Malaysia - Genting Highlands(Jan. 25-27, 2013)

The Family just had a short, hectic but wonderful weekend vacay in Malaysia
last Jan. 25-27.

Happy to disclose that we got our airfare on sale and our pre-paid 3D2N
accommodation at First World Hotel, Genting Highlands for 2,500PHP only
inclusive of 2 breakfast buffet + 1 dinner buffet. What a very cheap vacation
right? 

Despite our CebPac flight to Malaysia was delayed by 3 hours due to their
technical reasons, we were all up to see Malaysia at midnight.

Though we have not arranged our airport-hotel transfer, different transport to
places in KL are available in the arrival area. Since we arrived at KL LCCT
around 10PM+, we just hired 1 van for the 7 of us going to Genting Highlands
for 450RM.

That almost-midnight trip to Genting Highlands for 1hr and 45 minutes was
breathtaking due to the darkness and the thick fog that covered the area.
What we can only see are the van's front lights following the neon-lighted
road signs. Thank God that our driver was very careful.

Checking-in at the First World Hotel was a swift which made us rest immediately
after the long time of waiting and travel. At 1 in the morning, several food and
coffee shops are still open and of course the casino known as the Las Vegas of
Malaysia - the only place where gambling is not prohibited.

The Family was sooooo excited in the morning to experience the Indoor and
Outdoor Theme parks of the resort. We had our buffet breakfast first in the hotel's
cafe and rushly headed to the theme parks.  I got the unlimited rides for both the
indoor and outdoor theme parks for my son for 49RM and I got mine for 70RM.
Just imagine how tired I was after experiencing most of those rides. 

And here is the map of the Theme parks...

@ the Indoor Theme Park...

 

@ the Outdoor Theme Park...

 

The stores and fantastic views around...

My son insisted to swim in the Rain Forest Splash Pool and he really enjoyed
it despite the coldness around.  We ended the day with our free dinner buffet
@ the hotel's cafe.

On our third and last day, we left the hotel at around  9AM for Kuala Lumpur's
skyscraper - Petronas Twin Towers.

From the First World Hotel, we rode a taxi for 100RM going to the Skyway
cable car ride station from the Highlands Hotel to Gohtong Jaya station.

We enjoyed the  breathtaking views of the highlands through skycable ride for
6RM per person. They say its the fastest cable car ride over a 3.38KM.  Since
we were 7, we occuppied one cable car. Compared to the cable cars of the
Ocean Park and Ngong Ping 360 in HK, I was relaxed here though its quite
fast. I think it was only less than 10-minute ride.

Got this framed photo for 50RM as a souvenir. 

Fontana Water Theme Park(Feb. 23, 2013)

This was The Family's first time in Fontana Water Theme Park and for my son,
it was a water fun blast!!!

The Water Park is located inside the Fontana Hot Spring Leisure Parks
and Casino, Clark Field, Pampanga. It is one of the recreation that
this resort is known for.

Since it was a weekend, we got our tickets for PHP475 but with 30% discount
due to membership privilege.

It has clean shower  and dressing rooms, accommodating staff and
affordable food inside except for the fallen dried leaves since the area has
lots of trees.  What is good is that you can sneak-in food as I haven't noticed
or asked if foods are allowed to be brought inside.

 Photo-op at the entrance...

In the Pirate Ship.

The Water Factory's showers.

The exciting Big Horn Slide Pool...

At the Kiddie Pool where kids can enjoy several slides such as the Frog Slide,
water guns for fun, see-saw and splash into the water.

 

 

At the 3 Giant Aqua Thrill Slides.

At the Wave Pool where my son really enjoyed the every 30-minutes electronically
produced waves.

 

The Lazy River...

Malaysia's Skyscrapers - Petronas Twin Towers (Jan. 27, 2013)

Petronas Twin Towers - seeing the tallest twin towers in the world for 6 years
record, this is one dream came true for The Family.

My son with his favorite Taekwondo stunt on his dobuk costume.

As this was our third and last day in Malaysia, we really reserved this day
to see these iconic twin skyscrapers.

From Genting Highlands via the Genting Skyway to Gohtong Jaya station
then took a bus to KL Sentral then rode the train to KLCC, we didn't leave
Malaysia without seeing this up-close.

In our next visit, we'll surely go up the bridge. 

Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Manila - Chinese New Year Luxury Staycation(Feb9-10,2013)

Big thanks to my sister-in-law for the Chinese New Year celebration experience
in Sofitel - a 5 star luxury staycation indeed.

The bay view from our Superior Room...

The swimming pool and bay view from our Opera Suite Room...

The Family had its buffet outdoor dinner at the Sunset  Bar with a great view
of the famous lagoon-shaped pool, tropical gardens and entertained by local
cultural shows.

 

 My son dancing the Tinikling with his cousin...

The kids did enjoy the bay view, tropical garden, and the playground.

Our 2nd day was filled with surprises Sofitel is offering. Our great gastronomic
experience buffet breakfast at the Spiral.

And what my son really enjoyed is the swimming pool...

To end the stay, here is the photo-op with the dragon dance...

The Family will surely come back to this one great place soon.....

No accomodation and food cost included here as I don't have any idea for
the rates because this was a treat to us.  Just visit Sofitel Manila website for
the rates.