Bali: Eat Love Pray

This trip is one of the four trips which I had planned four years ago in 2015, I decided to go Taiwan first mainly because of Chinese New Year and later also went to Ha Long Bay Vietnam last year after I heard about the largest cave and prawn fishing. Frankly speaking I had lost interest on the last trip to Krabi Thailand as I realized that  I am not that much into Beaches and Swimming Pools.



A lot of my trip are happen by chances, I was planning for my St John Island Chalet for End November and Bangkok Thailand trip on Early December. When my friend Dennis told me to join him for Bali Trip I told him I had plan for other activities during that period. We had planned for the Chimelong Safari Zoo trip in Pangyu Guangzhou China before but end up our schedule could not match and he went for other trip instead.



I encounter some issues when I am trying to book for St John Island Chalet mainly because it require a permit for an event and the Chalet I wanted did not appear in the option list after I had gone through so much trouble trying to apply for the permit. So I told Dennis that I will join him as I had change my plan for the St John Island Chalet.



Dennis is very excited when he hear about this, but I could not join him on the first day because I am not so interested in Temple and Cliff. The other reason is that I had encounter some issues during my previous Vietnam Trip and I know I had to plan for my trips with shorter duration of about three to four days.



Dennis had a very good ideas of staying at different hotel on different days to reduce the traveling time require, I had encounter this method during my Jiangnan China Trip in 2012 and Taiwan Trip in 2015 but it was mainly use by Tour Group.



I initially planned to book the same hotel but the hotel which he book in Jimbaran and Ubud are very popular and had no more rooms available. So I book for different hotel nearby and we can visit each other and experience different hotel stay to maximize our resources.






27th November Wednesday Jimbaran



We reach the Airport at 0830 hrs, after check in we decided to visit the Jewel Mall. Dennis had book for very early morning Jetstar Flight which is cheaper and I had choose Scoot TR284 from 1030 hrs to 1320 hrs at S$263 for better timing.



Dennis told me that the beer cost more than we expected and advise me to buy a bottle of Vodka or Gin and bring over. I thought he did not buy before he fly but later I was told by his wife that he always buy a bottle for every trip when we drink at his hotel in Ubud on the third day.



As I don't really like the strong taste of Scott, Vodka and Gin, I had choose the mild taste of either Bourbon, Rum or Tequila. I was planning to buy the Bacardi at S$23 when the sales lady told me that 2 bottle of Jack Daniel at S$96 will get me a nice Free Gift of Leather Bag. As I am really crazy about Leather Bags, I decided to spend more for a chance for the Changi Millionaire Draw.



We arrive late as our flight delay for 30 minutes due to com issues and my original planned schedule had been delayed by an hour. Dennis advice me to get Blue Bird Taxi at Departure Hall which is cheaper, the other transport at Arrival Hall cost from 90 Rupiah (S$9) to 230 Rupiah (S$23). I manage to spend 50 Rupiah (S$5) for the trip.



We arrive at Anja Jimbaran Hotel around 1430 hrs and check in to  Room 314, it cost S$80 on Trip, $113 on Agoda and $120 on Booking. 4 Star 9.3 Rating and Fabulous Breakfast Buffet, I think Breakfast is the most important meal for the day and a Hotel with good breakfast could not be that bad.

Dennis stay at Kubu Kak Dudung Villas near Movenpick Hotel which cost about S$35 and he manage to get it at a price lower than $30 with Agoda Membership, they encounter difficulty accessing the beach as there are too many restaurant and pub fighting for business.



We had High Tea instead of Late Lunch at Cuca Restaurant around 1500 hrs, it is just across the road from our hotel. We had Crispy Fried Chicken 90 Rupiah (S$9), Pork Buns 70 Rupiah (S$7), Scallops 50 Rupiah (S$5), Rosella and Lemongrass Infusion 70 Rupiah (S$7). There is a 11% Tax 31 Rupiah (S$3) and 8% Service 23 Rupiah (S$2.50).



We went back to hotel for a short nap at 1600 hrs and walk along the beach at 1815 hrs to view Sunset and meet Dennis for Dinner. We arrive at 1900 hrs and Dennis say he will reach at 1930 hrs as he went for Massage. He advise me to download the Taxi app for easy booking, the Taxi Drivers hate Private Hire Car like Grab and Gojek.



We had Dinner at Wahaha Pork Rib, Pork Knuckle 188 Rupiah (S$19), Pork Ribs 168 Rupiah (S$17), Roast Pork Belly 78 Rupiah (S$8), Green Booster (Pineapple with Lime) 38 Rupiah (S$4), Avocado 38 Rupiah (S$4). There is 11% Tax 72 Rupiah (S$7.50) and 8% Service 52 Rupiah (S$5.50). Pork Rib is nice but Knuckle a bit salty, Pork Belly taste worst than the usual Roast Pork we had in Singapore.

We brought two bottle of Coke for 35 Rupiah (S$3.50) and took
Taxi 30 Rupiah (S$3) back to my hotel for our drinking session at 2100 hrs. Talk about stars, conspiracy theories, and sailing life until 2300 hrs.






28th November Thursday Safari



We wake up at 0700 hrs and had Breakfast at 0730 hrs, we had Pancake, Bacon and Mushroom, Yogurt, Sausage and Vegetable. We check out at 0800 hrs and went to Safari early as I had no much to do here at the beach. Taxi took 90 minutes Taxi and cost 270 Rupiah (S$27).

We arrive at Mara River Safari Lodge Bali and check in to Room 112 at around 0930 hrs. It cost 2348 Rupiah (S$235) to 2810 Rupiah (S$281) 4 Star 8.5 Rating, Very Good Breakfast with Lion.
It had Welcome Drink, Fruit Basket, Safari Park Entry. We took the Honey Moon Package at 2797 Rupiah (S$280) to 3423 Rupiah (S$343) which had Honeymoon Cake and One Hour Massage and Romantic Dinner with Lion. It had 21% Tax 625 Rupiah (S$63).



I actually planned to stay at Villa L Orange at S$82, and buy the afternoon 1400 hrs Safari Ticket at 540 Rupiah (S$54). But it only allow one Safari Journey and I am afraid that we would not be able to finish the attractions within 3 hours and will miss a lot of performance shows. The full day ticket is 990 Rupiah (S$99) to 1800 Rupiah (S$180) for VIP, so staying inside the Safari seem cheaper as with the same price I get the Honey Moon Package.



As we can only have the room at 1400 hrs, we decided to tour the Safari Zoo and Aquarium first. We saw Meerkat Feeding and Giraffe Feeding at Tsavo Lion Restaurant, we saw Elephant Bathing and Feeding at 1000 hrs at Ganesha Court. Visit the Aquarium first before we went for Animal Show at 1030 hrs at Hanuman Stage.



We proceed for Tiger Show at 1115 hrs in Harimau Amphitheater and Elephant Show at 1200 hrs in Kampung Gajah. We had lunch at 1230 hrs in Warung Gajah, Satay 48 Rupiah (S$5), Noodle 33 Rupiah (S$3.50), Coconut 25 Rupiah (S$2.50), Orange Juice 30 Rupiah (S$3).



We went for Safari Journey at 1300 hrs, to our surprise the hotel guest get unlimited ride instead of one ride as compare to normal ticket entry. I really like the Safari Journey here as the Truck is Air Condition and it stop at every points for a while and let us take photos while they do introduction. We took two ride and went back to lobby to get our room key, book Massage for 1700 hrs.

We went for Romantic Dinner at Tsavo Lion Restaurant at 1830 hrs, we had Sparkling Wine, Salad, Pumpkin Soup, Stuffed Chicken and Tiramisu. We watch Fire Dance at 2000 hrs just outside the restaurant after our dinner.

 

29th November Friday Ubud

We had Breakfast with Lion at Tsavo Lion Restaurant at 0830 hrs, as the attraction is smaller than expected and we had nothing planned we decided to go for two more Safari Journey Ride before we check out at 1200 hrs.

As the Taxi is not allow to pick up at the Safari we ask the hotel to arrange for Transport for 250 Rupiah (S$25) to go to Ubud. We arrive at In Da Garden Home Stay and check in to Room 7 at 1315 hrs, it cost $31 on Trip, $37 on Hotel and $38 on Booking with 2 Star 9.5 Rating and Fabulous Breakfast.

Dennis stay at Yuni House near Ubud Market, it cost about S$37 and he got it for below $30 with Agoda Membership. He was relaxing by the pool while his wife went shopping and ask me to join him for early drinking sessions by the pool.

We had Lunch at Toro Sushi just outside our hotel at 1330 hrs, we had Bento 70 Rupiah (S$7), Salmon Don 68 Rupiah (S$7), Mango 35 Rupiah (S$3.50). It had 10% Tax 19 Rupiah (S$2) and 5% Service 9 Rupiah (S$1). We went to visit Dennis at the Ubud Market after that and they went for their lunch nearby and bring us around Ubud Market for some shopping.

We brought T Shirt 50 Rupiah (S$5), Singlets 100 Rupiah (S$10), Dress 90 Rupiah (S$9), Slippers 300 Rupiah (S$30), Slipper 200 Rupiah (S$20). We had Coconut 25 Rupiah (S$2.50) at 1730 hrs just outside our hotel before we shower and prepare to go for dinner at 1900 hrs.



We meet Dennis at Mamma Mia at 2000 hrs, we walk around while we wait as he went for massage again with his wife. Brought Owl for 20 Rupiah (S$2), Duck for 10 Rupiah (S$1) and Note Books for 50 Rupiah (S$5). We had Pizza 150 Rupiah (S$15), Spaghetti 125 Rupiah (S$12.50), Mango 25 Rupiah (S$2.50), Orange 40 Rupiah (S$4), Ice Tea 20 Rupiah (S$2). We went to his hotel for drinking session after dinner at 2130 hrs and left around 2330 hrs, this time we talk about families.

 

30th November Saturday

We had Breakfast at 0830 hrs, we had Egg Sandwich, Toast and Omelette. We brought Soap 55 Rupiah (S$5.50) and Shot Glass 45 Rupiah (S$4.50). We decided to visit Monkey Sanctuary 160 Rupiah (S$16) as there are nothing much to buy in Ubud Market. We brought Toiletries Pouch 60 Rupiah (S$6), Coconut Snacks 160 Rupiah (S$16).

We check out at 1200 hrs, we planned to have lunch at the hotel but the owner is celebrating anniversary with wife. So we went to for Coconut 25 Rupiah (S$2.50) and Lunch at Toro Restaurant at 1230 hrs. We had Chicken Don 57 Rupiah (S$6), Prawn Don 57 Rupiah (S$6), Fried Dumplings 35 Rupiah (S$3.50), Mango 35 Rupiah (S$3.50), Green Tea 18 Rupiah ($2). It had 10% Tax 21 Rupiah (S$2.5) and 5% Service 10 Rupiah (S$1).

I had try to book for Taxi at 1330 hrs and it got cancel after 15 minutes and the second booking also refuse to come and insist we got to Monkey Sanctuary for pick up. Finally one Taxi Driver was brave enough to enter Dangerous Ground and bring us to Airport at 270 Rupiah (S$27). I give him 300 Rupiah (S$30) instead for his bravery as I did not know about the conflict between the Local Private Hired Taxi Drivers with Official Metered Taxi Blue Bird.



We reach Airport at 1530 hrs and brought some Soaps 450 Rupiah (S$45). We had Dinner at 1730 hrs before we board our flight, we had Sandwich and Coke 110 Rupiah (S$11), Croissant and Tea 100 Rupiah (S$10). Our flight delay for about an hour and we arrive back in Singapore at 2200 hrs.



Bali Eat Love Pray, Eat at Jimbaran, Love at Safari and Pray at Ubud.

Chimelong Safari Park 2016 - Tarzan and Jane at Madagascar

I have try to book for this trip in September and November but had delay until December to finally embark on this trip due to the Typhoon Season. December is a good month as the Weather is cooling and will not rain due to the Typhoon Season from May to October. So I book for the Tiger Airway Flight Ticket ($427) and Angel Baby Theme Hotel (676 RMB $139) from 11th December 2016 to 13th December 2016 for our visit to Chimelong Safari Park. The Park is celebrating its 15 Anniversary and free entrance for children which is below 1.5 Meter for November and December. The White Tiger Buffet Restaurant also had 15 Percent Discount for Birthday Person from 1st to 15th December.

11th Dec 2016 Sunday

We arrived at the Changi Airport Terminal 2 at 0400 hrs to check in our luggage, our Tiger Airway Flight TR 2986 take off at 0605 hrs and arrive at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport at 0955 hrs. We have Roast Lemon Chicken Thigh at 0800 hrs on the flight for our Breakfast. We took the Line 3 Train from Airport to Panyu (9 RMB $2) and alight at Hanxi Changlong Station. The Angel Baby Theme Hotel is a Service Apartment located just South of the Chimelong Safari Park, I had book for Madagascar Theme but due to water leakage we are relocated to Doraemon Theme Room 1801 instead. It is a nice setup with Living Room and Bath Room located at below and Bedroom located at the top. I really like the hanging chair near the window and the mirror at the ceiling of the bedroom.

Angel Baby Theme Hotel

After we had check in at Angel Baby Theme Hotel at 1230 hrs, we decided to explore the area. I am surprised that there are a lot of restaurants and eatery shop below as compare to our previous trip to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom at Zhuhai. We will be able to save a lot of cost by staying at a cheaper hotel and eating at cheaper restaurants. We had Century Egg Porridge and Chicken Chop Rice for Lunch at a Taiwan Eatery Shop near to the end of the Food Street at 1330 hrs. After lunch we cross over to the other side of the Expressway by the Train Underground Pavement to Chimelong International Circus to purchase our Tickets (300 RMB $60) for tomorrow night, the Ticket will cost 80 more RMB for Weekend and Public Holidays.

We explore around Chimelong Hotel after we had purchase our circus ticket, this hotel will cost around 1098 RMB to 5298 RMB ($220 to $1060) per night. There are a few room which have balcony facing the White Tiger and Flamingo Enclosure where you can enjoy the excitement of sleeping with Tiger or Birds. We had manage to save about 75 percent of hotel stay costing by staying at service apartment which is within walking distance of the Safari Park. We proceed to purchase the Safari Park Ticket (250 RMB $50) for tomorrow but realize that the ticket could only be brought on actual day and not in advance. We also realize that the package ticket for Safari Park and Circus will get saving of 85 RMB ($17).

White Tiger Enclosure

Flamingo Enclosure

We proceed back to our hotel and brought 4 Drinks (15 RMB $3), and Toothpaste (11 RMB $2) at a convince store below at 1600 hrs and took a short afternoon nap to catch up with the sleep we lost for the early flight. We had dinner at an Italian Restaurant named COMO and order Pizza, Pasta and Sampler Plate for 174 RMB ($35). It is highly recommended to have dinner at this Italian Restaurant as I felt it had a higher standard as compare to the one we ate in Resort World Sentosa. We took a Train to Panyu Square (4 RMB $1) which is only two stations away to visit a newly open Aeon Mall. As there are nothing that interest us at the Mall, we proceed back to our hotel after I finish my Gong Cha (Imperial Tea) (18 RMB $4) at 2100 hrs. There are a few instant Karaoke Booth at the Basement of the Mall which allow couples and friends to past some time at a very cheap price.

12th December 2016 Monday

We woke up at 0700 hrs and proceed for Breakfast at 0800 hrs at a Restaurant nearby the Hotel with the Breakfast Voucher provided by the Hotel. There are Fried Noodle, Porridge, Bun, Hard Boil Egg, Sweet Potato and Soya Bean Milk, we proceed to Safari Park to purchase the ticket at 0930 hrs and start our adventure for the day. We were also offered the purchase of Ticket for Bird Park at 20 RMB ($4) which is an offer hard to be resist. The Bird Park use to be a Crocodile Farm few years ago, it is about one quarter the Safari Park and a 30 minutes Bus Trip away.

Meerkat

Panda Triplet

Koala Bear

The Hippo Show is at 1100 hrs, Elephant Show is at 1230 hrs and the Amazon Show is at 1330 hrs, but the show location is all located at the south side of the park. We should have enter the park from the north side to utilize the time saving advantage base on the design of the park layout, but as the hotel which we stay is located at the south side of the park we did not have a choice but to walk the extra mile up and down the park to cover the maximum area at the shortest time. We had Chicken Chop Rice (68 RMB $14) near the Tiger Exhibit at 1200 hrs.

Hippo Show at Hippo Theater

Elephant Show at Elephant Theater

Amazon Show at Amazon Theater

We proceed to North Entrance after the shows and took the Train Ride for the Open Safari at 1500 hrs and my camera battery went flat on me halfway through the journey, we also visited the Jurassic Trail after the Train Ride at 1530 hrs. We took the Bus at the North Entrance to go to the Bird Park at 1600 hrs, I brought a Drink at the Entrance at 1630 hrs (10 RMB $2) before we proceed for the Bird Show at 1700 hrs. We took a walk around the Bird Park after the show and took the 1800 hrs Bus back as the park closing hour is near.

Swans at Swan Lake

Vulture at Bird Enclosure

 We actually planned for a Buffet Dinner with the White Tiger at the White Tiger Buffet Restaurant which cost about 150 RMB ($30) but the time is not enough so we decided to proceed to Circus Theater instead and had Fried Dumpling (48 RMB $10) for Dinner and brought two Drinks at 18 RMB ($4). We enter the Circus Theater at 1900 hrs and there are Magic Show Performance for half hour before the actual performance start at 1930 hrs. The Circus Performance last for one and a half hour and ended at 2100 hrs, we both felt it was indeed better than the one we had watch in Zhuhai as there are a lot of Animals involve in the performance.

13th December 2016 Tuesday

We woke up early at 0530 hrs and proceed below and had Sandwich (8 RMB $2) and Drinks (11 RMB $2) at 7 Eleven as the Hotel Breakfast will not be available until 0730 hrs. To avoid the Working Crowd for the Train, we had to take Train before 0730 hrs to the Airport to ensure we had a seat in the Train. We check out of the Hotel at 0700 hrs and proceed on our journey home, we took the Tiger Airway Flight TR 2987 at 1045 hrs and arrive back in Singapore at 1500 hrs.

Hainan Tour 2013: Legend of the Phoenix (凤凰传奇）

Brought the 5D4N National Day Special Hainan Tour Package from Deal Website at S$238 each, the package include 4 Night 4/5 Stars Hotel Stay (1 Night Stay at 7 Stars Hotel at Phoenix Island), Tour of Boao Forum, Jade Belt Beach, Betel Nut Valley, South Mountain Cultural Village. As I have to attend the Wedding Ceremony of my wife younger brother on 14th Sep 2013 (Saturday), I book the 13th Sep 2013 (Friday) and 20th Sep 2013 (Friday) Jet Star Flight and book the Tour from 15th Sep 2013 (Sunday) to 19th Sep 2013 (Thursday). Jet Star is having a National Day Promotion where the Return Flight is Free, the flight had cost S$231 each which include 20 Kg Check In Baggage.

Day 1: 13 Sep 2013 (Friday)

We woke up at 0500 hrs and set off for the Airport at 0530 hrs. We arrive at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 at 0600 hrs and had Breakfast at the Airport after we check in our luggage. Brought Two Bottle of Liquor and Two Carton of Cigarette for the Wedding Ceremony at the Duty Free Shop before we proceed to the Boarding Gate. We took off at 0730 hrs and landed at Haikou Meilan Airport at 1100 hrs. As the International Airport had been relocated about one month ago, our transport only manage to pick us up at 1200 hrs.

We arrive at Wenchang at about 1400 hrs and have our Lunch at a Local Restaurant, we finally arrive at the Village at 1600 hrs after another hour drive from Wenchang. We took an afternoon nap and have Dinner at the village at 1900 hrs, I went to sleep early right after dinner at 2100 hrs as I have to wake up early at 0200 hrs the next day to accompany the groom to fetch the bride. Actually that is not really require but since it would be boring waiting at the village I might as well visit Danzhou.

Photo with Bride and Groom

Day 2: 14 Sep 2013 (Saturday)

We woke up at 0200 hrs an set off for Danzhou at 0300 hrs, after 4 hours of journey on the round island expressway we finally arrive at Danzhou at the West Coast around 0700 hrs. The bride side insist that the Bride can only leave at 0900 hrs for auspicious reason and we have to wait like an idiot for two hours. If we have known that earlier, we would have set off at 0500 hrs from the village instead. We were suppose to return to the Village by 1300 hrs or we would have miss the auspicious hour for the groom side and seem like the bride side is purposely stalling our time so that the Bride can dominate the Groom in the future.

We have Breakfast at 0830 hrs and started the Prayer Ceremony at 0900 hrs, the ceremony on the bridge side is also very different from the traditional Chinese Ceremony. Usually Chinese would require both the couple to pray to the ancestor together, but the bride side would require the Groom to pray first and make Cigarettes Offering (Usually Southern Chinese Offer Tea while Northern Chinese Offer Wine) before the Bride do the Prayer.

We finally set off and head back to the Village with the Bride and the Bride Maids from the bride side, the bride side only give a TV to the groom side which I find a bit less as my wife younger sister actually give a Fridge, Washing Machine and Water Heater to the groom side when she got married last year. After 5 hours of journey with a lot of stop in between for the bride side people to go toilet we finally arrive at the Village at 1430 hrs which is way pass the groom side auspicious hour and make prayer to the ancestor before they enter the Village. Most of the friends and relative on the groom side had already left after the Lunch and the Bride is also not willing to make Tea Offering to the groom side.

I finally have my Luncher (Lunch cum Dinner as Brunch is Breakfast cum Lunch) at 1530 hrs and the Bride finally agree to make Tea Offering after much persuasion to the groom side at 1600 hrs. I went to sleep early at 2100 hrs as it was a very tiring day for me today.

Day 3: 15 Sep 2013 (Sunday)

I woke up at 0700 hrs and set off at 0830 hrs for Train Station, we arrive at the Wenchang Train Station at 0900 hrs and brought the Train Ticket at 17.5 RMB (S$3.5) to Meilan Airport. The Train set off at 1100 hrs and we arrive at the Domestic Airport in just 30 minutes, another 30 minutes walk to the international airport to meet up with our Local Tour Guide at 1200 hrs.

The Tour Agency Journey of Dream Pte Ltd seem to have forgot about my booking and made a last minute arrangement on 12th of Sep 2013 (Thursday) after I have send an official complaint to Deal Website when I could not contact the agency for two days to get my booking confirmation for the tour. It is no surprise as I have already expected that there were no other people in the group when the local tour guide met up with us on the Airport on 15th Sep 2013 (Sunday). The local tour guide told us that the Tour Agency had not transfer the payment to them yet and there was no arrangement of one night stay at 7 Stars Hotel at Phoenix Island and we have to pay 838 RMB (S$168) each for the Optional Tour Package.

We arrive at Haikou at around 1300 hrs but we were unable to check in the Hotel at Haikou as the Local Tour Guide was unable to contact the Tour Agency. We went for Lunch at a Noodle Shop nearby while we wait for the Tour Agency to reply the Whatsapp Message which I had send earlier. After trying very hard to contact the Tour Agency, they manage to confirm the booking for the 7 Stars Hotel in Phoenix Island and ask me to pay the Local Tour Guide for the Optional Tour Package and get the Official Receipt to claim from the Tour Agency when back in Singapore. We finally check into Room 1224 of Xing Yuan Hot Spring Hotel at 1400 hrs.

We take an afternoon nap after check in and have Cray Pot Bone Soup 126 RMB (S$25) for Dinner at 1900 hrs, also brought a Nail Clipper Set at 40 RMB (S$8) the Night Market near to our Hotel and Sleep at 2200 hrs.

天下第一寿： 生母七十，生老百年。

Day 4: 16 Sep 2013 (Monday)

The Tour Guide had arrange for Morning Call at 0630 hrs, we had Breakfast at the Hotel Cafe at 0700 hrs and set off for our tour. First stop is Five Sage Temple at Haikou and we reach there at 0830 hrs after 30 minutes drive. Brought the Photo at 10 RMB (S$2).

We set at 0930hrs and arrive at Qionghai for Early Lunch at 1100 hrs, we arrive at Boao Forum at 1230 hrs to take a Boat to Jade Belt Shore (a Reclaim Beach with Fresh Water on one side and Sea Water on the other side). Took Photos with Turtle at Jade Beach Shore at 5 RMB (S$1).

 Photo with Turtle at Jade Beach Shore

We arrive Xinlong Coffee Factory at 1430 hrs and brought some Candy for 60 RMB (S$12). We check into Room 6406 Bright Moon Holiday Hotel (which is very similar to Mahkota Hotel in Melaka, Malaysia we stay last year) in Xinlong at 1530 hrs. We decided to visit my wife younger sister at Xin Zhong Confectionery at 1600 hrs. I help them do some computer maintenance while my wife help them with the Bakery, we then proceed to a Steam Boat Restaurant nearby where they treat us Dinner at 2100 hrs. We proceed back to the Hotel and sleep at 2200 hrs.

Day 5: 17 Sep 2013 (Tuesday)

We got Morning Call at 0700 hrs and had Breakfast at the Hotel at 0730 hrs, the first stop for the day is a Chinese Medical Hall at Xinlong name Hundred Tree Hall. As usual my wife is not happy about the way I made fun of those fake Chinese Doctor which I did during the last Beijing Trip in last year November. The Master will always by chance visit the place for few days and he will always tell you that you got some medical problems which he found out from the foot messager or tour guide who chat with you before. He will always say he could either try to cure you with his internal strength and finally ask you to buy fake medicine from them. I walk out right after and my wife actually pity the foot messager and brought a cheap plaster from them.

We set off at 0900 hrs and I requested the Tour Guide to bring us for Additional Tour of Monkey Island near Sanya at 180 RMB (S$36) each. We reach Monkey Island by Cable Car at 1030 hrs and brought Monkey Food at 10 RMB (S$2) to feed the Monkey before we proceed to watch two performance. We left Monkey Island at 1200 hrs and have Local Specialty Noodle nearby before we go Betel Nut Valley.

 Betel Nut Valley

We arrive Betel Nut Valley at 1300 hrs after 30 minutes drive. Betel Nut Valley is a Tourist Spot with Tribal Culture, it is similar to the Tribe in Yunnan where they know Black Magic. They will put all the poisonous creature into a jar and let them fight and the last survive will be grind into powder for the black magic. It will be cast by getting the husband to ingest the powder by adding into his food, if the husband is unfaithful to the wife he will become very sick and no medication could cure him. The only way is to beg for wife forgiveness before the antidote is given to him.

Tribal Culture are dominated by Women where the Man must work three years in the Girl Family before he can ask for marriage. The first year he must learn to plant rice,  the second year he must learn to collect sap from rubber trees, and the third year he must collect enough Silver Ore to learn to craft 25 kg of Silver Wares as Downy for the Bride (A Head Dress, A Bracelet, Two Bowl, Two Pair of Chopsticks) before he can get married. If any time the bride family are not satisfy with him performance, they will give him a bag of rice and a red hard boil egg and ask him to leave.

 Phoenix Silver Head Dress which weight more than 15 Kg

The Silver Bracelet they wear have strong medical properties as they soak it in Medical Herbs for a long period of time after they have craft it. They usually wrap the Silver Bracelet in an hard boil egg and rub it on the body to remove any poison from themselves. The Egg and the Bracelet will turn Black after the treatment as it had absorb the poison from the body. They usually clean and polish the Silver Bracelet with Soy Sauce, Tooth Paste or Coke after it had turn black from absorbing poison. I brought a Phoenix Craving Sliver Bracelet for 1612 RMB (S$322) for my wife and also brought Two Packet of Honey Coconut for 30 RMB (S$6) and Two Photos for 30 RMB (S$6).

We left Betel Nut Valley at 1500 hrs and arrive at South Mountain Cultural Village at 1600 hrs.

View the Golden Goddess at 20 RMB (S$4) each and brought Blessing Ribbon at 30 RMB (S$6). We had Dinner at 1900 hrs before we go for additional Las Vegas Show at Beauty Crown Theater which recommended by our tour guide at 280 RMB (S$56) each at 2030 hrs.

Tower 5 Room 2003 at 7 Stars Beauty Crown Hotel in Phoenix Island

Finally check into Tower 5 Room 2003 of Beauty Crown Hotel at Sanya Phoenix Island which is the major highlight of the whole tour at 2330 hrs.The Curtain is Automated Open the moment we step into our room, all the switches are touch sensing type. The shower room have three different type of jet spray from the ceiling and a open bath tub at the balcony. With such a impressive Hotel Room of course it will be Sexy Time for me and my wife.

Day 6: 18 Sep 2013 (Wednesday)

We got Morning Call at 0700 hrs as usual and have Breakfast at Tower Three at 0730 hrs. As the Phoenix Island is a very big Reclaim Island ready for the Casino Project, the tour guide have to drive us from Tower Five to Tower Three for Breakfast.

First stop for the day is Dr Tea Tea Shop at 0900 hrs, I decided to buy some high grade Puer Tea as an investment for 1600 RMB (S$320) as it have very good medical properties and will age and increase value like vintage wine. Together with the purchase is a Tea Set that change color at high temperature, Low Grade Puer Tea, Kuding Tea which is local specialty. As usual my wife is not happy like the last time I brought the Tianqi Flower in Shanghai Trip last year September, but at least she very impress by the Color Changing Tea Set which I could have brought it at 10 RMB (S$2) at any Bazaar in Guangzhou.   

We arrive at Silk Factory around 1000 hrs, my wife brought five pair of Silk Socks at 100 RMB  (S$20). As we thought we could leave, the tour guide insist that we have to stay for 90 minutes to fulfill the tour package terms an conditions. My wife pity the Sale Girl who had just started the job two months ago and I have to buy a Micro Fiber Blanket at 680 RMB (S$136) which I could have brought at S$40 in Singapore or 150 RMB (S$30) in Guangzhou. The Sale Girl was very happy and sold us a 680 RMB (S$136) Silk Pillow to us at the staff price of 200 RMB (S$40), I was thinking what kind of bullshit is that.

Resort Room at Bird Nest Paradise in Yalong Bay

We finally arrive at Bird Nest Paradise at 1200 hrs, it was another additional tour which I have requested at 260 RMB (S$52) each. It was the famous Rain Forest Resort where the Chinese Movie You are the One 2 (非誠勿扰2) use as the shooting location. We visit the Hanging Bridge for 20 RMB (S$4) brought Photos for 30 RMB (S$6). The Famous Room which use to film the movie cost 9999 RMB (S$2000) per night stay, it use to be 4000 RMB (S$800) per night stay before the movie make it famous. We get to visit the Room for a 50% discount price of 50 RMB (S$10) each due to tourism down season and it come with one free photo per person. The weather suddenly turn bad with haze and thunder storm due to the Typhoon Season, but we were lucky that our tour have come to a fruitful end.

We had Late Lunch nearby at 1430 hrs and proceed to Bamboo Factory at 1530 hrs. The Factory is specialize in Bamboo Charcoal and Fiber, Activated Charcoal created in vacuum condition at high temperature of 2000 Deg Celsius is good for absorbing toxic substances from water and air, it is commonly use in Water and Air Filtration Equipments worldwide. It is also known that acidic water is good for cleaning the body while alkaline water is good for consumption. Activated Bamboo Charcoal have the ability to turn water into alkaline and absorb toxic substances. 

Bamboo Fiber is a new concept which was develop recently during the Shanghai World Expo few years ago. It does not turn moldy like cotton and has higher absorbent rate of three to four times of cotton. It also have a natural anti bacteria properties which make it an excellent choice for clothing over cotton. I brought a Thermos Flask, Seven Towels, Two T Shirts, Five Pair of Socks, Six Pair of Underwear, Two Boxes of 12 Pieces Activated Charcoal Cube, Two Tube of Tooth Paste, a Tap Filter, a Soap for 1847 RMB (S$370).

I was given two chance in Lucky Dip Scratch and Win, the first try didn't get any luck but the second try got me first prize. I was entitled to buy two pieces of Jewelry at 85% Discount so I brought a Sapphire Ring and Necklace for my wife at 1944 RMB (S$390). My wife scold me stupid and choose to ignore me for the rest of the trip but she didn't know that I actually knew how they play the trick and kind of play along with them.

The trick is very simple, there are two bowl of lucky dip. one with all the no prize tickets and the other with all the first prize tickets. They will let you pick from the first bowl and get nothing, then they will let you pick from the second bowl and get first prize. The jewelery price have already been adjusted to 85% more and with the discount you are actually buying the jewelery at the normal price. I remember I did brought a Sapphire Necklace at Penang, Malaysia for my wife few years ago when we went Star Cruise. It cost about 900 Ringgit (S$390) and now I am getting two at the same price instead of one, the only problem is whether it is real or it is of the same grade. 

We finally set off at 1700 hrs for Haikou, the tour guide say he left his tour guide license at the resting room and turn back to search for it, but we know he just went back to collect his commission for the sale. At least it will make him work harder to please us and keep hoping that we would look for him again the next time we visit. The weather had turn very bad with heavy rain as we head back, the tour guide suggest we stay Xinlong for the night as it is not very safe for a drive at the highway in this weather condition. We were lucky that the weather turn better after a while and we stop by at Huangzhu for dinner at 1930 hrs.  

We finally arrive at Haikou at 2100 hrs, the tour guide told us that the 2030 hrs Special Effect Light Show was canceled due to weather and suggested to replace it with Massage. I found out later from the internet that the show ticket was 165 RMB (S$33) each while the Massage was only 65 RMB (S$13) each from the Massage Girl. I have to pay additional 50 RMB (S$10) for an hour extension and 88 RMB ($18) for my wife facial. We check into Room 1011 at Xing Yuan Hot Spring Hotel Haikou at 2300 hrs and pay addition 350 RMB (S$70) one more day extension. My wife realize that she had left her purple gold earring at the Massage Parlor and I had to call the tour guide to go back to search for it. 

Day 7: 19 Sep 2013 (Thursday)

We woke up at 0800 hrs and have Breakfast at 0830 hrs at the Hotel Cafe. We waited for my wife younger brother at the Hotel before we went for Lunch at 1230 hrs. Our plan for shopping was disrupted by the heavy rain and decided to head back to the Hotel. We meet up with the bride family for Dinner at 1900 hrs as it is Mid Autumn Festival. We went for Foot Massage at 2100 hrs and proceed back to Hotel and sleep at 2300 hrs.

Day 8: 20 Sep 2013 (Friday)

We woke up at 0800 hrs and have Breakfast at 0830 hrs at the Hotel Cafe. We set off for Airport at 0900 hrs and arrive at 0930 hrs. Our flight took off at 1200 hrs and landed in Singapore at 1530 hrs. It was told that the Phoenix cast itself into the fire and reborn again, traveling oversea for tour is just to learn the different cultures and try to get along with it. A Tour is like daily life, you can choose to ignore all the setback and learn to enjoy it or you can give up and cry about the petty things and spoil the whole purpose of the tour.