Issac Belated 12th Birthday Party

This past weekend, we celebrated my Issac’s special 12th (I can’t believe it!) birthday with a fun pool party. Alvin was thinking for quite sometime to give him a special and the best kind of party to celebrate his birthday!

Before our family flying off to Saigon for our annual family trip, I distributed and gave these amazing invitations to a few of his friends. I found this cutest set of invitation card and they come in blue as well! So I ran with this primary-coloured pool party theme because the water is blue colour too.

I sorts out some Issac’s baby photos to use to create printable invitation cared for birthday party. There are so many amazing, affordable printable sets out there these days and way nicer than what I could make. Behind the card is a location map of the venue.

The party started mid-morning, so Issac and his friends expended some energy splashing and swimming for a couple of hours before heading back in for snacks, spaghetti, and some nasi beriani with curry.

They continued with the double loop water slide, playing water with shower umbrellas and the jumping water. See how much fun they were having! We cut the birthday cake at the end of the event.

It was about 2 kg fruit cake that Alvin ordered. I think the birthday boy had a blast, as did his friends, teachers, and our friends!  Issac is very happy because this year he can celebrate with his so many friends. All these are the birthday gifts that he received today.

           

           

Mecaje Academy Swimming Session

Mecaje Academy had the swimming sessions for the Primary and Secondary students for last Friday 6 October and today. The school organised it at 3K (Kompleks Kemudahan Kemasyarakatan) Subang Jaya which is located at SS13 Subang Jaya.

Alvin and I had been there before married. We used to go there for badminton games together with the late William on those days. Anyway, 3K had been closed down sometimes ago due to poor maintenance by the private entity whom managed the complex.

The MPSJ took over and revamped the whole complex, and re-opened not long ago last year. This time MPSJ took over and run the complex. All the facilities had been put in place and order, including the swimming pool.

There are 1 big indoor swimming pool and 1 wading pool for the younger children. Here are some of the photos from the sessions. The students were given briefings before jump into the water by their teachers.

All the students were asked to do some warming up exercises first to avoid the body cramp. The girls with long hairs need to put on the swimming caps for safety purposes too.

Here they go into the water and play!

Well… All sure having fun getting splashed and wet for sure!

Seawalker Tour Sanur 18 Nov 2016

After breakfast that morning which we had in the morning nearby our hotel, the kids were eagerly waiting for the pick up from the Bali Seawalker.

We booked the tour through ‘Bali Activities’ before we came to Bali, as we found it is interesting activity and experience to try.

It was exactly the time which they promised to pick us around 8.30am in the morning.

Till then only I realised actually our hotel even though is at Denpasar but it is very near to Sanur, actually it is just across the main road of Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai to the other side.

The driver drove us to Sanur to Puri Santrian hotel where we were met by the hotel stuff and guided us down to the beach front for our activities.

We sat through a brief safety video about the sea walk then were given a locker for our personal belongings, a towel and a pair of beach shoes for the walk. We changed into our swimming suits and we were taken to wait for the small boat to a pontoon where we did the walk.

There were another American couple too with us. We were waiting at the beach front. Soon it was our turn. It was a quick walk to the beach and the awaiting speedboat.

Whizzing across the calm blue ocean was refreshing. Our speedboat pulled up to a pontoon-style vehicle and several shirtless, friendly Balinese men with wide smiles welcomed us aboard.

Again, the instructor briefed us the safety measures and the the sign languages which we would be use underwater. Finally it was time to go in.

After a few attempts, the engine running the air pump sprang to life and both the American couples, very graciously offered to go first. Then, would be Daddy. He slowly and calmly climbed down the ladder into the cool, clear water and an astronaut styled helmet was placed on his head. He then proceeded to sink, rung by rung, to the very bottom of the ocean. All was quiet. After it was Issac turn. His was smooth as well.

Then it was my turn. I took a deep breath. I started to descend the ladder and, when only my neck and head poked above the water, the very heavy helmet was placed over my head and onto my shoulders. The substantial weight was enough of a push to glide down the steps, almost in slow motion, the rest of the way.

I moved slowly as the pressure in my ears built up the lower I went. I was almost giving up as I cannot stand the pain inside my ears. The instructor showed me the sign to blow off the pressure through the ears by not breathing using the nose. It took me twice and finally I felt a bit better and can continue on.

At that point of time, I was thinking of Annabelle which she was just beside me at the other side of the ladder. I was afraid that she cannot make it as I am adult, and it was quite tough for me already. In my heart, I was hoping that she was doing alright and fine.

And, true enough this was too tough for her, and she went up and stay on the boat. Once I felt I had sufficient equilibrium I floated all the way down to the floor. Blinking to adjust my eyes to the ambient slivers of light wafting down from the surface above, I carefully surveyed the underwater landscape.

Our first walk along the ocean floor involved 5 of us remain holding a bar consisting of 6 connected rings, and our 2 guides directed us slowly around the coral. I was thinking that if it would be great if Annabelle was able to be together with us down here.

It was amazing, we were closely supervised every step of the way and encouraged to interact with the sea life including hand feeding the fish by hand and holding a star fish. Unfortunately the area, which is obviously a tourist freeway, did not hold as much colourful corals but there were plenty of tropical fish.

The guides handed us plastic water bottles filled with fish food that could be squirted out in bursts to attract the fish. It important to note you cannot bring bread or your own food with you. The fish food only costs a couple dollars extra, but well worth it.

It was quite extraordinary being under the water, walking around and breathing normally. The helmet works in the same way as if you submerge an upside down glass into water. The air stays trapped inside and then through a tube in the top it is constantly topped off via the air pump on the surface.

It was amazing, you forget your even underwater because your so engrossed in the surroundings. We had photos taken but we only purchased the video at the end of the day as we did not have our own underwater camera to capture anything. And, the individual photos taken is quite expensive for us. Thus, we opted for the video.

After a while, our instructor asked, using hand gestures, as it was time to return to the boat.

I cautiously climbed the ladder and as soon as I broke the surface strong steady hands lifted my helmet and helped me on board.

I immediately see Annabelle sitting there and waiting for us to come up. I was relieved as she was doing ok even she did not manage to go down the underwater.

I turned to watch my two big and little man climb out and we smiled at each other. Wow. What an experience we had!

It was a surreal journey back to the mainland and as the wind whipped through my hair I grinned lazily at the water passing by.

And, there were another group of people waiting to board our boat and start their seawalker tour.

We showered and changed and were seated for our lunch which was included in the price.

The food was very nice and the view from our table was just beautiful.

We were having burger with French fries for Issac, Bolognese spaghetti for Annabelle, club sandwich for myself and as for Daddy was Nasi Goreng as usual.

Drinks were extra and a bit expensive thus we did not order the drinks as we brought our own mineral water.

After lunch we were greeted by a staff member who escorted us back through the resort to our driver who returned us to our hotel.

But we asked the driver to drop us at the Starbucks Coffee Sanur as we would like to stroll down the streets and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon.

We left Puri Santrian around 1.00pm. Amazing day for everything for our family. Well worth it in our eyes. The Seawalker Tour was my favourite part of the day.

                   

Padang-Padang Beach & Blue Point Beach Bali 13 Nov 2016

After our visit or the presentation of Karma Royal membership, we waited for Resen to pick us up and start our half day tour at Uluwatu area. All of us were so starving since it was nearly 1.00pm.

Daddy asked Resen to look for a place to eat while we were on the way to Uluwatu. Resen brought us to a place and it is called Warung Cikgo.

From the street it doesn't look at all as attractive as it really is. From the first impression, I like the place, as it is kind of environment that we love, authentic!

Once we sat down, and I did notice that almost all of the guests were tourists! And I knew that the food price too, would not be cheap either.

We ordered 1 Cah Kangkung Rp.30,000, 1 Crispy Duck Rp.105,000, 1 Cikgo Special Pork Rib Rp.125,000, 4 Steamed Rice Rp.48,000, 1 Coca Cola Rp.15,000, 2 Ice Lemongrass Rp.30,000 and 1 Mineral Water Rp.10,000.

I feel that it is pricey as the food portion are not big, the sauce is little. We need to wait quite some time for our meals. The food is ok.

May be this is the first time I drink Lemongrass, it is really yummy, soothing and cooling too! I like the drink so much.

The Kangkung was average, the  Pork Rib is ok but the portion really is small, and the Crispy Duck as well. All in together with the 5% service charge and 10% tax, the total bill came to Rp.419,265.

Through our 2 days experience here at Bali, we feel that the local Balinese main food is rice, and the vegetables or meats would only a very little portion of their meals.

After the meal, we continue our journey to our next destination – Padang-Padang Beach.

Padang Padang Beach, locally referred to as Pantai Labuan Sait, is one of Bali’s most famous surf spots, located on the north-western coast of the island’s Bukit Peninsula.

Heading up along Jalan Raya Uluwatu from Jimbaran and around 30 minutes’ drive past the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, a junction with signs that clearly bear ‘Jalan Labuan Sait’ leads you along a hilly but smooth 3.5km asphalt route.

We reached there around 2.45pm. There are entrance fees for the foreign tourists 2 adults x Rp.10,000 and 2 children x Rp.5,000.

During the time we purchased the tickets at the counter, we saw some tourists walking up with their surf boards under their arms. definitely a good surf spot.

According to Resen, Uluwatu is the place for surfers as the wave is huge enough. Beach access is down the slope across the road from a large parking area.

We came to a place where two sides of the limestone cliff, offering a glimpse down to the beach from up high. The steps were steep going through small narrow cave.

Once we reached to the beach, the sand was white and can see moderate number of people doing swimming , enjoying surfing ,fishing and sunbathing.

There are stalls which sells food, drinks, and some souvenirs there. We spent roughly 45 minutes there.

It was during the low tide, we were surprise as we able to see some sea snails, star fish, sea urchins, etc.

The weather was really hot and ‘killing’ us. We went to the next beach which according to Resen is much more beautiful.

Blue Point Beach is a beach with steep cliffs and big waves, and the Blue Point beach is more suitable for surfing!

Therefore, when we arrived there, we saw plenty of surfers. All were in their swimming suits, bikinis, and the surfing boards!

We noticed that when going down the stairs, we can see many cafes offering culinary combined with the scenic beauty of the beach.

Frankly, we were too tired too walk. We just rested at one of the local warung and have our cool coconut drinks! We did try their local grilled corns, with the spicy and sweet flavour. It tasted nice and better compared Malaysia!

We concluded our beaches visits and heading towards our next destination – which is the Uluwatu Temple visit.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Puchong Branch Primary Activity Days ~ Water Splash Day 4 Jun 2016

The kids are out of school, the weather is perfect, and it is time again for the Primary Activity Water Splash Day.

Well, this is not the first time we are having the swimming activity here at our house, but just this time more kids joined with us.

This time around we have the pretty girls from Sister Jing Jing: Livia, Hazel and little Vera; Brother Lynard’s Keifer and Jairuz; Sister Vivian’s Jesse and Jojo; Sister Jennifer’s Miguel and our Issac and Annabelle.

May be it is due to our home that have a wide range of water recreational facilities which made the adults and kids too feel very fun!

Such as adult swimming pool with gooseneck nozzles and Jacuzzis, a water reflexology path, a double loop water slide and a water playing area or lap pool with shower umbrellas. And, the children were so excited and eagerly jumped into the pool after our opening prayer!

Besides that, they love the safari theme which all the animals sculpture such as giraffe, elephants, crocodiles, deer and lions scattered around while they were walking through the lazy river float water.

They love the ‘dancing water’ which jump out from the floor nozzles too, and get themselves wet with the water splashing around!

They love the sand playground which have a little slide and swings, and even a gazebo too! There is a wooden bridge which connected the sand playground and the greenery strolling path surrounds the swimming pools.

We started the activity around 10.00am, after one and a half hour, we gathered all the children and came up to our home to take their bath, changed and had a small snacks which prepared by the sisters, together with all the children parents.

It is a fun activity with the Primary kids!

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Puchong Branch Primary Activity Day ~ Fun Water Day

This is the first time we are having the swimming activity here at our house.

May be it is due to the first time, and our home is too far from others members house, not too much children and parents turns out.

We have President Tai’s Hannah and Branson; Sister Amy’s Chen Chen and Ah Lun; Sister Jennifer’s Miguel and our Issac and Annabelle only.

Everybody was so excited including the adults too, eagerly jumped into the pool after our opening prayer!

The children love the safari theme which all the animals sculpture.

Such as giraffe, elephants, crocodiles, deer and lions scattered around while they were walking through the lazy river float water.

They love the ‘dancing water’ which jump out from the floor nozzles too, and get themselves wet with the water splashing around!

They love the sand playground which have a little slide and swings, and even a gazebo too!

There is a wooden bridge which connected the sand playground and the greenery strolling path surrounds the swimming pools.

We started the activity around 10.00am, after one and a half hour, we gathered all the children.

Invite all to come up to our home to take their bath, changed and had a small snacks which prepared by the sisters, together with all the children parents.

It is a fun and first ever Primary activity of the year in our home, together with the kids!