Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Being Somebody

Hey my faithful readers/bloggers, I know its been a month since I last blog-ed about travels on my so called "self-inflicted" travel blog. However, I am not going anywhere any time soon as I am back in my home town, rediscovering myself. I am planning on a solo day trip in my city soon when I do find the time and I promise I will blog about it.

Whilst is good to be back and assignment free, I am here sapping with my thoughts and thinking about who I really want to be and what my goal is for the coming semester. Stumbling upon a beautiful text on Facebook (refer picture posted), I decide to then type out this blog as a reminder to myself and to just share my thoughts.

We all live in a world where race, gender, money and power becomes an issue. Trust me it happens at anywhere and at any time even in schools, universities worst yet in the working world. Everybody wants to be on the good side of the so called "leader" in order to be somebody, others gather their own troop to form another so called "group". 

I question myself all the time when I find myself stuck in this situation. What would I do? Whose side would I be on? Would I go against my self morals just to be on someone's side or would I be my own self and not be part of any groups? What would have happened to me? Would I be an outcast, if not are these people just treating me nice because there isn't any faults to be found, YET? Then, when the fault is obvious, what happens next?

The real world is though, they say. So am I ready to face all these? Most people take advantages of another person just to be recognize/acknowledge and even just to be seen by another. Yet there are others who do things from the back, gets no credits out of it, keeps quite about it and most importantly doing it with a genuine heart without any intention at all. Cruel world isn't it? Then I ask myself again, would this front forward people be able to do anything at all without these people at the back? Who would I want to be? The person in front or the person at the back?

At the end of the night, after thinking about all of these, I decide that I would always choose to be the person at the back, who would do things genuinely because I love doing what I do and to do things with kindness because that is what my parents has taught me and what my religion teaches me everyday. People have choices of who they want to become and of who they are, regardless I cant change their choices but I can always show kindness, after all actions do speak louder than words. 

I make  mistakes, a lot of them, most of the time. Just like everyone else. Then again, at the end, its our choice to choose, either to learn from the mistakes and change or to learn about it, never change and repeats the same mistakes.

Being somebody isn't important,but being the best person one could be in the eyes of God is more than enough. The world seems to always tell us other wise, everyone is eager to be somebody and we cant deny it. I am far from being the best version of me. REALLY FAR but I am trying, really hard. Therefore, it is important to remind myself every morning that there are people out there waiting to see other being fall, don't be that person instead be the person who lifts another being up because feeling good about yourself inside makes a happier outside.

I am sorry if this post offended anyone but this is a reminder for myself, of who I want to be and what the world is to me, right at this moment. You may see the world differently than I do, but let us just all be the best version of us in achieving our dreams.


xoxoxo
AMBERSTORIES.





Mission for next semester

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Langkawi



Hello lovelies,

It has been busy lately as its the exam week and I am lucky enough to have a week gap to my next paper. So what else is better than a short weekend getaway to Langkawi.

Here are some little travel tips and fun stuff to do in Langkawi. Enjoy!!

How to get there; Air Asia ( I got a return (PEN-LGK) for only RM119) Check on the flights now they even have a promo for only RM10 to Langkawi

Where to stay: Langkawi Dormitorio, Chenang beach is the place. They have funky cubic bed style and the owner Richard and Lin are the most amazing people you will ever get to know. They also do pick-up from the airport. (RM 50 per night and RM20 for pick-up/drop off)

What to bring:

  • Beach towel
  • Light clothes
  • Umbrella (weather is unpredictable. When I was there it rained in the morning as well as mid-night and clear skies after 12pm)
  • Sunglasses
  • Flip-flop/good pair of sandals
  • Big appetite
  • Book
  • Sketch book (I sketch a lot in Langkawi. Each cafe actually have something nice to sketch)
  • Camera ( for random pictures by the street)
  • Bikini
What to do:
  • Have breakfast in The English Tea Room and Coffee Bar. They serve good breakfast and their teas are amazing! Not forgetting their very British ambience. A very good place for good tea and just chill. 
  • Have lunch at Red Tomato Restaurant and Lounge. Their pastas are AMAZING. Full flavour and the owner is friendly. Ambience is very chic and cool. It keeps bringing you back to it. I know it did to me and my friend. It is also a great place to chill at night for a few drinks.
  • Have dinner at The Sunset Boulevard. If you are looking for the most authentic Indian food, I suggest you to eat here. The chicken tikka and mutton vindallo is so so good! This is certified good Indian food (my friend is from Sri Lanka and she knows her Indian food, trust me)
  • If you want a fancy dinner like I did or just some place fancy, then head to The Cliff. Their western food is good and comes with a complimentary red or white wine. The ambience is a five star as you can see the sunset and hear the waves just hitting the shore. Amazing.
  • Chill by the beach at noon or night at Yellow Beach Cafe. It is such a cute cafe and just at the heart of Chenang beach. What more to do then have a glass of juice by the beach?
  • Place to club is definitely Sunba at Pantai Tengah. If you are living in Chenang, it takes about 20 minutes to get there (by feet). But if you have a scooter or a car then it would be less than 10 minutes away. Just beware of the local Malaysian who endlessly try to pick-up girls at the bar even when you are not interested. I suggest don't go there alone or by two. Go with at least in a group of 3.
  • Another place for a drink is called Lepak. It is situated right next to Red Tomato. Their signature XL size Mojito is the bomb. Ambience is so great and getting to know Tracey and their owner Frankie makes the place even more amazing than anything else. 
  • Walk and explore Chenang streets. You would find a lot of nice hippie spots and cute cool cafes.
  • Relax and unwind at Alun-Alun Spa. The ambience is so relaxing it is worth every trip to get yourself pampered. Message was good as well
  • Lay on the beach and sun-tan yourself
  • Shops open late and based on the weather in Langkawi. So dont be afraid to sleep in as the earliest they would open their shops is at 11am/12pm
  • Lastly of course is to buy LOTS of chocolates and alcohol. Tax and duty-free


This trip was a good one. I really got to adapt the "beach life" and just do what I feel like doing. It is a trip worth going. Finding myself and just be connected again to life. 

It is also a trip of friendship. I got to make friends with some locals and they have shown me the inside of Langkawi that I wouldn't have known. Not just that, they even taught me a little something about life and hard work. 

Sometimes, life is just about that. Getting to know new people at your very own country and learning about life from others. I have found more than what I expected in this trip. 

So live life and live for the moment. Just once, so you can say, I breathe!



P/s I dare you to write a note to a stranger. Because I did (left it on his wind shield and run!) :)

Here are some random pictures!

xoxo
Amberstories


Cubic style dorm

Yes?

Sea


Cool streets


Indian food, happy food

The cliff

Just sketching

Visha my travel girl

Fine dinning


Lepak bar




XL Mojito


The breakfast 

Friday, June 5, 2015

Kinabalu Saya Sayang Kamu

Hello my lovely readers,

Todays blog post isnt about travel or heart break or love. Its for my beloved home Sabah.

Sabah is know for its beautiful nature and lovely place, of course the iconic Mount Kinabalu. People of many races and ethnic. People of various culture and unique beliefs.

I myself am proud to always say I am a Native Sabahan. A dusun girl at heart, who cant speak a single Kadazan Dusun word and who barely looks like one. But that never stops me from still being a Dusun.

For as long as I could remember, grewing up in Sabah is like the best thing that God have given me. I may not be raised in a fully develop state, but I have all the necessities I need.

At this age of getting older, so they say. I have come to love my Sabah so much more. People may not know how develop we are but we are always known of our community. If you are looking for the perfect One Malaysia, come to Sabah and see for yourself. 

Kundasang was one of my favourite place for a  holiday trip, going up and feel the cold breeze. Sleep in rooms without air conditioner because its already that cold. Walking the hanging bridge and touching the old trees in the forest. How I love the smell of fresh air. Even though I complain about the insects but deep in my heart I know I am a AKinabalu girl for life. 

Unfortunately, Today my lovely Sabah, was hit by an earth quake. A really high one. 

I woke up with my newsfeed on facebook all flooding with panic and scare. Here I am in Penang helpless and unable to help.

30 rescuer mainly locals of dusun and kadazan has gone up to the mountain to help rescue the stranded climbers. I pray that they will be safe and that they come down safe as well with the others.

Its raining here in Penang, I hope it is not up at the mountains. May the Lord ease their way up and may they find peace with nature.

I love you my Kinabalu. No matter how far I am, where I will ever end up in future. You will always be in my heart. 



Kinabalu saya sayang kamu!

"The mountains and hills may crumble, but my love for you will never end; I will keep forever my promise of peace. Says the Lord who loves you" Isaiah 54:10

#prayforsabah #2015positivevibes #kinabalu

xxxx
Amberstories 

Monday, May 18, 2015

Brighton, England

Hello everyone,

Sorry for the late post but I have been busy with assignments and events lately. Havent been travelling either but today since I have some free time, I would like to share my Europe travels from last year.

So here goes, a little throw back on Brighton England. Brighton is a pretty funky town. Loads of young people and cute cafes.

How to get there;
I am lucky to have families in England so I basically stayed in Haywards Heath, which is only about 20 minutes to Brighton and about 45-50 minutes to London by train. If you are travelling then I suggest booking a hotel down in Brighton or London if you could.

Travel mode; Train (£10 peak hours, £6-7 off peak hours )



What to do:

  • Walk along till the end of Brighton Pier (in Summer the sea is beautiful)
  • Must eat, fish and chips, by the sea. (life couldn't be more beautiful than that)
  • If you walk far enough, you might just bump into their nudist beach (I did, with my niece, not a good thing though with kids)
  • Go to the toy museum (entrance fee of £3)
  • Try and find cool walls with painting around town
  • Shop when its summer sale
  • Hang around the beach
  • Have some cotton candy
  • Hop on the old train in Brighton


What you need:
  • Sunscreen (gets really hot in summer)
  • Sunglasses
  • Comfy shoes
  • Big appetite 
  • Camera (for pretty amazing architecture)
  • Light clothes

If you are from England and wants a change of place other than Camden, London. Then Brighton should be on your list. It is as funky and beautiful. 

If you are just travelling and stopping by, then enjoy the beach and the breeze!

Have a good day! Brighton is worth the money!
xxx
Amberstories 



Train station

Brighton



Walking by the pier


Cotton candy and ice cream

Brighton eye

Old train in Brighton

Nudist beach. had to take a picture


Fish and chips by the sea

Cool hair braiding by the street

Bright and colourful buildings

Very cute

My favourite street

Square ready

Fresh flowers?

Toy museum

My little niece day out

Just thinking


Buying finger puppets. my sister and niece
Brighton mall

Tea anyone
Nice cafe ey?

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Koh Phangan enroute Hatyai

Hello my lovelies,

Its been a while since I last posted anything about travel and adventures. That is because I have a really bad internet connection and recently traveled to Hatyai for Koh Phangan, Thailand. 

It was a fun trip and tiring. Lets get to it and have fun reading! 

TRAVEL METHODS;

Since this was an inpromtu travel, it was expensive to travel by air and it was a public holiday. My friends and I managed to grab a mini van from Penang to Hatyai with the price of RM35

It took us 5hours to arrive Hatyai due to heavy traffic at the border. It was tiring as well as we do not have enough leg room in the van. Departing around 4pm we manage to reach Thailand, hungry and exhausted at 0900pm (Malaysian time) 

Due to public holiday travels, we failed to grab the bus to Surat Thani for ferry to Koh Phangan. But instead got a van and ferry straight to Koh Phangan the next day for 1200TBH.

As for return, we manage to grab tickets from Koh Phangan straight to Penang but with alot of stops and tuk-tuk adventures and van changing. We travel by water from Koh Phangan to Surat Thani and then by land to Hatyai back to Penang. It costs us the same price of 1200TBH

In general;
 Penang-Hatyai-Don Sak Pier- Koh Phangan
 Koh Phangan- Surat Thani- Hat Yai- Penang



HATYAI

Upon arriving Hatyai, we manage to grab a tuk-tuk (taxi in Thailand) and head for our hostel. Stayed in Hatyai Backpacker Hostel and is really a beautiful and clean one. 

Where to stay; Hatyai Backpacker Hostel (RM40 per night) 

What to do; 
  • Eat the street food especially their fried stick food and fried chicken served with sticky rice. Must try also include Pad Thai and fried egg with muscles. 
  • Shop, there is so many stalls selling everything from clothes to shoes and toys
  • Walk along their night market (open up till 0300am) 
Since I was only in Hatyai for a night this was all I could come up with.

We left for Koh Phangan at 0630am as it takes about 20minutes from our hostel to the bus station.

KOH PHANGAN

As the travel methods got us slightly crazy, we manage to arrive Koh Phangan at 1600hrs (Thailand time) 

We manage to book our hostel the night before and arrived safely at Koh Phangan. 

However, there are different places to stay in Koh Phangan, if you are heading out to where the Full Moon party, like us, I suggest Haadrin because it only takes 5 minutes or so (depending on the area around Haadrin) to the beach.

How to get to Haadrin: From the pier, get the tuk-tuk (100TBH). It takes 30-40minutes to Haadrin (depending on how many stops the tuk-tuk takes) 

Where to stay: We stayed at Gallery Domitory (very close by to the beach and everything) for 55TBH per night.

 It could be cheaper but due to late booking price are hiked up. If its an early booking you could stay at a much better place with cheaper price too. 

What to do: 
  • Hang out by Haadrin Beach and soak up the sun
  • Go to the Full Moon party, atleast once in your life so you say you actually did it
  • Enjoy the music and tourist
  • Eat good Thai food
  • Get a foot and full body massage (especially after math of partying)
  • Drink their bucket drinks. (At least once)
  • Get to know the people
  • Have lots of fun
  • Buy atleast something from the fullmoon party
  • Bikini shopping (really cheap, 250TBH and you can still bargain)
  • Walk around Haadrin and explore the place. (Its like a circle, you always end up where you started)
  • Rent a motor bike if you are up for adventure and staying quite far from Haadrin beach
What you need;
  • Good pair of slippers
  • Good music (travel by land and water takes hours and gets really boring)
  • Really loose clothes and shorts
  • Small bag and wallet for safety when partying
  • Open mind (crazy stuff happens when the full moon party is on)
  • Beach towel 
  • Cash
  • Durable bikini
  • Big heart
I have had a great time and met alot of new people and had tonnes of adventures.

Its good to sometimes just pack your bags and travel just because you want to.

Teaches you patience and lots of lots of love.

Travel like I did (by land and water) if you are up for long hours and adventures. But I am pretty sure train and airplane are as equal!

Have fun if you are heading out for the next Fullmoon Party. 
Party responsibly and just let loose!

xoxo
Amberstories 

Road tripping

The muscle with eggs

Ferry to Koh Phangan

In Hatyai Backpacker Hostel

Hatyai Night Market

Fried chicken served with sticky rice

Haadrin Beach by day

Haadrin Beach by night


Add caption

Chilling on the beach

Almost there

Travel babies

Sun-kissed best kiss

Just being silly

Fullmoon