Johor Bahru Day Trip

Would have posted up this much earlier if I had wifi at home but the wifi at home is down and my dad is overseas so I have no one to help fix this problem and it has already been a dreaded one week, while I leech wifi at my cousin’s place.

Wasn’t able to travel out of Singapore immediately after my exams as my passport was held at the travel agent for my China Immersion Trip in less than a week’s time and only got it back last Friday so me and my friends planned for the trip to be the Monday after that. Our problem was the jam we would face as it was the Monday of the start of school holidays and we were anticipating some massive crowd entering JB.

Planned to meet 9.30 at Woodlands MRT to take 950 but everyone was late (great) and the queue for the bus was really long! But bus frequency was much higher than usual. There was a slight jam on the highway from Singapore to Malaysia but all was fine as we had seats. The queue at JB immigration wasn’t exactly all a shocker as we had experienced such long queues before. But we have also experienced queues where there was like only max 5 people in queue.

So I haven’t really done any JB posts before and I have to say it is relatively safe and all. Nothing has happened to me or my friends on our trips to JB. If you are very afraid of venturing to JB you can always just stick to visiting City Square and Komtar JBCC which is linked by sheltered walkways to checkpoint so you are technically under the shelter linkway the whole time and you wont have the risk of getting robbed or something on the sidewalk.

We headed to City Square to get our fix of KIMDO BBQ. This is something we discovered when we were at Sutera Mall the other time and it was really really good ! And ever since we have been visiting the City Square outlet when we are there.

They have a wide selection of like different foods and you just have to pick the food items you like and they will bbq it for you ! (But you have to get a minimum of 3 items!)

They had wifi previously but didn’t manage to connect into any this time when we went. L Seats are also super limited and space is really constrained there so expect yourself to be walking and eating it.

Next we went over to the spectacle shop located in City Square as well as Syirah had broke her spectacle frame while she accidentally sat on it and needed to get a replacement. She had gotten the frame from that shop which is why she wants the exact same frame back. The frames are all super pretty and very affordable. The style which they operate is a little like OWNDAYS in Singapore and their prices are around the same as OWNDAYS BUT IN RM SO THAT IS LIKE 3X LESSER ????

I wasn’t really going to grab any ice cream from baskin robbins as I was on my period and experiencing cramps but BASKIN ROBBINS was like having a 1 for 1 promotion kind of thing so why not.

Got myself the usual flavours of strawberry and pralines and cream ! The prices of baskin robbins here are also lower than Singapore’s. Singapore’s is like $5 for the Value scoop if I am not wrong and even with Pink Wednesdays 1-for-1 it is still more expensive than the 1 for 1 we get !

Everyone got a cup each and apparently cookies and cream is the favourite. Also seems like Café Benne is opening soon !

Went over Famous Amos to buy back some cookies as it is also way cheaper than Singapore. Got chocolates instead as I wasn’t really in the mood for cookies but everyone else bought cookies back.

And they were also having some promo going on.

We decided to grab some banana cakes before we started exploring other parts of JB. The must go place to get some good banana cake would be HIAP JOO BAKERY. It is of walking distance from city square and it is around the stretch of cafes which is in walking distance. The queue was actually pretty long when we visited which was quite different as there would usually be no queue ! Their butter cake is also a favourite in my family but got to know that they only sell it on Thursdays !

We took a grabcar there although it was of walking distance and took another back to JBCC and it was only RM3-4 ! The drivers were also extremely friendly and awesome ! Mentioned in my KL post that it you would like to explore JB but you don’t have a car and is afraid of getting extorted money from exhorbitant cab drivers then you should totally try out grab car ! The prices will all be based on the quoted one on the app! Problem is you would require an internet connection for this! Got to know from kelvin that it cost RM40 for a 4GB SIM card which is a pretty good deal ! You can get it from the telco shop in city square J If not you can always just to go any café and leech on their wifi and book your grab from there !Got to know from the drivers that there is the night market or pasar malam opened at KSL that day as it was a Monday !

We decided to head there at night for dinner instead and go over to visit Mount Austin for the first time. The amount of cafes there is just so extensive and the place is so vast and huge that you would need more than one day to explore the whole area. Our drivers also were slightly unsure of the location which shows that you might need an exact exact address keyed into the app.

We dropped off at ATLAS COFFEE EMBASSY. The service is 100% super friendly and helpful staff! The place was also very aesthetic !!!!

Food choices aren’t very extensive and I got myself mozzarella cheese sticks to share with Syirah as I was still quite full.

The others got Waffles and some breakfast sets and Leo was super satisfied with his eggs benedict.

We walked around the area and there were many stores which resemble miniso where they sold inspired 100% Korean beauty products. Actually came across the Skin Food Wash Off Masks but wasn’t sure if it was exactly authentic so I didn’t get it. They had like other products for example Innisfree’s Volcanic Pore mask in the exact packaging like Innisfree but the brand was theirs. Which was just a plain rip off. And there were many of such similar stores on the same stretch.

We had to jay walk over to another side to buy the Uncle Tetsu Cheesecake which I came across on Instagram. Grabbed some cheese tarts back as well.

Didn’t really enjoy the cheesecake as I still prefer the traditional cheesecakes and pablo’s cheese tarts are still 100x better. I think my taste in cheese tarts are so ruined by Pablo because they have set the standards so high.

We decided to visit one dessert place before we left the area so we went into SANGKAYA which is a shop that sells coconut ice cream. Didn’t get any as I am not exactly a fan of coconut ice cream. But this place has WiFi which is a big plus !!! The staff there is also very friendly !

Headed over to KSL and went over to their pasar malam. The amount of people was immense and the heat was pretty horrible. Got myself a cup of corn but it was with icing sugar and condensed milk which felt a bit weird to me. And I guess I am too used to eating like frozen corn that the corn was a bit too corny for me if it makes sense HAHAHHAHA

Queued for some JB Carrot Cake but kinda disappointed overall. It tastes more of reminiscence to Fried Kway Teow as there were bean sprouts. The carrot cake was also too soft and ‘nua’ (mushy) just not what we are used to eat in Singapore.

The pasar malam had all sorts of things ranging from fish, to vegetables, fruits and even beauty products and clothes so it is worth the experience but the food wasn’t all that great.

Bought some roasted chestnuts for my grandfather and he said that it was good ! So maybe that was the only good thing from the pasar malam

The must try from KSL would be KONEST CHICKEN. It is really da bomb. The sauce is so different and so damn good. Got the rice cakes and it is still as good, the fried chicken is also really nice.

Leo got some liquid nitrogen biscuit thing but forgot to take photo of it ! It is really more for the fun of it I guess as it had like lots of smoke coming out from it.

Headed back to Singapore and there was slight jam on the highway but still manageable ! Didn’t get train tickets as the queue was very long when we had reached.

Here comes to the end of my JB post and I hope it was informative enough HAHAHAH. 

EXO'LUXION in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (3D2N)

Not very sure who even reads my blog, but oh well ! Thank you for even taking the time to read my blog ^___^

EXORDIUM in korea has already started and here I am posting about EXOLUXION in KL which was held in March (#bless) but at least I am even posting it.

Have not done up my EXOLUXION in Singapore post yet but that will be up in due time !!!

Me and my group of friends were facing the worst withdrawals after EXOLUXION in Singapore and just in time, news of EXOLUXION in Malaysia was out ! We therefore decided that we would be heading for it ! Considering the fact the Malaysia is super near to Singapore and the concert was held over the semester break so it was the perfect timing !!!

We had to get a friend (which I actually did not even know but she was friend with my other friend which was going me so YAS #ticketsettled) to help us purchase the tickets as the tickets were launched earlier in KL at Jusco (I think). We did not really know how the ticketing works there and that friend isn't a frequent concert goer to know very well either ! But many malaysians were already queueing overnight outside the mall and it was pure chaos during the ticket launch as there were many entrances to the mall ! We just needed our ticket and unlike Singapore they did not mention any form of queue number ! However we were also not planning to be in front this time but purely just enjoy the concert at the back of the mosh pit instead ! As we would like to enjoy KL in the day and not spend our time queueing for the mosh pit.

We managed to get the middle section ! (my 3rd exoluxion in the middle pen omg) She almost didnt manage to get us the tickets for the middle section but at last she still managed to !! Didn't know I was that slow but the Pens actually spelled out E-X-O rather than the usual A-B-C-D. Shows how the organiser actually put in the effort for this !

Alright, see our code number right there ? It is a 1916. Where the organisers later dropped the bomb on all fans that they would be going according to the code where it starts out at a 1000. Which means we would be like the 916th to enter ??? thats just ridiculous to us but technically we were already planning to stand behind.

We booked flights there instead as we wanted to be able to maybe catch EXO in the airport so we went with Malaysia Air (eventhough we still had a little phobia from MH370) as we needed to land in the Kuala Lumpur International Airport instead of the number 2 one which is for Budget flights. Had to pay like slightly more but oh wells. 

Since the flight was less than an hour, no food was served on the flight other than some light snacks. Worst thing was I expected entertainment systems as Malaysia Air isn't like a budget airline but we were greeted with none >< but the flight was alright ! We did not end up missing so #bless. 

Reached KLIA in a jiffy and managed to get some SIM cards at the airport while waiting as well ! A great trick which I had learnt from my other friend would be to take Grab Taxi while you are in KL because the drivers will charge by the flat fee as stated in the app ! Much more safer so it is great if you have data or internet with you! This works well in JB as well!

I think we waited in the transit area for a total of like 4 hours for EXO's flight to arrive. We were absolutely clueless on how we would navigate around to maybe catch a glimpse of the boys as we were 100% noobs at this, however there were many other fangirls around so we followed and realised there were loads of people waiting when the timing for their flight arrival was near.

The malaysia security was not at all friendly and even though we were standing at very much a distance, they kept pushing and it was almost like a stampede situation. The security had managed to hit me which caused this domino effect and the last girl behind me had actually fell with her luggage and hit this giant potted plant and the soil had all spilt out. Another girl fell right in front of the guards and the giant sound when her legs slapped the marble floor hurt (omg) and she had to immediately get up because she was blocking the way.

Worst part was when everyone was trying to squeeze and run into the sky train. What I can describe it as was like a train to busan. There was absolutely no space and you were practically just squeezed into the train >.< it was so bad that when the train stopped, everyone was trying to rush out at the same time which just caused the door to be jammed.

Headed for immigration and was surprised to see that there is actually an exclusive ASEAN queue ! After heading out of immigration we were greeted by like so many fans outside ! But the thing was exo had already left through another exit. We immediately booked our Grab Taxi and headed to the city area to our hotel so we could rest for the concert day the next day ! The ride was around RM100 for almost 2 hours if I am not wrong! SO actually quite worth it

However, we were hungry so we had asked the receptionist at the hotel where we could head for food at this timing (which was around 1am). Not sure where the place was but it was like this food street and also this place that is filled with quite alot of bars! But didnt really like how all the staff along the street were sooooo pushy >< . Actually managed to catch a few other fans at this food street too as they were holding onto the exo dolls.

We had gone for a change of hotel the next day. One which was nearer the city centre (Bukit Bintang) as we wanted to go visit SPAO as well ! and the hotel was of walking distance ^_^ we were also upgraded for a suite for the hotel !

SPAO had just recently opened in KL at Pavilion. Which I have never visited as I always just tend to stick around Times Square when my dad heads over to KL to watch motor gp with my uncles. 

Pavilion is so mega and has so many many shops ! SO gonna make my mom head over there with me when I head over to KL again this year !

Thought the stuff at spao was still reasonably priced and not too inflated which i thought it would be!

Bought a few items to actually hit the minimum spending of RM100 to get the EXO poster which they were giving out !

We then rushed back to the hotel to put our stuffs down before heading for the concert which was held at stadium merdeka ! which from what I knew was at chinatown of KL.

The cabbie had dropped us at another entrance of the stadium and when we had climbed the hill all the way up, we realised we were on the wrong side ! x.x and it started to rain ! what luck did we have seriously. We bought ourselves some ramly burgers from the roadside although not exactly sanitary ! but was surprised at how those vendors could just open up tents along the roads to sell merchandise and all ! If it was in Singapore, the security would be there to chase everyone away. We got a cab immediately to hide from the rain and get to the other entrance and we had to pay this cabbie a flat fare as we had flagged him and it wasnt through a grab taxi booking. But it was RM10 so I am not complaining and at that timing the jam was pretty bad >< but this driver was 100/100 technically he also wanted to drive faster so he can get another customer faster but he actually just went up on a sidewalk to cut another car #PRO

Was drenched and had no choice but to purchase ponchos from those peddlers but our shoes were already soaked. Worst part was, this was the only shoe i brought along. The roadside vendors were also extremely kind! We were not intending to buy anything but they allowed us to stand under their shelter !! We decided to brave the rain and get to the queue as the stipulated time to queue was near.

We got up and was shocked to realise they were already entering and the queue was practically scrapped and everything was just a disorganised mess, we managed to squeeze our way into the queue which was suffocating and many people were fainting as it was stuffy and humid and the rain had stopped. Girls which we were queueing near were like crying and I think because it was their first concert. (Sad for them to see their experience get ruined because of the queueuing. Another major issue was that, it was raining and the shelter was not at all sufficient ! I think because the organisers are not used to organising with queue numbers, they did not actually anticipate how much people would be queueuing and how much space and shelter will be required. They actually wanted like >3000 people under 3 Tents which can maybe fit maximum 300 in each tent.

Had overheard this conversation while in the queue where this girl said in chinese that "Singapore one will never be like this (referring to the lack of shelter and space). Singapore you walk out of Mrt have shelter already. All the way to the stadium"

True moment where I felt so proud of Singapore (YES)

We managed to get in and there was no form of any bag check which I was appalled and the amount of trash piling up on the floor makes my litter OCD kick in (omg) Funny story is that whenever I am going to attend a concert, I will help to pick up litter with the purpose of karma.

Managed to get in and snagged a good spot in first row surprisingly !!!! Decided to get on the left side of the stage instead as we got the right side for the Singapore stop !

Most of the near photos are screenshots so they aren't of that great quality and not bothering to watermark because I am too lazy ;; But they were so nice during the concert and extremely cute ! as they were enjoying it very much ! Celebrated XiuMin's birthday but he was surprised that we were celebrating his birthday that early ! If I had knew there would be no bagchecks and security did not give any shits about taking videos or photos I would totally have just brought my camera along seriously. But the concert was really great overall !!!

Had to take the train back to the hotel as there were totally no cabs available :-( and we were approached by this super creepy guy at the train station and we were scared as hell. Went back to the hotel and totally knocked out. We enjoyed our last day by relaxing and resting in the hotel ! Wanted to maybe try catch the boys before their departure at the airport but our flight timing was slightly earlier than their;s so we did not manage to ;; but the flight back had entertainment !! But I wasn;t even able to watch finish my movie as the plane had landed >_<

This trip has really opened up my eyes and given me the experience to really chase like those people who I'll be jealous of as they could see the boys up close at the airport ! Not sure if I would want to experience it again but it was a key learning point in my fangirl journey ! Really hope I can attend at least one exordium ;;_;;

X
Natale

I'm actually back

Yes ! I am finally back putting up blogposts because I was very very motivated to actually do more regular posts after actually following a blog and realised that I would like to change the direction this blog is going towards ! Where I will make myself post at least 1 post per week / 4 posts per month ! 

I suffer the issue of being super OCD about all my photos and all and I really need them to be organised and edited well before I actually would put them out on my blog ;; but problem is, for holiday trips it is always too tiring to be like editing photos every single day and saving it and having everything organised well :-( so you will say - why not just edit all the photos from that trip all in one go ??? - thing is I will edit like quite a few photos which I want to post on instagram and this would ruin it all 

Very determined to clear up all my posts which have been super delayed before I head to China for my immersion in less than 2 weeks time ! That would include like posts which should have been posted since January (EXOLUXION). 

Here is to more productive blogposts !