Japan Trip: Kon'nichiwa

Japan has been in my travel list for as long as I remember. Their culture plays a big part of my childhood with their animes. For instance, Dragon Ball, Pokemon and even the famous super heroes team, Power Rangers are inspired by their Super Sentai. Oh, how can one forget about the adorable Doraemon? I believe most of the 90's kids can easily relate! Not to mention, Japanese food tops my favourite foreign cuisine list.

Glorious Tokyo Tower lit up at night, Tokyo

Also known as the Land of the Rising Sun, no visa is required for Malaysians to visit less than 90 days. My visit was back in May 2016, which is right after Cherry Blossom season. So, if you intend to visit Japan for the signature sakura, April is the best time of the year to go, which is ultimately the peak season. The temperature around this period is pretty steady around 30 degree Celcius or lower and hence, thick jacket is not really necessary (different story if you plan to visit Fuji, though).  The sun rises as early as 4.30am, which truly lives its name and sun sets around 7pm. There was no major shower during our visit and oh, there was minor earthquake during one of the nights, in which I actually felt the tremor. My phone even received the emergency alert. What an experience!

Yamanaka Lake, Mt Fuji - I miss this.

Japanese currency is "yen" which comes in domination of 10000, 5000, 1000, 500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1. 1000 yen worth MYR 36 during the time of my travel. There is a source telling me that Japanese Yen is cheaper if to buy during October, though further clarification is needed on that. Tip for arcade lovers: you might want to keep those 100 yen coins in your wallet. 

8 hours flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2, we started our journey in the capital of Tokyo before continuing further south to visit Fuji, travelling to Kyoto via Shinkansen and finally concluding at Osaka. Our trip spanned for 10 days and 11 nights, excluding travelling days. It's very convenient to commute throughout Japan with their extensive network and their punctuality is not a myth. Japanese are very well mannered when it comes to boarding public transport, one of their many aspects, the things that we can pick up. 

Iconic landmark of Shinsekai, Osaka

Each city offers different experiences: from exploring the advancement of Japanese urbanisation to embracing the roots of their historic culture. So, it's kind of hard for me to pick my favourite stop. You shall be able to read my excitement through my narration after this.

Me gets excited at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kyoto

(and my friend photobombed at the back)

Follow me through this journey!

Tokyo - Fuji - Kyoto - Osaka (in the works)

Krabi Trip: Khob Khun Kha

Phi Phi Island

After a night of partying at the beach ushering the arrival of new year (didn't really stay whole night), it's the activity that I'm looking forward to ever since I'm certified back in June 2015 - diving. My diving instructor mentioned to me that Andaman Sea is one of the best diving sites she has been to and ultimately this is the major drive for me to tag along in this trip last minute.

We signed up for 2500 baht 2-dive package with Hippo Divers, which inclusive of a wreck dive (I was very excited, at first.) Do be minded that most dive centres don't open for business on new year as one shall not get intoxicated the day before diving and our instructors happened to be not the drinking-party type (most of them are western foreigners). After ample rest in the morning and hearty lunch, we set off to the picturesque blue sea surrounded by green islets.

Blue and green - reminded me of coastal drive in Eastern Taiwan but this time we cruised across it

Excitement dwindles as the weather was not permissible for us to do wreck dive as we weren't able to locate the buoy that led to the dive site - rough sea is diver's enemy too, not only for offshore personnel. We switched to alternative diving sites. There are not much coral reef compared to the ones I went in Miri but big-eyes fish are abundant and here is my first encounter with king crown starfish. Though frankly, it wasn't good dive trip for me and being diver myself, we shall anticipate the change in weather that may change the entire plan and the outcome may not always be satisfying. 

King Crown Starfish 

Blue Candy Nudibranch - commonly spotted species during my dive in our region 

Disclaimer: Action camera performs poorly for macro objects. 

Enjoying the breeze of Andaman Sea and sunset after diving 

Settled my last dinner on the island at the famous Pirate House Restaurant.

Scrumptious Pad Thai 

Christmas decoration on the island lit at night

Krabi Town

Last glimpse of the long tail boat on Phi Phi before heading back to Krabi

The ferry ticket that we bought from our hostel in Ao Nang was inclusive of return trip back to the ferry terminal and also shuttle service to Krabi town (though it claimed that they could fetch to our hostel, apparently, it didn't). We walked for about 15 minutes from the drop off point before checking in at Pitta House.

Settling our lunch at nearby eatery and we started explore bits of the town. We walked along the Krabi River and passing by Crab Statue with Khao Khanab Nam in vicinity. Coincidentally, there was a Muay Thai show ongoing by the river bank with video crew doing their filming. I suppose either the competition was broadcasted live or they were doing tapping. Regardless, we have a taste of watching Muay Thai show for free!

Two Muay Thai fighters in action

Khao Khanab Nam in vicinity - you can go for a cruise that passed by the iconic structure in which we skipped

Cavemen Traffic light in Krabi 

Zebra crossing, literally

Explored the decent Vogue Department Store before continuing our journey to the Tiger Cave Temple via "tuk tuk". We were alarmed with the steps (more than just 1260 steps the signage claimed) that we have to take to get to the top but it was worth the climb which is free of charge.

Tiger statue inside the temple

Sitting Buddha oversees Krabi Province

Sunset from the top

Returned to the town and settling our dinner at Walking Street Night Market. We have our meals at one of the noodle shops and I thought my spicy tolerance was high enough as the lady has warned me upfront. There are a number of gravies available and I have picked the "hot" one. It was spicier that it looks, so beware. I dared myself to finish it all (and challenged my friends to have a taste of it themselves).

The noodle comes with "ulam" which helps to neutralise the spiciness of the gravy and oh, the coconut on the side

For our last day of the trip, we hired a driver to bring us 1 hour drive away from the town (a quick stop at Krabi Outlet Village on the way) to visit the emerald and blue pool with the entrance fee of 200 baht. There were two paths that lead you to the emerald pool from the main entrance, either 800m or 1000m. The pool was swarmed with people and we didn't take our dips. I couldn't see the emerald enough, really. We walked further in to look at the blue pool in which I find is more mystical and appealing.

Emerald Pool

Blue pool - one claims if you clap your hands, bubbles will emerge from the bottom of the lake

As the sun started to set and we concluded our visit with the day returned to town and have a brieftstop at the white temple, Kaewkorawaram Temple. We had our scrumptious dinner nearby the crab statue before having our final stroll at the street market of the trip.

Kaewkorawaram Temple

Last dinner in Krabi

My friends send their greeting from "Crab-i" 

We thought of going on stage at first to sing but for some reason, we didn't. It's free to sing and the song choices are limited to 90's. 

This graffiti marks my last shot in Krabi Town (I lost my lens cap while trying to capture this)

This has to be one of the relaxing trips that I ever had so far whereby one no need to rush through the itinerary. Since we are relying on public transports like taxi or "tuk tuk" to get around, we have to play by the ear. Krabi is worth visiting for those who wish to escape the bustling city life for a relaxing getaway to enjoy the blue and green of nature and to have a taste of outdoor activities - rock climbing for instance. This trip also exposes me to the varieties of Thai Cuisine, not just Tom Yam alone. I guess being touched by "Lady Boy" considered to be an experience too, eh? Not to forget the bone twisting and tickling Thai massage.

For my next visit to Thailand, I'm anticipating for "Thai Girl" show.