[TRAVEL] 10 Reasons To Visit Khao Yai, The Secret Town Just 3 Hours Away From Bangkok ft. TRAVELOKA

Planning on travelling to Thailand? I am sure it is no secret that Bangkok is an absolute heaven for wanderlusters who love cheap eats, good shopping and intriguing culture. However, if you are looking for something different, then you have come to the right place! Three-hour drive from Bangkok lies a city filled with wineries, farms, and beautiful floral fields. Wait what? That exists in Thailand? Yes it does, and you can find it all in Khao Yai. At the beginning to 2018, I kick-started the year with a trip to Thailand. Instead of the usual route, we added a road trip to Khao Yai to the itinerary before settling in Bangkok for the remaining days.

Here are 10 reasons to visit this hidden gem the next time you head to Thailand.

Read till the end to see how you can get best flights from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok!

#1 Sunflower dream came true!

The sunflower season in Khao Yai starts in the cooler season, which is November and ends around January or February, before they are eventually harvested for their seed and oil. My visit to Khao Yai in early February coincided nicely with the blooming of sunflowers in their Pak Chong district. We were really lucky to have caught the last blooms! I always love sunflowers because of its symbolism of warmth and positivity. Therefore, coming to the sunflower field is my ultimate goal of visiting Khao Yai. So it is like a dream come true for me!

Look at all the sunflowers smiling at us!

Can you believe it? We spent the whole morning here just admiring these blooms. If you enjoy basking in the sunshine and walking among the vibrant flowers under a sunny blue sky, you will definitely love it here.

Tips: Be here early! We were the first in the field and it felt as if the entire sunflower field belongs to us.

#2 Feed sheep, alpaca and donkeys at this Italian escape

If you can’t go to Italy, let Khao Yai bring Italy to you in this Italian themed square. Thanks to Primo Piazza, you no longer have to fly halfway across the world to get a taste of Italy.

Tips: Instagram addicts, get your camera ready, because every corner here is insta-worthy!

They even have their very own farm and you can feed sheep, alpaca and donkeys here too! They are incredibly friendly and adorable, and especially so if you lure them close with a handful of grass.

#3 Be teleported to mini Italy at Palio Village

Yet another beautiful Italian-inspired place, there are more photography spots here! Add some colours to your Instagram feed with vibrant colour buildings as background, with a market square reminiscent of those in Europe.

If you have time, there are some souvenir shops and fashion boutiques for you to shop.

Tips: Admission is free! Yayyy

#4 Living the farm life at Farm Chok Chai

Farm Chok Chai is another famous tourist attraction in Khao Yai. We joined the Farm Tour which covers several stations that will allow you to see the different functions of this very big farm. The farm has over 3,000 head of exclusively bred dairy cattle, which is a cross between Holstein-Friesian and a native Thai species. They also have their very own brand of dairy products called Umm!.. Milk.

Personally think the farm is especially fun and educational for kids! You get to milk a cow, try their ice cream, hop on their tram truck and they will bring you around. There are also cowboy show and animal showcases at the end of the tour. Very windy and chilling afternoon!

Tips: I bought yoghurt and fresh milk before leaving. Cheap and delicious!

#5 Indulge in a wine-tasting session at PB Valley Khao Yai Winery

They say your trip to Khao Yai will not be complete without a visit to PB Valley Winery. I never know Thailand produce its own wine, but apparently PB Valley in Khao Yai is one of the very first large scale and high professional wineries in the tropical country and was well established since 1989.

Heard a lot of good reviews regarding their winery tour, but we did not join the tour because we were there late. We chose to dine at the Great Hornbill Grill Restaurant to try their wine. It was a fantastic dinner, with the restaurant overlooking the beautiful vineyard and mountain. Although we missed the tour, but we did not regret for this visit.

Tips: Pre-book your tour online if you intend to visit!

#6 Secret Art Garden Discovered

We wanted to look for a place for lunch, and who knew we would discover this hidden gem.

Secret Art Garden is a café and art house perfect for people who love arts, crafts and gardens. The café itself is located in the middle of a tranquil, undisturbed garden surrounded by big trees and colourful flowers. We took some time to wander around the garden after our lunch. As we walk further into the garden, there are many different themed zones showcasing different sculptures and art pieces. You will love how quiet, calm and comfortable the place is, as you breathe in the fresh air and marvel at the lovely greenery.

I wish I could stay here longer!

Tips: Allocate more time this place because there are so much to discover, it will surprise you!

#7 Experience fine dining in a castle at Midwinter Green

I have never been fine dining before. This is a night to remember because I totally felt like a princess dining in a castle!

Look at that white buildings resembling German castles! They are inspired by Shakespeare’s play. The outdoor dining area is very spacious, overlooking the magnificent view of mountains behind the green fields.

Not only the outer building looks elegant and mysterious, the interior design is impressive as well. Chandeliers hanging from high ceilings, pretty dining tables, bar with wide selection of wine. I had to pinch myself to remind me that I was not anywhere in Europe, but in Thailand!

We asked for outdoor seats to enjoy the cool evening breeze, live music while dining with a view of the castle. We ordered a pizza to share because we have already dined somewhere before this. Food was a little pricier than most of the other places but worth the price considering the food and setting.

Tips: If you come early, you might get to witness beautiful sunset!

#8 Have High Tea At Thames Valley

Inspired by the Thames River in London, Thames Valley is a unique hotel in Khao Yai with a touch of English countryside elements. We didn’t stay here but we came here for The Castle Restaurant & Tearoom, which opens for their hotel guests as well as public.

Spacious room with high ceiling, stone walls, large glass windows and beautiful European-style furniture - I fell in love with the place immediately. Taking pictures is almost effortless because of the wonderful decoration and background, not to mention the generous exposure of natural lights!

Tips: Try their strawberry mille-feuille! Every bite tastes like heaven!

#9 Café Hopping at The Birder’s Lodge

The Birder's Lodge is one of the few hipster cafes in Khao Yai. After spending a long day under the sun, we decided to chill at The Birder’s Lodge. Just want to show off the pretty pictures. #sorrynotsorry

#10 Special add on… Rak Na Khao Yai

Last but not least, just want to highlight the place that we stayed because it is so picturesque as well! Highly recommended!

I really love how peaceful and beautiful Khao Yai is :)

Next time when you visit Thailand, why not explore this secret town of Khao Yai just three hours north of Bangkok? Travel with ease with Traveloka Malaysia and start planning a truly extraordinary trip now!

[TRAVEL & FOOD] The Best Food in Taiwan - Time to eat! And appreciate

These days, thin is in. ''Food'' is a four-letter word. Almost everyone is on a diet. Me too, on my way achieving my desired body shape. I mean, look at the fats on my belly and thighs. *crying at a corner*  But wait, did you just say food in Taiwan?

There is no love sincerer than the love of food.

-George Bernard Shaw (1856 – 1950)

One of the best things about Taiwan is undeniably the food. It is simply irresistible! Mention Taiwan and anyone would immediately think of night markets and street food. In Taipei alone, there are many night markets that offer an amazing array of mouth-watering street food. Here I have compiled a list of must-try food in Taiwan, and hey, each of them has a secret message behind it! TIME TO EAT! And appreciate :)

#1 Braised pork rice (滷肉飯)

"Where there's a wisp of smoke from the kitchen chimney, there will be braised pork rice," goes the Taiwanese saying. In days gone by when meat products were unaffordable for most regular families, this humble dish of minced pork braised in soy sauce, rice wine, and five-spice over a bed of rice became a cost-effective but mouth-watering meal for the whole family. This explains why it holds a special place in the hearts of the Taiwanese. A little sweet, a little salty, simple but addictive.

Appreciate the simple things in life

#2 Fried Stinky Tofu (炸臭豆腐)

Just as the name suggests, this tofu is extra stinky - the odour can be smelled from 20 meters away! The smell of it comes from it being preserved and fermented from beancurd. People who love it say that the stronger the smell, the better the taste. Just like durian, you either love it or hate it. Silky soft inside and crunchy on the outside. Well you've got to try it to know! 

Never judge a book by its cover

#3 Oyster Vermicelli (蚵仔麵線)

Another must try Taiwanese dish - a bowl of hearty oyster vermicelli that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. A bowl of good oyster vermicelli should have a thick, flavorful soup base while the thin rice noodles and oysters retain their distinct texture. Some people add chopped intestines for a funky dimension to the soup. Gooey and slurpable.

Warm and Homey, Rich and Hearty

#4 Fried Chicken Cutlet (炸雞排)

Many street food dishes have relatively petite portions, but it is definitely not the case with Taiwan's fried chicken cutlet - they want it big - and the bigger, the better. Just look at the massive size of this meat! It is moist yet tender. Fried to perfection. Don't miss the one from Hot Star (豪大大雞排) at Shilin Night Market in Taipei. Always a long line in front of the stall, but definitely worth the wait.

In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different

#5 Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎)

If you like oysters or seafood, this is a great choice for you. If you like omelettes too, then you've hit the jackpot! More commonly known amongst Taiwanese as 蚵仔煎 pronounced ''oh-ah-tzen'', it is an amazing yet perfect combination of yummy oysters embedded in a chewy omelette. What makes it even better is the sweet and sour sauce smeared on top. Yummm.

A perfect combination can do wonder

#6 Small Sausage in Big Sausage 大腸包小腸

Directly translating to ''Small Sausage in Big Sausage'', this was a creation of Taiwanese street stall vendors. It's like a hot dog, but instead of a bun, sticky rice is stuffed inside sausage casing to make an oversized rice sausage. That's then slit open to stuff in a pork sausage. As easy as that, but good enough to make my mouth waters.

Simplicity at its best

# 7 Crushed ice dessert (剉冰)

The best dessert of all time. Especially when the weather is so hot and humid in Taiwan, try mango shaved ice! The incredibly fresh cuts of mango is not even the best part. The shaved ice texture is mind-blowing! It is like creamy, sweet, and a cotton-candy like texture. Imagine sharing this bowl of shaved ice with your friends in a hot afternoon. Pure heaven.

The best things in life are meant to be shared

#8 Pearl Milk Tea (珍珠奶茶)

A trip to Taiwan wouldn't be complete without a sip of its most iconic drink. Pearl milk tea (or 'bubble tea' as some call it) is a refreshing mixture of black tea, milk, and chewy tapioca balls. Especially refreshing on a hot summer day. You would argue that Malaysia has Chatime and Gong Cha too, but to taste the authentic flavour of pearl milk tea, Taiwan it is.

Happiness is a cup of bubble tea under scorching hot sun

Pictures courtesy of the following websites:

http://en.blog.govoyagin.com/post/73894337519/top-10-street-foods-to-try-in-taiwan

http://travel.cnn.com/explorations/eat/40-taiwanese-food-296093

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/12-must-try-taiwanese-street-133600791.html

I believe writing this post doesn't do justice for how delicious the food are - I really wish to try them all!  I have heard so much about Taiwan from my friends but I've never been there. So when I know that The Butterfly Project & Taiwan Tourism Bureau Kuala Lumpur are going to send a lucky butterfly and her friend to Taiwan, I thought I would just try my luck! :) The trip includes a 5D4N stay, return air flights, accommodation and tour worth RM8,000. If you are a blogger too, come and join by telling them why you want to go Taiwan and how you will enjoy your trip inspired by 1 of the 3 themes available: Time to Eat (for foodies) / Time to Shop (shopaholics!) / Time for 2 Wheels (LOHAS lifestyle). I can't wait for summer, I am expecting a scrumptious food tour in Taiwan already :D

To know more about the contest, kindly log on to:

The Butterfly Project's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ButterflyProjectMalaysia

Time for Taiwan TTBKL's Official Website: http://timefortaiwan.tw/en/index.jsp

                                                      http://eng.taiwan.net.tw

Time for Taiwan TTBKL's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/tbrockl?fref=ts

[ANNOUNCEMENT] Eat Shop Go On 2 Wheels In Taiwan!

Eat, shop & go on two wheels in Taiwan!

Before that grab the best travel deals at Taiwan Travel Fair

Hello lovelies! Any plans for Summer 2015? There’s never a better time to visit Taiwan than in 2015! Taiwan is not the first destination that most people hit when they visit Asia for the first time. But this small, modest island is a perfect place for a newbie visitor. Do you know that Taiwan Tourism Bureau Kuala Lumpur (TTBKL) is organising its first-ever Taiwan Travel Fair in Malaysia? With the theme of “Time to Enjoy Life”, it will be held at 1 Utama Shopping Centre from 25 to 29 March 2015. Guess what, you will be able get the best deals for Taiwan travel at this one-stop event! Read on to know more!

With the first Taiwan Travel Fair, TTBKL hopes to present great value travel deals to Malaysian families. They have tied up with top Taiwanese and Malaysian travel agencies to offer a variety of exciting packages and the most attractive travel deals for all destinations in Taiwan. This also includes customised packages or tours specially-catered for Muslim visitors. 

For visitors of the fair who purchase any tour package from participating agents, they stand a chance to participate in a lucky draw for every RM500 spent. Prizes include Taipei return flight tickets sponsored by China Airlines and Eva Airways; and East Asia cruise on Star Aquarius, Star Virgo and Aquarius liners sponsored by Star Cruises. So do mark you calendar and visit the Taiwan Tourism Fair to bring back these fabulous prizes! :D

The Taiwan Travel Fair will be held at the Oval concourse in 1 Utama Shopping Centre from 25 to 29 March 2015. Opens 10 am daily. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/tbrockl !

Based on a survey conducted by Taiwan Tourism in 2012, the top attractions for inbound tourists are sights and sceneries, food and shopping. As such, the Taiwan Travel Fair will also highlight three major experiences under the theme of “Time to Enjoy Life”:

Time to Eat

When it comes to food, Taiwan has it all. Dine like royalty without paying a king’s ransom for it. From juicy seasonal fruits, sumptuous traditional Chinese dishes, healthy vegetarian dishes, icy desserts to creative tea drinks, Taiwanese cuisine makes full use of local ingredients and age-old techniques to surprise and satisfy your palate. Don't forget the world-famous night markets, filled with the enticing aromas of delicious street food and snacks!

Time to Shop

Taiwan is a shopaholic’s dream come true, with many large shopping centres and chain department stores in all four corners of the island. Shop for anything you want, from high-quality made-in-Taiwan 3C products, to famous highland tea and handmade weavings. For the fashion lover, all kinds of affordable clothing, leather goods and branded products are at your fingertips. In Taiwan, you are sure to find just about everything you want.

Time to go on Two Wheels

These days, the LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) trend is gaining popularity as people begin to be more health and eco-conscious. Taiwan is well-known for its LOHAS practices, and there is no better way to experience it than to travel along the breath-taking coastal highways by bicycle! Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and appreciate the simple yet wonderful things in life with your loved ones. 

Sounds like a perfect idea don't you think?

Time to enjoy life!

Remember to drop by at the Taiwan Travel Fair to find out more! :)

Two Days One Night Awana Adventurous Genting Trip

First of all, Thanks to Nuffnang & Genting Awana for organizing the perfect getaway for all of us!
This is the very first time I join Nuffnang's activitiy, get to know a lot of new Nuffnangers. :)
I will really anticipate for more Nuffnang's activities in the future.

Day 1

All the Nuffnagers gathered at Wisma Genting. Here we coming! :D

We checked in at Genting Awana Hotel once we reached the place.
It took only an hour from Wisma Genting to Genting Awana Hotel!

Had the first group photo with all the new friends. Here we go for our adventurous trip! Yeah!

Queen size bed for each of us! :D

Nice view from the hotel room. Ahh nature! :)

Lucky me and Miss Maisarah. We have flat screen tv in our room. Hiak hiak.

The Rajawali Buffet Restaurant.

Had lunch before we start the activity if the day. Desserts yay! :)  * mouthwatering *

Yum Yum. Raspberry Cheesecake. <3

After lunch, we started our first activity- Treasure Hunt. 18 of us were divided into 3 groups and I am in Group 2. Very blurrrrrly, I became the group leader because I was standing the 3rd from the back. Lol.

Listening to the instructions and had aerobic dance before we started the run.

One of the station - Archery.

Rock climbing. Too bad not everyone get the chances to try this! :(

Squash. Be like Nicol David. Lol.

Abseiling climbing was fun! Although it looks scary from here.
Love it!

 After a day of tiredness, here's our venue for dinner- Pasar Ikan Bakar. Okay it's not a pasar, it's a buffet place. Need to be booked earlier before you want to come and enjoy your meal here. :)

Everyone of us THUMBS UP for this restaurant!

Nice seating. Weehee. Special.

There are a variety of sauces available there.
I only get to try a few of them.Yum yum.

Beautiful stage! Will be even nice if there are live performances that night.

Tried thier ikan bakar. The best! <3

Day 2

Started off Day 2 with delicious breakfast!

We gathered at the long house before starting the activity of the day- Jungle Trekking

.

The Jungle Trekking was the climax of this trip. Due to the rain last night, everyone of us suffered because leeches were everywhere craving for our blood! Lol. Got bitten a few, but still survived after the Jungle Trekking. Very tiring ahh! * Old bones *

The tired me after Jungle trekking beside the waterfall.
Phew we managed to finished it!

Nuffnangers go green! Group 2 planted our little tree and leave our footprints there.
<3

After cleaning up ourselves and had our lunch, we checked out from the hotel and waved goodbye to Awana Genting. Before ending our trip, we went to the strawberry farm.

Cute car isn's it? hehe <3

And not forgetting the cute fountain.

STRAWBERRIES. WOOO.

And also the Mushroon Farm.

New friends :)

That's the end of our 2 days 1 night Awana Genting Trip.
Fun and tiring though. Hope to join more Nuffnang activites in the future yo!
See ya! :)