Sawadee Ka Readers!!
A short trip to Phuket recently gave me a red nose and burned-skin ='( but... I had lotsa fun (despite Jetstar screw up)! Here goes my travel experience...
Hello Phuket :-
Jetstar - Flight
We booked the
flight,
airport transfer and
Deevana Patong Resort & Spa via Jetstar. So early in the morning at around 8plus, feeling excited we boarded the plane.
If you are hungry, you may purchase food and/or drinks on board the plane. Do note that the prices are not cheap. A plate of Hainanese Chicken Rice costs S$10, Sandwiches cost about S$8 / S$6 depending on the fillings and Mineral water / soft drink costs around S$4.
The journey from Singapore to Phuket is about 1 hour 25 mins. Phuket time is one hour behind Singapore.
Phuket International Airport
At last, we reached Phuket!!! On our way to collect our luggages, there's a counter giving out
free Sim Card. Yep, Sim Card is really given free! Top up card to be purchased from 7eleven or any TRUE stalls...
After collecting our luggages, we went to meet our Airport Transfer.
Airport Transfer (Via Jetstar) - LOUSY!
We waited and waited and waited again... The stupid Airport Transfer did not come! In fact we waited for nearly 2 hours for the airport transfer booked through Jetstar (I have the tax invoice - checked and double checked).
5 to 6 calls were made to Jetstar call centre and yet they are unable to help. They told us to go to the Jetstar helpdesk located inside the Airport. To our dismay, no one was attending to the Jetstar counter and the tiny counter was so run down. Subsequent calls were totally no help and we were cut off repeatedly! Damn lousy.
Beware when booking Airport Transfer through Jetstar! *Angry*
Feeling angry, hot and frustrated! We took a taxi for 650 baht!
Phuket Resort :-
Deevana Patong Resort & Spa
A beautiful Resort indeed. The service staffs were really friendly.
After doing the paperworks of checking in, we were whisked to our room. We booked the
Executive Suite (with private Jacuzzi pool). Totally awesome! Some pictures for you to view =P
I was under the impression that Jacuzzi was warm bubbling water, but no! it was cold bubbling water -.-"' brrr....
Together with the room, we each had a complimentary welcome drink =D
Of course, not forgetting the daily breakfast. The food were not bad. Selection were pretty standard (i.e. noodles, rice, bread, hot dogs, fruits... coffee / tea / juice). Some pictures of the breakfast we had =)
We also tried out their Seafood BBQ Dinner - Friday special at 590 baht! Their seafood had a wide variety and it's really delicious <3
Activities :-
(In no particular order)
Meeting our Tour Guide
We booked our land tour through
Mr. Mark Tour (contact details provided below). He is a humble man, and we told him our plan and he checked and liaised accordingly. He will also arrange for transportation, so fear not!
Mr. Mark Tour
17/93 M.6 Phra Phuketkeaw Rd., Kathu, Phuket 83120 Thailand
Mobile : +66 (0) 84 054 7270, +66 (0) 89 728 6900
Email:
aj2me_naja@hotmail.com
 |
| Mr Mark helping us to check whether there are enough space to do a certain activity |
Here's some activities that we wanted and were arranged by Mr Mark (Got the price quote from Mr Mark's email) :-
Bungee jump
1 jump is
1450 baht including T-shirt, transfer and certificate
- If you are the adventurous type, you can try their bungee. Mr Mark will arrange for someone to pick you from your hotel / resort to the location.
Remember - safety first...
Elephant Trek on jungle
1 hour is
800 baht
30 min is
600 baht
- Again, Mr Mark had arrange for transportation. Personally I felt the 30 mins ride is sufficient. There will be a guide who will handle the elephant and take pictures of you using your camera (secretly). He will expect you to tip him. After the tour, they will sell you a picture they took of you while you are on the elephant. Remember to bargain!
ATV tour
1 hour is
1000 baht
2 hour is
1500 baht
- Quite interesting. It's rather easy (they will brief) you on how to operate the ATV. You will be led to rocky areas by a guide riding in front of you. Pillion rider is allowed, but the charges will be different. Again, the guide will expect tips from you. Similarly, a picture of you will be taken and sold to you. As usual do bargain.
Gun Shooting Range
- The prices varies depending on the model of the gun you choose. We chose a revolver, consisting of 10 bullets which cost
990 baht. There will be an instructor to teach you and a target will be provided.
Simon cabaret
is a lady boy show is very beautiful show and funny
700 baht for VIP
600 baht for normal seat
- First of all, photo taking and video recording are strictly not allowed while the performance is ongoing. This include taking pictures or recording using your mobile phones. I did enjoy the show. The transvestite are all really very gorgeous and will put most women to shame. Do beware of a ugly transvestite who would come down the stage and tease the guys... After the show, they will all stand in a row outside where you can take pictures with them, with a price of course. I heard it's around 200 baht.
Coral Island Halfday by speed boat
Coral and banana boat
1200 baht
Coral and parasailing
1200 baht
Coral and sea walking
1500 baht
Coral and diving
1700 baht
- There are a few activities to do on Coral Island. It's better to book through Mr. Mark because when we arrived at Coral Island, we were told that those who did not book can pay for activities and each activity cost 2000 baht (OMG!)
Anyway, we went for only the sea walking. We took a mini speed boat to another stationary boat where all the sea walking equipments are store there. We were given special shoes, and then we were led to read certain "things to know" on sea walking.
After reading, we were told to stand partially submerged in the sea water on the ladder one by one. A guy will be handling the helmet. He will fasten the oxygen tube to the helmet and place on your head. An instructor will be behind you in the water. The moment the helmet touches your shoulder, he will grab you from behind and pull you into the water. Fear not, you still can breathe =) Phew...
They will drag you deep under the sea water. Along the way, they will check whether you are alright by giving you the okay sign. Under water, the instructors will lead you to a horizontal pole where you will hold on to it. Apart from seeing the fishes, you will get to feed them with bread provided by the instructors. Take this opportunity to experience life under water =D
Phi Phi - Maya Bay - Khai Island by speed boat
Pick up from hotel about 8am come back hotel 5pm. Toud include lunch / soft drink / full equipment / professional guide / insurance and transfer from hotel.
1400 baht 36 people
1200 baht 45 - 50 people
1000 baht by big boat
- This is a one day programme where a guide will bring us island hopping! From snorkeling to sightseeing to swimming on the beach to eating and taking pictures. We selected the 36 people but there were some inconsiderate group of guys who make us wait for 30 mins for them during the snorkeling session! So irritating... Overall, I did enjoy the trip. Here are some pictures for you to see =D Ain the water crystal clear...
There are other activities that you can booked through Mr. Mark Tour namely James Bond Island Tour, John gray sea canoe, Racha Island... Paintball... etc... Do email him for a quote. =)
Phuket Town Weekend Market
We hired a transportation service from Mr. Mark in which he charged us 600 baht both ways. This weekend market in open on Saturday and Sundays and there are a variety of products (i.e. clothes, toys, souvenirs, food... etc). However, after a while, you will notice many similiar clothes, shoes ... products... -.-"' We walked for about 2 hours.
Since it's dinner time, we also had our dinner there.
Tempura Shrimp (200 Baht)
Phuket Noodle (100 Baht)
Pat Thai Chicken (100 Baht)
The service was utterly slow -.-"' We were for a long while before our noodles were served. It was so slow that some customer cancelled their orders. There was this beancurd they used for their Pat Thai Chicken Noodle that tasted sour. Not sure if it's spoilt or if that's the original taste. After asking for our tempura shrimp, it was finally served. Luckily the shrimp was nicer than the noodles.
Patong Area
Well, Patong is a popular area in Phuket.
Patong Beach
Not forgetting their Patong Beach!
Near Patong Beach, there are lotsa shop selling clothes, accessories... etc.. The things sold in Patong area is not cheap =( hence a tourist trap. Do bargain!
Cheap Clothes
I was really delighted to come across this shop that sells really cheap clothes. Their clothes / sarong... are in the range of 80 baht to 100 baht. It's along Ratuthit Road...
Massage
Masseurs are aplenty along Patong Area. We tried this Foot Massage for 250 baht, where they also massage our arms, head and shoulders. Not bad!
Roadside Food
If you walk along Patong Area, you will realise that there are a lot of duplicate stalls selling nearly the same stuff. We tried their roadside crepe, nice ~~
Strawberry, Banana, Nutella Crepe (90 Baht)
Also, we happen to chance on this cute little disco car which sells cheap on-the-go alcohol drinks! Woo Hoo!!
Auto Bar
Nicky's Handlebar
It was through the internet that we know of this place. Through the internet, we noted that this place serves really good food, so we decided to try this out and the best part was the location which was situated near our resort ;)
Address: 41 Rat-U-Thit 200 year Rd, Patong, Phuket, Thailand
Chicken Satay (120 Baht)
This chicken satay looks different from Singapore, but one bite and I'm hooked! It's soft and tender, and totally mouthwatering. Got to try this!
Green Curry Chicken (120 Baht)
Curry is not hot at all, so for those who are scared of spiciness, fear not!
Pineapple Fried Rice with Chicken - Served in Pineapple (200 Baht)
I love this dish too. It's wholesome and you can eat bits and pieces of their pineapple.
Thai Omelette Stuffed Prawn (120 Baht)
A really tasty dish, and they are generous with their servings.
Deep Fried Ice-Cream (120 Baht)
There's a choice of Vanilla, Chocolate or Strawberry Ice-Cream. We chose the Strawberry Ice Cream. Pretty interesting how they can deep fry an ice cream which is cold... hmmm....
You&Me
While we were walking along Patong Area, we chance upon this place called "You&Me". In terms of food, not bad... can try...
Orange Shake (50 Baht)
Spicy Soup Seafood (120 Baht)
Fried Rice Mixed Crab (100 Baht)
Fried Special Noodle (100 Baht)
Orange Orange
Interestingly, it started to rain and when we went in search of shelter, we came across this place... The food is indeed worth a try.
Tom Yam Kung (130 Baht)
Shrimp Soup with Mushrooms (a little bit spicy)
Pad Spagetti Kee Mou (180 Baht)
Fried Spagetti with Chilli, Garlic, Hot Basil Leaves with Shrimp or Seafood
Keoy Tiew Pad See Eil (95 Baht)
Fried Noodles with Chicken
Jungceylon Shopping Mall
This is a relatively new shopping mall located in Patong.
Patong Otop Shopping Paradise
This place also sells lots of clothes and accessories, but you will have to bargain. I got a shock when I ask them for the price of 5 Sarongs. They quoted me 5500 baht! That's way too expensive. So I slashed the price to about 1300 baht.
Goodbye Phuket :-
Over all, I had fun in Phuket. Not much things to buy as the stuffs are kinda expensive.
Once again, I will re-emphasis that Jetstar's airport transfer is very unreliable. Thank God we arrange with Mr. Mark Tour to send us to the Airport. We had to pay 600 Baht for the airport transfer (Idiot Jetstar). I'm still very pissed as up till date, they have not responded to my enquires regarding the refund. What a jerk!
So think twice before booking your airport transfer with Jetstar!
Hope you enjoy your phuket trip as well! Till then!
khop khun kha
Tiny Pea
