Taipei, Taiwan | Itinerary & Budget

Taipei, Taiwan 2024

Our actual itinerary:

Day 1:

Fly to KL, and overnight for 1 night

Day 2:

Fly to Taipei, shopping around Ximending area.

Tian Tian Li for dinner.

Day 3:
Ay Chung flour rice noodles for breakfast

9:45am English Mass Holy Family Catholic Church

Jianguo Flower Market
Jianguo Jade Market

Power Beef for lunch

Tian Tian Li and Ay Chung flour rice noodles for dinner.

Day 4:

From city streets to mountain heights to the ocean tides..

Ay Chung flour rice noodles for breakfast

Shifen Waterfall

Shifen Old Street

Jiufen Old Street

Buyan Pavilion

The Golden Waterfall (黃金瀑布 Huángjīn Pùbù), Jiufen, Ruifang District, New Taipei, Taiwan.

Yinyang Sea

Lao Shandong Homemade Beef Noodles, Ximending

Day 5:

Ay Chung flour rice noodle for breakfast

Taipei 101

Din Tai Fung

Breeze Center

Addiction Aquatic Development

Shots at Rainbow Six

Getting my hair washed

Day 6:

Ichiran Ramen

Songshan Road

Wu Fen Pu

Raohe night market

Day 7:

Shopping at Ximending.

Tian Tian Li for lunch.

Fly to KL

Day 8:

Reach KL

Shopping and movies at IOI Mall, Putrajaya.

Fly back to Kuching at night

To buy:

GU ❎

Dried scallops  ❎
Jade 

Local leather handbag 

Tea 

Onitsuka Tiger √
Wool cloth ❎

NET √
Sunglass  ❎
Leather sandal √

To eat:
Luroufan - wang’s broth  ❎, tian tian li √

Yuan Fang Guabao  ❎
Ay Chung flour rice noodle √
Din Tai Fung 101 √

Power beef √
Soya milk you tiaw for breakfast √
Addiction fish market √
Ichiran ramen√

Budget:
Air tickets RM3.5k

Hotels RM3.8k

AirAsia Taipei-KL Luggage RM198

Cash: RM1.5k + TWD1k + TWD1k (CC cash withdrawal fee RM70 + RM70)

1-day car rental with driver TWD7500

Our planned itinerary had to be adjusted due to Eugene not joining.

Friday, 29 Nov

• Fly to KL

Saturday, 30 Nov

• Visit Ximending and NET

Sunday, 1 Dec

• 9:45 AM: English Mass at Holy Family Catholic Church
• Jianguo Jade Market (Saturday/Sunday only, 9 AM - 6 PM)

Monday, 2 Dec

• Jiufen (train to Ruifang Station + Uber)
• Shifen
• Raohe Night Market

Tuesday, 3 Dec

• Astronomy Museum
• Addiction Fish Market
• Taipei 101

Wednesday, 4 Dec

• Yangmingshan

Thursday, 5 Dec

• Fly to KL

Contentment in the Workplace: Lazy or Just Satisfied?

Interesting topic on Mix.FM this morning, they talked about being content in the workplace. Is it a good thing, or is it just being lazy?

For me, I truly believe there’s nothing wrong with being content with my current position, salary, and benefits. However, my top boss doesn’t seem to feel the same way. I can sense that they view my contentment as laziness or a lack of motivation. 

I don’t understand why it’s seen as so wrong. It’s not like I’m underperforming; I complete all my projects well. But I still feel sidelined because I don’t want to take on a higher position.  Just because I don’t want to take on a higher position doesn’t mean I’m lazy—it means I know what works for me at this moment in my life.

A listener on the show this morning said she is in her “contentment era,” and I resonate with that. I’m content in my work life right now. But I still have goals outside of work that I want to achieve, just at my own pace. There’s a sense of balance in knowing what’s enough professionally while still having personal goals that excite me.

So, here’s the question I think we should be asking: Is it really wrong to be content? Maybe, just maybe, contentment isn’t the enemy of success—it’s part of it.

Picture of my not-so-successful attempt at making focaccia!
See, I haven’t stopped learning and growing—I’ve just shifted my focus to new areas.
Story of this failed focaccia will have to wait for another day.

The Social Dilemma (2020)

The Social Dilemma, shown on Netflix, claims to be one of the most life-changing documentaries.

Ten minutes into the film, I stopped watching. I couldn’t see where it was going.

But I did skip to the end part, where it says, "How do you get out of the Matrix if you don’t know that you’re in the Matrix?"

I don’t think I’m in the Matrix. At least no one is pointing a gun at me, forcing me to check my phone every minute. I do it willingly.

It’s more of an addiction. Yes, they did a great job attracting users, but it still comes back to our own choices.  Just like addictions to shopping, traveling, alcohol, smoking, etc.—too much of anything is never a good thing.

Melaka River Cruise 2024

This was my second time taking the river cruise in Melaka, and it brought back memories of my first ride back in 2014. I have to say, the experience this time around was much more enjoyable, and I noticed quite a few improvements. Back in 2014, while I appreciated the sights, the water had a bit of an unpleasant smell that took away from the overall experience. This time, there was no foul smell. I’m guessing the heavy rains in the past few days helped clear things up, but whatever the reason, it made the ride much more pleasant.

Another noticeable difference was how vibrant and colorful the surroundings felt. The riverbanks seemed better maintained, and the lights and decorations along the route really added a lively charm to the whole trip. The cruise gave me a different perspective of Melaka’s beauty, blending its rich heritage with modern enhancements.

If you're planning a trip to Melaka, I would definitely recommend making time for the river cruise. It's a must-try activity, whether it's your first visit or even a return trip like mine. There's something special about seeing the city from the water, and it offers a unique way to take in the sights and history. Plus, it’s always nice to see how a city evolves, and this cruise has certainly become a highlight worth experiencing!

Midlife Crisis

Midlife Crisis Hit Me Hard.

Lately, I’ve been feeling the weight of midlife hit me harder than I ever expected. It’s as if everything that was once manageable has started to unravel all at once. Between a demanding job that feels more draining than rewarding, my declining health, and the responsibility of caring for my aging parents, even the smallest things are beginning to feel like heavy burdens.

This year marks a big change in my family—my eldest son is leaving for college. While I’m immensely proud of him, I can’t help but feel the sting of sudden loneliness. The house feels quieter, emptier. At the same time, I’m battling feelings of guilt, as if by focusing on this transition, I’m neglecting my youngest son. It’s a delicate emotional balancing act that leaves me questioning myself daily.

And then there’s my health. Starting at the end of last year, I’ve found myself visiting the medical center far too often. Frozen shoulder, burn injury, anemia, cysts, influenza, infections—you name it.. I never imagined I’d be spending so much time in hospital at this stage in my life.

Work has become almost unbearable. Maybe it’s the job itself, maybe it’s the boss, or perhaps it’s the toxic office politics. Some days, I dread the thought of walking through those office doors. It’s exhausting trying to figure out what exactly is making me feel this way, but all I know is that it’s draining every ounce of energy I have left.

As for friendships, I’ve always been the type to have a close-knit circle rather than a crowd of acquaintances. Family has always come first for me. Yet lately, I’ve found myself yearning for more friends, more connections, and I don’t understand why. It’s unsettling to suddenly crave something I’ve never really needed before.

Hobbies that once brought me joy now lose it's spark. I used to love shopping, collecting handmade leather handbags—not necessarily well-known designers, but artisanal quality leather pieces are what I go for. Now, I catch myself thinking, “Why buy more? What happens to them if I die?” Why am I thinking so much about death at this stage of life? And I’ve lost interest in reading novels, something that used to transport me to different worlds.

I even tried taking an online Japanese class earlier this year, but I gave up after two months. Maybe it was the teacher’s strict approach, maybe it's the timing, or maybe it’s just me—easily losing interest in things that once seemed exciting.

Nothing really excites me anymore. Except maybe traveling out of the country. But with my sons' different schedules and the demands of my job, planning a trip has become more complicated than ever. It feels like everything that used to bring me joy is slipping through my fingers.

Regret has become a frequent visitor in my mind. I find myself constantly questioning the choices I made in life, wondering “what if” and “why me”.   I know I’m blessed with a loving husband, wonderful kids, supportive sisters, and even relatively good health. I don’t have the typical health issues people my age often face—no diabetes, high blood pressure, or cholesterol problems. And sure, the occasional medical visit is a hassle, but I’m fortunate enough that I don’t have to worry about the cost.

Yet despite all these blessings, I still feel this heavy cloud of confusion and guilt hanging over me. Why do I feel this way when I have so much to be grateful for?

I don’t know where these feelings are coming from, but I’m hopeful that this phase of life will pass soonest.  Until then, I’m holding on, making sure everything seems as normal as it can be.

Even my plant in the office looks sad.

Chan Hainam Kopitiam, Serdang

One of our go-to spots whenever we're in Selangor is Chan Hainam Kopitiam, located in Seri Kembangan, Serdang. The place is always clean, and there’s a wide variety of food options to choose from.

We especially love the Ipoh Style Hor Fun and the dry Yong Tau Foo—they’re absolutely delicious! And My son is a big fan of their BBQ pork rice.  The prawn mee is pretty good too. Unfortunately, it was closed both days when we visited last month, which was a bit disappointing. Hopefully, we can catch them next time!

While the food is fantastic, the drinks have been a bit hit or miss for us. The kopi Hainan was a bit too bitter for my taste, and the teh o peng was just so-so—not quite what I was hoping for.  However, I did try the teh C on our last day, and it turned out to be quite good, I will stick to the c next time.

Despite the mixed experience with the drinks, Chan Hainam Kopitiam remains one of our favorite spots.  It’s always nice to explore different options on the menu, and who knows, maybe I’ll discover a new favorite drink on our next visit!

Moxy Hotel, Putrajaya

Our second time staying at this wonderful hotel, and this time we're on the 17th floor.

I also managed to take a quick dip in the pool this time. It’s a small saltwater pool, nothing too special, but it was a nice to have a good swim after indulging in so much good food. 

As always, our stay has been pleasant. We are delighted with the service and cleanliness here.

See our previous stay here in July 2024.

http://ez-photo.blogspot.com/2024/07/moxy-hotel-putrajaya.html

Li Hua Hotel, Mukah

My 4D3N stay at Li Hua Hotel, Mukah, in room 514 on the 5th floor. The room was new and clean, which was nice.

The room itself was spacious, however, the all-white lighting gave it a different feel compared to the warm ambiance that yellow hotel lights usually provide. Some of the lights in the room were not working, which I am ok with, I don't like bright lights anyway.

Another downside was the absence of a fridge, and the room's lack of soundproofing. I could clearly hear my neighbors' footsteps and even their coughing. I was also awakened early in the morning by the sound of their alarm clock.

Breakfast was quite basic, with a limited selection that included hard-boiled eggs, fried noodles, potato curry, nasi lemak, bread, porridge, and baked beans. While the options were simple, it was enough to start the day.

Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai

One of the must-visit places on our list for the Shanghai trip, besides The Bund, is the Yuyuan Garden.

After getting off the Maglev train, we went straight to our hotel for an early check-in. Then, we headed to Nanjing Street for lunch before taking the train to Yuyuan Garden.

It was quite a walk from the train station to Yuyuan Garden, and the weather was colder than we had anticipated for March in Shanghai.

Yuyuan Garden and its surroundings boast many beautiful architectural sights. However, the large crowds made it difficult to fully enjoy the view. We thought we would be able to return at night to see the beautiful lanterns illuminated, which must be stunning. Unfortunately, we were wrong; we didn't have the time or energy to come back. Five days in Shanghai just wasn't enough.

After roaming around for about two hours, we took a short break at McDonald's while waiting for our Didi to take us back to our hotel. Despite the cold weather and crowds, the experience at Yuyuan Garden was memorable. The details of architecture and the unique garden offered a glimpse into Shanghai's rich history and culture. Though we couldn't stay as long as we wanted, the visit was still a highlight of our Shanghai trip.

Qibao Ancient Town, Shanghai

Due to time constraints, we opted to visit Qibao Ancient Town, the nearest water village to downtown Shanghai. Located about 20km from The Bund, it is easily accessible by train or taxi.

On our fourth day in Shanghai, we woke up early, took a morning walk at The Bund (though we couldn't see the sunrise, possibly due to haze or mist), and had breakfast at a Michelin Guide restaurant (kopitiam) near our hotel. Then we took a Didi car to Qibao Ancient Town, which cost us RMB 55.44.

Luckily we chose to take a taxi because it started raining on our way. It was raining heavily when we arrived, so we took a 10-minute break at a nearby cafe. Once the rain slowed down, we began exploring the area. The good thing about visiting the village on a rainy day was that there were very few people around, allowing us to get great bargains at the clothing shops. I did quite a bit of shopping and bought a cheongsam, wool scarf, gloves, skirt, and a pair of winter pants. Hubby and the kids also bought waterproof winter shirt and jacket, and 2 sweaters.

About the river, I think there's only one scenic bridge in the area.  Fortunately, there weren't many people around, so we took lots of pictures on that bridge.  Then, we head for our lunch at a restaurant opposite the bridge.

Before reaching the bridge, you will pass by the food alley, which has many interesting things to see and buy. I bought the famous bak chang, but it didn't taste as good as I imagined, possibly because I ate it cold in the chilly weather, making it feel like it had just come out of the fridge. I was too full to eat it right away. I also bought pear tea, which was tasty and warm, and some traditional cookies. I wished I could buy more, but even with two new suitcases, I didn't think we could fit anything more in there.

We headed back to the hotel in a Didi car at 2pm, cost us RMB62.19

Century Royal Hotel, Sapporo, Japan

The one great thing about this hotel is its location. It is super convenient, directly connected to Sapporo JR station.  It is an old hotel, opened in 1973, and last renovated in 2013. 

We stayed in a family room where they converted the living room to fit two extra single beds. I chose to sleep on the sofa bed as it was closest to the window.  The bed was so bad, you could feel the spring below the bed. Unfortunately, the main bedroom lacks a window, which was disappointing, but it does have an extra sink that I found useless. 

The view of snow falling in Sapporo city from the large window of our high-floor room is stunning; we didn't need a TV with this kind of view. As I told my children, we have an HD live view right here. I often stayed up at night just to watch the snow falling. It's so beautiful.

The room was clean, as is typical of any Japanese hotel we've stayed in.

Breakfast was good, but breakfast at Nest Hotel was even better.

The lobby area is spacious, and you can go down to the lobby to get your new amenities there.

The location:

Durian Udang Merah

 Durian Udang Merah RM50 untuk 3 biji.  Murah kan? 

Bagi saya memang murah sangat dah, sedap pulak tu.  isi nya kuning oren, manis. Puan kedai tu siap tolong pilih kan yang elok untuk kami, baik betul.  Ni kat area Banting, agak jauh la dari KL, tapi sangat berbaloi.

Puan kedai tu cakap durian ni dari Johor, kalau kat Johor berapa lah agak nya harga durian ni kan.

The Tale of Rose

I am currently watching The Tale of Rose, and it has taken me longer to get through this series compared to others.

I can't watch it all in one go; I need to give myself breaks from all the emotion.

This drama is incredibly good, well-acted, with a well-crafted script and just the right amount of subtle humor. "The Tale of Rose" is so relatable. Even if you haven't experienced her journey personally, anyone can find themselves in similar situations at any point in their life. It's true that a woman's future can take a different path depending on who she marries, but that does not mean that that is the only path to end with.

The emotional depth and complexity of "Rose" make it stand out from other series. The storyline delves into the challenges and triumphs of the protagonist in a way that feels very genuine and heartfelt. The characters are well-developed, it really captures my attention and emotion.

I have always loved Liu Yi Fei, and I love her even more in this drama. However, I didn't enjoy her performance in "Mulan." I think some actors are simply not suited for Hollywood.

I will add my review after I am done watching.  For now, I will just let myself sway a little in the drama. I don't want it to end too soon.

Updates with review:

1. I wish I had a brother as understanding as Huang Zen Hua, someone who always has your back.

2. The support of family and friends is a significant factor in life, especially if you don't have a supportive husband in this case.

3. I love how this drama ends, leaving it to your own imagination.

4. I always believe that we are still young in our 40s. Imagine if you live up to 90 years old—you aren't even halfway done. So, why limit yourself? Of course, in terms of physical fitness, that's another matter. Do things within your capacity.  

5. Know your 底线 (dǐxiàn) – your limit, the lowest you willing to go.

Moxy Hotel, Putrajaya

This hotel is conveniently located at IOI Mall, Putrajaya, making shopping incredibly easy.

Beyond the mall, what I love most about this hotel is the vibrant atmosphere, especially in the lobby. There are numerous fun activities, including a pool table, foosball table, congkak, chess, game box, and live performances at night.

There is also plenty of seating. The check-in counter is connected to the bar, so you can order beverages while relaxing in the lobby. The check-in staff wear uniform sweaters, which look fun and less formal.

The room was great too, though the only drawback was the stiff bed.

I’m sure we’ll be back here again soon.

Maybank Premier 1 Account

How to transfer / withdraw money from Maybank Premier 1 Account?

Answer: Login to maybank2u Trade App and select ePayment from menu to withdraw the cash from this account to your savings account.

On the Maybank Trade App, go to Menu and select ePyaments.

Tab to Withdrawal, key in your amount, and select your Account to Credit, mine is to my Savings account.

Confirm on the Request.

And, Successfully transfer the fund from Premier 1 to Savings account, from Savings account, you know what to do..

Gawai 2024

Gawai, the Dayak harvest festival, is here again. We have so much to be thankful for this year. 

This is the time when we gather to celebrate with our families and to remember our traditions. 

May God continue to bless us with abundance, health, and happiness. Here's to a prosperous season and a beautiful cultural festival for all.

Beli petrol di Shell, Pekan Bau

Aku kah yang bengong or Shell yang bengong.

Alkisahnya begini, hari Rabu, cuti Wesak, yang lepas saya bawa ayah pergi beli Diesel di Shell, Bau.  Isi dalam bekas (gelen) kecil jer. I beli guna CC di mesin kat luar tu.  Total RM9.05 je pun, tapi masa dah tekan nak receipt, tunggu-tunggu takda jugak receipt keluar.  Oklah, malas nak tunggu, orang ramai, hari hujan pulak tu, 9 hinggit je pun.

Sampai rumah I dapat notification dalam phone saying that I kena charge RM200 kat Shell station.  Mana tak bengang, beli RM9, kena charge RM200.

Dengan malas nya, start la engin kereta and pergi la balik ke Shell station tu, cashier jawap 'machine kat luar tu memang macam tu, itu charge dari bank, bukan dari kami, nanti 2-3 hari bank akan refund.  Semua shell pun macam tu.'

Eh apa pulak semua Shell macam tu, saya tiap minggu beli Petrol dari Shell in Kuching, tak pernah pun kena charge RM200.

Cashier: Shell station di Bau yang sana tu pun macam tu juga.

Me: Shell yang tu pun sama company korang kan?

Aihss naik angin jugak aku dibuatnya, petang ni dah nak balik Kuching, kalau tak lapor nanti bank cakap kena tak lapor awal.

Oklah, kita redho, tunggu 2-3 hari. Sabar, tak baik gaduh.

The next day, eh betul la, check balik CC amount, RM9.05

Aku ke yang bengong or Shell or Bank?

Aku tetap rasa kan.. kalau betul mmg biasa macam ni di Pekan Bau, buat la notice siap2, RM200 banyak bah, iboh gia, buang masa aku jak.

Shanghai + Sapporo | Itinerary & Budget

Our actual itinerary, trips to Shanghai, China and Sapporo, Japan in March 2024.

Shanghai

Day 1- 1st March - Friday

KIA - KLIA - Pudong

Checkin Pudong hotel

Day 2 - Saturday 

7am - Purchase luggage access at Spring Airlines counter, Pudong

9am - Took the Maglev to Shanghai city

Took a taxi to Atour Hotel, The Bund

Lunch at Nanjing Road

Took the train to Yu Yuyuan

Back to the hotel by Didi

Shopping at Nanjing Road

Dinner

9pm - The Bund

Day 3 - Sunday

Breakfast at hotel

Shopping at West Nanjing Road

11:30 Took Uber to St. Ignatius Cathedral

12noon English Mass at St. Ignatius Cathedral

2pm - lunch at Xujiahui Mall

3pm - Took the train from Xujiahui Station Park to Lujiazui station, TV Pearl Oriental.

5pm - Took Didi back to hotel

6pm - Shopping at West Nanjing Road

9pm - dinner at Grandma Restaurant

10pm - The Bund

Day 4 - Monday

7am - The Bund

8am - Breakfast at a Michelin guide restaurant near our hotel

9am - Took Didi to Qibao Water village, RMB55.44

2pm - Took Didi back to the hotel, RMB62.19

4pm - Took Uber to shop at Qipu Lu

Day 5 - Tuesday 

5am - Requested hotel staff to arrange for a taxi to Pudong airport

Sapporo

Day 1 - 5 March

Lunch - Omurice, Japanese Egg Rice

4pm - shopping at Tokyu Hands

Dinner - Ippudo Ramen

Day 2 - 6 March

Breakfast at hotel

Train to Otaru

Taxi from Otaru JR station to the canal

Kaisendon for lunch at Sansaku Fish Market

1pm - took the train back to Sapporo

4pm - took Uber to Mt Moiwa ski resort

6:45 - took the bus to Susukino train station, followed by train back to Sapporo station

Dinner - Butadon

Day 3 - 7 March

Shopping at Susukino and Second Street

Day 4 - 8 March

6am - JR train to New Chitose Airport

10pm - flight back to Kuching

Our planned itinerary, which we had to make some changes due to time and weather constraints.

Day 1 - 1st March - Friday

Klia

Checkin Pudong hotel

Day 2 - Saturday 

To Nanjing road

Shopping

Yu Yuyuan

Day 3 - Sunday 

12noon St. Ignatius Cathedral, Xujiahui Station Park

TV Pearl Oriental, Pudong 400y includes buffet/ boat. Lujiazui station

Day 4 - Monday

AM - Qibao Water village

By Metro - Take Metro Line 9 and get off at Qibao Station. Leave from Exit 2 and walk south for about ten minutes to the old town

PM - shopping Qipu Lu

Day 5 - Tuesday 

4am - Pudong airport

Sapporo

Day 1 - 5 March

Lunch - beef rice

PM - Otaru 

JR train - 750y per way/person  RM24

Sankaku

Naruto

Uber-Otaru Canal

Dinner pork rice

Day 2 - 6 March

Breakfast at hotel

Kokaisou ski resort, gate 17 bus 1.5 hours

Mt Moiwa ski resort, Uber

Lunch at Moiwa

Dinner Susukino

Sapporo tram

Day 3 - 7 March

Shopping - Tokyu Hands

Sapporo tram

Day 4 - 8 March

Airport

Our Budget for flights and hotels:

Flight tickets (AirAsia): Kuching - KL - Kuching RM3k+

Flight tickets (AirAsia): KL - Pudong, Shanghai RM5k+ 

Flight tickets (Spring Air, China) : Pudong, China - Chitose, Sapporo, Japan RM3k+

Flight tickets Chitose - KL (AirAsia) RM5k+

Pudong Hotel, Shanghai RM500

Atour Hotel, The Bund, Shanghai RM3400

Century Royal Hotel, Sapporo RM2700