Category Archives: Travels

Honeystar 1204 – Phuket

12 Friday Apr 2019

Posted by in Beach, Beauty, Blogbites, Food Reviews, Travels, WorkHard~playafter

≈ Leave a comment

My recent beach trip was nothing short of amazing, I’m delighted that I got my tan after so long! Tracing back, me and the mister have mostly gone to the beach for our trips haha.. Something about the ocean! Needless to say, it’s a bittersweet feeling when it’s time to bid farewell.

We had the opportunity to stay in 2 resorts, Cape Sienna (Kamala beach) and Chanalai Resort (Karon beach). Despite the heat, even during night time, strolling around was a fun way to explore. Tips for a good trip in Phuket – comfy pair of sandals, camera phone and sunscreen!

1

Cape Sienna

3

streets of Kamala

 

My surprise proposal! Thanks all for the wishes and panicked phone calls, trust me I did not see this coming. The restaurant itself is located in Cape Sienna, Plum Prime Steakhouse. Overlooking sunset and horizon, it was such a breathtaking atmosphere! Thanks to the mister for such a splendid one 🙂

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

8

After dinner scene:

Me “let’s go walk around town?”

Him “let’s go back to the villa first”

Me “huh? I thought you wanted to go walk”

Him “ya.. but selfies with better lighting first!”

Kudos mister, there’s my travel partner!

 

Kamala beach wasn’t busy at all, we managed to take a few strolls during our stay. Night market seemed to cater to locals mainly rather than tourists, good way to experience the local culture.

 

Moving on to the next stay – Karon beach, Chanalai Hillside resort. While few cab drivers were telling us it’s not the best resort, me and S found ourselves frequently exchanging glances with one another, having a few “Oh no” moments. Honestly, the stay wasn’t bad at all and location was good, what you talking uncles!? Short walking distance to both the beach and town, lots of cheap eateries around too! Another tip here, if you were to choose this resort, only opt for the pool villas.

10

Chanalai pool villa

9

If I have to point out one thing I love about beach resorts, it’ll be the abundance of TOWELS! Beach towel, hand towel, face towel, bath towel, bathrobes and towels everywhere.

However it could have been better if they provided villa slippers, imagine the mess created getting around after having a dip in the pool or a trip back from the beach.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Fried insects can be easily found at Karon beach, it was the mister’s first attempt, I personally don’t mind the small worms but not the bigger ones as you can tell that I was freaking out from the clip below… No idea what I was mumbling.

 

 

Famous Tutti Frutti ice cream rolls!

 

Local delicacies, one of the gems we stumbled upon – pork noodles. This is by far one of the best things I’ve eaten in Phuket located in Patak Soi 22. Yums! *bring me back*

 

Received a complimentary trip from Anantara Vacay club, there’s a few options to choose from, Koh PhiPhi, Simon’s cabaret show, Fantasea show and many more. We decided to go for Koh Phangan mainly for the cave canoeing! It’s also interesting to meet people from all around the world during the trip and getting to know them and their culture, priceless.

16

18

20

After our fun-filled trip, we spotted this weird looking barbecue feast just right opposite from our stay! Of course, not an opportunity to be missed!

21

Exotic dinner

25

When bae takes pictures of you…

Grabs the camera, let me do it myself!

31 (2)

Fish spa

 

Thank God I got my cravings fixed before the trip ends!

Mango sticky rice. soooooooo gooooooood!

And that’s all for this blog entree. May all your wishes come true and life filled with abundance of joy!

Till next time!

xo,

Rowena

 

Catch Feels

26 Saturday Aug 2017

Posted by in Beach, Blogbites, Scuba Diving, Travels, Wellness

≈ Leave a comment

Not too dusty here. Just 4 months since I last updated… but heck, so much has happened in just a few months!

******************************************************************

First and foremost, finally and officially an international translator now yayyah!

Definitely excited to embark on this new journey! It is quite funny how in college, I used to tell my family how I wanted to be a translator cause I love different languages, they help people and possibilities are endless! Never had I expected then that it would be possible! 

Moving on, there was a post about a Frog Prince which I posted years back in Melbourne, as much tornado episodes and I swear there were a few hurricanes in between as well, things were finally called to a halt, it became a lil TOO crazy *this includes a face-off with an older adult*. On the bright side, the best thing I’ve learnt walking away from this was –> It takes time to truly know someone (or in this case, the ones that come with them), it might even take plenty more years to uncover all those layers. BUT what’s more interesting is that, I am constantly learning more about myself.

Penang trip coming up! Scuba diving with some melby peeps after 🙂 and WORK HARD. I am thankful for how things are now. Let’s embrace the peace, till then.. always be ready for another possible face-off.

for now, sun, beach and wavessss… HERE I COME!

Related image

p/s: J’aimerais vivre dans tes chaussures pour être avec toi à chacun de tes pas

A tout a l’heure!

 

xoxo,

Rowena

“It’s Borah-Kaii, Not Bora-Kay” – locals

03 Tuesday May 2016

Posted by in Beach, Blogbites, Food Reviews, Marine Life, Padi, Scuba Diving, Travels, Underwater World

≈ Leave a comment

Traveling broadens the mind and the soul.. However, educating ourselves beforehand won’t harm anyone! Following the flow is indeed exciting, adventurous, carefree, live like a bird, FREEDOM!!! Never neglect the mishaps though, hence it is advisable to do at least a minimal amount of research before stepping into a foreign land!

This trip round, it’s the famous white beach in Boracay with a few good mates! I admit it took quite some time and articles (maps including) to convince my family it is a safer island compared to others in the Philippines region due to abductions/rapes/killings bombarding news all over the world.

If you are ever interested in visiting Boracay, here’s our journey itinerary:

3 hours +- flight –> 2 hours car ride to the jetty –> 15 minutes boat ride to the island (accompanied by the beautiful ocean)

Our trip was made fairly simple thanks to our local tour guides, link below! Super friendly and attentive people, who also helped us so much on some serious negotiating! It is well known that tourists are usually charged higher in most countries, no?

Tour guide ~ Barbie Trinidad Delos Santos

Before I proceed, I have the best place for lunch in Kalibo! Take-outs would be recommended to save time while you still have a boat to catch!

Ramboy’s

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

My stay in Boracay wouldn’t have felt complete if it wasn’t for Henann Garden Resort. They provide tight security which means no locals without permission are allowed in.

There are a number of pools that are very well maintained, guests do not need to worry if there’s limited space for suntanning or a quick dip in the waters. Did I mention pool boys who serve complimentary icy cold beverages while you’re at it!?

Boracay has been voted the second-best island destination in the world after Palawan, with its postcard-perfect stretch of sand line from one end to the other, blocks after blocks of hotels, restaurants, dive shops, massage parlours.. It is no wonder that this island is usually packed with tourists from all over the world!

There were times when I thought I was in Korea instead because of the volume of Korean tourists, checking in, checking out.. Besides that, loads of ocean activities or even packages can be found on the island, I am very grateful for our local tour guide to recommend some of the most interesting ones and of course, more negotiations!

20160422_114213

Helmet diving

 

20160422_133528

Famous mango shake

20160422_172636

Reverse bungee

20160422_172901

Oink! Scrumptious buffet which costs around RM40++ per pax along station 2

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

sunburn time….
more sunburn…
DCIM117GOPRO

GoPro Dive!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Already planning for the next trip perhaps?! Looking forward to more adventures =)

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Till next time!

Rowena

Burgundy Baby!

07 Monday Dec 2015

Posted by in Blogbites, Travels

≈ Leave a comment

Good hair day?
Bad hair day?
Ever experienced… EXTREMELY bad hair days in a row?
Had a HAIR MELTDOWN much recently and the Mr. decided to treat me to a nice hair transformation. GO burgundy, red head love!
Light ash brown crisis

 

Better view with sunlight

 

Magic curtains reveal… dum dum DUMMM!

 

major lurve!

As for those who had gotten their hair treated should know, maintaining part is quite a workload. Specially for brighter colours, shampooing can be nightmarish seeing all those precious colour being washed down the drain grr!

Scored some pretty cool “sidekicks” from Hair Depot.. I LOVE LOVE their products! Quality at its best I would say…

Le magic oil~ Highly recommend this for all chemical treated hair

 

And this cute bomb! Saloon hairdos from curly to straight @ your very own home, is that a yay I hear??

Maintaining has never been any simpler nor pleasurable =)

==================================
As stated in my previous post, here are some of the Christmas offerings gadgets at Le’ Bungalow
This “controlled-cooling” baby comes in handy, allowing all the stem cell / hyaluronic acid goodness fully and deeply penetrating, achieving baby smooth skin GUARANTEE!
Combining that with the Jason’s hockey mask applicator, fancy schmancy~!

Okay that’s all for now. Stay tuned!

Bonne nuit ~
Rowena

Devil wears Prada

15 Thursday Oct 2015

Posted by in Blogbites, Travels

≈ Leave a comment

Finally some serene time for me to sit quietly and tap away on my mac. It has been a tough yet fruitful journey adapting to working life. End of the day, you choose who and what to filter out of your life. Capiche?

I broke a nail and it BLOODY HURTS! Imagine having a sharp chipped nail right…. dangling somewhat tight yet loosely to your skin and meat.. you’re so placed in a “life-death” situation, to pull it off or not?
Not cool.
So don’t make fun when this happens and girls go off shrieking “I BROKE A NAIL!” It is not the end of the world but it is very uncomfortable… EXTREMELY uncomfortable.
One more week to scuba diving. I’ve been contemplating for years whether to venture into the ocean and get my diving license and BAM! it IS happening! hello sharks. hello corals. hello unknown sea creatures. Adventure!!!
” People who don’t explore the ocean are missing out on 70% of the world we are living! “
Cool.
The whale shark 

 

 

oh hello you cute little thing!

 

I swear if this happens it’s either I pass out OR I lose my mind and start hitting it with my tank!

 

I wanna make friends!

 

 

 my favourite dish with sambal
 

 

gorgeous

 

 


please do welcome me like this =D
xo,
Rowena

Serenity & Sound of Nature.

08 Saturday Aug 2015

Posted by in Blogbites, Travels

≈ Leave a comment

The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul. – Wyland

 

I love it most whenever the sea breeze lightly brushes across my skin.. A slight tingling touch that I feel after, almost as gentle as a mother’s touch. Beach waves serenading, singing to my ears and tiny sand particles partying between my toes at the same time. It is certainly an amazing heartfelt welcome to me — to a sweet escape I always crave for, I look forward to.

 

One thing about the beach that I absolutely adore is the chance to fall in love with that..
 again.. and again, yet again…

 

=====================================

Leisurely enjoying what I do best, reading and toasting myself by the beach, what else but people watching. Children attempting to build sandcastles with their parents’ help, digging and searching for beautiful seashells that have been carried by the waves onshore. Carefree surfers enjoying the enormous challenging waves that often tumbles them into the salty water. And of course, the jet skis that races across the bumpy sea.

The beach brings relaxation to the soul, well, at least to me.. It is a sweet escape for an ambitious person like me, my goal in life is to contribute to charities in any form, hence i assume it is quite imaginable how much stress I let myself venture into.

Perhaps, to fully appreciate the good things in life, is to let yourself experience the not so good ones no matter how tough, how heart wrenching it can be. Good lessons learnt are never wasted.

To the ever hopeful readers, to the ambitious girls boys out there, to You.
may you remember the sound of mother nature, let the waves embrace your heart, your conscience, and the best, your soul..

 

xo,
Rowena

Bucket List

30 Tuesday Jun 2015

Posted by in Blogbites, Travels

≈ Leave a comment

Why Create One?

§ Sketching of personal goals and plans.
 
§ A tangible output to speak of.
 
§ A bucket list is a reminder of what’s really 
important so one can act on them.
 
§ Bucket list expands the context scope, 
whether it’s jumping off a cliff in Malibu or making dinosaur omelettes, 
it sure tops To-Do-Lists in the spot.
 
§ Planning what you want for your whole life, 
providing us with a whole new layer of enthusiasm knowing what’s in store ahead.
 
§ All boils down to maximising every moment of our existence 
and live life to the fullest.

Here we go! ~

– Ocean diving off a cliff –

– Drift a car –
– Sky diving –

– Dine in at least one of the top restaurants in the world –
– Kissing in a dark and starry night sky –
– Experience Aurora –
– Publish a book –
– Experience marine life upclose –
– Hot air balloon ride –
– Own a horse ranch –
– Spend white Christmas in New York –
– Cherry blossoms in Japan –
– Scariest roller coaster ride! –
– Board on difference cruises –
– Fall in love –
– Gain enlightenment (spend a month or two in meditation course) –
– Join charity, make something for a good cause –
– Visit churches around the world –
– Cultivate a book per month kinda habit –
– Paris Paris PARIS!Last but not least.. Dance for life.

 

xo,
Rowena

Chocolate Truffles…

17 Tuesday Feb 2015

Posted by in Blogbites, Festive, Travels

≈ Leave a comment

… Tiny drops of heaven truly.

Perfect tiny shapes of tempered dark chocolate with a wide selection of different fillings coated delicately with pure cocoa powder. Smack-a-licious!

That bittersweet sensation…. is like nothing else in the universe.
______________________________________________
There are two kinds of truffle :-
` Fungus Truffles, which is also known as “the diamond of the kitchen”.

` Chocolate Truffles, traditionally made with a chocolate ganache centre then coated in chocolate, icing sugar, toasted nuts and so forth. Hence the word truffle itself is exquisite to the ears and definitely won its prestige.

ohmy… can you resist?!

========================================

Truffles are famous for their high-valued repertoire. The reason behind that is because fungus truffles are difficult to obtain.
As for the heaven droplets, it is pretty difficult to master the techniques of chocolate tempering. Took a few classes on that, the absolute spot-on temperature, the motion swiftness and difficulties of the skill itself. No wonder patissiers are often described as quite the “exquisite” bunch with their delicate fingers and consistency.

Like it or not, humans are moulded too. It takes persona, style and personal charisma to mould the unique you!

Previously was invited to be a dear friend’s bridesmaid. Some of the pre-wedding pictures in Melbourne that I really fancy. Really captured the beauty of both the newlyweds and Melbourne itself eh?

reception dinner selfie booth in Prince Hotel
gorgeous laydees
V-day flower explosions lurveee!
my vday soldiers
A lil heavenly touch for yours truly 🙂

Till the day where I can stroll barefooted by the beach in my sundress, without a worry in the world and feel the breeze of the ocean again… and of course bonfire party at night!

a tout a l’heure!

Rowena

Picture credits ~
theaustralian
abruzzocibus
cookingittasty
alittlebiteoflife