#MSS2011 - Pentax Optio RZ10 and Bye-bye Golden Palm Tree

We were bright and early the next morning. All packed up to go to our next destination which would be Awana Genting Highlands. I wasn't so sure on what to expect since all the information that we got was that there'll be some grueling boot camp. And there'll be no luxurious amenities as we all would be sleeping on the floors. The pretty much piqued my curiosity. Hurmmmm...

Oh well, before heading there, we first checked-out and headed to a restaurant just outside the Golden Palm Tree premises. I had to show this picture below taken by Mr Feeq, a self-learnt photographer going pro. Love how the colors seem to burst out of the picture. And that requires quite a skill.

Us, waiting for our lunch to come. Picture credit to Tian Chad and Feeq.

On another note, I received a Pentax camera to review. I received it just yesterday but could only use it today after Ms Lau helped recharged the camera's batteries.

Pentax Optio RZ10

Pentax Optio RZ10 Specifications:  (source)

• Product type: Superzoom
• Sensor size: Other
• Video resolution: 720p
• Image stabilization: yes
• Available colors: White, black, purple, green, orange
• Resolution: 14 mega-pixels
• Optical zoom: 10 x
• Video frame rate: 30 fps
• Screen size: 2.7 in.
• Weight: 178 g
• Size (WxHxD) 97x61x33 mm

I tested the camera during lunch and had Tian Chad and Pamela as my unknown test subjects. Hehehehe.
I loved the way the camera could automatically focus on the subjects face with such precision.

Good focusing function on the Pentax Optio RZ10.

And as soon as Tian Chad turned his head the other way, the camera automatically focuses on the other person. I feel that this device is great to catch random pictures without the worries of getting a blurred image. I'm eager to test it more. But with a memory card of 1GB, the testing was a bit limited. =(

Fast refocusing function once the target moves. Hehe.

Putting away my brand new testing toy, a lunch of hot fried mee were served among the bloggers. It was good but a bit too spicy and hot for my Sabahan tongue (known to love sweet food) But I finished it anyways. Haha.

Notice the cut up chillies in there? No wonder it was SO HOT!

Refreshed by the coconut drink that I ordered and also Iced Lemon Tea, the hotness of the food on my tongue soon diminished. We soon headed back to the lobby of Golden Palm Tree to get our bags. I also took the opportunity to take more pictures with Pentax Optio RZ10 and I was quite impressed by the qualities of its photos. (Note: Pictures with the Pentax logo on the left side are taken by the Pentax camera)

View from the lobby.

The picture was as sharp as the picture taken by my own DSLR. Well, I guess we have to credited to its 14 Mega-pixels capability. The bigger the mega-pixels, the higher the quality. And so I've heard but I'm no expert. =p

Caught a buggy waiting in a corner.

The yellow color was quite fetching in the above picture, right? Looks ever so adorable now. Haha.

Around the Golden Palm Tree lobby.

And me just basking in the sun! Haha.

And the most memorable picture taken by this loaned Pentax Optio RZ10 would be the picture I've taken with the Golden Palm Tree's general manager himself which is Mr. Pascal Prigent.

A pleasure to meet you sir!

And before we sadly leave Golden Palm Tree and be at the mercy of a Boot Camp up in Genting Highlands, a group photo was taken.

Taken by Nigel. 

With that, we were whisked off to our next destination. Oh ya, our bus was upgraded but I don't feel any difference except that now there are less seats in the bus to allow a blogger getting a row by themselves. Hehehe..

...........to be continued................

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#MSS2011 - Food Galore during Malaysian NIght @ Golden Palm Tree Resort

1Night has finally befell us.

After washing up and getting ready, we all headed to the Convention Center of Golden Palm Tree to attend a cultural event called Malaysian Night.

All the resort guests were invited and the hall was converted into a beautiful dining area ala seafood buffet style.The first thing I spotted were chefs behind their large cooking pans, lined up outside the entrance.

It's getting hot out here! hehe

And just near the entrance were two people demonstrating a famous traditional game called the 'congkak'. I noticed that the woman was wearing 'baju pahang' and 'kain sarung'. The typical attire of a Malay woman when at kampung. Haha. The guy... errrr.......... =p

Congkak nowadays has become mere decorations at modern homes. Huhu.

After observing the cooking action outside, I went inside the hall to be awed by the delicious spread of food throughout the hall. There was the vegetables food station.

Let's turn green people!

And then there was the fruits and berries food station.

Good as appetizers aye?

At another table there was a splendid spread of Malaysian traditional kuih-muih! The Indonesians had fun trying them out and asking the Malaysians bloggers on its name and stuff. There was one particular kuih that Rizma asked about which was kuih 'onde-onde'.

Malaysian kuih galore!

Well, after stuffing ourselves with these appetizers, I went on to desserts and was quite amazed with the variety of desserts displayed. It was so nicely placed at the table. And so beautifully arranged, it was difficult for me to ruin the display by taking them out. Haha.

So delicious to see.... YUMMY!

I never saw so many types of cakes in one tray before.

Ohh.. so many choices!

I have to admit that I somewhat have a sweet tooth. I love anything that is sugared and has chocolates! But that kind of appetite tends to ruin my teeth. So I satisfied myself by taking pictures instead and munch only a few. I wouldn't want my teeth to start decaying. =(

Oh heaven!

My main course is as seen below. Taken from outside at the LIVE kitchen. Hehehe.

Seafood and sate galore!

Sitting with me at the table were Ester and Olivya. You can tell by the picture that they were as ecstatic as me about the food. Haha.

Dine baby! Dine!

Also accompanying me at the table was Zaid (I wonder what happened to Bella?), Rizma the cheerful, Hafiz who volunteered his seat to Hanis (such a gentleman!), Hanis, Siti and another two. Forgot who. Hehehe...

Eating to their hearts delight!

As we filled our stomachs, a group of entertainers came in and started dancing. They entertained us with music and dances that originated from Borneo. And then for Malaysia's famous traditional dance which was the 'joget', they decided to invite the audience to join them....

...tis the short video showing the ever so brave, Saleh, Hijrah and Suzan dancing! On stage!

And with that we ended the evenning. A dinner and live entertainment. It was gonna be our last night at the exotic Golden Palm Tree Resort because tomorrow after lunch we were to stay at Genting and so....

....to be continued........

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#MSS2011 - Daily Activities at Golden Palm Tree Iconic Resort & Spa

We had the whole day spent at Golden Palm Tree Iconic Resort & Spa. Our itinerary includes outdoor sports activities at the Smiley Beach, bicycle tour and a low-tide tour.

But before heading to the beach with our outdoor attire, we first had breakfast at Bila-Bila Restaurant situated at the heart of the resort which is also known as the Club House.

This ala-carte buffet restaurant serves an extensive variety of cold starters, poolside food, international and local cuisines and deserts in a relaxed setting complemented with broadband and wireless internet connectivity. (quoted  from website)

Breakfast by the Infinity Swimming Pool was totally awesome!

Breakfast ala buffet style is included with the room rates. I've never experienced having breakfast beside the sea and it was truly totally AWESOME! I felt almost like floating. Haha.

Awwww.. and during breakfast Nigel was a dear in passing out yogurts to the other bloggers. So nice of him! He immediately had our support in getting the award for best picture. (bodek baekk punya! =p)

I've found a weekly programs brochure on my villa's table and here were the activities made available on that day (which was a Thursday). Basically the same for other days :-

• 8:30 - Power Walk
• 9:30 - Opening Sport Activities - (Smiley Beach)
• Cart Sailing/Speed sailing/Kayaks/Stand up paddle/Sailing 

I took this opportunity to try sailing and kayaking. My FIRST TIME! 

• 9:30 - Bicycle Tour Beginners/Volleyball (Smiley Beach)

People of MSS2011 played volleyball with other guests.

• 11:30 - Aqua Relax (Club House)
• 12:00 - Sun Dance (Club House) -- we had our lunch at Sepoi-sepoi Cafe instead
• 14:00 - Fun Bar Games (Club House)/Land Sports Tournament/Bicycle Tour Advance (Smiley Beach)

Bella and Zaid, together forever. hehe.

• 16:00 - Traditional Fun Games/Dance Lesson (Perahu Cabana)
• 17:00 - Bicycle Tour Advance (Smiley Beach)
• 20:00 - Live Music (Club House)

Saleh, Hijrah and Suzan doing their share of local Malaysian dances. 

• 20:30 - Evening Entertainment -- we were lucky indeed to enjoy a cultural event during this time! Pure coincidence, I believe!

The activities denoted in BLUE were what I did on that day. And the one activity that was not on the list was the low-tide tour given by Ms Rosie! The nature lover!

Boyband 1Benua with Ms Rosie, our low-tide tour guide.

It amazes me that by afternoon, the beach below is deprived of seawater and in it's place is a stretch of beautiful sands. Oh, so this is what they call as low-tide. =p

It was only hours ago that I went kayaking at this very spot!

Ms Rosie brought us to explore the various lifeforms that appear on shore during low-tide. I'm no marine biology expert and this tour has really opened my eyes on the wonders of mysterious sea creatures.

Looky here, a small crab!

All the beauty of mother nature can be easily destroyed by our own destructive actions. Ms Rosie has passionately explained to us that we must take part in helping to save mother nature. This could be simply done by avoiding plastic bags as what Golden Palm Tree Iconic Resort did by using recycled paper. I wondered if this was the reason I didn't find any shower cap in the toilet? Was it because it was made of plastic? Hehehe.

My roomie having fun in the Infinity Swimming Pool

After cycling and having the low-tide tour, we were free to roam Golden Palm Tree Iconic Resort for the whole evening. I chose to stay near the pool. I was hoping to jump in but to my dismay, people with no proper swimming attire were not allowed to go in. I only had my t-shirt and sport pants on. 

Muka sedih. =(

OK never mind. I'll go exploring the place instead. *muka masih sedih. =(

Oh looky! The buggy that we use to get us from the lobby to the clubhouse!

It's quite a distance to get from the lobby to our rooms. But then that's where the excitement begin as the hotel provide transportation in the form of cute buggies, made available every five minutes. You could also walk the distance to enjoy the sea breeze and scenic view.

Just breathtakingly beautiful!

We had a very fun-filled, exciting day! Golden Palm Tree Iconic & Spa has given us a soothing relief from our frantic lifestyles. True to what they say of it being a true escape with an adventure! A money's worth, I dare say.

The evening ended with me trying to watch the sunset from outside my room's balcony facing the sea. Too cloudy but still beautiful.

Seeking inner tranquility anyone?

It hasn't ended for us at MSS2011 as there's a cultural event that night....

..........to be continued............

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#MSS2011 - Dining at Sepoi-sepoi Cafe, Sepang Goldcoast

Sepoi-sepoi Cafe is among the seven dining areas in Golden Palm Tree Resort. The cafe boasts of serving traditional Malaysian, Chinese cuisine. My roommates and I walked a distance from villa number 203 of the fifth 'branch' of the Golden Palm Tree Resort to the Club House and then a buggy to the building that houses the lobby. The cafe in question is located right outside the lobby.

Click to Enlarge. Site Plan of Golden Palm Tree Resort and Spa [source]

When we reached the cafe, it was only by then did I find out that Rose (who was suppose to share Pam's room) had felt a tightness in her chest and she requested to go home. Prevention is better than cure. We wouldn't want the risk of a asthma attack and so her family was bringing her home that very night. She later withdrew from continuing MSS2011 and I wonder how she is right now. Huhu.

Back to the cafe, here are its details:

Sepoi Sepoi opens daily : 

Monday to Friday

10.00 am till 10.30 pm

Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday

9.00 am till 10.30 pm

For more information, call:

 : 603 3182 3600 

 : 603 3182 3700

 : info@goldenpalmtree.com or http://www.goldenpalmtree.com/v2/culinary/culinary-sepoisepoi.html

At Sepoi-sepoi Cafe but minus the sepoi-sepoi wind

Ironically, as we sat there ordering food, I felt uncomfortably hot and warm in a cafe named after a wind's breeziness. 'Sepoi-sepoi 'which describes wind being breezy was not being breezy during that time. I didn't spot any fans in the cafe and there was no wind. Not used to being warm during the night, I had to use some hard paper (the menus to be exact) to fan myself with. It was an unlikely sight in a supposed breezy area. Haha. Weather was not being kind to me, I guess.

Olivya and Pamela choosing their choice of meal.

The condition for ordering was simply great for us. We could choose any meal from 17 of the Main Courses and any drinks from a list of soft drinks or chilled juice.

Chilled Juice costs about RM12.00++ per glass. Soft drinks - RM11.00++/

My choice was chilled orange and Roasted Hainanese Chicken Rice. Other main courses on the menu that we could choose from are:

• Fried Char Kuay Teow
• Prats with Chicken Curry
• Lontong
• Soto Ayam
• Curry Chicken Rice
• Claypot Steam Rice with Chicken Black Mushroom & Salted Fish
• Prawn Mee
• Fried Mee Mamak
• Fried Rice Kampung/Chinese Style
• Nasi Lemak GPT
• Mee Rebus
• Curry Mee
• Assam Laksa
• Wantan Noodle Soup
• Chicken Wing (8 pieces)

The prices per meal ranges from RM20.00++ until RM28.00++. The list of food is a great choice for foreigners who want a taste of local cuisine. 

Hainanese Roasted Chicken Rice - RM21.00++

I loved the juicy chicken meat. Soft to bite as I was wearing braces and I'm a bit choosy when it comes to food to chew on. I avoid anything that seems hard to chew or bite. For example apples with exception it is cut into small pieces.

The meat was succulent!

I pretty much cleaned my plate! And if I wasn't such a 'lady', I would've licked my plate clean too. =D

And while we are still in the subject of dining in Sepoi-sepoi Cafe, I have to mention that during lunch the next day, I chose Fried Char Kuay Teow as my meal. Also with the aspirations that it too could be cut into smaller portions and easy to chew on.

Fried Char Kuay Teow - RM20.00++

Thankfully, I was not disappointed! So far I have no complaints on the food. Just thought that during hot weather AKA no breezy wind, it would be best if there were other sources of wind. Perhaps from something unnatural like a fan? A hot weather is not a good way to enjoy meals. Especially pricey meals. Hehe. Hopefully, maybe next time I dine there, I'll get my winds.

We also received our free simcards courtesy to Celcom's TheCube. From that point onwards, we were to tweet on the go. The Pentax cameras (on loan) were to be handed out tomorrow. We were also going to have outdoor activities throughout the whole day tomorrow. So...

.......to be continued..........

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#MSS2011 - Check in at Golden Palm Tree, Sepang Goldcoast

Bags ready, bus fully packed and off we go.

I sat all alone at one row on the bus. The bus was spacious enough that most of us had two seats just for one person. One seat for me and the other for my bags. Not a good way to start knowing other people though.

The tourist guide on the bus was a young woman named Farhana. A bubbly and talkative person who knows Malaysian culture inside out. It was a very interactive session with her. And for one being only 18 years old and doing this touring guide as a part-timer has really surprised me! Kids nowadays seem to grow up maturely so fast! I faintly remembered what I did when I was 18 years old and believe me, finding a part-time job was not one of them. =p

Farhana had eyes only for Danial. 

I was in and out of drowsiness and dreamland. Heard laughter and giggles from time to time in the bus. But my mind kinda wandered off as I got lulled to sleep by the drumming of the bus's engine. I make it habit that every-time I wasn't behind the wheel, I'll be sleeping instead. I could fall asleep almost on any moving object. Airplanes, buses, LRTS, commuters and even on a taxi. I believe I have missed my stops many times because of this habit. Haha.

Watching the scenery pass by.

At times, I'd glance out the window and catch some pictures as we past by. The sun was going down and I have no idea at when we'll be reaching our destiny.

Sun disappearing behind dense trees.

Heading off to KLIA so it seems. Dozing back to sleep again.

When we finally reached our destination, I was still drowsy from sleep that by the time I was fully awake, we were already sitting at the lobby of the resort and waiting for our names to be called out. Ms Amelia was passing out our keys into groups of four.

My house-mates were going to be Pamela, Rose, and Olivya. And we were roomies for two nights in a row.

Waiting anxiously for our names to be called out.

We were given light refreshments. (Seen on the table)

Each and everyone of us were given two cards. One card was the key to our rooms and another card was called the meal card. The meal card was to be presented every-time we went for a bite. "No card, No Food," warned the organizer.

The map of Golden Palm Tree.

Each group of four were given a villa on stilts which faces the Straits of Malacca. The luxurious villa that we would be accommodating was called the Canary Palm Villa that has two bedrooms. Below are the Golden Palm Tree Resort room rates. Rates are per person per night and it varies depending on how many people are staying there.

Travelers Palm Villas - RM730.80++

Premier Travelers Palm Villa - RM788.80++

Canary Palm Villas - RM1763.20++ (We stayed here!!!)

Ivory Palm Villas - RM1995.20++

Royale Palm Villas - RM3549.60++

Picture from their website.

The prices are inclusive of Breakfast. For more information, please do call 03-3182 3600. Or simply visit their website : http://www.goldenpalmtree.com


With those prices, I could only imagine on what kind of people that stayed here. If I were to meet a millionaire as a potential husband, this could be the perfect place. Haha. But I honestly think that I'lll NEVER afford such accommodation and suddenly feel blessed for getting such an opportunity via MSS2011.

The Canary Palm Villa : Interior

My room shared with Olivya. =)

The villa offered the comfort of spacious layouts, classic wood furnishings and you could see that the flooring is wooded as well! I once stayed at a villa on stilts at some island in Sabah but it's a far outcry compared to this!

Pamela's room shared with Rose.

Being on top of the ocean, I thought there'll be a cool sea breeze when I opened the patio's door. But to my dismay, the night was so still that only the waves were moving. Hurmmm... where did the winds go?

Offers modern amenities. 

I remembered opening the TV and didn't know how to make it function. HAHA. Being foolish and 'jakun' as I am, I called room service to help me with the problem. It happened after dinner which we had at Sepoi-sepoi Restaurant. It took a while for them to come as they need buggies to move around on the resort grounds. Silly me!

Spacious enough for buggies to pass through.

After sending our bags to our room, Pamela, Olivya and I then headed to Sepoi-sepoi Restaurant to get our dinner. By this time I was really, really hungry!

.......to be continued..........

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