RM300 for a 2D1N Hatyai Trip: Day 1 Itinerary

Hello! Finally have time to update on my spontaneous trip to Hatyai during Hari Raya long weekend. I bought the ticket after the announcement of the holiday. Thankfully there are still few tickets left for me to grab! I went there with my sister and the whole trip costs us about RM850 (include a lot of shopping). 

Here's a breakdown of my spending (exclude shopping):

ETS ticket from Taiping to Padang Besar = RM84 (per person)

Train ticket from Padang Besar to Hatyai = RM10 (roughly.... it is actually 80 baht)

Hotel (Aloha hotel)                                   = RM80 (per person)

Food (calculating main meals only)          = RM80 (1 breakfast, 1 brunch, 1 lunch, 1 dinner)

Transport to floating market (by Tuk Tuk)= RM18 (roughly... 300 baht for 2 person)

Transport from central festival to lee garden= RM12 (roughly.... 100 baht for 2 person)

Transport to bus terminal                           = RM12 (roughly.... 100 baht for 2 person)

TOTAL: RM296 per person

RM300 for a 2D1N trip to Hatyai, Thailand! And by taking ETS, we avoided the raya traffic jam! Happy =D

Let's talk about the itinerary in detail. This post will be on Day 1 as there are a lot of photos to share =)

Our journey started at 6.20am, taking ETS from Taiping to Padang Besar, Perlis (Border of Thailand). The journey took us about 2 hours 50 min. That's why I love ETS. Speedy journey during peak season.

Selfie on ETS! =D So excited!

We reached Padang Besar KTM station around 9.10am. If you follow the exit sign, you will exit to Pekan Padang Besar. If you want to take train to Thailand, you should turn left when you get down the train and go to the end. With my experience, you can follow the crowd if you take the morning train here. As a lot of people will be taking the connecting train to Hatyai which is at 9.50am. If you are not confident, you can just ask people around you. (Survival tips: Ask whenever you feel lost. People are willing to help and guide you. If you fail at your first attempt, try another person. =D)

So we were stucked here for about 40 minutes as the officer doesn't allow us to go into the immigration office. Duh.... They passed us the arrival/departure card to fill in while waiting. People who waited with us were as frustrated as us but we have no idea what happened and just have to wait. =(

You have to fill in the Thailand arrival and departure card. So.... Please bring a pen along with you. Being very careless, I took out my pen from the bag in the morning and left pen-less at the waiting area. Luckily I get to borrow a pen from a kind lady who was standing in front of me that time. Nice people everywhere. *feeling positive*

The train to Hatyai arrived at 9.40am and we were still stuck at the platform awaiting to go into the immigration counter. So nervous..... Then, I saw people holding the ticket to Hatyai and I still haven't get the tickets! Luckily, a lady told us to go to the end of the platform to get the ticket first.. If not, we will not be able to get on board. So grateful that the lady told us before the officer allows us to swarm into the immigration office. 

Ta-daa! Bought this ticket for 80baht. 

Then, after I bought the ticket, the officer finally allowed us to go in. We queued up and get verified by immigration counters of both countries (Malaysia and Thailand) in the same office. After getting our passport chopped, we immediately board on the Thailand train to Hatyai.

The more ancient looking train but it is comfortable. Not like our old KTM train. 

After an hour, we reached Hatyai Railway Station, which is located not far from the central and just 2 streets away from our hotel. 

Brought empty luggage along hehe...

With sis. Exhausted face as we woke up too early to catch the train.

Aloha Hotel is not far from the railway station. Just 5 minutes walk distance. 

Surprisingly, the service was great and we get to check in early at 11.20am! Woohoo! Lucky us!

One special requirement of this hotel is that they requested to keep our passport throughout the stay. I tried to get back my passport as I feel insecure but the receptionist assured us by giving a receipt for us to bring around. So yeah.. Throughout my visit in Hatyai, most of the time I'm passport-less. 

So this the room that we stayed for a night. Not much comment about this room. It's slightly old but clean. They let us choose whether to have king size bed or twin bed, so we chose the King! =P Quite spacious. It would be cheaper if book earlier. 

After that, we headed out for brunch! Without buying SIM card this time, we navigate ourself around with a map! I downloaded a map from internet and used it throughout the trip. And... we managed to survive and didn't get too lost! *CLAPS*

FIRST STOP: Chok Dee Dim Sum 好运肉骨茶

I've looked up and down on the web to search for good lunch place and I saw this restaurant in almost all blogs. So, I've decided to give it a try! Dim Sum & Bak Kut Teh for brunch! A lot of people commented that the dim sum here is cheap and nice. Hmm... Let's give it a try. We decided to walk to the restaurant from our hotel and it took us about 20 minutes to search for direction. 

After 20 minutes walk under the hot sun, we found the restaurant! 

We were directed to the shop opposite, which is owned by the same restaurant. Another dining area. 

Thankfully, it has air conditioner to cool us down before enjoying good food =)

I ordered a cup of iced coffee as my daily caffeine dose. But it is kinda disappointed. Oh well.... Let's wait for the food!

We have to ordered the food at the counter at the main shop, which is, we need to cross the road to get our dim sum ordered. Whereas, for bak kut teh and drinks, we can order at our table. 

Food came faster than we expect! 

Tourist photo =D

The Bak Kut Teh is just so-so to us. A little too salty.... But the pork rib is very soft! There are good and bad in a bowl.. 

Let me show you close up of the dim sum. ^_^

Super cute prawn dumplings (虾饺)

Corn with some meats (玉米卖?)

I don't know what is the name.. but it's minced shrimp wrapped with seaweed.

Fish Roe Dumpling (鱼卵卖)

Salted egg yolk dumpling (咸蛋卖)

My all-time favourite - custard bun!

Look at the salted egg yolk! Yumzzzz

Guess how much this meal costs us? 

*

*

*

*

*

It is only 300 Baht! 

Ohhh---Emmmm-----Geeeee!!! So cheap! 

If we were to order same dishes in Malaysia, we will need to pay at least RM50. 

Address: 58 25, Soi Lamai Songkraw 1, Hat Yai, Hat Yai District, Songkhla, Thailand

Opening hours: Daily 6am-12pm, 5-10pm

Second Stop: Shopping @ Odean Shopping Mall, Central Mall, Lee Garden Plaza

After brunch, we walked all the way back to the central for some shopping. Time to burn some calories before we have second round. We explored the malls, but nothing seems very attractive to us. The malls are a bit old and perhaps supermarket is the more happening place as I see many tourists grabbing snacks and instant noodles to bring home. 

We walked along the street and spotted a coconut ice cream stall. Every thailand trip needs to be completed by coconut ice cream. The must-have dessert. =) 

Ta-daa! This coconut ice cream (50 baht) is just alright. 

THIRD STOP: BIG C Supermarket & Klonghae Floating Market

After walking around lee garden plaza, we decided to find a Tuk-Tuk to Big C Supermarket for a scroll before heading to Floating Market. Then, we faced a problem. No Tuk Tuk driver wants to drive us as we have 2 persons. Luckily, another group of travelers decided to join us and make it group of 5. So we get a deal to get to Big C and floating market for 300 baht per group for a return trip. Yes. The driver waited for us at Big C and also floating market, then sent us back to the hotel. Quite worthy to me.

Big C Supermarket is just like TESCO and other supermarkets. But this is where you can get cheaper snacks. If you want to buy a lot back, then maybe you can consider coming to Big C. If just 1 or 2 packets, don't have to come all the way. Save the Tuk Tuk fare and get those at 7-11. =D

We spent about 30 minutes at Big C Supermarket, then headed to floating market, which opens over the weekend, starts at 3pm. We had 1.5 hours to explore the floating market. So....... We quickly jumped down the Tuk-Tuk and walked towards the crowd. 

They have a market area, which sells food, clothes, shoes, etc.......

And here's the floating market area. If you are expecting similar floating market as in Bangkok, this might disappoint you. It has its own style.

Boats are parked nicely and you can walk around and choose which stalls to buy from. 

It is not shaded, so expect to be exposed under hot sun. 

Tips: Bring along an umbrella. This will helps you to block the hot sun. Prevent sunburn =D

Perak: Tong Sui Street @ Ipoh

#throwback post#

Tong Sui Street (糖水街) is a street famous with desserts as the name shown. It is located at Ipoh town, few minutes walk from Ipoh Parade. I have seen a lot of dessert photos from this street but never try it after so many years. Finally, I get to visit this street to hunt for colourful desserts. =D

A lot of stalls are closed on the night I visited. Kinda disappointed.

Hence, I walked along the street with sis to look for a convincing stall to try. We were attracted to a noodle stall with another dessert stall beside it. Then we decided to try it out. 

Sis ordered a bowl of hot red bean soup. It is kinda nice and it is quite a big portion.

Then I ordered a bowl of shaved ice with mixed fruit. Looking so colourful and healthy. =D

It tastes good too. Not too sweet and full of fruits.

Ordered a plate of fried yee mee but it is too oily. 

I wouldn't recommend the noodle stall but the desserts are good. Saw other customers were having iced mango sago and other desserts from other stalls. Look pretty good too! Will come back and try it. XD Tong Sui Street is really a good place for dessert in Ipoh town. If you are here for a food trip, don't forget to visit this street! =D

Penang: Siam Road Char Kuey Teow

At the corner of Siam Road, you will find a famour Char Kuey Teow hawker stall.  This stall is famous and you can't miss out if you pass by. A lot of people will be queuing at the stall for the famous Char Kuey Teow. Compared to the one at Lorong Selamat, I prefer this stall. The uncle's service is so much nicer and the Char Kuey Teow is cheaper too. 

If you choose to dine in, you can order and find a seat at the coffee shop opposite the stall. If there is full house, you gonna prepare to wait for at least 30 minutes. 

I waited for almost an hour that day. And food is finally served! I was amazed with their memories, able to remember so many different orders at once.

Siam Road Char Kuey Teow (RM5.50 each for a normal one)

They served with big prawns and chinese sausage. 

I like the taste of the Char Kuey Teow of this stall as it is not too spicy and slightly oily. Can try this stall if you never been here during your Penang food trip. Cheaper too! They open in the afternoon from 3pm onwards, except on Mondays. 

Address: Intersection of Anson Road and Jalan Siam, Penang.

Kedah: Fried Jawa Mee @ Simpang Kuala

#throwback

It has been a while since I last update this blog. Work has been a little busy recently due to logbooks submission. @_@ Bad time management. One more hell week and everything will be back to normal. Soon... Soon... I'll make this blog more happening, just like last time. =)

So today, I shall write an overdue post. This post is a continuation from last one. After having my rojak under the tree, I decided to satisfy my craving for fried jawa mee. (Oh no... thinking about this stall, I feel a little emotional. I miss my friend who brought me there once. Memories.. )

This stall is located at Simpang Kuala, along Lebuhraya Sultan Abdul Halim. It is a small stall, which is quite easily missed. Need to pay attention while searching. =D The stall is just beside Tai Kuan Laksa. (Hope this guide helps!)

Fried Jawa Mee stall. Simple yet the uncle can cook really nice dish. =)

You can request for customized dish. Potato only or with cucur.

My Fried Jawa Mee. It is really nice. I love the texture of the noodle and the fluffy potato.  

Kedah: Favourite Rojak Stall

Hello! March is a boring month as I spent a lot of time eating ALONE. T___T  My usual lunch and dinner partner got caught up with some work and I have no one to eat with. I do have friends in Alor Setar but it is a little hard to ask them out. W-H-Y... For the past 9 months, my life in Alor Setar has been so happening. Weekend is either filled with lots of outing or I'll be back at home. But now? It's weekend and I have to be on my own. All alone.

I woke up late and hence missed a breakfast date with a friend. Hence, I have to hunt for my brunch alone in Alor Setar town. Gosh... what to eat??? I drove out from the house and started to stroll around. Drove along Jalan Langgar towards the direction of town. Suddenly, I thought of the rojak stall beside Kolej Sultan Abdul Hamid, which is just right before the flyover of Jalan Langgar. Reached there and saw a lot of cars parked by the roadside. Hooray! Good sign! Sign of my favourite rojak stall is open today. It has been a long time since I last bought it. Always drove passed and uncle wasn't there. FINALLY!

The location. The stall is just right under the tree.

Saw people having rojak by the stall, under the tree and I have a strong urge to join them. Ordered a plate of rojak (RM2.50) and sat down on the bench provided. The rojak was really really nice. All the fruits and cucumbers are really fresh and crunchy. I requested uncle to put more peanuts for me and it was really nice! So crunchy! Nom.. nom.. nom...

Rojak with lots of peanuts. Hehehe.... =D

**Heard from my friend after that the uncle had accident and rest for a month. The day I had that rojak was the first day he reopened the stall. So lucky!! =D

The uncle and the stall. =D

There's actually two stalls that will open at that location. Another uncle's rojak wasn't that nice as compared to this. I always passed by and found that it is not my favourite stall and I'll just drive away. Feel so sorry, but I really prefer the other stall more.

Kedah: Ginza Japanese Restaurant & Char Yin Yong

#throwback

Do you like sushi? Do you like udon? Do you like salmon? Omg Omg... Talking about these, I start to crave for some now! XD Yes! Japanese food is my all time favourite. But due to finance problem (Japanese good normally cost more), for a few months I didn't go for my favourite cuisine. 

In this post, I'm gonna share my experience in Ginza Japanese Restaurant -- my first try of Japanese food in Alor Star, and also another favourite hawker stall of mine. What does the hawker stall sells? Keep scrolling =)

Ginza Japanese Restaurant.

Got outdoor seating with only fan and hence that was quite a "hot" dinner. 

A-la-carte menu for sushi. I've ordered a Salmon nigiri that day but the waitress informed us an hour later that salmon is out of stock. Was a bit upset with their service. =S Can't you inform us earlier? 

My tempura udon! =D (RM17++)

Taste quite nice though. But this was served before I started waiting for my sushi. If my mood was interfered earlier, this udon may not taste that great already. Haha. XD

The tempura.

Address: Beside Fuller Hotel Alor Star

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

NEXT!!!!

Time for something CHEAPER. Hawker food!

Kedah: Nasi Lemak Ong

Read a few food blogs about this famous Nasi Lemak Stall in Alor Star and I decided to give it a try on a weekend (coz this stall close at 3.30pm and hence it is impossible for me to try on working days).

It is located at Jalan Kampung Perak, right opposite Grand Crystal Hotel. Successfully located this stall using Foursquare. *wink* Waze and Foursquare are like my BFF these days, I need to rely on them when I'm lost or hungry and alone. 

Here's the place! 

There's a long queue and it didn't surprised me. Coz bloggers have been saying that this stall is famous and nice. Hmmm...... That's why I have to give it a try.

The opening hour of the stall is stated here clearly and this stall is being featured by Ah Xian before. Should be good.

Plenty of choices available for a nasi lemak stall.