Holiday: Koh Samui - Day 4

1th April 2009
The 4th day in Koh Samui. Today is scheduled for the Island Safari/Tour. It starts as early as 7.30am! The van picked us up from our hotel and dropped us off at the jetty. They served us light breakfast (croissant and coffee) before we went up our speedboat.


First activity - Snorkeling. The boat ride took almost 1 hour. I went for the snorkerling, and was a lil bit disappointed with it. The fishes here were so much lesser than those I witnessed in Redang. What fascinated me was there were rocks high enough for us to stand in the middle of the sea! I've never seen this before. It is more like a pit stop for those who are tired or for those who didn't saddle their life jacket.


After an hour of snokerlling, the speedboat brought us to another island for canoeing and lunch. Since the canoes were not enough, we were divided into 2 groups. We were the 2nd group, and while the first group went for canoeing, we again happily occupy ourselves with picture taking. Our chief photographer, Mr. Cool CN was so professional!! For a moment, I feel like we were taking our pre-wedding photo shoot when he directed us to do some poses. I strongly propose CN as unofficial photographer!


This picture shows all the NGs as we tried to take pictures of us jumping high up in the air. We've learned to lift up our legs when we jump so that the picture will look like we actually jumped real high up


We continue with some pictures to prepare us for pre-wedding photo shoot (LOL). I think we did not bad huh??


It's finally our turn to canoe! Vincent was hesitant to try this as he said it will be tiring, but we canoed anyways. Mr. Cool CN joined us in the canoe. We were the last to start, and we were the last to reach the finish line LOL. Guess we weren't very compatible huh?

The tour covered our lunch as well, and as you can see, we were not happy with the lunch. We were limited to just a piece of fried chicken each, and the food was tasteless. I would say the tastiest was the mineral water provided.


After our rest from lunch, we went to the Talay Nai (Lagoon inside the Mountain). It is a natural large basin surrounded by limestone mountain. The lagoon is supposedly created by and underground collapse. We had to climb really steep steps and squeeze our ways in caves to get to the top, but it was worth it. The scenic was just sensational!


Island safari/tour ended. It is another hour back to Koh Samui. Obviously everyone is exhausted, as you can tell from the picture below


Once we arrived at the jetty in Koh Samui, we were transported back to the tour company's main office where we had our elephant trekking from the previous day. Here, we had our chance to ride the ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle). It was not easy to handle it as the vehicle is quite old and the road was muddy and had holes everywhere. Some of them actually crashed into the side. I had fun though cos I managed to have 3 runs when we were entitled only for 2 rounds!


For the final dinner in Koh Samui, we decided to hit the local 7-11 and ransacked the place. We were just grabbing food (sausages, instant noodles, bacons, meatballs, teriyaki chickens, etc) off the shelf and had it heated. Strange how we can only do this in their 7-11 and not here. It was a great dining experience though! I wouldn't pass up a chance on doing this again!


Went back to the hotel to pack our stuff as tomorrow is the last day... Hmm can't believe time passes so fast.


xoxo
michelle

Holiday: Koh Samui - Day 3

10th April 2009

Day 3 in Koh Samui. Today is the city tour package we bought. The tour that we engaged picked us up from the hotel around 9.30am. First activity: Elephant trekking. I've been meaning to try this for a long time, and finally have my turn! The ride was fun and enjoyable, and lasted about 20 minutes. There were times where I thought I could fall from the elephant anytime, but it was a very safe ride. There was also the elephant and monkey show.


Next location - The Big Buddha. A famous tourist spot in Koh Samui. Built in 1972, the 12-metre tall, golden status of the Lord Buddha sitting on the high platform at the top of a staircase dominates the scene. Worth mentioning the scenic view from the top.


After the Big Buddha visit, we make a stop at View Point in Lamai. We amused ourselves with taking "artistic" pictures. This is where we start to take pictures of each other's backs instead.


The Grand Rock. There are 2 significant rocks here, i.e. the Grandfather Rock and the Grandmother Rock. It's a strange rock formation of human genitals. It is said in local legend, the rocks represent two doomed lovers who drowned themselves in the sea here, because their families disapproved of their relationship.


We were then driven to the mummified monk temple. This is a well-preserved, mummified body of the monk named Loung Por Ruam. When I entered, I didn't even know that that was the mummy (refer to the picture below - mummified monk is the one in sunglasses).

Subsequently, we went to the Namuang Waterfall. Another attration in Koh Samui. We saw another group of elephant trekking at the waterfall here, which is different from ours. Anyways, most of us got our hands on some souvenirs here.


Finally, we were dropped off in Nathon Town. We have 1 hour here to shop and have our lunch. We randomly picked this shop called "Will Wait". The food here was superb!! Totally recommended. It has the local Thai taste in their food, and the price is reasonable. We all have a satisfied lunch that day


Nathon Town marks the end of the City Tour. We the girls went to look for a spa upon our return to Chaweng, and found one which offers 50% discount!! What a deal! Our spa room overlooks the beach, and the view is just breathtaking! I took the Yogurt Scrub, and although the scrub was just OK, I enjoyed myself


For dinner that day, we've decided to try their local McD's. I have this habit of trying local McD's to wherever I travel. Their McD has the Samurai Pork Burger, and it was just scrumptious! They had fried chicken (the drumstick part only) and it tasted delicious too!! Worth a visit. However, the McD's price is more expensive than here. For a regular set, it is about 150 Baht!


After dinner, we went for a brisk walk. There were lots of seafood stalls, but the prices are quite steep. After the walk, we had our rounds of alcohols at Coyote, a local live band bar. The list of margaritas was endless!! They have the funkiest margarita, and some has tobasco sauce in it. I have a Caribbean Margarita, and I loved it! The live band was a band from Manila, Philippines, and they were outstanding! This place is recommended too.


Satisfied with my Margarita, we all went back and ended Day 3


xoxo
michelle

Holiday: Koh Samui - Day 2

9th April 2009

Start of Day 2. We took a tuk-tuk to Lamai Market. It was quite a distance from Chaweng as the ride took about 20 minutes. They have shops there, but the street was really quiet. Maybe it was still early because along the streets, there were many pubs and bistros which are obviously closed. We shopped there and I got myself another dress


Next, we went to the Chaweng shooting range. Vincent, Mr. Penguin Yew, Mr. Tortoise Alan and Mr. Cool CN tried their hands on the real shooting experience. The price was about 800 Baht for 10 bullets. LOL I reckon they all look really cool with the gun... Super "yeng" and stylo!! They have good potential in joining the force as their shooting skills are quite accurate!


After the thrilling shooting experience, we went for another exhilarating trip - Bungy Jump! Only 2 were willing to take the plunge: Mr. Cool CN and Ms. Sweet Phoebe. CN already did this in Bali, but he just wanna do it again, while for Phoebe, it was her first experience, and they both enjoyed it! Bravo to them both! One thing about this place is that the owner was very arrogant and unfriendly. Power outage happens often, and one of the bungy jumper was left hanging in mid air when the power went out as they can't bring him down. Poor dude was left hanging with just a rope tied at his ankles.


Lunch came and we had our lunch at this restaurant outside our hotel. Food was quite delicious, it was just the owner's attitude that gave us the headache. We were just making sure he took our additional order, but he told us to wait, and told us to go to a fastfood restaurant if we want our food fast. Can you believe that?! People here just have their "manners" around here. However, I have to give credit to the food.


Done with our lunch, we went back to our hotel to prepare for the Full Moon Party. We have to take a speedboat to Koh Pangan for the party. The official boat takes about 1 hour, while speedboat takes roughly 30 minutes. Our heroic speedboat driver did it in 15 minutes!! The waves were rough that day, but he was having the time of his life driving at top speed. At one point I could almost feel the boat at its verge of breaking into half! I was just so glad we made it safely to the island.


Full Moon Party was fantastic!! Totally recommended to travelers. You have to experience this. We have to pay 100 Baht to enter the island, and were given the purple band. I really liked the band!

The whole island has one purpose only: P-A-R-T-Y-Y!!! Alcohol everywhere, and it's cheap! They have a unique way of serving alcohol. They pour the alcohol in a small bucket with a mixer of your choice, and you carry the bucket around. People were all over the beach, dancing, drinking and having fun.

We the girls had our arms painted with butterflies for 100 Baht. It was my first ever "body art", and I loved it! Too bad it only lasted for that night.

The peak was when the "Welcome to Thailand 2009" light up with fire. The crowd went crazy! We took pictures, drank, and danced! What a night!


Unfortunately, it rained halfway, and we took the first boat back to Koh Samui. The boat ride was yet another hell experience. I am once again thankful that I made it back safely to Koh Samui. No stranded business in the middle of sea


xoxo
michelle

Holiday: Koh Samui - Day 1

I'm back!! What a fantastic holiday! Everything was as expected, and even more

8th April 2009
We woke up at 5.30am to beat the traffic as we will be boarding the Firefly plane from Subang Airport instead. The airport looks newly renovated, and is quite spacious. Only complain is there was no water supply in the whole airport. Had breakfast @ Starbucks while waiting for the counter for check in to open.



The plane was suppose to take off at 9.35am, and the ETA at Koh Samui is 10.55am (local time) - 2 hours journey. Unfortunately, the flight was delayed about 20 minutes, but luckily, we arrived on time. Firefly serves muffin and drinks (surprisingly) and has friendly service. Hmm I guess that kinda made up for the slight delay



We finally touched down at KS airport at 10.45am local time. They have this cute charter train that transfers us from the plane to the entrance of the airport. The airport itself sends an aura of relaxing vacation. It is not the typical high-tech, savvy airport. It is more casual, with no air-cond and somehow, has a warm, welcoming feeling.



We took the airport cab, which costs us 800 Baht to our hotel. About 10 minutes journey, and we arrived at First House Samui, Chaweng. We were given our keys, and we leave our luggage in the room and venture out for lunch as everyone is shouting for food already. Guess nobody can stop a bunch of hungry travelers huh?



To save time and our growling tummies, we decided to have our lunch in the hotel right then and there. The food was good, and price was reasonable. Only point worth mentioning is that Mr. Penguin Yew was unhappy that they can't get him his bowl of rice, and that pissed him off... Especially when fried rice was served before they can get him his bowl of white rice. I was contented with my lunch because I had my glass of (strong) Blue Margarita



According to our Tour Guide Head, Mr. Vincent Foo, we have to look for all the tour packages and make the arrangements by today. So we thought we could start walking to the Chaweng town, but realised that it is rather far. By then, we relied on tuk-tuk to transport us.

Right outside our hotel is this Pancake stall. OMG it serves the most delicious pancake ever!!! No kidding. Their pancake version is different from ours. Their pancake is similar to our Roti Canai, but taste sooOooo much better. I missed it so much!! Strongly recommended for those who plan to go to KS in the future.



We made our way to the more happening area in Chaweng, and finally found ourselves the tour packages deal (after endless bargaining), which are:

1. Full Moon package (9th April 2009) = 650 Baht per person
2. Half Day City Tour (10th April 2009) = 600 Baht per person
3. Full Day Island Safari (11th April 2009) = 1500 Baht per person

With the tour packages settled, it's SHOPPING time!! We started our shopping craze, and as expected, the prices are not too favorable. The island is too commercialised, making the things here more expensive than it should be. Anyways, we had fun, and I got myself a pretty purple dress

As usual, we have our lil own antics to entertain ourselves, and we pretended to pose "coolly" - which we then dubbed it as a similar Padini ad. Hey, no harm in having a lil fun after shopping!



We made our way back to the hotel, and we all changed to our swimwear. It's pool time! Again, we entertained ourselves with taking pictures, having beer, jacuzzi-ing, etc.



This is one of the must-haves!! Another classic pool act by Mr. Player Fong and Mr. Tortoise Alan. Look at the picture below... Looks like the boys have their own "special" way of having fun in the pool



Dinner time. We had Western food at this place called "The Islander". This place serves scrumptious western food, with reasonable price.



Environment was fabulous, food was pleasant, companion was incredible... What a day!! What a marvellous way to end Day 1!




xoxo
michelle