Longing for a short summer getaway yet you're on a tight budget? Look no further ‘cause Malaysia is home to some of the best beaches in Southeast Asia! And did you know there are a whopping 878 islands in our country? Sounds like we’re pretty spoiled for choices doesn’t it? I’m pretty sure when people recommend places to travel in Malaysia, some of these places would definitely include Malacca, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Sabah. How many of you have actually heard of Kelantan?
So recently I came across a resort that I’ve never heard of before: Tok Aman Bali Beach Resort which is tucked away in our very own backyard of Kelantan; a low key local gem that very few have discovered. 42km away from the town of Kota Bahru to be exact. With rate as low as RM160 a night, you get to enjoy the calm yet luxurious ambience of the resort with comfortable rooms that have a scenic view of the lagoon. Not to forget, this resort is family friendly resort.
Photo credits: Tok Aman Bali Beach Resort official website.
The large swimming pool is definitely the limelight of the resort situated right in the middle of the resort. There are a lot of activities that can be done at the resort including kayaking, pedal boat rides, fishing, paintball and even spa. You can rent a bike and explore around the resort as well. The best thing is that the beach is just 5 min walk away from the resort. Boy, I can already imagine myself relaxing barefoot on white sandy beach while reading a book and sipping on a cocktail with the waves crashing the rocks in the background. Ahhh, the smell of salty water and ocean breeze too. Isn’t it obvious that I’m actually dying for a beach getaway too? Haha!
There are also several attractions out of the resort where you can visit such as Siti Khadijah Market, Jahar Palace, Rantau Panjang Tax Free Zone and Moonlight Beach. And of course don’t forget to treat yourself to their signature cuisine called Nasi Kerabu (the rice is actually blue in colour!) and fly a Wau Bulan (read: moon kite) while you’re there!
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and book yourself a flight to Kota Bahru for an unforgettable East Coast experience and hospitality with Traveloka.
In case you haven’t heard, Traveloka is one of the leading flight and hotel booking platform in Southeast Asia, an integrated platform that is perfect for travellers wanting to book their flights and places of stay in one go!
The whole interface of Traveloka is pretty user friendly and straight forward, I would say. What I like the most is that the price you see is the price you get, with no hidden fee or extra surcharge. Do look out for various ongoing promotions and recently there is even an exclusive Maybank 0% installment plan with Traveloka! There is also this TravelokaQuick option where it saves your personal information and payment details only once for all the future transactions so you don’t have to keep typing in our details over and over again. This is definitely convenient especially for those who need to make a last minute booking trip. You can also manage all of your booking in on your devices easily including retrieving booking and requesting for your refund.
Furthermore, you can download the Traveloka app in your Apple Store or Play Store with just a click away for free, plus it’s even cheaper if you book through the app. In a nutshell, you can now easily plan your upcoming trips in a breeze with Traveloka especially if you’re looking to travel to Asian destinations.
Back in August, Kev and I went to Awanmulan for our very first trip together. It was a rather last minute decision since we had to cancel our long awaited Bangkok trip due to the recent bomb blast T__T Truthfully speaking, I was quite upset cause this is my second time not being able to make it to Bangkok, formerly was due to the riot last year. I guess these are all fated *goes to one corner and cries*
Anyways, enough of ranting and back to Awanmulan! We were searching high and low to all the possible destinations we can go at the eleventh hour; but in the end we opted for somewhere nearer and somewhere we have always wanted to go. The initial plan was to go to Dusun but it was fully booked but boy were we lucky that Awanmulan still has a house available. We quickly called in for reservation and paid the deposit just a day before, normal booking requires at least 2 days in advanced.
I'm pretty sure you guys have heard about Awanmulan, it is one of the well known jungle retreats you can find in Seremban. The journey to Awanmulan took approximately 45 mins drive from KL, the place itself was not difficult to locate with the help of Waze. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Patrick, who works for the owners, Uncle Teng and Aunty Anne. Apparently he's been there for about 7 months, being sick of the fast paced city life. We could definitely relate as we were touched by the gentle hands of nature the moment we got there. Fresh air and traquility all around, and being situated on a slightly higher altitude makes the place not as warm despite all the sunlight.
Patrick led us around the whole area and showed us all the different chalets (7 altogether including the two new additions; Durian Runtuh and Rahsiah) as well as the swimming pools. Patrick even told us that Teratak Bonda, the most favored house among all is currently fully booked every weekend till the end of the year, yikes! Just so you know, all the houses are equipped with almost all basic amenities including towels, hairdryer, a microwave oven, barbecue pit, electric grill, and electric cooker, kitchen utensils and even a fridge - so you can basically cook a full course meal as long as you prepped your ingredients beforehand. Besides breakfast; all meals will be self-catered unless you have a larger group of 10 pax or more.
There are specific houses to stay in depend if you want to enjoy the sunset or
sunrise views, but unfortunately we were only able to get an ordinary one; Sasterawan. Still, not complaining! So guys, ready for a tour?
This is the bedroom, simple yet cozy and it's attached to a washroom.
The outdoor shower, cool but a tad inconvenient.
The kitchen and dining area, excuse us for the messy table (x
They even have a hammock indoor!
The barbeque pit with charcoal and matches was provided as well.
The infinity pool facing the west.
Located just beside the infinity pool is another standalone chalet for couple called Evensong. It has its own balcony where you can sit and enjoy the sunset and shining stars at night. Too bad this chalet was not available during our stay, next time perhaps? :P
And oh meet Gina, the house dog!
After touring around, we retreated back to our own house and marinated our lamb chops for dinner. We chilled on our veranda, each reading the books we brought along and just listened to some music while enjoying each other's company. We also started to inflate the donut float (yeap, we rented one and brought it all the way there!) while waiting for the sun to go hide behind the clouds. Arduous, but it was an excellent workout so to speak HEH Once the weather started looking fine and dandy, we quickly changed into our swimming gear and hopped right into the pool!
Since it's a weekday, we get to have the entire pool to ourselves the whole evening. How lucky!
And of course, we didn't miss the perfect and mesmerizing sunset view by the pool.
To be able to just watch the sun slowly sank beneath the horizon; sheer bliss.
Barbecued lamb chops and chicken wings with salad and potatoes as side; cooked by the boyf!
Good thing that the thoughtful boyf brought along some art and crafts thingy for keep us occupied during the night.
Waking up to this hearty breakfast being served on our dining table. And we decided to spend the morning in the pool again before checking out, fully utilising the time we have left.
P/S: This sarong was actually provided by them too, loving the #kampungvibe.
Another infinity pool facing the east.
Happy one year, love! Thanks for putting up with me through good and bad days, more to come HAHA Love you long time :*
The mini masterpiece we both completed the night before (':
It was indeed an enjoyable getaway, albeit short. Definitely coming back again! So if you're looking for a short trip out of the hustle bustle city, no doubt this is the place to head to :D
Last but not least, enjoy a short video we've made. It really doesn't do the trip justice, but hope you guys like it anyways :)
I know it's been a month since my last post, that's cause I'm currently in India and it's entering the fifth week already. Well, in case you're wondering, I'm here attending a six weeks course with few of my classmates. Life here has been treating me good so far, isn't as bad as I thought it will be. The weather is lovely as well, chilly with minimal sunshine and occasional rain.
I wish I had the luxury to blog but then there isn't wifi available at the place and even the mobile internet isn't stable anyway. Not sure what else to blabber about anymore so here's a bunch of photos I've taken during my first few weekends outings. Bangalore is not exactly a primary destination for most tourists, so there isn't much to explore besides malls and traditional markets.
Safely arrived at Bengaluru International Airport after a four-hours-plus flight.
Fraser Town is the area where I'm staying at.
Random wall painting.
You can see cows almost everywhere, even in the middle of a traffic.
There, another one.
Commercial Street, one of the shopping districts that sells both international brand and locally produced items.
Colourful and shiny bangles.
Handicrafts and silk scarves.
At least there is something that feels familiar like home; Krispy Kreme doughnuts.
Cotton Candy man.
Ganesha Festival Parade.
St Mary's Basilica, oldest church in Bangalore. There was a couple of festivities held during the annual St Mary's Feast when we visited in early September.
Henna for 100rupees.
Books sold by the roadside.
Reminiscing childhood memories!
One of the famous used books stores in town; The Bookworm. It offers great bargain for both used and new books.
The amount of book they have in every corner of this tiny store is just whoa. How I wish I take all these home with me.
Sorry for the abrupt ending HEH I wish I could write more but I guess I need to get my mojo back. Honestly speaking, I do miss blogging. I know my blog has been nothing but a bore lately. Hope to be back soon with more exciting posts. I shall share more photos in the next post (: Counting down the days till I'm flying home, 13 days more to go!
P/S: I turned 23 last Thursday. P/P/S: Unfortunately, my camera died on me last weekend T__T
