Hubby and I went to Desaru twice in the span of 2 months and stayed at the same resort. The 1st trip there was to celebrate our paktor anniversary. Before our wedding, paktor anniversary was the biggest event of the year and we made it a point to travel. And after sharing about our trip with my family, we planned another weekend getaway just 2 months after our 1st visit!

Desaru can be reached by car or ferry. As we didn’t want to drive, we took an approx. 30mins ferry ride from Changi Ferry Terminal in Singapore to Tanjung Belungkor Ferry Terminal. Unlike other ferry terminals in Changi and Tanah Merah, Changi Ferry Terminal is rather deserted and less visited. We took bus 35 from Tanah Merah MRT Station. Of course, you can always take a cab there. Not all taxi drivers may know the exact location and may drive you to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal instead! The first time I saw the terminal, I was hesitant to enter and thought we were at the wrong place because of the warning signs to keep people off the premises!

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Once at the Tanjung Belungkor Ferry Terminal, we boarded the resort shuttle to the Lotus Desaru Beach Resort. My first impression of the resort was that it looked a little like the First World Hotel at Genting Highlands. There were rows of apartments in colourful buildings and cars parked in the open air carpark next to the blocks. Many Singapore cars were spotted too.

We checked in to a 1-room apartment with a balcony that faced the water park and the sea. Every apartment has their living room at the level 1 and bed at level 2. Hence, the room was rather big and there were spots in the room which could be left undiscovered which made me rather uneasy. Each time I went back to the room, I made sure I opened checked the toilet at level 2 of the room so that I was sure no one was hiding there. I was probably being paranoid. However, as we stayed there on a weekday, it was really rather scary to walk back to our room at night after dinner as most of the other rooms were dark and unoccupied.

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We then headed to the Beach Hut for a drink. There were seats by the counter. There were also seats on the beach facing the sea. We chose the latter.

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The resort also provided day tours to nearby attractions, at a fee of course. The following day, we decided to head to the Ostrich Farm and Fruit Farm! The Ostrich Farm was where we tried ostrich satay and fried ostrich egg for the first time! Personally, I did not like the strong taste. I have tried horse meat in Kyushu Japan. Ostrich taste was harder to accept.

At the fruit farm, we were brought on a tour. There, the staff introduced us to the various fruits and plants.

When we were back at the resort, we headed to their water park. There was a lazy pool (although I thought a more creative name might be more appealing), a water park for kids, and a grotto!

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In short, the trip was a nice and chill-chill short getaway in the not-so-chill weather! Desaru might be a place I would visit again. There are many resorts around the area. So, it could even be a trip just to try out the new resorts and waterpark!

We started our photoshoot day early at around 7am. The bridal shop was not even opened for business. Yet the makeup studio at level 2 was already filled with couples and makeup artistes. I knew that the bridal shop had arranged for a male makeup artiste for me who teaches makeup in Taiwan. So 1 look at the room, I could identify him amongst the other female makeup artistes.

We then started with studio shoots before heading out to Yang Ming Shan for our outdoor shoot! It was an awesomely fun day where it was the first time I felt like a princess, being fussed over the entire day. We had a photographer, his assistant, the makeup artiste and the driver along with us for the whole day! Bringing the makeup artiste with us would allow me to touch up on my makeup and have a different hair style with each change of gown! We had meals on the go in the vehicle and fruits (complimentary thanks to the driver) while doing my makeup! For the first time, I also experienced changing outdoors, in a stand-up tent! Is this how celebrities also change during their outdoor shoots?!

The following day, we had some time to spare. My sister continued to bring my parents around Taipei while hubby and I continued our exploration on our own before our appointment that afternoon to choose our photos!

We decided to drop by The Lin Family Mansion and Gardens near the Fuzhong station. It was an old mansion. Something suitable if you like old architecture. I quite enjoyed learning the history of the place and taking photographs in the garden.

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When we headed back to the bridal shop, honestly, I was bracing myself to be ‘slaughtered’. We know how these shops work. And photographers usually earn their commission from sales of photographs. I was surprised that the staff had printed all the photos we took the day earlier and placed them in an album! They then asked us to choose the photos we want.

The moment we said we didn’t want a photo, they took a red marker and gave it a big strike across! That was a really heart aching moment because honestly, I thought all the photos looked good! But we had a budget to keep! I thought that was a really good strategy on the shop’s part because they knew that couples, especially the brides, would not want to see their photos have a big red mark across!

After spending some time inside deliberating on the photos, we emerged from the shop. Don’t ask me how many more photos I bought. At least, I didn’t buy all of them! Haha.

After days of waiting and controlling my diet, it was finally the day we had to make a stop at the bridal shop to choose our gowns and suits for the photoshoot! Our appointment was in the afternoon, so we had some more time to tour the city.

We decided to visit the 中正纪念堂 before our appointment since it was just opposite the bridal shop. Some may think that the changing of guards ceremony was nothing interesting. But of course to us, almost everything overseas is interesting and worth experiencing! Otherwise, why bother to even travel right?!

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Our bridal shop was along the Aiguo East Road. I called it the bridal street just like our Tanjong Pagar in Singapore because there was also a row of bridal shops in that short stretch of road.

We finally made our way to the bridal shop and spent the rest of the afternoon having fun choosing my gowns. As always, the time taken to choose my hubby’s suits took half the time.

By the time we were done, it was already dinner time! The bridal shop staffs recommended that we go to a nearby shop for 卤肉饭 (Braised Pork Rice) after hearing that I like it. Again, there was another long queue. But it moved relatively fast. So, we got a seat and had our food before I started to feel the hunger!

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Seeing that we had some time to ourselves, we headed to Shilin Night Market for some more eating and playing! One of my favourite games at the night markets in Taiwan is the Mahjong Bingo! Years ago during our graduation trip, I won a Line Moon soft toy at that game! Since then, I started my collection of 1 soft toy per trip! This time, I wanted to try my luck.

Well, by now, it was really time for bed. We had to sleep early for an exciting day up ahead which was the actual photoshoot!

This morning after breakfast, our pre-booked taxi came to fetch us for a visit to the 合欢山(He Huan Mountain) before heading back to Taipei. The weather was good with clear blue skies. However, it was not as cold as I remembered it to be several years ago. Although we had our jackets in hand, the long sleeve tops we had were sufficient. We made a few stops along the way up for photos before eventually stopping at the 3158 Cafe, the number signifying the height of the mountain. There was a short flight of stairs to a higher ground. Hubby and I decided to turn back after a short climb so as not to keep my family waiting.

On the drive down, our driver decided to stop by the road (at a safe spot of course!) to take jump shots of us. For the effect he wanted, he practically lay flat on the road so that we appeared to have jumped very high against the blue backdrop. Kudos to his effort!

Finally, we were back at the Taichung HSR station for our ride back to Taipei. The fun part of going free & easy is the chance to ride on different public transport, isn’t it?

In less than an hour, we arrived at Taipei. Our hotel (arranged by my bridal shop) was near Xi Men Ding. So, it was very convenient for us tourists. We enjoyed taking their trains around the city and visited the Rao He Night Market on the 1st night.

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Have you ever been approached by some Taiwanese at the malls, asking you if you are getting married and want to take your prewed shoots at Taiwan? We’ve been approached many times, even now that we are married. And even when we have a baby now, they suggested we could still go for a family photoshoot!

In 2015, we kind of ‘fell prey’ to it. After decided to sit down to ‘find out more’, that was it! We headed to Taiwan 4 months after we bought the package, with my family in tow for holiday at the same time.

It was a week-long trip. We arrived at Taoyuan International Airport before 6am. From the airport, we took a public bus to the Taiyuan Main Station for a train ride to Taichung. The public transport rides were intentional, as part of my tiny effort in introducing my family to the free and easy way of travelling, even though we have a 2 year-old and my parents with us. Of course, taking train also allowed me a chance to eat my favourite Taiwan railway bento!

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We arrived at our minsu at Taichung before lunch. It was located at level 2 above a row of shop houses. There were different themes in each room. I gave my sis the Hello Kitty room while we took the Winnie the Pooh room as these were our individual favourites. My parents had the Mickey Mouse room since they had no preference. There were soft toys in the rooms which we took photos with, but not exactly something I would hug to sleep since I don’t know when was the last time they had washed the soft toys!

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My bro-in-law suggested we head to the 高美湿地 (Gaomei Wetlands) that evening for windmills and sunset. So we hired a taxi which could ferry all of us to-and-fro the place.

Along the way back, our driver stopped by a place called the 幸福天空. It appeared like a rest point along any expressway, but it had many eateries. So we stopped by to take some photos and have a toilet break.

That night, I met up with a Taiwanese friend at the Feng Jia Night Market for some street food. We then headed back for a night of good rest before another day of travelling the next day!

The next morning, we woke up around 2am and had a quick breakfast. We brought dried food such as bread and biscuits. When I looked at other climbers slurping on their hot cup noodles, I was so envious! Regretted not bringing cup noodles up because there was hot drinking water although no hot shower!

Very soon, we were all geared up for the climb to the summit. It was pitch dark. All of us wore head lamps so that our hands could be freed to hold on to any ropes or railings as we pushed forward. No overtaking was allowed too as the path was narrow. It was dangerous too as 1 wrong move could lead to serious injuries. Everyone waited patiently and walked in an orderly manner.

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As we went further up, I felt more and more breathless. We made more and more stops to catch our breath and sat down at any empty spaces by the side. Hubby could probably sense that I was really tired as I was quiet during the climb (usually I talk alot). Afterall, not everyone who climbed the mountain could reach the summit. Although I didn’t know the ring was already in his pocket all this while, I knew I wanted to reach the summit very badly too! It’s gonna be a personal achievement!

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At last, we saw the peak from afar and many people were already crowding round the summit for photos! After queuing for some time, it was finally our turn to take photos! The summit in Apr 2015 is different from the current one as there was an earthquake 2 months after we climbed the mountain.

Hubby then led us to the space behind the signboard. There, we caught a very nice and unblocked view of the sunrise. The egg yolk was just rising! And we took more photos. Hubby then pointed to a spot and told me to sit. Thinking that he wanted to help me take more photos, I sat readily.

There, hubby went on down on 1 knee. Our friend, who already knew what was happening captured the moment readily! And yes, from that moment on, I was engaged!

We then trekked down slightly, back to where our guide had pointed out to us was the meeting point for the Via Ferrata. We then met up with our Via Ferrata guide while our guide made his own way back down to the hut.

Via Ferrata was exciting to say the least. Our guide lined us up according to our confidence level. Hubby (being his 2nd time on Via Ferrata) was put as the 1st person, followed by our friend, then me and then the guide. Guide wanted to keep him nearest to him in case I panicked! And of course, being near the guide, he helped to take many of photos of me! The view during the Via Ferrata was amazing!! We were just walking along the cliff at many different points. At some parts, my short arms almost could not reach the next handle! Also, there were a handful of bridges to cross. It was definitely scary to look down at nothing below our feet! Words don’t do justice to the experience. I’ll let the photos do the talking!

Towards the end, clouds came in and it started to rain. We quickly finished the rest of our journey and returned to the hut. I really did not like being up the mountain in the rain.

We finally returned to the hut. We quickly packed up and made our way down the mountain. By now, our thighs and knees were breaking. At some point, I really wanted to give up because my knees hurt every step I went down. But I didn’t mention any pain and persevered as I knew hubby was equally tired. If I said anything, he might have insisted to piggyback me down!

We finally made it back down. Sky was already turning dark and there was only 1 van left at the carpark waiting for us (cause we took the longer Via Ferrata route and naturally took longer than others to come down). We had a quick dinner (packed fried rice as part of the package) and boarded the van. Once up, we fell asleep almost immediately. By the time we reached back at the hotel, my legs cramped. And I had to climb up (literally on all 4s) the flight of stairs to go back to the room!

Last day at Perth! We had up till lunch time to do some last-minute exploring. Hence, we visited the London Court before we checked out.

We also wanted to have a better look at the bell tower once more. So we drove there again, this time no longer in the dark! We saw many locks in front of the bell tower. Those were locks that couples write their names on before locking them on the chains. Hubby and I decided it was sufficient to keep the locks in our hearts. Locks sold at such places usually do not come cheap!

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Our final stop for this trip was the Kings Park and Botanic Garden. Frankly, I know little about flora and fauna. But there were a few bridges in this park which gave good view of the city. We also found a food kiosk selling burgers. So we grabbed our share and joined the other locals on the grass patch! It was a very refreshing experience to be sitting on the grass, chewing on my burger. In Singapore, we don’t do it because it’s either too hot or the grass is too prickly!

We planned to spend our day at Fremantle which was no more than a 30-min drive away. One of their popular attraction was the prison tour at Fremantle Prison. So we joined the tour and was guided around the prison premises. We visited the cells, the yard and even the noose where people were hanged. Because of my work, I am particularly interested in such facilities. Of course, guides for such tours like to inject some horror stories here and there, pointing to this window and that that room.

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From the prison, we took a short walk to the Fremantle Market which was open on Sunday (that’s why we were there). I liked the variety of items sold in the market, from fresh fruits, nuts, hairclips to handmade souveniors… There were also entertaining street performances where hubby was dragged out to dance with the performer!

We heard that the Cicerello’s Fish and Chips is well-known in Western Australia. So, we had to try it! We joined other diners at the outdoor area and engaged in bird-watching while eating. I think bird-fending would be a more appropriate word because we were trying to shoo the birds away half the time.

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It was a windy walk back to our car. We decided to head to the nearby beaches for sunset. It was way too early for bed! We stopped by the Leighton Beach and saw couples taking wedding photos against the sunset. With a hot drink in hand, we sat at a bench and continued people-watching.

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That night, we were driving around aimlessly, trying to look for dinner in the dark. We drove past many quiet streets until we finally saw some lights from a restaurant in Subiaco. So, we happily parked our car, without realising that we actually parked in front of a mortuary!

But scares aside, the food at the Italian restaurant was awesome! It was a buffet where the waiter would come out from the kitchen holding different food each time. He then walked around the tables and give us a portion of the food should we want it. It was here, I fell in love with Penne Arrabiata! It was an extremely satisfying dinner!

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