Our Official Dais (Pelamin) : By Zaifie Zainal

I've been searching all possible website and Facebook page for a dais which suit us. I want something simple, elegant, with flower, not too pink and definitely no panel. I was finally come to Zaifie Zainal page, i was immediately fall in love with her dais. I show it to Nico and surprisingly he love it too. 

So we immediately make an appointment with kak Zai and arraged everything. I don't even bother to ask her if i can see other dais design since im so in love with this one. When im in love with something, i definitely didnt want anything else lol. 

On our wedding day, kak Zai make an arrangement with Duchess Place to set up our dais. We weren't there when they put it on. After they finished and we are on our way to Duchess, kak Zai hubby call and told me everything done and we just need to turn on the light. 

My heart melt the moment we walk in, the dais was so beautiful to my opinion and compliment Duchess dining hall perfectly. 

Zaifie Zainal is highly recommended by us if you looking for Dais and dress, or better get the entire package from her. Kak Zai, if you read this, thanks for making my wedding day so beautiful. 

Our Official Venue : Duchess Place Jalan Ampang

Duchess Place has been on tv for so many times which usually featured a wedding of celebrities. Me and Nico agreed to have a small wedding which is only attended by close families and friends which make Duchess Place is the perfect location. Wedding in France usually will only have around 100 guest while malay wedding which usually done at home attended by 1000 people. 

I always wanted a small wedding, there's no point inviting people that we didn't know or didn't like to our wedding. To see all the familiar faces and people that we love during the wedding is the ultimate joy. 

Since i have big extended family, which included cousins up to 3rd degree and 8 pairs of uncles and aunties from both sides of my parents, not to mention my parents cousins, uncles and aunties, our small wedding in the end accommodate 360 guest which 300 guest come from my side and only 60 guest from Nico. 

It was a right choice when we choose Duchess Place since they not only provided venue but also catering, dais, main table decoration and cake to make our arrangement easier. However, we only take venue and catering package from them because i decided to have my own cake design and im in love with dais from zaifie zainal.

 (Our entrance to dais)

 (Guest Tables)

 

 (Main Table)

With all these beautiful set up, i couldn't ask anymore better than this. We are so satisfied and got nothing to complaint during our big day. Its really a night to remember :)

1 years old KIMI

Our little Siamese kitten is not so little anymore. According to our vet, Kimi was 8 months old when we took him to the clinic in Nov. So this month, Kimi celebrate his first birthday with us. They lady who fill in Kimi info was so cute, she said since Kimi born in March, so why don't we put 13.03.13 in his birthday column. I just say yes even though i wasn't really care about it :p

On his birthday, i feed Kimi tuna in olive oil (human food, not cat food) which we always have to add in into our salad. he enjoyed it so much. 

Kimi grew big and its amazing to see his color changes from the time we found him until now. He ate a lot and its make me happy to see him fat and healthy. One thing that i really cannot take is, his biting habit. He bites a lot, especially when he's hungry or asking for attention. In fact, i am writing with one hand right now while another hand holding a string and play with him...its tiring, but i have no choice. Its either this or get bites lol. 

Recently Kimi has this habit of sleeping with us. Usually he sleep outside but since our door broke and not be able to lock, its easy for him to crawl in, in the middle of the night and join us in bed. Its funny because sometimes he choose to sleep in between me and Nico, and makes us feel like we have baby which we should take care not to hit while sleeping. 

So, this is one year old kimi....so much progress and hope he will live a long life with us. 

 ( am i sexy?)

(Love those eyes)

 (look at those teeth)

( hello...)

 (well, he's bored)

 (owh, again those eyes)

(yes kimi, i'm your slave)

Hoa Lu Tam Coc ~ Halong Bay on land

This post has been long delayed since i got so many things to write but no times or maybe i didn't find time to write any. Honestly, i'm not really sure why, probably lazy.

If you read my earlier post on Halong Bay or you have been to Halong Bay itself, you will understand why people called Tam Coc Halong Bay on land. Instead of sea water, we are now on a river, small boat, rowing by hand and cruising between the limestone hilly side. 

When we arrived at the jetty, what we saw was a lot of small boat. Our guide was a petite vietname girl age 20. At first i was skeptical either she can take us or not but apparently she did this for a living and she use to it. 

We then pass the village along the river, duck under a small bridge and finally our journey through Tam Coc famous river start. We ask our guide why people row with their feet and not their hand? She said its tiring and require a lot of energy, feet give more power during paddling and easier. 

Half way during our cruise, she ask if we can help her peddling by using extra paddle. We said ok since this is bonus experienced for us and we didn't mind lending a helping hands. We then find out that Tam Coc river cruise took at least 2 hours to complete. 

The scenery was breathtakingly beautiful, it was quite since no one use engine boat, maybe because of shallow water, im not really sure. Everybody was enjoying the view, the limestone and green vegetation all around and its almost impossible to hear anyone making noise. When you enter a library, you are supposed to be quite, but here no one tell you that but everybody seems enjoying the silence and simply back to nature. 

Our journey continue through more limestone and caves. It was pretty exciting since we still on the boat and have to mind our head while we go through the limestone. At the end of the river, there are a lot of boat selling drinks and snacks waiting for us. Its also gives our guide a chance to rest before heading back to jetty. 

It really an amazing experienced to be here. Halong bay has it own charms and you cannot simply wave this tour off by thinking that Tam Coc is no different from Halong bay except its on land. Trust me, its completely different feeling and it completely amazing. 

If i had a chance one day, i will definitely go back to Hanoi, just to experienced Halong Bay and Tam Coc all over again. Its a life time experienced that i wont forget and carved into my heart. 

The sweetness of doing nothing for 2014

Dec 2014

(View of Hong Kong Skyline during river cruise)

Sept 2014

(During our 2 weeks trip to Palawan, Bali & Lombok)

(Blessed to swim with this turtle during our snorkeling trip at Gili Island) 

(Balinese Dance at GWK)

(Snorkeling at El-Nido)

May 2014

(Medhufushi Island Resort staff getting on small boat to shallow water)

April 2014

(The main highlight at Sandakan Sabah besides Orang-Utan)

March 2014

(One of Borneo best beach, Malaysia)

February 2014 

  (The island present its name beautiful island in Brittany, France)

  (The famous La Rochelle tower, France)

(Musee des commerces d'Autrefois aka old shop museum, France)

(Donkey Sanctuary, France)

(Place de la Bourse, France)

January 2014

(Finally be able to see Rafflesia, the biggest flower in the world, Malaysia)

We MOVED to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Earlier this year, we came to Kota Kinabalu for a visit and we like the life here. When we went back to KL, we heard a rumors saying that Nico's company (which was also mine before) tendering a project in KK and we were pretty excited about it. We start to dream about getting a chance to be part of the team and live in Sabah. 

Nico finally get his expat contract offered and they want him to go to KK as his first expat assignment. We was so happy to received the news and thank god that its right after the wedding. 

Its been a month since we moved here and we love everything so far. Its quite a change from busy city life of KL to a quite laid back environment of KK.  

We rent 3 bedroom apartment at The Peak Vista Condo Likas, with an amazing sea view. Renting is expensive but we lucky that Nico's company pay for it.

At the moment this is what we LIKE about KK :

1. Fresh Seafood ~ It is very cheap and fresh. Even for Kimi we cooked him fresh fish and he never want to ate canned food anymore. There's also variety of choice and we eat seafood almost everyday.

2. Island ~ Living in KK make us feel like we are on vacation all the time. We only need 5-10 min drive to get to Jesselton Jetty, hop on a boat, 20min boat ride and we are as good as having vacation. With 4 different islands to check we don't have to go far for weekend gateway. We love beaches and island, so this is perfect for us.

3. Weather ~ There is no monsoon in Borneo but of cos its still raining. Since we moved in, i woke up everyday to hot and sunny weather, which promise an amazing view on my balcony and enough to brighten up anyone mood. But, the sunny sky wont stay for long, around 3 or 4 pm, it will started to rain which also good to cool off the warm temperature.

4. Cheap local grocery ~ Tamu or pasar or local market can be found almost everywhere in sabah. Its really shocking when we discovered that we still can buy fresh vegetables (fresh bean, brinjals, kangkung, etc) for RM1. See you can find that in KL.

What we DISLIKE about KK :

1. Traffic ~ We come to notice that people here drive pretty slow. Sometimes there's a traffic jammed for no reason. I didn't drive fast but i didn't drive 60km per hour on the main road either. Traffic usually bad on monday, tuesday and weekend, especially during lunch hour in city center.

2. Parking ~ Its really pain in the a** to get parking here. Thats all i can say.

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 :(