An Open Letter To Mikey Bustos

Dear Mikey,

After watching most of your videos on YouTube for some time, I thought I should let you know how I felt. Don't worry, everything's good. I first got to know you from your parody music video of Meghan Trainor's "No" singing about the general characteristics of a Filipino. Your cover of that song was so funny that I re-watch it so many times. The way you spell out "F to the I-L-I-P-I-N-O" was so cool, creative and catchy too. And I thought to myself, "this guy is so funny and is good at singing too".

So, it's from that video that I first got to know you, and from there, I started to notice your other videos until recently, I was hooked on your daily vlogs especially those you travelled to Japan, Korea, Cambodia visiting the Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, your Canada Tour, and of course, Malaysia, my home country.

It was such a joy to watch how you enjoy the food in Malaysia and I'm glad you like it. Malaysia is a multi-racial country with so many different ethnics and races, one could never get bored or run out of food to explore with so many varieties of food out there. I always anticipate to watch your vlog regardless of where you travel as I know it would be fun and exciting and learning new things about the place you visit.

I just want to let you know that I find you humble, down-to-earth, funny, and creative. Oh, there's one more thing. I have never seen anyone so into ants like you do. Hahaha. I guess you're the first person I came across whom is so knowledgable and passionate about ants. Before I end my letter, here's wishing you nothing but the best in everything you do. May all your dreams come true!


Your new fan from Malaysia,
Calvin

Food You Must Try In Malaysia

Here are some of the food you must try if you're visiting Malaysia. Please note that the price stated here is just an average price as it may differ from one area to another area. And another reminder is that some of the food listed in this article is non-halal.

NASI LEMAK

If you're in Malaysia, you have to try nasi lemak which is claimed to be the national dish of Malaysia. Nasi lemak is a fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf and served with sambal, hard-boiled egg, anchovies, fried peanuts, slices of cucumber. Locals usually eat nasi lemak as breakfast. Price: RM6. 

CHICKEN RICE

The best version of chicken rice is the Hainanese chicken rice or the Ipoh chicken rice which you could hardly get the authentic ones anymore around KL but if you have a local friend, he/she might be able to take you to a good one. RM6.50 to RM7 at ordinary coffeeshop/hawker. If you eat chicken rice in restaurant situated inside a shopping mall, it might costs RM10 or more.

ROTI CANAI

This is the cheapest and tasty breakfast you can have in Malaysia. It's only RM1 and you can get this at any mamak stall or mamak restaurant. There are many versions of roti canai: roti telur (with egg around like an omelette), roti planta (made with butter), roti bawang (sliced of onions inside), roti pisang (slices of banana inside), and many more. Other versions of roti canai costs RM2 to RM3.

WANTAN MEE

(Non-halal)

There are two versions of wantan mee; dry and soup. The photo above is the dry version with some gravy. You can choose the thickness of noodles from thin to thick. It is served with charsiew (barbequed pork). Price: RM6.50-RM7

PORK BALL NOODLES

(Non-halal)

A noodle dish served with pork balls, pork sausages, and minced pork at the side. You can choose the type of noodles or mix between two different noodles like shown in the photo above. RM5.50-RM6

YUET KWONG HOR

(Non-halal)

Stir-fry kway teow served with raw egg. You can get this at Chinese coffeeshop. Price: RM7

RAMLY BURGER

It may look unappetizing but trust me, it tastes so good that you will get addicted to it. You can choose from chicken burger, beef burger, single or double patty, with or without egg. You can only get this at night by the roadside because this burger stall will be parked at random roadside only known to the locals around the housing area. It's hard to see one if you're in the city center. RM5-RM6

BAK KUT TEH

(Non-halal)

This is a pork rib dish cooked in a herbal soup broth served with rice. The locals usually order this for 2 pax or more but you can also order it for yourself. Just remember to tell the seller it's for one person. Price: RM11-RM15 depending on area.

CLAYPOT CHICKEN RICE

You may wonder what's with Malaysian with chicken rice, eh? Hahaha... yes, we love chicken and we love rice, hence, this is another version of chicken rice but cooked in a claypot but the difference between the Hainanese chicken rice and claypot chicken rice is that the latter is cooked with Chinese sausage, spring onions, Chinese wine, and salted fish (optional). Price: RM7

CURRY LAKSA

This is a spicy noodles, usually the yellow noodles and beehoon (rice vermicelli) in a broth cooked with coconut milk, curry powder/paste served with variety of toppings such as raw cockles, shredded chicken, shrimps, fried tofu, and bean sprouts with sambal chilli and a slice of lime.

ASAM LAKSA

This is a spicy and sourish dish with lime and a spoon of shrimp paste which you have to mix it with the broth. The noodles used in asam laksa is different from those in curry laksa, curry mee.

ROJAK

Rojak in Malay means "mixture". It is a traditional fruits and vegetables salad mixed together with a thick sweet-savoury dressing and lots of grinded peanuts on top. There are two different types of rojak in KL, the Chinese rojak and the mamak rojak. The Chinese rojak is usually fruits, while the mamak rojak uses fried dough fritters, prawn fritters, hard-boiled egg, shredded cucumber and shredded yam bean drenched in thick and sweet peanut sauce. 

CHAR KWAY TEOW

(Non-halal) *But you can find halal version in shopping malls

This is one of the Penang's pride! You will know the difference in taste if you try it both in Penang and in KL. If you ask me which is the best, you have to go to Penang for sure. You will see some KL sellers use the Penang Char Kway Teow sign as their business sign but not all char kway teow in KL is good but you still get a decent ones. Price: RM6-RM7

SATAY

Satay is like a skewer food, or meat on a stick which is barbequed. You may choose the meat from chicken, beef, mutton. It is served with peanut sauce with slices of cucumbers and red onions on the side. Price: RM1.80 -- RM2 per stick.

Onsen Etiquette In Japan

1. When you enter the onsen (bath house), pay the admission fee at the counter and you will get a key to your locker.
2. Put all your stuff including your shoes and clothes in the locker and lock it. Yes, you have to completely undress and be naked to enter the onsen. No bathing suit, swimwear, or sandals allowed inside the onsen. Usually, the key has a wrist-band that can be worn around your wrist.
3. You will be given one large towel and one small towel (some onsen charge for the towel). The large towel is to dry your body and should be left in the changing room together with your clothes. You can only bring the small towel into the bathing area.
4. Once you're inside the onsen area, you must first bathe and clean yourself before stepping inside the pool. There will be a small stool for you to sit in front of a shower hose. Use the soap to lather your whole body and rinse it off with the shower. You can also wash your face and hair. If you have long hair, remember to wear a hairband or wrap it with the towel. 
5. After you have cleaned yourself, you may now walk to the pool and enjoy the onsen. Remember that you should put the small towel on top of your head. 
6. NEVER immerse or dip your head/face into the water of the onsen. NEVER wash the small towel into the water. In fact, towel is not allowed to touch the water.
7. DO NOT swim or dive in the onsen. It is only used for soaking your body.
8. After leaving the bath, wipe off excess water and sweat from your body as much as possible with the towel before entering the locker room to get your clothes.
9. Remember to walk slowly as the floor is wet and slippery.
10. No food or drinks are allowed inside the onsen. 

Washing yourself before entering the onsen

Kyoto Trip: Day 3 Itinerary

Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion)

Admission: 500 yen
Opening Hours: 8:30 to 17:00 (9:00 to 16:30 from December to February). No closing days.

How To Get There: Take the bus number 5, 17 or 100 from Kyoto Station in about 35-40 minutes and for 230 yen one way. Alternatively, you can reach Ginkakuji by foot along the Philosopher's Path from Nanzenji in about 30-45 minutes.

Shimogamo Shrine

Admission: FREE
Opening Hours: 5:30 to 18:00 (summer), 6:30 to 17:00 (winter). No closing days.

How To Get There: Take the bus number 7 or 203 and stop at the Demachi-Yanagi Station, then walk for 15 minutes from Demachi-Yanagi Station to the shrine. Alternatively, Kyoto City Bus number 4 bound for Kamigamojinja-mae can be taken from the station to Shimogamojinja-mae bus stop (5 minutes, 230 yen) directly beside the shrine.

The Kamo Shrines, Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine, are both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are two of the most important and oldest shrines in Kyoto.

Kamigamo Shrine

Admission: FREE
Opening Hours: 5:30 to 17:00. No closing days.

How To Get There: Can be reached in 30 minutes from Demachi-Yanagi Station or Shimogamo Shrine by Kyoto City Bus number 4 (230 yen). Get off at the last stop, Kamigamojinja-mae. Alternatively, the shrine can be reached in a 15 minute walk from Kitayama Station on the Karasuma Subway Line.

Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)

Admission: 400 yen
Opening Hours: 9:00 to 17:00. No closing days.

How To Get There: Kinkakuji can be accessed from Kyoto Station by direct Kyoto City Bus number 101 or 205 in about 40 minutes and for 230 yen. Alternatively, it can be faster and more reliable to take the Karasuma Subway Line to Kitaoji Station (15 minutes, 260 yen) and take a taxi (10 minutes, 1000-1200 yen) or bus (10 minutes, 230 yen, bus numbers 101, 102, 204 or 205) from there to Kinkakuji.



Below is a map of the places of attractions in Kyoto.

Kyoto Trip: Day 1 & Day 2 Itinerary

DAY 1: Flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Osaka-Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Flight: Air Asia
Depart: 15 October 2018, Monday
Time: 08:00 (KUL) -- 15:25 (KIX) 6 hours 25 mins
Price: RM549

Return: 19 October 2018, Friday
Time: 16:40 (KIX) -- 22:25 (KUL) 6 hours 45 mins
Price: RM445.40

Total air fare: RM994.40
*price checked on 17 March 2018, Saturday. Please note that price may change without prior notice by the airline.

Once you have reached the Kansai International Airport and got your luggage cleared from the custom, you can head to the Tourist Information Counter to buy your Kansai Thru Pass.


HOW TO GET TO KYOTO FROM KANSAI AIRPORT

BUS: At Kansai Airport you can board buses at bus stop 8 on the first floor of Terminal 1, and bus stop 1 at Terminal 2. Ticket windows are open by these bus stops at which you can buy tickets. Tickets cannot be reserved and boarding is on a first-come first-served basis. The Kansai Airport website has maps for the bus stops at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

The fare between Kyoto Station and Kansai Airport is 2,550 yen (RM 94) for adults and 1,280 yen (RM 47.20) for children and the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The earliest departure from Kansai Airport is at 6.05 am from Terminal 2, and 6.20 from Terminal 1. The latest departure from Kansai Airport is at 23.40 from Terminal 2, and 23.55 from Terminal 1. It reaches Kyoto Station at 1.20 am.


TRAIN: The Limited Express Haruka operated by JR West is the only rail service between Kyoto Station and Kansai International Airport. It covers the distance in about 75 minutes stopping at Osaka City’s Shin-Osaka Station and Tennoji Station on the way. It does not stop at Osaka Station.

At Kyoto Station the Haruka departs mainly from platform 30, though some early trains depart from platforms 6 and 7. At Kansai Airport Station the Haruka departs from platform 4.

The Limited Express Haruka runs about 30 round trips between Kyoto Station and Kansai Airport Station every day. The earliest Haruka service from Kyoto Station is at 5.46 am getting into Kansai Airport Station at 7.11. The latest Haruka service from Kyoto Station is at 20.15 getting into Kansai Airport at 21.43. The earliest Haruka service from Kansai Airport is at 6.30 am (6.40 on weekends and holidays) and the latest is at 22.16.

This train is covered by the Japan Rail Pass. If you do not have a Japan Rail Pass you might consider getting the “ICOCA & HARUKA” discount set of an “ICOCA” prepaid rail card with a reduced-fare ticket for the Limited Express Haruka. The ICOCA card can be used on a lot of the railways and buses in the Kansai area. You can find out more about it at the official JR West website. The normal fare for the journey between Kyoto Station and Kansai Airport Station is 2,850 yen (RM 106).


DAY 2: Sight-seeing

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Admission: FREE

Opening Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (April to August) 9:00 to 16:30 (September and March) 9:00 to 16:00 (October to February) Admission ends 40 minutes before closure.

Closed Mondays (or following day if Monday is a national holiday), December 28 to January 4, occasional closures when the palace is used for some events

How To Get There: From Kyoto Station along the Karasuma Subway Line and get off at Marutamachi Station or Imadegawa Station. Subway fare: 270 Yen

Heian Jingu

Admission: FREE

Opening Hours: 6:00 to 17:30 (closing time varies seasonally by half an hour)

How To Get There: You can walk 30 mins from Kyoto Imperial Palace OR take the Bus No.17 (only 2 stops away approximately 27 mins), after you alight at the bus stop, walk another 15 mins (1.3km) to Heian Jingu.

Yasaka Jinja

Admission: FREE

Opening Hours: Everyday, 24 hours. No closing days.

How To Get There: You can walk from Heian Jingu to Yasaka Jinja OR take Bus No.203 towards 錦林車庫前行 and stop at 祇園 , and walk for another 2 min (160m) to Yasaka Shrine. 

Nanzenji

Admission: 500 yen

Opening Hours: 8:40 to 17:00 (until 16:30 from December to February)

Last admission: 20 minutes before closing time.

How To Get There: Walk to Higashiyama Station and take the Tozai Line towards Rokujizo and stop at Keage Station. Then, walk for another 8 mins (700m) to Nanzenji Temple.

Nishiki Market

Admission: FREE

Opening Hours: Varies by store, typically 9:00 to 18:00

How To Get There: From Keage Station, take the Tozai Line towards Kyoto Shiyakusho-Mae and stop at that Kyoto Shiyakusho-Mae station and walk for another 12 mins (1.0km)

Places To Visit In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, or commonly known as KL among the locals, is the capital city of Malaysia. If you have never heard of this country or never travelled to this side of the world, let me introduce a little bit of my country to you.

Malaysia is a multi-racial country with the majority of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other races. Although the national language is Malay, most Malaysians can speak at least two to three languages fluently. So, you don't have to worry about language barrier because most Malaysians can speak English very well.

Currency is MYR or commonly known as RM (Ringgit Malaysia) among the locals. Cash comes in COINS: 5 cent, 10 cent, 20 cent, 50 cent; BANK NOTES: RM1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100.

Food price: You can get a simple breakfast at mamak shops with a drink for RM5. If you eat at Chinese coffeeshop (known as kopitiam), you can expect to pay RM6 or RM7 for a bowl of noodles or a plate of chicken rice, excluding drinks. If you eat in an inexpensive restaurant, expect to pay RM25 to RM30 per person. If the restaurant is inside a shopping mall, a meal could range from RM30 to RM50 per person. Restaurants charge 10% for service charge and 6% GST (Goods & Services Tax).

Tipping: No tipping is required in Malaysia as it is not a common practice here.

Local Transportation: LRT, MRT, Monorail, Bus, Taxi, KTM Komuter Train. In addition to these, you can also get UBER or GRAB car from your smartphone for your convenience.

Let me introduce some of the beautiful places to see and visit around KL.

PETRONAS Twin Towers

The tallest twin towers in the world. It houses offices and a huge shopping mall with many branded boutiques, cinemas, cuisine from all over the world (Malay food, Chinese food, Western, Japanese, Korean, Arab, etc. at the food court, restaurants, cafes. There is an aquaria inside the mall for those who want to see sea creatures up-close. In front of the shopping mall is a huge KLCC Park with water fountain display.

How To Get There: Take the KELANA JAYA LINE LRT towards Gombak. Stop at the KLCC station which is situated inside the shopping mall inside the Twin Towers.

Suria KLCC. This is the shopping mall inside the Twin Towers.

Aquaria KLCC spanning 60,000 square feet with a 300 foot tunnel which allows visitors seeing up-close with over 50,000 sea creatures. Admission fee: RM69 (Adult), RM59 (Child), RM49 (Senior citizen). Children below the age of 3 is FREE. It is open daily from 10:00am to 8:00pm. Last admission is at 7:00pm.

KLCC Park: the water fountain display with lights at night. Admission is FREE.

Batu Caves is the focal point during the Hindu festival of Thaipusam every year. The temple on top of the hill is dedicated to Lord Murugan. The caves is believed to be around for 400 million years old. Climb up the 272 concrete steps to the top to see the view and visit the temple inside.

How To Get There: Take the KTM KOMUTER from KL SENTRAL towards BATU CAVES which is the last stop. There are also buses that goes to Batu Caves but they don't stop directly in front of the caves. You have to walk around 8-12 mins from the bus stop to Batu Caves. To check how to take the local bus, go to www.myrapid.com.my and click on Plan My Journey and type in the location from the place you're at to Batu Caves and a detail route with which LRT or bus to take will be shown.

Thean Hou Temple is a huge Buddhist temple with its 6-tier design making it an iconic landmark in KL. Admission is FREE. Just walk around the temple and you'll notice the intricate carvings and decorated ceilings inside the temple.

If you're there after the sun sets, the whole temple will be light up with red lanterns and lights all over. There is a food court in the basement if you like to have a vegetarian meal there. Don't be surprised if you see Chinese couples in wedding attire taking photos because the Marriage Registar office is located inside the temple for any Chinese couple who would like to register their marriage officially.

How To Get There: None of the LRT or KTM stations is within walking distance from Thean Hou Temple. The best way is to take a taxi. To save on the taxi fare, you can first travel by KTM to Mid Valley station or by LRT to Bangsar station. From there, you hail for a taxi and travel for 2-3km to reach Thean Hou Temple.

Muzium Negara (National Museum) is built in the shape of a tradiational Malay house. Experience the history and culture of Malaysia in this museum. Opens daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm. Admission fee: RM5.00 (Adult), RM2.00 (Children age 6 to 12). Admission is FREE for children below 6 years old. Website: http://www.jmm.gov.my/en/museum/muzium-negara or CLICK HERE

How To Get There: There are several ways. You can take the KL HOP ON HOP OFF bus and get off at the museum, or you can take the MRT and stop at the Stesen Muzium Negara station, or you could walk 0.5km from KL Sentral to the museum.

Central Market (Pasar Seni) used to be a wet market selling fruits, vegetables, and meat. Now, it is a cultural place to get your local souvenirs, arts and crafts for your family and friends back home. The upper floor is a food court selling local delicacies.

How To Get There: Take the MRT and stop at the Pasar Seni station.

Sunway Lagoon is a huge water theme park located a little outside of KL city center in the suburb of Petaling Jaya. For admission fees and the types of theme rides and games, please visit the website: https://sunwaylagoon.com/pricing/ or CLICK HERE

How To Get There: Take theKTM Komuter train to the Subang Jaya Station then catch a feeder bus to the Sunway Pyramid stop. Or, take the Putra LRT train to the Kelana Jaya Station then catch a feeder bus to the Sunway Pyramid stop.

Jalan Alor is a food haven not only to locals but to many tourists who wants to taste all the good food that this country has to offer. Do not come in the day time because this street only comes alive during evening till late at night so have make sure you come with an empty stomach. Most of the shops here accept cash only.

How To Get There: From KL Sentral, take the Monorail and stop either at the Imbi station or the Bukit Bintang Station. Jalan Alor is accessible within walking distance from these two stations.


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HOW TO GET FROM AIRPORT TO CITY CENTER:

Most international flights will arrive at the KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport). There are few ways to reach the city center as I explain below.

EXPRESS COACH / STAR SHUTTLE BUS / SKYBUS / AEROBUS: RM10 (Adult) , RM6 (Child). *Please note that some buses charge RM11 for adult. This bus will take you from KLIA to KL SENTRAL. The bus will depart every 30 minutes and the journey to the city center takes 1 hour. KL SENTRAL is a hub where you can take the LRT, Monorail, KTM train.

EXPRESS RAIL LINK (ERL): RM55. It will also take you to KL SENTRAL.

TAXI: RM70-RM80. Journey takes roughly 50 minutes depending on traffic.

UBERX: RM90. Journey takes roughly 50 minutes depending on traffic.

GRAB CAR: RM80-RM110. Journey takes roughly 50 minutes depending on traffic.


If you have any other queries about KL or Malaysia, feel free to drop a comment below.

Tourists Scams in Europe

I'm sure you have heard of travel stories from friends or read online where they were the target of pickpockets while travelling around Europe. Yes, it's true.

Come to think of it, it's sad. I mean, the city is so beautiful with historical buildings, palaces, amazing museums, rich in history and culture, and yet your holiday trip may be spoilt by this.

There are many tactics used by the pickpockets and I want to tell you some of the most common ones you'll encounter in major tourist attractions.

1. Gypsy Women
You will see an old lady (usually in headscarf to cover her hair) with clothes that shout "I'm not local"  approaching your, and you can distinguish them from their skin colour which is darker than the European people. She will tell you that she came from another country and that she has no money. Sometimes, they will carry a baby or a small kid on a stroller to gain your pity to donate your euro to her. Just walk away. Pretend you don't understand what she's talking about.

2. Throwing Baby
Another tactic used by these women are by throwing a baby (usually it's a doll) into your arms. You will be caught off-guard as you'll try to catch the baby. As you do that, her accomplice will poke around your bag and pockets.

3. Petition Sign
A group of youngsters or kids will approach you and ask you to sign a petition Tudor some causes such as world peace, ecology environment protest, or simply to sign for a donation for orphanage or old folks homes. Some will act as if they are mute or deaf and ask you to read the board they show you. If you sign that thing, they will demand payment from you and if you walk away, they will follow you. While you're reading the petition note, the accomplice will rummage through your bag and steal whatever they can get. I was a target when I was in Berlin. Two young boys approached me and ask me to read the petition and sign while the other boy try to unzip my bag from behind and put his hand inside. I quickly turn around and swing my bag to my front and walk away but they followed me until I quickly ran into a random hotel. They did not dare to enter the hotel.  DO NOT sign or read anything. Just walk away. If they follow you, quickly enter a restaurant, cafe, hotel.

3. Friendship Bracelet
Someone will try to give you a wrist bracelet (made of strings) and he/she will say it's free, a friendship bracelet. He will then tie it around your wrist and after that, he will ask you to pay. DO NOT take or let anyone tie anything on your wrist or hand. They will demand a small donation. Just walk away.

4. Rose
Same thing with the friendship bracelet, they will try to give you a stall of rose saying it's free, or it's to welcome tourists to the city. DO NOT TAKE the rose or you will have to pay. I was approached by a girl offering me a rose in Vienna and when I didn't want to take it, she threw the rose into my hands. I quickly walked away letting the rose fell to the ground.

5. Mustard Spill
Someone will spill mustard or any other liquid onto your shirt (on your shoulder area) and pretend to help you clean and wipe it off. When you put down your bag on the ground, his accomplice will snatch your bag and run away.

6. Magic Show
Someone will pretend to be a street artist by performing either playing a musical instrument or a magic show. While you're focusing on the act, the accomplice will stand behind or near you and try to cut through your bag with a knife and put his hand inside to take things.

7. Helpful People
If you're buying train/metro ticket at the ticket machine, someone will approach you trying to be helpful by saying they will help you to buy the ticket since you can't read German or French on the machine. The accomplice will be behind trying to cut your bag or unzip it. Don't lose your focus. Be alert of your surroundings.

8. Pickpockets at train station
They will wait until you board the train or step out of the train. The moment you want to walk into the train, he will snatch your bag or wallet from your pockets and the door is closed. You're inside the train and he's outside. You can't do anything. On the contrary, when you want to step out from the train, he will do the same thing but this time, you're outside and he's inside with the train going fast to the next stop. Always be careful when you step in or out of the train, subway, metro.

9. Taking Photos for you
Someone will try to be nice and helpful by asking if you want him to take a photo for you. He will then run off with your camera or phone.

10. Phony Police
They will pretend to be police officers demanding to check your wallet for fake money that has been circulating lately. They will return your wallet but take away your money.

So, what can you do?

1. Always be alert about everyone around you.
2. Carry your bag in front of you.
3. Put your hands inside your pockets when you're standing still.
4. Buy a money belt and put your passport, cash inside.
5. Do not put too many cash inside your wallet.
6. Just walk away whenever someone approaches you.
7. Don't trust anyone especially if they're being too helpful.
8. DO NOT wear any jewellery when you're on the street.
9. Try to avoid walking alone on the street at night.
10. Research about which area should be avoided especially if you're alone wandering off unknown places.

Planning For My Europe Trip 2.0

I have backpacked on my own to 8 European cities within 4 countries in 2015 covering Berlin, Dresden, Munich, Vienna, Venice, Florence, Rome, and Vatican City. It's been nearly 3 years since I travelled to Europe, so I've decided to make the trip this year.

Initially, I wanted to travel last year in 2017 but there's a lot of things happening and I was so busy to plan anything that I just put it aside without any thought. This time, I'm going to travel to 4 cities within 4 countries. Can you guess which are the 4 cities I'm going to visit?

Let's make it a contest and the winner whom guessed it correctly will get a little souvenir from me. Here is how you can join:

STEP-BY-STEP ON HOW TO JOIN THE CONTEST

1. LIKE the Facebook Page of this blog: The Budget Backpacker (Link: https://www.facebook.com/thebudgetbackpackerpage/ OR CLICK HERE)
2. Tag 5 friends in the comment section of any post in The Budget Backpacker Facebook Page.
3. In the same comment section of the Facebook Page, you have to type in the 4 cities you guess I'm going to visit in my upcoming trip.

RULES & REGULATIONS

1. Each participant can only submit ONE entry. Other subsequent entries from the same participant will not be entertained.
2. Only participants whom follow the step-by-step listed above are eligible to enter the contest.
3. Closing date: 31st May 2018 (the date may be amended without prior notice)
4. Only ONE (1) winner will be announced.
5. If there are more than one participant with the correct answers, the participant whom commented the earliest time will be picked as the winner.
6. The winner will have to message me in Facebook private message or email me his/her home address for the prize to be sent.
7. The prize will be sent through mail to the home address of the winner. 
8. The blogger is not responsible for any damage or loss of the prize during the mailing journey.
9. All decisions are final. No correspondence will be entertained after the winner has been announced.

Renewing My Passport

I was in the midst of planning for my upcoming Europe Trip 2.0 and when I was about to book my flight tickets last Friday, something shocking came upon me. I took out my passport from the drawer and realised that it was going to expire soon by the end of this month, so I decided to quickly renew it today (5 March 2018, Monday) at the Kajang UTC.

I left my house before 6:00am and reached there at 6:45am because I've read from another blogger that the queue would be long even before the immigration office opens at 7:30am. Guess what? I was the second in line. Wow! That mother of two was the earliest.

The officer opens the door at 7:30am sharp and we went into the first counter to take our numbers. Here, you have to hand over your Identity Card together with your old passport to the officer. It was less than 5 minutes for the second officer to call my number. I walked to the counter and he insert my Identity Card into the machine and all my details appear on his computer screen. You do not need to fill up any form now. What a great improvement!

After checking my details, I was asked to put my right thumb on the scanner for verification. The officer will ask for your latest mobile number. Next, the officer will ask you to sit up straight and look at the camera to have your photo taken for the new passport.

Just a note of reminder, you have to wear a dark colour shirt as the background is white. I've seen many applicants wearing yellow, light pink, light green, white shirt and the officer will lend you a coat to be worn.

After the photo has been taken,  I was asked to sign on the form and thumb print on it. All these only took 10 minutes.

Now, I have to wait to be called to another counter to make payment. The fee for passport is now set at RM200 (the old fee was RM300 for 5 years). There is no longer passport for 2 years. The best part is the fee is half price at RM100 for senior citizens, students,

I waited for 1 hour to be called to the next counter to pay for my new passport. After payment, the officer returns my Identity Card to me and asked me to wait to be called to collect my new passport. It didn't take long for the next officer to call my number to hand me my new passport. All I need to do is to sign the form proving that I have collect my new passport and to sign on my new passport in front of the officer before I can leave.

In total, you will be called to three different counters. The first one is to verify your details, thumb print, and sign. The second counter is to make your payment and get back your Identity Card, and the third counter is to collect your new passport.

The whole process from taking the number to getting my new passport took one and a half hour. I left the immigration office at 9:00am. Overall, the process and service was good and efficient. I like the fact that you can now have your new passport on the same day you renew it.

One feature I like about the new passport is the first page inside where your details and photo are, that particular page is now laminated with a harder material, unlike previous passport (see the photo above). After getting home from the immigration office, I quickly went back to bed and have a nap till lunch time because I didn't have enough sleep.

The new pages in the new passport comes with butterfly and hibiscus flowers.

Here's the summary of what takes place:

• Queue at the first counter to take your number. Make sure you tell the officer that you're renewing your passport.
• Hand your old passport together with your Identity Card to the officer.
• Wait for your number to be called and go to the respective counter to verify your details with your thumb print and the officer will take a photo of you for the new passport. Sign the form and print your thumb.
• Wait for your number to be called to make payment at the cashier counter. When you pay, the officer will return the Identity Card to you.
• Now, wait your number to be called to collect your new passport. Sign on the release form and on your new passport and you're ready to go!