[TIPS] How to travel and contribute something with Ecoteer?

3:12 AM ACTIVITIES, ECOTEER, PROMOTION, TIPS, TRAVEL No Comments

The year was 2002 and I had turned twenty of age. As soon as the calendar changed from 2001 to 2002, my life was upside down. Every day was a torture. Since then I vowed to myself that I would never be a weak person anymore.

“If you dream hard enough, it will eventually come true!”

As I was trying to get rid of the pain from being a sexual harassment victim, one of my dreams came true. It was the turning point of my life. I was to embark on a journey that will forever change my life. Just before 2002 ends, I had the most memorable journey of life. Travel means so much and little that I knew of how that voyage had redefined my current life.

SSEAYP – the Ship for Southeast Asia-Japan Youth Program was a God sent gift. Not only it gave me the opportunity to set foot overseas, it also brought me special friendships; during that said program. In addition to that, it completely changed the way I see travel and people all together.

Perhaps the biggest lesson of traveling on Nippon Maru, with over 300 youths around Southeast Asia, for me is ‘the realization’ of that giving back is better than receiving. Thus, upon returning from that meaningful journey, I promised myself that I would do my best to always give back. Hence, every time I embark on a travel expedition, my main intention has always been “to reach out and enjoy”.

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Since 2002, there have been numerous opportunities for me to contribute while I enjoy traveling. I cannot remember of when and what had I contributed, but it was certainly never money (unfortunately, I am just as average person like most of you). Nonetheless, each occasion that I spend time and energy often is rewarded with much satisfaction and a big smile on my face.

If your idea of traveling equals to luxurious hotel stays, service pampering as well as lazing around doing nothing, then travel with a cause is not your cup of tea. However, for those who wish to expand their travel experience to be something very special for you and (at least one) more person, then you should start considering to travel with a cause.

Like travel agents, do you know that there is an organization that helps travelers at finding opportunities for you to travel and volunteer at the same time?

When I heard about Ecoteer, I was ecstatic. Ecoteer allows you to travel with a cause. Choose any destination in Asia, Africa, Australia or even an exotic location you have in mind, you probably ends up paying so much less for an extended stay in your chosen location. The whole concept of ecoteer responsible travel is matching traveler to a meaningful volunteering project.

“Ecoteer is a unique volunteer opportunities agency - offering a directory of cheap volunteer work opportunities, volunteer jobs abroad and working holidays. Our volunteer opportunities are cheap because we have eliminated the middleman slashing the price to volunteer abroad for gapyears, careerbreaks and working holidays. Ecoteer is changing the volunteer and working holiday industry.”

As someone who loves to mess around with the locals while I explore a new place, a chance to be part of wildlife conservation would allow me to get up close with the animals rather than seeing them in the fancy cages; or a chance to participate in a community development activity will surely brought me closer to the people of a different culture and country.

Want to know more about what have I written above? Check out Ecoteer homepage for more info. Also, if you are looking for immediate travel volunteer opportunity in Asia, scroll down this page to see what’s available from Ecoteer responsible travel program.

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[TIPS] Immediate journey at superb LOW price by Malaysia Airlines

10:42 AM MALAYSIA, MALAYSIA AIRLINES, PRODUCT AND SERVICE REVIEW, PROMOTION, TIPS, TIPS AND ADVICE, TRAVEL No Comments

Years of flying with Malaysia Airlines teaches me of how to set a standard for comfort and value for money at choosing the right airlines. Be it a short domestic journey or long haul international destinations and even after flying with so many different airline, Malaysia Airlines never fail me to delivering the best service (at least to me). 

I recently received a newsletter from them on their latest promotion, which is really superb. For those of you who wonder, "WHY?", here is the reason:

Book and fly immediately at an insane airfare for a round trip journey, and you'll get;

• to choose your dream destination (the promotion is valid for more than just domestic routes)
• at least a 30kg baggage allowance
• full board services (this is not a budget airlines, ok!)
• comfort and convenience of managing your booking and check-ins 

Click the purple box below to see the current promotional airfares that was sent personally by Malaysia Airlines. Go fill in your annual leave forms and fly immediately in this next few days. I would probably choose one destination myself and you may be able to catch me onboard. 

HAPPY TRAVELING (OR should I say, HAPPY HOLIDAY)!!!

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[TIPS] Fly to Busan and Seoul Cheap

4:04 AM AIR ASIA, ASIA, KOREA, MALAYSIA, PRODUCT AND SERVICE REVIEW, TIPS, TIPS AND ADVICE, TRAVEL 1 Comment

I have been planning for a trip to Korea for many months. This would be a great opportunity, actually.

Air Asia, the low cost Malaysia airlines is having another awesome promotion for the next quarter's travel planning. This promotion runs until 2nd June 2013 for those traveling between 1 June to 30 September 2013. Obviously this promotion is mainly for the summer holiday coming up soon. 

For a budget airlines, usually promotion price will be offered way, way, way much earlier than the season itself. However, believe it or not, Air Asia is actually giving an almost last minute opportunity for you to buy the ticket at a very low rates. Plus, the price is all inclusive - so there is no need to fear for the hidden cost.

Just in case you have no clue of what to do in Korea (aside from KPop stuff), why not check out this website by Tourism Korea - Korea be Inspired. Here you will have the chance to check out places and things to do in Korea as well as customize your trip. 

So, why wait? Go and start booking on the official Air Asia website.

PS. For those who are skeptical of this too-good-to-be-true offer, recently I actually flew with Air Asia to Indonesia at a very cheap price (4 persons, all inclusive, return flight only at US$200). 

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[How-to] From Kota Kinabalu, Sabah to Brunei Darussalam by SEA

8:05 AM ASIA, BACKPACKING, BRUNEI, SABAH, TIPS, TIPS AND ADVICE, TRAVEL, TRAVEL AND JOURNEY 9 Comments

This is a delayed post for a short travel journey completed in December 2012.

After so many years being in Borneo, I finally had the chance to make my way and get my passport stamped. For those who are wondering why am I making it such a big fuss over passport-stamping while I am being in the famous Borneo Island, here is a question for you - Do you know that Borneo, the third largest island in the world (minus the continental landmass), is home for people of three countries?

Did you manage to google the fact? YES. Borneo Island is the home for Malaysian, Indonesian and Bruneian. Enough on geography trivia, here is the travel story of Makiko sailing the South China Sea and exploring Brunei Darussalam.

With only three (3) days of working holiday given in December, I wanted a quick yet convenient method of traveling for me for this trip. I was in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah MY. It is not a hidden secret over the options available for Kota Kinabalu - Brunei route. For many people who loves traveling by land, hiring a car or getting on a bus from the capital city of Malaysia's land below the wind state to Brunei are probably the best choice. Whether you do it by car or bus - both are popular options.

Making your way to Brunei from Kota Kinabalu by wheels will take few hours (approximately half day). However, the roads conditions are something that you need to be concern of. Those who are not used to driving on narrow roads with big vehicles passing (a lot), may want to rethink of self-driving. Buying bus ticket would probably a better choice - this of course would include you sitting in a bus with adventurous drivers using the same roads mentioned; if you were to drive on your own.

When it comes to traveling, I have this weird obsession with doing it differently (or in other words - following less popular methods or/and routes). I have heard about going to Brunei by ferry; so I began to surf around the internet hoping to get usable information about this. After reading few blogs and recommendations, I decided to take the sea for this Brunei's adventure. 

This is what you should do if you decide to follow this option:

• Make sure you wake up very early* on the day of departure,
• Find your way to Jesselton Point in Kota Kinabalu,
• Buy a ticket at the designated counter at Jesselton Point,
• Walk straight up to the jetty,
• Wait for the ferry until being called for embarkment.
• After 3 hours of ferry trip, you'll arrived at the Labuan International Ferry Terminal.
• Disembark the ferry - you'll have a short break here.
• Before going back to the terminal, make sure you head to the ticketing counter - you need to pay terminal tax separately.
• Hop into another ferry (but before that you'll need to go through immigration scanning and check),
• Another one and half hour journey on water; and you'll see the Muara Port  out the window of your ferry.
• Disembark at Muara Ferry Terminal and go through the immigration procedures. 
• You have arrived on the land of Brunei Darussalam. 
• Oh!!! Just in case if you felt dizzy after you stepped foot on the ferry terminal - don't be surprised. You've just travelled a total of four and half hours on sea.

Important notes:

When I say wake up very early; this is because there is ONLY two ferry services available from Kota Kinabalu to Labuan (required transit before heading to Brunei) in a day. If you want to arrive in Brunei on the same day, then you MUST take the first ferry - that departs at 08:00hrs. For more information, you can check out Jesselton Point official website.

If you missed the first ferry, you could still get on the next one in the afternoon, but you would need to spend the night in Labuan Island. The day I went to Brunei, the second ferry to Labuan was cancelled. Had I missed the first ferry, I probably would have to run to the bus station).

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Brunei is probably one of the few small countries in South East Asia, but that doesn't mean it is easy to travel from point A to point B.

After arriving at Muara Ferry Terminal I had to find my way to the capital city of the country - Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB). There was a taxi waiting outside the terminal building. Although I kinda knew that the taxi would be a bit expensive (due to the exchange rate between MYR and BND), I went on to ask the taxi driver. The journey from Muara to BSB would be about half an hour, and the expected taxi fare would be around BND 42-45. Of course I immediately panicked - my brain started to make the calculation. If I choose taxi, probably I would end up starving the next day. 

Lady luck was on my side. While my head was spinning from the exchange rate calculation, I saw a small purple bus ahead of me. I said thank you to the taxi driver and walked up to the bus. I asked the driver and he said the bus fare from the ferry terminal to BSB's bus terminal was (ONLY) BND1.00 - thank god!!! He also mentioned that the I need to change bus at Muara bus station (which is more like an empty parking lot where many busses rest); that doesn't cost me anything - I just had to show the same ticket to the bus conductor.

My general opinion on the local bus ride - If you are not an adventurous person, you might be taken by surprised by the comfort level of the entire 45 minutes journey from Muara to Bandar Seri Begawan. The bus was small, soon packed with the locals, cruising relatively fast on regular bumpy roads and of course with no air-conditioning - natural air flowing from the opened windows. By the time I arrived at BSB bus terminal, it was already almost 4pm.

On that day alone, I have taken two ferries and two busses; but my actual pit stop was a hotel in Gadong - another 15 minutes' drive from BSB bus terminal. Since my friend from Kuala Lumpur was already waiting for me at the hotel, so we could both go for some food (she was waiting for me for her lunch, errkkk...late lunch I supposed); I had no choice but to take a taxi instead of looking for connecting bus. In the end, at least I only spent about BND15.00 for the taxi fare (I did cry in heart while paying). The taxi driver, however, was kind enough to recommend me few places to visit and gave his contact card, just in case I needed transport while I was in the city.

If you all are wondering how I felt when I reach the hotel, I must say that I had so much fun while traveling from Kota Kinabalu to Gadong district in Brunei. It's just me, "when Makiko travels, she always look for challenging ways doing it".

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[TIPS] AirAsia X launches premium flatbed deals

2:12 PM MALAYSIA, PRODUCT AND SERVICE REVIEW, TIPS, TRAVEL, TRAVEL AND JOURNEY No Comments

For no-frills airlines travelers in Malaysia, you may want to check out the latest promotions from Air Asia for selected Asia travel routes. As reported on The Star - AirAsia X launches premium flatbed deals - Nation | The Star Online, special fares on premium flatbed are available for travelers.

Budget savvy travelers (like me) usually fly with no-frills airlines while putting aside comfort and flying luxury aside. Nonetheless, I'm sure while traveling longer hours flight (i.e. more than 4 hours journey), individuals flying would prefer to have a choice for better comfort to complement their traveling needs. While normal carriers do provide choices on economy class seats at promotion rates, travelers may only receive a simple upgrade on comfort and utilities compared to no-frills airlines at a higher price.

If you are flying to China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea and Australia from today until January 2013, you may get lucky and fly with business class treatment with Air Asia X. Online promotion is available from as low as RM799. At this kind of price, you can only get basic economy travel with the normal airlines. 

I flew Air Asia X from Taiwan back to Kuala Lumpur before and I must say, the services and comfort flying with Air Asia X is comparable with other normal air carriers, at a fraction of the normal price I usually pay.

So, if you are planning for this year-end travel...why not give Air Asia X a try? However, with Air Asia one needs to be extremely smart and lucky while making a purchase online. Warning!!! You may need to stay up at three in the morning (3 am) in order to see the promotion price availability, AND need to decide there and then on buying (because if you want to think first before purchase, is definitely a good idea!!!)

Note: Picture above is from Air Asia website. It is for reference purposely only, readers are to visit AirAsia website directly to get more details.

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[TIPS] Language Barrier while traveling?

11:07 PM TIPS, TRAVEL, TRAVEL AND JOURNEY No Comments

If there is one thing to be nervous about, while traveling to places that English is so-not widely spoken, it would be getting the right message across. Nonetheless, many travelers would agree that despite the language barrier, one can get easily be understood if you travel with the correct attitude. In 2011, I went on a solo journey covering countries that are known to have strong culture foothold, which means I was in big trouble if I don't speak their language.

Thailand-Cambodia-Vietnam-China-Macau and Taiwan were among the countries visited in the journey. The Indo-China route would be the closest area to my country for a beginner's adventure. Out of all seven (7) countries visited, I had experience traveling to three, prior to the journey. Even so, the moment I arrived in Bangkok on the first day, I could sense little nervousness of myself. Tired yet still excited, there was little verbal action of myself while trying to find my way to Ayutthaya. After few days roaming around, the courage for verbal expression had slowly crept all over myself. This was in addition to the new kind of people exposure I encountered - meeting with other backpackers. 

After I was done with the 2 months journey, I came to realize that in order to overcome the language barrier, a traveler must;

• Start your step with a positive attitude
• Stay and keep yourself alert of the surrounding
• Never run away from the existence of other people near-and-far of you
• Always believe that people are not all bad in nature
• Be brave to start a conversation (at least ask a question)
• Open yourself to learn 'their' culture
• Be resourceful while on the road
• Throw away the fear and shyness
• Always smile and relax your facial/ body muscles
• Have faith in yourself

Even when you are traveling with a buddy, never let yourself be too occupied with him/her. The adventure starts when you reach out to the others, especially the locals. Understanding a new culture does not require verbal ability alone. An effective communication in a cross-culture setting would be the non verbal communication. So many of travelers would agree that they found it more useful to use body language or sign language to get message across while going around in foreign territories. 

At the end of the day, you would realize that it does not take that much effort than you originally thought. Simple hand gestures like below can make your traveling life easier (or perhaps harder?).

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MOBAL NARITA: Cheap and Easy Phone Rental

1:47 AM JAPAN, PRODUCT AND SERVICE REVIEW, TIPS, TOKYO, TRAVEL No Comments

Despite confirmation from the telco-provider of mine, it was double disappointment when I ended up not able to using my mobile phone in Japan. Roaming in Japan is not only expensive, and for those who does their homework, but also difficult to find usable mobile phone models to support local providers. Of course in my recent travel I had opted for phone rental, instead of relying on the chance of getting my phone roaming in Japan.

There are numerous phone rental services available upon touch-down in Narita Airport. For those who are looking for a cheaper option (i.e. no deposit and flat call/message rates), I am recommending Mobal Narita; especially to travelers who are confined to a limited budget. After searching on the internet and read reviews, I decided to give Mobal Narita a try. 

Deposit free - you wouldn't need to worry about 'pocket burning' deposit as the company offers no deposit for the phone you are renting. Of course, there is option to insure the phone, but at a very low daily rate. I ended up only paying 800 yen for the insurance upon collection - no other amount required.

Online booking - it took me no more than 10 minutes to complete the online form and obtain booking confirmation. Included together was the local mobile number, so you could immediately use the number to inform anyone in Japan or in your country of your designated contact number. I was able to notify my friends in Japan about the number even before I reach the country.

Friendly customer service - although I had to collect my phone in Terminal 1, it was a quick and clear procedures. It was all done in English and within 10 minutes, I was already using my phone. Thanks to the online booking, they have prepared the phone in advance; less hassle and saving time ultimately. Even returning the phone was just as easy as collecting.

Self tracking of phone usage - aside from their great deals on call and messaging rates, you could also do your own tracking online. The invoices are made available and the charges are automatically debited from your credit card. Although I was informed that it will take about 4-6 weeks for the total bill available, I was impressed to see it available in less than 2 weeks after my return. Furthermore, I was able to see itemized billing for the usage of the phone.

In total, I spent a reasonable amount of money for both local and international calls/messaging expenses. Surprisingly, as compared to my last experience renting phone in Japan, it was only a fraction of the amount although I was using the phone for a longer duration and more. I would definitely use the same service when I am in Japan again, the next time. Visit Mobal Narita for more information.

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Dari-K

2:11 AM CULTURE, INSPIRATIONS, JUST FOR FUN, TIPS 1 Comment

Dari-K - If you are a steady reader at this blog, you would know about the origin of my pen name - Makiko S. When I first knew this guy, he was just a simple yet a very smart guy who was completing his Master's degree in Singapore. He was there for a while before heading to Oxford university to further his study.

I have to admit that he was one guy who I used to admire (from far) - obviously I like smart people (who doesn't, right?). This guy is one of many reasons for me to start travelling as well. In the recent years, we keep on maintaining communications between two countries.

This entry is dedicated specially for his newly opened chocolate shop in Kyoto. At this moment, the shop serves customers in Japan, but I was informed that plans for expanding delivery is coming soon.

So readers, if you happened to be in Kyoto, drop by at this wonderful chocolate shop. Rest assured that since his cocoa beans are from one of the best cocoa producers in the world, you'll be surprised with the products.

It is a Japanese chocolate house, but the name of the shop is unique - it's not even a Japanese name. Please add Dari-K on your travel diary if you stop in Kyoto.

Note: For Mr 'Owner', this would be definitely a reason for me to add Kyoto in my travel list. Wish you all the best with the chocolate shop.

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Travel Tips - Beginner

12:37 AM BACKPACKING, FROM KL to TAIWAN, TIPS, TRAVEL, TRAVEL AND JOURNEY No Comments

The internet connection here is not so good, so I am not able to load new pictures and publish entries on my travel.

As I have already promised myself to post something regularly while I am on the move, so I guess it would be nice to share with fellow readers a few short entries.

Since the mood now is travelling (...and I do love travel so much), let's try sharing some information or tips on travel. Although this is my first time travelling solo, the regime for travel preparation is not something new. Here are the basic list of to-do if you are planning for any travel:-

• Make sure the destination is correct and do some homework of the place you are going;
• Properly plan the mode of transportation you are going to take (it's important to have a confirmed transportation ticket);
• Prepare your items to bring list (start with something basic like toiletries, # of shirts/pants, travel adapter, etc. before you further expand the list);
• Check your financials and learn about managing your cash/expenses while travelling - not knowing how to dispense cash while you travel may trouble your itinerary;
• Complete all required documentations such as visa, valid passport, ticket, hotel booking slip, etc.;
• Make sure to take any mandated vaccination or/and medication...and keep yourself as healthy & fit as possible

I am hoping to be able to publish something about my experience in Siem Reap soon for everyone's reading. Thank you for following this journey of mine.



PS. Have not found any potential candidate, but I will not feel distracted by this. Surely there will be many prospects as I move forward to my next destination.

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Jealousy - a sinful act

1:54 AM ARGUMENTS, RELATIONSHIP, TIPS No Comments

JEALOUSY - It is becoming an interesting obsession among individuals who happened to be in relationships. 


Personally I believe a spice of jealousy is acceptable in any kind of human relationship. In fact, this sense of wanting to have more or/and to be more of something is supposed to be a natural human attribute. Siblings are well known to feel envious of one and another when parents give different kind of attention to them. Close friends feels threatened when one's best friend suddenly shows extra attention to another friend. A wife usually gives hints to her husband when she senses something amiss with him. Many men or/and women often argue about infidelity, even when there is nothing going on between the partner and the so-called third party.


When two individuals of different gender start to become closer to each other, it is natural for the observing crowd to label them as 'to have something going on'. The statement of 'to have something going on' itself is very subjective. On that premise, one cannot simply assume that the relationship between these 2 individuals are always romantic and exclusive.


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Nowadays, many men and women 'treat' their partners as possessions; something (or someone) that belongs to them. Like a pet, relationship now starts when one had successfully put the partner in an invisible cage. I found it absurd to see friends or siblings or family members quickly being 'disciplined' of the 'reporting regime'. [FYI - reporting regime means having to communicate at a regular intervals of every act; past, present and future, of oneself]


Rule No 1 in a relationship : No one belongs to anyone. 
You cannot own a human being, for any reason. When you start to feel and think that that someone belongs to you, human in nature will begin to treat that someone as an item of possession. 


Rule No 2 in a relationship : Respect individual freedom and rights.
You cannot deny the needs and wants that is part of other individual. Remember when you decide to accept him/her for being who they are? The moment you made him/her yours, tendency of shaping someone else's persona according to your mold escalates significantly. 


Rule No 3 in a relationship : Believe, then trust will come naturally. 
You cannot always be doubtful. Relationship is a journey full of learning and involvement. Your mind and soul requires knowledge and skills to be learnt. The teacher is yourself and your partner. The student is yourself and your partner. Rejecting 'these' knowledge and skills means not believing. Hence, no trust can be built.


Break any rule of the above, then you'll get yourself overwhelmed by jealousy. 


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I am writing this entry out of sympathy to many male friends of mine, whom happened to be the victim of pure jealousy. Over years I learnt that friendship are too precious for me to let go. Sadly, many of my good friends (who happened to be men) had to forego the history and connection me and them built for so many years, just because their girlfriends or/and wives are jealous of our friendship.


None of the many religions accept the act of breaking any kind of human relationship. In fact, in Islam, breaking ties of two human being is considered as a sin. 


My love and care for all who I know is unique to each and every one of them. It is devastating when I had to really let go.


Note: Jealousy and Envious are two different words that carry similar meaning in a different way.

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