Import Export Our Siamese Cat, KIMI

Its feel like ages since i wrote something in this blog. Been busy with packing, unpacking, shopping, cleaning and enjoying Kota Kinabalu air.

We finally decided that we going to take our cat, Kimi to KK. I am so glad that besides everything we have to go through, with me being jobless and all, i will have Kimi with me at home while Nico busy working until late.

Taking your pet is a hassle works since there's a lot of paper work and preparation needed. It will be easier if we can just buy air ticket for them and they can go anywhere same like human. But unfortunately that's not the case.

I understand now why agent cost so much in helping you relocate your cat. This is what i have to go through and i hope it will help you if you need to take your pet to from west Malaysia to Sabah.

1. VACCINATION
Since i was jobless, i took Kimi to get his vaccination ready in order for him to go to KK. I didn't call Sabah animal department before hand as i know that this is the basic i need to do for him before i can apply to any import permit. So i went to veterinary, tell them the situation and we agree to give Kimi  :

1.1 Vaccination 
~ Standard vaccination for pet

1.2. Anti-Rabies 
~ Kimi need to be injected with anti-rabies since Sabah is an anti-rabies state. So they want all pet coming to Sabah to be injected with anti-rabies vaccine. 

1.3. Microchip install.
~ Microchip must be inserted inside the pet as this is working as their identification. 

I really pitied Kimi since he need to get 3 different injection in one time. Doctor start with vaccine, followed by anti rabies and microchip last. Needle for microchip was big and i couldn't bring myself to look at him when they planted it. Now Kimi already have 15 digit microchip in his body as his identification. 

During this short visit to doctor, i found out that Kimi is actually not a Siamese Kitten, he is domestic short hair breed which happened to look like Siamese cat. We still love him nevertheless :)

From his teeth, doc told me that our Kimi already 8 months old, Domestic Short Hair (DSH) breed with seal bicolor point. 

So now, vaccination already given and microchip already install, we can start applying for import permit which is Sabah state where we going to bring Kimi to. It is advisable to call them first to know the procedure. 

2. IMPORT PERMIT

You need to apply Import permit first before applying for export permit. 

2.1 Register on Davetsa Website

First, you need to register on their website on the single sign-on tab with all the information and you need to put address in Sabah on address column. http://davetsa.sabah.gov.my/app/ 

You will only get your registration validate after 3 working days, if already a week and you still didn't get any approval like me before, its mean there's something wrong with your form which in my case i put the wrong address, it was address in KL. Call them at +6088287400 and ask for license department and they can change it for you immediately and can get approval immediately too. 

2.2 Apply Import Permit

After approved, i get more access to the website and now i can apply for import permit. In this form, i need to fill in all the information regarding exporter in KL(which is also me), shipment for my pet, pets detail, vaccination, microchip info and finally copy of Kimi vaccination card. Completed form submitted and waiting to get approval from Davetsa. Up to this stage, everything is done online. 

2.3 Payment

I get approval for my application after one day, which i need to check the status online and now i have to go to their office to pay RM11 processing fee. Im not sure if you can do bank transfer, money order or bank draf as payment method. I was lucky that i were in KK at that time and i can easily go to their office and pay. 

2.4 Collection 

My import permit approved and ready the next day. I checked online and they attached electronic copy which is not signed and stamp by them. When i made payment the day before they told me that i still need to come over and collect. 

So, this is finally Import Permit for my lil' Kimi. 

I was again lucky because after i manage to arrange import permit for Kimi, we going back to KL to arrange our shipment. 

I got one week to get his health certificate and Export permit ready before he flew to KK together with Nico. 

3. HEALTH CERTIFICATE

As i applied in Selangor, i need to go to Shah Alam to get his health certificate. Health officer will check your pet and will come out with a letter saying that your pet is fit to travel.  You don't need to do appointment and can simply walk in between 8.30am to 4.30pm. http://www.dvssel.gov.my/cms/index.php . Charge for health certificate was RM40. 

4. EXPORT PERMIT

Selangor state didn't produce export permit anymore and i'm not sure if this rules also apply to other states in west Malaysia. Health office will send all information to MAQIS and MAQIS need to approved export permit within 24 hours. I went to collect Export permit on the same day and i didn't get any problem. 

Unfortunately, to go to MAQIS office, you need to go all the way to Customs building, next to MAS Cargo and LCCT Sepang. Ya, all the way to Sepang. The good thing is, they open even after office hour but i wasn't so sure until what time. Their office located at level 5 and export permit was given free of charge until further notice.  

5. PROPER CARRIER

We going to take Kimi as special baggage with Malaysia Airlines since Nico will fly back with them and only Malaysia Airlines have this services. Their info here : http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/my/en/book-and-plan/baggage/special-equipment-pets.html

I was then searching for proper carrier since we scared that airport going to reject Kimi simple carrier. After searching high and low, i finally found this carrier which is airlines approved. Good huh

Catit Carrier

I took M size which i thought already big enough for Kimi. I didn't know that my Kimi grew so fast and he already get to the top of the carrier when he stand. He can lay inside comfortably, so before you buy carrier, please check your cat length and height. This carrier cost RM72 and equipped with food container, good ventilation and opening to pet my Kimi. 

6. CALL QUARANTINE OFFICE

As stated in the information sheet from Import Permit, we need to call quarantine office 2 days earlier to confirm arrival date with their officer at the airport. When i called, they said i can actually call on flying date itself, and simply provide them flight info and arrival time. 

7. FLYING TIME

When Nico went to check-in at the airport, all he need to do is taking Kimi with him with all the paper ready. Airport people didn't ask to see any paper but we need to show at KK airport later when landed. Malaysia airlines charge us by Kimi and carrier weight. Kimi is almost 4kg and his carrier was around 3kg. We paid RM90 for taking him as special baggage which is around RM15 per kg. 

After we settled payment, we took him to oversize baggage security scanner, officer make some checking and airport staff will take him directly to cargo. We tried to give him pill to make him calm but Kimi refused to eat. We can only hope for the best and he can take two and half hour flight. 

8. ARRIVAL

I didn't flew together with them since i only going to leave KL on the next day. It was Nico who arranged Kimi arrival. He said Kimi was arrived on the conveyor belt together with all the luggage. But of cos he was the first 3 in line. It was funny to think Kimi have to go around on the conveyor belt, it must be a fun ride for him. 

Nico also told me that Kimi was calm. He probably scared and hungry since he didn't ate anything since noon because we plan to let him eat the pill. 

9. QUARANTINE DROP

I need to check with Nico where exactly he drop Kimi for quarantine at the airport. They definitely have some counter or office at the airport to received all quarantine animal which coming by airplane. When i called quarantine office before, they said they will be someone waiting for him and give a helping hand. 

10. QUARANTINE PROCESS

Nico signed few paper as agreement for quarantine and they informed him that they going to take Kimi to Quarantine center at Kinarut, Papar. Kimi will be quarantine for 21 days according to Sabah law and payment will be around RM4-RM10 per day according to the type of animal. We also been told that payment for his quarantine purpose only will be made when we pick him up later. 

So, this is my experienced taking my pet from west Malaysia to East Malaysia. Its not easy but how can you stand the idea of being separated with your beloved pet. Its been 5 days since Kimi in quarantine center, i'm counting days till he can come back home and be with us again. Hope he doesn't go crazy staying alone in the cage. Miss not-so-lil'-anymore Kimi sooooo much :(

Here comes the bride, all DRESS in white

Initially, i planned to have wedding gown like Kate Middleton have on her wedding day. Its beautiful but at the same time decent. Since our guest will be from all stage of ages and religion, my mom advised me to wear something decent. She said that my dad relatives are religious. :D

(I do want something like this)

Nico doesn't want to wear traditional clothing for our reception since we going to wear one during our solemnization. I didn't have any problem with that because which women didn't want to wear white gown on her wedding day isnt it? 

We only have one month left to get our dress and suit reserved for us. So we went to Jalan Loke Yew where we can find a lot of bridal gallery there. We went to few store and i ask immediately if they have something like Kate Middleton and they all say no or show me similar design but look out dated. 

We finally went to check at Ivory Romance since they have a lot of choices compared to few shops we saw before. I read a lot of bad review regarding Ivory Romance but finally decided to give it a try.

We so happy to found out that they have varies suits for Nico to try. Most of the shops only have normal black suits which even Nico have it. We want something different for him to wear on our wedding day.

My idea for wedding dress is just something simple. I prefer a lot of details on my dress so i dont' have to put so much accessories on me. So, i go try one gown after another and i think i tried around 20 different gown before i finally met the one.

It was a wedding gown which they put on a display on a mannequin which attract me. Before i try it on, the sales person already told me that it will cost me RM1800 for renting. I told myself there's nothing wrong to give it a try since i don't even know if i like it or not.

When i put it on, i knew that it is the one. The only problem is, its not as decent as i initially plan to get. So i called my mom and she said, "You only marry once, if you cant find something decent then just choose what you like. Who cares about what people say as long you are happy". I was so happy to hear that from my mom and we immediately search something for Nico. Thank god there's  a white suit that we both like and the color matched my gown perfectly.

I never felt like a princess before but i definitely did on my wedding day. Never feel so beautiful, what do you think? :D

Our Official Henna Night

I was so excited to have my henna night. I grew up in a village where wedding was a big celebration and enjoyed by everybody for 3 days and night. It was long-long time ago of course but i still want to carry few of it tradition for my own wedding. Since i also married to foreigner, i think it will be a nice experienced for both of us and for him to learn about our culture.

So on 19th September 2013, i scheduled to have my henna night or malam berinai around 9pm. My mom was so excited inviting her friends and family since this is the only time where we will have party at home since our wedding reception will be held some where else.

 (supposed to be our wedding cake but we have it for henna night)

(Briyani, sticky rice, pulut kuning and lot more good food)

(with my uncle, aunt and cousins)

I booked my henna from Norish Keberg,  https://www.facebook.com/noor.collection?fref=ts. She arrived around 9pm with 2 assistant and was shocked to see that my small home full with people. I was then been seated and she told me, that everything will be done from putting the henna and washing it in an hour. I was so relieves to hear that since i was thinking that i have to go through traditional way which took the whole night.  

(Excited crowd...and me:) 

  

(Final look)

I do think i make the right choice in choosing this design. I tried to avoid looking too crowded but at the same time want to look as mush as a bride. I just hope that these henna can last a bit longer but since it fast to put it on so its only last for a week. Traditional way will last for a month and i really love having henna on my hands and feet. 

Henna for Nico since its was a simple one was done by my cousins. It was also requested by them so they can bullied him and to let him feel welcome to the family. We did have fun that night even thought he have to rush to meet his friends for his bachelor party afterwards. 

 (It seems easy but its not..lol)

(He looked awkward isnt it)

 (Our henna night)

(2 days before the wedding)

Pre-Honeymoon #2 : I am in LOVE with Jogjakarta

I thought Yogyakarta or Jogjakarta (from local dialect) will be boring since i only heard about their temples before and nothing more. Nevertheless, i was still excited to go on vacation.

It was afternoon when we arrived in Jogja, after check in at The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta we decided just to stay in and rest before heading out for dinner later. We wasn't care about expensive hotels before but lately, we cannot resist hotels with swimming pool and good location. Its feel so good to get into the pool after being outside all day in the heat.

 (The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta)

(Nicely decor swimming pool)

After recharging our body we head out to find transport for trip the next day. We didn't booked any driver online and we seriously didn't know where to find there. Unlike Bali, it was so easy to find driver and usually this is the first question people asked you at the airport. We try to get help from hotel reception but it was painfully expensive. So we just walk to Malioboro to get dinner and hope we will see tour agent along the way. 

It was obviously nothing to worry about because the tour agent was everywhere along Malioboro street. We get Toyota Avanza with driver for IDR 650, 000 for 12 hours. Expensive? This is the price they gave us on the price list and since we wanted to go to Dieng Plateau which is 4 hours away from Jogjakarta we think the price is pretty reasonable. We also booked driver for the day after for another trip to the temples which cos us IDR 400,000. 

After get everything booked its time to fill in our tummy which didn't eat much since afternoon. We saw few stall along the street and we stop at the third one to check what they have. Behind every stall, there's a lot of people sitting on the carpet and having their dinner. This seems to be their style of eating out in Jogjakarta which is pretty unique to me but will seems to be unhygienic to the tourist. Thank god that my husband have been living in Malaysia for 2 years and this view doesn't shocked him and he willing to try and didn't make a fuss about it. 

There's a lot of choice for the food. Mostly fried and rice which they already pack in a small quantity. You can take anything you want, put it in  a plate and they will charge you according to what you take. 

 (We didn't sit on the carpet, it was full)

 (I tried sambal belado....was so good)

(seeeeeeeeeeeee that)

I really like food in Jogja because it was spicy, make me feel like home and it was so tasty. Majority population in Jogja are muslim and javanese, so i didn't have to worry about halal or not. 

After dinner, we take a walk through Malioboro to Sono Budoyo Museum to see shadow puppet or wayang kulit. Malioboro was busy with tourist since the street are famous for shopping.

(its 2 hours long and in javanese)

We start as early as 7am in the morning heading to Dieng Plateau which is highland and famous for its volcano crater and colorful lake. The scenery along the way was beautiful and we really enjoyed seeing beautiful rice field every where. Our first stop was Candi Arjuna. Its nothing much to do here but this is where i first discover carica, Wonosobo specialty and so tasty. 

(IDR10k to take picture with them, which only RM3.50)

The highlight on this trip was Sikidang Crater. I never see any volcano or crater before and didnt know what to expect. When we arrived we have been greeted by foul smell, sulfur. There's a lot of people selling mask here, but we already brought it from KL and you dont need one actually. 

 (It has lot of smoke which make it difficult to see what actually happen inside crater)

 (We are lucky that wind flew the other direction and voila.......bubbling mud)

(Scary no?)

After Sikidang Crater, we went to colorful lake. It was so refreshing here. The area was big and nice for a walk. They even have few small caves to see here.

Together with this trip we combined trip to Borobudur on the way back to Yogyakarta. The whole idea of this trip is to see their temple. Entrance fee to Borobudur & Prambanan are really expensive. But thank god that i speak malay and copied their accent. We also get a help from our driver who bought ticket for us. So my husband paid foreigner entrance fee and i paid same as local. 

 (Borobudur Temple)

Third day in Yogya, we start our day with Merapi Adventure, which is a trip by jeep to the foot of Merapi Volcano to see the ruin and bunkers after the volcano irrupted in 2010. 

 (IDR300k for Merapi adventure)

 (Activities along the way)

 (Museum)

 (bunkers that kill 2 people)

(little adventure)

We then went to see Plaosan temple before proceed to Prambanan temple. When we were there, there's people doing work reconstruct the temple which destroyed because of earth quake. Even though this temple wasnt big, it has its own charm. 

 (Plaosan Temple)

 (Twin temple)

Compare to Borobudur, i love Prambanan temple more. The park was big and the temple itself looks amazing. The details in every single stone simply beautiful and full with stories. 

Its hard to say goodbye to Yogyakarta, we spend our last day exploring the city which we didn't have much time to see. We went to Kraton aka sultan palace to see the life of royal people of java.

I was also excited to see Taman Sari which is bathing complex for the princess. Unfortunately, they clean the pool when we were there and there's no water inside to show how beautiful the place can be. 

 (Will look so much better if there's water inside)

 (The tower where the king feast his eyes when the princess take bath)

I really hope that one day we can go back to java, take that becak ride and eat that tasty food again. My mom will definitely love the food and shopping here.