Night at Asakusa Shrine

Asakusa shrine, a shrine that I made a promise to myself that I will return to pay a visit, pray and donate to this shrine whenever I manage to visit Tokyo. Since the year 2007, I have been visiting this shrine at least once per year. My all time favourite spot to visit, I have decided to visit it during late evening for a beautiful night photography. It was cold in the January winter, however the it paid off the effort. Well that's my first travel of year 2014 after all.

Kaminari-mon aka the thunder gate aka the main entrance of Asakusa Shrine. This spot is one of the most popular spot as local and foreign visitors and tourists will halt for a photo in front of the huge lantern

The lively and crowded Nakamise-dori aka the shopping street that leads toward the Asakusa Shrine was empty and deserted at night. Such a a different atmosphere.

Night Photography of the The Hozomon aka the Treasure Gate and the Pagoda

The main prayer hall  (Hondo) of Asakusa Shrine. There were some visitors/devotees who still visited and prayed in front of the hall.

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The New Japan Airlines: A Flight Review

The last 2 times I flew with Japan Airlines were in the year 2008 and 2009. 5 years later in the year 2014, yet again I manage to get the opportunity to fly with the national airlines of Japan. Ever since the take, there have been numerous rebranding since 2011. 

one of the rebranding strategy was the logo, 'arc of the sun' and stork image inside with red as its color (a remodified 1959-1989 logo)

another new rebranding strategy is their economy class seat. I flew on the Boeing 767-300 aircraft with a 2-3-2 seat configuration

The new economy class seat offers 10 centimetres extra leg space with Hiroshi Abe (local artiste) as the Japan Airlines ambassador

The new in-flight entertainment system has also been upgraded from an 8 inches screen to 10 inches with the new MAGIC-V system, a USB port and a video input/output

The new MAGIC-V in-flight entertainment system is also accompanied by the JAL MOVE! New Sky Entertainment System

The new joypad is also accompanied with a mini keyboard as well as design different from the Singapore Airlines' and Emirates Airlines' design

Every two seats are provided with an electrical socket for laptops and other electronic/electrical appliances

Every travellers on-board be it economy, business or first class flight will definitely be looking forward to its in-flight meal. 

Kuala Lumpur - Narita (Japan) Economy Class in-flight meal

For Kuala Lumpur - Narita (Japan) flight, chicken sandwich with rice cracker and orange juice were served as a supper

Omelette with ham and vegetables were served as in-flight meal breakfast

Narita (Japan) - Kuala Lumpur Economy class in-flight Meal

Chocolate Vanilla Cake with Vanadium Asahi Drinking Water were served as breakfast

Seafood meal was served as an in-flight lunch

Häagen Dazs Vanilla ice cream was also served as a dessert after lunch time

The new economy class in-flight entertainment system and its facilities are definitely a good upgrade. The in-flight meal was quite delicious but could be further improved in terms of its portion and taste. The new seating design offering 10 centimetres extra leg space was definitely a boon for many travellers. From my last flight experience in the year 2009 with Japan Airlines, the cushion seats could be improved. It seems as though the cushion padding were no better in the year 2009. Prolonged sitting has caused sores and pain and made it difficult for me to sleep comfortably compared to other airlines during an overnight flight. Hopefully the padding could be improved in the future flight.

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Airasia X Premium Flatbed Experience by Optiontown

During my trip back from Taiwan which was an overnight flight of approximately 5 hours, I decided to purchase the Airasia X Premium Flatbed as I need a proper rest for next day's work. Thus my dream of flying Business Class in a long haul flight came true at last. 

the premium flatbed is equipped with fully 100%, a pillow and a blanket 

A small LED reading lamp is provided for night flight

Electrical socket is also provided for laptop or charging your phones

The flat bed can be controlled into 3 automatically preset position or you can adjust manually according to your own comfort

No Airasia flight is complete without the Complete Pak Nasser's Nasi Lemak with condiments, chocolate cake as a dessert and an apple box drink :D

The premium flatbed is definitely very comfortable and is highly recommended especially for an overnight flight. Most of you were thinking that I was rich enough to pay for the Airasia Premium Flatbed seat even though the price is not as expensive as any Business Class of a premium airlines. What I did was I 'gambled' through Optiontown and I paid 75% off for the upgrade. 

I am sure that upon confirmation of your Airasia X flight, you will receive a combination of Airasia X and Optiontown email. Optiontown partners with Airasia X in offering Premium Flatbed upgrade and Empty Seats options.

Upon payment made, you will see the 'Upgrade Decision Pending', an email will be sent to you requesting you not to check-in online until confirmation of the upgrade decision is made. 

I paid a total of RM125 (refundable) + RM5 (non-refundable fees) for a one way Premium Flatbed Upgrade and to my surprised, I have managed to get the upgrade accepted. 

I did try applying for the 'Empty Seat Option' however it has been rejected due to full passengers on the flight. Thus the amount of money paid will be fully refunded except for the RM5 which is a registration aka processing fees. That is what I meant as 'gamble' but there is no harm trying out.

I would really recommend optiontown for seat upgrade since it is very cheap and affordable to score a business class seat in Airasia. Good luck in trying!

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Hostel Review: NiHao @ Taipei Hostel

I have stumbled upon this hostel thanks to my friend who have found this cosy place during our stay for a night in Taipei before heading to Kaohsiung for a friend's wedding. Upon returning from Kaohsiung, I have decided to stay in Taipei for 3 more nights and made a reservation in NiHao @ Taipei Hostel.

NiHao @ Taipei Hostel using an fun alien galaxy theme to attract travellers. 'Ni Hao' is a basic greeting in mandarin Chinese which means 'how are you'.

My very first stay in NiHao @ Taipei Hostel was in 5 person room with a private toilet. This room is very suitable for a family of 5

during my return to Taiwan, I stayed in the mixed dorm. Each room is fitted with 4 x double decker bed.

Each bed is fitted with a LED spot light, and a mini hanger as well as electrical socket

every bed is also fitted with a 'curtain' for personal privacy which makes it an ideal sleepover for any backpackers or travellers.

Locker is also provided

3 toilets are provided. Each toilet is fitted with water saving equipments as well as LED lightings 

this is the common hall only for those who stays in the hostel

a great place for with pantry and sofa for everyone

You can also choose to 'hang' out at the common hall at the reception which is located on different floor

You can spend your time surfing the net, watching televisions or even indulge in Xbox 360 or Playstation 3 console

the most important factor is that, you will be greeted by friendly and helpful staff at the hostel which is one of the most important factors in this industry.

My review:

Bathroom:
Shower gel is provided for free of charge but towels can be rented for a very small sum of money.

Internet Wifi:
The most important amenities in any kind of backpackers hostel. Free and really reliable high speed internet is provided. I could even surf inside my bedroom with strong Wifi signal.

Location:
Very strategic location situated just less than 5 minutes walk from Taipei Central Station. Free and very reliable tour advice are provided by friendly staff.

Rooms:
Value for money rooms are very clean and the whole buildings are perfectly insulated. The bed was very cosy and  comfortable except for some hidden thrash beside the bed which was overlooked. I hope that the staff could look into this matter.

Green practice:
As an environmentalist myself, I would comment that NiHao @ Taipei Hostel is very environmentally friendly indeed. At least 95% of the lightings are LED lightings with water saving equipment and showers fitted in the toilet. Keep up the good practice.

Overall, I would like to give NiHao @ Taipei Hostel a rating of 4.5/5. Personally I would definitely return to stay in this place if I were to visit Taipei again. 

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Convenient and Smooth Intercity Travel on the Taiwan Bullet Train

Travelling inter-city in Taiwan has never been this convenient. Last year was my very first trip to Taiwan to attend my Taiwanese friend's wedding in Kaohsiung. Having arrived at Taoyuan International Airport, if I decided to ride on the bus, it would take me at least 4 hours to reach Kaohsiungcity . The Taiwan Bullet Train or better known as Taiwan HSR (High Speed Rail) will transport you from one end to another end in approximately 1 hour 30 minutes with a maximum speed of 300 km/h.

The Taiwan HSR which was opened for service in the year 2007, runs approximately 345 km along the west coast of Taiwan, stopping and serving 8 major cities which are as sequenced, Taipei-Banqiao-Taoyuan-Hsinchu-Taichung-Chiayi-Tainan-Zuoying

The standard seat offers spacious and comfortable leg space with 3-2 seating configuration

Tray is available for each seat while business class seat provides an additional electrical socket for work

purchasing the Taiwan HSR Tickets has never been easier through their web portal at http://www5.thsrc.com.tw/en/. Discounted tickets of up to 35% can be purchased at earliest 1 month before your planned trip. Tickets can be collected at the station or mentioned convenience store throughout Taiwan with a fee of 1 Taiwan Dollar. I have even purchased a discounted ticket from Taipei to Taoyuan (with an additional bus ride) to Taoyuan International Airport which took only 15 minutes instead of 1 hour trip by bus.

This sunset was one of the best sunset view I have ever seen from a train ride. I

 I hope that this information provided here will be useful for future Taiwan traveller. Up next will be a review of my first hostel in Taiwan.

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