It's a trip to Guilin, China. I have already booked an AirAsia flight and paid RM559 for a return ticket.
Even though the holidays are still about four months away, I am really excited because...
1. I have never been to China before. This will absolutely be my first time there! Woo hoo!
2. I am going with a fellow blogger and his friend. The blogger is none other than Jam! Thanks Jam for inviting me to join you for this trip!
3. It's a 10-day trip! We will be departing from KL on 30th July 2009 and return on 8th August 2009. I have never gone for a holiday for that long! The most is 5 days! Now I can have 10 days of carefree time, without thinking about work and all the stress!
Guess what? Me and Jam would like to invite fellow bloggers from Malaysia to join us for this trip! Well, for one thing, I need someone to share a room with me to save money. Haha!
OK, I guess the main reason is it'll be more fun to go in a group and what's more, it's like a bloggers' trip! How cool is that? And don't forget, you will finally get to see me and Jam in the flesh! Now is that good enough reason to go on this trip with us? Haha!
Now just to whet your appetite, this is what Jam, who is the more experienced traveler, has planned for the trip. Besides Guilin, we would also be visiting nearby Yangshuo and Longsheng. Some of the highlights of our trip are:
1) Guilin numerous peaks such as Elephant-Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave and many others.
2) Li River cruise where you will see some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
3) West Street in Yangshuo.
4) Impression on Liu San Jie, a cultural show directed by the director of Beijing 2008 Olympics opening ceremony.
5) Terraced field in Longsheng.
6) Experience the culture of Miao and Zhuang minority tribe in Longsheng.
7) Visit Xingping, a small fishing village nearby Yangshuo which was once visited by Bill Clinton.
8) And many more!!
I googled some photos of Guilin and came away awed. For those of you who have never been to Guilin, see these photos for yourself!
All the above photos are courtesy of Wikipedia
Want to see more pictures? Click here.
So how much will this trip cost you? Well, if you like staying in 5-star hotels and dining in expensive restaurants, I don't think you would want to join us. That's because we are sort of back-packing on this trip and staying in just 2-star youth hostels or guesthouses. The total costs including airfare, accommodation, transport and food will come to about RM2,000.
However, there are two conditions which you must agree before joining us.
1. We are not to share photos. Make sure you bring your own camera if you wish to take photos!
2. Since Jam and I are private persons and we value our privacy, we will appreciate if you do not post photos of us (including his friend) in your blog or on the internet. However, you may post photos of us with our faces blurred (though I still prefer if you post none at all).
Well, what are you waiting for? Let me or Jam know if you wish to join us for this trip of the year!
FIRST COMMENTER
Yahoo yahoo!!! FC FC FC!!!!
Wah wah wah going for a vakasi some ppl! The longest vacation I had was for 2 weeks in Melbourne he he, didn't wan to go home la after dat! ;)
Guess I will never see ur picture here then eh? ;)
Wow! Now's your turn to go on a holiday.. Cool! :) I've never been to China too.. Would love to go there too. Prepare for a culture shock! Hehe...
Wow, that sounds exciting! 10 days is a long vacation but is enough time to really experience the place. I'm looking forward to seeing your photos of the trip.
wow! da scenery is breathtaking yo!
wish i could join...
but by that time, i will be busy with my thesis niao :(
wowowowowowwowo! Yahooooo! I love vacations and what a vacation to go on!! I am very, very excited for you and look forward to hearing all about it while you are there!!!! Congrats!
Wow..Foong, so nice! I am sure you'll have a great time. I gather July - Aug would be mid summer isn't?
Indeed an added bonus of seeing Jam and Foong in person :) I am definitely looking fwd to reading about your adventures in China!
Oh and another thing..I can't backpack in China. This isn't my cup of tea. But for guys, it's definitely easier. Have loads of fun!!
Even before you go also already got photos. LOL
Have fun vacationing! And don't forget to bring back lots of souvenirs for us! :D
n just when i thought you're posting way too many photographs even though your trip has yet started, so you're recruiting. how i wish to join!
Nice one!
You've never been on a holiday longer than 5 days?? How come?? In my case the longest holiday I've been on so far is 6 months! =)
Anyway you kind of scare us to join you with some restrictions of taking pictures of who's. =)
Wow, sharing a room with you! I guess that effectively narrows down the search to males. :P Anyway, good luck in finding the perfect partner-in-crime! *LOL* And Guilin really does look pretty!
Wow! That's nice! There are alot of beautiful scenery there. Too bad now peak season for me. >.<"
A holiday? Darn it, I'm jealous ... hehehe ... have fun buddy :D
Lucky you. And the pictures of the scenery is so picturesque!
YAY!!!!!! Ha ha ha ha ha so happy la Foong! First time see my avatar here YAY!!!!
Good on you to post up such an interesting post. Already some one joining us? Let me know, ok? BTW, we are not only searching for male travelers. Females can also joining us, and of course we won't ask you to share the room with Foong, haha!
Seems a great place for picture taking :)
Hmm... any gals joining?
If I book the flight now, it will cost more liao...
Hello. Good luck on the trip. I love going out and learn new cultures as well.
I have been to China several times but not yet to Guilin. When you come back and tell me it's good, I will GO! Before you fly there, you have already posted nice photos. Have fun dude!
Aim for beijing next trip, you will love it.
So excited for you. Yes, Guilin is famous for her beautiful scenery. Enjoy! Looking forward to your China series already.
Great idea to lay down the rules upfront - better understanding for an enjoyable holiday.
Let the countdown begin...
Good grief! That's still a longway to go! Personally, if I had the money, I would not go to any place in China! Sorry! LOL!!
har?
RM500 ++ to guilin wor,
so cheap!!!
I paid the same amount, but to BALI nia T______T
whoa a trip for bloggers... no wonder u r so excited... too bad, im not close enough with u guys... if not ill join lor... im afraid that u n Jam will kidnap me :p... kakaka.. hav fun :D
hey remember to take more photos and upload ok!
the airticket is cheap!
woot! u'll be missing in action for 10 days? this is cool.
the views are breathtaking indeed.
Have fun Foong!! ;-) I've been to China but not Guilin..
I want to join but I'll problem for food. I only eat halal food and this will cause a lot of troubles to both of you :(
RM2k for vacation abroad is worth it.
I never been to China too.
u will enjoy yrself. Jam is a nice guy. I so wish i could join u guys but I know Mrs BB will not give me permission and hide my passport ;)
The airticket is cheap. Guilin is a beautiful place.
Not for Singaporeans, cannot join. :(
It's fun to travel together with companion. Make sure take lots of photos and try their local food. :)
Have fun!
I was there ages ago... it's pretty.
Speaking of travel I'm going to Singapore soon... that's overseas too, no? ;)
mariuca, congrats for finally achieving FC on my blog! Haha!
Wow! 2 weeks in Melbourne - I also don't want to return home after such a long holiday!
Nope, don't think I will ever post my picture here as I value my privacy. If want to see me, gotta meet up with me. Haha!
cashmere, haha! Yeah, now it's my turn though it's still a few months away. Maybe you should try China next! Can't wait for you to post some of the photos from your trip! : )
babette, yes, 10 days is definitely enough, though if I have a choice, I don't mind going even longer than 10 days!
annant, too bad! It'll be fun if more bloggers were to join!
heidi, thanks! You sounded more excited than me! Haha! Vacations are nice, aren't they? : )
mei teng, yes it's summer time. Too bad you don't like back-packing, this trip would be a wonderful opportunity for you to take lots and lots of photos! I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun taking all those photos! Maybe you want to consider changing your mind? : )
lina, yeah the photos are there to entice you all to join us lah! Well, if I can afford, sure will bring back lots and lots of souvenirs! : )
levian, haha! yes, the photos to entice you all. And why can't you join us?
gallivanter, thanks! Don't want to join us? : )
rad, 6 months holiday? I wish I can have 6 months holiday! I need to work lah, if not where to get money to go for holidays?
Sorry the restriction of taking our photos scare you, but both Jam and I really value our privacy : )
iamthewitch, I don't mind sharing the room with you if you don't mind! Haha!
Even if you don't mind, I think Saucer will mind! haha!
But seriously, ladies can always book a separate room and if you want to save cost, find another female friend to share room with you : )
shinky, what do you mean by peak season for you? Anyway, thanks for dropping by! : )
nick phillips, don't be jealous! You can go also! Maybe you want to join me? Or you organise a trip to India and invite me? : )
eiling, thanks! Yes, the pictures really attracted me to go there to see the real scenery! : )
mariuca, I'm sure this will not be your last time! : )
jam, I'm afraid so far, no one has agreed to join us. I think I don't mind sharing room with female bloggers, so female bloggers are all welcome! LOL!
harogenki, I'm sure it's a great place for picture taking and photography fans will have a field day taking pictures! Btw, thanks for dropping by! : )
khengsiong, so far only me, Jam and his friend. No gals. You going for a trip or you go 'kow lui'? Haha!
I actually booked the ticket last week. Don't think the price has changed much.
lawstude, thanks! I'm sure you do. Btw, thanks for dropping by! : )
twilight zone, OK, will let you know whether the Guilin trip is good or not! I will love to go Beijing! Maybe next year? : )
happysurfer, thanks! Yes laying down the rules so everyone understands before joining. Wow! Countdown? You make it sound as if it's countdown to some very big event! LOL!
Maybe I should put a countdown clock on my blog! Haha!
suituapui, why are you so against China? It's such a beautiful country! : )
josephine, well Jam got it even cheaper cos he bought the ticket last year! That's why it's good to plan ahead and buy the tickets when it's on promotion! : )
nic, don't worry! You will get close to us during the trip lah! No need to be scared. We definitely won't kidnap you. Muahaha!
lisalicious, will sure do! The ticket is cheap but Jam got it cheaper than me : (
life ramblings, yeah missing in action in Malaysia for 10 days! But will be full of action in Guilin! Haha!
monica, thanks! I will have fun! : )
faisal, aww, that's a pity! I'm not sure whether it's easy to get halal food there. What do you think, Jam?
RM2K is worth it, but don't forget we are back-packing and only staying in 2-star hostels.
bengbeng, I wish you can join us too! Why Mrs BB does not give permission? Maybe you can persuade her? : )
eastcoastlife, Singaporeans can join in too! It's just that for Malaysians, we can go together by meeting up at the airport and go on the same flight together. Maybe Singaporeans can meet us there at Guilin airport.
Will definitely take lots of photos and try their local food. Thanks! : )
synical, yes Singapore is overseas too! Have a great time in Singapore! I also love to visit Singapore! : )
I bet it is going to be fun & exciting since this is your first trip.
Have fun and wish you luck on finding someone to go along with you.
for me, go Penang also go over the sea one. LOL
Replying to Faisal comment: we could possibly eat halal too, we used to eat those in Malaysia anyway. But I dare not to say anything about eating in China. Even though we can order halal food, we don't know what cooking oil they use and also their cooking utensils.
Another thing, Foong is right! Planning ahead always get you cheap air ticket. Now I am planning for 2010 Tibet trip via Chengdu. I will most probably book my ticket when AirAsia launches its KL-Chengdu flight end of this year!
can I come onot? I can share your room but must warn you I snore very loud wan!
:P then we wont ever get to see ur face?
i want to save money to go hokkaido!!!!!
OMG!! advertising here?? sure later you will get overwhelming response till you need to charter the whole plane to go there lu.. haha :)
Hohoho...
Just have to make sure that you got your visa and all your documents are in order. Seems that the visa officers are quite particular.
booo hooo hooo... jealous saya! i m stuck here n u are happily announcing ur holiday! so nice pics there some more.. ai ya ya!!!
Enjoy your trip at the Beautiful Guilin! And don't forget to share with us the photos!
Cheers! :)
Hi there! :)
Oh, this is too cool to be true! Ten days vacation in another land? There's nothing more awesome than that so hope you take pictures and show it to us! And I heard that in China, internet usage is kinda restricted. Don't know much about it!
What amazing places, good luck on that trip! :)
wow!! nice scenic pictures!! But too bad, need to save more money for rainy days especially during this credit crunch period.
It's kinda frustrated. I heard and read about there is a lot of Muslims in China and so with the mosque. Guess I got the wrong information? :(
foong,
Zaini has similar opinion as suituapui. After a few bad experiences in China (actually have to blame the tour guide not the Country itself) he's sworn off China altogether.
for Faisal,
you have to know where to look for food, I suppose and to go to Muslim owned restaurants. Of course, in Malaysia there is plenty of Muslim tours to countries like China & Japan available with visits to the Mosques and Muslim communities in those countries. Otherwise, be vegetarian for a while lor...
Angie,
after the Olympics, getting a China Visa is back to normal i.e. easy - as long as you got $$$, your visa is almost guaranteed. Even getting a multiple 1 year/2 years visa don't need documentation. Just passport & cash only. :D
shionge, yes very exciting indeed! Thanks, but I have yet to find anyone willing to join me!
lina, haha! Like that, you must have gone overseas many times already! : )
jam, I guess it's a bit tricky to find halal food in China. Oh, do let me know when you are buying air tickets to go Tibet - I want to go too!! : )
wuching, I think I snore too but don't know how loud! I think I snore loudest when tired. So yes, you can come. I'll just wear a earplug to sleep. Haha!
xin, I guess not! Unless I decide to show my face one day, who knows? : )
Hokkaido is a nice place to visit - definitely must save money for that. Such an expensive place!!
SK, on the contrary. No one joining us so far! : (
angie tan, is that so? OK, thanks for reminding me : )
merryn, you can join me if you want! Or start planning your own trip : )
robo, thanks! Definitely will post photos on my blog when I return : )
half crazy, thanks! It's awesome indeed! I don't know if the internet access in China is restricted, but it's OK, can always go online only when I return. You know, sometimes you would want to take a break and go offline for a whole week!
Btw, thanks for dropping by! : )
pikey, sorry about that! I guess we all need to save, and here I am, spending money! But this trip is too good to miss! I think it's worth spending over! Besides, I always believe the money will come to me somehow - just believe and it will come true : )
faisal, I think there are Muslims in China but I don't know which part of China. Maybe if you want to follow those tours exclusively for Muslims? Or like Lina said, be vegetarian for a while? : )
lina, what were the bad experiences Zaini encountered in China? Lucky I am not following any China Tours! : )
foong,
just the usual suspect lah - crappy tour guide who can't speak English, exorbitant fees for photo (compulsory have to take & buy), crappy hotel (I found worms in the water when I wanted to soak in the tub), Zaini being harangued by prostitutes (this was ages ago, don't know about now) loitering in front of the lobby, being taken to a place not in the itinerary and cause us delay in getting to Hong Kong... anyway, unlike me, Zaini doesn't like Chinese food & its smell, so China's off our holiday list. :D
Wah so happening ah you and jam. But I don't have the money for such a trip so I have to decline. If anybody wants to have a piece of Islam in China they should visit the Xinjiang Autonomous Region in western Chine.
& not to mention being chased down the road by beggars in Shenzhen!
lina, oh that's horrible! Sorry to hear that you both had such horrible experience! If I were you, I also won't want to go back!
But I think the problem lies in your tour agent - I thought they should make sure the tour guide knows how to speak English, but I guess if most of the travelers are Chinese speaking, they won't bother.
And how could they make it compulsory to buy the photos! I'm sure they tried to earn as much as possible from you all by giving you some lousy hotel and taking you to places not in the itinerary to earn more commissions.
That's why I sometimes don't like to go overseas using tour guides unless they have good reputation.
JL, too bad! Was hoping you could join us! : )
hey there. 1st time drop by.
anyway, my frens will be going to Guilin in July as well! so so so tempted lah ...
i like traveling as much, and long period of holidays are better than short trips, IMO. :)
hope you have a nice one!
wow ull enjoy this lots! ive not been there. hope to see what you see in yr blog :)
War...so good! Can go there for 10 days! I have never been to any foreign country before. Not even SIngapore! I'm so out! =P Anyway your trip sounds fun and interesting! The pict of the scenery is really scintillating! How I wish I can be there too.
i like Yang Shuo to Guilin. I was there twice.
Those places in the pictures are a must see!
J2Kfm, why are you not following your friends to Guilin? It'll be a great holiday, and maybe we can meet up there. Anyway, thanks for dropping by my blog! : )
quachee, I'm really excited with this trip! Will definitely blog about it! :)
tekkaus, maybe you should take the first step? Apply for a passport and visit Singapore! : )
gardenofadam, thanks for dropping by and letting me know what you think of Yangshuo and Guilin. Makes me look forward to this trip even more! Thanks!! : )
ayie, yes they are a must see alrite! Have you been there?
Nope, haven't been there but only in some other part of china and hk. I admire their structures,very well preserved...just like how I see it in my History of Architecture book! haha
i would love to travel around and see all those beatiful places
ayie, I guess they have to preserve the structures as those are tourist attractions and helps bring in the revenue.
You should travel and see those beautiful places, then you can have a blog just focusing on travel in addition to the numerous blogs you already have! : )
I already had it in my list about travel blog but put it on hold since we haven't been travelling much lately. For the meantime those places that I've been will be shared in my photo journal blog.
I believe too that structures should be well preserved, it's a treasure not only for the country so as the designers. I can't imagine if any of my designs will just be demolished...wahh! =D
you know ... this sounds soooo tempting. :)
hahahah ...