Graduation Trip, Day 3 - Krabi

The 3rd day of our trip is travel all the way to Krabi from Phuket. Took us about three hours drive in mini bus. Can't help but took a short nap during the journey... We reached Ao Nang beach at noon and before we could even check-in to our stay at Ananta Burin Resort, we paid for another island hopping tour!!

After having a quick lunch in our hotel rooms, we prepared again for Krabi 4 Islands tour. Sunblock, beachwear, sunnies, mineral waters all packed and off we go. This time, no more pick-up trucks as we sign-up for a private tour. So, we got our first experience sitting on a tuk-tuk to the beach where our private long boat awaiting us!

#1 - Me on a tuk-tuk

#2 - From our long boat

#3 - Upon reaching the Poda Island

This 4 islands tour highlight few main attractions in Krabi such as Poda Island, Chicken Island, Tup Island and Phra Nang Cave. However, due to the time contraints, we didn't manage to go Tup Island. According to online resources, Koh Poda is no more than a kilometre in diameter and is circular in shape. The obelisk-like rocky outcrop is somehow similar to what we have seen at the James Bond island. It is one of the best spot for relaxing, snorkeling and sunbathing. Our next stop from Koh Poda is the uniquely shaped Chicken Island with a rocky outcrop that looks like a chicken's neck and head. This is the reason why it is named so. 

#4 - Poda Island

#5 - Groupshot at Koh Poda

#6 - Our version of "sunbathing"

The final pitstop was at Phra Nang Beach. The main attraction here is a limestone cave used as a shrine by the local fishermen. To our surprise, the entrance of the cave is stacked with uncountable lingams symbols of different sizes, shapes and colors. 

"It is believed among the villagers here that the spirit of Phranang (Princess Goddess) resides in this cave. Fishermen, before going out would pledge Phranang for good luck. When their wishes fulfilled, votive offering would be made at the shrine. Common gifts are flowers and incense sticks but usually the spirits of goddess shall be offered special gifts, the lingams. However, this has nothing to do with the Thai people's religions, neither Buddhism nor Islam that the belief of lingam and holy womb shall create fertility and prosperity to the whole earth and mankind." - Descriptions taken from the signboard inside the cave.

#7 - Phra Nang beach

#8 - Phra Nang cave's lingams

The long boat journey back to Ao Nang beach was really terrible. Thunder, lightning and heavy rain just few minutes before we sailed back. The sea waves were really rough and all we pray was to reach the land safely. Yes, no doubt that it was dangerous but then again.... this will add on to our bucket of treasured memories! 

It was a long rainy night at Krabi so since we can't go out along the street, we decided to fully utilized our room facilities. Some of us had a great time playing at the pool which can be straight accessed from our room balcony! XD

#9 - At our private pool

Will keep posting!!

Xoxo. 

Graduation Trip, Day 2 - Ko Phuket

Decided to stay home today and start with this blog post. Can't be procrastinating anymore! Drama and my nap can wait right? >.<

So moving on to the next day of my trip...

27th Feb 2012 (Monday)

We're up from bed early today as there are so many activities awaiting us. Had our packed schedule back to back from morning till end of the night. The only time for us to rest is during the journey in mini bus. 

#1 - Morning view of Palmyra Patong Resort

First stop of the day, assemble at the jetty and wait patiently for island hopping tour! As there are so many different tour agencies, they differentiate us by the color string tied around our wrist. It's also used to make sure you don't hop into the wrong boat. After waiting for around half an hour, the pick-up truck arrived and you can choose to sit on it or walk over the bridge by foot. Hahaha.... i ended up walking because i don't wanna be sandwiched inside the truck. 

#2 - At the jetty point

#3 - Snap!

#4 - The bridge 

#5 - Pick-up truck!

#6 - With boy at the bridge

So now we're off to our Phang Nga Bay tour~ It was quite surprising that we're sailing on a huge yatch instead of a small ferry boat. Looks like we chose the best agent! Haha... not sure if the price we pay is similar with the rest but as long as it is worth the money, i have nothing to complain. =) 

#7 - On the yatch

#8 - My girls 

#9 - Koh Phang Nga 

Such beautiful sight isn't it? By following this tour, we get the chance to experience kayak-ing through the caves and mangroves. Of course we have a guide each to bring us around while passing the limestone caves! All we have to do is lie down, relax and admire the surroundings. 

#10 - While exiting the cave

#11 - Mangroves love

#12 - Groupshot at Mangroves 

#13 - Another groupshot at Mangroves 

Buffet lunch was included in the package and its not the lunch we enjoy most..... so what else is there? Free flow of coca-cola in bottles. Perfect thirst quenching drink after snorkeling under the burning hot sun. 

#14 - Coca-cola 

#15 - What we see while having lunch

After having our lunch on board, we headed to the famous James Bond island. One of the must go landmark in Phang Nga Bay. This island is populated with limestone cliffs that vertically jut out from the water. I have to say, its a place you need to visit even though it will be crowded with tourists all year long. 

#16 - James Bond Island

#17 - Memories from JBI

#18 - The slanting cliff 

I don't remember what island is it that they left us where we can kayak by our own! Had such a great time trying kayak-ing for the first time. Not easy..... Most of the time i made the boat going in cyclic direction. Haha! Thank goodness the boat didn't over turn... apparently there are lots of jellyfish swimming around.... 

#19 - The view while kayak-ing

#20 - First experience 

When we reached back to our hotel, we were already so tired but the night is still young. Took our shower, changed and we're on our way to one of the biggest show in Phuket island. We paid for the buffet dinner at Phuket FantaSea along with the show but sadly to say, the buffet is a great disappointment. No doubt that the environment is grand and elegant but the food is nothing to be brag about. After a few bites, we decided to walk around the theme park before seating in the theater. 

#21 - Phuket FantaSea

#22 - The Ultimate Cultural Themepark

#23 - Welcome!

#24 - Carnival Village 

#25 - Palace of the Elephant Theater 

Before entering the theater, everyone was asked to lock any recording devices in the locker room. The Fantasy of a Kingdom show is interesting enough for me but maybe one thing they should improve on is try having more genuine girls on stage. I'm not discriminating anyone here but its not that appealing for those who are sitting in front like the first few rows from the stage. However, thumbs up for the whole performance. Especially the ones doing the acrobatics. Simply amazing stunts! 

The night ended with pancakes, coconut water and sweet corns. Burp~ Hopefully i have the time to start the next post! 

Xoxo.

Graduation Trip, Day 1 - Ko Phuket

My skin is now brownish almost towards the dark chocolate color and i still haven't post anything about my recent trip to Thailand beaches. I have no idea what i'm caught up with seriously. If it wasn't because of a scary dream, i probably would still be having my cosy afternoon nap now. Ahh! What a beautiful lifestyle i'm having. Honestly speaking, it's a love-hate relationship between me and my current jobless life. Guess I need to stop thinking moon is rounder in other countries. 

I've uploaded the photos of this trip in Facebook (but only limited for my list of friends only). So for my blog readers, here is a short recap of what we did, the fun and excitement we had in these few islands. 

26th Feb 2012 (Sunday)

It was a raining late afternoon where the eight of us took our flight from LCCT, heading towards Phuket International Airport. Thanks to AirAsia promotion, we got our return tickets with less than RM150. But of course we booked since a year ago... everything was perfectly plan and we're all set. 

#1 - Phuket here we come!

We reached the airport about 8pm and the place was swarm with locals offering us their companies promotion island tours, transportations, hotels and etc. Wasn't easy task getting the best deals but thank goodness we are a big group so we can have our very own private tour! Private mini bus, private long boat... Hahaha! I just love the word - private. Wtf? 

After we check-in at Palmyra Patong Resort, we're off to explore along Bangla road! Here you will have nothing else but pubs, clubs, ladyboys (you know what i mean...), massage sanctuarys, all sort of amazing shows like PingPong or Tiger. Endless entertainment for you to indulge! I can't seem to see any other Malaysian there, perhaps due to non-holiday season. Everywhere is packed with Ang Mo! Ang Mo! Ang Mo! 

#2 - Nightlife at Bangla road

#3 - Local street food, is just so yummy! 

#4 - Ladyboys

#5 - Sawadee Ka!

#6 - Groupshot at Bangla

#7 - Interested in A-Go-Go?

#8 - Weight gaining supper

I missed all the street foods! Mix pork noodles, mango sticky rice, pancake with assorted fillings, satays, the "green kuih" and cheap beers! Like one big bottle for only RM4? Everything edible along the streets is cheap and i have no idea why goods selling in 7-eleven, Phuket is amazingly low priced. Why our country's 7-eleven charged so much higher compared to a normal sundry shop??! 

Anyway, that's all for our first day at Patong beach. Will try to update the rest asap~ 

Xoxo.