Monday, April 14, 2014

25 Most Breathtaking Places to Visit Before You Die

Here's an ultimate bucket list of the most breathtaking places to visit before you die. 
1. Skaftafell Ice Cave, Iceland
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This ice cave is located on the frozen lagoon of the Svinafellsjokun glacier in Skaftafell, Iceland. Ice caves are known to collapse easily so the safest time for you to be there is winter when it has hardened. The glacier ice absorbs almost all visible light apart from the blue fraction which is what you'll see. 

2. Bora Bora Island, France

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Ah, Bora Bora - the most famous of all French Polynesia Leeward Islands. It is so enchanting that they had to name it twice. This tropical paradise offers a range of activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling for a fun-filled time with your family! 

3. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

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Beautiful lakes, caves and waterfall can be found at the Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. It encloses 16 turquoise lakes that are connected by waterfalls and cascades, creating an idyllic sight. 

4. Fields of Lavender in Provence, France

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The essence of Provence is well-encapsulated by the colour, texture and scent of lavender. Lavenders usually bloom at its peak in early July so if you want to capture a scenic view of lavender fields in Provence, head down at that time! Je t'adore!

5. Triglav National Park, Slovenia

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The Triglav National Park is the only national park in Slovenia and ain't she lovely indeed. Immerse yourself in fun activities such as climbing, rafting and hiking there! 

6. Tree Tunnel in Ballynoe, Northern Ireland

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This tree tunnel can be found in Ballynoe, Northern Ireland near the site of the Ballynoe Stone Circle. 

7. Keukenhof Garden, The Netherlands

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The Keukenhof Garden in the Netherlands is the largest flower garden in the whole world.  It displays a variety of flowers and privately owned tulip fields can be found outside the garden. The Keukenhof Garden is only open from mid-March to mid-May so be sure to check it out if you're in the Netherlands during that period!

8. Lake Misurina, Italy

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Lake Misurina is the largest lake of the Cadore and was the venue for speed skating events during the 1956 Winter Olympics. It's climatic conditions also makes it a popular place for those with respiratory difficulties.

9. St Basil's Cathedral, Russia

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The St Basil's Cathedral on Moscow's Red Square was built between 1555 and 1561. It's full title is actually the Cathedral of the Protection of Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat.  The church was confiscated from the Russian Orthodox community. Since then, has remained the property of the Russian Federation. Even so, it's stunning architecture has been kept pristine and is a must-see for everyone. 

10. Benagil Sea Cave in Algarve, Portugal

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The Benagil Sea Caves are accessible via boats rented at Benagil Beach. The Benagil Village's economy used to depend on ocean fishing but now it has become a tourist attraction.

11. Santorini, Greece

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It offers a stunning view from sky-high towns and boasts eclectic cuisine and wine. 

12. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
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The breathtaking Salar de Uyuni is located in Southwestern Bolivia and it is the world's largest salt flat. It was created decades ago when a prehistoric lake dried up, leaving behind salt crust. When it rains, it forms a giant mirror and that is a something you don't want to miss out. 

13. Ik Kil Cenote, Mexico

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The Ik Kil Cenote, a natural sinkhole, located in Mexico is open to the sky, allowing sunlight to lit up the pool inside. It's a popular spot for swimming and was actually a stop on the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in 2010 and 2011!

14. Marble Caves, Chile

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These Marble Caves in Chile look spectacular! You can travel to these caves by boat only when the weather is nice and the water is still. The magnificent blue and grey chambers all lay in the waters of Carrera. Some people said that the light show caused by the reflection of the mesmerising turquoise water on the marbled walls is unparalleled anywhere else in the world. 

15. Mendenhall Ice Caves in Alaska, United States of America

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The Mendenhall Glacier is otherworldly but unfortunately, only accessible to those who are willing to kayak there and then ice climb over the glacier. 

16. Antelope Canyon, United States of America

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The Antelope Canyon in the American Southwest is the most visited and most photographed canyon. It is one of those hidden gems that's sure to give you a thrilling experience. 
17. Sagano Bamboo Forest, Japan
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This bamboo forest found in Western Kyoto is probably one of the sites you HAVE to visit when you're in Japan. You should also listen out for the enchanting sound created when the wind blows against the bamboo forest. Definitely something you wouldn't want to miss in Japan.

18. Wisteria Tunnel, Japan

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The Wisteria Tunnel looks gorgeous and is a perfect venue if you want to shoot some wedding shots. It's also a great place to visit if you're looking for a couple's retreat not too far away from home.  

19. Farm Tomita in Hokkaido, Japan

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Farm Tomita in Hokkaido, Japan is just one of the many amazing flower fields found in the area. Lavenders and other colourful crops are planted by the farmers, creating a scenic view that many tourists won't forget. 

20. Vaadhoo, Maldives

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The bioluminescence in the waves mirrors the sparkling stars in the night sky, giving it the nickname 'Sea of Stars'. 
21. Whitehaven Beach, Australia
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This gorgeous beach is located along Whitsunday Island and is known for its white sand. The sand on Whitehaven Beach also doesn't retain heat so you can walk 'til you drop all day.

22. Lake Hillier, Australia

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The source of the colour is still unknown but scientists believe that it is caused by the presence of red halophilic bacteria in the salt crust! Lake Hillier has no known adverse effects on humans so go ahead and swim in it. 

23. Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand

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The glowworm, Arachnocampa luminosa is unique to New Zealand and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves attract thousands of people, both locals and tourists, every year.

24. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

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If there's one thing you need to know about the Great Barrier Reef, it's that its the world's largest coral reef system. It is home to more than 1500 fish species, 30 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises as well as other life species. The Great Barrier Reef has long been considered one of the wonders of the natural world and snorkelling there is already part of my bucket list.   

25. Green Dragon Pub, New Zealand

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This Hobbit-style bar in New Zealand is located at Hobbiton near Matamata where the 'Lord of the Ring' movies were filmed. If you're an LOTR fan, then this is a place you must visit (Don't expect a bunch of actors dressed up as hobbits there).

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Sweet Desserts at Coconut Grove Dessert Corner @ Bandar Utama

Went to Coconut Grove Dessert Corner for desserts which is located at a corner in Oasis Business Centre (Bandar Utama).  Came to know about this place thanks to my mum. Mum knows the owner and she comes here often with her makan kaki. 



Initially I thought the place is quiet and remote, but after a while the crowds started coming in and occupied the shop. 


Their menu is not extensive but there are some light bites such as Nasi Lemak, Nyonya Kuih and Thong Shui (sweet soup) that are available on a rotational basis. Their speciality is non other than their coconut jelly. Sadly I can't have them at the moment. >.<~~~


Ice-Cream Potong is available for those wanting to enjoy traditional ice-cream.


Dad ordered 'Hak Lor Mai (Black Glutinous Rice)'.
Tasty and remind me of red bean. 


Mum ordered her sweet 'Pumpkin Barley'.
Love this, it taste like sweet potato and the texture is creamy. 


Bro ordered homemade Caramel and Banana Waffle...but without the banana. 
He doesn't like the banana so he requested not to have it.  =.=


'Blueberry Topping Waffle' for myself ^^ 
What I love about their waffle that it has a light, crispy texture and a delicious buttermilk taste. #Yummy


If you are in the neighbourhood, do drop by at their shop for some sweet desserts. 


Coconut Grove Dessert Corner
G-B.02, BU 11,
Oasis Business Centre,
Lebuh Bandar Utama,
Bandar Utama, PJU 6, 47800 PJ
Operating Hours
Mon – Fri: 10:00am – 09:30pm
Sat – Sun: 10:00am – 10:30pm
Contact number
Linda- 016-2051121

Thursday, April 3, 2014

My Week With Rashes (Viral Infection)

Few days ago,  I noted that my neck and my hand started having red spots. It look harmless at first but as the time goes by,  rashes and more red sports started appearing. My mum began to worry when my face was becoming red and the sight of these rashes. I on the other hand seems 'tak apa' cause I thought it will fade away after a good night rest.  


Mum was afraid that the red spots may be due to dengue....but since I do not show any sigh or symptom of fever so she was a bit relief...but worry though. *Yup....hate the red spots!*


In the end...my mum dragged me to see a doctor the next morning when the rashes started appearing on my other part of my body, as well as my leg (picture shown as below). Ya...it looks bad right? It had gotten worst than expected. I guess if it's not for mum, I will mostly let it heal on its own....and most probably with a bad itchy consequences.

The doctor informed that my rashes may be due to viral infection....possible something that I ate. I have no idea what I ate that causes this rashes, but my visits to the doctor costs me RM70. Here it is...cream and medication to help with the rashes.  


Couldn't sleep for 3 nights as I can't stop scratching...especially on my hand and my leg. >.<
The medication and the cream that the doctor prescribed was not much of help.
Thankfully mum have a bottle of 'Calamine Lotion' in hand and handed me to use. 
I must say this lotion is my life saviour cause it helped to calmed those urge to scratch.  


It has been a very interesting itchy week for me....indeed!

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

1 Night Stay at "Thistle Port Dickson Resort & Spa"

Thought of sharing my experience when staying at the 'Thistle Port Dickson Resort & Spa'. Stayed a night here on the 3rd day of Chinese New Year this year. I had wanted to stay here since my last visit to this resort with my friends (back in 2012). At the time, my friends and I only checked out the facility that the resort without staying a night. After all, my last visit here left a good impression and high expectation for me to book a night here for a well needed R&R away from the city with my family. 


Driving through a long road to the resort.


Thistle half open air lobby which is really airy. 
The lobby lounge offers plenty of comfortable seats and sofas for resort guests.
*It's the same as I remembered in my last visit*


Check in process took longer than expected. The lady at the front desk doesn't look too happy or attentive cause she had not smiled nor greet us when we approached her. I have observe other staff at other front desk were pleasant and attentive...so we were a bit disappointed with this particular staff who attended to us as it seemed she was not in a jolly mood.

Not wanting to ruin my day...I went and took pictures around the resort's surroundings and left my mum and my cousin to be attended by the staff. 


We went straight to our room once we got our key card.
Our floor was on the forth floor....and our room number for the night: 454. 
#Nice number huh? 


Once walked into the room, one will find the room to be spacious and airy. :)


Free Wifi in the room...a must for me wherever I go. ^^



Complimentary drink, sachets of tea and coffee are available for guest. 


The  bathroom is spacious as well....although there were some flaw to it...which I will mentioned at the end of the blog. For now, one glance you'll be impressed. 


Basic bath amenities/toiletries provided.


Extra pillow provided at the top of the closet.


Safety box available in the room....but we didn't use it. 


The view from our room’s balcony. Ahh....looks nice and blissful right? However, wouldn't recommend to stay near the swimming pool cause morning it can be a bit noisy. 


Took a tour around the resort .




The resort offers many kid friendly activity. The infinite pool is worth spending time there. This hotel also has a golf course next to it, so it is quite value for money if you play golf. Defiantly worth your money for family with kids.


Now...coming to a not so good review with the room we stayed. First, found a big crack on the hairdryer. It's not those mini crack but a big crack...as shown in the picture. 

The toilet door can't be shut..unless you closed it 'hard'...which we dare not since we do not want to break the door or get stuck in the toilet. The toilet floor wasn't 'clean' as dust/dirt can be felt on our foot.


My cousin who stayed in the other room have the same problem as well. In addition to that, the shower head in their bathroom is faulty and they have a hard time showering. She didn't want to bother us nor to trouble anyone so they kept quiet about it until we checked out the next day. >.<

The cover and bed sheet can be shown that it was not ironed. We wondered did they change the sheet or reused from the last guest who stayed the night before. The bed that I slept on was shaky and every attempt of me turning or tossing on the bed, the bed will move/shake (not kidding). Fortunately my mum did not experience this problem on her own bed.

One would not expect such as this from a resort which claimed to be 5 stars right? =.=


Breakfast was not included in the package and hence we ordered one america breakfast in the room to share. This breakfast set cost over Rm50+++, but it's big enough to be shared by 2 people. If we have taken their buffet breakfast, it would have cost over RM70+++  per pax.  @.@





My overall verdict: highly disappointing, especially how much we paid for the room. We paid closed to RM1700 (Rm850 for each room) for 2 twin room and ordered one american breakfast in the morning. So you can imagined how disappointed we were with the maintenance of the room. When one is paying so much for a room such as this... one would have expect much more. #Would not complained as much if we do not pay as much as this. 


Would I come back to stay a night...the answer will be NO. The price tag considered over price with that kind of quality we get for staying a night. However, if you have children or travelling with a group of friends, then this is the place to be.  In addition, not recommended to stay during peak period or public holidays.