Staycation in JB: KSL Resort Hotel

My gf was itching for a trip/travel/vacation, to mark the end of her "torture". She's finally graduating from her one year long project. Congrats girl~

Exterior view. It was very hot outside.

So, we went JB Malaysia's KSL City & Resort Hotel, one of the newer mall and hotel in the area, for our one night staycation during the weekends. We had pre-booked a Superior Room online via their website but due to some mixed up, we were upgraded to the Deluxe Room with no additional charge. Our room is located on the 22nd floor and I feel it's considered quite small. There's a bathtub in the bathroom, and also WiFi connection that requires login that only allows two devices to login per room at one time.

Our room

We were quite unlucky as there was a jam in the morning on our way in. But after we got there, we did lots of stuff there: Manicure - Pedicure, Massage, Shopping, Movie (We watched Hangover 3), and ate lots. I went for a hair cut too (and the hairstylist is cute and handsome *drool*). The mall is quite huge. To a point that we keep getting lost initially. Somehow we got a little more orientated on where we should head to after some time.

We did our nails at Nails Studio (L2-103). Not really recommended. GF1 did her gelish nails and pedicure that cost her RM135, that was completed in less than an hour, and comments was that end product was quite rough, not to standard. GF2 and I did classic pedicure, RM38 and same feelings, we felt short changed.

Alot of chairs and manicurists. There's not so much biz in the early afternoon. There's free WiFi here.

I did my hair at RCS Hair Studio (L2-11) for RM45, that includes a shoulder massage, wash and cut. My hairstylist, Leslie, is quite good looking LOL. My hair looks great for the day.

*drool*

We went for a massage at QS Reflexology & Therapy. Foot massage 40minutes for RM30, Shoulder massage 30minutes for RM35. Very shiok, very pain lol.


We ate at these places

• Cawan Mas Cafe (L1-101) - Breakfast. All that we ordered was nice! Either that or we were too hungry. Hot coffee, tea, curry puffs and toasted sandwiches. 

Breakfast~

• Causeway Bay Hong Kong Cafe (LG-39 & 40) - Love the Cheesy noodles. 

... Photos to be updated ...

• Sushi King Japanese Restaurant ( LG-49 to 51) - Oh man.. I ate lots of the salmon sushi and salmon belly sushi.. Love~~ But the service alittle slow. We showed ourselves in and after a long time someone finally asked if we needed drinks, and after a reminder, they then serve the drinks. 

Salmon at RM4 per plate (or was it RM5?)

• Taroyami (10, Jalan Serigala, Taman Abad, 80250, Johor) - This dessert stall is located outside the mall, one street away. We ordered a Taroyami Black & White [RM7.90] and White and a Sour Temptation [RM6.90]. I prefer the first, as the latter is too sour for me. 

Yummy, but not much business though, quite empty

Taroyami Black & White

It was a great trip with my girlfriends. Finally we got to travel together for the first time.

Some things to note though:

• The official taxi counter charges us RM10.90, when the meter jumped only to RM5.10. And for our trip back, the taxi uncle charged us RM8. So now you know the market rate to haggle the next time you go, anything below the first price =P
• WiFi connection is stronger in the corridor than in room
• No worries about missing your favourite Mediacorp shows LOL
• The swimming pool is considered.... a public pool.
• The tap card system at the lift does not work. Anyone is able to go up.
• Shut the curtains before going to sleep. The morning sun blinded us LOL.

KSL City 
http://www.kslcity.com.my/

KSL Resort Hotel
http://kslresorts.com.my/

33 Jalan Seladang Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor 07-288 2888

Cruise Holiday on Costa Atlantica - Day 4

Day 4. Last day of our holiday. Time passed by so quickly especially when you are having fun.

I woke up with a strained neck *sobs* I am unable to turn my head at all. Even when I wanted to laze on the bed for a while more, the neck screamed pain. Sigh. What a way to start the day.

We have to vacant the room by 10am (although we are docking in Singapore at 3pm), so even with my super painful neck, we prepared and went for breakfast at Deck 2's Tiziano Restaurant as we were quite sure that the Self Serve Restaurant at Deck 9 is already crowded with people.

Very pretty spread of pastries. Yummy

Breakfast - so many eggs

After filling our tummies, we went back to our cabin and packed our stuff and vacanted the place by 10am. Costa Atlantica provided us a service to help us hold on to our hand luggages while we continued to enjoy ourselves onboard. The queue was LONG.

While queuing, we saw this. Someone bought TV during the trip?? Wow. Amazing.

Our number tag for the hand luggages

Even though we should enjoy ourselves with the remaining time, we were not sure what to do. Can't go swimming or gym or anything that will induce sweating since we no longer are able to go back to our cabin. We just sat around watching Running Man on the tablet and went shopping in the shops.

Hot guy in pink shorts and shell bikini (sorry for the lousy photo. paparazzi shot)

I'm not too sure why, but both of us were feeling tired and exhausted. Is it the sun? The heat? Or the boredom from waiting? But we sure were happy to see the Marina Bay Cruise Centre to come to view. And before going to the theatre to wait for our cabin's color to be called for disembarkation, we grabbed two slices of the yummy pizza =P

Welcome back to Singapore.

Our last 2 slices of yummy pizza on board. Really YUMMY =D

The trip is fun. But the waiting time and doing nothing is not. And my stupid neck even made me cranky on this last day =(

My Cruise Holiday Posts:
Cruise Holiday on Costa Atlantica - Prelude
Cruise Holiday on Costa Atlantica - Day 1
Cruise Holiday on Costa Atlantica - Day 2
Cruise Holiday on Costa Atlantica - Day 3
Cruise Holiday on Costa Atlantica - Day 4 

Cruise Holiday on Costa Atlantica - Epilogue

Costa Cruises

http://www.costacruisesasia.com/pao/costa_atlantica.html

Cruise Holiday on Costa Atlantica - Day 3

Day 3. Happy 5th year AD wedding anniversary. And it's Vesak Day, a public holiday in Singapore. Today we are disembarking at George Town, Penang. But the duration is much shorter than the disembarkation in Malacca. We intended to wake up earlier, but we unintentionally snoozed =P

We have docked at Penang 

Breakfast at deck 9. All vegetarian for the hubby but I still ate meat >.<

There are lots of pretty pastries today ^^

Today, we do not need to take a transfer ferry to the port. The ship is docked next to the port.

The front of the ship

Did our last minute homework at the port. They have maps of George Town around the exit of the place.

We Are Here

Our first stop: Jubilee Clock Tower (wiki). On the map, it looks far, but it's actually very near and we almost missed it.

To commemorate Queen Victoria's 1897 Diamond Jubilee, a Jubilee Clock Tower was constructed in George Town, Penang (at the time a British Straits Settlement) in the same year at junction of Lebuh Light (Light Street) and Lebuh Pantai (Beach Street). Built in a Moorish style, the tower is sixty feet tall, one foot for each year of Victoria's reign.

The clock tower from different angle.

Second stop: Fort Cornwallis (wiki). We bought our admission tickets and exposed ourselves to sun and cannons. Lots of big and small cannons surrounding the fort.

Fort Cornwallis - Bringing history life

A fort of 'nipah palm' was built in 1786 by Captain Francis Light & named after the then Governor-General of India. Rebuilt in 1810 with a moat; this star shaped fort was used for administration rather than defense. First recorded marriage in chapel 1799, when Light's widow, Martina Rozells married John Timmers.

The star-shaped Fort Cornwallis stands at the place where Francis Light and his crew landed in 1786, to 'take possession' of Penang island. At first a stockade made of nibong palm trunks was erected, but this was quickly replaced by a brick fort. In old paintings and postcards Fort Cornwallis can be seen surrounded by a moat and containing a number of buildings within its walls: of these the Christian chapel and a gunpowder magazine still stand. Fort Cornwallis is the best-preserved fort in Peninsular Malaysia.

Fort Cornwallis was gazette on 8 September 1977, under the Antiquities Act 168/1976, as an Ancient Monument and Historic Site.

Opens Daily 9am to 7pm
Ticket Price- Adult RM2, Children RM1

The entrance. We braved the sun and walked a big round to look for it. lol

Captain Francis Light's Statue

The gunpowder magazine inside and outdoors

Third stop: Kuan Im Temple. Initially we wanted to go to the Indian temple since it's Vesak Day and we saw a road sign for it. We were in Little India, and walked a few streets but could not find. Nevertheless, we found a Goddess of Mercy Temple, and we prayed there.

The Kong Hock Keong Kuan Im popularity called Goddess of Mercy Temple is the oldest Chinese temple in George Town. It was established in 1800 by early settlers as a centre for their religious and communal activities. In the past, the Kong Hock Keong Kuan Im at the temple tribunal often provide mediation to settle disputes within the community. Today, it is still a spiritual landmark for the Chinese in George Town

There were alot of people today.

Fourth stop: Break time. We rested a while at this coffeeshop and enjoyed a Penang white coffee and a plate of Penang Char Kuay Teow.

Quite alot of locals here.

Fifth stop: House of Yeap Chor Ee. Our last stop too. When we arrived at this destination, I was feeling giddy from the sun and heat. Time was another factor too. I have decided to write up another post for this museum as there are alot of information and pictures for this legendary Chinese man. Read more in the other post (coming soon...).

The House of Yeap Chor Ee was the first home of Yeap Chor Ee, a young immigrant who came to Penang in 1885 and worked as a barber before becoming a captain of industry at the turn of the 20th century.

The building was turned into a Social History Gallery in 2008. Through the journey of Yeap Chor Ee, the gallery gives an insight into his remarkable life and the lives of immigrants who arrived on the island from China, more than 100 years ago.

It was a very educational tour. Now I know why people like museums. But it's important to have good audio guide =)

The weather was a killer even after the last stop. I wanted to run back to the ship so that I can reach there quicker, but the problem is just that I have no more energy. We saw Star Cruise Libra docked at the pier too. Very significant difference in size. First thing we did getting back onboard, was to head to the restaurant. Hydrated ourselves with ice cold lemon tea (self made) and lunch. LOL.

The port/pier. On the left, Costa Atlantica. On the right, Star Cruise Libra. Can see which is bigger? lol

After we got our rest, we went up to the upper decks to see our ship leave the pier. At the upper most top level, there's a sports area. Basketball, football and jogging track. There were other passengers who also thought of being on the top deck to see the departure

The sports area

Can you see the Penang bridge? 

Since we had an hour before the disembarkation briefing, and not sure what to do, and we decided to go find a basketball to loan. But while we were leaving, a family came up with a basketball. Sigh... And then we saw a table tennis table, why not? The loaning of the rackets are free, but for two balls, USD1. Wow...

Let's play ping pong.

45 minutes later, I'm exhausted and losing focus. Rehydrated ourselves and headed to the theatre for the briefing. Strong aircon~~~ The briefing was a little late, and the hubby was busy crushing candy. Haha.. The briefing was quite confusing, cos he loop-explained some of the points and the actual keypoints, I feel, if they jus put into paper, it's so easily understood, save us an hour. Even the survey, we have to be debriefed =.=

The disembarkation briefing

It's rest time in our cabin. All we did was just shower, laze around, and watched sunset. Rest. I like the feeling. Not rushing to go anywhere do anything but see the open sea and watch the sky.

The clouds approaching the sun.. Turning dark and I thought no more sunset but the clouds cleared after a while

The dark clouds moved off but the sun is still partially covered by the clouds

Panaroma view

After dinner, we headed to the Caruso Theater for a magic show by White Magic with magician, Michael White and his partner, Hulan Svobodova. It was very interesting at the second half of the show when they did illusion magic. COOL. Follow them on twitter @WhiteMagicShow.

Very entertaining show

No pizza for tonight. We weren't feeling too well for a late night snack.

My Cruise Holiday Posts:
Cruise Holiday on Costa Atlantica - Prelude
Cruise Holiday on Costa Atlantica - Day 1
Cruise Holiday on Costa Atlantica - Day 2
Cruise Holiday on Costa Atlantica - Day 3
Cruise Holiday on Costa Atlantica - Day 4 

Cruise Holiday on Costa Atlantica - Epilogue

Costa Cruises

http://www.costacruisesasia.com/pao/costa_atlantica.html

Cruise Holiday on Costa Atlantica - Day 2

Day 2. Today we are disembarking at Malacca, Malaysia. We went to Malacca once a few years back by land transport with a group of friends.

Woken up by sunlight peeking through the corners that the curtains did not manage cover. I think it was 6 plus in the morning. Snapped a few photos and I plonked back to sleep. Tired.

Sunrise early in the morning

The rough sea below us. Sorry for the blur photo, I was still not awake and quite scared of dropping my camera.

The sun at 8plus in the morning

We were up and read around 9am, and headed to deck 9 for our breakfast. There were alot of people around. Guess not many took up the tour. In yesterday's "Today" brochure, passengers can book their tour before embarking at the destination.

Breakfast. From the Asian counter

Breakfast. From the European counter

After breakfast, we headed to get our disembarkation ticket. Malacca's port cannot support huge sized cruises, so we have to take a small ferry out from the cruise to the port. The journey was about 10 minutes. Not really knowing where we were (Oops didn't to do homework), we just walked. And we saw a familiar building! It's was one of the hotel that we wanted to stay in the previous trip, but they were fully booked at that time. And we successfully located the mall, Mahkota Parade. Yay~

Disembarkation ticket. Not too sure what it is for. Didn't use it at all.

The hotel we were familiar with.

First stop, the Money Changer (yah, that's why homework is very important). And it was not yet opened. We shopped awhile, paying the higher priced item with credit card, before trying again, and we successfully changed SGD50. Headed straight to the Giant supermarket to get ourselves toothbrushes x_X stinky us.

Our buys from Giant supermarket

We then settled ourselves at the Starbucks to leech on their free WiFi and get ourselves updated on the social media. Tsk tsk... Can't get away from the internet life.

At Starbucks enjoying our Java Chip Frapp

We are here!

Headed back to the port, and we spotted the cruise ship ^^ The ferry took a while to get us back onboard, as we had to wait for the ferry to be full before they move off.

We can see our ship from the port. Looks quite hazy over there. 

Here's where we got off and waited for our ferry back to the ship. Alot of "Taxi taxi"

And it's lunch! Haha.. Being on a cruise means eating non stop. Saw from somewhere, "Tip #101 to gain weight: Go on a cruise!" LOL

Lunch with desserts

Went touring the ship, taking in the view in daylight.

View of Malacca from the ship

View of the top deck. Aish. I didn't manage to capture the top.

And indoors, we went searching for the library, quite difficult to find, I wanted to check out the internet rates and what books there are. We are requested to register with our Costa card. But nah.. troublesome.

A model of the cruise ship

The library. A very small place. There are board games for the children to play, and computer terminals but $$

After resting awhile in the cabin, we headed for gym! And we are attired in our new tops. Part two gift from the hubby as a 5th AD wedding anniversary gift. The gym is located on deck 9, and at the front of the ship. We have to go through the spa centre to get to the gym. Weird. As I got onto the threadmill to run, I realised we were moving. It feels as if I'm powering the ship to move while running or like I'm running on the sea waters. Haha..

Our new tops~ 

The gym at the lower deck. Here's the threadmill which you will feel like you are running on water. 

The gym the the upper deck. I'm cycling~ The jacuzzi is part of the spa/massage treatment.

Our seating for the Gala Dinner was at 6.15pm. There was a welcome cocktail party earlier on, but we didn't know about it until late at night. There were alot of nicely dressed passengers, in evening gowns and suits and ties.

Our ticket to the welcome gala dinner

The Gala Dinner has pre arranged table seatings. And sad to say, we were not arranged to our own table, but shared with 2 other couples. Awkward. Especially me taking photo of almost everything. Haha.. The server was pretty blur. He got my order wrong, twice. Sighs.. Made me look like a troublesome customer >.< But I don't eat beef, so CONFIRM-chop I won't order beef. The service was abit slow too. Not going to complain on this, as there were ALOT of other passengers on this seatings. 2nd seatings starts at 8.30pm.

The Tiziano Restaurant. This place has a 2nd level dining.

The table setting. The scroll is the menu. Quite misleading and messy. Not sure what we should do.

Braised duck with ginger and spring onion - Nice. I like. Especially with the sauce

Shrimps composition with cocktail sauce (Chef Recommended) - Normal and cold. 

Vegetables spring rolls with saffron sauce - LOVE! Especially with the sauce

Chicken with mushroom soup - Sigh.. why is there noodles in my soup and where are the mushroom?

Roasted shrimps with minced pork in chilli sauce - Prawns were difficult to deshell.

Guinea Fowl Smilana style served with red cabbage and potatoes - I like the potato. 

Chocolate mousse - No idea why the waffle is placed this way. Does not taste nice and waffle stick is soft, not crispy

Almond Apple - (didn't manage to note down the name) But it's nice!

Finally, the awkward dinner ended. We headed to the Caruso Theater for the show "Solid Gold"- Performance of the greatest popular musical hits from Cher, Madonna, Ricky Martin and many more. Pretty cool show, with the singing and dancing, except for the guy in front sitting up so straight and forward, and turning to his partner so frequently to talk and blocking most of my view. The seats were very tall. To be able to block my view, he has really done his best. Photos taken by iPhone5.

Waiting for the show to start. The theatre is still quite empty. Kiasu us? =P

The show has started

Guess who! Spice Girls!

The ending. The singers are good

Next was chill out time at Dante Disco Bar. Nobody....... except alot of children and teenagers around 11pm. The place is a Teenzone between 10.30pm to 11.30pm. Ah. Quite noisy =P haha.. We also made use of the 1 for 1 beer promotion ;)

This was earlier.. a while later, the place has alot of teens.

Ended the day with... a slice of pizza!

Pizza for you too?

My Cruise Holiday Posts:
Cruise Holiday on Costa Atlantica - Prelude
Cruise Holiday on Costa Atlantica - Day 1
Cruise Holiday on Costa Atlantica - Day 2
Cruise Holiday on Costa Atlantica - Day 3
Cruise Holiday on Costa Atlantica - Day 4 

Cruise Holiday on Costa Atlantica - Epilogue

Costa Cruises

http://www.costacruisesasia.com/pao/costa_atlantica.html