Panasnya Perth

31 Jan to 3 Feb 2014

I always like the feeling being in Australia. I like how things being done, the day to day life seems efficient and people seems have a balance in life. They work hard during the day and relax at night. Its like 8 hours of work, 8  hours of play and 8 hours of sleep. Hmmm.. should i migrate to Australia?

Short trip to Perth is due to the need to run away from current caca marba kind of situation I'm having now. 5 jam 15 min utk ke Perth. Tak lah terlalu lama. Decided to stay in a nice hotel so that I can taste my hard earned cash. Lepas ni entah bila boleh cuti..

Day One

Flight pukul 8.50 am tapi delay pulak 30 min. Sampai Perth airport, terus ke south area - Bunbury for a pit stop.

Day Two

Pagi- pagi terus ke Agusta lebih kurang 3 jam, for Cape Leeuwin and witness two ocean colides - Indian Ocean meets Southern Ocean. MahsaAllah.

Then patah balik heading Busselton jetty, the longest jetty in Australia which has been rebuilt due to fire. Since its Saturday, people is lepaking. Perth is super hot 36○.. summer time. Kalah Malaysia. Mat salleh ni sukalah berjemur bagai.

Then diteruskan ke Margaret Chocolates Factory. Dok belasah choc yg free for testing. Mahal nya... la hai. Tapi dah jalan jauh, beli la jugak. Sampai lupa nak snap photo.

Last destination sebelum sampai Perth city - Lake Clifton to see the Thrombolitees or living rock. It rare and only few places in the world. Its looks like rock but its not.  Read this :

Sampai semula city, dah nak malam. So rest dulu. Trip kali ni nak relax sikit. Tak nak yg mcm selalu,  intensive.

Day Three

Pagi, ambil train ke Femantle (lebih kurang 30 min) utk melawat lawat. Jalan kaki je pun rasa dah habis pusing. Sebab kecik je pun. Tak de apa sangat sebenarnya. Tapi ramai Malaysian datang sini utk beli souvenir dan mkn fish and chips kat Cecelerio.

Pukul 11.30 am dah balik perth city. Pusing pusing city pulak. Ada deretan kereta lama next to hotel. Bagi sesiapa yg kaki shopping maybe suka kot. Mcm mcm tempat shopping ada. Mayers, Target and David Jones. Saya tak berapa la kan. Beli souvenir je. Gambar pun tak ambil.

Kat sini ramai pemuzik jalanan. I like. Dok layan dia org ni even though hari panas la sangat. Ada yg talented habis. Patut pergi la masuk competition. Berbaloi. This video has a lot of extra props behind :D

Then continue walking to Swan Bell Tower

Waktu summer daylight time panjang, 5.30 am dah terang benderang, pukul 7.30 pm baru nak gelap. So masa memang rasa panjang. Tapi dah tak larat sebab bila hari panas, sakit kepala berdenyut. Makan active fast, pukul 9.00 pm tidur sudah.

Day Four

Flight pukul 4 pm, tapi lepak kat hotel je. Merayap sekejap je. Tak de apa rasa nak di beli. Pulang balik hotel. Lepak sampai check out at 12 pm.

Time to go home... Tidak mahu kembali ke Perth. Sekali je cukup utk cross my bucket list. Maybe due to shopping is not my main interest.. was hoping for scenery and others. Tidak cukup rasa eh!.

12 hours.... in Brisbane

Transit in SIN seems pleasant since Changi Airport gave me what I want - Free Internet,  Sofa and Movie channel on TV.

Flying with Qantas was also pleasant. As its not a budget airlines, standard blanket, pillow, meals & entertainment were given. Since I booked special halal meals, I always got my meal earlier than other pax. Nice. Movie selection was not bad either. 

One thing that I like about Qantas safety video is that they use their own staff to brief, from real captain, stewardess, cargo and safety staff. Its kind off good effort to show the back end people that supports the airlines.   

Arrived Brisbane early morning and purchased data card so that I can move around easily.  Since its still dark, it gave me enough time to do my research and replied some important emails and whatapps. 

Haha.. Baru nak fikir nak pergi mana. Tak sempat to do my homework earlier. Since I'm on solo, I'm easy. The plan was to wonder around southpark Brisbane. Menapak mengikut arah kaki melangkah. I always heard that Brisbane is where rich people buy house and live there.   

It's not cheap in Brisbane. I only have AUD 150 cash in hand. Return train tix to city, data card and storage for bag already AUD 55. Cancel lah plan to buy hop on hop off bus tix which will cost me another AUD 35.

Since it's beginning of spring, the sun shine bright and the wind makes it colder. There are plenty of cafe's around the area.

Also, well known man made beach in the city - Streets Beach. Most of the kids seems having fun with the water meanwhile the adult berjemur di tengah panas.   

There was a flea market in the area. Mcm mcm ada especially the art thing. Found out that there is actually free ferry service heading to few tourist spot called city hoppers. Apa lagi terus lah. Singgah botanical garden, hoping to see flowers. Ok la. Not bad but Christchurch botanical garden has a lot more :)

Penat sudah. Terasa rasa sangat mahu pulang ke airport.  Cuaca panas bangat. Rasa tak keruan sudah. Singgah Max Banner utk makan waffle choc nya yg sgt famous dan enak itu. Lepak sekejap sebelum menaiki train heading airport.

Ambil bag dan terus ke arraival area since awalpagi tadi nampak ada tempat utk shower. Lega bangat rasanya dapat mandi. Tidak sabar mahu ke Auckland hotel dan tidur.

Two things that I always do when travel are to buy internet card (when the price is reasonable) and to travel light. I always hand carry my luggage. I always have fear it get lost somewhere,  I don't have to waste time to wait for my bag and it save me some money :) The flip side of it, I cant buy many stuff for souvenirs (as if I buy so many things pfffttttt). As such fridge magnet is always my first choice for souvenirs. For these 9 days trip, I manage to capped at 7kg for my trolley bag. Yeay! Otherwise I might have to check in or have difficulty to place it up on the compartment head.

Arrived AKL at midnight and immediately rang the hotel at freephone for shuttle. 20 mins later, settled myself and have my precious sleeep on the bed. 

Back in New Zealand through Brisbane

This trip was not in the plan. I was hoping that my visa to Uzbekistan will be approved few days before Syawal. Unfortunately, not. Perhaps no travel during Ramadan heh!   

So the so called plan B trip, is on. Was putting so much effort on finding my tix. I was like trying to every possible route to get the cheapest and at the same time covering 2 countries (if possible). Since the decision making was in Aug, the flight tix price was no longer cheap.

While searching,  I can't help to hope if there is any error on the airline's website so that I would be able to buy at super cheap price or if I have siblings working with airlines so that I get family price... hmmmm... berangan- angan mat jenin je la heh.

Finally,  purchased my tix which was quite ambitious. Haha. It was my longest journey so far: KUL - SIN - BNE - AKL - SIN - KUL. 

Sydney: End of the Journey :(



Day Four 



I was early to the airport to avoid any unpleasant surprises. As usual when you travel solo, they go through you a bit more. The TRS counter was long, spent almost 40 mins there to claim my GST (lucky I'm early). Last minute requests from family back home makes me rushing here and there. Haha. But I'm good to go home. Oh to the reality.

Few things that have made this trip easier that worth to mention:

1. Location of the hostel

I'm a bit worried when confirming my booking. Since i made my arrangement at a very last minute, I have left with only two options. Decided with my guts to choose this hotel since it looks less crowded means less noise, free wifi, the score rating is higher and from review its suitable for more matured traveller. Location is perfect, near the main hub of every bus and train - the central station only 500m away. So I can just simply ask the tour bus driver to drop me off anywhere near to the central station. Mc Donald, KFC, Sushi, 7eleven and Roti boy are just around the corner.

Upon arrival, it was not that hard to find it. Lucky, i arrived in the afternoon and the room is ready even the check in time is 2.30 pm. Room is clean even though no aircond, only table and fan. Shared bathroom was surprisingly clean and usually empty (perhaps I always go out early morning and come back late evening, hah!). The shared kitchen even though a bit small is clean and with free tea :) Oh, for 3 nights, it cost me RM 650.00 for single room.

2. Tour

I bought buy one free one tour package from 12fly.com.my and it was good. The two days full day tour is worth RM333. Ok sangat kan, rather than wondering alone like nowhere. I emailed them on Saturday evening to confirm my purchase and immediately they call my mobile to re-confirm. I immediately make my payment as it was already few days to depature. They send my request to APT office on the same day and by Tuesday I received my voucher and on Thursday off I go.

Both tour was done professionally, punctual and with full information about the places and what is happening. The only thing that you must follow is their time, not yours :)

3. Navigation

To people like me who has poor sense of direction, Sydney would be a suitable destination to visit. Signage and street names are everywhere. Even you get lost, you will find your way home. Public transportation's are superb but expensive :( You can buy different passes to get discounted rate (only if you stay longer). Don't afraid to ask, they are pleasant people :)

4. Internet

Do not hope for free wifi. It is very limited. Purchase your own internet sim card instead. Buy Optus Yes (the yellow colour provider), it can be as low as AUD 2 for unlimited calls and data. Nice kan.

5. Food and drinks

are expensive in Sydney.The cheapest small bottle mineral water that i found is AUD 2. Mahal kan. The big bottle AUD 3.5. Nevertheless, I just found out that it is safe to drink the tap water. Coke and juice will cost in average AUD 3.20. I found halal indomee in 7eleven ranging from AUD 1 to AUD 3. So don't worry, you can still survive without carrying any food from home. Just tell your stomach to be patience :) However, if you are a coffee lover like me, a visit to the cafes is a must. Their coffee is excellent. You will be spoilt with choices.

The sky are blue and the sun shines bright. Thank you Sydney. I had a great time. You have been easy on me.

Location : Perimeter Rd, Sydney Airport (SYD), Mascot NSW 2020,
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Sydney: I see Blue Mountain and Wildlife

Day Three

I slept super early yesterday.  Totally exhausted. I kind of like my 2km morning walk. Its quiet and cold. Lots of people jogging, ride bicycles or simply walk with the dog. As usual, I stop for cup of coffee. I'm not in a hurry. So I'm enjoying my morning walk even though I know I can take the light rail to the star bus terminal. I sat on the bench and wondering if its a good idea to .....

Bus is full, no empty spaces. A tour with code sharing between APT and AAT Kings. Two bus depart for the same tour.

Stephen, the bus driver and tour guide a bit chatty and serious.  He a bit upset with the passenger that makes noise and can't stop talking. After a few warning, they take it seriously. 

Journey to blue mountain is 2 hours one way. The view is spectacular with different kind of tree along the way. Since its beginning of autumn,  the leaves start to change colour. During summer,  they experience  a lot of bush fire, due to the hot weather.

First stop - Echo point, Katoomba

Three sisters - Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo

Starting with aboriginal show and dances. Half way I decided to go out and look out for the lookup point for 3 sister - a rock formation  representing three sisters who according to aboriginal legend were turned to stone.

Next - Scenic World

The replica of 3 sisters

The Skyway and Cableway

To go inside, I have to purchase scenic pass which entitle me to ride skyway + railway + cableway and of course the walkway. The railway is currently under maintenance as such leaves me with one option, to take skywalk and return back via cableway.  It cost me Aud 21.

The rides was okay (maybe since i dont have vertigo) same goes to the walkway path. We were about to sesat in dlm hutan. Haha but then I saw AAT bus driver and asked for direction. I was afraid being left by the bus driver since I don't  have much time.

Missing the feel of the jungle

Its reminds me of my Sarawak trip, many years back. Trackking thru the headhunter trail and few caves. Walking thru the plankwood with different kind trees all the way.

Somehow the 3 girls frm china were not with me anymore after we went on the cableway.  The bus driver left them and the bus continues its journey to the next place. Heeee takutnya kena tinggal bus.

Next, Leura - a small old school village

Shops and cafes all over

Seat for Bored Husbands :p

in moving bus

I love the cherry trees. Its every where and the leaves start to change colour. Cantik.  I grab fruit bun for my lunch and continues wondering around. I bought some peach and nectar to fill up my stomach.

Next stop - Featherdale Wildlife Park

macam macam gaya koala ni. Cute kan

koala + me

Let me out... please

Kangarooos are everywhere

The ego panguins :)

Not really sure why, but last minute I have chosen to visit the animal rather than Jenoven cave. The main difference between Australia zoo and wildlife park is that the wildlife park has Australian animals only. I managed to say hi to koalas, kangaroos and penguins. Yeay! Of course there are birds, spider, crocodile and others too.

Next - Olympic stadium

As we are perfectly on time, the bus make a short tour drive thru to the Olympic stadium. According to the bus driver,  the government and all sponsors managed to pay all debt prior to the launching of the opening ceremony.  Hebat kan.

Final stop - Cruise by ferry to Darling Harbour

Perfect way to end the day - cruise

This old boat reminds me of Pearl Habour the movie

I asked the bus driver if I can buy any public ferry ticket to Darling Harbour since I have two more hrs before dark. Ada. As such I hop on to the ferry at Olympic station for aud 7++. It took about 50 mins to reach darling Harbour. Last stop is circular quay and I might be able to snap opera house. But then, I have yet to jalan jalan at darling harbour. So tak pela. Pun its further away. Nanti lagi jauh kena menapak.

Pulang berjalan kaki ke hostel apabila sudah semakin sgt gelapnya. Wow! I have completed my trip. Alhamdulillah. Sudah sampai masa untuk pulang. Oh.

Location : 17 Goold St, Chippendale NSW 2008,
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Sydney: Touring city sights

Day Two

I was like waking up every hour. Risau tak terbangun sebenarnya, plus bunyi bising di luar jalan raya. Get ready and off to the street at 6.45 am (3.45 am M'sia). Mlm tadi dah google pick up point, which is about 2.2 km from hostel. Nasib baik hari pun dah cerah sedikit. Melayan suasana pagi berjalan kaki dan menghirup kopi. Sampai juga on time setelah bertanya kepada dua strangers.

Dalam bas kebanyakkannya Aussie (saya rasa) yg warga emas dan juga dua couple india. Tiada solo traveler hanya saya dan dari malaysia.

Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge

Pagi-pagi sudah ke sini. One of must visit tourist spot in Sydney. Tiada makna jika ke Sydney tetapi tidak ke sini.

Manly Beach

Utk ke Manly beach, cara yg paling cepat sampai ialah menaiki feri about 30 mins. Ini kerana hanya ada satu laluan jalan raya utk ke sana. Kalau hari bekerja sudah tentu jam. Sesiapa yang suka surf, Manly beach adalah jawapannya. Menurut sejarah, surfer pertama di Australia adalah wanita dari hawaii. Tidak lah hebat pantainya, tapi suasana nya meriah kerana ada playground utk kanak-kanak, bola tampar dan sufer utk yg dewasa. Setelah sejam, pulang ke city.

Circulay Quay and The Rocks

Dalam bus, ada yg half day tour, ada yg full day, ada yg lunch di captain cook cruise, ada yg akan ke aquarium. Saya full day tour tapi tiada add on. Maka saya pilih utk turun di Circular Quay dan akan di pick up semula jam 1.40pm. Ada dua jam utk pusing pusing. Saya berjalan sehingga ke area the rockS. Flea market nya menarik, juga bangunannya gaya lama.

Lunch @ Pancakes on The Rocks

google pix

Mine, the icecream choclate already melted to the side, baru ingat nak snap photo :)

I have tried hard to finish it, but its meant for two :)

Saya singgah di Pancake at the Rock. Katanya pancake nya wajib di cuba. Sampai disana, kena queue pula. Nak take away tidak boleh. Sabar dan berdebar-debar. Dengan pantas saya order dan tunggu pancake sambil melihat-lihat sekeliling. Ala-ala chilies suasanyanya. Wah hebat pancake yg sampai. Juga besar hidangannnya. Dua keping buttermilk pancake bersama choc icecream, pisang dan kekacang plus sos choclate. Pancake masih panas, superb dimakan bersama icecream. Oh yummmy yummy. The best pancake I ever had in my life.

Opera House (again), Mrs Macquaries chair and The Gap

me in black :)

Mrs Macquaries Chair

The Gap Viewing Platform

Sesi petang, ada penumpang baru ada yang sudah pulang. Melalui opera house sekali untuk ke Royal Botanic Garden. View opera house di lookup pointnya memang cantik. Ditaman ini juga terkenal dgn Mrs Macquaries chair yg mana ianya tempat duduk favourite isteri Gavenor utk melihat harbour. Menantikan kapal utk pulang ke London.

Bondi Beach

Kemudian ke Bondi beach. Tempat yg lebih famous and happening, compared to Manly. Ramainya orang. Hari sabtu kan. Cuaca pun panas terik, memang mereka suka berjemur. Happening sungguh tempat ni.

Pulang semula ke city melalui oxford road (deretan kedai utk bershopping bagai utk designer item), King Cross (red light district dgn signage coca cola yg besar), William street (yg mana di waktu mlm byk mak nyah) dan satu lagi jalan yg saya tak ingat namanya yg terkenal dgn gay dan lesbian street.

Turun di central lebih kurang jam enam dan terus ke hostel. Makan malam maggi indomi yg entah kenapa terasa sedap la sgt. Maybe combination lapar + penat.  Menaip pun sampai tertidur. Half mlm tadi, half pagi ni.

Hari ni tour ke Blue mountain dan Wild life. Perlu bersiap sudah :)

Location : 61-65 Regent St, Chippendale NSW 2008,
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