Unemployment Chapter 1: Golden Palm Tree Resort & Spa, Sepang

Some say unemployment is capitalism's way of getting you to plant a garden. Yes I'm planting mine, planting an eyeful experience from little part of the world. Or shall I put it in another way; I'm on an intensive training program to become a Professional Couch Guard. Sounds better?

I've mentioned in my previous post, I spent 3 days 2 nights at the Golden Palm Tree resort with my dearest one, just two days after quitting my job. You gotta start somewhere close before the journey to the further place.

Let's not mention the dirty beach side and focus on the hotel surrounding and it's facilities. Look aside, I bet ya all know how beautiful and cosy the place is. We had some fun driving around thanks to Waze the powderful GPS apps, but thank goodness we arrived just in time to catch the beautiful sunset.



It wasn't my first visit to this resort, I went there back in 2011 thanks to the courtesy of Carlsberg Where's The Party. It didn't change much but instead it looked like it aged a little.







So what exactly can you do in a no-man's land for 3 days 2 nights?

1. Dig into the scrumptious hotel buffet spread. My secret?
I took the whole jar of Nutella to accompany a waffles tower. *shhhhhh* :x

2. Take a slow walk by the beach. You might want to apply some bug repellent before walking in, we ended up getting bites that itch for a week and it leaves fugly bite marks. :'(

3. Spend an afternoon or two by the infinity pool with a couple of beers. If you're on a budget trip, you can BYO the drinks of your choice.

4. Drive out. There are plenty of good food places around the area, but in case you just wanna laze, you could always visit their in house restaurants. The food was OK with reasonable hotel prices.

I wouldn't mind having such workstation at home. :D

Asparagus Salad by the pool.

Roasted duck at Hai Sang Lou.

Yea 3 days slipped in a blink of an eye and the boyf hafta go back to work.




A spot that's perfect for a weekend getaway. Maybe it's time for a break?



xx loves,
LouiseXin

Benefit of being unemployed.

Hello!

It's been a while since my last update. Sorry, I've been busy.

I quit my job for almost a month. Well, the advantage of being unemployed is more party, catch up with friends, try hard to read up all the books I bought from book fair, travel around, hoping to find peace (ok, nonsense) or a piece of myself around.

Yes, I'm fulfilling my wishes one by one as I promised at the beginning of the year.

See the world.

Just a quick one of what I've been doing. 

I kicked off my unemployment days with  Sepang Gold Coast, Cambodia, Janda Baik and I'm now considering if I should get my diving license done as well.

I'm staying in tonight and since I have nothing better to do, I decided to share some pictures.
They are totally random, but .... I love it.

#Sunset at Golden Palm Tree Resort, Sepang. 

# Food around.

Ten days in Cambodia. You must be thinking that I'm crazy, or questioning what possibly could I do? In fact I didn't do much. Everyday, I walked into random streets, cycled through the city, met new faces or better, picked a good spot for drinks and relaxation.

# One of my fav spot in Siem Reap, a small but cosy cafe to spend my afternoon with a good cuppa tea.

# A day in Angkor Wat to explore the gorgeous temples from 9th century. 

Although we were toasted from the merciless 40 Celsius degree, I gotta admit, they are drop dead beautiful. 

# A very interesting glowing pub in Pub Street

# A great getaway from KL city, Janda Baik. 

# Spending more time with my boys.

So yep, don't worry, I'm still in one piece!



Perks of being unemployed? Find out yourself when you decided to fire your boss.
The goal to achieve? Empty your saving.

Post in details will be up next when I'm motivated.


Till then,
xx LouiseXin

Yamagoya Ramen @ Publika

As you all know, I'm a huge fan of Japanese Ramen (In fact all kind of noodles). Many fancy a bowl of pork based soup with their noodles, claiming that its the original flavour and irreplaceable. In my case, it doesn't matter whether its pork or chicken, I love it as long as it creates the perfect explosion of flavours.

I've had enough cookies and bak gua back at home so I decided to come back to KL on the third day of Chinese New Year to do some CNY visits. The boyf was working and I decided to drive around in the traffic-free city.

I went to Publika, Solaris Dutamas around lunch time. Many of the shops were closed because of the CNY break. It took me 30 minutes to decide what to go for (women!)  until I came across Yamagoya Ramen!
The bestie and I wanted to try it a while ago but the crowd was mad and we couldn't get any. Lucky for me, it was less crowded when I walked pass and immediately, I took my seat outdoor enjoying the beautiful weather.

Yamagoya Ramen  w Tamago. 

Gone through the menu quickly and I ordered their signature Yamagoya Ramen with extra Tamago. The service was great and my ramen was served within 10 minutes. Disappointment kicked in before eating by looking at the Tamago, it was obviously overcooked. Why they can never do it right? Dig into the good looking bowl, the flavour was good but nothing extraordinary. I liked the char siew but there was only two slices of them. Noodles were too soft for my personal preference. :(

My meal cost around RM30 including a glass of green tea. It was a 'so-so' experience for me. I probably will never queue for average quality ramen at such price.
Now that they opened another outlet in Fahrenheit 6th floor, Im wondering if its gonna be the same?

Yamagoya Ramen
No.1, Jalan Dutamas 1,
50480 Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia



Or maybe I should just stick to my favourite ramen at Marutama :)

Win Passes to Johnnie Walker Circuit Lounge March 2013

One party after another. It's about time for the vroom-vrooooom party!
Aren't you loveliest excited?

Since the first Johnnie Walker Black Circuit Lounge in Malaysia back in 2010, JOHNNIE WALKER® has consistently delivered money-can’t-buy insider access into the elite world of the pioneering Vodafone McLaren Mercedes™ Formula One® Team.

The collaboration between JOHNNIE WALKER® and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes™ goes back to 2005 and has forged an enduring partnership with a shared belief in innovation and progress, creating exclusive and exciting experiences that enhance and amplify the status of their fans.



This time round, JOHNNIE WALKER® presents the JOHNNIE WALKER® CIRCUIT LOUNGE, the new signature race party series succeeding BLACK CIRCUIT LOUNGE on 23 March 2013, which will see an exclusive gathering of A-list celebrities, leaders of commerce, and privileged competition winners to celebrate the race weekend at the Terminal 2, Skypark.


The JOHNNIE WALKER® CIRCUIT LOUNGE takes the glamour and sophistication of the iconic race party series to the next level by taking inspiration from across the JOHNNIE WALKER® range of whiskies, from the familiar BLACK LABEL® to the intense smokiness of DOUBLE BLACK™ and the creamy smoothness of the celebratory GOLD LABEL RESERVE™.

Simply put, we get to enjoy more flavours and some wonderful new drinks inspired by Johnnie Walker!


Charles James Wright, Senior Brand Manager, JOHNNIE WALKER® Malaysia, says “The JOHNNIE WALKER® BLACK CIRCUIT LOUNGE grew into one of the most anticipated race parties on the calendar over the past three years. In 2013 we intend to elevate STEP INSIDE THE CIRCUIT™ by fully immersing our fans in a more luxurious and exclusive VIP party experience that is CIRCUIT LOUNGE. The
launch of the new CIRCUIT LOUNGE signature race party series is complemented with the most audacious prize offerings that will give our consumers an unforgettable motorsport lifestyle experience that money cannot buy.”

Guests at the JOHNNIE WALKER® CIRCUIT LOUNGE can expect to revel in the exceptional taste of newly crafted, original whisky cocktails based on big bold flavours, created exclusively for the party:



The BLACK FLAVOUR LAB will feature top class international mixologists prepare and personally serve guests with a series of BLACK LABEL® cocktails designed to challenge and delight the palette.

The GOLD LABEL RESERVE™ bar will serve a variety of exquisite serves and cocktails, including the popular signature tipple “Fresh Gold”.

Also look out for the JOHNNIE WALKER® DOUBLE BLACK™ cocktail which is a new addition to the party.




The upcoming party will feature celebrated producer and DJ Ivan Gough, known for his eclectic remixes and legendary tracks over the past 10 years, along with the groovy beats of DJ Vogue Williams, the vivacious Irish model and DJ, and IMMA*BLEEP*YOUUP!, one of the most energetic local DJ trios in Kuala Lumpur.

As committed advocates of responsible drinking and in addition to the JOIN THE PACT initiative, JOHNNIE WALKER® will also be actively engaging guests with complimentary Evian® mineral water to reinforce the message of Never Drink and Drive and always staying in control.
Taxi services will also be on standby to ferry party guests home late.

NOW COMES THE EXCITEMENT MOMENT: *drumrolls*


HOW TO WIN EXCLUSIVE JOHNNIE WALKER CIRCUIT LOUNGE PASSES!

Want to attend one of the most exclusive parties? Answer two simple questions and complete the slogan below in not more than 50 words to stand a chance to win 2 x Exclusive Passes to JOHNNIE WALKER® CIRCUIT LOUNGE!

Question:

1. How long has Jenson Button been in the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes™ formula One™ team?
2. Who is the Global Responsible Drinking Ambassador for JOHNNIE WALKER®?

Slogan:
JOHNNIE WALKER® CIRCUIT LOUNGE is the definitive Malaysian race party because_____________ (not more than 50 words.)


JOHNNIE WALKER CIRCUIT LOUNGE EVENT DETAILS

DATE: 23 MARCH 2013 (SATURDAY)
TIME: 8.00PM TILL LATE
VENUE: TERMINAL 2, SUBANG SKYPARK



Email your entries together with your full name, NRIC, address and mobile number to myhotbloggers@gmail.com by 1.00pm on 19 March 2013.

Terms and Conditions apply. Judges decisions are finals and no correspondence will be entertained.

More info and photos at https://www.facebook.com/JohnnieWalkerMalaysia


Hope to see you at the party!


xx, LouiseXin
https://www.facebook.com/Withlouise

9 Things To Do in Bali.

Gosh! The weather that burns lately is driving me nuts! 

Don't forget to drink more water and have a lot a lot a lot a lot of ice cream okie lovelies? :x

I couldn't help but recall our trip to Bali back in December 2012. Eventhou the rainy days didn't treat us well but what the hell, I could really use some love from rain God right now! 

So, if you're going on a trip to Bali. Here are the tips. 

1. Swim with Dolphins

One of the most ridiculous yet hell of an unique experience in life was the day R and I decided to swim with Ricky, our new best friend! It is not unusual to swim with dolphins in Bali as there are many agencies that offer you packages and etc. But why did I mention the word r-i-d-i-c-u-l-o-u-s? Because we jumped into the usually-friendly deep sea in it's unusual-cold temperature under the rain. :( 

We were brought to a floating sea pen in the ocean in a long tail boat that takes approximately 15 minutes. 

I was of course cursing like F because of the weather! But the moment we got introduced to Ricky, the cutest baby on earth! I almost forgot about the cold and shiver and cheated on R right in front of him! 

We hugged, kissed, played, and so much moreeeee. 

I never imagined I'll have such close contact with a dolphin in my life. The entire tour took us approximately 3 hours including shuttle for 79 Dollars/person. Like I said, it was a hell of a lifetime experience! 

I miss you dearly, Ricky!

2. See Uluwatu

There is a small temple on the cliff. You can google the story of the temple.
It is fine if you don't want to go visit the interior of the temple (crowded like no one's business), but you simply can't skip the magnificent cliff view that lays in front of you!

Be careful with the monkeys, they do steal!

3. Visit the shopping district in Seminyak

The street that gathered most of the high end spas & boutique lots from both sides of the road. You'll fall in love with the creative designs of each store; chic and trendy. 

Shopping or window shopping its up to you. But spending an afternoon there or more will never do you wrong. 

Fluffy pillows oh so love!

How do you like my new flip flops?

SO CUTE OMG I'M GONNA DIE.

There are tons of restaurants, pubs or cafes door to door. 

Comfy atmosphere is always my pick. 

We walked into a neighbourhood-style coffee shop that reminded me of Artisans Coffee after spending hours exploring the street. 

Anomali Coffee @ Seminyak, Bali.

Latte latte @ Rp 25,000.00 

Beautiful Salmon sandwich, fresh ingredients unfortunately the taste was off  probably because of the sauce. 

Random pic that I thought it looks quite cool.

4. Visit Potato Head & Ku De Ta

Because it is a MUST. 

Yes, you must see the windows, you must hear the sea waves hitting on shore, you must have dinner or at least a drink in either or both of them! Why? - Because you need to #takepicha! 

Simply for - show off purposes. *runsss*

Skip the shit. 

I think it's great to spoil yourself once or twice during vacation. Yes, the prices at both places were a little high for Bali standards but what the hell, where else could you spend the night with delectable drinks on sunbeds by a huge pool facing the sea? Go at sunset hour, you'll have no regrets. 

Our dinner at Lilin's, Potato Head.

5.  Street Food
Street food often captures the character of the country.
The daily supply and fuel for life for the locals. It usually comes under a tent anywhere on the street, or as a motorbike with carriage with an attached light bulb; selling you the real taste of the country. If you take a second to doubt about it, you have no idea what you're missing.

My fav - Bakso

6. Balinese Massage
I don't know what you will be doing in Bali if you missed this.
Take one or two hours break and visit the massage centre. It is SO MUCH BETTER and cheaper compared to goddamn KL, price as low as RM 20 or slightly above depending on places and services you pick.
Tell me its expensive and I will __________ you.

7. Visit Tanah Lot
Although highly commercialized, it definitely deserves this ranking.
So beautiful it almost took my breath away.
[Read More]












8. Visit Ubud, the city that features art and culture.
Browse through the local markets and have some fun bargaining for your best deal. Spend some time at the boutiques too, there are tons of beautiful steals waiting for you just around the corner.



Stargate; an unordinary gold & silver shop that customize unique pieces of jewellery.
Met some people who came all the way from Europe or others just to customize their favourite design of jewellery; lovely.








9. Go to the beach.
Although not as beautiful as some other gorgeous islands that you've visited before, Bali reserves some less crowded secluded beaches that are worth the dip. :P
I love staring at the black sand beach during sunset, it perfectly reflects everything in it's own way.



No I'm not narcissist, I wasn't looking at my own reflection. :P

Looks familiar?

They usually say 'last but not least' or 'keep the best to the end'.
In my case, I couldn't decide which attraction would deserve the last/best spot.
Kopi Luwak or Barong and Kris Dance? For this, please read my previous post. [Read]




Bon Voyage,
LouiseXin