Category: Travel

Hi, kelong kakis :  

In a few days, Terence will let us know the bank account number to which we will be able to make our payments towards the kelong trip on 19/20 April 2008.

At the moment, 63 people have registered for the trip. The coach to/from Tg Leman Jetty is able to carry only 40 passengers, which means 23 people will have to find alternative land transport. We can hire smaller vehicles for 10 to 12 persons, but the cost per person is higher. I also believe some of you may prefer to drive up on your own, or are able to ‘tumpang’ others who are driving up.

Could those who have registered for the trip please indicate (by posting a comment here)  whether you need land transport to/from Tg. Leman Jetty, or whether you will be making the trip with your own transport?

We will be collecting S$100 per person who require land (coach, minibus) transport, and S$75 for those who are driving up or have buddies to ‘tumpang’ them.

We hope that this amount is enough to pay for the cost for the trip. Any money collected in excess will be refunded. In the unlikely event that the amount collected is insufficient, we trust that those going will not mind topping up the difference.

The S$100 will cover the cost of : 

• Transport by coach/minibus to & from Tg Leman Jetty;
• Entrance fee to the Tg. Leman Jetty;
• Stay at the Hotboys Kelong (including meals)

Meanwhile, Zen of Hotboys Kelong has provided the following clarifications to the questions some of you raised:

Beds  

Bunk beds will be provided, with mattresses, etc.

Toilet Facilities  

Let’s just say that the facilities are the type where denizens of the deep will be waiting to consume – directly – what the human body rejects.

First Aid Kits  

Basic First Aid kits will be available

Drinks  

Free flow of coffee, tea and drinking water will be provided

Sea Transport  (safety)  

I have been assured that life jackets will be available. The boats used are safe, in good condition and will not be overloaded.

Cost of Optional Activities, Purchases and Rentals  

A limited number of fishing rods and hand lines will be available for rent.

Fishing hooks, sinkers, lines, etc will be available for sale.

While activities such as mahjong, carrom, island hopping, etc are provided at no additional cost, a number of optional activities have to be paid for.

Please note that the S$100 / S$75 each person pays does not include the cost of such optional rentals / purchases / activities.

You may want to familarise yourselves with the kelong and its optional rentals / purchase / activities by visiting http://www.kelongfishing.com/index.asp.

Travel Insurance  

 Those requiring travel insurance are advised to purchase the insurance on their own.

Terence :  

Could you handle the collection and keeping track (who is paying and for whom) of payments, or assign someone else to manage this aspect of the trip?

Thanks.

Ron Koh

List of Participants who Require Land Transport To and From Tg Leman Jetty as at 21/2/2008: 

1. Tim Liu
2. Lily Ho Willocq
3. Dan Huang
4. Peng Peng
5. Mary Chan
6. Charles
7. S.B. Khoo
8. L.H. Jie
9. Gingko
10. Catherine Yeo
11. Eyvonne Chew
12. Grace Kok
13. Douglas Chan
14. Boon Liang
15. Veronique Lee
16. Ron Koh
17. Rosalind Koh
18. Ron Lai
19. Alice Lai
20. Alan Bok
21. Ann Chew
22. S.K. Chua
23. Andrew Koh
24. Grace Kang
25. Terence Seah
26. Dennis Wee
27. Wendy Wee
28. Veron Wong
29. Gwenyth
30. Eliza Chua
31. Alice Seah
32. Fong Cheong Kong
33. Pearlyn Tan
34. Wana Tay
35. Catherine Chan
36. Jennifer Ong
    

The Travel Club idea has started, with some brilliant ideas from Joan (Perth), Mary (Perth), Ronald Wie (retirement living), KT Wong and EleanorC.

On 4 Jan 2008, KT Wong called a meeting to discuss the idea of a Travel Club.  I think we should take the various ideas further, and openly discuss the different ideas on this forum.  We should discuss the different opportunities here, until one or two solid directions appear on the horizon.  And, we can then put the ideas on a commercial platform.  It is always difficult to move further, after the small group discussions, if participants see no commercial gains.  I feel this project can benefit members who have retired, and would like to get into something financially meaningful, besides enjoying the fun of a Travel Club.

Topics of interests can include:  accommodatioin for incoming travellers, tourist guiding, niche packages, an online Travel Club portal to take reservations, promotions and marketing, participation by SilverHairsClub members, costs, IR opportunities, etc.

Initially, we might get off hand in the discussion, but we will finally find an angle.  So, if you feel you like this discussion topic, and are interesting to participate in the Travel Club, keep joining us on this thread.  For SilverHairs with experience in travel or property rental, please give  us your guidance.  Do you see a business opportunity in a Travel Club?

If you personally have an area you can contribute to the Travel Club, please raise your hand, and make sure we see you.  We are not expecting a free service, although we should be conscious of supply and demand forces.  Let’s start.

* Comments which stray away from the subject may be deleted.  We will close this thread for a consoidation on 31 March 2008.

Terence Seah

Hi, Gang:

Apart from some former colleagues and pre-SHCian friends who have joined SHC, I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting any of you. I find it a little odd, being new to SHC and all, but I did agree to help Terence with the organisation of the Kelong Trip.  So here I am, you got me, for better or worse. :o)

I had a bit of bother compiling the list as not everyone registered on the same thread, and a few registered more than once on different threads. As far as I can make out from the two threads that I know of, the #33 people listed below have registered for the trip.

If I have inadvertently left anyone out, spelled your name wrongly (blame it on feeble eyesight) or there are others who have not yet done so but wish to register for the trip, please let me know as soon as you are able.

If there are more than 42 people wanting to go, we will have to work something out

Thanks and best regards,

Ron Koh

Note: #62 people have registered as at 4 Feb 2008,  including 6 tentative:

1. Tim Liu
2. Lily Ho Willocq
3. Dan Huang
4. Peng Peng
5. Mary Chan
6. V Wong (Tentative)
7. Dennis Wee
8. Wendy Goh*
9. Alice Seah
10. Margaret Chan
11. Ron Koh
12. Ros Chan
    
13. Paul Leong
14. Jenny Leong
15. Christina C L Chan* (Tentative)
    
16. S B Khoo
17. L H Jie
18. Gingko
19. Veronique Lee*
    
20. Catherine Yeo
21. Joyce Tan
22. Christina Chan
23. Fong Cheong Kong
24. Eyvonne Chew
25. Josephine Yap
26. Grace Kok
27. Rene Leong*
    
28. Maria Tan
29. Douglas Chan
30. Mary Tan
31. Annie Loh
32. Peter Goh
33. Linda Chang
34. Boon Liang
35. Meifoo
36. Terence Seah
37. Janet Chan
38. Chian Wah*
39. Charles Wee*
40. Ron Lai*
41. Alice Lai*
42. Alan Bock*
43. Ann Chew*
44. Vincent Wong*
45. Eliza Chua* (Tentative)
46. Gwyneth Lee* (Tentative)
47. Kris Leong*
48. Venika*
49. Andrew Kuan* (Tentative)
50. Aileen Kuan* (Tentative)
51. S K Chua*
52. Andrew Koh*
53. Jimmy Chew*
54. Sally Chew*
55. Pearlynn Tan*
56. Wana Tay*
57. Catherine Chan*
58. Jennifer Ong*
59. William Wong*
60. Grace Kang*
61. Alfred Ang*
62. Margie Koh*
    

* updated as 5.17pm, 4 Feb 2008

Ron Koh

As you all know by now, I spend almost all my weekends in Thailand.  And, over the Christmas period, I travelled one week to Chiangmai and Mae Hong Son.  Temperatures were 5 – 18C, lower if you are up there in the mountain tops.  Visited the National Parks & resorts, enjoyed the fresh air, dry season, mists, mountain views, rivers and reservoirs, and nice people. 

A number of Singaporeans enjoy great holidays in 5 star hotels and fabulous buffets.  For a change, I like to share with you another type of holidays.  Camping and tenting in the mountain and national parks of Thailand’s north.  No hotels to stay.  Clean and safe, with toilets (no hot water) and good roads.  Two persons in a 4 persons tent.  Enjoy the scenery and air.  Eat only fresh vegetables from breakfast to dinner.

Two years ago, a few of us including Oi Cheng and Ann Giri went up to the above described places.  We enjoyed it, because there was no shopping.

This year, I am pretty determined to organise something bigger for SHC members only.  Fly Singapore/Chiangmai, arrive at 6am at Chiangmai airport.  And, immediately whisked to the mountain resorts.  Hopefully, the return flight will cost us $180.  There are no hotels to book, I suggest you start to look for a 2 – 4 person tent (costing around $40 – 50) and share.  For tent mates, make sure you find acceptable snoring partners.  Sound travels far at night, even in different tents.

Food and fruits, we share, cannot cost a bomb.  If we cannot cook, I might look for a local cook to travel with us.  And, last depending on numbers, we will travel in 10-11 seater vans.  We share cost of transportation.

For those who loves cycling, walking, fresh air, quiet surroundings, waterfalls, and consider.  And, we will be comfortable, have fun and safe.  Even, if the trip is just to chat among friends, consider join this trip.  The date Tue 18 – Tue 25 Nov 2008.  Your thoughts?

Here are the list of dreamers.  The ones who wants to see the stars, be a veg for a week, bathe in cold water, wants fresh air, and a comfortable tent.  This list is tentative until 31 Aug 2008.

1. Andrew Yeung
2. Kathy Dng
3. Gingko Tay
4. Veronique Lee
5. Alice Seah
6. Rene Leong – 51% participatiang
7. Norlinda
8. Su Zhang
9. Joyce Tan
10. Kenneth Tan
11. Caroline Gee
12. Oi Cheng
13. CJ Ang
14. Ann To
15. Janet Chan
16. Ann To
17. Dee Ang
18. Alice Teo
19. LH Jie
20. Molly Chua
21. Andrew Kuan
22. Ron Koh
23. Lily Ho
24. Melissa Khng
25. June Lim
26. Sompho
27. Terence Seah – definitely on.
28. Dan Huang
29. Mary Chan
30. Grace Wong
31. Eyvonne Chew
32. Gwyneth Lee
33. Ron Koh
34. Ros Chan
35. Cheryl Ho
36. Elizabeth Hwang
37. Margaret Tian
38. Sompho Homjumroon
39. Charles Chua
40. ChristinaCL Chan
41. Annie Loh – 51% attending
42. Margaret Chan
43. William Chan
44. Helen Wong
45. Daisy Yeo
46. All names above are pending leave approval, available of hot water, comfortable tents and acceptable sleeping partners.  Closing date 31 Aug 2008.

Terence Seah

Some members have expressed interest in an exciting business proposition ie to start a Travel Club. In that thread (("Christmas cheer and thoughts" https://silverhairsclub.com/2007/12/1327) the idea was to link Spore / Perth on the uncommon packages designed for our special interest group.

At the same time, we can extend the scope to include other countries. Our SHC members residing abroad can help us to organize tours in their countries (ie the inbound leg). We will organize the outbound leg from Singapore.

If there is interest, we can call a meeting to further this idea together with the Oz team.

Hi All

I’ve managd to book a self-contained chalet in January costing AUD $90/night for maximum 8 people. It’s very reasonable rate to do a spot of golfing and fishing down south of Perth. If the place is ideal I will recommend it to those who wish to get away from Singapore to have a break in Perth. Read my comments in January.

Wishing all A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Joan

Hi All

Today I went to play golf at SupaGolf in Swan Valley using large clubsand had lunch afterwards. Cost of lunch was very reasonable. It was my 1st visit to the place and then we stopped at Margaret River Chocolate Factory to buy fudge, jam and pickles. There’s no need to travel down to Margaret River region to do so.

So those interested in golf, I can help to arrange  a game, even coaching with a golf pro, if you wish.

Regards

Joan (Perth)

Hi All SHC members

I live in Perth and travel back to Singapore at least once a year. I will be in Singapore again in April next year. I am happy to know some of you whom I met with during my trips back.

I am interested in exploring the regions around Perth eg Margaret River, Albany, New Norcia, Kalbarri to do farmstays, fishing, golfing, visiting wineries, etc. I am wondering if there are some of you who are interested in doing self-drives in Australia mainly around Western Australia. If so, perhaps we can travel together or form a sort of convoy to explore places or do things.

Perhaps Mary who also lives in Perth may join in and help to arrange the activities.

Regards

Joan (from Perth)

Hi All

I hope to visit Japan at mid/end Apr next year enroute to Michigan from Singapore. I was told that cherry blossoms at the time can be seen in the north and that they flower as early as Feb in the south.. I’m thinking of visiting Tohoku region in Honshu. At the moment adverts for package tours are for up to end Mar travel.

I intend to fly to Tokyo and stay a few nights and then sighsee around. I welcome anyone interested in travelling along or with information about accomodation etc.

Regards

Joan

Hi folks, the trip is off. Can’t meet the min no. of pax to go. YewKwong will be returning the money to those who hve paid up. Thanks to those who hve supported and apologies to those who were looking forward to the trip. Well, this is the first time I organised a trip. Though it didn’t materialise, I got to know some better better. One thing for sure, I would like to be a member of any committee chaired by Lily, YewKwong and Andrew :-))..they ARE nice people to work with. Also will not forget dear Tim who so readily volunteer his participation just so that I can meet the min pax no. and not that he cares much abt Colmar or KL :-))). Thanks and sorry folks :-)))

Aneon-hase-Yo.!   

Fancy taking a short winter break in Korea?  Europe is too far.  Japan is too expensive.  China is uhm …….. still developing.  Down-under is summer.  Let’s go to Korea!