I didn’t
know my second attempt as a solo traveler would be a mind-blowing one. Yes
people! Yes! I’m writing this right after my trip. I chose to go to Bukit
Tinggi this time because it’s much more affordable compared other places that I
would like to visit. I did my usual researches. I read blogs of so many people
who have been there. I have always wanted to go to Bukit Tinggi and I was
amazed by the way it looked in photos.
But I faced a problem. There’s no direct bus from Bandar Tasik Selatan to Bukit Tinggi. As I was doing my research I found out in one of the traveler’s blog that there’s a shuttle bus going from Berjaya Times Square to Colmar Tropicale, Bukit Tinggi - a French themed resort. I found that as a very good way for me to get there since I can use public transport and don’t have to depend on anyone. So I called the person in charge with the number I found on that website. Here I really learnt that it is so important to do researches about the places that you’d like to visit.
The person in charge advised me on how to get the tickets. He asked me to go to the Colmar Tropicale, management office at Times Square, 8th Floor. I went there and got my tickets. It costs RM 60 (to and fro). They have a scheduled timing so if you are planning to go, you can choose your preferable timing. I was settled on the transport part.
The last time I went to Melaka I had some money that I didn’t use. I kept it for my following trips. I also saved money for this trip. So I had about RM 150 in total. I brought this with me.
I was
not so scared or nervous this time. I didn’t text my mentor, Elango Thiyagu ( http://elangothiyagu.com/ ) saying, “I can’t
believe I’m going to do this.” Haha. Maybe I was just too excited. I just
updated him via text before leaving.
Here’s the surprising part, my dad’s PERMISSION! Haha I didn’t face any difficulties this time. I didn’t do much convincing either. The day I put forward my plan, seeking for his permission, he was getting ready to leave to his hometown to distribute my sister’s wedding invitations. He might’ve been very excited about that and he immediately agreed for my trip without objecting! I was feeling like I was on top of world. He even sent me off to Times Square that morning. (Insert blessed emoji)
I started walking around as soon as I reached there. My senses were amazed by the amazing architecture. I kept saying "wow, wow, wow and wow" in amazement. I just loved it. I went around sightseeing. My camera was filled with so many pictures and my excitement level was super duper high to an extent that I forgot to have my lunch.
You can
have the top view of the entire Colmar Tropicale from a tower there. Don't
forget to take as many pictures as you want. A very unique and authentic place
I would say. Feel the France and explore everything. Outside at the entrance
there's a small garden with benches. This garden has amazing flowers. You can
just sit, relax and enjoy the view of Colmar Tropicale as well as the flowers.
There’s also a basement area that can be accessed by a staircase. You would see
the swimming pool of the resort down there. There are also a few geese around
there along with a swan lake. You can basically have a quick walk around the
entire place. The temperature there is a bit cooler than KL but during the day
it's almost the same (except for rainy days) and at night it's a way cooler.
Then I took the shuttle to Japanese village. It's not too far. But the open shuttle was very nice to travel with the cold wind. Shuttle services are only available for the Japanese village and Botanical garden. You may need to drive to the rest of the attractions. Japanese village is further up than Colmar Tropicale. That's why you would feel that it's much cooler there. You’ll love the breeze, would feel really peaceful and relaxed. You need to walk up the hill for 10 minutes to reach Japanese village. It was tiring but not as much as I go for hiking every week. Haha!
I headed to the Japanese village. It's a very
quiet and calm environment. One of the activities they have is renting a
Kimono, RM20 per pax. Please do try this out! Try it out and get the feel of
becoming a traditional Japanese lady. After you’re dressed, you are allowed to
roam around and take pictures outdoor for 20 minutes. You would also get to
take pictures inside the Tatami Spa.
After that, you can walk down the hill for about 100m and you will find yourself at the Botanical Garden. This is the place where you will see a lot of type of flowers and trees that you might have never seen before. This place is also a very quiet one. Stay there and enjoy the environment. I enjoyed it so much while taking pictures of the flowers. The good thing is I went alone and I don’t have to talk to anyone. But beware of mosquitoes.
There is
a Japanese Restaurant too in the middle of the Botanical Garden! It is called
Ryo Zan Tei Japanese Restaurant. The food here is overpriced and expensive. I
spent around RM65. The service was quite good. There were not many people
around. However, you will have the experience dining in front of these
beautiful flowers and trees. I truly enjoyed the view.
One more thing, for this trip I actually forget
to bring my power-bank along with me. I went to the restaurant
and charged my phone there. But the plug and the place that I wanted to
sit were far from one another. I just let my phone charge there and I came and
sat at the place which has a wonderful view I would say. I guess the lesson is
to really spend some time with myself and nature without having to check my
phone all the time. I enjoyed that moment so I have no regrets about it.
I then
left the Japanese village and took the shuttle back to Colmar Tropicale. It was
raining and the weather was enjoyable. I went into a restaurant and treated
myself with some dessert. I sat there and spent the evening looking at the
amazing view of the place. I also noted the different kind of people who passed
by and their gestures, emotions and many more. I guess I had my lessons there.
Sometimes it's funny to see how certain people react even though they are there
for a holiday.
It was almost time for me to go back home. I got
to see the night view of the place. Around 7pm they started their dancing
performances in the middle of Colmar Tropicale. They have a mini stage there.
They are really amazing dancers. As I was watching their performances, time
passed by and I didn't want to leave that place. I thought it would be really
great if I could spend more time there, to chill and have fun. Definitely a
good place if you are planning on a short vacation.
I told myself that I have class the following
day and I need to get back home. This reminds me of the Coffee with ET session
on the topic "Taking a break" organized by Ascendance.( http://ascendancepro.com/ ) I
attended that particular talk and the guest speaker; Elango Thiyagu ( elangothiyagu.com ) talked about how
taking a short break can derail you away from your goals. As you are working towards your goals it's okay to take short breaks and be sure to get back before it turns into a distraction for your goal. That thought struck me and I
immediately snapped out of that moment.
I guess that's all I have to write for this
time. As usual wait for my next adventure!
