Phuket Trip - Day 3: Best Brunch -> Pad Thai

Unlike the second day, we were allowed to wake up a little bit late since the bus picked us up at 11 o'clock. After a fun night, up to 3 o'clock, I woke up at around 10 o'clock and surprised to see Pdik and Juan swam at the swimming pool just below our room :D. Since everybody were hungry, we get ourselves ready and go to the hotel lobby. Our first destination was to get something to eat. Today, we have a better car than the first day. Mr Yong was our driver. He picked us up at 11 o'clock sharp with his girlfriend, Som.

We hurried go inside the car and requested to find something to eat. I decided to eat Pad Thai, according to Jamie's blog there is a best Pad Thai restaurant around Karon area. I try to show Yong the place, however, he misunderstood and take us to the other Pad Thai restaurant (more like hawker center). Since we were all hungry, we decided to just eat at the place. It was located at around 5 minutes away from our hotel (Don't worry, I'll give you more info about the location of places that we visited in a special blog entry, meanwhile, just be patient :D).

The place was not crowded, we went directly to the auntie who sell Pad Thai and Ordered some Pad Thai with Thai Ice Tea. We also ordered a stewed pork and mushroom. Ci El decided not to order the Pad Thai and ordered beef coconut milk soup. With our hungry stomach, we patiently wait while observing the auntie who made all the order by herself!!! (6 Pad Thais, 7 Thai Ice Tea and 1 stewed pork and mushroom less than 10 minutes)

We also ordered Tom Yum soup and Green Curry Chicken at the stall next to the Pad Thai Stall. When everything were on the table, without any hesitation, we finished them up. The Pad Thai was really great!!! I never found something like this in Indonesia (well.....Pad Thai is from Thailand -_-"). What shocked us more is the price of those dishes. Each Pad Thai cost 40 Baht, a Thai Ice Tea cost 10 Baht, the stewed pork and mushroom, Tom Yum, Green Curry and Beef in coconut milk cost around 200 Baht each. 7 of us was really full, yet we pay around 1200!!!!! Which means around 170 Baht or  Rp 51000 or 6 USD per person. What a great deal. I promised myself to eat here on my next visit. Everybody were shocked with the quality of food we got in such an affordable price. Thanks to Yong for recommended this place to us :D 

Phuket Trip - Day 2: The rest of the day - Swim, Eat, Sightseeing, Play

On the way back to Phuket, most of us were sleeping. I, on the other hand, prefer to stand up beside the boat captain to feel the breeze. I was able to see the beautiful scenery. It took around 40 minutes from Khai to Phuket by speedboat. Arrived at the dock, we gave he tour staff some tips (100-200 Baht of tips were common in Phuket) and get off the boat. We were fetch by a bus to the terminal (it was quite far from the dock to the terminal)

Off the speedboat to the terminal

Once we were in the terminal, we saw a stand full of souvenirs. Remember that I mentioned that they took our picture before we board the boat? Yes, they sell the our pictures here. What interest us was the pineapple cookies. They sold the pineapple cookies for 100 Bath each plastic container. We bought some pineapple cookies and Ci El bought our picture =) (thx, Ci) We really need to hurry since everyone else on the van were waiting for us. So we boarded the van and head for our beloved hotel.

On the terminal

We were lucky to be the first group dropped to the hotel. Alighting from the van, I directly suggest them to swim =) It would be great to swim in a fresh water after a full day exposed with salt water -_-" We directly jumped into the swimming pool. It is really hard to express the feeling in words. After a full tiring day along with salty sea water, jumping into a swimming pool was really great!!! Juan decided to buy a cold beer in the swimming pool bar followed by me, Pdik and Alvin. Juan bought Heineken while I and the other tries the local beer, Singha. Once Juan realise that Singha was a great beer, even more that Singha was 20 Baht cheaper, he regretted for what he bought (a Singha cost us 50 Baht while a Heineken cost 70 Baht - we still amazed with such an affordable price in the 4 star hotel) =)

On the swimming pool

However, swimming pool and beer that day was a bliss. it was so great. Pdik then jump into the pool with his water proof camera. A crazy idea comes to me: To drink the beer in the swimming pool. We decided to try it. I was the first to try =) done with the swim, we go up one by one to bath.

On the way to Kata

Once everybody ready to go, we decided to go find something to eat around the hotel by foot. We walked along the street browse the area around the hotel while looking for a decent place to eat. We decided to eat italian food. The restaurant name was Il Capriccio, managed by a real Italiano =) The price in this restaurant was quite expensive, a decent dish cost us around 400 Baht, but we decided to go ahead and indulge ourselves with these foods. After several minutes, our dinner arrived. Frankly speaking, it was quite below our expectation. Once I was done, I made a call to the tour manager to rent a van for tomorrow (because we haven't decided earlier for our extra day) luckily he still managed to rent a van for us =)

On the way to Kata Area

Done with the dinner, we decided to bargain for the tuk tuk. When we bargain for the short distance, they ask for 400 baht (it was less than 4 km), I decided to ask for 200 Baht and they laugh at it. So we decided to walk our way back to the hotel. We stopped by to buy some snacks at 7 eleven.

The rest of the day were undocumented. There would be no picture of it. Back to the hotel, we decided to gather in Pdik and Juan's room to either chit-chatting, playing cards or playing other game. We were accompanied by tons of snacks, Singha and Jack Daniel along with green tea or coke as the mixer. We played the game that we saw on 'Inglorious Barterd' movie (the scene where they meet the girl spy in the underground tavern). So we write the name of a figure on a small piece of paper and shuffle it in the middle, then we pick a random paper and stick that paper on our forehead. Our job was to ask (with yes or no question) the other who I am. Once we guess the correct figure, we win. The last two persons and the person who made 3 times of wrong answer will have to drink ^^. It was really fun, but takes some time before we saw the punishment. So after 2 hours of this kind of game, we decided to play other game. This game purpose was to mention a word that was related to the word before (non-brand). Example: when I say 'white', the person next to me will have to say word related to white, may be 'rice' or 'paper'. The one who failed to come up with the related word will get the punishment = drink ^^ It was actually quite an easy game if you play it normally. But when you were half sober, it was quite challenging. Right, Juan? =D 


By the way, Ci El didn't join us because she was too sleepy and decided to sleep. We have several funny moment in playing these game, but I'll let my friend tell you in the comment boxes.

Phuket Trip - Day 2: Khai Island

Our third stop (after Maya Bay and Phi Phi Don) was Khai island. It was around 50 minutes cruise away from Phi Phi don. The sea were quite friendly. After around 30 minutes drive, the tour guide (his name was pronounced "you see" -_-") asked us to stand up and look the sea. We stood up and amazed with what we see. In the sea, there were so many pink-ish jellyfish. and they were so huge compared with what I've seen. The tour guide said that the jellyfish there were not dangerous, they stings, but it won't hurt us. Well, although he said so, who dare to swim with those jellyfish?

I only took the picture of the biggest, pity the other jellyfish were not captured

I continue to stand up as the wind helped me overcome the seasick. I enjoyed the scenery. Then I saw a small white sand beach island. The tour guide confirmed that it was Khai Island. Yes, our next stop. The island looks amazing, however, it was really hot. The sky was so clear. We should really thank God for this clear day (Phuket was at its wettest season, we all really worried that our tour will be spoiled by the rain). I tell the other (they were sleeping - the effect of the seasick tablet).

This time, we were recommended to use our slippers. as soon as the boat reached the shore, we queue up and jump. the water was really great, the sand were amazing. we took some snorkel equipment and go to the leafy shelter and decided to buy some coconuts. While I ordered some coconut, one of the groups found a great scene and decided to capture the moment =D~~

=D~~~~~

It was quite hard to order those coconut. Or maybe it was easy to order the coconut but it was hard to assure that the coconut will come in your way (no sugar, little bit of ice, etc). The coconut there wasn't cheap since it was the only restaurant that sold coconuts. It was 60 Baht for each coconut, 420 Baht in total Thanks God they understand the meaning of discount. They let me paid 400 Baht after a short bargain. I waited for sometime since the woman who were in charge in opening the coconut were bothered by a Chinese or Taiwanese tourist. The tourist were not able to speak English and she demanded something. Here comes the 'lost in translation' or even not translated at all @_@. We finished the coconut and applied those sunscreen lotion all over our bodies and faces.

After enjoying the scenery from our leafy shelter, we decided to go to a restaurant with the toilet on it (the only toilet in the island!!!!). Although planning to go to the sea, we were so attached with the restaurant :D and decided to stay there without doing any snorkeling or swimming or fish feeding. We only took some picture in the restaurant's surrounding. 

Suddenly I remembered that we still have 2 loaf of bread to feed the fish. Shienny took it and feed the fish in nearby shallow sea. After a while, she asked for more bread. Amazed, me and Alvin went to the shore with her to see the fish she was talking about. It was a really small fish.......@_@ less than 1 cm in length, I think. The whistle blown, we hurried finish those bread and walk to the boat, back to Phuket.

Phuket Trip - Day 2: Loh Samah Bay, Viking Cave, Pileh Cove and Phi Phi Don

After having fun at Maya Bay, we got back to the boat and continue our journey. Before we left, the tour guide do a fast head count. 1 person was missing. He count again and came out with the same result. Confused, he asked us whether we've lost a member of our group. It came out that a child was sitting on the dock and cover up her body with a big sheet of fabric. So we continue our trip to a place called Loh Samah Bay.

After 15 minutes speeding in the sea, the speedboat stopped. I stood up looked out the window and saw so many colourful fish in the crystal clear water. People were queuing to got out from the boat through the back side of the boat. I asked the guide for permission to jump to the sea through the dock. I said that we can jump to the water from any side of the boat :) so I jump. Girls queued and jumped from the back of the boat. Ci El didn't want to release her hand from the boat even after the boys assure her that we are going to hold her x_x. After snorkel for a while, we went up and feed the fishes from the boat. It was really beautiful. Pity we can't take a picture of these events since we were all wet >.<

Done with snorkling, we resume our journey through Pileh cove to Viking cave. We didn't stop, we just past by and explained by the tour guide. Viking cave is a cave where the famous and expensive chinese bird nest farmed. Then the tour staff offer us some snacks. It was a pineapple cookies. We reached the next destination: Monkey beach. The monkeys were not at the beach, in fact they were hanging on the trees just above the sea, some dropped to the water, but they can swim!!!! we can throw the pineapple cookies to the monkey and they will try to catch it.

The next stop was lunch at Phi Phi Don. We stopped there and have lunch at Phi Phi Banyan Villa. We could shower and go to the hotel's toilet. After we done with the shower and toilet business. We went to the restaurant. We should sit according with our number (sit with the same member in the van). The food there were not bad, however, it was really funny that they serve spaghetti between those Thai food. We found out that the Tom Yum Goong, although look bad, taste great!!

Done with the lunch, we decided to walk for a while and buy some souvenirs. FYI, shirt with the word "PhiPhi" can only found in Phi Phi island, so, buy it there if you are interested. The price for the shirt here was more expensive than the one in Phuket, but since you won't find it in Phuket, a bit expensive shirt will not be any problem at all, right?

By the time we finished shop some souvenirs, we decided to get back to the restaurant to make sure that we could hear the tour guide's whistle. We discussed about what to do once we got back to Phuket at the restaurant. When the whistle blown, we get back to the speedboat and head to our last stop of this tour, Khai Island.

Conversation at the Restaurant

Phuket Trip - Day 2: Maya Bay

Aware that the tour will begin in the morning (they picked us up at 8am), we chatted a little in Pdik and Juan's room, prepare the things we were going to bring on Phiphi Trip and went to sleep before 12. The next morning was a great day. I was the first who woke up that morning among the boys. We put an alarm on 7am, however, the girls were trying to call our room at around 6.30. It was all because they set a wrong alarm -_-" We eat our breakfast: Thai instant noodles ^^ and I distributed the seasick tablet bought the day before. The seasick tablet should be taken 1 hour before the trip.

Ready to go with our things, we go to the lobby. The van has waited for around 10 minutes. we shared this van with 4 other. The van took us to Chalong Bay, an area not so far away from kata (20 minutes drive) on the way, we picked a couple of western and a couple of asian that turns out to be Indonesian =) (Luckily we didn't talk something bad about them :p )

Arrived at Chalong Bay, we were briefed by the tour guide and given sticker with the boat and van numbers on it. We hurried put on our sun block since the sun were really hot that day. It was a great day for island hopping, especially when we were talking about wet season. I was worry about the weather since Phuket was on its wettest season that month. Thx God there was a clear great sky that day. I go to a stall to buy fish bread, a bread that used to feed fish. We bought 4 loaves of bread for 100 Baht (CMIIW), then set to the boat. Pdik and Juan forgot to bring their towel, so they bought the towel there. Before going inside the speed boat, there were many cameraman trying to take a picture for us. The boat were already full by the time we were there, luckily there were some seat (although not a good place - just outside the toilet). We sat and the speedboat started to move. The first destination: Maya bay.

It was long and quite tiring trip (1 hour ++). But we can tell that the seasick tablet worked like a miracle. None of us got seasick. I felt bored and go out to the deck, look at the scenery and talk with other tourists. Suddenly, we were approaching some sort of cliff. The water was light blue. I called the other to check it out. By the time we got nearer, we could see the beach hidden between those cliffs. As we got nearer, we were passing two big cliffs as if it was the main gate to the beach. It was really hard to picture those scenery with words. Even the picture we took there, although it was beautiful, believe me, it was far from what we really see. We were dropped there and warned not to wear our slipper since the current on the beach were strong.

We got down, take a picture on a natural white sands and beautiful blue sea. It was great, but it would be a lot better if we could get there earlier, before all the tourists was there (we will surely do that on our next visit). We decided not to bring the camcorder down and only bring the camera.

After a few picture on the beach, we decided to move to the side of the beach which shaded by the cliff. We took several pictures there. On this side, the waves were bigger. A big wave came and we were all wet, while we were laughing, Fenny was busy looking for something in the sea. It was Pdik sunglasses. The wave were accidentally take Pdik's sunglasses away. We were panicked and started to help Fenny find it. It was really hard, because, although the water were crystal clear, but the wave were really not friendly. After 10 minutes of search suddenly Pdik screamed. He found it!!!!

Not long after Pdik found his sunglasses, he other big wave struck us. This time it was Juan. He was really panicked, because it was not sunglasses. It was his glasses. Without his glasses, he couldn't see things and this whole day tour would be a waste. We started to look for another glasses in that unfriendly wavy beach. Again, after sometimes, Pdik found it!!!! Well, I guess he really is a Beach Boy LOL!!!!

Juan complained that he was raped by the wave =D Why? Because he forgot to tie his pants, and when the wave struck, he was trying to hold his pant and unable to try to hold the glasses. LOL. What a day!!! 2 glasses at the same spot, retrieved by the same man!!!! LOL....Done with those glasses, we continued to enjoy the scenery, then the whistle blown in our boat. we get back to the boat and continue our journey. 

Phuket Trip - Day 1: Jungceylon, Bangla Road & Karon Seafood

Yes, we were scheduled to go to Kata Beach to enjoy the sunset before going to Patong, however, when we got to the lobby, it was already dark. I still insist on going to the beach, by the time we reached the beach, I decided to cancel it. It was really dark at the beach. No one seems to be on the beach at that time.

So we proceed to Patong. It was a 20 to 25 minutes drive away from our hotel (Kata). On the way to Jungceylon, suddenly the driver seems to dodge something. When we asked, he said that there was a snake on the road. Well we were not surprised since there were many green area in Phuket. We were dropped and went directly to Carrefour to buy some snacks and mineral water for the four days stocks. Inside Carrefour, here were so many interesting snacks. We bought the total of 24 bottles (@ 1.5 litre) of mineral water. What interesting that Phuket Carrefour doesn't sell tobaccos, however they did sell alcohol in the special (quite spacious) section. Looking at the fridge inside the carrefour, the boys were interested in the local beers. and they have a large size can of beers (500ml). We take one called Cheers Extra that comes with higher percentage of alcohol. The beer taste good, but more importantly, it cost only 60 Baht (less than Rp 18000 or at around 2 USD!!!!). We also bought 6 can of Singha Beers, the well known local beer for 36 Baht/can.


All the snacks and beverages costs us 1800 Baht (believe me, when u see the items we bought, even 1800 Baht was cheap =)) We decided to pay using the money we collected earlier (7000 Baht per person). we drop by to the alcohol section for sightseeing, however, the price for a bottle of wine are very tempting. We ended up buying a bottle of red wine and a bottle of white wine. The price, less than 468 Baht!!!! >.< Something you'll never see in Indonesia.


Done with the shopping of basic needs. We go out, take some picture on the way back to the place where Jaruad dropped us. I called Jaruad to take the van so we could put the items we bought in the car before continue walking to Bangla Road. We waited around 10 minutes before Jaruad arrived with the van. After finished putting it all inside the van, we asked Jaruad to go with us to Bangla Road. He agreed. And so we walked to Bangla Road. On the way there, just outside the lobby of Millenium Phuket Hotel, there is a cute TukTuk Limo, we decided to take a picture there =)

Waiting for Jaruad to Bangla Road

Just outside Jungceylon that faced Bangla Road (we were dropped at the back of Jungceylon), we are stunned by a stall that sells food. We asked Jaruad about the stall and he said it was a barbeque's stall. Some of us decided to buy and try. It was 3 for 50 Baht (CMIIW) and taste great! 

BBQ Stall

Funny things happen when we just crossed the street to Bangla Road. At first, Pdik want to share his BBQ with Ci El. It was in form of satay. When Ci El bit the satay, the rest of meat were pulled. So Pdik, with hands full, take the meat with.......... no need to mention, i guess LOL.

We walked through Bangla Road. It was a party street and so wild. Bangla road were closed for motor vehicle at dusk so people could walk in the street. The street were quite crowded, however, we were surprised when Jaruad with his flat face told us that Bangla road that day was far from the definition of crowded. There were stalls selling Thai Merchandise. We stopped in a stall selling Thai Boxing Pants, Pdik need to buy that for his friend. There were also men hanging around with the brochure and menu of the bar, ready to approach people, offer them the entertainment inside their bar. We decided to just walk to the end of the road and back.

Bangla Road 1

In the middle of the road, there were a packs of 'katoey' or Ladyboy on the street. We agree that the old ladyboy who really aggresive to us in promoting his (or her?) bar was scarrryyyyyyy!!!!! However, we manage to walk pass them. At the end of the road, Ci El decided to buy some drink in Mc Donalds. The girls took some picture there.

Bangla Road 2

On our way back, Pdik and Juan decided to take picture with the preety 'Katoey'. Well, it was really fun to see their face back then. I guess, pictures mean thousands word, so I would just post the picture and let you be the judge ^^ Taking picture with a katoey will cost you 100 Baht. (with extra??? =D)

Then we decided to take picture together at the Jungceylon's Siam Square gate. Thanks to Jaruad for taking this picture for us :)

We go back to the van and decided to find something to eat. We let Jaruad choose the restaurant for us. He stopped at Karon Seafood stall. Bought some seafood (Big prawn, Fresh fish, some clams) we also buy a plate of what so called "morning glory" which I believe was a water spinach (kangkung in Indonesia). Again, there was no corkcage fee, they serve us the wine we bought earlier in Carrefour.

Conversation at the Seafood Stall

The total cost of the food is quite expensive, more than 2000 Baht as I recall and the taste are quite ordinary. Jaruad order us Pancakes, which was something like canai bread with butter, banana and honey (or depending on what you order). We really like those pancake.

Done with our supper, we went back to our hotel. We really forgot that the way to our room are quite tiring and we bought many things in Carrefour T.T luckyly, the hotel provides their guess with the golf cart to the room. So the girls take the golf cart with the shopping bags while the boys walk. On our way up, the bell boy who drive the golf cart ask us to go by the golf cart, without hestitation, 4 of us sat in the golf cart. The golf cart go through the first hike, however, on the second hike, IT CANT MOVE FORWARD!!! in fact it went down >.< The funny moment was taped by Pdik =) (I'll upload the video 2morrow)

And the cart goes DOWN!!!!

At first we thought that the girls were dropped just below the room, however, they don't. So we have to take our shopping bag on foot!!!! It was really tiring to bring 6 big bottles of mineral water from 8th floor to 12th floor. We managed to deal with it though

Phuket Trip - Day 1: Sugar Palm Grand Hillside Hotel

Done with the tour and travel money matters, we continue our trip to our hotel. The hotel was 5 minutes away from the Tour Manager office. We continue using our funkier van. Yes, we switched van as mentioned in the post entry before this. Our driver until the end of the day will be Jaruad. The van was modified and Jaruad usually played the music loudly :D. 

Our funky second car =D

Arrived at the hotel, I went to the front desk to proceed with the check-in. People checked in are 6 people although actually there were 7 of us. Agoda was really helpful, aside the cheap price we got for this hotel, the check in procedure was simple. We only need to copy our passport according to the hotel room. Since our belonging were not that big, we decided to take our belonging by ourself. The hotel room was at the top of the hotel. I really forgot to mention that we prefer a nearer room since according to Heru, the hike to the top was quite energy wasting. Along with the bell boy, we went up to our room. At the first elevator, we were amazed by the buttonless elevator. There were no button at the elevator, it was using the touch sensor. 

Buttonless Elevator ^^

We were going to the 4th floor with this elevator. Then we go to the next elevator located in the middle of the hotel. In this second elevator, we go to the 6th floor (which actually 9th floor if you sum up with the first elevator). We thought it was not really bad, they have elevator and we don't really have to do the hike. But we were wrong!!!! went out from the second elevator, we have to hike another 2 floor till we reached the building where our room are located. On that building, we went by the stair to the second floor. And we are there.....


What a long journey, just inside the hotel. The girls took the nearest room to the stair, next to their room was mine and Alvin's room. Pdik and Juan's room were the 4th room (the 3rd room was occupied). At the hotel, we prepare ourself for the beach, as planned. However, the preparation was not that fast. By the time we were ready, the sky was already a bit dark. We decided to explore the hotel pool area before went down to our van. On our way down, unfortunately, we forgot our way!!!! yes, we have a couple of wrong turns before we reached the second elevator. When we get down from the elevator, again, we were shocked since the way that we were passing on the way up was not this way. After several minutes, we look at the room number and realized that we went down at the wrong floor @_@" 

Our way down took us around 15 minutes. By the time we arrived at the hotel's lobby, its already dark and we have to cancel our beach schedule today T.T This hotel was really confusing at first. The topic we were talking about on the way down, aside from which was the correct way, was how could we manage to go back to the hotel if we are not sober ?_?


Soon, I am going to upload our video. We have several video showing the way back from our hotel room to the lobby. The video shown are original, unedited.....enjoy!!!!

The Hotel Room

Way Back to the Hotel's Lobby 1

Way Back to the Hotel's Lobby 2

Way Back to the Hotel's Lobby 3

Phuket Trip - Day 1: Eating in a Small Restaurant

We arrived at the tour manager's office around 4 pm. He apologized for his mistake - forgot that our flight was rescheduled. I settle the bill and asked few questions to the managers about the possibility of activities in our extra day. We also tell him that we decided to move PhiPhi tour to 26 August 2010, a day earlier than scheduled. He was really friendly and helpful. He gave us bottled mineral water. The driver outside bought the girls ice creams!!! :D The tour manager informed us that we are not going to use this car for the rest of the day. There will be another car coming soon. We decided to have our late lunch since we are all starving. He recommended a restaurant just across his office. The restaurant was small and homey. When we on our way to the restaurant, our van arrived, so we decided to transfer our luggage to our van before we eat. 

If you are an Indonesia, did you notice something in the bottom left picture, the menu? =D We directly ordered some food in that restaurant. I can't recall all food that we ordered, perhaps my friend could refresh the memory =) From what I can remember, we ordered some steam rice, tom yum goong, green curry chicken, salt and pepper pork, lemon chicken and po phia. After we ordered those food, we asked the owner whether we could drink our Jack Daniels in the restaurant and they said its okay, so we bought 2 bottles of Pepsi cola and drink the Jack Daniels bought by Pdik in Soekarno Hatta Duty Free =D~~~~


The food started to fill up the space in our table and distracted our attention. So we decided to start eating (of course we were distracted, we were starving!!!) Overall, the food were great. All of them were tasty. I try to buy a playing card on the convenience store beside the restaurant (I was surprised that the owner of the store is the same with the owner of the restaurant), but they didn't sell one. So I pay the food. For your information, we have budgeted 500 Baht per person for every meal (3500 Baht for 7 of us) The food cost us a great 1800++  Baht (I forget the precise price - my bad) which means less than Rp540000 or 60 USD. Here are photos of the steamed rice, salt and pepper pork, lemon chicken, and our drink (with the alcoholic drinker in one of the photo - peace =D)

After paying the bill, we went out and going to our van. However, before we going to our next destination, again, we paused to take some pictures =D the girls really enthusiastic about picture taking.

Phuket Trip - Phuket Airport

Arrived at Phuket International Airport. It was not a big airport, almost the same size with Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali. We were very excited. We get down from the plane and took several picture while walking to the immigration area.

Arrived at the immigration area, Pdik took our picture without really noticed the sign above his head. The sign was a camera in a crossed red circle. Yes, camera was prohibited on that area. After a shot, Pdik was warned by an official with a quite loud voice. Some of the tourist directly turn their eyes to us -_-" what a shame.

After passing the immigration lines, we went to the baggage claims area. on the way there, i took some brochures and maps. Then a person approached me giving me free local GSM SIM card. I directly asked her whether the provider have the Blackberry Internet Service and how much is the Blackberry Internet Service. It was 60 Baht for 3 days, It's quite cheap and the services are good.

More info about the Sim Card, Tariff, and Blackberry Registration, please visit The TRUE MOVE blackberry website. Yes, 4 out of 6 persons who brought their blackberry along with them (Fenny didn't bring her blackberry to Phuket) uses the TRUE MOVE blackberry internet service. by the way, the free simcard have a free value of 10 Baht.

Then we queued up to take our luggages. Ci elly seems to be interested with the Fantasea stand. she asked Pdik to take a picture of her. We didn't go to FantaSea because the bad list of review and the price for those show are quite expensive. Perhaps we will go to FantaSea show and Simon Cabaret on our next trip. =)

After all the luggage are collected, we went out to find the person pick us up. Outside the airport, no one seems to hold the paper with my name. There were many people offering a transfer to the hotel. We politely turned the offer down. Some of them are quite pushy in offering the service. I tried to tell them that somebody will picked me up and I already paid for the service. Some of the driver offered me to use his mobile phone to call the tour manager. I don't understand at this moment and I really thought he is really generous. However, I didn't use the phone. After waiting several minutes, I decided to call our tour manager. I try to use my Indonesian Mobile phone, but no luck in using it. Luckily Pdik has put the TRUE MOVE SIM card into his Blackberry. I called the tour manager and it turned out that he forgot about the change of the schedule. He asked us not to worry and that in less than 5 minute, somebody will look for us and send us to his place. Meanwhile, we decided to buy some water and TRUE top up card in the convenience store inside the airport. We bought 100 baht top up card with the price of 110 baht.

When we got out from the airport, a person was calling us, then we ready to go to the tour manager's place. Chatting with the driver on the way to the tour manager's place, I found out that this car and driver are chartered by the tour manager and are not owned by the tour and travel. Thats why on the airport, there was a person who offer me a cell phone to call the tour manager, he might earn money when the tour manager charter his car. We found out that the road environment in Phuket is almost the same with what we got in Indonesia (less the traffic). The tour manager's place is only 5 minutes away from our hotel. It placed in the area behind our hotel. The trip from airport to our hotel area took around 40 minutes. 

Phuket Trip - D-Day

All set, we ready to go. Pdik who based in Bandung has come to Jakarta a day before the flight just to make sure he will not miss the flight ;). Me, Alvin and Shienny's meeting point was at Fenny's house. While me and Alvin was there at 9, Shienny, unfortunately came a bit late (15 minutes if I not mistaken). It was quite a disaster for her when her office decided that she has to come to the Office on the D-day (although there was nothing to do there and even if there was a job at the office, how could she do it in less than 1 hour time?). Its quiet funny when we start to compare the size of our luggage. Fenny, surprisingly, bringing the smallest luggage while Shienny's luggage size can cover mine and Fenny's :)


Pdik and Juan, since their house and apartment is nearer to the airport, decided to go there directly and have their breakfast at the airport. Guess what, they arrived before us and have to wait for us =) sorry guys!!!


Me, Fenny, Alvin and Shienny go by Fenny's sister car (Thx, Ci n Ko Ben). Ci El was the first person picked up by that car. When we enter the car, aside from those message from Pdik and Juan asking where we are, we were shocked by a 'great' news from Ci El: "Aduh, gw lom tuker duit neh."- translated: I haven't exchange the money. Oh My God!!! Luckily there are a 24 hour money changer. Although she might have save around Rp500000 if she exchanged the money in her usual place. Its very ironic, we all exchanged our rupiah to bath by the help of Ci El, there is a money changer with a good rate just behind her store. Well, what done is done. The important thing is that she can go with us to Phuket now =)

We arrive at the airport quite early, we met Gato there who happen to go to Singapore. We checked-in, paying the airport tax Rp150000 per person (airport tax are not included with the ticket in Indonesia), settle our free fiscal fee (In indonesia, for those who don't have NPWP (tax payer number) should pay Rp2500000 before they board an international flight) and move to the duty free area.

Guess what, the first foreign currency spent was at the Duty Free Indonesia ^^. Pdik bought a Jack Daniels :). It was USD for 1.25 litre, quite a good deal. Then we proceed to the waiting room. On the way, we went to the smoking area. The smoking area was an outdoor cafe just before the waiting room. At the cafe, while boys smoke their cigarettes, girls were eating their breakfast. Shienny brought the food from her home, she planned to eat that in the plane, however, she decided to eat there. Ci El was enjoying Fenny's Mom fried noodle, brought and prepared by Fenny.


Done with breakfast, the girls decided to go to the waiting room while we finished our cigarettes. Then we proceed to the waiting room. The checking point before the waiting room was really strict that day. I passed the machine with no problem since i didn't wear watch, glasses, accessories, shoes and I didn't bring any bag with me. Pdik have to proceed through the gate twice, so did alvin, they all have to open their shoes. Juan was the latest, I forgot how many times did he moved pass the censor gate =) remind me, Ju.


We started to panic since the girls sent us a message that we need to be hurry. The gate assistant screamed from the end of the path "PHUKET, LAST CALL, HURRY!!!" so we run. We made it!!! And there you go. The plane took off, they started to sell foods and drinks. Since we need small change (ours were mostly 1000 Baht note), I bought a 50 Baht green tea with 1000 Baht note *LOL*. 

The flight is almost 3 hours long, none of us able to sleep. Fenny borrowed Juan's iTouch and started to play it during the flight. It was hilarious when Juan asked for his iTouch from Fenny and got scolded by Fenny (because she was currently using it). Juan sat back, staring into space and think, then he said: "Itu kan gua punya yah? koq gw yang dimarahin?" - translated: I think it is mine, why did i am the one who got scolded?. The laughter once again burst. After a not-so-short-almost 3 hours flight , we started to see light blue oceans with great rocky islands. There you go, we arrived at Phuket!!!!! At last, it was 1 year awaited trip!!!

Phuket Trip - Final Preparation

When everything were already budgeted and well planned, some even have deposited the tour + petty cash money, we were shocked by the SMS received by Fenny from AirAsia: Our flight was rescheduled to 27 August 2010!!!!


For those who are not aware, we've planned and booked the ticket for Phuket between 26 to 29 August 2010. Yes, that makes it 4 days 3 night, not to mention the only flight on 29 August (Phuket to Jakarta) is early in the morning, which makes our trip 3 days and 3 night!!!!! There were several places that we have to sacrifice due to the short period of visit and now they (AirAsia) has rescheduled us and made it 2 days 2 nights??? I don't think so. When published on blackberry group, almost all of us disappointed and at rage to AirAsia. I try to think clearly, this case was not my first case when flying with AirAsia. This has happened when I visited Bali, they rescheduled my flight to the flight after my scheduled flight, but, when I called, they allow me to flied on the earlier scheduled.


Once I got back home, I called the call center. They put me on hold for one and half hour!!!!! I gone mad. I have to leave home since Alvin and Shienny has picked me to go. With an uncomfortable mood, I called them via mobile phone. What a miracle!!! They directly picked my call without first let me hear the annoying AirAsia waiting music. I confirmed the change in schedule with the officer and request an earlier flight. AirAsia didn't put us in more trouble. In fact, they were friendly and helpful. They put us to the flight on 25 August 2008. Our trip will become 4 days and 4 nights instead of shorter 3 days 3 nights.


For a short period of time, this good change of flight schedule (at least for me) didn't make everybody happy. Some of us were not happy with the change, they prefer the original schedule. Why is that so? Simply because the strict leave policy in their office. It would be troublesome for them to extend their leave. The rest of us are able to suppress the disappointment by encouraging them to propose the leave (even with lies :*satanic laugh*:)


As mentioned in the post earlier, by having longer visit time, we have to book another night at that hotel. Luckily the room is available, however, the price has went up. Since the price was still reasonable, we decided not to choose another hotel. We purchase the extra night for Rp241000 per person (Rp482000 per room).


Having extra time in Phuket, we are not prepared for any schedule, therefor, we decided to rearrange our itinerary:

25 August 2010: 
go to Patong, Simon Cabaret were cancelled because it cost quite much (800 Baht for 2 hours ladyboy show, I don't think so)

26 August 2010:
Phi Phi + Khai Tour (we decided to move this tour from 27 August because we know that this trip will be an energy consuming trip. By having this on our second day, we can have a rather loose schedule on the third day)

27 August 2010:
We decided to just let this day open. Another tour will cost us more money. We have planned a cost estimation and we don't want to move away from the estimated cost. Besides, as mentioned, 2 days of tour in a row will make us extra exhausted.

28 August 2010:
We will have Phuket sightseeing tour ended at Phuket weekend night market.












The cost estimation was 7000 Baht per person (include meals and transport, minus pocket money :D). I asked them to prepare 10000 Baht, 7000 Baht to cover the tour, meals and transports, 3000 Baht for their pocket money. For 'emergency' money, I recommend (its not compulsory) to bring 200 USD since USD is more common.

A week before the D-Day, we gather to have a final briefing. We reminded each other about the schedule, what to bring and several tiny matters. Since we will go island hopping, we try to find a waterproof backpack. The prices of those backpack are SOOOOO expensive T.T. One thing come to my mind. Why don't we just bring a "Lock and Lock" for our wallet and handphones :D Brilliant idea, ain't it? For the extra clothes we simply put it inside a plastic bag :D After a not-so-long discussion (2 hours?) about the number of clothes to bring, should we buy the sunblock here (we decided not to buy it in Jakarta) and a discussion about what to do in our FREE DAY, we went home and just wait for the  D-Day


Note: Thx to tyo for the picture editing ^^