Take a Break: Bungy @ Sunway Lagoon

these guys are fully professionally trained and responsible for the whole activity

Bungy @ Sunway Lagoon ticket

This time My Red Backpack will cover another activity which most of the EXTREMERS really looking forward for this in Malaysia. It seems that bungy jumping has been introduced long time ago and it is a very unique and popular sports among westerners. New Zealand and Bali are a few places where these crazy people go and challenge their own limits.

DON'T attend the jump if you have these medical conditions

Bungy Jump was first introduce in Malaysia and at that time, it was located temporarily at Sunway Lagoon in late 90's and was banned by the government at that time after a serious accident. This time AJ Hackett came to Malaysia with a mission to share the experience of bungy jumping to Malaysians and thanks to them, we're able to experience it ourself here at Sunway Lagoon without having to travel far. Ticket price was RM70 for adults and you need to pay it separately apart from your normal per entry pass. This goes to G Force X (a ball slingshot ride) which costs another RM70. For both activities you only pay RM95 by just showing your MyKad.

Once you've entered Sunway Lagoon, proceed straight to the suspension bridge and walk straight until you see a platform with an umbrella 3/4 of the bridge. You need to pay there and they will give you the Adventure Activities Waiver and Release form. After that they will get your weight and write it down on your hand. This procedure is very important as they need to select a suitable cord which determines the "spring rate" according to your body weight. Well I was not properly briefed about that so I just proceed to the platform for the next step. Platform height from the lake is 22m and will take you around 3 seconds to reach it.

the towels are wrapped around my legs and the safety harness are being tighthened up

The crew then wrapped my legs with towels so that you don't feel any pain during the jump. Then a harness was being tightened around the towers for the cord to be slot in. At the same time they will brief you on the safety and procedures on how to prepare yourself before, during and after the jump so you need to listen carefully and understand it. Don't worry, these guys are trying their best to calm you down so you won't be nervous and backed down early before a fight.

raise your hands and wait for the signal to jump (pls ignore the belly part *lol*)

Once everything is ready, you can proceed to the platform where 1 of the crew will hold you and signal you. You need to raise your hand and wait for the signal. Once you raised your hand that means you are ready to take the jump. Your feet should be half way pass the platform. Here's a tip: don't look down. I repeat: DON'T LOOK DOWN!!! This will only make you feel more scared and giveup. What you need to do is look straight, and try to JUMP AHEAD as far as you can. For the best experience, try Swan Dive which you open your "wings" as if you're flying (too bad my dear cameraman didn't catch my Swan Dive moment *sob*)

i'm done and waiting for the boat to reach shore

So there you go, a few seconds and you are flying in the air as free as a bird. Oh I forgot to tell you about the "options". These crews will try their best to influence you to try and "dip in". Well why don't you take it as an experience when you 1st try and accept it. Rather than just to only touch the water, "dip in" is the best experience for 1st timers. Once you are done, there will be a boat come and fetch you. just relax and take a deep breath. YOU DID IT!!! The crew will then loosen up the harness and towels around your leg. Sit back, don't forget to give a cheerful thumbs up just to inform that you're ok and relax while the crew will bring you to the shore.

there you go, a certified jumper!!!

Once you've reached land, proceed to the AJ Hackett counter to collect your certificate. There you have it, a great few seconds experience on Bungy @ Sunway Lagoon. Frame it and you are a certified jumper!!!

If you would like to see more of the photos, kindly click at the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1736399454461.2097915.1372841986&type=1&l=92074a975f

Take a Break: Cruising Malaysian Jungle with ATV

It seems that many travelers really enjoying a breathtaking scenery of nature. Some of them loves nature so much that they even went to most reserved forest just to admire the beauty of Mother Nature.

this way to experience the adventure of a lifetime

This time, My Red Backpack will cover 1 of Malaysia's reserved forest which is situated behind Zoo Negara which located at Kampung Kemensah. Not just admiring the beauty of nature but at the same time, going into it with an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV). 1 of the famous hotspot for ATV is here at Kampung Kemensah. ATV Adventure Park offers a variety of packages for its guests, from ranging RM100 to RM300 depending on the distance provided in the packages.

the bikes are lined up and ready to go

If you plan to try this extreme sports and at the sametime admiring the nature, this is the best outdoor activity to try with. You will be given a safety briefing by the Marshall on how to operates the ATV. You'll then will be given each an ATV for you to ride personally with the escort of the Marshall's incharge.

one of the waterfalls that awaits your arrival

Depending on the location or package that you choose, all of them will end up at a checkpoint which is a waterfall spot. They will give you 30-40 minutes break for you to enjoy the cool and refreshing waterfall. If you plan to come in a large pack, they also offers a buffet breakfast/lunch for your whole group.

they even have a man made pool which the water runs from uphill

Packages are also offered based on day or night trips. For Package E, you are given an option whether to set up a campsite since the night trip will start around 7-8pm.

big group? no worries as they can cater up to 50 pax per day

For more info of the packages and how to make a booking, you can refer directly to the website as per link above.

for more pictures on this trip, kindly refer to my Facebook photo album:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2094663&id=1372841986&l=52c951c579

5d 4n Makassar & Jakarta: Theme Park Getaways - Dunia Fantasi Ancol

The main purpose for my all trips are just 1 reason and the ONLY reason which is to conquer roller coasters and at the same time I also would like to try on any challenge that a theme park can offer. Be it a roller coaster, or any rides, so far I’ve did covered all of them. So it’s time to cover Dunia Fantasi Jakarta again since I’ve already there~

Hotel Ibis Mangga Dua Deluxe room view

So once arrived at Jakarta, we took an airport bus direct to Pasar Pagi Mangga Dua which then we walk for about 20-30mins to Hotel Ibis Jakarta Mangga Dua. At that time the price for 1 deluxe room (which is the lowest was around RM200). Since its the closest to Dunia Fantasi Ancol which will took you about 10 mins by Angkutan Kota (a local feeder van).

night market at Ancol view

We arrived around 4pm so we just checked in and have a rest. That night we plan to walk around the area and we saw a night market just in front of our hotel. Can't remember which day at that time but if I'm not mistaken its Wednesday. Jakarta is also famous with its Nasi Goreng (or fried rice) which they offered a few types of fried rice. The price is also affordable, which will costs you around RM3 for a normal fried rice. I bought a fried chicken and eat it with their special fried rice. Both costs me around RM5. We then returned back to our hotel and get set for the next day adventure.

Front entrance of Taman Impian Ancol

Angkutan Kota trip to Dunia Fantasi Ancol was really fast since its just nearby and it'll costs you around Rp4,000 (around RM1.40) per trip. You need to get off at a roadside, just next to a big river. Your other landmark is your stop will be under a bridge. Don't shy to ask if you would like to stop at Dunia Fantasi Ancol as the locals will assist you. You will 1st reach the main entrance which is the Taman Impian Ancol. This area consists of a resort, golf course and also water park/seaworld.

Front entrance DUFAN

You need to pay a certain fee to enter which you can refer here. After you've paid the entrance fee, you need to proceed straight to Dunia Fantasi or DUFAN. From here you need to pay another entrance fee for entering DUFAN. Once you've entered, get ready to be entertained by this Dunia Fantasi (Fantasy World).

that's my hi-score for Perang Bintang. can you beat it?

At this time I thought i can cover Halilintar again but it seems that lady luck wasn't on my side since it was closed for maintenance. However I've covered a few rides which is not covered during my 1st trip which is Niagara, Perang Bintang, Rajawali and many more. Event Tornado was totally packed and the line was extra long. The rest of the rides were covered as well and it's just the same as my 1st trip.

Jagonya Ayam = Chicken Champion?

So we've covered Mangga Dua Mall just to throw some extra time and since we're here at Jakarta, we even tried their local Kentucky Fried Chicken's menu which we in Malaysia doesn't have it at that time; Black Pepper Original Dinner Plate. Looks good and tastes good as well. We then call it a day and get ready for our flight home to KL the next day.

Well that covers 2nd day of my trip, for more pictures on this trip, kindly refer to my Facebook photo album:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2045086&id=1372841986&l=4608395a10

5d 4n Makassar & Jakarta: Theme Park getaways - World's Largest Indoor Theme Park

Air Asia does offer a lot of options in term of destination now as you can reach most destination direct compare to last time. Well this time it was consider a last minute decision as I was being informed by my good friend at Jakarta, there was a new theme park located at Makassar, which is consider the World's Largest Indoor Theme Park called Trans Studio.

this is the card pass, where you don't have to use cash to buy stuff inside the park

Looks interesting and I was really looking forward to visit it, would like to see what kind of adventure or challenges does this theme park can offer. So I get the cheapest flight offered at that time, and to add the fun, I plan to continue the journey and added Jakarta in the list. So it's consider a trip to conquer both Makassar and Jakarta's theme park (eventhough I've went to Dunia Fantasi previously).

those menus really looks good especially when you're totally hungry on board

So I've booked a one way trip from Kuala Lumpur direct flight to Makassar then a return flight back from Jakarta. The problem is to find an domestic flight which connects Makassar to Jakarta. 1 of the options is to book Garuda but it is expensive. Since there are a few domestic flights offered, the main challenges is they only accepts Indonesian bank credit cards. So we took the risk and plan to buy once we arrived at Makassar's airport, Bandara Sultan Hasanuddin.

on board of the Airport Bus

Kindly take note that this little town is quite dangerous if you travel alone. Well you don't know what to expect but it is better to travel in groups or at least a partner especially for lady traveler. Once arrive at the airport, just ignore those locals who are starring at you as most of them are taxi drivers. We tried to find any flights to Jakarta but all the ticket counter were closed. Talking about flight ticket counter which operates on office hour~ Try to catch the Airport Bus and ask the driver if they can stop at Karebosi. If yes then hop on!!! Average trip from the airport to Karebosi is around 1 hour. At the time during my visit, it was during peak hours so it took us around 1 hour 40 minutes.

1 of the attraction at Karebosi

Once arrived at Karebosi (which should be on your right), just downwards and turn right where you will arrive at Chinatown. There will be a big arch telling you that it is Chinatown. Just walk a few more meters and you will arrive at New Legend Hostel where I would like to recommend for a budget stay yet the room condition is well organized.

Standard room view

Dorms priced around RM30 per head and standard room is around RM40 - RM50 per room and they have a few types of room. As usual, breakfast will be provided~

seafood stall which serves fresh seafood

So right after we freshen up, then we took a walk outside just to check on the area surrounding where we stayed. 1st thing 1st, dinner!!! Our search stops at 1 seafood place where it looks really simple which is called Haji Toha Warung Sari Laut, yet the food portion was quite large. The pricing also was not very expensive so if you planning to come in a big pax, this place won't give you any headache when you are paying for the food.

Then we proceed along the road and found a travel agent which we then bought the cheapest flight to Jakarta which using Batavia Air. And when I say cheapest, it's already costs us RM200 per head. Well that's the only option we have so might as well grab it. We went back to our room and call it a day.

Trans Studio view from outside

The next day we took a cab and head to Trans Studio. Please take note that there isn't any bus operating to Trans Studio from Ujung Pandang yet so you have to take cab. The fare was not that expensive, which only costs us around RM15-RM20 for 2 pax. The journey will took you around 30 mins to 1 hour depending on the traffic condition.

Sea view from Trans Studio entrance

Trans Studio located at the beach side, combines with a shopping mall. Consider it as Midvalley Megamall where 3/4 of the building is the indoor theme park!!! Tickets costs Rp100,000 (around RM35) for weekdays and Rp150,000 (around RM53) for weekends. They will then give you a card where you need to topup you cash in it to pay for anything inside the theme park e.g food, souvenirs and other attractions.

Once you entered the gate, you'll be amazed with the Hollywood environment (reminds me when you 1st step in Universal Studios Singapore). You can see the buildings and decorations as if you are really at Hollywood. We then proceed at the FX-Travaganza where they show a 3D show which uses special background effects. You can see from the screen projected as if you are really inside the show. 1 of the show shows that you were chased by a tsunami wave. How realistic was that!!! Then it's time to try Spongebob 4D ride. Really reminds me of Extreme Log 4D ride. Not only the seats move but also the 3D screen effects and other effects such as water and wind.

Magic Corner entrance

Then we took a ride at the Grand Esia Studio View, a big ferris wheel that will take you for a view of the whole studio. Since it's not really huge so it'll take you for 2 full rounds. We then proceed to 1 of the area which is Magic Corner. This area was themed as the dark age which combines King Arthur, Lord of The Ring and Harry Potter theme.

me and the casts

The 1st thing that I saw when we entered Magic Corner is the mini roller coaster (can't remember the name thou). Then we tried Dragon's Tower, which is similar to Genting's Space Shot but it's just smaller. After that we tried Dunia Lain which is a ghost house and another fast ride which I can't remember the name as well.

view in Lost City

We then proceed to another area which is called Lost City. This themed area is just like in Indiana Jones movies. We tried a few rides such as Jelajah, a flume ride as similar as Sunway Lagoon's Niagara Falls Flume ride, Safari Track where you will ride a jeep and it will take you around Safari on a track and also Rimba Express, with colorful cartooned theme forest.

The Cartoon City buildings

Next area that we covered which is The Cartoon City. This themed area was created similar as if you're in Disneyland with all the cartooned buildings and surroundings. There are a few rides here that are quite interesting to try. 1st is Esia Karosel, just like a normal carousels in other theme parks. 2nd is Ayun Ombak, a boat ride where it will twist and turn as if the boat was pushed by the strong wave and also Angin Beliung, a seated ride as similar as the one in Genting Highlands.

Fisherman's ship at Port Paotore

After we've covered all the areas in Trans Studio, it's time to make a move. We planned to visit Pantai Losari and Fort Rotterdam. But it seems we were lost and arrived at Port Paotore where you can see huge big fisherman's ship at the port.

insight view of Fort Rotterdam

During night time we head to Karebosi and took a walk inside the mall. Looks like there's Carrefour in the mall so we bought a few food stuff to eat inside the room. Not much to do during night time so we call it a day as tomorrow we need to catch a flight to Jakarta


That covers 1st day of my trip, will continue back in Part II for 2nd day of Theme Park getaways - Dunia Fantasi Jakarta

for more pictures on this trip, kindly refer to my Facebook photo album:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2045086&id=1372841986&l=4608395a10