Koh Samui 2016: Day 5 (Last day)

After 4 days here, well it's time to go home. 

We did nothing on this day. Seatran van had us all transported back to the jetty as early as 10.30am because we needed to catch ferry schedule and also, our flight. We flew back to our hometown at 5pm.

Let me end this part by detailing out the itinerary. Hopefully it'll be useful to other travelers.

Day 1: Travel to Koh Samui

            Wander around Chaweng

            Dinner at Far East Seafood 

Day 2: Kayaking and Snorkeling at Ang Thong National Marine Park

            Chaweng Saturday night market

Day 3: ATV riding at Lamai 

            Swimming at hotel pool (relax time hehe)

            Lamai Sunday night market

            Dinner at Ihsan Muslim Restaurant

            Central Festival Samui Mall

Day 4: Snorkeling at Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan

            Wander around Chaweng

            Massage

            Dinner - we just bought pancakes and fruits from the street, and sausages from 7Eleven

Day 5: Travel back to Malaysia

            

Last group photo at Donsak Pier, Surat Thani.


We really enjoyed this trip!

I'm so grateful for being fated to meet these girls. "The best friendship is the one you didn't expect to be in and the one you never saw coming". We all happened to travel together to Bali on May last year and it felt so surreal to know that we all actually shared the same history of life. From there, we exchanged thoughts and learnt from each other's courage. How wonderful is that, you think? ;)

And they are all nice girls with good hearts, seriously. Very polite, soft-spoken, well-mannered and beautiful too!

You know what they taught me through this trip? "Sabar itu indah..." Well there were a lot of challenges we had to face in Koh Samui. But alhamdulillah we made it out together and everyone had fun in this beautiful place!  Thank you girls for being my travel buddies. From Bali to Samui, and more(?) Hehe! InsyaAllah...  :)

Koh Samui 2016: Day 4

Today's activity was snorkeling at Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan. Yup we were visiting 2 islands! These islands were said to be the best spot for snorkeling because of their beautiful coral beds.

We got these package at THB1500/pax inclusive breakfast and lunch.

The van picked us up at our hotel at 8am and drove us to Bangrak Pier (around 20 minutes from our hotel). Prior to riding the ferry you would have to pay THB100 as entrance fee of the island.

This time we were riding a speedboat instead of ferry. The journey from Bangrak to Koh Tao was about one hour. We even stopped by Koh Phangan island in our way to pick up some people from there (yes you can stay in Koh Phangan too, as another option to Koh Samui!). 

Arriving Koh Tao, the boat will stop in the middle of the sea for you to snorkel freely like a wild fish~ #apaakumerepek

The water was so greeennnn and so clearrrrrr! I really had fun snorkeling here. It was my first time jumping off the boat into such deep sea omaigadd was I trying to kill myself of what hahah (I can't really swim, btw). 

We were given 45 minutes to explore this area.

Just another photo from Google because I couldn't find any better photo of mine here. Yes that's the front of the boat and you could just jump and scatter around. 

And then we were brought to the next island - Koh Nangyuan which only a few minutes far from here.

When we arrived.... 5 minutes jaw-drop moment please.

THE WATER GAISS THE WATERRRRR. 

This island was even more beautiful!! With it's super clear water, colourful fishes, beautiful view. Arghh die die. 

The fishess~~~ I finally knew how to swim, thanks Natalia!

A lot of Gamat here. So jelly-ish yuckkk haha (fake smile alert).

Group photos ;)

I've been aiming to take picture here ever since I googled about Koh Samui. I mean HERE on this sand between the two water (what do I call that?) !

I was a bit disappointed because the viewpoint was closed on the day we came due to faulty bridge. I was like herghh don't you have another time to get broken??? So we missed that crucial Samui's photo :((

We were given almost 2 hours to spend here, before we were gathered again to be brought to Koh Tao for lunch. 

Lunch, again, they used halal-certified chicken however if you're not convinced you can always opt for vegetarian foods. 

There were a few shops around the island so you could wander around for a while after you finished your meal. You could also swim here! Up to your liking.

Okay it's time to go home!

The speedboat was even faster on the journey back. Fast + strong current = one hour bumpy ride -_-" 

Damn extreme guys. Bergegar organ dalaman.

That was why we treated ourselves with massages that night :p

No photo (oh please). There were a lot of massage houses in Chaweng. We got ours at THB300 for a one-hour of normal oil massage. They said Thai massage was painful so I wouldn't dareee hehe.

Afterwards we wander around by feet, bought pancakes and baby pineapples (very sweet!) along the way and I also purchased instant sausages at the 7 Eleven. You can purchase a pack of sausages (got halal-certified ones), and heat 'em up at the counter. Ketchup, chilly sauce are all provided. Don't worry Muslims won't be starving here in Samui! ;) 

Koh Samui 2016: Day 3

Our third day started quite late - surely we needed enough rest after going through a long day yesterday. Today's activity was ATV riding and the van picked us up at our hotel at 9am. 

The agency name is Samui X-Treme ATV Adventure and we got this package at THB1250/pax for a 1 hour ride. The place was located in Lamai. Just around 20 minutes from our hotel.

What laa these two girls...

We took turn riding. You can ride alone but the price will be THB1500/pax. 

Us squad girls ride together! Kahh.

Having so much fun!! This was my first ATV experience and I must say it was great!

Thank you Samui X-Treme! 

Check out their FB page guys. The owner was so friendly, spoke good English, and very kind-hearted. 

We told him we were going to check-out from hotel after the ATV and that we were just going to walk with our luggages (just about 1km) because Tuk Tuk was expensive. Then he offered to give us a ride because he said the hotel was along his way back! Alhamdulillah... He sent us all to Cheeky Monkey and wait for 5-10 minutes for us to pack our things and drove us to First Residence Hotel. We owed him, really. May God bless his life!

We checked-in to First Residence Hotel at 1pm. Since we planned to explore Chaweng and Lamai later that afternoon, we thought it would be better to rent scooters instead of taking taxi or Tuk Tuk. Scooter rental only at THB150/day. Super cheap!!

Don't worry no driving license is required :p 

Everybody used scooters here in Samui bebeh!

We first went to the laundry to collect our stuff that we sent last night. Laundry cost was THB40/kg for normal, and double the price for an express service. 

And then we purchase SIM card at 7 Eleven (because we needed Waze) at THB300.

Now that we have Waze, SAMUI IS OURS!!! Kahkah. 

We went to Chaweng Beach because I would love to do paddle-boarding. However looking at the sea waves I din't think they even allow paddle-boarding activity that day. No paddle-board was seen though. Or was I looking at a wrong place??? -___-"

Rempit girls! Hahahah.

We went back to the hotel and ate instant mee for lunch *Bersamamu mode*. I slept for a while (cuz I didn't sleep last night - caffeinated), woke up and joined 'em girls at the swimming pool.

Around 5.30pm we got ready and went out 'merempit' heading to Lamai. 

On the way from Chaweng to Lamai you would pass Chaweng Noi Beach. It's more calm here compared to Chaweng Beach.

We arrived at Lamai Sunday night market!

Got live performance. Not bad...

Ehh why do you look so familiar?? Hahaha. This guy is from Chaweng's night market yesterday. He recognized us too. Of course he did - Anali purchased like 10 keychains from him ok daa~

This night market got variety of foods!!! Some we never found in Malaysia. I love this place!

Ermm the crickets looks so crunchy... 

After that we headed back to Chaweng for a heavy dinner at Ihsan Restaurant. 

Tomyam again hehehe. Total around THB370 for 4 pax. 

Next destination (come on guys the night still young :p): Central Festival Samui !

This is the biggest shopping mall in Chaweng. Got hypermarket inside, sporthouse, Uniqlo, KFC etc.

Okay next. Let's rempit around Chaweng again! We found a very, super happening area this time! This part of Chaweng got Cabaret, a lot of pubs and bars, and Pondans everywhere hahahaha. 

Mak Hayam at the back yállsss.

It was so funny looking at those Pondans dancing by the road trying to attract men XD

We did some window shopping around the area and afterwards went back to our hotel and get enough rest for tomorrow's activity. Stay tuned!

Koh Samui 2016: Day 2

We were all so excited for today (or was it just me?) as it was our first activity in Samui - Kayaking & Snorkeling at Ang Thong Marine National Park! A wow fact about Ang Thong that you must know is this national park covers the area of 42 islands :)

We got this Kayaking and Snorkeling package at THB1000/pax inclusive breakfast and lunch.

A van came to pick us up at our hotel at 7.30am and drove us to Nathon Pier. It was like 45 minutes from our hotel (Chaweng). When you reach Nathon Pier you would have to pay THB300/pax before you could get on the ferry, as entrance fee of the island. Ferry journey to Ang Thong took 1 1/2 hour.

Yayy finally arrived at Mae Koh Island for kayaking!

I love this activity!!! See the water guys. Iskk so green.

What a viewwwww.

I feel like going back there while blogging this. Isk.

After kayak we were brought to climb up a very high and steep staircase to the island viewpoint.

From up there you could view the beautiful Emerald Lagoon. This lagoon is a protected area and nobody could get in there. 

Group photos at the viewpoint :)

Be careful stepping up and down the staircase. Super steep.

After that we were brought back to the ferry to hop to another island.

Koh Wua Talap! Arghhh so beautiful........

Yes it was just me getting into the water. My girls didn't want to get wet haha.

I supposed to be snorkeling but it was heavy wave that day. So I just soaked myself in the water for a while and did more photoshoot by the beach kahkah.

Album cover photoshoot with da gals.

More.

Around 2pm we got back into the ferry and had our lunch. 

The foods.

Upon booking you could request for halal foods but if you're not convinced, just opt for vegetarian.

Like having lunch on a cruise y'allsss.

And when you're full....

Hampeh everybody slept on the boat...

By the way, my friend Allyn is a baker! She makes cookies, cakes and fruit tarts. Browse through her Instagram - Allyn Delights and go place your order fast :)

The traffic from Nathon to Chaweng was a bit heavy that day. When we reached hotel at 6.30pm everybody got so tired already. We took some rest and had our dinner at an Indian restaurant nearby that night. Tastes good! After that we walked around Chaweng, visited the night market and went back to the hotel via Tuk Tuk cuz everybody got tired already. Tuk Tuk was expensive. The driver said THB200 while the hotel was not even that far!! No way we would pay for such ridiculous price. We bargained until he agreed with THB80. 

That's all for Day 2. See you in Day 3.

Koh Samui 2016: Day 1

There are 2 options to travel from Malaysia to Koh Samui:

1) Fly directly from Subang Airport to Koh Samui Airport (via Malindo Air)

2) Fly from  KLIA2 to Surat Thani Airport (via Air Asia) 

--> Ride a bus/van from S. Thani Airport to Donsak Pier (pier means jetty) 

--> Take a ferry from Donsak Pier to Bangrak Pier

Now you have arrived at your destination.

Us girls being adventurous *both hands on shoulders*, we were taking the second option. Okay let's detail out:

Flight ticket (return): RM125

Ferry + van (return): THB1240 / RM145

2) Fly from  KLIA2 to Surat Thani Airport (via Air Asia): 1 1/2 hours,

--> Ride a bus/van from S. Thani Airport to Donsak Pier (pier means jetty): 1 hour

--> Take a ferry from Donsak Pier to Bangrak Pier: 1 1/2 hours

--> Ride a van from Bangrak Pier to hotel at Chaweng: 20 minutes

What a fun journey kahkah! 

Anyway, the ferry+bus ticket was purchased at the airport. There were a lot of transportation companies to choose from. We took Seatran Ferry. You can request for return ticket and they will arrange everything including sending you and picking you up right in front of your hotel door. 

On the ferry. 

All the white people were sunbathing. What la these four chocolates do up there...... 

(this ferry got indoor seat as well fyi)

I thought I looked vain up there T_T

No kepok2 scarf on the ferry, please. I was freehair at a moment up there because of the wind, until Anali got me a needle pin to secure my scarf T_T

Arriving Koh Samui! This place is called Bangrak Pier. 

Ferry, boat, and aeroplane... Looks like a busy place. 

We checked-in to Cheeky Monkey hotel. Very cheap only around RM77/night (from my notes, can't recall the exact price). Need deposit prior to check-in, THB300/room (RM35) The deposit was then returned upon check-out. No picture from my camera but it was a good budget hotel though. 

Daily housekeeping checked.

Mineral water provided daily - checked.

Soap, shampoo - checked.

No iron, no kettle. Bear that in mind ya.

It's a small size room with no corridor. Not convenient for a long stay. We only stayed there for 2 nights.

Swimming pool - checked.

But it was a rooftop pool bar. I mean a goddamn POOL BAR. Not suitable for us so we didn't swim at the hotel.

Walking around Chaweng. The hotel is located at the center of the town. It was a lively area with night market, many shops and restaurants. We just strolled down the road by feet. 

There are a lottt of tour agents here in Chaweng. If you come to Koh Samui you don't have to book for activities online. It's much cheaper right here, you can compare the prices between one agents and another and could bargain some more. If you're lazy to survey around, you could just ask your hotel receptionist to book for you. They gave good prices too :)

I've googled a few Muslim's restaurant's prior to coming here. For our first night stay we planned to eat at Far East Restaurant. I have made sure the direction was correct however the restaurant seems nowhere to be seen. We stumbled upon this lady, the owner of a fruit stall. Surprisingly she can speak Malay!!

Her name is Aisya. She said she once lived in Malaysia for 10 years, and her husband was from Narathiwat (Malay-Thai border) so he can basically speak Malay too but in Kelantan slang. Both of them being so kind that the husband asked us to wait at their stall while he look around for the restaurant with his motorcycle. 

A few minutes later he came back and told us the restaurant was once at the location I was showing but they have now moved (THAT!!). We need to walk back to the direction we came from but not so far though I believe it was less than 1km. 

While we almost arrived at the Far East Restaurant (yayy!) suddenly the couple was behind us with their motorcycle! Showing us "situ! situ!" Hahahaahha. We were like gawdddd got people this kind in this world, for real?? FAITH IN HUMANITY RESTORED.

She even wrote down her number for me so we could contact her whenever we got problem. How kinddd... May Allah bless her life and expand her business! *watery eyes*

After a long walk. It's time to eat!

THB500 / RM58 for 4 pax. Not expensive I think since each dish comes in a big portion, really.

Walking around the food market. Hmm I wonder how crocodile meat tastes like,

You can find halal foods by looking for "Halal" logo at the stall. This ice-cream is the only Halal food at this market I think. Cookies flavor tastes good!

This pancake stall can be found everywhere and it's halal. 

This boy is from Pakistan and he's 20. He talked a lot okay haha.

Banana-Nutella flavor FTW! 

That's all for Day 1. Stay tuned for Day 2.