Today we did what so many Singaporeans do when the itch to get away strikes.

We pointed the car north and headed for Kuala Lumpur from Desaru.

It’s the classic escape.

KL is big enough that there’s always something new to find, and familiar enough that it feels a bit like a second home.

Whether it’s for the food, the shopping, or just a change of scenery, the city keeps pulling us back.

As always, we checked in at our favourite place in the city, The RuMa Hotel and Residences.

There’s something about arriving here that makes the whole trip feel real. The long drive melts away, the bags get dropped, and you can finally exhale.

We kept the first day simple. A little swim to shake off the road fatigue, then a proper Nasi Lemak dinner.

Nothing fancy, just fragrant coconut rice, sambal with the right kick, crispy anchovies and a perfectly fried egg. Sometimes the simplest comfort food is the best welcome to a city.

After that, we rested.

This trip isn’t just a getaway.

There are a lot of decisions to be made over the next few days, and we’re not sure yet how they’ll play out. We’ll take it one day at a time and see where it leads.

For now, the pool is calm, the stomach is full, and the bed is calling.

We’ll see how it goes.

• Related: 01- Our Singapore to Türkiye Overland Adventure Begins
• Related: 02 – Our Overland Adventure starts from Johor Bahru
• Support us: Buy us a Coffee

Stay tuned.

@_fatstarfish Today we headed north to every Singaporean favourite hang out.. Kuala Lumpur. Checked in to our favourite place in KL. @The RuMa Hotel and Residences Had a little swim, nasi lemak dinner and rest thereafter. A lot of decisions to be made in the next few days. We will see how it goes. Stay tuned. #overland #travel #toyotahilux #vanlife ♬ original sound – Fat Starfish

The post 03 - Our Overland Adventure from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur first appeared on Fat Starfish.

Our first video went mini viral yesterday, and we’re still a little stunned.

A number of friends and family messaged us with well wishes, and it really warmed our hearts.

Thank you, truly.

Knowing so many of you are cheering us on makes the whole journey feel even more real.

A lot of you also had loads of questions: about the route, the Hilux, the planning, how we pulled this off, and what happens next.

We love the curiosity!

We’ll try our best to reply to your messages and comments, but no promises if we’re feeling lazy like a Fat Starfish.

Please bear with us, and know that we read everything.

Today is our slow day, and we’re making the most of it from our base at Hard Rock Hotel Desaru.

We have been wanting to check out this resort for a very long time.

The room we got was clean and situated at a quiet corner. The heated pool with underwater music was just amazing!

There’s no driving, no packing and no schedule. We took our time over the buffet breakfast spread, played a few games, and spent a good while in the pool.

We managed to leave the children at the ‘No Parents Allowed’ Kids Club!

We squeezed in some exercise as we need to keep the energy up for the long road ahead and a little home schooling too, because learning doesn’t stop just because we’re on an adventure.

Mostly, we just lepak.

And it’s funny how time flies, even when you’re not doing much at all.

The hours slip by between a swim, a snack and a game, and suddenly the day is almost over.

These quiet, easy days are part of the journey too.

They give us a chance to breathe, reset and take it all in before the next stretch of road.

More soon.

• Related: 01 – Our Singapore to Türkiye Overland Adventure Begins
• Support us: Buy us a Coffee

For now, we’re going back to being Fat Starfish.

The post 02 - Our Overland Adventure starts from Johor Bahru first appeared on Fat Starfish.

We said goodbye to our trusty Golden Suzuki APV.

We packed our worldly possessions into storage. And in their place, we bought a Toyota Hilux.

The plan is to drive it overland all the way to Türkiye.

This isn’t a spur of the moment decision. We’ve been dreaming, planning, researching and re planning for a very long time.

We’ve pored over maps, mapped out routes, compared border crossings, and talked about it over countless cups of kopi until it started to feel like a story we were telling ourselves rather than something we’d actually do.

And now, finally, it’s happening.

There’s a lot we still don’t know.

The roads ahead, the people we’ll meet, the things that will go wrong (and they will), and the moments that will take our breath away.

But that’s exactly what makes it exciting. We’re leaving the comfort of a settled life for the open road, with a full tank, a packed truck and a lot of curiosity.

We’ll be sharing it all here.

The planning and the preparation, the beautiful stretches and the bumpy ones, the food, the borders, the detours and the lessons learned along the way.

So come join us on our adventure and see how far we go.

Whether you’re an armchair traveller or dreaming of your own overland journey, we’d love to have you along for the ride.

The post 01 - Our Singapore to Türkiye Overland Adventure Begins first appeared on Fat Starfish.

Photo: Pan Pacific Orchard

Some hotels are just places to sleep. Others are experiences.

And then there’s Pan Pacific Orchard, which feels like stepping into the future of luxury travel.

Recently crowned the World’s Best New Skyscraper, Pan Pacific Orchard isn’t just a hotel—it’s a vertical resort, a piece of living architecture, and one of the most visually striking places we’ve ever stayed.

From the moment we arrived for our little staycation, it was clear this wasn’t going to be an ordinary city stay.

Set along Singapore’s iconic Orchard Road, Pan Pacific Orchard stands out instantly—but not in the typical glass-and-steel way.

Instead, the building rises in layers of lush greenery, open-air terraces, and cascading gardens, making it feel more like a vertical jungle than a high-rise hotel.

Each “layer” of the building represents a different landscape—Forest, Beach, Garden, and Cloud—and somehow, it all works seamlessly. Walking in, there’s a sense of calm that’s rare for such a central location.

The city noise fades, replaced by water features, greenery, and natural light pouring in from every angle.

The Room: Elevated, Literally and Figuratively

Look at those smug faces

Our room was everything you’d expect from a luxury Pan Pacific stay—spacious, beautifully designed, and incredibly comfortable—but with a fresh, modern edge.

Think: Floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping city views Soft, neutral tones that let the architecture shine Thoughtful details that make the space feel both luxurious and livable

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Waking up to the Singapore skyline, wrapped in crisp white linens, was a highlight on its own. It felt indulgent, but never overdone—the perfect balance of comfort and style.

Our kids, Seth & Nadine were just in awe of the whole experience and they just did not want to leave the hotel.

The Pools: Resort Living in the Sky

Photo: Pan Pacific Orchard

One of Pan Pacific Orchard’s biggest showstoppers? The Swimming Pools.

This isn’t just one rooftop pool—it’s multiple elevated pool experiences woven throughout the building’s layers.

Each one feels distinct, surrounded by greenery and open space, making it easy to forget you’re in the middle of a bustling city.

Whether it was a morning dip with the sun filtering through the trees or an afternoon spent lounging poolside, this was resort-style relaxation taken to a whole new level.

Dining & Atmosphere: Sophisticated, Yet Effortless Dining at Pan Pacific Orchard follows the same philosophy as the rest of the hotel—refined, intentional, and effortlessly stylish.

The spaces feel social without being loud, elegant without being stiff.

The breakfast buffet offers local and international fare and it made us feel perfectly at home.

Why It Deserves the Title Calling Pan Pacific Orchard the World’s Best New Skyscraper isn’t just about how it looks (although it is stunning).

It’s about how it reimagines what a city hotel can be—blending sustainability, luxury, architecture, and nature into one unforgettable experience.

This isn’t just a place to stay.

It’s a destination in itself.

If you’re planning a trip to Singapore and want a hotel that feels iconic, immersive, and truly special, Pan Pacific Orchard should be at the top of your list.

It’s bold without being flashy, luxurious without being intimidating, and unforgettable in the quiet, lasting way that the best travel experiences always are.

The post Pan Pacific Orchard - Our Stay at the World's Best New Skyscraper first appeared on Fat Starfish.

Rather than flying, we opted for the flexibility and fun of driving, and the journey turned out to be just as memorable as the destination.

Our trip began in Johor Bahru, where we arranged a rental car through TM Holiday. The process was refreshingly convenient. They picked us up right from Singapore and accompanied us through the border checkpoint. Once we cleared customs, the car was officially handed over, and just like that, our journey began.

We took the fastest route north to Kuala Lumpur, where we spent two nights soaking up the city’s vibrant energy and sampling its incredible food scene. But that chapter deserves a story of its own. After a short but satisfying KL stopover, we hit the road again in the early morning, heading east toward the tranquil coastline of Kuantan.

We made a few stops along the way for quick sightseeing—charming roadside towns, lush stretches of greenery, and local eats—but truth be told, we were eager to reach our destination:

The Kasturi Resort Cherating.

Tucked away along the unspoiled shores of Chendor Beach in Pahang, The Kasturi is a secluded five-star beachfront resort that instantly took our breath away. Designed as a harmonious blend of land and sea, this hidden gem offers panoramic views of the South China Sea to the east, with the forested headland of Tanjong Geliga framing the sunrise. Behind the villas lies a verdant rainforest, giving the entire resort an almost dreamlike sense of isolation and serenity.

The resort itself is intimate and exclusive, with only 23 villas and suites spread across 15 acres of beachfront property. It’s designed with luxury and sustainability in mind, creating a space that invites you to disconnect from the chaos of daily life without sacrificing modern comforts. Every detail—from the architecture to the landscape—feels thoughtfully curated to enhance the natural surroundings.

One of the most enchanting features is the stretch of 800 meters of private beach, backed by gently forested dunes. To the north, the beach continues for nearly another kilometer, all the way to the estuary of Sungai Pak Siak—a perfect trail for morning walks or peaceful evening jogs.

It was there, in those quiet morning hours, that Shahrom managed to get a few photos from his camera. Overhead, sea eagles soared gracefully, while at night, fireflies flickered along the winding walkways of the resort.

The beach holds its own stories too.

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Locals come here for fishing, and the area is a known nesting ground for endangered green turtles.

We booked ourselves a three-bedroom Forest Villa—one of the newest and most spacious additions to The Kasturi. Nestled within the lush greenery of the rainforest just steps from the beach, these double-storey family villas offer the perfect blend of seclusion and luxury.

Designed with families or groups of friends in mind, each villa features three well-appointed bedrooms and three elegant bathrooms, ensuring plenty of space and privacy for everyone.

The villa comes complete with its own private pool and a generous outdoor dining deck—ideal for long, leisurely meals surrounded by nature. Inside, the open-concept lounge area is both stylish and inviting, a comfortable space to unwind and connect. The interiors are a celebration of refined Asian design, with carefully selected natural materials and textures, complemented by exquisite artworks that lend a sense of warmth and authenticity.

Whether you’re traveling with family or sharing a getaway with close friends, the Forest Villa offers an exceptional retreat—where comfort, beauty, and tranquility come together in perfect harmony.

We spent two serene nights at The Kasturi, fully embracing the opportunity to rest and recharge. Our mornings began with peaceful walks along the quiet beach, followed by a delightful à la carte breakfast buffet that offered both local favorites and international treats.

One of the highlights of our stay was releasing turtles by the shore—a truly special and memorable experience for all of us.

Seth and Nadine were absolutely thrilled with the entire stay, from the villa’s private pool to the wonders of nature just outside our doorstep.

It was a getaway that checked all the boxes, and looking back, we couldn’t have made a better choice.

• Check out: The Kasturi Cherating Rates

Till next time. Safe travels.

The post Our Quiet & Serene Stay @ The Kasturi Resort Cherating first appeared on Fat Starfish.

Ann and I have been dreaming of a Campervan holiday for a very long time. We did a lot of research on campervan holidays in countries like New Zealand and South Africa, and most of them were ridiculously expensive and out of our budget.

• Related: South Africa – Bungee Jumping off the Bloukrans Bridge

Ann chanced upon campervan holidays in Japan and began researching. And with Flyscoot having promotions to Japan. We thought why not. We pre-booked all our flights and campervan months ahead and got away with some incredible deals.

We also managed to partner with Changi Recommends to provide us with a wifi router with unlimited data to stay connected with friends and family back home as well as to connect us to our GPS.

Find out more at our link below.

• Related: Enjoy Unlimited Data For Your Next Travels With Changi Recommends Wifi Router

Friends and family have been asking us about our Campervan adventures. So here are some highlights of our Japan Campervan trip.

Tokyo

As soon as we landed at Narita International Airport, we made our way to the train station and bought tickets to our campervan provider, JapanCampers. We have pre-booked with them months ahead and they were expecting us.

Check out the link below for more info on our Campervan.

• Related: Explore The Land Of The Rising Sun With JapanCampers

We stayed the night at the guesthouse not before stuffing ourselves with delicious Japanese cuisine and stocking up snacks from the local supermarket.

Mount Fuji

We really did not have any itinerary for this trip and just wanted to go with the flow. But one thing is for sure, we would like to visit Mount Fuji. After settling our paperwork with JapanCampers, we set our GPS and off we go.

Most of the time, we would try to avoid toll highways as they can be very expensive and take our time to soak in the beauty of Japan via the small or countryside roads.

How to make your kid look like Mount Fuji?

We spent most of our first-day drive checking out Mount Fuji from various spots as we drove along the eastern coastal route and took many photos along the way.

Sagara Koumare Onsen Kaikan

One of the activities that we wanted to do was to visit an Onsen. Our friends at JapanCampers downloaded an Onsen App on the Ipad provided to us and it shows more than 3000 Onsens or bathhouses scattered around Japan.

We could not believe that for as little as USD$5, you can spend the whole day at an Onsen scrubbing yourselves clean and dipping in the geothermal pools. We never knew finding a place to bathe while Campervanning was this easy!

These onsens also have restaurants to cater to the visitors.

Every night without fail,  Ann and I would end up in an Onsen. And we would have our meals there too! You have to experience it!

Sagara Koumare Onsen Kaikan was the first Onsen in Japan that we stepped into.

It is situated in the middle of nowhere surrounded by trees. We thought we were going to be disappointed.

We stripped to our birthday suits and it was a pleasant eye-opening experience.

The in-house restaurant here too had one of the best deep-fried calamari.

• Tip: There are rules to follow while you are in an Onsen. Learn about them before you enter one.

After our bath, we drove towards Omaezaki where we slept in a parking lot specifically for Campervan drivers like us.

Best of all it is free.

You just need to download one of the many Japan camping apps available on your smartphone to find them.

Omaezaki

Omaezaki Fish Market

The next morning we drove to Omaezaki Fish Market and checked out their daily catch.

There were not many people as we expected, so we had the whole market to ourselves checking out the fish as well as the workers doing their business.

We saw tons of pacific ocean fish and how Bonito flakes were made here at this market.

Omaezaki Lighthouse

One of the highlights of the Shizuoka Prefecture is the Omaezaki Lighthouse built in 1635 at the extreme end of Cape Omaezaki.

The lighthouse was built by British engineer Richard Henry Brunton due to the frequency of marine accidents on the rocks off the coast of Tōtōmi Province.

For a small fee at the entrance, you can walk up the Lighthouse and enjoy the scenic views of the Pacific Ocean.

Hamaoka Sand Dunes

Hamaoka Sand Dunes is a tourist attraction near the coast.

It is a naturally occurring dune brought by winds over a very long period of time.

We did not do much there except to snap some photos and just chill on the windy beach.

Takoman Atelier

After the long walk up the lighthouse and Hamaoka Sand Dunes, we wanted to grab a bite.

We saw a signboard to a fruit farm and as we followed the directions, we saw a cafe in the middle of a cemetery.

Yes, a cemetery!

We ordered coffee and a Margherita pizza.

To our astonishment, the simple plain looking tomato-based pizza tasted deliciously out of this world that we ordered a 2nd pizza and had lunch instead!

The thin-crusted pizza was very chewy and together with the tomato base and herbs, it created an explosion of flavors in our mouths.

We seriously recommend this cafe.

They have several outlets in Japan.

You can check them out at this Link.

Hamamatsu Air Base

Hamamatsu Air Base is a military airbase which includes a museum at the premises.

There are a constant take-off and landing of several Japanese fighter jets and self-defence aeroplanes at the strip where it is open to the public to view.

It is a great place for kids who love to watch aeroplanes fly by and landing.

We saw many families here enjoying an afternoon stroll with their children.

Entry to the museum is free, however, most of the explanation videos and signboards are in Japanese.

Raku Hot Spring

To sum up the day, we retreated to an Onsen with a Hot Spring and had our meals there too.

The hot spring really helps to clear the knots in your body and makes you feel relaxed.

After every Onsen bath, we would sleep in our Campervan like a baby.

Ann even said that I snored the night away too!

Denpark Anjo City

To end the night, we checked our app and found a place to sleep. The location is outside “little Denmark” known as Denpark in Anjo City.

There are many activities, Danish landmarks as well as a tulip farm in the park but we did not go in as we had to pay.

We would rather go to Denmark and see the real thing.

Nagoya

Bulan Bali

We left early in the morning and headed towards Nagoya city. We ended up at a Balinese restaurant called Bulan Bali.

We rarely eat another country’s food outside of the host country but we were already too tired from the driving and a bowl of mee soto could do no harm.

Surprisingly, the meals here are as authentic as you get them in Bali. However, the prices aren’t.

The restaurant is Halal too but they do serve alcohol.

Yamagoya Restaurant – Matsusaka Yakiniku

I have been watching documentaries on steaks and one of the most sought-after beef in Japan is known as the Matsusaka beef.

The beef is from the Japanese Black Cattle (wagyu) reared under strict conditions in the Matsusaka region in Mie.

The beef has one of the highest fat to meat ratio and it would melt in your mouth like pieces of butter when you grill it.

Only a limited number of cows are slaughtered each year and the beef commands a very high price and rarely exported overseas.

As we had no plans, Ann and I drove to Matsusaka in search of the beef.

We ended up at Yamagoya Restaurant which serves Matsusaka Beef Yakiniku (bbq) style.

The beef was one of the best highlights of our trip. Ann keeps dreaming of the beef until today.

• Tip: Order the chocolate ice cream here too. A sweet end to the meaty dinner.

Julie, the co-owner and wife of the chef who runs the restaurant is a Filipino and she speaks English well even though she says she has forgotten the language after more than 15 years living in Japan.

Do check the place out if you ever pass by this region.

watching our clothes dry

After our hearty Matsusaka Yakiniku meal, we went for a bath at an Onsen and parked our Campervan outside a laundromat.

The next day we took it slow, did our laundry, chilling out watching our clothes dry and head to Nara.

Who knew even a visit to the laundromat can be therapeutic.

Nara

Farmers Market in Iga

soaking in the sun

As we head to Nara, we stopped at a farmer’s market in Iga where Ann bought oranges and snacks.

We had a mini picnic as we basked in the sun in an empty field near the market.

Sun is up and a packet of oranges, what more can you ask for.

Nara Park

 

Ok no more #japan #travelfromsg #narapark #deerpark #vanlife #travelstories

A post shared by Fat Starfish (@fatstarfish_) on Dec 3, 2017 at 6:03am PST

Nara Park needs no introduction.

They are best known for the free-roaming deers where you can feed them.

I had loads of fun here feeding these gentle creatures.

Not for Ann though, she’s constantly worried about deers creeping behind her.

This park, however, can be very packed with tourists, especially on the weekends.

Jinniyah Nara

We got tired feeding the deers at Nara Park and we decided to feed ourselves. Jinniyah Naramachi is a Halal eatery located within walking distance of the park.

The menu is limited and they only serve Ramen and Chicken Teriyaki bowls.

I had the Ramen while Ann had the Chicken Teriyaki bowl.

The Ramen was ok to us but the star of the show would be the Chicken Teriyaki bowl.

Tender, juicy marinated chicken cooked over charcoal had us drooling for more.

It was so good that they stopped selling the chicken by itself without the rice.

Higashimuki Shopping Street

Higashimuki Shopping Street is a popular covered shopping street in Nara.

After our meal at Jinniyah, we had a little stroll here window shopping as well as gorging on street food.

There is a small booth that sells one of the best-tasting Takoyaki we ever had.

Just follow the smells and we assure you will find it.

Osaka

Konami Sports Club

The first place we went to upon arriving in Osaka was to find an Onsen.

Konami Sports Club is an onsen cum sporting facility in the city.

By now, visiting an Onsen has become second nature to us.

Something, we look forward to at the end of our day.

We bathed and scrubbed ourselves before feeling hungry and drive out to look for dinner.

Matsuri

We had been informed by our friends of a little Japanese Halal Restaurant in Osaka called Matsuri and decided to check the place out.

They sell Halal Kobe beef rice bowls to teh tarik located in the heart of Osaka.

Ann ordered the Okonomiyaki while I ordered the Dry Curry Rice with Chicken Karaage.

The Chicken Karaage was tender, juicy on the inside and had a nice crispy outer coating.

It was so good that we ordered additional servings of the chicken.

One of the guys working there named Yuki is able to speak multiple languages including Bahasa Indonesia and we had a nice chat with him.

A must-visit place if you are in Osaka.

Family Mart aka Famima

Look out for this signboard if you want to sleep for the night outside Famima

In Japan, as long as you legally park your vehicle, you can sleep in it.

We realised that many Japanese who are travelling across the country usually sleep at a Michi no Eki, (rest stops at a highway) or convenience stores that allow overnight parking.

For us, we prefer sleeping outside 7-11 or another convenience chain store called Family Mart aka Famima.

Why do we like to sleep outside Famima?

Apart from clean toilets and dim lighting for us to have a good night’s rest, Famima has a variety of snacks and their caramel latte in the morning is the best wake up call for the long drives ahead. We can never thank Famima enough for their wonderful hospitality.

Nakanoshima Fishing Port

We found a fresh seafood place known as the Nakanoshima Fishing Port where you can get fresh sashimi, hot pot and various seafood tempura.

This place is still under the radar that even the locals did not know about it.

• Related: Nakanoshima Fishing Port – Live Seafood Market in Osaka Minus The Tourists

You can choose the live seafood yourself and the chefs would cook it accordingly.

During the night, there is live music, outdoor BBQ and many activities here.

We didn’t stay until late and only had a wonderful seafood lunch here.

Highly recommended!

Dotonbori

Ann & The Glico Man

Since it’s been awhile that we have been away from civilisation, we headed to Dotonbori a famous shopping belt in Osaka.

It is a super touristy place and it can get very very crowded with shoppers.

Ann and I were not looking forward to any shopping but we decided to stroll around and eat some street food and just enjoy the city sights.

Gram Pancakes

You have probably seen it on your Instagram feed, the jiggly pancakes from Japan.

It is rated as one of the must-eat snacks while you are in Japan.

We decided to try it out and while there is a waiting list to eat this sweet pancake, we managed to get a slot.

The souffle pancakes come in 3 stacks and as you shake the plate, the pancakes will jiggle.

The pancakes are very light, with an airy texture and have a creamy taste.

The pancakes are only available during certain time slots as they take quite some time to make this sweet dessert.

So do book your slots in advance.

Luke Lobster Roll

As we walked around the Shinsaibashi area (covered street mall) we came across a lot of people with lobster rolls in one hand and the other with their phones taking a selfie.

So we got tempted to try it!

We have tried lobster rolls in Singapore before and decided to give Luke Lobster Roll a try.

• Related: Pince & Pints: A Must Try Succulent Lobster Restaurant in Singapore

While it was not as good as the Singapore version we had, it was a fraction of the cost compared to the Singapore one.

Calbee Plus

Calbee Plus is a cafe run by the popular Japanese snack brand Calbee.

Here you can get freshly fried chips on-site, dipped in Royce chocolate and other flavours too.

We tried the octopus flavoured chips and after stuffing our faces the whole day we proceeded to an Onsen and later managed to find a 7-11 to end our stomach fulfilling day with a good night’s rest!

Kyoto

Asakusa Shrine

We then drove to Kyoto and headed to the city known for its many shrines.

Asakusa Shrine is one of the most famous shrines in Kyoto. 

The shrine honours the three men who founded the Sensō-ji.

Asakusa Shrine survived the Tokyo air raids during world war 2 in 1945.

Because of this rich history, it was designated as an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese government in 1951.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Lucky Shot with No Tourists

Fushimi Inari Shrine is another important Shinto shrine in Kyoto.

It is famous for its thousands of orange coloured vermilion torii gates, which connects a network of trails behind its main buildings.

The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at 233 meters and belongs to the shrine grounds.

The shrine is mostly visited by Japanese businessmen and the orange torii gates are mostly donated by them.

Narikaya Ramen & Yakiniku

Narikaya Ramen and Narikaya Yakiniku are 2 different restaurants on the same street but they are from the same owners.

So while one restaurant can be closed, you can still eat both Ramen and Yakiniku at either restaurant.

They are one of the few Halal restaurants in the area and we tried both the Ramen as well as the Yakiniku.

It can get very crowded as it is near to the touristy Asakusa Shrine.

Hanami-Koji Street

Ann was going on and on about how much she wanted to see the Geishas since she was in her teens.

So that evening we made our way to Hanami-Koji Street which is famous for the Geishas.

While we managed to get glimpses of the Geishas, there were signboards that advised tourists not to take a photo or harass them.

Trying to abide by the law, I took photos of Ann instead.

We then left and had our daily dose of Onsen, dinner and made our way to Biwa Lake where we parked our Campervan for the night.

Biwa Lake

 

Sunrise, coffee & stretches every damn day #japan #lakebiwa #travelfromsg #travelstories #vanlife #campervanjapan

A post shared by Fat Starfish (@fatstarfish_) on Dec 15, 2017 at 3:57pm PST

Biwa Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Japan and it is known to be more than 4 million years old!

There are many activities to do at the lake but it was just a lazy morning for us.

We decided to shake up our routine a bit and after a round of laundry, we had a midday Onsen at a place called Hiratopia near the lake.

Hiratopia is so empty and quiet that after our bath and lunch, we decided to have a nap in the parking lot. It was our quiet day!

Napping after a warm dip in a hot spring never felt so good!

Hiratopia address below.

 Shirahige Shrine

Shirahige Shrine is another Shinto Shrine located in the waters of Biwa Lake.

We managed to drive there in time to catch the sunset and it was a nice scene with the last rays of the sun setting in the background.

We continued our drive towards Gifu and it began to snow!

As we did not know where to head to, we opened our Onsen app and ended the day outside Yamato Onsen Peace Museum so that we can have a warm shower the next morning!

Yamato Onsen Peace Museum

Yamato Onsen Peace Museum was by far the best Onsen we have been to in Japan.

The Hot Spring bathing facilities has huge indoor baths as well as an open-air bath with amazing views.

And as it was snowing, it added to the amazing feel of Japan like those we only watched on the hit TV show Japan Hour.

We spent a few hours here immersing ourselves in the geothermal pools and soaking in the wintry feel.

We had one of the best croissants here too.

Flaky buttery goodness made by hand by a bakery aptly known only as Handmade Bakery.

Do check out this place if you are in the area!

A must visit place and definite must try croissants!

Hida Folk Village

We made our way to a common tourist spot known as the Hida Folk Village or Hida No Sato.

It is an open-air museum with more than 30 well-preserved farmhouses illustrating the traditional architectural styles of the mountainous regions of Japan.

Some of the houses are already more than 500 years old.

We did not stay long here as the weather was getting too cold for our comfort.

We then headed to Takayama Old town in search of dinner.

Takayama Old Town

Hida Beef is another highly sought after and coveted beef from Japan.

We had a Hida Beef Yakiniku dinner at Takayama Old town but it was not as good compared to the Matsusaka Beef we had earlier on our trip.

Nevertheless, I had one of the best company with me in Japan.

After our dinner, we walked around Takayama Old town for a little sightseeing.

Shirakawago

We decided to drive to the well known Shirakawago Village.

However, as it was snowing heavily, the routes we took were closed as the snow was too heavy.

We then diverted towards Toyama Bay where we heard and read that they have one of the best seafood there.

Toyama

Toyama was probably the best highlight of our trip and we did not even plan to come here if not for the closed roads to Shirakawago.

After an Onsen bath and lunch by a scenic valley and river, we drove towards Toyama Bay, known for one of the best seafood places in Japan.

We parked our Campervan by the bay and had a little nap first before we had one of the best sushi dinners in our entire lives.

Sushi Kuine Toyama

Enter Sushi Kuine, a sushi train restaurant which has several outlets in Japan.

However here in Toyama Bay, the restaurant procures their seafood from the nearby bay and only the best and freshest seafood is served at the restaurant.

Sushi served in Toyama have a bigger cut of fish and smaller pieces of rice making it a very filling meal.

From the poisonous Fugu (pufferfish) to the fatty tuna bellies, we were stuffing our ourselves with smiles on our faces.

I was smacking myself silly and a little angry with myself because I could not eat more!

This was the best sushi Ann and I have ever tasted and it was not even at an expensive high-end restaurant! Given a chance, we would love to return to Toyama Bay again and devour all seafood and sushi like it is going out of fashion.

Website: Sushi Kuine Toyama

Shinminato Kitokito Market

The next day, we decided to check out the source of all the fantastic seafood at Toyama Bay and that lead us to Shinminato Kitokito Market.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a ‘Big Red Crab’ as its icon. Once you enter, there will be a variety of seafood to choose from.

After making many rounds in the market, we had Snow Crab, grilled fish and tempura for lunch.

We devoured all the fresh seafood we can, before leaving for Tokyo.

After our fantastic Snow Crab lunch, we took the scenic coastal route back to Tokyo, whereby the route cuts through the mountains which are known as the Japanese Alps.

We had a slow drive and were feeling quite down that our adventure was ending soon as we reached the fringes of Tokyo.

Tokyo

Shinjuku

Back in Tokyo, Ann and I headed to Shinjuku as it was one of the many sites recommended by our friends.

As we have been mostly to the countryside for the past 2 weeks, our senses were overwhelmed by the noise, neon lights and crazy crowds of Tokyo that we did not enjoy our night.

• Tip: Parking in the city can be a very expensive affair. Plan your routes and if possible park your campervans outside the city and take the trains instead.

We did not stay here long and after a disappointing sushi dinner, we retreated into our campervan and found a quiet Famima for the night.

Tokyo Photographic Art (TOP) museum

W.Eugene Smith, one of my favourite American photojournalist had a show at TOP museum and it was a chance not to be missed.

There was an exhibition on his early life photo essays and we had an enjoyable time at TOP viewing the black and white film prints.

The museum is great for photography enthusiasts as well as a place for a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city of Tokyo especially with Christmas around the corner.

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing needs no introduction. You have probably seen it on TV many times the busy intersection whereby pedestrians can cross in all directions.

Touted as one of the busiest intersections in the world, Ann and I crossed the intersection a couple of times with tons of many other tourists just for the fun of it.

This area is also a shopper’s paradise and while I was busy capturing street photos, Ann made some last minute shopping buying souvenirs for her favourite sisters.

We concluded that we preferred the quiet rural areas more than the cities and we need more of these quiet holidays.

End of Our Japan Campervan Adventures

On our 2nd last day in Japan, we drove back to Narita, had one final Onsen bath, a wagyu steak lunch and cleaned up our van with a wash and deep vacuum.

Last wagyu steak dinner…Yums!

After more than 2 weeks transversing Japan with our Campervan, we were feeling sad that our holiday is coming to an end.

We returned the Campervan to JapanCampers and checked in to a hotel for the first time on this trip!

Hotel Welco Narita

We spent our last night in Japan at Hotel Welco Narita. The hotel is situated right in the heart of Narita city and is a stone’s throw away from the train station.

As it is situated in the city, there are many amenities and restaurants available around the hotel.

The hotel has a couple of in-house restaurants too.

A buffet breakfast is provided and to top it all off, there is a free shuttle service to the airport daily.

View Hotel Welco Narita Rates.

So here are the highlights of our Japan Campervan adventure.

We could not believe that it was so easy to do a Campervan holiday in Japan that we might have problems if we were to do it in another country.

We had high expectations before coming here and Japan has more than doubled that.

Japan has set the bar very high.

From the easy access to onsens and bathing facilities, campervan parking, easy roads, friendly people and of course delicious food everywhere, we had one hell of a good time Campervanning in Japan.

We will definitely do it again! Ann has already begun her research and bugging me.

• Check out: Our Darwin to Melbourne Campervan Adventures

Special thanks to Changi Recommends for partnering with us on this trip!

Till then safe travels wherever you are.

*This article contains links to Affiliates in which Fat Starfish receive a percentage of sales with no additional costs to you. Help us maintain this website by buying from our links. Thank you for your support!

The post Our Japan Campervan Adventures first appeared on Fat Starfish.

All 4000 kilometres. No itinerary.

We partnered with Mighty Campers and got away with some great deals. As usual, friends and family have been asking us about our campervan road trip.

Below are some of the highlights of our trip!

Darwin

We flew via Jetstar direct to Darwin which we booked via the widget below and got away with some amazing deals.

We reach in the early morning and proceeded to Mighty Campers to pick up our Britz 2 Berth Venturer which is an upgrade to one of their sister’s campervan companies.

The staff took their time to explain to us the in and outs of the vehicle, and after feeling very comfortable we strapped our seatbelts and away we went.

• Check out: Explore Australia with Mighty Campers

We headed to the nearest supermarket in Coolalinga to stock up on our necessities and it is highly recommended you buy all your needs here as prices can triple in the outback!

Kakadu National Park

Bowali Visitor Centre

We drove towards Kakadu National Park and the first place we visited was the Bowali Visitor Centre in a town named Jabiru. Here you can find information and tips to navigate the national park.

• Tip: You can get your Kakadu National Park passes here too!

The staff would let you know the sites that are open for the season to make your planning a breeze.

Kakadu Lodge

We googled for campervan parks with powered sites and we found one with a huge swimming pool in the sweltering heat of the Northern Territory of Australia that we just had to make a booking at Kakadu Lodge.

It is a 3 min drive from Jabiru town centre, boasts tropical landscaped gardens in the heart of Kakadu National Park with many places of interests nearby.

For us, the lagoon styled pool was the deal clincher in the heat of summer! We had a dip in the pool, cooked dinner and rested for the night after the day’s drive.

View Kakadu Lodge rates Here

Ubirr Rock Art

The next day after a good night’s sleep, we headed out to Ubirr early in the morning to avoid the summer heat. Ubirr consists of a group of rocky outcrops where the highlight of this place would be the Aboriginal Rock Art found throughout the area.

The Rock Art here is known to be one of the best in Australia and it depicts life in the outback when the Aboriginal people first encountered Europeans!

If time is on your side, do stay for sunset at the top of the rocky outcrop!

Warradjan Cultural Centre

After viewing the Ubirr Rock Art, we drove to Warradjan Cultural Centre, a must-see museum of the way of life of the Aborigines.

The museum consists of informational videos, as well as artifacts and stories the traditional owners of the land, want to share with the visitors.

It was a very educational and informative place to start our Northern Territory adventure.

Both Ann and I were pleased that we made the trip to this place.

Katherine Holiday Park

We continued our journey and headed towards Katherine Holiday Park where we stayed the night.

There are many caravan parks in this town but we chose Katherine Holiday Park as it was one of the quietest and away from the main road.

We grilled a steak dinner. Washed up and just rest from the driving we had done. It has been an amazing road trip so far and we cannot wait for more adventures to come.

We did a little research to find out more about the places of interest and happily slept in our campervan under the stars!

You can view more on Katherine Holiday Park Here.

Mataranka Hot Spring

The next day, we headed to Katherine town centre where we stocked up on our groceries and away we went to Mataranka Hot Spring which is about an hour’s drive.

We have seen this place many times on our Instagram feed and felt that we just needed to see the place for ourselves and have a dip in the clear water pool.

We spent most of our day here at Mataranka as the weather was way warmer than the hot spring which is a relief from the sweltering sun.

Midland Caravan Park

We planned to drive to Tennant Creek for our next sleep stop but as we were too tired from all the fun we had at Mataranka, we decided to rest at Midland Caravan Park in Elliot which was in the middle of nowhere and pretty much away from civilization.

However, we had one of the best nights here as the owner of the Caravan park allowed us to have an open fire to cook our meals and have a mini BBQ. I collected some dry wood, started my mini BBQ fire to the rolling eyes of Ann.

The park is also very quiet at night and we had one of the best sleep.

The only downside though would be the diesel prices at the attached mini-mart. Petrol and diesel prices are double away from the big towns and cities.

Karlu Karlu aka Devil’s Marbles

The next day we headed towards Tennant Creek, had a mini pit stop and planned to visit the Aboriginals Heritage Centre but it was closed when we reached.

We then proceeded to drive towards Karlu Karlu aka Devil’s Marbles. The Devil’s Marbles are natural rock formations which are of great spiritual and cultural significance to the Aboriginal people of the area.

Like its name, the area was hot as hell when we came but the Devil was nowhere in sight. Nevertheless, Ann and I had some fun snapping photos and learning a thing or two about the place at the information centre.

Tropic of Capricorn

We passed by the Tropic of Capricorn line and we were amazed that no one stops here to check it out. However, being a Capricorn myself, we parked the van and snapped a few photos.

There was nothing much there anyway except for the Tropic of Capricorn marker. We then proceeded towards Alice Springs.

Alice Springs

We googled a few places and decided to head to Wintersun Cabin & Caravan Park. The caravan park is gated and has a pool. The front desk staff we met were very friendly and gave us tips for our campervan adventure.

We did not do much in Alice Springs except to stock up on groceries, rest and hang out with some grannies from the Netherlands who were doing a campervan trip too. We are amazed that you are never too old to go on a road trip adventure in Australia.

Check out Wintersun Cabin & Caravan Park Here.

Uluru Ayers Rock

The next day, we drove to Uluru Ayers Rock Campground and checked in to the only Caravan Powered Site in the area. As this is a hot tourist spot, prices for anything and everything is quite steep.

• Tip: Plan and buy your groceries in Alice Springs as well as fuel up the campervan too before heading to Uluru Ayers Rock

That afternoon we headed to Ayers Rock to catch the spectacular sunset and we were not disappointed. Finally, after only seeing the Uluru Ayers Rock on TV and magazines, Ann and I get to see it in person Rock!

Words failed us.

You have to visit Uluru Ayer Rocks to really immerse yourself in the beauty of this place.

Ranger Guided Mala Walk

We stayed another night at Uluru Ayers Rock and the next morning we headed back to the rock for the Ranger Guided Mala Walk.

A park ranger took a group of us for a complimentary walk along Uluru Ayers Rock, telling us stories of the Mala people who used to live at the rock. We learnt a thing or two about the Anangu Culture, Rock Art and other personal stories from the Park Ranger.

A highly entertaining and informative guided walk that we highly suggest you not to miss it.

That afternoon, we went to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural centre (just beside Uluru Ayers Rock) to deepen our knowledge and understanding of the magnificent place. We drove to visit Kata Tjuta too for sunset but it rained heavily when we reached.

Nevertheless, we still had an enjoyable time here.

On a side note, do carry some cash with you for emergency purposes. While we at Uluru Ayers Rock, there was a storm which knocked out the telecoms. There was no phone network, no data, ATMs and credit card machines did not work.

Many people were stuck at Uluru Ayers Rock because they got no cash to pump their petrol as well as get groceries. And they could not call anyone for help either.

As for Ann, she immersed herself with a book while I stared into thin air after a round of laundry.

Coober Pedy

Our next adventure stop was the world-renowned Opal Mining Town of Coober Pedy.

We stayed at a popular family-run caravan park named Oasis Tourist Park.

The park is clean, with shaded parking for our campervan which is a blessing, and has a pool plus many other amenities.

The owner even gave us a BIG4 discount even though the park is not affiliated.

• Note: BIG4 is a network of caravan holiday parks in Australia. Mighty Campers drivers receive 10% off for staying at any of the affiliated parks.

Coober Pedy is known as the Opal Capital of the world for the opals found there as well as the underground attractions/residences that scattered the land which was built due to the hot scorching daytime heat.

Pitch Black’s Spaceship

@vindiesel left his spaceship behind #pitchblackmovie #mightycampers #cooberpedy #roadtrip #southaustralia #campervan #travelblogsingapore #vanlife #travel

A post shared by Fat Starfish (@fatstarfish_) on Dec 3, 2018 at 3:53am PST

Coober Pedy was also one of the towns that were used as a location for the Pitch Black movie starring Vin Diesel.

The remnants of Riddick’s spaceship is still there for an Instagram-worthy photo.

Many of our Sci-Fi loving friends were in awe as we shared this photo via our Instagram.

Do follow us too!

Umoona Opal Mine & Museum

We decided to learn more about Coober Pedy and headed to Umoona Opal Mine & Museum.

It is the largest single underground tourist attraction and a must-visit place in Coober Pedy. The museum offers group tours, underground accommodation, an opal shop as well as photos and artifacts of Coober Pedy yesteryears.

Eric, the Pliosaur fossils are also found here at Umoona.

Every morning at 10 am, Rudy, a former miner of Coober Pedy will give a one-time-only guided tour of the museum after which he will be done for the day. We highly suggest going for Rudy’s guided tour as he gives insights into the life of an opal miner back during his time.

You can ask questions and Rudy will answer to the best of his knowledge.

Rudy was the shining gem of the museum with his vast knowledge of Coober Pedy.

We had a very informative and personalized tour as there was no one that morning to join us.

Adelaide

The Lochiel Monster on my all-boys road trip in 2003

The next day we drove towards Adelaide, passed by Port Augusta, and reached Lake Bumbunga just after sunset.

This is the first time on our campervan road trip that we did not check in to a Caravan Powered Site as I wanted to show Ann the Lochness Monster named Lochiel, an art installation made of used car tires at Lake Bumbunga during sunrise.

I have seen it before during a road trip with my friends.

However, to our disappointment, the Lochiel Monster has been vandalized and it is no longer there.

We then proceeded towards Adelaide where we bought Lamb Chops to cheer ourselves up.

We did not stay long in Adelaide as the city was bustling with cars in the early morning rush hour and both Ann and I have been to Adelaide before so we decided to skip it.

Pink Lake

We took the scenic Southern Ocean Drive instead of the direct route and passed by Pink Lake.

The Pink Lake is the result of high salinity combined with the presence of an algae species known as Dunaliella salina and pink bacteria known as halobacteria.

It was like our own huge strawberry shortcake and we would want to gobble it all up!

Mount Gambier

Pine Country Caravan Park

We reached Mount Gambier just before sunset but many of the Caravan Powered Sites were already closed.

We drove around and the husband and wife owners of Pine Country Caravan Park welcomed us with open arms even though they were closed for the day.

We were very grateful to Nathan and his wife Emma for welcoming us and even gave us tips on Mount Gambier as well as sharing his favourite places to dine in the area.

Pine Country Caravan Park is undergoing a facelift but all is well when we there.

The park is clean, very spacious, pet-friendly and we hang out with some of the permanent residents there. One permanent resident, named Rudy even invited us fishing. If you are looking for a personal tour guide or fishing buddy, just look for Rudy on house 37!

Check out Pine Country Caravan Park rates Here

Umpherston Sinkhole

Spot Ann in the photo

The Umpherston Sinkhole is a spectacular Sunken Garden formed by the dissolution of limestone.

The sinkhole was formed when the top of the chamber collapsed downwards.

James Umpherston created a beautiful garden in 1886 and it is now one of the must-visit places in Mount Gambier.

Ann and I spent a few hours here soaking in the flora and fauna as well as the possums that have made this place their home.

Blue Lake

Another top attraction in Mount Gambier would be the Blue Lake. It is one of the many crater lakes created many centuries ago by volcanic activities in the area.

Scientists till today have not figured out the exact cause of the Blue phenomenon.

There are many activities to do here such as cycling, having a picnic or just have a stroll. We spent our afternoon here strolling by the parks and snapping photos.

The Main Corner Complex

If you are really interested to know more about the geographical history of Australia, head to The Main Corner Complex in the heart of the city in Mount Gambier.

Here, the hour-long Volcano documentary features the history of Australia and the various tectonics movement of the country.

The complex also hosts several art exhibitions throughout the year so you can enjoy a little bit of history as well as view some works of art.

Best of all, it is all complimentary!

Great Ocean Road

A road trip in Australia is not complete without driving the Great Ocean Road.

Ann and I have been to the Great Ocean Road countless times but this is our first time together.

We visited the London Arch, 12 Apostles and many other limestone formations along this popular coastal route.

We highly suggest that you visit this place at least once in your lifetime as the constant erosion of the rocks is causing many of the features of the Great Ocean Road to diminish over time.

The 12 Apostles, although started with 9, is only left with 8! And the others getting smaller by the day.

NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park

We drove along the coastal route and ended up at NRMA Port Campbell Caravan Park. Here, we went for long walks along Port Campbell River and beachfront which is just opposite the park.

It is also 10 mins drive to the 12 Apostles and 3 hours away from Melbourne. We spent our afternoons lazing around, watching the greenery as well as the birds that flock to the river to feed.

If only life is this simple.

Check out NRMA Port Campbell rates Here

Lorne Beach

We have been driving the coastal route the past few days that we decided to have a dip in it.

Although it is summer in Australia and the weather is hot, the waters off it are extremely cold to our Asian feet.

Nevertheless, Ann and I changed to our swimming suits had a little swim and picnic at Lorne Beach.

We had an enjoyable time here away from the busier beaches along the route.

Apollo Bay Fishermen Co-op

Apollo Bay Fishermen Co-op is renowned for its Fish & Chips and it did not disappoint us when we came with our grumbling tummies.

It is situated overlooking the Apollo Bay Harbour where the fishermen will deliver their freshest catch to the shop and battered deep fried to perfection.

Ann and I had the Fishermen’s Basket for 2 as well as half a dozen of fresh oysters and of course not forgetting Australia’s owned Bundaberg Ginger Beer.

Great lunch, great views and of course great company! Nothing more I can ask for.

Melbourne

Big4 Melbourne Holiday Park

We finally made our way to Melbourne and could not believe that our Australia campervan road trip is ending! We checked in to Big4 Melbourne Holiday Park in Coburg which is about 20 minutes away from the city.

• Tip: Don’t forget to ask for your 10% discount if you are driving with Mighty Campers

The holiday park was one of the best we had stayed throughout our trip. It has many facilities such as gym, swimming pools and even an entertainment centre with movie screenings throughout the day.

Check out Big4 Melbourne Holiday Park rates Here

Places to Eat in Melbourne

We have been to Melbourne countless times that Ann and I have a motto we live by, “We never plan for Melbourne, Melbourne will plan for us.”

Every time we are here, our phones will keep on ringing with messages from friends and relatives in Melbourne who are always eager to meet up and we are very thankful for that. Therefore, our schedule for Melbourne is always very packed and busy.

However, we would like to share some of the restaurants and cafes we checked out on this trip.

Lune Croissanterie

Voted as the best croissants in the world, Ann and I just had to check this place out.

Situated in a huge warehouse in Fitzroy, we came early in the morning to try out their best selling croissants that get sold out very fast every day.

Flaky, crispy, and buttery goodness and shaped to perfection like an OCD person making croissants, we were in awe of this French pastry by Lune Croissanterie.

It was so good that Ann even bought some to take away that comes in a cool-looking box.

Highly recommended and we suggest you get the plain butter croissants as well as the Pain Au Chocolate.

Makoto Sushi Train

Tuna Kuro Tobiko Rose

We were having some sushi cravings and fate brought us to Makoto Sushi Train situated at Melbourne Central which is highly accessible to many.

Makoto Sushi Train has an array of sushi, great friendly service and the prices are reasonable for a restaurant.

My personal favourite sushi is the Tuna Kuro Tobiko Rose pictured above which they used a piece of tuna sashimi to wrap the rice instead of seaweed and topped with fish roe!

Laksa Bar

Last but not least, one of our favourite places to visit in Melbourne would be the Laksa Bar on Little Lonsdale Street. We have been here a couple of times and it rarely disappoints.

Our fave dishes to order here would be the Soft Shell Crab Laksa as well as the Char Kway Teow (stir-fried noodles). Laksa Bar has always been our Go To place for lunch in Melbourne or to meet up with friends.

Do check it out if you are into Asian cuisine or craving for some great Asian food.

Update: Laksa Bar is permanently closed. 

End of Our Australia Campervan Adventure

So here are the highlights of our itinerary-less campervan road trip adventure from the top end of Darwin to Melbourne.

We could not believe that 16 days just passed by us in a flash.

Nevertheless, we still had tons of fun, learned a lot about Australia, and had experiences that no amount of money can buy.

After driving down Australia from the north to the south, we were informed that driving from the east to the west or around Australia is a longer route and another adventure we should check out.

Probably another campervan adventure for another time! And we will definitely do it again.

Special thanks to Mighty Campers for making this adventure happen.

Do check them out for your Australia or New Zealand campervan road trips.

Till then, Safe travels wherever you are.

This article contains links to Affiliates which Fat Starfish receive a percentage of sales with no additional costs to you. Help us maintain this website by buying from our links. Thank you for your support!

The post Our Darwin to Melbourne Campervan Adventures first appeared on Fat Starfish.

Phuket Wheels Car Rental is a reputable and reliable car rental service provider located on the beautiful island of Phuket, Thailand. Whether you’re a tourist visiting Phuket or a local resident in need of a temporary vehicle, Phuket Wheels offers a wide range of cars to suit various needs and budgets.

With Phuket Wheels, you can choose from a diverse fleet of well-maintained vehicles, including compact cars, sedans, and SUVs, ensuring there is an option for everyone. The cars are regularly serviced and undergo thorough inspections to ensure they are in excellent condition, providing customers with a safe and comfortable driving experience.

We decided on the cheapest car available and got ourselves a Nissan March for our adventure in Phuket.

Renting a car from Phuket Wheels is a straightforward and hassle-free process. Their friendly and professional staff are dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service and are ready to assist you in selecting the ideal car for your needs.

Booking is as easy as 1, 2, 3.

1. Book without a credit card and receive a confirmation email within the next few hours. No prepayment – No obligations!
2. Meet their representative at the airport or at your hotel and check if you like your car.
3. All good? Pay for your rental and start exploring Phuket.

They accept THB, USD, AUD, EUR, SGD.

As soon as we landed in Phuket, we gave Ms. Apple a call and she soon brought out a Toyota Vios for us. She upgraded us to a bigger car with no additional fees.

A great start to our Phuket Holiday!

Exploring Phuket and its surrounding areas becomes a breeze with a rental car from Phuket Wheels. We had the freedom to create our own itinerary and travel at our own pace, without relying on public transportation, unscrupulous taxi drivers, or guided tours.

We visited the stunning beaches, explore local markets, discover hidden gems, and enjoy the natural beauty of the island at our convenience.

Seth and Nadine had a great time at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and for us, we had a nice time checking out cafes and going out for brunches all at our own time.

Phuket Wheels also offers additional services to enhance your rental experience. They provide free pickup and drop-off at the airport or your preferred location, making it convenient for you to start and end your trip.

Extra services added to your car for free that you would normally pay for are all FREE.

• 1st class car insurance
• Free Unlimited kilometres
• Free Roadside assistance
• Free Airport delivery & return
• Free Additional driver
• Free Cancel or amend anytime

Customer satisfaction is a priority for Phuket Wheels, and they strive to exceed expectations with their high-quality cars, competitive rates, and exceptional service. Their positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied customers are a testament to their commitment to excellence.

When planning your visit to Phuket, consider renting a car from Phuket Wheels Car Rental. With their reliable vehicles and top-notch customer service, you can have a memorable and convenient travel experience on this enchanting island.

You can check them out at their website Phuket Wheels or the Facebook page below.

Till next time. Safe travels wherever you are.

The post Explore The Enchanting Island of Phuket with Phuket Wheels first appeared on Fat Starfish.

I had a photography exhibition which took a huge chunk of my time, moving to our new apartment and after waiting for many years, we are expecting a baby soon!

• Related: I Remember It All and Entah Tak Tahu Exhibition

 

 

 

 

 

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Waiting for the arrival of a lil fatstarfish #pregnantbelly #fatstarfish #forfun #pregnantlife

A post shared by Fat Starfish (@fatstarfish_) on Dec 21, 2019 at 7:41pm PST

As we managed to squeeze some time off from our work and responsibilities, we decided to go on a little road trip up north to Ipoh in Malaysia.

We did not want to fly as Ann is already quite late in her pregnancy, therefore we rented a car from a good pal of ours, Derrick Motor Rental, who owns a fleet of cars for rent.

We have never been to Ipoh before and was really looking forward to this little adventure. We picked up the car, a Kia Cerato, packed our bags and away we drove in the early hours of the morning up the North-South highway just to avoid the traffic.

We did not make any plans or booked any of our hotels.

We took our own sweet time and just enjoy the drive up the North-South highway. We made many pit stops and finally reached Ipoh in the early morning just as the shops are about to open.

We picked up a SIM card, google a few hotels and one hotel caught our attention.

M Boutique Hotel Station 18 Ipoh

Situated in Taman Pengkalan Jaya, M Boutique Hotel Station 18 offers modern and hipster styled interiors with a well-renowned in-house Japanese restaurant in the whole of Ipoh!

• Read more: Our Stay at M Boutique Hotel Station 18 Ipoh

The rooms are comfy enough for the 2 of us. Toilets and Bathrooms are sparkling clean and we had a great meal at the in-house Japanese restaurant too.

Check out M Boutique Hotel Station 18 rates Here.

Things to do in Ipoh

Visit Concubine Lane

Concubine Lane in Ipoh is a must-visit area for tourists and foodies. Situated in Ipoh old town, the row of shophouses has more than a century of history and stories.

Rumour has it, those rich tycoons in the past used to keep their second wives, or concubines in this streets away from the knowledge of their first wife.

Check out Street Art

History aside, now the streets are littered with murals and street art. Ann and I spent a day at Ipoh old town and Concubine Lane checking out the street art.

I brought along my camera and did a little street photography too.

Cafes, street food and of course souvenirs of many kinds from trinkets to the well known White Coffee of Ipoh are all available in this area. Concubine Lane can be very packed with tourists, especially during the weekends.

We highly recommend heading there early in the morning to avoid crowds and tropical heat.

Tau Fu Fah

Ann and I were not really interested in the souvenirs but we were informed to check out the Tau Fu Fah or soft bean curd dessert which are aplenty at Concubine Lane and the whole of Ipoh

I really love soft bean curd and I would say that Ipoh has one of the best bean curd I have tasted. Soft, velvety texture and had just a nice sweetness for me.

The one pictured above is from Concubine Lane itself. There are many more stalls that serve this dessert but there was just not enough time for us to taste them all.

Yasmin @ Kong Heng

Yasmin @ Kong Heng is a commemorative museum displaying the works and legacy of acclaimed film director Yasmin Ahmad. Ann and I love watching Yasmin Ahmad’s films and we decided to check out this museum.

Entry to the basement museum is free. However, we felt that it was lacking in memorabilia as well as items that display the works and life of Yasmin Ahmad.

Nevertheless, it is situated in a book store and you can enjoy checking out books after the museum walk.

Kellie’s Castle

A trip to Ipoh is not complete without visiting the popular tourist spot, Kellie’s Castle. Scottish William Kellie-Smith started building the mansion in 1915 believed to be a gift for his wife.

However, he died of pneumonia before he could complete the mansion and the land and building were soon sold off after.

• Fun Fact: Kellie’s Castle was one of the locations used for the movie Anna and The King!

Kellie’s Castle is now a popular tourist attraction and some believed that is currently haunted. We saw no ghosts and spent half our day there snapping photos of the castle.

Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge No. 5

Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge No.5 or better known as TT5 is a former tin mining dredge in Ipoh. If you are fans of the comic book The Kampung Boy by Lat, we are sure if you have seen tin dredges in his book.

Tin mining is a foregone industry in Ipoh due to the falling international prices. TT5 is currently a tourist spot and there are hourly guided tours of the dredge.

We went for one of the tours and had a fun time learning about the history of the once magnificent beast of a machine with our hard hats on.

Do check it out if you ever travel to Ipoh.

Places to Eat in Ipoh

Char Kuey Teow Abang Sayang

The Char Kuey Teow from Abang Sayang is one of the most popular dishes in Ipoh and we just had to check it out. The location was quite a distance from our hotel and we drove quite a bit in the peak hour traffic just to reach Abang Sayang.

The difference between the normal Char Kuey Teow and the one at Abg Sayang is the way it is cooked and comes with gravy instead of the charred dry “normal” Kuey Teow.

It was something our palate was not used to but it was indeed very tasty. I had the beef version of the Char Kuey Teow and truly enjoyed every spoonful of the gravy and noodles.

Another highlight of Abang Sayang would be the Chubby Satay and a definite must-try. Chubby Satay gets its name from the thick cuts of juicy succulent skewered meats grill over a fire and served with savoury peanut sauce had our minds blown away.

The thick cuts made it Chubby and hence the name. Ann and I were wondering why no one in Singapore tried to copy this Chubby Satay.

Hmmm?

We were truly impressed with the food at Abang Sayang. Definite must try if you are in Ipoh.

Address below.

Restoran Hj Sharin Low Grand

If you are into Halal Roasted Duck and Chinese cuisine, then Restoran Haji Sharin Low Grand is a restaurant you must check out while in Ipoh.

Situated at the heart of Ipoh, this eatery serves Halal Chinese cuisine with affordable prices in a restaurant setting.

Ann and I looked through the extensive menu and we ordered the Salted Fish Fried Rice, Stir-Fried Kang Kong, Sweet-Sour Sliced Fish and of course their signature Roasted Duck.

• Our Christmas in Hong Kong

After all those indulgences, we were quite surprised that we did not tear a hole in our pockets.

Do check this place out.

Japanese Restaurant @ M Boutique Hotel Station 18

On our last night, we decided to stay in at our hotel and check out the No. 1 Japanese restaurant in Ipoh.

Situated in M Boutique Hotel Station 18 Ipoh, the in-house restaurant serves amazing and delicious Japanese cuisine. As Ann is pregnant, we had to give all the raw sashimi a miss.

I had the Beef Gyu Don (above) and I was surprised that it was as good as the ones Ann and I had in Japan.

Ann opted for the Beef Udon and here we were in Ipoh reminiscing our unforgettable Japan campervan road trip from the swathes of aromatic savoury beef broth that was coming from the Udon.

• Check out: Our Japan Campervan Adventures

Although the restaurant was filled to the brim with year-end parties and Christmas dinners, the restaurant manager managed to squeeze us in and we were really thankful for their hospitality.

We had a great dinner here and I just spent the night quietly back in the hotel room rubbing Ann’s pregnant tummy. We cannot wait for the arrival of our little Fat Starfish.

Overall we really enjoyed our quiet time in Ipoh checking out all the tourist sites and food eateries. There are many other places in Ipoh that we would like to have checked out but we had limited time.

• Check out: Betong – A Motorcycle Road Trip to Thailand Yala Province 
• Read more: Our Motorcycle Road Trip to Cameron Highlands

Looking forward to another road trip to Ipoh…with our little one in tow soon.

Till next time. Safe travels.

This article contains links to Affiliates which Fat Starfish receives a percentage of sales with no additional costs to you. Help us maintain this website by buying from our links. Thank you for your support!

The post Our Road Trip to Ipoh first appeared on Fat Starfish.

Cameron Highlands is located about 590 kilometres from Singapore. The easy part is the North-South Highway where our BMW R 1200 GSA zooms through easily. The challenging part, however, is riding up the twisties and corners up to the highlands on our big motorcycle.

There are 2 routes to ride up to the Cameron Highlands. One is the easy Simpang Pulai Route while the other is the challenging route with the hairpin loops and twisties via Tapah.

And of course, we just had to take the Tapah route.

We reached the base of Cameron Highlands at Tapah just before sunset. It was getting dark but that did not deter us from riding the twisties.

Tip: Try to avoid riding up to Cameron Highlands via Tapah at night. It can be very challenging.

The Bala’s Holiday Chalet

Hours later, we reached Tanah Rata, the town up at Cameron Highlands. It can get very chilly up there but we were loving the weather!

We did not have any hotel plans and we decided to google some hotels. We agreed upon The Bala’s Holiday Chalet as it was one of the nicest looking hotels as well as the English influence on the architecture. The hotel also has a long and colourful history as it was used as a boarding school for European children in 1934!

They are known to serve the best tea and scones too. The rooms are comfy and we just simply love the ambience and mood of the hotel.

View Bala Chalet Rates Here.

BOH Tea Plantation Tour

We rested our battered bodies from the night before and the next day we booked a tour with our hotel to discover the highlights of Cameron Highlands. The first stop was to the BOH Tea Plantation tour.

The BOH Tea Plantation tour at Sungei Palas features an exhibition hall, a souvenir and tea shop. It is one of the “must visit” places in Cameron Highlands.

The tour will give you a first-hand look at how Malaysian teas are made using traditional processing methods at the factory.

You can also hop over to BOH Tea Garden, the largest garden in Cameron Highlands, and savour a cup of fresh highland tea at BOH’s original tea shop while immersing in the amazing views of the plantation.

Opening Hours: 9.00am – 4.30pm Tuesday – Sunday
Closed on Mondays

More info Here.

Strawberry Farm Tour

*image: Flickr

Along with tea plantations, Cameron Highlands is the centre of Strawberry farming and production.

The highlight of visiting a strawberry farm in Cameron Highlands is that you can pick your own strawberries and eat them too!

Ann had loads of fun choosing our strawberries and we enjoyed munching on the fruits as we continued our tour.

Fun Fact: The disappearance of Jim Thompson was at one of these Strawberry farms 

Sam Poh Temple

*image: Flickr

Hidden away in Brinchang stands a temple on a little elevation. The Sam Poh Temple was a great escape from the tourists at both the tea and strawberry plantations.

There was nothing much to see but just to appreciate Buddhist influenced architecture as well as soak in the calmness of the temple.

Cameron Highlands Butterfly Garden

*image: Flickr

The Cameron Highlands Butterfly Garden was established in 1990 and started out as an hobby by its founder who is passionate towards a breeding house of the beautiful creatures.

Various species of butterflies, reptiles, insects & amphibians are featured at this garden and Ann loves playing around with the insects. As for me I have a little phobia on this creepy crawlies and leave it to Ann to enjoy this one.

Ee Feng Gu Bee Farm

Bee Houses

Last but not least we ended our tour at Ee Feng Gu Bee Farm. This apiary is one of the biggest and popular bee farms in Cameron Highlands.

You can view the bee’s houses as well as learn about them through the educational tour. There is also a souvenir shop located in the premises where you can load up on your honey.

Overall it was a great weekend ride up Cameron Highlands. We love the cool weather the most and had one of the most educational road trips.

As we rode up to Cameron Highlands via Tapah, we usually suggest our fellow riders to ride the easy Simpang Pulai Route back down to enjoy the different scenery and “smoother” fewer twisties road.

• Related: Betong – A Motorcycle Road Trip to Thailand Yala Province
• Related: Our Himalayan Motorcycle Adventure of a Lifetime
• Related: My Epic Motorcycle Road Trip in India

Drop us a comment below if you require more info on our road trip.

Ride safe.

*This article contains links to Affiliates which Fat Starfish receive a percentage of sales with no additional costs to you. Help us maintain this website by buying from our links. Thank you for your support!

The post Our Motorcycle Road Trip to Cameron Highlands first appeared on Fat Starfish.