Malaysia: The Lush Country You Need to Add to your Travel Bucket List

Malaysia: The Lush Country You Need to Add to your Travel Bucket List

Kuala Lumpur – An Urban Oasis

As soon as I landed in KL I was awe-struck. The people were friendly and their hospitality is unmatched. The drive into the City though a bit long is beautiful! The country is 65% lush greenery after all. Once in the City you are met with such sophistication. This is a first world country in all respects. Check out the itinerary below for some inspiration or contact me to help you make your next bougie on a budget trip a reality!

Prepare for a week of unparalleled luxury and indulgence as we embark on an unforgettable journey through Malaysia’s most captivating destinations. From the vibrant streets of Kuala Lumpur to the serene shores of Langkawi, join me on an odyssey where opulence meets adventure, and every moment is a celebration of the extraordinary.

Day 1: Arrival in KL

I am not the type of person to stay just anywhere! But I am not going to pay a pretty penny for it if I can help it. Malaysia is one of the few places where five star hotels are CHEAP! I can recommend other hotels but by far the most conveniently located has to be the Mandarin Oriental. Bonus points if you are an MO member because you can get free breakfast which will be super helpful if you are an early riser like me!

Don’t expect most things to be open any earlier than 10 am! I was very surprised that they run on island time.

If you arrive in KL early, hitting the City sights will be a short walk away from the hotel. You can check out the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve which is a rainforest right in the middle of the City!

You know the famous CN tower? Well KL has one just like it and you can go up to the top where you can get incredible views of the City.

Day 2: Petronas Twin Towers

Start with a visit to the awe-inspiring Petronas Twin Towers. Be sure to purchase your tickets a few days in advance as it is likely to sell out. Did you know the Petronas Twin Towers used to be the tallest buildings in the world before Dubai took their claim?

Marvel at the feat of architecture before indulging in a shopping spree right underneath at Suria KLCC mall. Home to luxury boutiques and designer labels you’ll find everything under the sun! Definitely better than any malls we have at home in the States.

Day 3: Batu Caves

Wake up bright and early to head out just a bit outside the City to the majestic Batu Caves. You can take a train which is a nice experience but Grab’s (their version of Uber) is so cheap it’s quicker to drive everywhere.

The stunning Hindu shrines of Batu Caves are nestled within the limestone caverns are captivating. Be sure to cover your knees and shoulders before entering as it is a holy place. You can rent a sarong at the entrance if you forget.

Also, watch out for the monkeys. They are cute but can be aggressive and will steal your things.

When you make your way back to the City get on the Hop On Hop Off! Normally I wouldn’t recommend it but a lot of the sights are far from each other and on different ends of the City.

The best sights to visit in my personal opinion are the Perdana Botanic Gardens, The National Palace and the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple. The best part is one of the stops is right at the Mandarin Oriental!

Day 5: The Danna

Fly to Langkawi and arrive at The Danna, an exquisite sanctuary of luxury and serenity nestled amidst lush rainforests and pristine beaches. Included in the price of your stay is a transfer to and from the airport and it’s only 15 minutes away from the airport. If you can opt for the ocean view take advantage! It is in incredible!

Day 6: Cable Car Adventure

Embark on an exhilarating cable car ride to the summit of Langkawi’s iconic Gunung Mat Cincang, where panoramic views of the island’s lush landscapes and turquoise waters await. If you’re anything like me and severely afraid of heights despite wanting to be Indiana Jones you may need the rest of the afternoon to recover!

Otherwise head to the other side of the Island for duty free shopping and more pristine beaches.

Day 7: Mangrove Tour

Wake up early and delve into the island’s natural wonders with a mangrove tour, where you’ll navigate through winding waterways, spotting exotic wildlife and ancient limestone formations along the way.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 – Arrive in Kuala Lumpur

Check into the Mandarin Oriental where you can begin your exploration of this vibrant city. Conveniently situated at the foot of the Petronas Twin Towers.
Day 2 – Malaysia’s Islamic Heritage

Discover another facet of Malaysia’s cultural mix with a visit to the Islamic Arts Museum, the largest of its kind in southeast Asia.
Day 3 – Cave Temple

Wake up early to head to Sam Poh Tong Temple, hewn into a cave at the foot of a limestone pinnacle. Watch out with the monkeys!
Day 4 – Cameron Highlands

Set out early for Boh Tea Plantation, where you try your hand at picking tea leaves, observe the artful work of processing tea and sip a freshly brewed cup yourself. This afternoon, choose to explore this scenic area during a hike through a cloud forest, or relax at your hotel, savoring a traditional high tea.
Day 5 – Langkawi

Fly to Langkawi and arrive at The Danna, an exquisite sanctuary of luxury and serenity nestled amidst lush rainforests and pristine beaches. Check into your luxurious accommodations and unwind with a leisurely stroll along the resort’s private beach.
Day 6 – Cable Car Magic

Embark on an exhilarating cable car ride to the summit of Langkawi’s iconic Gunung Mat Cincang, where panoramic views of the island’s lush landscapes and turquoise waters await.
Day 7 – Mangroves

Delve into the island’s natural wonders with a mangrove tour, where you’ll navigate through winding waterways, spotting exotic wildlife and ancient limestone formations along the way.
Day 8 – Depart

Before You Go

Useful Phrases

Although Malaysia has most things in both English and Malay. It doesn’t hurt to know some key phrases in Malay!

Kurang Kurang Kurang Manis – less less less sweet

Malaysians have a notorious sweet tooth. Be sure to ask for less sweet, I can assure you that even if you have a sweet tooth. It will be too sweet!

Tandas – toilet

Gula – sugar

Jalan – Generally “street”

Kurang Pedas – less spicy

Malaysian sambal is incredible spicy. I am Mexican and love spice. Malaysian sambal is too spicy!

Climate

Malaysia is a tropical area. That means it is hot and humid all year. However, the best time to go is December to March when it is the “dry season”

TRAVEL WITH ME ON INSTAGRAM

Spent Saturday @sunshinemarketandrefillery with @fermentersclub learning the basics of how to make my very own sourdough. Check out this and their other ferment classes on The Fermenters Club website!

New Intention: Walk on Gravel because it’s ASMR and relaxing.

Thank you Sara for our beautiful gift of @saraisspreads! Love Maca Canela and I can’t wait to dress up my smoothie bowls with these or take them on the go! The best snack for travelling.

Rejuvenate Your Soul: A Luxurious Weekend Getaway at Civana Wellness

Hey there fellow weekenders! I recently embarked on a soul-reviving weekend retreat that I can’t wait to share with you. Join me on my journey into tranquility and well-being at Civana Wellness, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of nature.

Day 1: Arrival and Serenity Unveiled

Upon arriving at Civana Wellness, I was instantly captivated by the serene atmosphere and lush surroundings. The resort is located in the picturesque desert oasis of Carefree, Arizona. Just north of Scottsdale it seamlessly blends luxury with wellness, making it the perfect haven for those seeking a holistic escape.

Accommodations:

I had watched plenty of reviews on Youtube, but nothing could prepare me for the size of our room! It was so spacious and offered breathtaking views of the surrounding Sonoran Desert. The minimalist yet cozy design immediately set the tone for relaxation.

Wellness Offerings:

Civana Wellness takes a holistic approach to well-being, offering an array of wellness programs and activities. Our first day was dedicated to exploring the resort’s extensive menu of spa treatments, yoga classes, and mindfulness sessions. The intuitive and knowledgeable staff made sure every experience was tailored to my needs, providing a truly personalized journey to rejuvenation.

We settled on a Chakra Balancing Sound & Mediation. The teacher’s voice was so relaxing and I knew this was going to be a great start to our wellness weekend.

Earlier in the day as we explored the grounds, we stumbled upon a Gratitude class which really helped settle us into the intention of what it means to go on a wellness retreat.

Dining Experience:

Civana’s commitment to well-rounded wellness extends to its culinary offerings. I savored every bite of the thoughtfully crafted, nutritionally balanced meals at Terras, the resort’s signature restaurant. The farm-to-table concept ensures that each dish is a celebration of local flavors, contributing to the overall nourishment of the body and soul.

Day 2: Active Adventures and Inner Peace

Seed Market:

If you are a coffee and smoothie lover, Seed Market is the way to start fueling your day. The menu of smoothies is incredible! We tried all of them and they were each as delicious as the next. The Schroomy Cacao with a shot of espresso was to die for!

Outdoor Activities:

Eager to explore the natural beauty surrounding Civana, I set out on a guided hike through the enchanting desert trails. The resort’s commitment to sustainable tourism was evident as I immersed myself in the breathtaking landscapes while learning about the delicate ecosystem from knowledgeable guides.

Fitness and Yoga:

Civana Wellness caters to both adventure enthusiasts and those seeking gentle rejuvenation. I participated in invigorating Chakra Yoga class, allowing me to align my body and mind. The variety of activities ensured that every guest could find the perfect balance for their individual wellness journey.

Mindful Relaxation:

After an active day, I indulged in moments of mindful relaxation at the Civana Spa. The state-of-the-art facilities and skilled therapists offered a diverse range of healing treatments, leaving me with a profound sense of tranquility and balance.

New Year, New Vision:

I have never been one to journal. In fact I wouldn’t even know where to start. But the teacher for the Journaling class was phenomenal. She helped us tap into our deepest feelings and I felt rejuvenated after journaling for almost an hour! I am definitely going to make journaling part of my daily intentions for the next year.

Day 3: Farewell

Our last day was bittersweet. We spent such a relaxing time and we were so sad to leave! But we couldn’t leave without going to one final yoga class! It was the perfect way to end our day and a great way to reset before driving back home to San Diego!

As I bid farewell to Civana Wellness, I couldn’t help but reflect on the transformative experience that awaited every guest. This hidden sanctuary not only provided a luxurious escape but also served as a catalyst for personal well-being. Whether you’re a seasoned wellness traveler or a first-time seeker, Civana is a destination that will leave you refreshed, revitalized, and ready to take on the world, or in our case the New Year!

Final Tips & Cost

Be sure to schedule yourself in for as many classes as you can the first day and even the day before you arrive with their online system. You might find the classes have filled up and waiting to get off the waitlist is no fun!

We booked through the Amex Travel portal and took advantage of the 5x points and the additional perks so we spent a bit more than what it costs regularly.

We spent a total of $2,150.00, this included the stay for 4 people in a double queen room, $100 experience credit and $30 per person (max 2) for breakfast.

We also went right for New Years Eve so prices should be a bit cheaper!

Room Update x Joshua Vides

So unless you’ve been living under a rock you know that Fendi just released the California Sky collection in collaboration visual artist Joshua Vides. The collection is super amazing and is the inspiration for how I finally decided to decorate my bedroom.

Now my bedroom was obviously decorated to my style which is very white very minimalistic very clean. My bags and shoes are on bookshelves – hello basic instablogger but whatever it looks nice!

The thing was there has always been something missing from my room. I have some art in my room like my baby Jeff Koons balloon dog and some prints I got while I was at his exhibit in Mexico City last year (You can read more about that here), but I haven’t put those up at all because I just didn’t really have a home for them. That is… until now! The only problem is I haven’t anything to hang them with so for now they’re framing my Balenciaga baseball cap and my Fendi monsters bag.

I started just with the door and then I saw the air vent and did that too. I thought of stopping there and making just a vignette but I got inspired the more I painted and I simply just kept going. Pretty soon the crown molding was painted black as well as the outline of my window. As I am writing this I am waiting for some arrows I got at the Dollar Tree to dry but let’s just say I have to fix the window because it came out pretty ratchet.

I repurposed a pretty ugly canvas which only had like an inspirational quote on it and painted the Fendi Caffe table design on it. It hangs over my bed now and on the wall next to it are three outlines for the prints I mentioned before which I have to figure out how to put up on the wall since they’re not glued to the canvas yet.

This project has inspired me loads. I am already a pretty creative person but sometimes I just have a block and I have no real concrete ideas or what I am doing just feels stale. Well right now I am feeling all of those creative juices flowing and I think I may be spiraling out of control and will probably end up with tons of arts and crafts that I don’t need and won’t have a place for but who knows we will see how long this creative run lasts.

Taking a poll, I am thinking of putting my plaster to good use and make my own Future Relics. Let me know what you think in the comments and if I should do a vlog on it too!

For now, my room feels a lot more like me and really all it took was seeing Joshua Vides work for Fendi. I know it’s kind of lame that all I am doing is copying his style but like imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. And like to be honest I would kind of kill to be his apprentice because his artwork is so cool and so simple yet so complex at the same time. Joshua Vides please make me your apprentice!!!!

Definitely take a look into his work Reality to Idea because it is AMAZEBALLS!!!

Colorado – The Mini Guide

Colorado: The mini Guide

It’s the start of the New year and I am back to reality sitting at my desk at work wishing I could be back on my magical vacation.

Being in Colorado was like being at Disneyland, especially Vail! It had just snowed before we got there and it was absolutely breathtaking driving up the mountains to get there. Once you’re in the town it’s like if you stepped into a huge version of the Matterhorn! Swiss chalets everywhere and a cute bustling center filled with shoppers and snow sport junkies alike.

I was only in Colorado for a few days but they were the right amount for a First trip to explore a new place. You especially need to get acclimated since the elevation is super high! I don’t recommend staying just for a weekend because you’ll spend the whole time with altitude sickness like my sister did.

Wednesday: We took an early morning flight to arrive around 10 am to allow us time to check in to the hotel (we stayed at the Ritz Carlton) and explore the city. We traveled New Year’s Day so pretty much everything was closed but there were still people walking around the 16th Street Mall. Don’t get me wrong though a lot of things are closed for seemingly no reason when you need them to be open! Most places are closed at 5.

We went back to the hotel after having breakfast at The Earl. The place was cute but the food wasn’t exceptional for the price so I don’t really recommend it. Once at the hotel we passed out for two hours because altitude sickness makes you drowsy!

After our nap we were pretty hungry and realized it was probably time to go get some food again so we ventured back to 16th Street mall where shocker almost nothing was open. We ended up at Giordanos which is a Chicago favorite! You can even have pizzas shipped to you from them!

Thursday: Second day in Denver and we spent the day roaming around the city. We met up with one of my sisters friends and had coffee at Little Owl Coffee. I had a strawberry croissant that was just wow. Definitely worth the $5 I spent on it!

Later on we stopped by the Denver Milk Market which is a super cute food and retail hall. So many great options to choose from and Happy Hour at their bar did not disappoint! We bought a cheese pizza, our three burgers, two orders of fries, a cocktail and a beer for about $35 dollars.

The Rooftop Waldorf Astoria

I just had to tell you guys this story because it was just so incredibly funny. Now if you live in Los Angeles and have had an opportunity to go have brunch at the Rooftop at Waldorf Astoria you’ll know that it is absolutely delicious! And if you’re lucky enough to get a smog free day the downtown Los Angeles skyline is incredible.

So I said I had a funny story so let me actually get to that. We were having breakfast and having a grand ol’ time talking and being silly. Once I finished eating I noticed that I had a bunch of bugs on my blouse. I knocked them off my blouse not thinking anything of it.

Few minutes pass by and everyone starts noticing all these bugs on my blouse! Now, I’m the only one wearing a bright color everyone else is in black so either you couldn’t see the bugs on them or they just were attracted to my blouse.

We leave the table to go take some pictures on the other end of the rooftop but the bugs have followed me. They are actually swarming around my head and just all over me blouse and my pants. I must have looked crazy swatting these bugs and being unsuccesful in getting rid of them.

My sister had taken her leftover pancakes in a to go box that was absolutely adorable! She left it on the coffee table while she was taking photographs. Was super excited to eat them the next day for breakfast. She calls me and my mom the next day to tell us that the bugs had gotten into her pancakes!!!! The poor thing!

Aside from being a funny story, I definitely recommend going to The Rooftop at the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills. It’s absolutely gorgeous and delicious!

Mngo Cafe

I finally did something notable this weekend that I can share with you guys! Honestly how real time bloggers find the time and energy to do stuff consistently even though they sometimes have days worth of content is mind boggling to me.

I can’t even find the energy to do my makeup most days! This weekend was my uncles birthday and we were going to go out and celebrate. So I dressed up all cute, makeup all done up (even my hair was freshly washed and styled!) only to have plans cancelled!

Now I wasn’t going to waste a cute outfit and makeup by washing it off and getting back into my jammies! I was committed to doing something!

Ok I’ll get to the point now. No need to annoy you guys with my ranting. We went out to do some errands and decided to have lunch at Dumpling Inn / Shanghai Saloon. This spot is OG and it’s so good. I’ve been going there since before it became this happening spot. It used to be a tiny restaurant with only four or five tables! I didn’t take any pictures so sorry about that but take my word for it this place is amazing!

For dessert we went to MNGO Cafe! It is so cute on the inside, and they even have an adorable mange tree in the middle with seating which makes for a perfect instagram shot!

But what about the dessert! Did it meet my expectations! Well I had no idea what to expect because I have never had a Kakirogi before but you better believe it was incredible!

If you’re going to order one it is definitely something to split! Especially after just having eaten. It was a huge dessert!

Bottom layer of mango jelly topped with mango shaved ice, mango chunks. Cream to top it off and mango custard and mango syrup to add on as well! It was a glorious explosion of mango! Definitely worth every single sugary bite!

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Killer Pizza from Mars

It sounds like the worst yet best Sci Fi eighties film. And it’s not completely wrong! This pizza shop in Oceanside looks like it is straight out of the eighties and it is absolutely incredible?

This place seems so out of place in this strip mall in Oceanside but let me tell you it is an absolute experience!

It’s alien theme transports you to Route 66, Area 51 or Roswell! The place is amazing and looks straight out of an eighties Sci Fi movie, old school arcade games included!

But is the pizza killer? OH MY GOD you bet! This is definitely not a fancy place by any means and you won’t find anything but your basics when it comes to pizza but it’s just so good you can’t

How did I come across this place? Well my boyfriend is originally from Oceanside and apparently this was one of his childhood favorites. And I can definitely see why! The decor is a nerdy dream and who doesn’t love pizza!help but gobble up every single slice.

If you’re ever in San Diego and happen to hang out in Oceanside Killer Pizza from Mars is the ish!

Sorry there’s no good pictures but like it was so good that I honestly couldn’t even remember to get a shot of it!

Tag Archives: Travel

Malaysia: The Lush Country You Need to Add to your Travel Bucket List

Malaysia: The Lush Country You Need to Add to your Travel Bucket List