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Saturday, November 12, 2016

A Day at Kuta 12 Nov 2016

IMG20161112081454We woke up early in the morning to start our day at Kuta. We had our breakfast at CT1 Bed and Breakfast our hotel. It was Nasi Jinggo. This is a new thing and experience for us.

Nasi Jinggo is served with a handful of nasi putih together with some mie goreng and egg, with some sambal goreng tempe and ayam suwir.

Really to our surprise their breakfast mostly is rice. I forgot to take the photo of our Nasi Jinggo.

IMG_9096After the breakfast, we walking across the road going over to Jalan Satira and Jalan Kediri.

Daddy have decided that we should spent our day along Kuta and we have our water splash at Waterbom Bali.

Today is Issac’s birthday and Daddy knew that Issac loves to swim and play water.

Along the way, we passed through the Park 23 Entertainment Center.

IMG20161112084115From the outside we saw the various dining outlets with local and international cuisines and outdoor dining court with street food-style carts. The time is still early and most of the shops still not open yet.

The Park 23 Entertainment Center is just next to Circus Water Park. It is easy to recognised.

We were walking till a junction that we noticed that there is a statue. We took a photo in front of it. Actually it is the Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali welcoming gate.

IMG_9099Further up, we saw there is hawker selling Bubur Kacang at the roadside.

There are a few more nice hotels and shops along the Jalan Kartika Plaza. We passed through the Lippo Mall.

We did not go in as we were walking towards the Waterbom. We came across the huge and nice St. Fransiskus Xaverius Catholic Church.

Almost reaching the Discovery Shopping Mall, we were approached by a friendly guy on the street, carrying out some coupons and given to me and Alvin, and presenting to us some sort like a lucky scratch and win.
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Daddy got 2 free T-Shirts and I have got the 3 prices which definitely I can get one of it. It seems ‘nothing to lose’ and it just happens that I am ‘very lucky’ and win!

But to claim the prize, we were told that we must go to the hotel with them, and listen to their presentation, walk around in their hotel before we could actually claim the price. We just followed the cab and they took us to Jimbaran. It was 30 minutes trip.

IMG20161112091725The driver took us to the luxury hotel areas in Jimbaran.

Once entered to the reception,the customer service recorded our name and contact details.

It was a bit fishy as they just wanted to make sure that both of us can speak, write and read Mandarin. And we mentioned about we are Malaysian Chinese and know Mandarin.

IMG_9102Then, they were asking about our occupations, my guessing is they were trying to find out our annual income.

Later part, the customer service was mentioning because due to a lot of appointments thus it is best that if we are comfortable and ok to come over again to the Karma Jimbaran and attend to the presentation.

Daddy was so excited about that, because either 1 of the 3 prices is good enough for us – Hotel stay, shopping voucher and a Go-Pro.
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Then, a driver have arranged to send us back to where we would like to drop. We just informed to the driver that we wanted to go to Waterbom.

Resen, our driver asked us that do we have the ticket, then he drove us to the Kuta Center just next to the Waterbom and purchased our tickets.

The Waterbom tickets cost us about Rp.1,678,900, it was RM556.21 for family package (2 adults + 2 children)! It was expensive compared to Sunway Lagoon!

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Well, we just enjoy the day here. Once we entered we straight away went to the kiosk inside to get the ‘Splash Band’ wristband, as they apply cashless payment system inside the park. We purchased Rp.1,000,000 (RM331.29) credit stored in.

We went to the changing room and get ourselves a big locker to put our clothing after changing to our swim suits, by just scanned and the transaction was done.
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We went for the Lazy River. We drifted along in the tube raft which we got, along the way there are cascading waterfalls, languid ripples, and luxuriant tropical foliage to screen us from the flurry of excitement.

We aimed for the Super Bowl next, it was a thrilling swoosh down the aqua tube picks up momentum as we get pulled through the enclosed slide at the speeds.

DSC01031And, emerged from the tunnel into a huge cauldron otherwise known as the Super Bowl. From here we found some difficulties in finding the hole our and got flushed down for a splash into the pool!

Overall, is fun!
After that, both Daddy and Issac went for other rides as Annabelle was so scared of the rides. They went for the Twin Racers, Double Twist, Climax and so much more. I was afraid too as I saw the tubes designs of the rides and the height as well.

DSC01045Both Annabelle and I were watching people playing the Flow Rider, how they surf the wave at the same time with the choice of a stand up board or a lay-down board.
It was quite fun watching people dropped off from their surf boards! Rolling on the floor laughing

Most of the time we spent in the pleasure pool and its nearby thatched gazebos are the perfect chill - out haven.

Or if you like to make friends, join in a game of water volleyball. Then share a drink and tell your high adventure tales at the Sunken Pool Bar just a stretch away.

IMG_9106We had our ice-creams at The Shack. We spent almost 3 hours at the Waterbom.

After which, we got showered and changed and walked out to look for our food, as we believe the food and beverages here is expensive.

We looked around for a lunch place nearby to fill our stomach first before we went to the Kuta Art Market.
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Most of the restaurants in this area look a bit pricey and touristy. This local looking Warung Cak Kandar looked just the place for us.

Simple, clean, with both locals and a few visitors eating there. All food is freshly prepared to order.
We felt so hot that, we requested to sit inside the air-conditioned restaurant. The interior is quite nice as it gave us a ‘kampong’ feel.
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We had the pork rib set Rp.180,000 and the pork curry set Rp.88,000. The pork ribs was in dark soya sauce and it was tender and delicious.

The curry was nice too and I really liked the aroma of the spices they used in the Balinese food. The sets comes with 4 soups, 4 rice, a fried kangkong and 2 soft drinks because we do not drink the complimentary ice tea. We did ordered 1 Banana Juice for Rp.20,000.

IMG_9112The service rendered was good enough, the first waitress had limited English so the boss came and helper her out. And, we conversed in English with the mix of Mandarin.

We got to know that the boss is a local Indonesia Chinese. They are very friendly people.

After the meal, we went to our next destination – Kuta Art Market. The children were so happy being around there, we went in to a larger shop called Wake Bali Art Market. There are a lot of souvenirs which you can get in the shop.

IMG_9114We did our shopping here for souvenirs back home for friends and colleagues. We bought some small purses 11 x Rp.36,000, key chain 2 x Rp.30,000, various designs of botol openers Rp.37,500, Rp.25,000 and Rp50,000, Annabelle’s surfboard hanger Rp.55,000 and small Jepit Bebek Rp.18,000. Issac chose a Owl toy is about Rp.125,000 and peanuts Rp38,000.

We did walk around to the Kuta Art Market behind the shops. There are selling all kinds of Bali items such as Bali surfboard and guitar shaped fridge magnets, key chains, beer holders, placemats, faux leather shoes and sandals, Bali print T-shirts and colourful sarongs and fabrics.

IMG_9120All the ladies were sitting outside and calling us to go in to their shops and have a look or purchase something.

I just feel not comfortable that shopping at this kind of environment. We passed through the small lanes and all the shops are displaying the same items.

We continued to walk to the Kuta Square where all the modern shops and various international brands, mostly surfing clothing and sports apparel such as Quicksilver, Billabong, Rip Curl, Roxy as well as other fashion labels line up.
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We saw the Matahari Kuta Square Shopping Mall but we did not feel like going in and shop.

Instead, we were so tired and thirsty and walked in to the McDonald's and ordered 5 pcs chickens Rp.76,000, 2 Medium Coke and Sprite 2 x Rp.9,000.

And it costs us Rp.94,000, much cheaper if we were eating in the warung.

IMG_9122I was pretty amazed I must say, that both Issac and Annabelle too able to walk so far from the Waterbom.

We passed through the Grand Inna Kuta Hotel and officially we came to the Kuta Beach. We noticed there is a Oliver Jamie’s Italian Restaurant across the street. And it is just next to the famous Hard Rock Hotel and Café.

There is a Dekom Bali Surf School where you can just learn how to surf by signing up a coarse with them. It is just at the entrance of the Kuta Beach, so convenient!
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We did not play at the beach as it is so crowded with people and stalls. But having a glimpse on the Kuta Beach is great though.

We saw there are tartanilla ride here just in front of Hard Rock Café, we tried that before at Cebu last year. We believe the price is not cheap here especially at Bali.

Finally, we reached the Beachwalk Shopping Mall. We were so tired and looking for drinks inside the mall. The mall itself is big, and is another shopping mall for us. We rested here for awhile and we decided to get a cab back to our hotel.

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On the way back, we passed through the other side or tourist busy roads which we do not walk – Jalan Melasti, Jalan Sriwijaya, Jalan Legian.

We passed through the famous Ground Zero Monument which was built to commemorate the first Bali bombing tragedy on October 12th, 2012 that resulted in 202 people killed (mostly Australian tourists). Every year on October 12th, a lot of people from different countries gather at the monument to recall the tragedy.
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It was almost 6pm when we reached our hotel. It was a tiring day but still fruitful. Issac and Annabelle straight away went to bed after bath.

Daddy and Mummy walked out to look for our dinner. Daddy wanted to try the taxi driver recommended us this restaurant just nearby our hotel – Restoran Ayam Betutu Khas Gilimanuk. Unfortunately both of us was so hungry that we did not snap the photos of our food.

IMG_9127We ordered 1/4 portion Ayam Betutu Kuah Rp.30,000, 1/4 portion Ayam Betutu Goreng Rp.31,000, 2 Nasi Putih 2 x Rp.6,000 and Cola/Sprite 2 x Rp.10,000 for our dine in. The set is come with the sambal, fried peanut and the blanched kangkong topped with chili sauce.

Both of us agreed that Ayam bertutu goreng is by far the spiciest food we have ever try. It is nothing compare to the  innocent looking colourless tom yam. The spiciness of Ayam Bertutu was so spicy that it made me sweat like a mad cow after the first bite on it. What makes it even harder to tolerate is the fact that the spiciness actually lingers in the mouth for a few good minutes.

IMG_9128And, that was just the ‘normal spicy’ that we have, we have not yet try their famous ‘Super Pedas’! We take away 2 Nasi Putih 2 x Rp.6,000 and 1/2 portion Ayam Betutu Goreng Rp.49,000 for both Issac and Annabelle whom were still sleeping at the hotel. Total with tax we paid Rp.169,400 for our dinner.

We walked pass the small stall which selling the goreng-goreng snacks and we bought some: tofu, pisang goreng, etc.

IMG20161112160938We went in the Holland Bakery and hoping that we can find a decent birthday cake for Issac. Unfortunately that is not our cup of tea.

I guess Balinese really not fond of bread and pastries as I can see it through the pastries and the breads displayed there.

And, there was even no baker in the shop, as all the breads and cakes look as prepack and deliver to the shop and sell concept.

IMG20161112160636We went back to hotel and 2 kids already woke up and both were hungry for their dinner.

We get rest early too as tomorrow morning we will have to attend to the Karma Group Presentation.


Friday, November 11, 2016

We Arrived at Bali! 11 Nov 2016

IMG_9081Well, today is the day that we take off for our yearly family trip! We booked our flight tickets from Air Asia during September, so it is not a cheap or sales seasons during we booked the tickets.

Every year it is like a family tradition that we would travel during Issac’s birthday, ever since last year we were at Cebu performing our sealing ordinances at the Cebu Temple, Philippines. This year too, we are thinking the same: make it an annual family trip.
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Initially we were looking for Lombok and eyeing on the Mount. Rinjani.

After we found out that the difficulties to climb that mountain with our own ‘stamina’ and bringing the kids together, we shifted our destination to Bali instead.

As we heard from our colleagues that, Bali is a real fun and relax place for family vacation.
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We did a little bit of research on the internet on where to sleep, eat, do and see; contact recommended driver and guides and negotiating on the price, thus we have plan out our itinerary for our 8 days vacation there.

Due to budget wise, we took the last flight. Some how there was a cancelled flight from Air Asia, thus we were allow to choose different flight on the same day.

There were earlier flight morning 10am something but only left 4 seats, I was guessing it would be quite difficult for us as a family to be seated together; other than that there is afternoon flight 4.20pm and 6.30pm something.

IMG_9086Both of Daddy and Mummy discussed, we decided to choose for the 4pm something flight, it would be not too late for us to check in to our hotel in Bali for the first night.

Here we were arriving at the Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport. Once we stepped into the Arrival Hall, it does surprise us with the new and modern design of the airport.

We do agreed that this international airport are much much more modern than the Cebu Mactan Island International Airport which we visited last year.

IMG_9088We are a bit worried initially if the immigration would took long queue. We were so lucky that we do not need to wait long and passed through the custom. It was not long for us to pick up for our checked-in luggage.

We took a cab to our hotel which booked through Agoda – CT1 Bed & Breakfast Hotel located at Tuban. It costs us around Rp.125,000.

IMG_9087At first, it was quite a surprise to us to find out that the hotel which we booked is a bit different from the website photos.

Or may be it is because we were all hungry and tired. We check-in to our room and took a shower. We walked out from our Hotel and looking for our dinner.

We stopped by a local warung Coto Makassar at Jalan Raya Kuta that’s looks ok to us and we would like to have some local food.

We looked at the menu not much. We were asking the lady what is their specialty but it seems like she cannot understand our Bahasa Melayu.

IMG20161111213131We ordered a Soup Saudara (Rp.25,000), Ikan Bakar (Rp.70,000), Mie Kering Makasar (Rp.25,000) with 2 Nasi Putih (2xRp.6,000) just to share among 4 of us.

As for the drinks, we ordered 2 Kelapa Muda (2xRP18,000), Es. Teller (Rp.15,000) and a funny drink called Soda Gembira (Rp.18,000)!

Later that I know that this Coto Makassar is run by a family from Makassar in Sulawesi and they serve the best specialties of Sulawesi traditional dishes. The dishes served are ok and quick service.
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After the meal, we walked to the convenient store to buy some mineral waters and bathing shampoo. We returned to our hotel to rest.

After the dinner, Annabelle looked more happier as firstly she saw the condition of the hotel we stayed, I guessed she was hungry that time.

Really a tired day for us, but all of us were so excited to begin our Bali holiday!

Sunday, November 6, 2016

Kuala Lumpur District Conference

We have our Kuala Lumpur District Conference today at Wisma MCA as usual. Here are some photos of the presentation of the Primary today.

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Primary children were singing during the district conference.

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Primary children from all the branches of Kuala Lumpur District: Puchong, Subang Jaya, Cheras, Klang, Petaling Jaya, Kuala Lumpur and Melacca.

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Issac with Brandon and Miguel.

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Issac with Annabelle and Miguel.

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Getting to Know The Prophet & The Apostles

Learning & Living the Gospel #4 ~ Read a recent conference address given by the prophet. Decide what you can do to follow the prophet, and do it.

IMG_8950This is the 3rd lesson about the Prophet and the Apostles.

I thought this would be a great activity for the kids to get to know the Prophets and the Apostles a little better.

I downloaded from Heather’s  website: www.simplyfreshdesigns.com. You can get the templates for your personal use by visiting her website.

I love it because each page has a photo of the prophet along with facts about them.  I used these pages instead of pictures so we can learn about each one as part of the activity.

IMG_8951It is a simple, just a few bullet points using facts from their biography's on the church website, so they can get to know them just a bit without being too overwhelmed.

They were reading through the cards and checked with the assigned brethren which they need to fill in the blanks on the worksheets.

Once everything is done, ... in which they could also add anything they would like that is not listed on the worksheet but they learned during they find the answers.

IMG_8958Once they have completed the worksheet, another exercise is the famous quote from each of the Prophet and Apostles.

I picked it out from the latest General Conference during April 2016.

Another follow up activity can be done is ask them to pick their favourite verses and read the conference address, choose something they can do to follow the prophet, and do it.

This time around is quite a lot of reading to be done. Both were felt a bit bored on this. May be next time, I can improve this activity by playing a games or sorts to make it more interesting.

IMG_8959‘The Matching Game’ is played by putting all of the cards face down, and then each child turns over 2 cards. If they match, the child keeps them. If they don’t match, the cards are turned back over. Then it’s the next child’s turn. This would train the kids start remembering where specific cards are, and start making matches.

Another would be whenever a child got a match, have them to read one of the facts. Then can play a game matching pictures to facts. This was a little harder.

Another one can be showing a short video with brief clips of each apostle talking, and see if the class can name them. Hopefully I can play with them next time.

Thursday, October 27, 2016

My First Safety Jogger

This is my first safety jogger since I have been in this field for more than 20 years, can you imagine that? Previously, it is not a compulsory to wear the safety boots to enter to a interior renovation site. But, nowadays it have become a new rules.

So, this is my first safety boots as one of the site need me to wear safety gears including safety helmet and safety vest. Just bought it from a hardware shop and under company expenses.

Made me feel like I am really on work when I wear this boots. Haha…

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Saturday, October 22, 2016

I Will Follow The Prophets

Learning & Living the Gospel #4 ~ Read a recent conference address given by the prophet. Decide what you can do to follow the prophet, and do it.

IMG_8677After the first part of teaching the children why we have prophets, here come our second part of the lesson. It is all about follow the prophets. What are the things that our Prophet asks us to do?

The kids just fill in the blanks when they saw the pictures shown, such as partake the sacrament, pray always, study the scriptures, working, serve others, pay tithing.

The last part is the reading of the conference address given by our Prophet Thomas S. Monson last April 2016. The talk is ‘Choices’.

IMG_8679I did pick illustration from Friends magazine. President gave us an example of the Lewis Carroll’s classic novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

During Alice comes to a crossroads with two paths before her, each stretching onward but in opposite directions.

As she contemplates which way to turn, she is confronted by the Cheshire Cat, of whom Alice asks, “Which path shall I follow?”

IMG_8682The cat answers, “That depends where you want to go. If you do not know where you want to go, it doesn’t matter which path you take.”

President told us, “Unlike Alice, we know where we want to go, and it does matter which way we go, for the path we follow in this life leads to our destination in the next life.”

How the children can able to follow Prophet’s words in choices? How to choose the right path?

  • IMG_8683We can build a great and powerful faith which will protect us and help us to choose the right.
  • When we make foolish choices, use the Savior’s gift of repentance.
  • Repenting will help us to get back to the path which will lead us to that celestial glory we seek.

I explained to both of them, that as President Monson said, sometimes and most of the time, the choices lay in front of us are always such a scenario: right things to do sometimes are hard and wrong things are easy and tempting.

IMG_8684That is why he ask us to ‘choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong’.

The last page is letting them draw out and write out what they have learned. it was so interesting looking at their drawings and their attention towards their own works!

Both of them can really draw out the scene of Alice and the Cheshire Cat on the tree in the story of Alice’s Adventure in the Wonderland.

Now when I think about it, it is good idea too that before started the lesson, we should sing the Children Songbook “Follow the Prophets”.

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It tells about the prophets of old and their teachings: Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Samuel, Jonah and Daniel.

I especially love the last verses of the lyrics and it sing like this:

    • Now we have a world where people are confused.
    • If  you do not believe it, go and watch the news
    • We can get direction all along our way,
    • If we heed the prophets – follow what they say.

Frankly, I was pretty amazed by seeing the drawings they had drawn. Hope they will follow the Prophet’s counsel and choose the right!

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