my PERTH Aussie Trip

17 - 20 May 2014

G'Day!!

Myself at Langley Park, with the background of Swan River

HOTEL

in Perth, i was staying at Pan Pacific Perth Hotel; a 5 star hotel. this hotel can accommodate more than 150 adults at one time. located at Adelaide Terrace, very close to Perth Mint and Langley Park + Swan River. through my window i can see the Swan River - such a nice place for leisure walk, jogging, photo shooting, cycling and dating ^_^". since we were 3 people in the same room, so i slept on the extra bed (cause i'm the youngest among my colleagues). but.. dont underestimate the rollbed cause it is more comfortable though. i enjoyed the hotel's breakfast. they do provides the fresh honeycomb, a self-service pancake machine, a take-away coffee and many more. in addition, free wifi at the lobby and guest room.

G'Morning, Perth!! G'Morning Swan River!

see.... told ya!

most M'sian are preferred to stay at 3 star hotel in Perth namely Ibis Perth, Criterion, Kings Perth etc due to the location wise - it is nearby to the shopping and Halal restaurants areas. both Perth Ambassador and Goodearth are close to Pan Pacific Hotel

further up (about 100m) is the PERTH Town Hall/McD

the mentioned McD & Town Hall

RESTAURANT

Few Halal restaurants I've been in Perth

© I had a Curry Noodle at D’Ankasa (formerly D’Nyonya) at Hay Street. The average price for the Halal meals in Perth is around $10 per (big) portion (est RM30). The restaurant is located next to Criterion Hotel; nearby Town Hall/McDonalds. but.. i don’t fancy the taste.

Chicken curry noodle pour moi

Menu list - D'Ankasa a.k.a D'Nyonya Perth

© As for the group dinner, we went out of city for 30mins down under to Fremantle...

held at Esplanade Hotel Fremantle – by Rydges. we rented their Orion&Pleiades Ballrooms in order to accommodate 150 adults and we had ordered outside HALAL suppliers of Steggles and from Dardanup Butchering Company with Halal certificate from WAHA and ICCV 

© On the 2^nd day, we had our big platter of Fish & Chips lunch at Fremantle. The Cicerello’s Restaurant (Fremantle Outlet) is serving a big portion of fish & chips, as for me it's a meal for 3 person, with mineral water or coke. but they are charging us for the chili sauce L (sila bawak sos McD byk2 dr Msia yek). we also ordered a plate of vegetarian spaghetti. Both fish&chips and spaghetti were delicious.

da Vege Pasta. forgot to take da pict of da Fish&Chips -.-"

 For the group, we dine indoor at the 1^st floor. If you are not in a big group, the best place to dine is at the open-space area with the best view of Fishing Boat Harbour/Indian Ocean - the picturesque working harbour, yacht, boats; wild seagull; and on the other side next to the railway there's an area full with the trees like the one at Nami Island, South Korea. the restaurant is also reachable by train from city to The Esplanade Station; the station is located nearby Esplanade Hotel Fremantle. 

© We went back from shopping at the Harbour Town, we took the free YELLOW CAT bus at Wellington Street to Pier Street Station, walked for couple minutes to InsanCafé at the Murray Street. It’s a Malay Cuisine Restaurant, owned by a Malaysian and the staff also from Malaysia. The delicious Oxtail Soup cost me $11.50 only. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! thumps up

Menu at Insan's Cafe Perth

© Murray Street, Barrack Street, Hay Street are close to each other. We had our lunch at Indonesia Indah for “Nasi Campur” at Barrack Street. It’s an 'underground' restaurant. Honestly, I don’t like the food there. Tak Sedap!! I also ordered an “Alpokat Juice” or Avocado Juice. As in Indonesia, they’ll serve the blended avocado with the melted chocolate. But at Indonesia Indah, they served with “milo”??? huh?!

 

Menu list - Indonesia Indah, Perth

© Most of restaurant in Perth are closed at 5pm. except for this Central Kebab & Café. I ordered one set of Beef Burger. The server is a very funny Turkish Guy.

Apart from above list, you also can try at Café Karache’, Murray Street or Love&Care, Pier Street or Dragon Palace (pork-free) or Dusit Thai.

ATTRACTION

    I only managed to visit 5% of the green and huge KingsPark & Botanic Garden. Covered at the hill area, where we can see the view of Swan River, Bell Tower and the Perth City including the Pan Pacific Hotel from the point of War Memorial and Flame of Remembrance are situated (dedicated for the 1914-1918 Great War).

@KingsPark with Ben, Ikhwan & AG (MediaPrima Radio Networks's DJ)

    Besides Mandurah, another famous beach in Perth is Fremantle. 30mins away from the Perth City Centre. And the terminal point to Rottnest Island.

the best shopping place in Fremantle is at E-Shed Weekend Markets (opens every Fri-Sun only). by facing the Inner Harbour, it is located in front of Ferry Terminal (B-Shed Victoria Quay – pier for Captain Cook Cruise) and nearby Fremantle Train Station. There’s a shop owned by Indonesian, where you can bargain to get a special price for Malaysian. I bought very cheap sweater, T-shirts, stationeries, signboard and many other souvenirs (keychain, fridge magnet, nail clipper etc) with Australian flag printed on it.

in front of E-Shed Market.
next to the train station is the jetty

Due to the short visit, I didn’t managed myself to visit the Monument Hill War Memorial & Roundhouse in Fremantle even though both attractions are within 5mins away from Esplanade Hotel Fremantle. So, I’ve no idea about these 2 places. As well as the Fremantle Market

since 1897. pict courtesy from Kak Siti. thanks

and also the Fremantle Prison. What? Prison?? It’s kinda popular actually maybe because of the building, the history and I also heard about the adventure tunnel tour and the prison night tour. Gulp! Let those who had experience with this ‘prison tour’ tell you more ‘bout it. Oh ya, you can hang out and drink a cup of coffee at Cappuccino Street or Strip in Fremantle. Other coffee shops in Perth only served the beverages inside the premise.

Places of interest in Fremantle

    Those brand collector can shop till drop at 2 floor of Harbour Town – Perth outlet located at Wellington Street.  Feature brands like Nike, Adidas, Esprit, Levi’s, Nine West, Oakley, Converse, Seed etc. I bought $25 boots, $5 t-shirt and $1 accessory at Cotton On; as well as $29 slingbag and $10 wristbag from Kate Hill Store – an Australia's brand. Most stores are closed at 5pm daily; except on Friday only, the shops are open up to 9pm.

Apart from those apparel shops, there are other shops available such as restaurants (ada Subway, Ispa Kebabs), Coffee Shop, Cosmetic, Gadget, Stationery (Typo), and many moreeee.

    Shopping Spree at London Court / Carillon City / Myer / David Jones / Woolworths area.

Shopping Point in Perth

London Court – it’s one small ‘London’ shop alley in Perth with London’s design built in 1937.

the best stress-treatment

Myer – next to Commonwealth of Australia’s Building and nearby non-Halal JamieOliver’s Italian Restaurant. I got myself ‘best buy’ Beyoncé Perfume – set of 3 (30ml each) is only $34.30 at Myer. Big thanks to the Japanese promoter for the free cosmetic bag ^^. It’s not a ‘Mega Sale’ period, so NO further discount, okeh!

my fav Lady Million agak mahal disini

Woolworths – you can get very cheap chocolates here at Woolworths. I bought a delicious TimTam at $1.62 only. As I heard, the prices in Australia is fluctuate daily (same goes to the fuel price). By the way at Woolworths, you will become the unpaid cashier. I mean, self-service cause no cashier is provided – just a scanned & payment machine and you cannot cheat ‘cause the machine can detect the actual weight in the plastic bag.

And I found $1 Mamee Maggi Cup at the Reject Shop. More souvenir shops along the Barrack Street.

    I don’t want to go to Caversham ‘cause I’m allergic with animals. So I enjoyed myself at Swan Bell Tower, opens at 10am daily. The ticket is $9 (get $5 discount after we presented the discount advertisement in the free copy of Perth travel guide). 

From the 6^th floor (ada elevator) - the observation deck, we can view the Perth Town Hall, Supreme Court Gardens, Langley Park, Swan River, Barrack Jetty and the construction site at the right side (Elizabeth Quay) of the tower ;( *frustrated* We can’t see the whole view of Perth city cause the tower is not built at the highest point in Perth. Since NO bell ringing on Monday, the staff-on-duty played for us the Ding-Dong-Bell Music. Thanks, Mike! 

*the original video is longer with better sound & definition - but i'm unable to upload*

Did you know? The Bell Tower has 18 bells that hang in a specially built 82.5m high glass and copper campanile, making it one of the Largest Musical Instruments in World. Inside the tower, you can find the oldest bell in Australia, since 1550; and the bell weighs is 459kg with 920mm mouth diameter.

Similar like Love Lock in Beijing and Seoul; the Bell Tower also locate one corner of Padlock Chains (at the entrance area) for you to ‘lock’ or everlasting you love… gitu. But for me, here is more organized and clean compared with the one in Seoul. but the padlock is quite expensive at $30 with name or your magic words engraving

UPDATE : Elizabeth Quay

Opposite of Bell Tower, you can find the Barrack St. Jetty for the Captain Cook Cruises. 

As I know, there are 3 routes available : to Fremantle, to Perth Zoo or South Perth and to Swan Valley. Fixed departure time, so you’ll be needed to know the cruise schedules in advance. To Fremantle from Barrack Jetty via Swan River for example, one-way rate is $28, departs at 945am for 1hour and 15minutes. And from Fremantle, you can take the 1115am cruise back to Barrack Jetty or you also can take the train instead from the nearby Fremantle Train Station ($4.20 per ticket).

Other Cruise Packages offers by Captain Cook

At the Barrack Jetty also you can take the Hop-On Hop-Off at $30 for 24hrs tour. As well as for other tour to Pinnacles Desert / Margaret River / Wave Rock / Valley of Giants – arranged by Adam’s Tour (the office is located at the Australian by Design souvenir’s corner).

 

Kill time momento
   @ Supreme Garden

my best pose

   @ Langley Park & Swan River

   @ Commonwealth of Australia & water fountain

   @ Perth Town Hall

days & nights with Perth Town Hall

As mentioned, due to short visit I’m unable to visit all places of interest in Perth including:-

o  Lake Monger – they said previously a lot of Black Swan came to Lake Monger, but nowadays there’s no more. Luckily I saw few young black swan swimming at the Swan River, plus I saw some black jellyfish with white spots too

o  Caversham Wildlife Park (at WhitemanPark) - reachable by taxi, or train (Village Junction Station) and the admission fee is only $25. What do they have in Caversham besides those tame Kangaroo? They also have Koala (dorg ni pantang kita usap kepala dorg, x mcm kucing), Quokkas, Emus, Dingoes, Llama, Sheep, Eagle, Tasmanian Devil, Wombat, Owls etc. it’s a farm with farm show of course – so those animals allergic like myself are not advisable to go -.-“ never mind, I managed to have a photo time with the Kangaroo Statue in front of Supreme Court.

Usually for the full package (for example, if using Adam’s Tour), you also might have a chance to visit the nearby Swan Valley (also reachable by Cruise from Barrack Jetty) / Chocolate Factory / House of Honey / Nougat Company / Vineyard (free wine tasting or for Muslim we can just have a photo taking).

o  Night life in Perth?? Nothing to see, nothing to do during night time. Cause most shops are closed as early as at 5pm (tapi dah gelap dah). Unless, if you go to the Northbridge area. My colleague told me the places is happening, with the pubs, clubs, restaurants, Chinatown etc. I’m not going, cause I’m scared. Also, careful with the ‘look-smart’ beggars and homeless. from Perth Railway Station towards to Northbridge, you can find WAMuseum , Art Gallery WA (AGWA) , State Theatre & State Library

o  If you go to Perth for more than a week, you might have time to go to the further area such as

§  2½hours from city to the north area - Nambung National Park to see the Pinnacles Desert. Ape benda la Pinnacle tu yek? Macam pasir yg formed jadik batu keras tajam2 jek aku tgok. Nearby area is New Norcia, Wildflowers (depends on the season mcm durian), Sand Boarding / 4WD Adventure at Lancelin. This one is not suitable for pregnant women, baby or those with back problem. Seriously extreme ke?

§  3hrs to the south area via coastal road, further down from Mandurah – Margaret River, Caves & Cape Leeuein Lighthoise, Winery and Busselton Jetty. Google lah, serious cantik!!

§  4½hrs to the east – Wave Rock, York & Aboriginal. the Wave Rock seriously looks like a real wave

§  5hrs to the South Coast – Valley of Giants. Plenty of National Park at that area. Ada tree top walk suit for those nature lovers

§  Besides 18-hole Golf Courses in Perth such as Araluen GC, Meadow Springs GC, Secret Harbour GC, the GC Kennedy Bay etc; Perth also have 27-hole GC at Joondalup and 36-hole GC at The Vines Resort. Wow! Main sampai lebam

Let's Golfing with Kangaroo!

Other INFO

ü  NO time different between KL and Perth (GMT+8); Sydney/Melbourne/Gold Coast 2hrs ahead M'sia time

ü  Flight to Perth from KL is 5½hrs flying time

ü  VISA is required for Malaysian. I’m not sure regards on the online application, cause we travel agent done it easily via our reservation system. valid for 1-year after application, for multiple entry and strictly for travelling purposes only

Our format is like this

ü  Last May was an Autumn Season. Yet, still cold and windy cause nearly Winter. During my visit, the weather was 8°c - 24°c. sejuukkkkk especially during night 

ü  Local people sangat warm and friendly, but we hardly to understand their Aussie accent
ü  Use Aussie dolar (AUD) BSR2.9-3.1. USD and MYRinggit are not widely accepted.
        Notes: $5,$10,$20,$50 & $100. Coins: 5c,10c,20c,50cents as well as $1 & $2

ü  3-pin plugs, but not as same as plug in M’sia. Some adaptors also don’t have this kind of pin. You may borrow from the hotel or you can buy from the convenience store, such as KORJO brand for $14.95

 

ü  Interesting! Some vehicle are using their owner’s name for the Car Plat Number. I saw few like BELLA 511 or SHEILA 159 for example. Our driver told us that “Sheila” means something like ‘hot chick’ in Perth.

ü  I don’t know why the Custom in Australia is very strict. They don’t allow any outside dairy product. But, seriously the taste of local Milk and Chocolate there are different. Definitely nicer!

ü  Local simcard : Optus, Slimtel, Telstra, Vodaphone etc. My sister said it is about $5 but I’m not using any local simcard cause my official phone is under roaming services

ü  In case of emergency, you might be needed these numbers : Police / Ambulance / Fire #000; Police centre +61(0)-8-92233716; Royal Perth Hospital +61(0)-8-92242244; Malaysia consulate +61(0)-8-92257055; Air Asia 1300-760-330      

ü  WA is the short form of Western Australia. Perth is located at WA, become nearest, offering cheapest (airfare murah) by Air Asia & MAS and popular destination especially among Malaysian. Apart from WA, the other 5 states in Australia are Northern Territory (include Darwin), Queensland (includes Brisbane / Gold Coast), Southern Australia (include Adelaide), New South Wales (includes Sydney and the Capital City – Canberra) and Victoria (includes Melbourne / Tasmania Island.     
ü    Perth Mint is Australia's oldest operating mint. they have the largest coin in the World with one tonne of pure gold. if you are very lucky, you can witness the gold pouring performance
ü    Similar as in France or Germany, govt in Australia also emphasizing Family-quality Time. some said most shops, mall & restaurant are closed at 5pm daily to give more time for the people to spend their valuable time with families. i wish in future M'sia pon boleh apply this great idea once negara dah maju..one day
ü    There's one place in Scotland (nearby Edinburgh) also called as Perth

A MUST HAVE Bus Route Maps. CAT TransPERTH Bus Services is FREE w/in city LIMIT

maps versi cik Azfaezah plak

another maps version

Transformers Perth Version maybe? heeee

AIRPORT experience

Upon arrival

During my trip, some of my clients has been asked by the airport officer (I wasn’t there, I already at the baggage claims area, but I think they shall be asked by the immigration staff); why they are travelling in a big group. Tips : answer honestly. When my client told them that they are having a company’s incentive trip, the officer looks surprised. Upon at the immigration, I declared my thyroid medicine (as drug – strictly declare your medicine even for paracetamol). After claiming baggage, those with ‘B’ mark needs to queue at the separate line before the exit door. They custom used a big dog (I’m not sure which breed) to smell & detect any of restriction subjects. I got that ‘K’ mark when the 2^nd officer asking us “do you bring any sambal or ikan bilis” yeap, she mentioned sambal and ikan bilis to us. Then, when we answered “no”, she marked that big ‘K’ on our declaration card. If I’m not mistaken, rice, maggi, milo powder are fine. But not for 3in1 drinks, can food, brahim’s products etc. and if you are been asked by the officer and you tell them that you are looking for a job in Aussie by using the normal visa, they will send you home straight away.

During my boss’s trip to Perth, couple days before mine; one of the guest does looks like a ‘Taliban’ face with beard has been arrested and asked. But just for couple minutes. My boss also has been asked cause he brought 1 baggage and 1 big box (filled with a door gift from Tourism Australia in M’sia). They asked my boss to open both baggage and box to inspect. Even though, there is a Tourism Australia’s sticker right on the box, they still suspected something. Until my boss show them the email sent from Tourism Australia. 

Another case was a couple of the advance party (Seelan Paul & his secretary – the trip organizer). She’s been to Perth 2mths before for the reccee trip, the immigration holds her and the boss in a room and they took their handphone, for an hour. They query why she came to Perth again in a short period. After explaining, and showing them the rooming list (luckily she bring one set of rooming list), then the officer let them go.

Phew!! Told ya, very strict one. don’t play-play. It’s good to have a very strict procedure in Aussie cause they can control the number of visitors and workers. And I do believe, if they don’t practise that method, Aussie will be packed with people especially from Southeast Asia (like us).

Upon departure

A month before we travel to Perth, Air Asia X sent me an email telling that the return flight (PER/KUL) has been re-scheduled to the earlier timing. Seriously? To 10hours earlier???

We arrived at the International Airport as early as at 4am. The Domestic Airport is about 10mins away (free shuttle bus is provided, but not to the city). Individual check-in, there’s NO group check-in available. Ben and other guest have upgraded their own seat to Premium Seat (business class) at $300/seat.

The airport is not too big. After check-in; there are two escalators up to the departure hall. The 1^st one from the check-in counter is the JR Duty Free only. And the 2^nd one is the restaurants and shops area. 

We have done filled-up the departure card, and entering the immigration counter. But no passport stamping?? kire register-out ke tak ni?? my sista experienced the same thing after she went back from Gold Coast

Then, I’ve been chosen for the random check of the ‘Glass Scanner’ – like an X-Ray. After that, another inspection – they use a tape on your dress, and scanned using a small machine. I don’t know the function, and I don’t even ask.

After that, we kill time before boarding at the Duty Free shops. I bought an Elizabeth Arden’s mascara at $10 and $25 Elizabeth Arden’s (Green Tea) perfume for my colleague. Cheaper and had more choices compared with the outlet in Myer. 

GROUP DINNER experience

Similar like last year, we arranged an annual dinner for MPRN. And this year, their dinner theme is Slumber Party! At 1^st, the hotel is not approving this Pyjama Party theme cause they expected guest to dress up or wear formal attire. But after discussed with them, finally they had to agreed, but NO slippers allowed – for safety reason in case of any broken glasses or something

Lemme starts with the Ballroom. At 1^st we had few options of hotels and restaurants. Both (Dusit Thai & Golden Palace) restaurants already committed with other functions on the same date. Besides Esplanade Fremantle, we’ve also been offered to use the ballroom at Rydges Hotel at Hay Street (nearby London Court). Both hotels are under the same Rydges properties. Well, Rydges Hotel definitely nearer but the ballroom cannot fit up to 150 pax in one time. We need to combine their West 1&2 as well as the Terrace (outdoor) for the buffet corner. It’s cold during night time, thus not highly recommended – especially the ballroom is long & skinny shape. We finally decided to use Esplanade Fremantle’s Sirius Ballroom even its 30mins away from the city. Couple weeks before the event date, the hotel last minute switched to Orion&Pleiades Rooms.

The ballroom’s ceiling is 6m height, thus we are unable to hang our backdrop. Somehow the hotel also not allows us to attach our backdrop on the ballroom’s wall. Then, we have to order a standing frame (just to hang the backdrop) at AUD275 – include labour & delivery fees. Dah la mahall, pastu tak cantik pon…. The backdrop itself, we prepared and brought from KL cause the printing cost is slightly cheaper at RM410 for 5x3m. Compared the local printing job is a very killing price at AUD825 (AUD55/m). For printing only, okehh cause the client already designed it. I understand, if we print it there, the backdrop won’t have any folding marks on it. But, only for 4hrs of event, tell me who’s willing to pay that much? The size of the backdrop is at the same size of the stage 3.6mx2.4m (3pcs). I don’t know why the hotel doesn’t have a proper stage; they shall have done a lot of functions before, right??

The table set-up looks fine with me, although I expected something grand in Australia. We got the table cloth, napkin, and table centre piece (after negotiating) for free. The centre piece seems too tall to be placed on a table. But there’s no chair cover, table runner, and fresh flower are too expensive there at AUD45-55 per table. Ok, so I only can say… this is the best they can offer for the certain budget. As for the buffet set-up, the food presentation and 30 jugs of soft drinks – everything is good. But actually they should inform us in advance the changes of the menu. Still ok, as long as everything is well managed, clean, tasty & most important thing is Halal. Before the event started, I’ve checked the buffet line and noticed that there’s NO menu signage. And I’ve personally asked the chef-on-duty. He convinced me that he will explain to the guest. Whattt? You expect you can explain every 20-dish to 150pax? And happen to be… an incident take place when the Chef is not around. One guest asked about the meat served to one of the hotel’s waitress, and she took for granted by telling that the meat is pork. Damn! For a moment, everyone in the ballroom stunned and panicked. I attacked the chef-on-duty for creating chaos. He apologizes straight away and we’d received another apology letter from the hotel later. Hmmm that will happen when the function place is far from the place we stayed. It’s hard to monitor and make sure the overall arrangement.

 

We provide a birthday cake for the May babies. I really wish for a rainbow cake, but not available. They only can find me a Halal carrot cake. But as you know, carrot cake is heavy & compact – and of course, pricey compared with sponge cake. However, it is not easy to find Halal bakery in Perth which have a delivery services to Fremantle. So I have to agree to purchase a 16inch (I assumed it would be 2kg) cake which cost me AUD195. The cake doesn’t tempt us at all; luckily I didn’t buy 20inch cake for AUD225. Considered we got 150 adults, but on the other hand I’m sure they already ate the dinner much (in addition, the buffet also provides plenty of desserts including small cakes, mini pavlova etc). And luckily the hotel waived the cost of outside cake. Itu pon nk charge ke?? Grrr

It’s a nightmare when the DJ people came late. Seriously late! The event should be started at 7pm, and when we arrived at the hotel, the DJ people still hasn’t come yet. My boss already there since afternoon and keep calling them since then. They were supposed come earlier to set-up all the sound system what-so-ever. This is a group of entertainer (Hotfm, Onefm & Flyfm), they expected to have the best annual event (something like the one we arranged in Phuket last year). For this event, we were using a local service of AV Partners. (In future, I should try Discosource even their price a bit higher). Starts with the set-up; since they were late, they tensed, panic and messed. When the 1^st group (Ikhwan’s team) are ready to perform, their electric guitar cannot be connected to the mixer (they DJ people don’t expect for this and didn’t bring along sufficient equipment grrr I’ve given them the dinner’s rundown in advance though). Then, some of the cordless microphone is not functioning, they don’t prepare for the microphone stand, the mixer can’t play CDs… oh my God, it’s a Disaster! I don’t know how they could do this to us, it’s so unprofessional. In fact, their price is quite high (but cheaper than hotel’s rate) and they are charging for every single item. For the microphone, for the mixer, for the projector.. everything… Luckily this is a bunch of entertainer; they are really good in this industry. They themselves managed to create happening, making fun, enjoying themselves, spontaneous performing even in this kind situation…

As long as they look happy, aren’t they??