Planning your worry-free-vacation :-)

Have you ever felt like banging your head on the wall…all right, that was too extreme. How bout biting your nail fingers because the hotel that you booked a day before suddenly offered 40% disc (even though you were a member of that chain hotel – which in a way was supposed to have some sort of special privilege than the normal customer). I did…not biting off my finger though but the desperation was pretty close to banging my head…on the pillow instead ha ha ha

How bout checking the budget airlines as your morning/night daily routine…trying to figure out whether the desired flight was gonna go up in price…or going down instead on the next day. Unless you have a crystal ball (which I don’t), nobody was able to know about that…so I just kept wondering “should I buy the ticket now…or should I wait a bit longer, who knows they will have another promo in cooking”. That was a constant reminder on my head, played like a broken cassette every time I planned our holiday…since I used to buy our holiday tickets in advance (I am talking about 9-12months in advance…not 1-2weeks *grinning*)

But now, I said bye-bye to those worries since I joined WorldVentures with its DreamTripsLife  product (I promise to tell you about this great travelling concept on my next article…so stay tuned *smile*). Booking my travel needs on my own website (wow…that sounds pretty cool isn’t it…I like saying ‘my own website’ *grinning ear to ear now*) at any time that I want…let it be a week or a month or a year in advance…gives me no worry at all. Yes, you heard me right  :-)   This is all happened due to a breakthrough - patent in progress - technology called RateShrinker, which enables the system (from the moment I complete my booking until the date of my flight/my hotel check in) to scour the internet to find whether my booking has any price drop. In case of any price drop, RateShrinker will automatically refund the difference directly to my cc … superb awesome isn’t it? 

So…have you booked your ticket/hotel for the next holiday? If not…what are you waiting for…sign up as free preferred customer on my web to enjoy the benefit of RateShrinker and kiss goodbye to those worries. See ya   :-)

Merry Christmas everyone and happy holiday :-)

Hello…it’s me again :-) I’ve been neglecting my blog for sometimes but no worry, it’s holiday and holiday means lots of story to tell  :-)  We are in our second week of holiday here…so you guys probably can guess the reason behind me-missing-in-action. So, what is your plan for this holiday? Me? I have plenty to do during this holiday.

Since today is Christmas’ eve and Christmas wont feel like Christmas at all without a gleaming tree. So the very first thing that we did on this holiday was creating a Christmas tree (yes…making a tree instead of decorating it). Basically, we simply wrapped the art wire around a cone (you could make one from thick paper) and glue the decoration and ornaments onto it. See…simple…cheap yet stunning  (^.^)

Next on my list was to finish several romance fictions in paperback (I salvaged those from a second hand book shop) and my ebook collection as well. I have spent days just reading the fiction…on the beach…on my flight…anywhere. This time, my choice fell upon romance stories around Christmas like Harlequin Holiday Collection as well as historical romance fictions. Dont you think that Christmas is a perfect time to be swayed by white-knight-riding-a-horse-kind-of-story   *winking

And during this holiday, we went to my third hometown, Bali yay (>.<)  It’s been 4 years since our last visit…quite a long time and Bali in a way had changed a lot. I will tell you bout our trip to Bali on my next post so stay tuned.

Happy holiday everyone and have a miraculous Christmas…hohoho   

xoxo

(^ * ^)

PS. Since I have problem with my inet connection (I couldnt seem to upload any pics thru my laptop), so I am using the mobile version. Too bad, it didnt allow me to arrange the pics like on the web version (T_T)

Places to visit around Garut

Sourvenir stands

Hello…this time I am gonna write about places to visit around Garut area. Since it was my first time there, so I consulted with Google a lot. We visited some places that were quite near with our hotel. There were still lots of places that we had to skip this time, like the beach (about 90km from our hotel) and many more…but we just keep those for our next visit *crossing fingers

Well then, I would list the places in alphabetical order as follow

Bukit Alamanda Resort& Resto

Actually we incidentally found this place. Located strategically on top of hill, the view from this resort was breath-taking, overlooking the vast hill and mountains at far (I would recommend you to visit this place during sunset). The facilities here were complete as well (though I didn’t ask about the amenities in the room) but swimming pool and kids playground were available. The starting rate for a nite is around IDR 850k – IDR 2000k (for weekend) and IDR 600k – IDR 1.500k (during weekday) and the light snack and beverages in the resto was reasonable as well.

The view inside Danau Dariza resort

Danau Dariza Resort

One of the famous spot for tourist, this resort was uniquely designed. Either it was natural or man-made, the cottage buildings were facing each other across the small lake. The cottage building itself were designed according to Indonesia’s traditional signature building like the Rumah Minang from Sumatra Barat, Balinese style cottage, and many more. Though they provide landed access, but the most interesting about this place was the canoeing around the lake and/or public facilities around the resort.

Rafting on Danau Situ Bagendit

Danau Situ Bagendit

About 30 minutes drive from our hotel, the area of this lake was vast (and heard it was owned by a single person wow). This lake had its story but hearing it from me wouldn’t do the justice than hearing directly from the local. As public tourism spot, the place was well-managed (all aspect considered) but still, there were lots of room for improvement. The major attraction here were the ‘rafting’. The ‘raft-man’ will row the raft to the middle of the lake for a break (yes…you could have your afternoon tea break in the middle of the lake). There were food stalls around the lake…all are on the raft. It was quite unique experience and you should try it out next time. 

Serene view @ Kampung Sampireun

Kampung Sampireun

As top must-visit-place around Garut, Kampung Sampireun obtained its reputation on the ongoing effort in serving the best for its guests. This 5mins drive from our hotel was heaven on earth…calm lake with idle boats around, connecting one beautifully designed cottage to another. There were stage in the middle of the lake, which was having a recital of traditional dance when we visited the place. The going rate is IDR 2.415k for 1 bedroom and terrace cottage, up to IDR 5.500k for 3bedrooms suites, including breakfast and buffee dinner, as well as morning and afternoon snack. You will be totally pampered during your stay here…absolutely stunning (though visit during rainy days would be troublesome…I guess).

The view from the Mulih Ka Desa resto

Mulih ka Desa

As the newest accommodation around Garut, Mulih Ka Desa also has established its reputation as a back-to-nature resort. The facilities were limited but they have outdoor space to do team-work activities. Beside, the resto was quite ok in term of taste and price. The published rate starts from IDR 900k until IDR 1.000k for weekend with 50% off for weekday.

boiling hot spring >.<

Tirtagangga HotSpring Resort Hotel

Located near Danau Dariza, this resort features the hot spring pool (boiling spring I would say – it reddened my legs into a nice pink color – just like a well boiled prawn LOL when I only dipped my legs for few secs).

Restaurant that we visited but too bad...i forgot the name LOL

Enjoy Garut   :-)

Frozen movie

After spending hours of intensive study, last weekend, I took the girls to the cinema…to watch Frozen which they had been waiting for. This time, we chose 3D version in which I hardly felt the 3D effect (very limited)…so if you are gonna watch the 2D version, you won’t miss much. As expected from another work of Disney, the story line was more or less very predictable. The very first guy that you met, turned out to be a jerk and a guy who you thought as a very dependable friend…was actually more than being a friend. Again, Disney took us on a journey of finding a true love that led to a happily ever after ending   ^^   Oh…I wish life was just like that…is it a wistful wish?

Anyway, there were several things that I like from the movie. The first will be the music and songs…oh I LOVE those. This is the first movie which made me checked itunes store right after I got out from the cinema…since it would take forever for the album to be released here. I was entranced from the opening of the movie with some kind of music that I originally thought as a new age genre…turned out to be an old-folk music of Norway…awesome   *hearing Let it go of Demi Lovato while I am writing this*

Second to that, I was totally impressed with the magically beautiful construction of the animation. The snowflakes, the ice castle, the frozen trees’ leaves which dangled just like a glistening chandelier. I really love the artwork…totally awesome. Geez…should find another word for awesome…used it so many times already he he he. I forgot who I was…oohhh-ing and aaahhh-ing together with my girls every time Elsa did her ice magic.

And the last, I love the element of surprise given by any Disney movie. This time, we were entertained by a simple 10minutes short movie of Mickey Mouse and friends…in black and white screen. So nostalgic…seeing the old (but brand new movie) on cinema screen. My youngest kept asking me questions…mom, u didn’t buy the wrong ticket did u?...mom, is this really frozen movie?...mom, is this an ad?. She was so confused…seeing Mickey there on the screen (she has memorized the Frozen trailer and no Mickey at all in there LOL).

All things considered, Frozen is the best movie for family bonding time. Especially with its ‘only true love act that can melt a frozen heart’, Disney has helped me teaching my girls about sacrifice. Again…another well done movie from Disney   *clapping hands

Hunger Games 2 - Catching Fire movie

Finally...after a year long wait...Hunger Games 2 - Catching Fire was released last Thursday.  As usual...without further ado...I bought 2 tickets for IMAX screen show. The news and update...as well as the thriller affirmed a good enticing show. Moreever, on this second series of Suzanne Collins famous fiction promised more action...more affection...and intense feeling (well, at least that was what I felt after reading the book).

The movie was started deep in the forest where Katniss was hunting.  Ice covered rocks glistened under the sun...a perfect setting for the opening. Though president Snow's visit successfully ruined it all. Then the victors were whisked away on the train for victor's tour then president Snow dropped the bomb (not literally though). So it was decided that the 75th hunger games or 3rd quarter quell would be picked from the existing victors pool. As expected, Katniss and Peeta were selected and had to fight for their lives...against the veteran and experienced victors.

In short, the movie could be said as the genuine interpretation of the fiction. It shows adequate intro prior the quarter quell...so if you dont read the book...no worry...you will still understand the movie. However...since the intro was quite long...therefore the games itself was pretty short. The ending was too flat as a wrap up of the whole movie but again...I was satisfied with the movie. I didnt have much expectation for the final Mockingjay but I am willing to wait to see whether I am right or will I be surprised next year.

Kebun Mawar Situ Hapa - Garut

Hi…how are we doing? Me…busy as usual…or unusually been busy lately  :-) Anyway, I would like to share about my latest trip to Garut…yes…Garut, a small city 1 hour drive from Bandung. We went there during the last long weekend to celebrate my oldest girl’s birthday. She didn’t want to celebrate it in her school and rather having quality time somewhere (or actually she rather spent her birthday at the hotel somewhere). Actually we intended to visit Garut from sometimes ago but again…always postponed. So this time, 4 days off were enough to spend somewhere not too far but not too close as well…Garut had been the best option (we were getting sick of crowded Bandung or Puncak anyway). Last minutes booking gave us trouble, all our preferred hotels were sold out already…but we managed to book a room at Kebun MawarSitu Hapa Resort (another hotel on my wishlist).

Simple room

with simple furniture as well

We started our trip early, at 7.30am and due to ‘not-too-smart-GPS’, we were directed to small road (1 exit after Pasteur toll exit). After 5hours of drive (but we only need 4hours of drive when we went home via Nagrek), we were kinda lost and had to call the hotel several times. Finally, we arrived at the hotel and were welcome by a cluster of colorful poppies with butterflies flying around…wow…awesome (uppss did I mention some bees were in the party as well?). I fell in love with the place already. Small parking lot was located directly in front of small wooden bungalow which serves as the front office. The sourvenir shop was located right beside the front office, a small place selling tshirt or mug with flowers on it. There were crowds who came only to visit the rose garden, with IDR 15k per pax for entrance ticket. No time limitation for garden visitor so you definitely can feast your eyes, mind and soul as long as you need. But for me, the real experience was to stay there right in the middle of the garden.

There were lots of pic...but i cant put all of them here...so here are my pick  :-)

Moving along with other visitors, we were taken to ‘resort guest only’ section. We stayed at damascene (with IDR 1.120k per night for weekend and IDR 700k per night for weekday). Tax, breakfast for two and afternoon coffee (accompanied with yummy fried banana with cheese and cinnamon palm sugar topping) were included as well. There were other type of room like Geranium which was smaller and cheaper, and other type which will be perfect for bigger family too. Damascena (aka damask rose – a hybrid rose with complicated petals but yet astonishing – and you will find lots of variance here in the garden – just make sure you have your camera ready with you *grinning*) is a bungalow with studio type of room with king size bed, en-suite bathroom (which was pretty big) and private open front terrace overlooking the nursery (where I spent all morning just sitting there – sipping my hot chocolate – seeing nothing in particular but just enjoy the greenery in front of me). All bungalows are wooden with simple built-in wooden furniture too. Soft color with basic amenities and simple decoration were in place. There were no mini bar, hair drier, cable tv, internet / wifi (and the mobile phone signal were pretty bad too – due to its location – on top of the mountain)  and of course no AC (the whether at night and early morning was quite cold – so don’t forget your jacket or extra warmer though at noon, especially during summer can be unbearable hot). 

The bungalow location was pretty secluded (some noise from the garden can be carried over) but it was quite spooky at night with less light/lamp. Rows of canna were lining up in front, separating the bungalows with the rose nursery. In the middle of the nursery, you could see the small maze (easy piece). At far, there is a green hill. The other side of the bungalow was next to sparse forest, no worry, I didn’t see any wild animal bigger than iguana…even though there were lots of ‘weird’ spider between the leaves (not small spider that we found at the corner of our house but bigger one…much much bigger *not to scare you but the spiders were hairless so I assumed it wasn’t dangerous as long as you didn’t disturb their habitat). 

Near the restaurant (open air one), there was a pond with lots of papyrus, water lili, lotus and several toads and fish too. Unusual trees and flowers could be found here and there (like pine tree in bluish shade – ehm). But the main attraction here was the rose garden with lots of variety of rose, from baby rose to rose bigger than my palm, as well as other flowers like dahlia, geranium, sweet pea, chrysanths, lantana, hibiscus, and many bee-attracting wildflower too…and many more that I didn’t know the names. In short…it was really an awesome place for anthophilous (is it the term for flower lover?). So…if you are in dire need for a relaxing space…to calm your mind and soul…I would recommend you to visit this resort. Not much facilities compared to other nearby hotels (and definitely a bit pricey too) but just basking under the sunrise in early morning with wet grass under your feet…smelling the sweet fragrance of those flowers…seeing the flower blooming with sheen of dew…bird chirping cheerfully…toad croaking endlessly…lets not forgetting the cricket’s noisy but calming sounds too…my girls were running around laughing… buzzing bees around you J So…if you find ants lining at one of the wall or having a bug bites…well it’s included in the package as well…just take it and enjoy :-)

Kebun Mawar Situ Hapa 

Jln Raya Kamojang Km 5, kecamatan Samarang, Garut 44161

0262 - 470 6006