Jasmine room
Friday, January 05, 2007
Manado Pics & Video
Kungkungan Bay Resort (KBR) & Diving Lembeh Straits
This is where we stayed..
Video by Scubazoo Images
My new toy & master..love my Macbook!
My favourite hangout
AT TANGKOKO NATURE RESERVE
Black-crested Macaque
you sexy monkey you...
cheeky monkey getting friendly with J..a minute later he was attacking J and trying to bite him...
at the Tarsier monkey's 'home'
Tarsier monkey
Too cute! I want one!!!
Batman
and now upside down pic..lol..look at those little faces..lol
Mr Python
Mr Fox
Mr 'Babi Rusa a.k.a.Bona' loves candies!
What's new pussycat?
i've had a hard day..leave me alone please..
village huts
Tangkoko beach
This is where we stayed..
Video by Scubazoo Images
My new toy & master..love my Macbook!
My favourite hangout
AT TANGKOKO NATURE RESERVE
Black-crested Macaque
you sexy monkey you...
cheeky monkey getting friendly with J..a minute later he was attacking J and trying to bite him...
at the Tarsier monkey's 'home'
Tarsier monkey
Too cute! I want one!!!
Batman
and now upside down pic..lol..look at those little faces..lol
Mr Python
Mr Fox
Mr 'Babi Rusa a.k.a.Bona' loves candies!
What's new pussycat?
i've had a hard day..leave me alone please..
village huts
Tangkoko beach
Day 4-14 - Manado
Only managed to post up to Day 3 while I was in Manado.. thought I’d be updating my blog daily. Wishful thinking on my part. Lol. Day 4 – 14 went like a breeze. Spent most of my time reading by the beach or the poolside after breakfast / lunch. Yes, very lazy indeed. What a break. It could not have been better. Such a dreamy place.
Went to Tangkoko Nature Reserve with Sean, Jason & Ita. Took us about 2 and half hours' drive to get there. Located on the slopes of mount "Dua Saudara", the area is composed of impressive green hills and valleys with amazingly scenic views of natural beauty. There are black-crested macaques, tarsier monkeys, cus-cus, maleo birds, snakes, wild pigs, hornbills and rusa deer.
Got really close to the black-crested macaques – the older macaques can get a bit vicious & territorial..the little ones are just very cheeky & playful. And then there’s the Cus-Cus (a mammal - not the Spanish dish!) which resembles the koala bear. The guide told us that it is only found in Sulawesi. Then there’s my favourite, the little Tarsier Monkeys,smallest monkey in the world – about 10 centimetres in height. Such adorable, huge-eyed, maguai-like creatures. Too cute. I wish I could take one home..and then feed it after midnight...and have hundreds of little gremlins..lol
Went up to Steve & Mirinda's beautiful little house up the hill from the resort for 'a couple' of drinks one night..by the time we left we were so hammered..could hardly find the way back to the chalet. The next night, we took a boat to go to a neighbouring island resort called Lembeh Resort. Beautiful. They had all the Xmas lights & decorations up..even had a real Xmas tree decorated with the most beautiful ornaments. Linda & Scott, who runs the place were such delightful hosts. Had a beautiful spread for dinner, lots of wine, lots of laughter...great company.. great evening.
We were all quiet on the boat ride back to Kungkungan Bay..just enjoying the cool breeze and trying to hold on and not fall out the boat after all the drinking...
The last weekend in Manado, i booked myself in for a massage and mani-pedi at Matana Spa in Tasik Ria Resort. The driver took me there after breakfast which took about 2 hours. Jim was there to show me around the amazing resort. Sean was there too, by the pool with Jim's sister, Hanan, her husband Simon and their 2 gorgeous kids, Adrian & Amy.
After getting pampered for 3 hours, went to Jim & Cary's lovely home. Met up with the rest of the gang at SKY Lounge in town and had a big dinner. We then adjourned to SCORE, a huge,huge club. Serious drinking & partying. Big time. Jason, Steve & Bjorn were superstars , dancing up a storm with pretty Manado chicas. Everyone except Steve, Jason & I went home after finding Bjorn asleep on one of the settees. The 3 of us went to another huge club. If i remember correctly, the name of the club was 'Ha ha'. I remember dancing on the stage at one point. Not knowing where the boys were, I partied with the local boys..it was all good until Steve appeared out of nowhere, pushed all the boys aside, telling them off..I think he announced that I was the mayor's niece and to keep their distance. I could be wrong but anyhoo..After one too many B52s, i dragged Steve & Jason out of the bar with the help of our driver/bodyguard. The drive back home to Kungkungan Bay felt like an eternity. Hats off to our driver/bodyguard who had to endure all the abuse & stinking alcohol breath all the way back.I can't recall his name but I was told that he is Indonesia's Silat champion.No wonder Steve was 'feared' at Ha Ha Club . No one was going to mess with him when the Silat champion is the bodyguard..lol..But I thank you Steve, Jim and Cary for a wicked night. You guys rock.
In a nutshell..We had a marvelous time in Manado..made all the more better with the great company we had..Miss you guys already! xxx
Went to Tangkoko Nature Reserve with Sean, Jason & Ita. Took us about 2 and half hours' drive to get there. Located on the slopes of mount "Dua Saudara", the area is composed of impressive green hills and valleys with amazingly scenic views of natural beauty. There are black-crested macaques, tarsier monkeys, cus-cus, maleo birds, snakes, wild pigs, hornbills and rusa deer.
Got really close to the black-crested macaques – the older macaques can get a bit vicious & territorial..the little ones are just very cheeky & playful. And then there’s the Cus-Cus (a mammal - not the Spanish dish!) which resembles the koala bear. The guide told us that it is only found in Sulawesi. Then there’s my favourite, the little Tarsier Monkeys,smallest monkey in the world – about 10 centimetres in height. Such adorable, huge-eyed, maguai-like creatures. Too cute. I wish I could take one home..and then feed it after midnight...and have hundreds of little gremlins..lol
Went up to Steve & Mirinda's beautiful little house up the hill from the resort for 'a couple' of drinks one night..by the time we left we were so hammered..could hardly find the way back to the chalet. The next night, we took a boat to go to a neighbouring island resort called Lembeh Resort. Beautiful. They had all the Xmas lights & decorations up..even had a real Xmas tree decorated with the most beautiful ornaments. Linda & Scott, who runs the place were such delightful hosts. Had a beautiful spread for dinner, lots of wine, lots of laughter...great company.. great evening.
We were all quiet on the boat ride back to Kungkungan Bay..just enjoying the cool breeze and trying to hold on and not fall out the boat after all the drinking...
The last weekend in Manado, i booked myself in for a massage and mani-pedi at Matana Spa in Tasik Ria Resort. The driver took me there after breakfast which took about 2 hours. Jim was there to show me around the amazing resort. Sean was there too, by the pool with Jim's sister, Hanan, her husband Simon and their 2 gorgeous kids, Adrian & Amy.
After getting pampered for 3 hours, went to Jim & Cary's lovely home. Met up with the rest of the gang at SKY Lounge in town and had a big dinner. We then adjourned to SCORE, a huge,huge club. Serious drinking & partying. Big time. Jason, Steve & Bjorn were superstars , dancing up a storm with pretty Manado chicas. Everyone except Steve, Jason & I went home after finding Bjorn asleep on one of the settees. The 3 of us went to another huge club. If i remember correctly, the name of the club was 'Ha ha'. I remember dancing on the stage at one point. Not knowing where the boys were, I partied with the local boys..it was all good until Steve appeared out of nowhere, pushed all the boys aside, telling them off..I think he announced that I was the mayor's niece and to keep their distance. I could be wrong but anyhoo..After one too many B52s, i dragged Steve & Jason out of the bar with the help of our driver/bodyguard. The drive back home to Kungkungan Bay felt like an eternity. Hats off to our driver/bodyguard who had to endure all the abuse & stinking alcohol breath all the way back.I can't recall his name but I was told that he is Indonesia's Silat champion.No wonder Steve was 'feared' at Ha Ha Club . No one was going to mess with him when the Silat champion is the bodyguard..lol..But I thank you Steve, Jim and Cary for a wicked night. You guys rock.
In a nutshell..We had a marvelous time in Manado..made all the more better with the great company we had..Miss you guys already! xxx
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Manado - Day 3
Day 3
8th Dec 2006
J went diving at 7am. Got up at 8 and ordered my breakfast - fried eggs layered with melted cheese, bacon and tomato on toast. Had breakfast on the verandah , looking out to the azure sea and neighbouring islands with the breeze blowing through my hair, coconut trees swaying, clear blue sky, the waves breaking at the shore…Are you jealous yet? But seriously, it's picture postcard pretty. Loving every minute of it.
It's full house at KBR since we got here, but most of the guests left today. The only guests left are the US Marines. They’re staying here while training the local coast guards. I expected them to be a rowdy bunch, but to my surprise they were quite well-behaved. So, here I am at this idyllic island resort with all these gorgeous, beefy hunks walking around. Nice eye candies for me. Not doing anything wrong by Mr Man, just enjoying the view..hihi
(ok, gotta split..it’s beer o’clock with my new buddies by the pool ;)
8th Dec 2006
J went diving at 7am. Got up at 8 and ordered my breakfast - fried eggs layered with melted cheese, bacon and tomato on toast. Had breakfast on the verandah , looking out to the azure sea and neighbouring islands with the breeze blowing through my hair, coconut trees swaying, clear blue sky, the waves breaking at the shore…Are you jealous yet? But seriously, it's picture postcard pretty. Loving every minute of it.
It's full house at KBR since we got here, but most of the guests left today. The only guests left are the US Marines. They’re staying here while training the local coast guards. I expected them to be a rowdy bunch, but to my surprise they were quite well-behaved. So, here I am at this idyllic island resort with all these gorgeous, beefy hunks walking around. Nice eye candies for me. Not doing anything wrong by Mr Man, just enjoying the view..hihi
(ok, gotta split..it’s beer o’clock with my new buddies by the pool ;)
Manado - Day 2
Day 2
7th Dec 2006
Amazingly, I had a pretty good sleep lastnight. Normally it would take me a couple of days at least to adjust myself and get comfortable enough to sleep well in a new environment. I guess its not hard to fall asleep to the sound of waves rushing to the shore.
Opened the door to a beautiful, sunny day. Clear blue sky, breezy. Friendly resort staff greeted me as I was walking to the restaurant. Started raining while I was having my breakie. It did nothing to dampen my happy mood.
After breakfast, I went up to check my mail and chill out at the tv / library area above the restaurant which has a spectacular view of the bay and other islands. It was so relaxing that I lost track of time. Before I knew it, it was already time for lunch.
“ Mr Isley would like you to join him for lunch at the restaurant. May I take your order now, ma’am?”, asked the staff while I was staring at the water, lost in my own thoughts.
The day went by quickly. Had so much to eat for dinner..I’m definitely going to gain weight here. yay!
Smiled all the way back to our beautiful chalet by the beach, under the moonlit sky, on a starry, starry night..A very happy bunny indeed.
7th Dec 2006
Amazingly, I had a pretty good sleep lastnight. Normally it would take me a couple of days at least to adjust myself and get comfortable enough to sleep well in a new environment. I guess its not hard to fall asleep to the sound of waves rushing to the shore.
Opened the door to a beautiful, sunny day. Clear blue sky, breezy. Friendly resort staff greeted me as I was walking to the restaurant. Started raining while I was having my breakie. It did nothing to dampen my happy mood.
After breakfast, I went up to check my mail and chill out at the tv / library area above the restaurant which has a spectacular view of the bay and other islands. It was so relaxing that I lost track of time. Before I knew it, it was already time for lunch.
“ Mr Isley would like you to join him for lunch at the restaurant. May I take your order now, ma’am?”, asked the staff while I was staring at the water, lost in my own thoughts.
The day went by quickly. Had so much to eat for dinner..I’m definitely going to gain weight here. yay!
Smiled all the way back to our beautiful chalet by the beach, under the moonlit sky, on a starry, starry night..A very happy bunny indeed.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Manado - Day 1
Day 1
6th Dec 2006
It was a 3hr flight from Singapore to Manado. We arrived at Manado airport at about 2pm. Jim & Cary was there to give us a nice, warm welcome. They run Eco-Divers, which runs Kungkungan Bay Resort & Tasik Ria Resort.
The drive from the airport to Kungkungan Bay Resort (KBR) took approximately 1 ½ hours. Passed by lots of churches and neat wood frame houses, with picket fences and flower gardens. As the driver drove down the hill to Kungkungan Bay Resort, this was my first glimpse of KBR..
All I could manage to say for the next half an hour was ‘Wow!!’, over and over again. :D
Had dinner with Steve & Miranda , the managers of the resort, Kevin Haigh, owner of Red Sea Images, Caroline (who runs Tasik Ria Resort with her husband, Bjorn), her cute baby boy, Moi and a Swedish guest, Anika.
Dinner was sashimi, tom yam kuung and Minahasan chicken curry. Simply delicious.
Kevin shared some underwater photos that he’s taken on this trip. They were amazing, especially the ones of the flamboyant cuttlefish hatching from its egg. Amazing colours.
Knackered by 10pm, we headed back to our chalet. Can’t wait to explore the resort in the morning.
6th Dec 2006
It was a 3hr flight from Singapore to Manado. We arrived at Manado airport at about 2pm. Jim & Cary was there to give us a nice, warm welcome. They run Eco-Divers, which runs Kungkungan Bay Resort & Tasik Ria Resort.
The drive from the airport to Kungkungan Bay Resort (KBR) took approximately 1 ½ hours. Passed by lots of churches and neat wood frame houses, with picket fences and flower gardens. As the driver drove down the hill to Kungkungan Bay Resort, this was my first glimpse of KBR..
All I could manage to say for the next half an hour was ‘Wow!!’, over and over again. :D
Had dinner with Steve & Miranda , the managers of the resort, Kevin Haigh, owner of Red Sea Images, Caroline (who runs Tasik Ria Resort with her husband, Bjorn), her cute baby boy, Moi and a Swedish guest, Anika.
Dinner was sashimi, tom yam kuung and Minahasan chicken curry. Simply delicious.
Kevin shared some underwater photos that he’s taken on this trip. They were amazing, especially the ones of the flamboyant cuttlefish hatching from its egg. Amazing colours.
Knackered by 10pm, we headed back to our chalet. Can’t wait to explore the resort in the morning.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Hello Manado!
So, here I am, finally. Manado. And it’s absolutely gorgeous!!! ‘Where?’, you say? That’s what friends & family said when I told them where I was going. Few people know about this beautiful place or are fortunate enough, as I am, to visit. Let’s give you a little run down on Manado…
Manado
Manado city is the provincial capital of North Sulawesi, Indonesia.. The Island of Sulawesi, previously known as Celebes, lies like an orchid shaped island in the pearl chain of the Indonesian archipelago. The next tourism city by 2010. Manado itself dominant by Minahasan ethnicity which most of them came from nearby region called Minahasa & Tomohon. Manado itself known as "The twelfh Province of Netherland" with majority Christians. 'Dutch in Minahasa & Manado' is the starting point for exploration of the Minahasa region's many attractions.
One of the most western oriented people in Indonesia, the Minahasa, are Christians and friendly people. Their first contact with Europeans was with the arrival of Spanish and Portuguese spice traders. However it wasn't till the Dutch landed on their shores that they became totally Christianised. Dutch influence grew subduing indigenous traditions. "Minahasa" refers to the confederacy of tribes and existing monuments bear evidence to the ancient system of tribes and clans. Fun-loving and extroverted, the Minahasa people live in neat wood frame houses, with fences and flower gardens, giving Manado a European feel.
There is a wide range of hotels and restaurants. Those with an adventurous palate should try the famously hot and spicy Minahasa cuisine. The Minahasan curry is scrumptious! Very much to my liking. The city's numerous shops and markets are filled with an abundance of consumer goods and agricultural produce, while behind every building are glimpses of emerald hills and azure sea.
Inland from Manado, a trip through the Minahasa Highlands will take you to intriguing prehistoric above-ground burial sites, volcanoes, hot springs, the highland lake Tondano and breathtaking panoramas of lush mountains, coffee and coconut plantations, orchid gardens and terraced hillsides. From Manado, also be sure to visit the Dua Saudara Nature Reserve, home to birds and other wildlife unique to Sulawesi, such as the Tarsier - the smallest monkey, cus cus, Hornbill etc.
Getting to Manado, North Sulawesi
Manado ( North Sulawesi ) is an accessible capital city, reachable via international flights from Singapore / Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), Philippines (DAVAO) and domestic daily flights from Jakarta, Surabaya, Balikpapan and Bali.
I am staying at the beautiful Kungkungan Bay Resort. Fell in love with it at first sight. Life is so good to me…
Our home :D
A little bit on my home for the next 2 weeks… :D
Kungkungan Bay Resort (KBR)
Kungkungan Bay Resort is a renowned upscale dive resort set in a large bay on the protected side of the beautiful tropical island of North Sulawesi. Kungkungan Bay is a part of the world famous Lembeh Strait which in the last few years has become the premier macro and critter diving destination in the world.
In harmony with the surrounding nature, Kungkungan Bay Resort, or just 'KBR' to its many fans, is built on a former coconut plantation. Kungkungan faces the Lembeh Strait and guests dining in the over-the-water restaurant have an unfettered view of this unique and peaceful setting.
Facilities at KBR include a private jetty with camera rinse tanks and hot showers, swimming pool with swim-up bar, lounge, internet access ( even by the beach!) and lending library. Restaurant service is available 24-hours of every day. Currently under construction, the resort’s facilities will be enhanced with the opening of a health spa to cater to your every need from traditional massage to coiffeur treatments or sauna.
Manado
Manado city is the provincial capital of North Sulawesi, Indonesia.. The Island of Sulawesi, previously known as Celebes, lies like an orchid shaped island in the pearl chain of the Indonesian archipelago. The next tourism city by 2010. Manado itself dominant by Minahasan ethnicity which most of them came from nearby region called Minahasa & Tomohon. Manado itself known as "The twelfh Province of Netherland" with majority Christians. 'Dutch in Minahasa & Manado' is the starting point for exploration of the Minahasa region's many attractions.
One of the most western oriented people in Indonesia, the Minahasa, are Christians and friendly people. Their first contact with Europeans was with the arrival of Spanish and Portuguese spice traders. However it wasn't till the Dutch landed on their shores that they became totally Christianised. Dutch influence grew subduing indigenous traditions. "Minahasa" refers to the confederacy of tribes and existing monuments bear evidence to the ancient system of tribes and clans. Fun-loving and extroverted, the Minahasa people live in neat wood frame houses, with fences and flower gardens, giving Manado a European feel.
There is a wide range of hotels and restaurants. Those with an adventurous palate should try the famously hot and spicy Minahasa cuisine. The Minahasan curry is scrumptious! Very much to my liking. The city's numerous shops and markets are filled with an abundance of consumer goods and agricultural produce, while behind every building are glimpses of emerald hills and azure sea.
Inland from Manado, a trip through the Minahasa Highlands will take you to intriguing prehistoric above-ground burial sites, volcanoes, hot springs, the highland lake Tondano and breathtaking panoramas of lush mountains, coffee and coconut plantations, orchid gardens and terraced hillsides. From Manado, also be sure to visit the Dua Saudara Nature Reserve, home to birds and other wildlife unique to Sulawesi, such as the Tarsier - the smallest monkey, cus cus, Hornbill etc.
Getting to Manado, North Sulawesi
Manado ( North Sulawesi ) is an accessible capital city, reachable via international flights from Singapore / Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), Philippines (DAVAO) and domestic daily flights from Jakarta, Surabaya, Balikpapan and Bali.
I am staying at the beautiful Kungkungan Bay Resort. Fell in love with it at first sight. Life is so good to me…
Our home :D
A little bit on my home for the next 2 weeks… :D
Kungkungan Bay Resort (KBR)
Kungkungan Bay Resort is a renowned upscale dive resort set in a large bay on the protected side of the beautiful tropical island of North Sulawesi. Kungkungan Bay is a part of the world famous Lembeh Strait which in the last few years has become the premier macro and critter diving destination in the world.
In harmony with the surrounding nature, Kungkungan Bay Resort, or just 'KBR' to its many fans, is built on a former coconut plantation. Kungkungan faces the Lembeh Strait and guests dining in the over-the-water restaurant have an unfettered view of this unique and peaceful setting.
Facilities at KBR include a private jetty with camera rinse tanks and hot showers, swimming pool with swim-up bar, lounge, internet access ( even by the beach!) and lending library. Restaurant service is available 24-hours of every day. Currently under construction, the resort’s facilities will be enhanced with the opening of a health spa to cater to your every need from traditional massage to coiffeur treatments or sauna.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
December Trips
5th Dec - Singapore
7th - 20th Dec - Manado, Indonesia - Kungkungan Bay Resort
30th Dec - 1st Jan 2007 - Pulau Tiga - Survivor Island
7th - 20th Dec - Manado, Indonesia - Kungkungan Bay Resort
30th Dec - 1st Jan 2007 - Pulau Tiga - Survivor Island
If U Don't Know Me By Now..
Classes, parties, travels, charity work, potion brewing, drama, drama, drama.. and after countless bottles of white wine later… here I am… Still alive..kicking & screaming.
Been doing some yoga & pilates. One time, I nearly injured / killed myself when I lost my balance on the exercise ball and fell backwards head first and slammed on the glass door. Could have easily broken my neck.Stayed away from the ball since. Phewwh..nice one Mona. 8 lives to go. No.. actually, 3 lives to go. Jason has taken away most of them. I’m lucky I’m still alive after all the car crashes. The worst thing about it all, he has no recollection of most of the accidents. I am traumatized, scarred for life..and he doesn’t even remember a thing. Lovely.
Still attempting to finish Shantaram. It’s taking me forever.. Sorry dear Max..I shall return it as soon as I’m done..perhaps next year. Lol. Just borrowed Life of Pi from Matt last Sunday..yes, yes,I will finish Shantaram first before starting on yet another book. I've got about 4 other books on my bedside table that I have yet to finish reading.
I’ve joined the YMCA Deaf Club as a Friend of the Deaf (FOD), a couple of months ago, to help them organize fund-raising events / activities. I’ve also taken up Sign Language Course so that I could communicate with the club members. It’s been a lot of fun and even more so that I have PJ, Caroline & Avril learning the language with me. We’ve still got a lot to learn but we can basically spell any word and communicate a bit in signs now. Last night we had a dinner / gathering with members of the deaf club. It was our first experience communicating with the members, other than our teacher, Spancer. It was an enjoyable experience for me. I’m sure PJ & Carol felt the same. Sorry you couldn’t make it, Avril.
The club members are beautiful people. And they really appreciate us ( hearing people) making an effort to learn their language to communicate with them and get to know them better. Planning a fund-raising carnival & futsal tournament for them at KK Futsal in January 2007 with Scott Ollerenshaw’s help.
Been going down to the The Office pub quite a bit. Nice atmosphere, friendly staff, cheap booze & yummy pub grub. Good times..But if you see Uncle Boy around and he starts ordering the tequilas..u better run & hide..quick!!
Friday, November 17, 2006
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