -> Central World -> Krispy Kreme at Siam Paragon -> Madam Tussadd's at Siam Discovery -> Dinner at MBK -> Massage

Day 3 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Food tasting at Chinatown -> Home Sweet Home

Bangkok 3D/2N Trip Day 1 - Flight to Bangkok

2011-02-19T19:25:00.005+08:00

Worked in the morning half and took off in the afternoon. Had roti prata at Blk 24 Sin Ming before going to the airport. Our flight was 3pm so we only needed to check-in at 1pm. My colleagues claimed that the prata is the best. Not to hubby's taste tho. He felt that the curry was too thick. He prefers thinner curry. Prata so-so only. No photos tho.

Changi Airport T1 - CNY deco still on

Changi Airport looks pretty nice in photo - never realised that

Took kaya toast and teh-si at the Wang's Cafe at Airport. Had wanted to take that at Kiliney Kopitiam but it shifted somewhere else because of renovation and we could not locate it. We only found it when we flew back from Bangkok.
2 slices of Kaya Toast and 2 teh-si. The toast was cold. Tea was served from a big container. Kopitiam's teh-si is nicer

Our plane

Both of us had nasi lemak after plane took off. The rice was not very fresh. The one we had on the way back was much nicer and fresher. These were pre-ordered and it came with water only.

Reached Bangkok on schedule and thank God, there was no traffic jam to our hotel, much to my surprise.

Day 1 - Flight to Bangkok -> Sacha Uno Hotel (Review) -> Dinner at Je Ngor -> Thai Body Massage a Reflex Place

Day 2 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Chao Phraya Express Boat Ride -> Grand Palace and Temple of Emerald Buddha-> Lunch at Nam Sing, Chinatown -> Facial at Dee Saloon -> Central World -> Krispy Kreme at Siam Paragon -> Madam Tussadd's at Siam Discovery -> Dinner at MBK -> Massage

Day 3 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Food tasting at Chinatown -> Home Sweet Home

Bangkok 3D/2N Trip Summary/Itinerary

2011-02-19T19:14:00.019+08:00

Day 1 - Flight to Bangkok -> Sacha Uno Hotel (Review) -> Dinner at Je Ngor -> Thai Body Massage a Reflex Place

Day 2 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Chao Phraya Express Boat Ride -> Grand Palace and Temple of Emerald Buddha-> Lunch at Nam Sing, Chinatown -> Facial at Dee Saloon -> Central World -> Krispy Kreme at Siam Paragon -> Madam Tussadd's at Siam Discovery -> Dinner at MBK -> Massage

Day 3 - Breakfast at Sacha -> Food tasting at Chinatown -> Home Sweet Home

Bandung 4D/3N Trip Day 4 - Breakfast / Home Sweet Home

2011-01-16T12:39:00.017+08:00

Final breakfast at hotel

Today we had mee goreng - nice!

Fried Rice

Curry Beef

Fried Chicken - a little dry

Mee Goreng

Tempe

Pasteries but without my favourite brownies!

After tasting their brownies for 2 days, decided to order from the hotel. Only costed 30k rp.

Also ordered the marble brownies. Thought it was cheese and chocolate but it was actually like a a normal marble butter cake!

After breakfast and a short rest, it was time to go to the airport. The journey this time took only 11 mins.
Inside the airport - check in counters on the left. Airport looked pretty new. Maybe it was just renovated.

Check in counters

Some shops selling brownies and souvenirs

Plenty of chairs and free wireless - need not pay 35k to go to the executive lounge which looked quite run-down.

Airport Tax counter - 75k rp/adult

Artwork on 2nd level after immigration, before the departure area

Shop selling snacks at departure area

Departure Area

Our cute plane, taken thru the window

Runway with hills at the background

Our plane to Singapore

Husein Sastranegara International Airport - very tiny airport

View of Bandung from the plane - very congested 3rd largest city in Indonesia

Approaching Singapore

These are what we bought: Most of the stuff were bought from Rumah Mode but still managed to get some good stuff form the other FOs in Jalan Riau and Jalan Dago.

My son's shopping

Hubby's shopping

What we bought for my sister-in-law

My daughter's shopping

What I bought for my brother

All our shopping

In conclusion, Bandung is a man's shopping paradise! Most of the branded stuff are men's. Enjoyed its food, weather and shopping very much. We will be back!
End of Trip Report

Trip Itinerary:

Day 1 - Flight to Bandung -> The Luxton Hotel (Review) -> Shopping at Rumah Mode -> Dinner at D'cost

Day 2 - Breakfast -> Shopping at Jalan Riau -> Lunch at cafe Bali -> Massage at Roger's -> Dinner at Pak Chi Met -> Shopping at Rumah Mode

Day 3 – Breakfast -> Shopping at Jalan Dago -> Lunch at Kedai Timbel Dago -> Massage/Facial at Roger's -> Shopping at Kartika Sari -> Dinner at Sambara

Day 4 - Break fast -> Home Sweet Home -> Shopping Stuff

Bandung 4D/3N Trip Day 3 - Dinner at Sambara

2011-01-15T22:51:00.012+08:00

Dinner was at Sambara, a short distance from the hotel.

You need to choose the dishes you want and the chefs will heat them up for you.
Chef at work

Dishes to choose from

Chose this Gurame fish - 40.5k

Fried Chicken, sambara style - their chicken is really skinny. Are they kampong chicken? 31.5k for 3 pieces

Grilled prawns - 6 x 11k

Kailan - hubby loved this! 2 plates for 13.5k

Complimentarty vegetables to go with your meal

Nice baskets to hold the vegetables instead of plates

Nice Indonesian desert - 4k for 2 pcs.

Wooden saucers to hold sambal

Peanut desert

Restaurant interior - very indo deco - nice!

Our dinner - chicken and prawns

Oxtail Soup - the best! 33.5k

Kailan - Hubby's favourite

White plain rice for 4 is 17k.
This was a good meal. Hubby loved it! Total Bill: 22.6k.
After dinner, took a cab back to Hotel. Minimum charge : 20k rp though meter remained at 6k.
End of Day3

Trip Itinerary:

Day 1 - Flight to Bandung -> The Luxton Hotel (Review) -> Shopping at Rumah Mode -> Dinner at D'cost

Day 2 - Breakfast -> Shopping at Jalan Riau -> Lunch at cafe Bali -> Massage at Roger's -> Dinner at Pak Chi Met -> Shopping at Rumah Mode

Day 3 – Breakfast -> Shopping at Jalan Dago -> Lunch at Kedai Timbel Dago -> Massage/Facial at Roger's -> Shopping at Kartika Sari -> Dinner at Sambara

Day 4 - Break fast -> Home Sweet Home -> Shopping Stuff

Bandung 4D/3N Trip Day 3 - Breakfast/Shopping at Dago/Facial at Roger's/Shopping at Kartika Sari

2011-01-15T22:45:00.021+08:00

It's breakfast again! The hotel changes the menu everyday. Nice! The curry chicken is my favourite today. Yum Yum!

Lontong to go with the curry

Beef curry

Our breakfast. Yummy Yummy!

Chocolate pastry - very yummy and nice!

Lovely Brownies! I realised brownies is Bandung's signature desert, just like egg tart is Macau's!

Pastries section

After breakfast, it was off to Jalan Dago for shopping. It rained this morning so we set off when the rain was lighter. We took Angkotan to Grande FO first.
Realised that every FO had their own unique deco and landscape

Jetset FO

Some building opposite

Blossom FO - lots of RL polos - sports version. The prices here are generally higher than the FO's in the other 2 areas.

Glamour FO

And every FO had further reductions on older merchandise

Gossip FO

Raffles City FO opposite

Episode FO

Lunch was at Kedai Timbel Dago, recommended by sister-in-law

Ordered 4 chicken sets with free jasmine tea at Rp25k/set - Tasted ok

After lunch, we took Angkotan back to Hotel. After a short rest, we went to Roger's again to have facial (250k for 1.5hrs before tax) and massage (130k for 1.5hrs before tax).

After Roger's, we went to Amanda Bakery.
Amanda Bakery - as they were closed yesterday, they did not bake the tiramisu brownies. Next time then. Decided to buy the brownies from Luxton instead.

The road outside Amanda Bakery

Next, went to Kartika Sari to buy Pisang & Durian Bollen & almond cookies. Also bought some curry puff - Rp 1750 , ayam nasi in banana leaf (lontong baladewa) - Rp 2k, chocolate donut - Rp 2.5k, tiramisu Rp 8k.

Black Forest Cake - Rp 15k

Durian Keju Bollen -not very fantastic, can't really taste the cheese 3.2k

Pisang Bollen - quite nice. Can't taste the cheese either. Rp 2.7k

Almond Cookies - Rp 3.5k - Nice!

Lapis prunes and legit - Rp 1.6k and Rp 1.5k respectively. Tasted the same as Benganwan Solo's.

Trip Itinerary:

Day 1 - Flight to Bandung -> The Luxton Hotel (Review) -> Shopping at Rumah Mode -> Dinner at D'cost

Day 2 - Breakfast -> Shopping at Jalan Riau -> Lunch at cafe Bali -> Massage at Roger's -> Dinner at Pak Chi Met -> Shopping at Rumah Mode

Day 3 – Breakfast -> Shopping at Jalan Dago -> Lunch at Kedai Timbel Dago -> Massage/Facial at Roger's -> Shopping at Kartika Sari -> Dinner at Sambara

Day 4 - Break fast -> Home Sweet Home -> Shopping Stuff

Bandung 4D/3N Trip Day 2 - Dinner at Pak Chi Met / Shopping at Rumah Mode

2011-01-15T22:15:00.009+08:00

Dinner was at Pak Chi Met at Jalan Sukajadi, opposite Hotel Sukajadi. This was a very highly recommended restaurant and it had 2 other branches. Again, took a cab and it costed 20k rp.

Inside the restaurant, well decorated with a koi pond and nice landscape.

We ordered 4 set meals. Each costed Rp 45k. Frestea FOC.
Chicken Set

Fish Set

This fish looked like the promfet but it is called bawal.

Another fish set with different fish.

Ordered sambal kangkong, recommended by the waiter

The soup which came with the set, tasted very funny, not to our liking.

3 different chillis to chose from. I think people loved this place because of its chilli

Total bill: we round it up to 200k. Verdict : Not too bad.
Since we were so near to Rumah Mode, we decided to shop at Rumah Mode again after our dinner and also try the highly recommended durian coffee. After dinner, the kind security helped us get a cab to Rumah Mode.
Rumah Mode at night

Bought another 10 pieces of polo Ts. After that, went to try the durian kopi at blue monster
Blue Monster

Durian Kopi - IMO. so so only lei, not really that fantastic. 16.9k.

Rumah Mode Entrance

Took a cab back to hotel. It costed 20k rp again. That is about the cab fare everywhere we went. It does not exceed 23k.

Upon reaching hotel, my tummy felt very bloated and soon after that, I vomitted and had diarrhea that night and that went on till everything was flushed out. Lunch was @cafe bali and dinner was @Pak Chi Met. Took some sips of durian kopi @ Rumah Mode. Did not take any street food. Not sure what was the source. Felt so exhausted after that that I fell asleep. Thank God I was ok after that though I did not take any medication.
End of Day2

Trip Itinerary:

Day 1 - Flight to Bandung -> The Luxton Hotel (Review) -> Shopping at Rumah Mode -> Dinner at D'cost

Day 2 - Breakfast -> Shopping at Jalan Riau -> Lunch at cafe Bali -> Massage at Roger's -> Dinner at Pak Chi Met -> Shopping at Rumah Mode

Day 3 – Breakfast -> Shopping at Jalan Dago -> Lunch at Kedai Timbel Dago -> Massage/Facial at Roger's -> Shopping at Kartika Sari -> Dinner at Sambara

Day 4 - Break fast -> Home Sweet Home -> Shopping Stuff

Bandung 4D/3N Trip Day 2 - Shopping at Jalan Riau/Lunch at Cafe Bali/Massage at Roger's

2011-01-15T22:02:00.018+08:00

After breakfast, it was time for shopping. Our target area was Jalan Riau this morning. We thought that Jalan Riau was quite near our hotel so we decided to take a stroll there. The weather was very good and sunny, I would say hot!
Happening FO - We shopped here last night

Some statues/monuments on the way to Jalan Riau

Walked past Planet Dago

Holland Bakery

Jalan Dago

Before hitting Jalan Riau, decided to shop first at Bandung Indah Plaza for Ralph Lauren Polos.
Bandung Indah Plaza. There is a Matahari Departmental Store in here and the only Polo by Ralph Lauren Store in Bandung (they claimed to be) was here on the 2nd floor. And they were having 30% discount! We bought 5 pieces of polo T-shirts.

After this, we headed for Jalan Riau

The first one was Secret FO. Did not buy anything here.

Opposite Secret

The Oasis - we bought some RL polos here.

Branded Club FO. Did not buy anything

Around Branded Club FO. Terminal Mas and ForMen. Bought a belt from ForMen.

Cascade FO - quite a nice FO- Bought some AIX polos here.

Heritage FO

It was a long walk to Heritage/Cascade. After all the shopping, it was time for lunch. We hailed a cab to Cafe Bali, recommended by many. The meter did not jump at all, it stayed at 6000rp. However, cab driver said that the minimum charge was 10k rp. Still cheap.
Ordered 3 chocolate shakes and a Jasmine tea

My son ordered beef elementary lok steak - Rp54.5k

And I ordered black pepper steak, recommended by many. Taste was ok. Beef was very thin though. Rp39.5k

Hubby ordered Chicken Rice Set - Nasi Timbel Komplit Rp37.5k

My daughter ordered fried rice - very salty - Rp22.5k

Kailan and fried kuey teow to share - Rp17.5k/25k respectively

The kuey teow was very salty too

Total Bill : Rp29.2k
Outside Cafe Bali

Took a cab back to Hotel at 15k rp. After a short rest, hubby and I took the Angkotan Kota (costed only 1k rp/person) to Roger's.

We chose the 1.5hrs massage which costed 130k rp each before tax. The massage was good and the ambience was good. We could take a shower after the massage. After massage, went to look for Amanda bakery, but it was closed for the day. We had fun taking the 'Angkutan Kota' again back to Hotel. Just say "kiri, kiri" to stop. They can stop anywhere.
This one plys along Jalan Dago and there were so many of them. You hardly need to wait for one. They wait for you too!

Trip Itinerary:

Day 1 - Flight to Bandung -> The Luxton Hotel (Review) -> Shopping at Rumah Mode -> Dinner at D'cost

Day 2 - Breakfast -> Shopping at Jalan Riau -> Lunch at cafe Bali -> Massage at Roger's -> Dinner at Pak Chi Met -> Shopping at Rumah Mode

Day 3 – Breakfast -> Shopping at Jalan Dago -> Lunch at Kedai Timbel Dago -> Massage/Facial at Roger's -> Shopping at Kartika Sari -> Dinner at Sambara

Day 4 - Break fast -> Home Sweet Home -> Shopping Stuff

Bandung 4D/3N Trip Day 2 - Breakfast

2011-01-15T21:35:00.004+08:00

Breakfast was very good with a wide range of Western/Indonesian food. Very tasty too. Menu changes everyday. Nice! Very well decorated breakfast area. We sat at the long sofa, which was very comfortable and spacious.

Our breakfast

Some soup , but not really suitable for my taste bud.

The kuey teow and fried rice were nice

Corn flakes and fruits which was the same everyday

Fruits and yummy brownies

Egg Section with sauages, potatoes, ham,etc

Breakfast spread - fried rice, kuey teow, vegetables, etc

Porridge, soup, deserts and pastries

Condiments for the porridge

Porridge and Soup

Yummy, tasty, freshly baked pastries - the brownies was nice!

Crackers

Fried Kuey Teow

Dory Fish

Chicken Katsu

Selection of different types of bread

Cornflakes and cereals

Salad Section

Juices

Fruits - no change every day

Quinix

Trip Itinerary:

Day 1 - Flight to Bandung -> The Luxton Hotel (Review) -> Shopping at Rumah Mode -> Dinner at D'cost

Day 2 - Breakfast -> Shopping at Jalan Riau -> Lunch at cafe Bali -> Massage at Roger's -> Dinner at Pak Chi Met -> Shopping at Rumah Mode

Day 3 – Breakfast -> Shopping at Jalan Dago -> Lunch at Kedai Timbel Dago -> Massage/Facial at Roger's -> Shopping at Kartika Sari -> Dinner at Sambara

Day 4 - Break fast -> Home Sweet Home -> Shopping Stuff

Bandung 4D/3N Trip Day 1 - Shopping at Rumah Mode / Dinner at D'cost

2011-01-15T12:32:00.014+08:00

After a short rest, we were off to Rumah Mode. Hotel called a blue bird taxi and there is no "dial a cab" charge but minimum fare is 20k rp. It was peak hour and the taxi fare was 22k rp.
Rumah Mode - This is a man's shopping paradise. My son and hubby bought 16 pieces of polos, shirts, etc here. The range and variety is good and the stuff looked new.
Around Rumah Mode

After that, we took a short walk to D'cost Seafood Restaurant from Rumah Mode. Apparently, they were having a promotion every Tuesday in January. They were offering discount equal to the age of the oldest person in the dining party. So we had a good discount! Hehe.

Menu

Our orders

Crab in butter sauce, the most expensive dish - 37.8k

Fried Rice - 10.8k

Grilled prawns - 24.8k

Kailan - 6.8k

Sambal Kangkong - 6.8k

Our dinner spread

Ikan Gurame Goreng - 29.8k

Cumi or squid - 15.8k

Total bill: 105k rp. Verdict : Cheap and good. The taste quite suited us.
After dinner, took a cab back to Hotel. It costed less than 20k but we rounded it up to 20k.
Back at hotel, we went to Rich and Famous FO next to the hotel. Walked down to DSE outlet next to Dago Plaza. Not much stuff to pick and buy though.
End of Day1

Trip Itinerary:

Day 1 - Flight to Bandung -> The Luxton Hotel (Review) -> Shopping at Rumah Mode -> Dinner at D'cost

Day 2 - Breakfast -> Shopping at Jalan Riau -> Lunch at cafe Bali -> Massage at Roger's -> Dinner at Pak Chi Met -> Shopping at Rumah Mode

Day 3 – Breakfast -> Shopping at Jalan Dago -> Lunch at Kedai Timbel Dago -> Massage/Facial at Roger's -> Shopping at Kartika Sari -> Dinner at Sambara

Day 4 - Break fast -> Home Sweet Home -> Shopping Stuff

Bandung 4D/3N Trip Day 1 - The Luxton Hotel (Review)

2011-01-15T12:16:00.022+08:00

This is a pretty new and clean hotel and deco is very contemporary and chic. Rooms are spacious with high ceiling with full amenities you need. Beds are firm and pillows are very comfortable.
I loved the parquette floor.

Shower's pressure was strong and hot water came out quite promptly. Breakfast (Day1, Day2, Day3) is never boring - they change menu everyday and the food is very tasty. Their pastries, including brownies are also very good and very affordable.

Hotel staff were very friendly, approachable and helpful and always serving with a broad smile. They provided me a good map upon request. Free internet in the room and free wireless in the lobby/breakfast area. Complimentary transfer from/to airport.

Dago FOs, Roger's spa, Kartika Sari and Amanda are accessible via Angkotan Kota @ Rp1000 along Jalan Dago. The nearest shopping centre, Indah Plaza, is about 10-15mins' walk. So is Holland Bakery. There are no shops/eateries/shopping immediately outside the hotel. Located in a pretty quiet area.

We booked 2 connecting rooms through their website - 1 King's bed and 2 twin beds at a rate of Rp 875k ++ per room. Our rooms were on the 10th level. Highest level was 11.
Our room card - the photo was taken by me last minute in an hurry and oops, it is out of focus!!

Twin bedroom - very spacious room with high ceiling and lovely parquette floor

King Bedroom - the beds and pillows were exceptionally smooth and comfortable. Bed was firm but not hard.

Sofa/table for reading

See through bathroom.

Dressing Table, LCD TV and min-bar

Sink Area

Toilet with eco-washer bowl

Full amenities , no cotton pads though.

2 bottles of complimentary drinking water per day

Big rain shower - the pressure was strong and hot water came out quite promptly

Mini-bar/mini fridge below

Corridor outside our room

Lift lobby on the 10th level

View of Bandung City from room window

View from window in lift lobby

Check in counter

Lobby Area with many colourful sofas/tables

Bar counter/lounge

Sugar and Spice corner, selling brownies and pastries. Nice and very yummy

Trip Itinerary:

Day 1 - Flight to Bandung -> The Luxton Hotel (Review) -> Shopping at Rumah Mode -> Dinner at D'cost

Day 2 - Breakfast -> Shopping at Jalan Riau -> Lunch at cafe Bali -> Massage at Roger's -> Dinner at Pak Chi Met -> Shopping at Rumah Mode

Day 3 – Breakfast -> Shopping at Jalan Dago -> Lunch at Kedai Timbel Dago -> Massage/Facial at Roger's -> Shopping at Kartika Sari -> Dinner at Sambara

Day 4 - Break fast -> Home Sweet Home -> Shopping Stuff

Bandung 4D/3N Trip Day 1 - Flight to Bandung

2011-01-15T12:07:00.012+08:00

Lunch was at Aston's before flying off to Bandung. The main aim of this trip is shopping.
Aston's Restaurant

I ordered char grilled Chicken

Hockery BBQ Chicken

Grilled Fish with herbs

Total bill: $28.20
Teabreak onboard
Sandwiches

Finally touched down at Bandung Airport. Weather was sunny and good. Thank God that it was not raining.
Husein Sastranegara International Airport - very tiny airport

Immediately after the entering the building is the immigration with 2 counters. The Immigration was fast. Luggage claim was just after the counter and there was only ONE belt. The workers had to manually separate the bags from the different flights. The luggage claim was also quite fast. Thank God that the area after immigration was not so crowded that day.

We pre-arranged for the Hotel to pick us up from the Airport and the driver was there already, waiting for us. Journey to hotel took about 20mins with heavy traffic everywhere on the narrow road.

Trip Itinerary:

Day 1 - Flight to Bandung -> The Luxton Hotel (Review) -> Shopping at Rumah Mode -> Dinner at D'cost

Day 2 - Breakfast -> Shopping at Jalan Riau -> Lunch at cafe Bali -> Massage at Roger's -> Dinner at Pak Chi Met -> Shopping at Rumah Mode

Day 3 – Breakfast -> Shopping at Jalan Dago -> Lunch at Kedai Timbel Dago -> Massage/Facial at Roger's -> Shopping at Kartika Sari -> Dinner at Sambara

Day 4 - Break fast -> Home Sweet Home -> Shopping Stuff

Bandung 4D/3N Trip Summary/Itinerary

2011-01-01T13:53:00.008+08:00

Day 1 - Flight to Bandung -> The Luxton Hotel (Review) -> Shopping at Rumah Mode -> Dinner at D'cost

Day 2 - Breakfast -> Shopping at Jalan Riau -> Lunch at cafe Bali -> Massage at Roger's -> Dinner at Pak Chi Met -> Shopping at Rumah Mode

Day 3 – Breakfast -> Shopping at Jalan Dago -> Lunch at Kedai Timbel Dago -> Massage/Facial at Roger's -> Shopping at Kartika Sari -> Dinner at Sambara

Day 4 - Break fast -> Home Sweet Home -> Shopping Stuff

Comments:

Taxi:

Agree with one forumer that if you are travelling within Bandung town, there is no need to hire a taxi/driver for the whole day. We did just based on his advise. Although there is no booking charge for a blue bird taxi, there is, however, a 20k rupiahs minimum fare payable. This is no problem since travelling from the factory outlets in one area to other area will cost about 20k rupiahs anyway. Pls note that the minimum fare if you hail a taxi on the street is 10k rupiahs.

Angkotan Kota:

It is fun travelling in this mode of transport. This is almost like a taxi. You can stop anywhere and it will also wait for you. On top of this, the fare is really cheap, only at 1k rupiahs/person. Good for travelling along a fixed route. As in my case, I used it to ply along Jalan Dago.

When we travelled the first time on angkotan kota, we were not quite sure where to get down. The driver wanted to charge us 2k rp each. We gave him 3k and fortunately, he accepted it with no further argument. Subsequently, since we already knew the route, the driver never demanded more than 1k/person from us.

Luxton Hotel:

Fantastic Hotel along Jalan Dago, opposite Holiday Inn. Staff are very friendly and helpful. Bed and pillows are very comfortable. Breakfast is never boring. Their pastries are also very good and very affordable - I bought their brownies, only 2k more than Kartika and Amanda! Read/see more details in my above review.

Shopping :

Though Rumah Mode is the best FO in terms of price and variety, there are treasures to be found in the other FOs. Stuff in FOs in Jalan Dago are the most expensive among all the FOs. For those interested in classic Polo by Ralph Lauren, there is one such shop in Indah Plaza on the 2nd level in Jalan Dago.

It claimed to be the only one in Bandung.

Food:

Food is cheap and good. All the recommendations by fellow forumers in tripadvisor were good. I would second D'cost, Pak Chi Met and Sambara. Food in Cafe Bali is a little on the salty side. Would also recommend Luxton Hotel. Its food and brownies is really good and tasty. They had buffet lunch at only 6k++. Did not try though as I wanted to try other recommendations. Did not get to try Martabak and nasi padang too. Next trip perhaps.

I had severe food poisoning on day2 (lunch @cafe bali and dinner @Pak Chi Met, took some sips of durian kopi at Rumah Mode) though I did not take any street food. Not sure what was the source. I vomitted and had diarrhea that night and that went on till everything was flushed out. Felt so exhausted after that, that I fell asleep. Thank God I was ok after that though I did not take any medication.

Weather:

Thank God for the weather. It was sunny everyday. It only rained very heavily till about 10am on Day3 but it stopped after that and it was sunny once again!

Japan Trip Day 11 : Breakfast -> Flight to Incheon -> Lunch at Incheon -> Home Sweet Home

2010-12-21T09:45:00.006+08:00

Woke up at 5.45am and took our breakfast at 6am. It had a good mix of Japanese and Western fare, though not as elaborate as Sheraton's. Since time was quite tight, we did not take any photos of the restaurant or its food.

After breakfast, checked out and re-checked our luggages. At 7am, the hotel Shuttle took us to Terminal 2 in 10mins. There was already a queue formed at the row but unfortunately, the counter was not opened till 7.30am.
Soon, we were on our way to Incheon airport for transit again.
Meals on board - beef and rice

Reached Incheon at 12pm. Our next connecting flight was 3.55pm. Took a short nap before having late lunch at the foodcourt. Since we were in Seoul then, we should try the Korean food.
Beef soup Set - 13,000won. My daughter complained that the soup was tasteless!

Piping hot and spicy Kimchi Soup Meal Set - 8,000won

Bibimap for my son and hubby - 8,000 won each

All sets came with side dishes!

Our flight was delayed about half an hour to 4.25pm. After take off, we were served snacks (peanuts, mini-pizza, prawn crackers, etc) and drinks for the first meal. Dinner was again Bibimbap.

We touched down Changi Airport at 9.45pm and that was the end of our Japan trip. A pretty enjoyable and fun free and easy trip. Previous trip more than 10 years ago was a guided tour. Only regret was we missed the pirate ship, tour of Moto Hakone and Hakone Shrine due to the heavy rain on 6 Dec, causing the ropeway and pirate to stop operation the following day. But overall, it was not so bad. It called for another trip in the near future.

Our Japan Itinerary

Day 1 - Flight to Incheon-Seoul

Day 2 - Breakfast -> Incheon Transit area -> Lunch -> Tokyo, Narita -> Limited Express to Ueno -> Checked in Sardonyx Hotel (Review) -> Matsusaka Beef Steak Dinner at Satou, Kichijoji -> Shinjuku at Night

Day 3 – Breakfast -> Odyaku Romance Car to Hakone-Yumoto -> Small train to Gora Station -> Leave luggages at Setsugetsuka Hotel -> Gora -> Sounzan -> Owakudani Boiling Valley -> Black Eggs -> Togendai -> checked into Setsugetsuka Hotel (Review)-> Dinner at hotel restaurant -> Outside the hotel at night

Day 4 - Breakfast -> Gora Station -> Checked out -> Gotemba Premium Outlet -> Togendai -> Check in to Hakone Green Plaza (Review) -> Dinner

Day 5 - Breakfast -> Checked out -> Odawara Castle -> Checked in Sardonyx Ueno -> Ueno Unagi Dinner at Izuei Honten, Ueno -> Ameyoko

Day 6 - Breakfast - > Ueno Park -> Lunch at Tsujiki -> Imperial Palace -> Ginza -> Asakusa -> View from Shinjuku Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building -> Ramen Dinner

Day 7 - Breakfast -> Early Lunch at Kyushu Jangara, Harajuku -> Meiji Shrine -> Harajuku -> Shibuya -> -> Dinner at Shinsuke, Shin-Urayasu

Day 8 - Tokyo Disneyland -> Lunch at Tomorrowland Terrace -> Dinner at Hokusai

Day 9 - Breakfast -> Tokyo Disneysea -> Lunch at Vulcania -> Dinner at Sakura

Day 10 - Breakfast - > Check out -> Skyliner to Narita Airport-> Holiday Inn Tobu Narita (Review) -> Lunch at Edokko Sushi
-> Old Narita Temple Town -> Naritasan Temple -> Dinner at Aeon Shopping Centre

Day 11 - Breakfast -> Flight back to Incheon -> Transit -> Lunch at Incheon -> Home Sweet Home

Japan Trip Day 10 : Old Narita Temple Town -> Naritasan Shinshoji Temple -> Dinner at Aeon Shopping Centre

2010-12-20T23:15:00.037+08:00

After lunch, took a slow stroll along the shop lined Omotesando Street, which would eventually lead to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. Took some photos of Narita Town.
Narita JR Station

Narita Town - Omotesando Street Entrance on the left

Wine shop at start of Omotesando Street

The street was pretty deserted this day. Quite a few shops were closed. There were many eateries, restaurants, snack shops, shops selling dry seafood and clothes.

At this junction, need to keep right to got to Naritasan Temple.

Statue of a great Japanese Poet

Nice, old Japanese styled shophouses lined the road towards Naritasan Temple. This is the temple town, I guess.

Grilled eel eatery. The aroma from the grilled unagi was simply tempting. At the shop front, workers were killing and cutting live eels.

Almost at the Temple Grounds

Here we are - entrance to Naritasan Temple. Daiichi shinto assembly hall (daiichi shinto kaikan) on the main pathway (Omote-sando)

Stairways leading to the Nio mon Gate. Korinkaku hall on your left.

Washing area on the right

The large lantern hanging from Niomon Gate. What does the inscription say ? The answer is 'fish market'. Since Edo period, it has been a tradition of the fish market to contribute the lantern. The current lantern was given in 1968.

Beneath the green lantern

More stairways leading to more temples in the temple ground.

Great Main Hall, (Dai-hon-do) which has additional halls on both sides

3-storey Pagoda

On the right is Issaikyo-do(stock of sutras). Shoro bell Tower on the left

Great Main Hall

Shakado Hall, (national treasure). It was built in 1858 and used to be the main hall. Inside there is a image of Shaka-nyorai, the founder of Japanese buddhism. On its sides, there are reliefs, carved towards the end of the Edo period. These reliefs are know as "24 koh"(24 thoughts) and show characteristics of the late Edo period.

Shakado Hall

Stairways leading to Gakudo Hall

Gakudo Hall, with its abundance of votive tablets and Ema (votive picture of a horse).

Gakudo Hall

Kaizan do Hall

Komyodo Hall

Seiryu Gongen do Hall, Myokengu Hall

Daito , Great Pagoda of Peace, constructed in the year 1984. The pagoda symbolizes the doctrines of the Shingon-mikkyo sect principle idea of mutual respect and dedication.

Naritasan Garden/Park

Discovered a very refreshing waterfall

En route

En route to Nio mon Gate

Nearby the temple

Doniwa, Market square, with many stores selling local products and souvenirs.

En route to Narita Town along Omotesando Street

Noodle Shop Ramen Bayash, a very popular noodle place that caters to foreigners.

Back at Narita Town Square - need water badly. We were spoilt for choices at the vending machines

Nearby was a bus stop

JR Narita Station

Shops around the square. Family Mart is the last shop on the right. Hotel Shuttle dropped us in front of the family Mart.

Family Mart

Crossing this orange bridge to the left side will bring you to Edokko Sushi.

We took the 3.10pm shuttle bus back to Hotel for a short rest...
Beautiful Maple Trees at Holiday Inn

before taking the 5.10pm bus to Aeon Shopping Centre. Dinner was at the food court.
Bibimbap

Pepper Lunch

Ramen

After dinner, did some window shopping. Hubby bought his music book. I bought some cut fruits from the supermarket before proceeding to the bus stand to wait for the 7:55pm hotel shuttle bus. The bus was packed to the fullest. And after 15mins, we reached the hotel. Rested early since we had an early flight to catch the next day. We would be having our breakfast at 6am. This is the end of Day 10.

Our Japan Itinerary

Day 1 - Flight to Incheon-Seoul

Day 2 - Breakfast -> Incheon Transit area -> Lunch -> Tokyo, Narita -> Limited Express to Ueno -> Checked in Sardonyx Hotel (Review) -> Matsusaka Beef Steak Dinner at Satou, Kichijoji -> Shinjuku at Night

Day 3 – Breakfast -> Odyaku Romance Car to Hakone-Yumoto -> Small train to Gora Station -> Leave luggages at Setsugetsuka Hotel -> Gora -> Sounzan -> Owakudani Boiling Valley -> Black Eggs -> Togendai -> checked into Setsugetsuka Hotel (Review)-> Dinner at hotel restaurant -> Outside the hotel at night

Day 4 - Breakfast -> Gora Station -> Checked out -> Gotemba Premium Outlet -> Togendai -> Check in to Hakone Green Plaza (Review) -> Dinner

Day 5 - Breakfast -> Checked out -> Odawara Castle -> Checked in Sardonyx Ueno -> Ueno Unagi Dinner at Izuei Honten, Ueno -> Ameyoko

Day 6 - Breakfast - > Ueno Park -> Lunch at Tsujiki -> Imperial Palace -> Ginza -> Asakusa -> View from Shinjuku Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building -> Ramen Dinner

Day 7 - Breakfast -> Early Lunch at Kyushu Jangara, Harajuku -> Meiji Shrine -> Harajuku -> Shibuya -> -> Dinner at Shinsuke, Shin-Urayasu

Day 8 - Tokyo Disneyland -> Lunch at Tomorrowland Terrace -> Dinner at Hokusai

Day 9 - Breakfast -> Tokyo Disneysea -> Lunch at Vulcania -> Dinner at Sakura

Day 10 - Breakfast - > Check out -> Skyliner to Narita Airport-> Holiday Inn Tobu Narita (Review) -> Lunch at Edokko Sushi
-> Old Narita Temple Town -> Naritasan Temple -> Dinner at Aeon Shopping Centre

Day 11 - Breakfast -> Flight back to Incheon -> Transit -> Lunch at Incheon -> Home Sweet Home

Japan Trip Day 10 - Breakfast - > Check out -> Skyliner to Narita Airport-> Holiday Inn Tobu Narita (Review) -> Lunch at Edokko Sushi

2010-12-18T21:22:00.020+08:00

Woke up slightly later at 7.30am and after breakfast, checked our packing one more time and at around 9am, we checked out of Sardonyx Hotel. Walked to Keisei Ueno Station with our luggages in tow to catch the 940am Skyliner to Narita. Our flight back was an early one at 920am the next day (which meant check in had to be at 720am), so we decided to stay one night at Narita. Checked the skyliner timetable and the best departure time to Narita was 940am. Bought the Skyliner tickets at the counter.
These were the tickets with reserved seats. Each costed 2,400yen, 2.4 times more expensive than the limited express @1,000yen.

Mural on the wall of Keisei Ueno Station

This was the skyliner train.

Train platform at Keisei Ueno

Interior of the skyliner with luggage compartment. Not many people on board so you could choose where you would like to sit.

This train is very fast - it will reach Narita Terminal 1 at 10:24am. We will be getting off at Terminal 2 to catch the 10:55am free shuttle bus to Holiday Inn Tobu Narita. Upon arrival at terminal 2, went to refund all the Suica Cards at the same JR counter.

After that, we proceeded to the hotel bus stand no 25 to wait for our shuttle bus. It was quite cold this morning.

Many hotel bus stands in the vicinity.

Our shuttle bus arrived before 10:55am and shuttled us to Holiday Inn Tobu Narita. It was short drive, about 10mins.
Hotel Exterior

Lobby Area

As priority club member, I could get a free room upgrade at the West wing but because we were early and wanted to check in asap, the reception gave us two rooms in the old East Wing. I orignally booked 1 double room and 1 twin room with 2 queen beds but she kindly gave us 2 twin rooms with 2 queen beds in each room wiith no extra charge.
This is the room - 2 queen beds. Spacious by Japan standard. But very basic.

Bigger bathroom too

Basic amenities

Open Wardrobe

Our room key and coupons with few options to select from (for priority club member only). We took welcome drinks in the cafe.

We took the 12:10 shuttle bus to Narita Town. The hotel bus dropped us off in front of a family mart in Narita Town before going to Aeon Shopping Centre. We had lunch at Edokko Sushi, recommended by Mike Wagner. This was not the main shop. The main shop is at Omotesando Street which normally does not welcome foreigners. This branch near Narita Town welcomes foreigners.
Shop Front

Restaurant Interior. The chef could speak some English.

We ordered the 1,680yen set.

It came with crab soup and green tea.

Anago, similar to the mouth-watering goodness of unagi.
Verdict: hubby said the sushi were fresher than those at Tsujiki Fish Market. That was what the bloggers said too. It is a must try if you are in Narita Town.

To get to Edokko Sushi, cross this orange bridge (Kaiun bridge with its orange balustrade) to the left side. Edokko is the 3rd or 4th shop on the left after crossing the bridge.

Our Japan Itinerary

Day 1 - Flight to Incheon-Seoul

Day 2 - Breakfast -> Incheon Transit area -> Lunch -> Tokyo, Narita -> Limited Express to Ueno -> Checked in Sardonyx Hotel (Review) -> Matsusaka Beef Steak Dinner at Satou, Kichijoji -> Shinjuku at Night

Day 3 – Breakfast -> Odyaku Romance Car to Hakone-Yumoto -> Small train to Gora Station -> Leave luggages at Setsugetsuka Hotel -> Gora -> Sounzan -> Owakudani Boiling Valley -> Black Eggs -> Togendai -> checked into Setsugetsuka Hotel (Review)-> Dinner at hotel restaurant -> Outside the hotel at night

Day 4 - Breakfast -> Gora Station -> Checked out -> Gotemba Premium Outlet -> Togendai -> Check in to Hakone Green Plaza (Review) -> Dinner

Day 5 - Breakfast -> Checked out -> Odawara Castle -> Checked in Sardonyx Ueno -> Ueno Unagi Dinner at Izuei Honten, Ueno -> Ameyoko

Day 6 - Breakfast - > Ueno Park -> Lunch at Tsujiki -> Imperial Palace -> Ginza -> Asakusa -> View from Shinjuku Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building -> Ramen Dinner

Day 7 - Breakfast -> Early Lunch at Kyushu Jangara, Harajuku -> Meiji Shrine -> Harajuku -> Shibuya -> -> Dinner at Shinsuke, Shin-Urayasu

Day 8 - Tokyo Disneyland -> Lunch at Tomorrowland Terrace -> Dinner at Hokusai

Day 9 - Breakfast -> Tokyo Disneysea -> Lunch at Vulcania -> Dinner at Sakura

Day 10 - Breakfast - > Check out -> Skyliner to Narita Airport-> Holiday Inn Tobu Narita (Review) -> Lunch at Edokko Sushi
-> Old Narita Temple Town -> Naritasan Temple -> Dinner at Aeon Shopping Centre

Day 11 - Breakfast -> Flight back to Incheon -> Transit -> Lunch at Incheon -> Home Sweet Home