Majestic Langkawi

I turned 40 last May 2. My hubby gifted me with an Island Trip to Langkawi.  As usual he plans everything for our trip without getting help from any travel agency  ( He is good at that, sometimes ;) ).  I am such a lucky gal for having someone who does all the details.  Though he leaves me to do the packing which is very taskful but then through years of travelling I already mastered it, even with an additional three in the family, I can pack one suitcase for the five of us with closed eyes.

Berjaya Langkawi Resort was our destination for my 3 days Birthday Celebration.  It was describe as "Cocooned within a rainforest sanctuary, which embraces boundless views of emerald sea and lush green mountains." It took us 40 minutes via Malaysia Airlines from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi and when we arrived we were transfered to Berjaya Hotel via land for 20 minutes. The scenery was already fantastic, you would feel you are in a vacation already. You see greens everywhere as you ride the long and winding road until you finally see the sea view from your window.  Ahh, life is indeed beautiful. 

Photo Ops at KLIA Pre- Departure Area.  My little men are just so adorable with their Fedora 

My little tooth head buddy

Finally Arrived! Langkawi here we come!

This was the first time we use Berjaya Hotels & Resorts for our travel accomodations.  I have always love Shangrila Resorts & Hotels, unfortunately they dont have it here in Langkawi.  As a frequent traveller, accomodations, services and facilities are always on top of my list.  We arrived smoothly at our hotel and was met with a grand fountain in the middle of the lobby.  The lobby was huge but there weren't enough couches to accomodate those who are in waiting for check-in.  Tourist from different parts of the world, clad in their summer bikinis and outfits, walked in and out of the lobby.  It took another 15-20 minutes for my hubby to check-us in, which we never get in our favorite hotel. My little men were a bit cranky by now as the afternoon turns to be a little too hot already.  

We took our lunch first before heading to our Rainforest Chalet. Lunch was serve at Dayang Cafe, where they served a variety of Malaysian and International Cuisine.  The view that afternoon from the Cafe was amazing.  Blue green waters amidst the Andaman sea, white sand that glitters from the sunny hot afternoon.  Right then and there I wanted to take my bikini and plunge into the sea.

Our View from Dayang Cafe

After devouring on Beef Rendang, Fried Veggie Roll and Nasi Lemak, the buggy car took us to our Rainforest Chalet. Road was steep and narrow. The Rainforest Chalet is just one of the accomodations at Berjaya Resort.  Located within the lush rainforest with view of the jungle. The Rainforest Chalet has a Malay Architecture, standing on a stilt amongst the bushes and towering trees. It's Rustic from the outside that I even had second thought of what is inside.  Fortunately, it has a modern interior, clean lines with warm wood accents over white walls, white linens in its softest thread were spread in each bed and pillows. Yes, the room was very relaxing that I wished I could lock myself in it all alone without the care in the world.  oh, by the way we were warned about Monkeys in the balcony. 

Rainforest Chalet our crib for 3 days

My little men actually waited for the monkeys but thank god, they never visited our crib

We hit the pool on our first day, since my little men loved to swim.  While my man and his little ones swam, I stayed by the pool bar and got myself some virgin pina colada.  It was a great afternoon spent in their vast pool overlooking the beach.  We also checked the beach before it hit sunset.  It was marvelous, breathtaking and  serene. There were Chalets standing on stilt by the water, recommended for couples and honeymooners. They also offer sea sports such us water ski, jet ski, snorkelling, windsurfing and the likes. We tried water ski and kayaking on our second day.   But that afternoon, my boys played soccer by the beach with their baba, then they finally hit the water and catch up with the waves and the sand.  While my I kept my camera on hand, clicking and clicking at those wonderful sights.

First Day by the pool

Life is Indeed beautiful when spent with the love of your life

Soccer by the beach

I just have to try this with Zander

Playing with the sand and the waves

Breathtaking Beach at Berjaya Langkawi

The beautiful waters of  The Andaman sea

On my Birthday we had dinner at one of the hotel's restaurant.  Though I was not really satisfied with what they offered.  Food at Berjaya Hotel was not to my palates indulgence at all. Kids Menu are all the same in every restaurant they had and tasted bland and dry.  Its not what I expected knowing Berjawa Langkawi is a five star hotel.  

One restaurant only stands the most authentic, PAHN THAI Restaurant, that offered THAI cuisine which was offered to us complimentary in lieu of the forgotten supposed Island Tour that the reception forgot to include in our package that we paid. Unfortunately, when we were given this complimentary dinner, no one told us that we should take the shuttle to get to the restaurant which was located at the tip of the Island. Yes, hiking along with my little men uphill and lowhill in the dark, with a few street lights for almost on the road for half an hour. Thank god, for the flashlight and those Chalets on the side of the road.  There should've been a direction and how long does in take by foot to get to the restaurant.  Sadly, no one ever told us.  And this ruined my little men's adventure and told us to never go back to this place again.  Good enough, after the heavy meal which was sumptious probably we were just too hungry from the great hike. The service staff called a shuttle ride for us to head back to our own chalet. This was my only complain about the hotel, food and services. They should level it up otherwise no one will ever come back.

On our third day in Langkawi, we hit the town.  It took about 45 minutes ride to get to its quiant little town where every thing is DUTY FREE! If you want to load those pantries with chocolates and liquours, they have it at LANGKAWI.  Happy shoppers for chocolates DUTY FREE!!! the cheapest you can get compared to Kuala Lumpur. Got my little ones, new kicks from the ADIDAS outlet factory  at a very reasonable price.  I remember Clark Pampanga, in Philippines. 

We had fun down town and was able to fend ourselves with good food.  A Cable ride to Mount Chicang the second highest peak Mountain in Asia is one of Langkawi's attraction which is a 3 minute drive away from our hotel. The last time I took the cable ride was on my honeymoon from KL to Genting and I told myself I will never do that again. It's the second highest peak they say and should I say more?..I'd be damn if I get on it.

  

Mount Chincang, The second highest Peak mountain in Asia

Our everyday path at the Rainforest Chalet

To sum it all even if there were some flaws,  It was still the best  40th birthday of my life. Having to spent it with the loves of my life is a memory I will cherish for a lifetime.

It's Your road...
And Yours Alone.
Other's may walk it WITH YOU,
but no one can walk it
FOR you!

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Wonder and Wandered at KIDZANIA KUALA LUMPUR

Today My little men wandered the world of KIDZANIA.  Kidzania is an indoor theme park designed for children between 3 - 15 years old and their parents. It's a kid size replica of a real city where children can play adult roles in a highly realistic environment. It is located in 12 countries Santa Fe, Mexico, Monterrey Mexico, Tokyo, Jakarta, Koshien (Osaka), Lisbon, Dubai, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Kuwait. Kidzania Kuala Lumpur is the 3rd Kidzania state in Southeast Asia  and the 11th in the world. 

I was exicited and nervous at the same time. It's like sending them off to fend for themselves for 5 hours.  Which is actually what they are going to do. As in the "real world" they will perform "jobs" and either paid for their work as ( fireman, doctor, police officer,journalist, pilot, shopkeeper, etc...) or pay to shop or be entertained. Parents have actually the option of joining the adventure but my hubby and I decided its time for them to do something on their own since in weeks time they will turn 8.

  

                                        

The Bridge that connects to KidZania Airport

Clock ticks from different parts of the world

I was in awe seeing how this little world turned to be surreal. Yes, we were welcomed with  KIDZANIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (Kidzania partnered with AIR ASIA as its carrier ). Ticket counters that produced your tickets and boarding pass to get in. An Immigration to get you stamped and checked. Kids get also a cheque and encash it on a real BANK. Cheques are then encashed into 50 Kidzos ( KidZos are Kidzania's official currency).

At the Immigration waiting to be stamped

                                                                    

Finally, we have to let them go. Oh, since we were so excited sending them off to this world. I forgot to bring their own back-pack so they could have their own water and a little snack as they wander around that little world of theirs. Next time, I'll take note of that.

KidZos cheque the official currency in KidZania World

Changing their Cheques for KidZos

For five hours as I am writing this while waiting, my mind wanders to what my little men are doing.  They did try to call us on mobile a few hours back but they stopped and must've found what they were looking for.  I wonder if they used their kidzos properly. I wonder if any one of them tried to work for more kidzos. I wonder but stopped wondering for I know, its time for me to let go of them and give them a little freedom without mama always in tow.

Next time, my hubby and I will definitely join the fun. Just like kids we are also curious what's inside. Till my next writing on KIDZANIA adventure in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.  Until then, I will keep on wondering ;)



KidZania Kuala Lumpur is located at the CURVE NX 18 Jalan PJU 7/5
Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya.

Kiara Mom

I am a mom to three adorable and handsome boys who are triplets.  Yes, I am a mother raising Triplets who are at their primary age right now.  Ever since I had my little men, our home has never been quiet, I mean in a good way.  Day & night its full of laughter, tickles of joy, stomping feet running in and out of the house, toys scattered around the house, lego bricks that accumulate every year, non stop curiousity about anything under the sun. Pillow fights, Ice cream, foot marks on the walls, Super heroes and the list goes on. It's the usual joys of having children in the house.  Your house is never the same when it was just you and your husband starting life together.

My husband and I had been in and out of the country before we had the triplets. And now, it led us to a place I thought I would never visit again.  Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  Fortunately, a job was offered for him to be based here.

I was delighted with the decision since KL had always been special to me.  I worked with its national carrier MAS long time ago in Philippines. It was my very first baby. I fell in love with the place the moment they sent me here for training.

Now am back after decades I would say.  Too many things have change.  Infrastructure has gone way above my expectations. I used to frequent KL central district with my collegues back then after training and when we drove down town these days, I feel its old as me but its presence is always warming. Malaysians are still the nicest people I've met, always speaking with courtesy.  A bit slow though but its okay than being rude right?...

Kiara Mom, that's what I call myself now.  Having moved in here 8 months ago, I would say I am destined to be back in Kuala Lumpur.  Residing here in Mont Kiara, they call the most "exclusive and IN" community in KL. Where most expats coming from all parts of the world resides. Where well designed and modernly sky scraping residences sprout.  Where shopping malls, coffee shops and grocers are at our reach any time of the day or night.  Where a community shuttle bus that exclusively give a free ride around Kiara using your exclusive card is at your expense. Where most mom's like me jog or brisk walk on their free time around its green pasture pavement clad in their best exercise suits and gears.  Where you see expats of different races and their little tots in strollers strolling in the streets of kiara stopping to have coffees with friends, fries and baskin's with the kiddos. Where men and women drives a Porche,Ferari, BMW, Cayenne, Audi to name a few of luxurious cars zooming the streets of Mont Kiara. Yes, that's the usual sight you see. It's like not being in KL anymore but thank god for those Old Architectural buildings that has been standing there for a long time like the Masjid Negara and the Istana Negara at least with these, we still feel we belong to Malaysia.

Yes, this is life in Kiara.  I live here and I breathe here.  This would be my life from now and until when?.. I dont know.  But I am loving every minute of it.  I am lovin the serenity of the place.  I am loving the quietness and peacefulness of this place KIARA.  I will call KL my second home and KIARA my home.  

In this Blog, I will talk about my life in KL. My travels with my little men. Beautiful Sights caught in my cam in KL.  Malaysia's mix culture. I will also share recipes and a little about interiors and decors. DIY for your little home. Food in places that I've been too. 

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