Category: Travel

Travel related forum. Going somewhere, and like fellow SilverHairs to join you. Last minute plans, long range plans. Reach out to good company. Not for commercial travel companies.

8days Tour to Hainan Island 11DEC to 18DEC

Hi ,

I would like to recommend this cheap and worth going tour in December 2008

Hainan is located at south end of China, the average temperature is 16 C to 27 C,

China’s second largest island.

Price about $700 per adult(for early bird only), with air ticket, 4 star hotel, land tour and 90% food. 

Vivian Lai

Chance to win Vietnam air ticket

Make a date to meet Patrick Khoo from 2.00pm onwards at  Asian Civilizations Museum(next to Victoria Memorial and near the statue of Sir Stamford Raffles…for deatailed map log on to www.acm.org.sg or drop me an email at insiders111@yahoo.com.sg and I will send you an email with map and full day programme).

Besides the free ticket to HCMC  Lucky Draw(just fill form…don’t have to be present)I will give you(not me actually) free Milo welcome drink  for all and balloons for your kids.My booth will have a lucky dip where you will have a chance to win a exquisite Vietnamese embroidery painting,Vietnamese hats,caps (not those made in France)and T-shirts.The ?th (number connected with my date of birth)SHC member who visits my booth if he does get a prize in the lucky dip will be guaranteed (fixed legally) to win a Vietnamese hat from me.

This exhibit is the same as Steven Chan’s post in June but the programme for the whole day which starts at 11.00am is different. I would suggest you come from 2.00pm onwards to see the martial arts experts from Vietnam and they will be followed by 5 hot ladies from an all girl pop fusion band.Admission is free instead of the usual S$8.There will also be perfomances from award winning modern dancers,story telling for kids,Games for young and silverhairs,free lessons on how to make water fairy puppets and paper lanterns.

There will be a special preview of  a Silverhair HCMC/Nha Trang(no swimming in seas due Monsoon season)/Cantho City Tour with itinerary based on recommendations and input from experienced Viet Trippers like Kenneth Tan,Dee Ang,Lena Wang,Jassmine Teo and last but not least the effervescent Steven Chan(maps were useful).This tour is based on  clean and comfortable budget accomodation and outstanding exotic food like Tamarind Crab,Elephant ear fish,Vietnamese seafood dinner,BBQ dinner,Giant rice balls,gourmet lunch by hotel resort chef ,outstanding French restaurant and visit to ice cream parlour.Other highlights include visit to Hot Spring Mineral bath and waterfalls,a light sleeper luxury train overnight from HCMC/Nha Trang/HCMCvisit to Pearl Farm  and a chance to see the Ghe Cho Festival in Cantho where you will see the incandescent paper lanterns powered by burning oil careen into the air(yes these lanterns actually fly as seen in an Andy Lau movie).This tour is from 08Nov to 16Nov based on minimum 15 to go.(if numbers are less than 15 the rates will be higher with no Singapore Tour Leader Escort).Final pricing and basic itinerary will be posted in the forum when prices are finalised.This special tour is not  a typical standard tour but has been specially designed to meet SHC tastes and can be tailored to suit SHC members needs and budget eg Pearl Farm tour can be chopped if 100km travel from Nha Trang is considered too long a journey.Number of days can also be shortened if budget turns out to be high.

The other programmes at this "Vietnam experience" include Vietnamese food  and mooncakes , an outdoor  pop fusion concert  and other entertainment from  8.00pm to 11.00pm.Of course you will a  2nd chance to see the interesting museum exhibits from Vietnam if you missed it the 1st time with Steven.

If you are a CITIBANK clear card holder you will get a $60 per couple discount for our Vietnam Spa promotion.

If you drop a deposit for any of our other tours for that day you will be entitled to a $30 discount(normally given to travel agents) from our standard tour prices.

Bring your kids along and have a  fun time and get a chance to win interesting prizes(Anybody wants to baby sit the Big Baby and keep me company are welcome…will buy you a drink…not Milo of course).Cheers!

Dream trip to Mae Hong Son & Chiangmai – Thu 20 Nov – Tue 25 Nov 2008

Here is the schedule:

  • ETA Chiangmai airport – Thu 20 Nov 2008 (1st flight in the morning.  Upon arrival at airport, we will head straight up to the mountain resorts.  If you cannot get a flight, you have to arrive on the 19 Nov 2008).  To include travel insurance with airfare.
  • ETD Chiangmai airport – Tue 25 Nov 2008  (Arr time in Chiangmai, around 12 nn.  If you stay in Chiangmai city for shopping, eating and massages, you may link up with Kenneth Tan.  I will fly off from Chiangmai on 25 Nov 2008).

Other details:

  • If you bring your own tent, great.  If you do not bring your own tent, we can rent from the resort for a fee.  You have to pair with your own partner.  Or else, you have to sleep in or outside my tent.
  • Food – all the way will be vegetables and fruits, for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  No meat. Rice – yes.  You will notice your bowels change, after this trip.
  • Toilet – Yes.  Hot water – No.
  • Drinking water – we will buy along the way.
  • Cooking and fixing of tents.  I am considering have someone to come with us, to fix the tents and organise the cooking.
  • Swimming pool – no; aircondition – open air and a light jacket needed; shopping in the mountains – very traditional but yes and limited.
  • Television – No; radio – use your mobile phone.
  • Mobile telephone – works well 90% of the places we go to.
  • City shopping – Join Kenneth Tan in Chiangmai city, on or after 25 Nov.

More details as we go along.  Meantime, please go into airasia.com and plan your arrivals and departures.  Find a sleeping partner too.

Terence Seah

51% confirmed:

  1. Terence Seah – I shall meet you in BKK airport.  Bkk/CM FD3240 and CM/Bkk 3290 flights booked. (1)
  2. Annie Loh & Daisy Yeo, flights booked.  Plse supply fight numbers.
  3. Susan Tan & James Tan – tent mates, 20/11 FD3502 and 29/11 FD3507. (2)
  4. ChristinaCL Chan – SG/BKK/CM 20Nov FD3502 eta CM FD3240/16:30. Etd CM/28Nov08. considering a queen size bed installed, with solar hot water
  5. Helen Wong & Julie Yeo – 20 Nov : Sin/Bangkok Tigerairways TR102 (0710/0830). 20 Nov : Bangkok to Chiang Mai AirAsia FD 3234 (1250/1400).  29 Nov : Chiang Mai to Bangkok AirAsia FD 3239 140/1250), 29 Nov : Bangkok to Singapore Tigerairways TR 105 (1440/1805)
  6. Karen Thio
  7. Mike Tan & Alicia Soh – tent mates, 20Nov FD 3502, FD 3240. 29Nov FD 3235, FD 3507 (2)
  8. Anne To – 20 Nov SIN/BKK/CM FD3502, FD3240.  28 Nov 2008 – CNX/BKK, BKK/SIN (1)
  9. Janet Chan – not confirmed.
  10. Norlinda & Bira Bira – tent mates, tickets bought.
  11. Gingko Tay
  12. Charles Chua not confirmed.
  13. Pauline Chew
  14. Rene Leong & Cecilia Wee – 20Nov FD 3502, FD 3240. 29Nov FD 3235, FD 3507 (2)
  15. Gingko Tay
  16. Pauline Chew & Ella Tan – 20 Nov 2008: SIN to BKK FD 3502 Dep 1100 Arr 1215.  20 Nov 2008: BKK to CNX FD 3240 Dep 1520 Arr 1630.  28 Nov 2008: CNX to BKK FD 3239 Dep 1140 Arr 1250. 28 Nov 2008: BKK to SIN FD 3505 Dep 1645 Arr 2005
  17. Max, limited to 16 Pax only.

Free & Easy trip to the Malaysian East Coast, 23 Sep 2008

Hi there,

Lim Tian Soo is again planning for another ‘free and easy’ trip, this time to the Malaysian east coast. We intend to leave Sgp on Sept 23rd, a Tuesday and be back about 6 or 7 days later.

As before we will be visiting the out of the way and non-touristy places. However there will be no shopping, or very minimal, and lots of sun , sea and sand.

First stop will be Kuantan, the beginning of the famous 200km beaches of the Malaysian east coast. We will detour to Lake Chini or perhaps Lake Kenyir. Both these lakes are man-made in that they were formed when the dam was built. Then we will work our way north towards Kota Bahru, stopping at the beaches in Telok Chempedak, Balok, Marang, Rantau Abang, Kuala Trengganu till we reach Besut, where we will hop aboard a boat to Pulau Perhentian, the northernmost islands of Malaysia. There are other islands on the east coast which we can stay if we are not successful in P. Perhentian. We will just have to see what this trip brings.

Along the way we will stay in modest accomodation, including home stays with the PAS members and eat in humble fare like the local folks.

We are looking for SHC members who are interested in this form of travel, preferably one with another car. Ladies are forewarned about the mode of travel and the itinerary, lots of sun, sea and sand. Also they should come in pairs for accomodation reasons.

Costs will be shared as before, with the owner/driver/s exempt from fuel charges plus a full tank upon return. Everything else will be pro-rated.

Ciao for now

Update for Kukup Chalets stay on August, 23/24, 2008

Please note changes to Day 1 Schedule.

Day 1, August 23, 2008 (Saturday)

8.30am     1st Pick-up point at Newton Hawker Centre Carpark

9.00am     2nd Pick-up at Jurong Point: Interchange (Next to NTUC canteen)

10.30am   Customs Clearance (White card required)

12.00pm   Seafood Lunch at Seafood Restaurant Restaurant (Provided)

12.45pm   Street shopping at Kukup fishing Village

1.15pm     Proceed to chalet Check-in (Free n Easy) By Boat Ride.

2.30pm     Games by Marg and Joy/Singalong on Bus by Yew Kwong and Clara Chay!

3.30pm     Singalong by Yew kwong and Clara Chay

4.30pm     High Tea (Provided)

5.30pm    Social Dance by Danz

7.30pm    Seafood BBQ Dinner (provided)

9.00pm    Durians n other fruits Treat!

The following have confirmed pick-up point at Jurong Point at 9.00am:

  1. Josephine Yap
  2. Pauline Khoo
  3. Helen Wong
  4. Eyyone chew
  5. Aaron How
  6. Karen Thio
  7. Hycinth D’Silva
  8. Kristine Leong
  9. Venika Leong
  10. Sally Kang
  11. Gwyneth Lee

Those intending to join them please indicate!

Click here for photos

 

     

Update of 2009 campervanning trip

Hi All SHC members who are waiting for more news

I’ve been surfing the internet for info and maps, getting brochures etc and am posting an update. Those who are interested may form a group of your own, coming in from Singapore. From Perth, there are three of us and my sister, from Melbourne may join in. Therefore we may rent 2 campervans. All 4 of us drive and so can share in the driving. We are thinking of getting a Britz Hi-top which takes 2-3 people.

It will be a 13D/12N trip from Mar 7 – 19 Mar 2009. Itinerary planned is pick up of campervan from Melbourne, then to Canberra, down to Victoria towns, Great Ocean Road to Adelaide. From Adelaide, we leave the campervans and fly back to Perth/Melbourne or Singapore depending on where you plan to go after that. For us, it will be a flight back to Perth. Those who want to know what the itinerary is, please indicate in your comment and I will reply as it will be too long to post here.

The cost of the trip will be approximately AUD 1000 (hopefully less) per person to cover campervan rental, petrol, food etc. The additional expenses will be airfare. There are budget carriers like Tiger Airway, Jetstar, Virgin Blue etc that will connect you to the Aussie cities. Cost of airfares may be an additional AUD 700.

Regards

Joan (Perth)

Travel in Autumn

Dear all at SilverHairsClub,

Anyone care to share their 2 cents worth on driving from New York to Hudson Valley, Finger Lakes, Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Niagara in the parks, returning from Toronto, Coastal drive to Ottawa and straight back to NYC.   Would appreciate some advice as to which one or two of the regions to skip so that we can drive more leisurely.   Our main objective is to go the Niagara Falls, and would love to catch to autumn leaves along the scenic drive and if our planned route is ideal for a 11 days trip.

thanks…….

Homestay accomodation in Singapore

Hi SHC members

In the past, I was actually looking for accomodation when I make short trips back to S’pore. I had booked airfare and hotel packages which were pretty cheap then and was like a tourist back in my home country. I therefore knew what it was like to think of short term accomodation when I came back to S’pore as my place was rented out. However, my flat had been vacant for several months and Im thinking of now taking up the opportunity of opening my place for short term stay foryour visiting overseas friends or relatives.

If you have overseas friends or relatives who are looking for short term accomodation in Singapore you can contact me at my email address; joanwong2002@hotmail.com

Regards

Joan (Perth)

2D/1N KUKUP FISHING VILLAGE STAY

Day 1:       August 23, 2008 (Saturday)
7.30am      Newton Hawker Car Park (Near Newton MRT)
9.00am      Customs Clearance
9.20am      Breakfast at JB (Self Expenses)
11.00am    Street Shopping at Kukup Fishing Village
11.30pm    Seafood Lunch at Seafood Restaurant (Provided)
12.30pm    Proceed to Chalet check-in (Free and Easy) By Boat Ride

1,30pm      Games

3,00pm      Sing Along
4.30pm      High Tea (Provided)

5.30pm      Social Dance
7.30pm      Seafood BBQ Dinner (Provided)

Day 2:       August 24, 2008 (Sunday)
8.00am      Breakfast & Free and Easy (Provided)
11.15am    Chalet Check-out
11.30am    Kelong Tour By Boat Ride (Provided)
12.15pm    Seafood Lunch at Seafood Restaurant (Provided)
1.15pm      Leaving from Kukup Fishing Village to JB Shopping
2.45pm      JB Shopping
5.00pm      Leave for Singapore.

Cost: S$86.00 per head. (Inclusive Personal Insurance Coverage if we have 40 pax)

    For purpose of Insurance coverage, please provide your particular by email to Joy at ‘xx88sg@gmail.com’

Name/Sex/NRIC No./Nationality/Date of Birth/Passport Expiry Date/Mobile contact.

Please be assured that all personal particular given to Joy will be strictly confidential!

Free & Easy Leisure Activities:

  • DVD Karaoke Set (with Disc)
  • Net Fishing/Rod Fishing
  • Mahjong/Playing Cards
  • Games (at open space)
  • Dancing too!
  • Enjoy the Sunset & Fishing village natural scenery!

Package Inclusive:

  • 2 ways Transport-Coach/Mini Bus(Van)- Pickup point upon request
  • 3x Chalets with 3 and 4 bedrooms with 76 beds and fully air-con (Additional mattress FOC)
  • 5 meals – 2x Seafood Lunch/ 1x High Tea/1x BBQ/ 1x Breakfast
  • Visit Kelong (Fish Farm)
  • JB shopping

Website: http://www.kukup.bravehost.com

EO, Danz n Joyzemoticon

Those
who register: Please pay via Joy’s POSB Saving Account: 159-13164-5 by July 15, 2008

  1. Danz Huang       (Paid)
  2. Joy Chuang        (Paid)
  3. Gwyneth Lee     (Paid)
  4. Helen Wong       (Paid)
  5. Mary Tan            (Paid)
  6. Aaron How         (Paid)
  7. Susan Tan          (Paid)
  8. James Tan          (Paid)
  9. Catherine Ho      (Paid)
  10. Terence Seah     (Paid)
  11. Jeffrey Fong       (Paid)
  12. Maureen Tay      (Paid)
  13. Karen Thio          (Paid)
  14. Pauline Khoo      (Paid)
  15. Sally Kang          (Paid)
  16. Eyvonne Chew   (Paid)
  17. Annie Loh           (Paid)
  18. Juliet Ong          (Paid)
  19. Clara Chay         (Paid)
  20. Ron lai                (Paid)
  21. Alice Lai              (Paid)
  22. Kristen Leong    (Paid)
  23. Venika Leong     (Paid)
  24. Anne Chee         (Paid)
  25. Alan Bok             (Paid)
  26. Ann Bok              (Paid)
  27. Esther Leong     (Paid)
  28. Hyacinth D’silvia (Paid)
  29. Ron Koh             (Paid)
  30. Joyce Lim            (Paid)
  31. Lydia Chin           (Paid)
  32. Margaret Tian     (Paid)
  33. Angeline Sim       (Paid)
  34. Mary Loo             (Paid)
  35. Rose Lim             (Paid)
  36. Yew Kwong         (Paid)
  37. Josephine Yap     (Paid)
  38. Andrew Koh        (Paid)
  39. Judy Lim              (Paid)
  40. Maria Tan           (Paid)
  41. Maggie Teo        (Paid)
  42. Albert Tan           (Paid)

Registration is closed!

 

Campervanning in Australia

Hi All

Is anyone interested in joining in this adventure experience next year?So far, Esther has expressed interest. We met in S’pore during the vegetarian lunch at Chinatown Point. The others are self, hubby and his cousin. So 3 of us are from Perth. We have no experience in campervanning nor even self-drives outside WA. So any tips or interest in joining up, especially if there are a few campervans will be fun.

A campervan is a vehicle which you drive and has sleeping berths, toilet, shower, cooking facilities etc. It’s not a caravan which you tow and is preferred by some. With a campervan, you can stop to take rest, save a bit on motels and cook your own simple meals. It can take 2 – 6 people, depending on range and price.

To cut petrol costs, we fly 1 way and drive 1 way between Melbourne and Adelaide. From Melbourne, we can drive to Canberra, Sydney and explore the outback – Ayers Rock, Alice Springs etc and make our way back to Melbourne.

So if anyone is game or has tips to offer, I welcome comments. The 3-4 week trip is planned for Mar/Apr 2009.

Regards

Joan (Perth)

Homestays in Singapore

Hi Terence and All SHC members

It was an interesting article on Asiaone on Homestays in Singapore targetting mature travellers that I read recently. This is something I personally feel that I would like to consider when I make a trip back to Singapore. Does anyone have an idea how to contact those enterprising people mentioned in the article?

Regards

Joan (Perth)

Meet-up at Genting Highlands

Hi SHCians,

I will be at Genting from Sat 21 – Mon 23 June to watch the Osborne and Air Supply shows, besides trying my lady-luck. Just wondering if SHCians shd be there on those dates, may be we can meet up for a cuppa and meals together. Pls email me at henrylim48@gmail.com to exchange hp # and suggest best arrangement to meet.

Hope to meet some of you up the $$$ mountain!

Rgds,

Henry

MKZ (Malacca) Trip 04 July 08-06 July 08 for discerning lovers of good food

Malacca Trip 04Jul  – 06 Jul 2008
Staying in 3 bedroom apartments with 2 pax in master bedroom  A with bathroom attached , 2 pax in bedroom B , 2 pax in bedroom C ,1 pax sleeping in 1 bed in living room , 1 pax sleeping on sofa in living room(total 8 pax to one apartment-an alternate is 7 to an apartment at M$82 with nobody sleeping on sofas)…stay is at Century Mahkota Apartments within walking distance to 2 major shopping malls.There are better and cheaper modes of stay like hotels but I chose this style of stay due to the fact we can relax and congregate together in one apartment to socialise and fraternize.  Allotment of sleeping arrangements will be on a drawing of lots basis for PLAN A  where all parties will pay an equal amount of M$76 per person per night(including breakfast).  Alternatively if all parties are agreeable …for PLAN B….Bedrooms B and C will be based on M$76 per person per night( X 2 ) and those in bedroom A can pay M$92 and those sleeping in the living room can pay M$60 if all parties are agreeable.The gross rate for 8 to an apartment is M$605 and for 7 to an apartment is M$573 per apartments .
I  will be act as EO ( gentle Dictator ) in the absence of Ronald Wie who has to fulfill National Day Parade Rehearsal Duties.The proposed tentative budget is S$200 per person  for the whole trip  including  accomodation in Malacca for 2 nights and all meal and drinks during meal times and entrance fee requirements while in Malacca only. All expenses before  you reach Malacca and after you leave Malacca will be at your own expense eg meals and drinks before you reach MKZ and after you leave MKZ.
The agreed methodology of individual car arrangements where drivers get a free ride and all the remainder of pax will contribute to petrol,toll fees and parking. Any other hidden costs like accidents(touch wood everything goes well), damage etc will be borne equally by all participants (you may consider seriously to take up insurance before the trip and can contact me regarding the insurance plans). The pax in the cars must also top up the petrol to full tank basis before exiting Malaysia.This expected expenditure between S$150 to S$200 will be handled and audited by 2-4 senior SHC regarding monitoring of expenses for the whole group. If there is a surplus this balance can augment our dinner in Johore Bahru on the way back( if not enough participants can top up the balance.I would like to declare the my company will benefit on the 10% comm on the hotel portion only. All participants will be provided with a photostat of a state map and another  city map showing the detailed locations of all the places of interest in relation to Malacca roads.This map is exclusive to seasoned travel agencies and not available to the general public.
             
                                 ITINERARY
04July  Friday morning meet at agreed location (tentative Sun Plaza…vicinity of the road between Sun Plaza and Sembawang MRT. at 7.00am-7.15am.Timing and venue can change in consideration of suggestions put foward.Traditional Newton not considered as not practical for those living in the North.Earlier time is not practical for those travelling by MRT .. Quick breakfast  can be considered in Johore Bahru or Singapore .It takes 3 hours to travel from Johore Bahru to Malacca …but give allowance of 30 mins or less for rest stops.
Lunch at Ole Sayang or Bibik Neo. .Check – in at Century Mahkota service apartments.Afternoon free and easy to attack the 2 major shopping malls next door for shopping spree.Evening drop by coffee shop for Ter-Cha light dinner recommended by friend  or Charles Chua(thanks for freebie tip).After dinner walkabout at night market at Jonkers Street(Jalan Hang Jebat) and supper .After that unwind at service  apartment for social interaction.
05 July Saturday…buffet breakfast at hotel
Morning visit to Cultural Museum(replica of 15th century architecture of Melaka Sultanate Palace).
Proceed to walkabout in the vicinity of Stadhuys, an eg of 17th century  Dutch buildings painted in salmon red.It houses the history ,ethnographic(marriage ceremonies) and literature museums(recommend to skip last location ).
Gather our convoy and proceed to Hang Li Po’s Well,Bukit Cina and Sam Po Kong temple..
Next visit is to the Baba and Nonya Heritage Museum and after that stroll down Tan Cheng Lock street looking at antique shops and drop in on authetic Peranakan speciality shop selling the best belachan(sells by small slabs) and gula melaka  in  town.In addition they sell tarts and other tid-bits.If group interested can drop by shop selling Malacca coffee(good but not that great) before or after lunch depending on time available.
Lunch at one  of friday’s choices or ikan bakar(fried fish) plus other seafood stuff like squid..
Recommended afternoon itinerary …visit D’Paradise Tropical Fruit World and Aboroginal Nature Village near Alor Gajah.Hire a buggy or take a walk in the sprawling Park with its many Fruit and flora attractions.You can then proceed to Gadek Hot Springs nearby
Alternate itinerary…visit to A Famosa water theme Park.
Another alternate itinerary is to visit Mini Malaysia and Mini Asean Park.
Alternatively shopping interlude for the die hard shopping fans.
Dinner at best(most expensive )Peranakan restuarant in town…a must go foodie place.Some have suggested to switch to lunchtime and Ikan bakar switch to dinner…any feedback.?
For culinary people there is Portugese food and Chitty Indian food as alternate suggestions for the other meals to consider…so do provide feedback if you want a change from the  usual Baba food.
After dinner show off your vocal chords with a session in a private room.(subject to availability but will try to pre-book.)
For supper can drop by at oyster omelette stall…if kiasu can drop by before going for karaoke.
Adjourn to apartment. for chit chat sessions.
06July Sunday
Free at leisure for last minute shopping for bargains.
Lunch at location on our list.
Requesting for late check-out for one apartment only to wash up before journey back.
Drop by Johore Bahru for diiner at own expense if out of budget or subsidy if there is still left over…
Buy fruits at J.B market before returning  to Singapore.
Top up of driver’s fuel tanks before returning to Singapore.
At this stage you can list  your name and indicate your interest with no commitment to cancellation charges until we indicate so.Please state your prefence for 7 pax or 8 pax in one apartment and whether you prefer mixed ,all male or all
female.We will try to accomodate your wishes but be prepared to adjust and be flexible if the the fit is not perfect.The 1st
22-24 pax will enjoy the best rates but if we can’t have groups of 7 or 8 than the balance will fit 5-6  pax to a 2 bedroom apartment(if 6 pax one will have to take the sofa)at rate of M$80 for 6pax and M$90 for 5 pax per person per night).Let me state that I will assign myself to the 8 pax  in an apartment configuration on a mixed sex basis and "chope"(book) the sofa for myself  but feedback so I will make  a decision on whether  the remaining  should be on a 7 pax configuration. basis.The following are already logged in as confirmed and will have prirority in being in the 1st 22-24 pax  are Danz Hwang,Kathryn Lee(needs a good navigator) and Boon Liang
The pax are Patrick Khoo,Karen Thio,Grace Wong,Bira Lupolo(please advise if you  your car is available and I will assign a driver to you…if your car is confirmed I will put you in the drivers’ category)Helen Quek,Pauline Khoo,Sally(surname?)
Stef Lim and  Yew Kong(no car but available as driver. Drivers please handpick your  pax(let me know your choices) but try to keep it on a mixed sex basis per car.It’s up to individual driver if you want  to have 3 pax or 4 pax in the car with you.Drivers please advise what cruising speed you are comfortable  with on the highway and we will try to adjust.SHC please come foward to take care of your fellow drivers so that we can avoid going by bus.For those who can’t get leave and want to stay one night only please declare your intentions and we will try to arrange transport for you .I will check if my cousin’s paejaero is available with his driver thrown in for a fee(can take 6 pax)..
We welcome recommendations for other places not on our list for a consensus and further consideration eg Jasin lucky well with Chinese  Zodiac bathrooms for extra good luckChicken balls have also been recommended to be on the lunch menu but declined at the moment unless there is a surge in requests.For those who are interested in a detailed itinerary please drop me an e-mail at insiders111@yahoo.com.sg

Free and Easy trip to M’sia-Jun 30th to Jul 6th, 2008

Hello again,

Lim Tian Soo and myself are thinking of driving to Malaysia, starting Jun 30th (a Monday). We intend to be back by Jul 6th (Sunday).

We will be covering Malacca, some small towns near Ipoh, (eg Tanjong Malim or up to Bidor) or even Ipoh if the traffic is good. We also intend to visit Pangkor Island, Maxwell Hill (Bkt Larut) in Taiping and drive up to Penang. On the way back we may visit Cameron Highlands, taking the new road up and the old road back. Essentially it will be a free and easy trip and the timing will be dictated by what the journey brings. No hotel bookings have been made. We believe there are enough hotels in Malaysia for us. The above is a rough outline of our visits.

We are looking for another 2 to 4 members as 2 have backed out. All costs will be equally shared except for fuel and toll charges which will be shared by all except the driver. I believe that is the SHC norm. Please educate me if I need to be corrected.

Those interested please respond to this post. Much obliged and Cheers to all.

Survey on volunteer drivers for Malacca trip

Mr. Ronald Wie with myself as co-chair would like to make this survey on the principle that 3pax in the car will pay for all expenses related to toll,fuel and parking charges for the driver who will get a free ride in lieu of free loan of his car for the trip.His fuel tank will  be topped up in full before the return to Singapore.In addition touch wood …should an accident or any damage to car is incurred that is not covered by insurance will be borne by all occupants of the car including the driver.

Lady drivers are welcome especially by useless me(as I don’t drive) but I figure that I make a good navigator especially on bumpy roads.Ha Ha Ha!What do the drivers and pax  themselves think of 4 pax and 1 driver in the bigger cars…is it too uncomfortable?.Drivers have final say on who they want in their respective cars with a proviso that there must be a  healthy mix of both sexes unless there is an imbalance in numbers.

On this trip (date and itinerary to be decided later ) by the 2 BA-BA black sheep with MKZ(Malacca) origins or ancestry will ensure visits to the best in hawker fare for specialities like oyster omelette and the best gula melaka and belachan shop.,the best chendol stall(provided clean and not at roadside),where to find good MKZ coffee.hawker fare at Jonkers street.Good Pernakan restuarants with standards like Oleh Sayang will be vetted to narrow down to the best at reasonable prices.Special advice will be given by my cousin who is still a resident in MKZ.

Ronald and myself will sort out the places of interest to visit with input from my cousin as well.Will 2 nights be sufficient?Please let us know your thoughts If there is not enough to form a convoy of cars bus alternative will be considered…although at a glance does not seem suitable for MKZ.

Best regards,

Patrick Khoo

Visit to an oil palm mill in Johore – Sat, Jun 14, 2008

Hi to all members,

Eleanor and I are trying to arrange a visit to an oil palm mill and the details are:

Date: Jun 14th, 2008, a Saturday.   Time: Meet at a pre-arranged place at 7.30am

Duration: 8-10 hrs.  Estimated time back in Sgp: About 10pm, depending on the customs and immigration jam.

Costs: to be advised. This will cover the cost of renting a bus. All meals will be shared

All members who ae interested please register in this thread.

As an alternative, we are also considering using our cars instead of renting a bus if the numbers are small. Those members who are willing to drive please indicate here. The usual mode of payment for the owner/drivers for their fuel will be made. If we have 10 to 12 interested members, we can drive up in 2 or 3 cars, avoiding the hassle of arranging for a bus.

Can someone here also please tell me the usual practice of how the costs are shared in your earlier trips. Please use this thread for all your questions and Eleanor and I will try to answer them.

Let’s have a show of hands to see how many are interested.

Cheers to all,

Eleanor and Charles

 

Click here to view photos

Helen Yeo – Profile

Hi all SHC members,

I’m Helen Yeo, age 47, divorced and working lady.  Interested in outdoor activities and making new friends.

I get to join this club after a few months internet browsing and find that there are many interesting activities going on like kelong trips,  cycling and so on.

Presently I got no friends in the club and are eager to to know all of u soon.  Please feel free to contact and give comments.

Have a nice week-end

Helen Yeo

Vietnam 10 May to 25 May 08

Dee, a SHC member is going on a trip to Vietnam for 2 weeks.   There is vacancy for 5 – 6 persons.

 

Departure – 10.5.08 (budget airline) to Ho Chi Minh
Return  – 25 may 08 from Hanoi

Transportation  16 seater coach

Below is a list of places that you will visit.

 

Itinenary – All places of interest in Vietnam from Ho CHi Minh to Hanoi ( Ho Chi Minh, Chau Doc, Phu Quoc, Can THo Long Hai, Dalat, Nha Trang, Qui Nhon Hoi An, Danang, Hue, Vinho, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, Hanoi Sapa) 

Itinenary will be very flexible. With own guide and driver, you can go anywhere you want and stay longer at places you like or move on if you dont.

Transportation Cost abt $400 each person for whole trip (inclusiver of Guide, Driver, Pertrol, Toll fee and food and accommodation for them). 

 

Accomodation – Budget. (Clean with aircon and hot water).  Food and accommodation for self about $400 for whole trip
 
Airfare – Purchase own. (round trip abt $240 by Tiger)

If you are healthy, friendly, fun loving and enjoy a free and easy itinery you can join her on this trip.

 

F&E Macau Tour – Tribute to Mother’s Day

CLOSED AND ALL COMMENTS OFF WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT.  THANKS…

Hi All,
It was at the last Friday Dance session that after a chat with Eyvonne that both of us realised that we were actually having the same thinking of bringing our mums to Macau for a short tour over weekend, i.e. from Fri to Sun (2 nites stay at new Casino Hotel – Can anyone tell me the name of this new Hotel, please).

I do not have any details rite now on hand as I am still scouting but the mth we are thinking is either end June or July’08.  It would be fun if some of you are interested to go as a group.

Any comments from all members will be much appreciated.

Cheers.. Dolly

Pictures of Kelong trip 19-20 April 2008

The Kelong trip was just over last weekend, 19-20 April 2008.  Very exciting, we started at 6am on a Sat morning, and returning to Singapore safe & sound on a late Sun afternoon.  Ronald Koh was our Event Organiser, great job, however he did not catch any big fishes.  He was also the photographer for these pictures.

Instead, the prized fish (a grouper) went to SB Khoo.  Look at the pictures, and see the big smile on his face.  His family had the wok waiting for him when he came home.   SB, tell us how you enjoyed your fish, or you went to the market.

And, by the way, no one claimed the prize for the smallest fish.

It was a fun relaxing overnight kelong trip.  It was definitely a good opportunity for fellow SilverHairs to get to know one another better.  A big thank you to Ronald Koh.  And we look forward to another one next year.  Fishing leaders, please raise your hands.  To view the pictures, click here taken by RonKoh.

For pictures taken by Dan Huang, click here.

On behalf of Ronald Koh

Can you write a motor cycle?

Some of you drive or take public transport in Singapore.  For me, I can bicycle but not motor-cycle.  No licence too.  However, there are some remote areas in this world where there are very few cars.   Take Vietnam, Laos or Thailand, for example.   I think it is a good skill to be able to ride a motor cycle.  Helps one to get around quickly from the house to the provision shop. or just to go out and get a newspaper.

Hi everybody, as a show of hands, can you ride a motorcycle and has a license?  If you cannot, I guess the only way is for you to find someone who can, and you be the pillion rider.  You dont need a motor cycle.

Terence Seah

Registration list for motorcycle riders:

  1. Dan Huang – got licence, but needs a pillion rider
  2. Douglas Chan – also got licence
  3. Susan Chang – only wants to be pillion
  4. KC Lau – can ride, but no bike
  5. Jeffrey Lim – got no licence, but can ride one in HCMC.
  6. Janet Chan – waiting to ride as pillion for fun
  7. Pearlynn – no licence, but want to ride as pillion in HCMC
  8. Mary Tan – loves to go motocycling too, in Malaysia
  9. Stephen Tan – loves to join a motocycle holiday
  10. Ah Nee – thinking of getting a licence too, may be pilliion rider
  11. Lina Ng – thinking of being a pillion rider, I guess?
  12. Nolinda – only can be sit at the back
  13. Jane Wong – also thinking of getting a licence
  14. Dolly Lim – afraid this will be a ninja turtle event.  Guess can sit at the back only.
  15. Lily Ho – thinks activity for men only.  No lah, can be pillion too. Wonder can sit in front or not?
  16. Andrew Koh – got licence, long time no cycle.  I think it is ok.  Needs a day to refresh.

Short-term retirement abroad

I have been keeping a copy of the Straits Times, dated Mar 17, 2008 with the article "Retirement city: Develop low-cost retreat abroad", and think it is still relevant to toy with this subject again.  Please note this thread is not about giving up one’s citizenship or packing up and say goodbye.

Over the last 24 months, I have been asking around, and came to some conclusions why Singapore is the ideal place to retire in.  I may be wrong; but I tend to think there is truth in this observation.

  1. Most of us have families, children or relations in Singapore; and it is not possible to just uproot oneself.
  2. Between the men and the women, almost all women will not even think about the possibility of leaving Singapore for good.  For the men, the percentage is slightly higher, but as a family unit, the family will not leave Singapore for any of the nearby countries.
  3. The idea of selling the Singapore property may sound attractive, and together with the CPF can make one feel like a millionaire in another land.  Reality is the roof is still a required shelter for many years to come, for the children, parents or even ourselves.
  4. Health insurance, other kinds of insurances tend to provide cover, if one is living in Singapore.  Depending on the T&C, hospitalisation and other health care may not be covered under existing insurances.
  5. The idea of short-term living overseas, maybe 3 months, in nearby countries, sound like an attraction because of lower cost of living, lower medical costs and travel opportunities.

I tend to like short-term living overseas; yet, I feel sometimes it is not practical because of the above factors.  Lower costs overseas and travel opportunities are not enough drivers.  Shorter-term of 7 – 14 days overseas seem to be more practical and feasible.  What are your views?

Terence Seah 

Free and Easy travel in Thailand

Hi everyone,

I just came back from the ‘tea meeting’ at Han’s. I met Ron Koh who has this great idea of travelling from Phuket to Siem Reap in Cambodia. The trip will be by land, with a van and a Thai guide, crossing Kanchanburi with the Gulf of Thailand on the east (right). It will then reach Bangkok where we will travel up north to Korat (recent Asean Games) to cross the border to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Ron has a Thai friend who can be our driver and guide and accomodation will be about 2 or 3 * class. The idea is to travel like a local, eating from what is conveniently available, exploring what the area has to offer, beaches, mountains, temples, Ang Ko Wat etc. There is no fixed itinerary, save for what is agreed upon by the group. If the place is interesting, we will stay longer, if not we can move on and just along the way, eg staying for 1 or 2 nights.

Aussie vacation, April 2009

Hi All

My husband and I hope to do a self-drive of the eastern states visiting viz. Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney in April 2009. The plan is to fly to Adelaide or Melbourne, rent a car and then travel up south/north, staying at B & Bs/caravan park homes etc. We hope to take maximum of 3 weeks.

April is autumn time and the weather is cool. If any member is interested in doing the trip/part of the trip, then there can be a few cars driving too. All you need is to fly down and we can meet up. I’ll be sourcing for reasonable accomodation places.

BTW, I’m residing in Perth.

Cheers

Joan

Travel thoughts

Hi All SHC members

Just to share some thoughts of travel.

For those who love to travel and don’t have a companion, are they interested in joining some travel club for singles or small group travel that can take care of things like accomodation, flight fares. I’m asking this as for travel discounts, there must be twin sharing accomodation and 2 to go airfares etc. Sometimes one may want to travel at a short notice or is doing a F & E travel.

If I’m making a trip by myself I don’t mind cutting costs if a travel club can assist with matching travel plans of other members who are planning trips alone. Can SHC help in this aspect?

Regards

Joan

Kelong trip on 19/20 April: Now Open for Payment

Hi , all who have registered for the overnight trip to Hotboys Kelong on19/20 April 2008:

Payment for the trip is now open!

Please help us make this trip a success by making your payments early to confirm your participation.

Cost Per Person :
    
·    S$100/- for those needing land transport TO and FROM Tanjong Leman Jetty, and
·    S$75/- per person for those going to Tanjong Leman Jetty on their own.

Mode of Payment:

·    By ATM or IBanking to the following account: "DBS Saving Plus 023-2-036-239"

Closing Date :  31st March 2008

Please note the following:

Due to conditions stipulated by Hotboys Kelong, all payments once made cannot be refunded;

We will depart Singapore from a location (most probably at an MRT station in a central location) to be decided at 6.30am sharp. (We need to arrive at Tg Leman by 10.00am)

Those who have not yet registered for the trip will be considered subject to availability vacancies.

All future comments relating to advice of payments and the kelong trip in general should be made on this thread. The other threads will no longer be available for posting of comments.

Thank you, and have a nice day.

Ron Koh

 

Participants Who Have Paid Up/Confirmed Going (as at 1 April 2008):

01. Tim Liu
02. Lily Ho Willocq
03. Charles Wee
04. S.B. Khoo
05. Gingko
06. Janet Chan
07. Grace Kok
08. Douglas Chan
09. Boon Liang
10. Veronique Lee
11. Ron Lai
12. Alice Lai
13. S.K. Chua
14. Andrew Koh
15. Terence Seah
16. Alice Seah
17. Fong Cheong Kong
18. Gwenyth Lee
19. Eliza Chua
20. Catherine Yeo
21. Veron Wong
22. Pearlyyn Tan
23. Wana Tay
24. Catherine Chan
25. Jennifer Ong
26. Ron Koh
27. Dennis Wee
28. Dan Huang
29. Chian Wah

Participants Who Paid & Wil be Using Personal Transport:

01. Lina Ng
02. Suzhang
03. Molly
04. Lee Ah Nee

No Response to Date and Assumed Not Going:
 
01. Jimmy Chew
02. Sally Chew
03. Margie Koh  


Update & 2nd Call – Kelong Trip to Registrants (19/20 April)

 Hi, all:

I have been in touch with Hotboys Kelong and am pleased to say that the closing date for payments to be made towards the kelong trip has been extended to 31 March 2008, or when the seating capacities of each coach minibus is taken up. (As stated in my earler post no. 1473)

I should also mention that there is a possibilty that groups other than SHC who confirm their trips before us may get the limited coach/minibus seats. This means we may have to seek other means of land transport, or could be left without land transport.

For this reason, I have to ask all who intend making the trip and require land transport not to put off payment to the last minute, but to make your payments early as you are able. Those who withdrew earlier may rejoin if conditions are more favourable now.

Also, the following individuals have still not responded to my earlier post re their intentions (going or not going) and whether they need land transport to and from Tanjong Leman Jetty, etc, with regards to to my post no. 1473 (Update on Kelong Trip (19/20 April 2008):

1. Chian Wah
2. Vincent Wong (withdrawn 8/3)
3. Jimmy Chew
4. Sally Chew
5. Alfred Ang
6. Margie Koh

To avoid confusion, I have closed this thread from comments. If you wish to write anything in connection with the above, please do so at Post No. 1473: Update on Kelong Trip (19/20 April 2008 –  (https://silverhairsclub.com/2008/02/1473).

Thank you, and have a nice day.

Ron Koh