Gold Coast Part 2

Gold Coast has always been famous about being a tourist place. People go there to enjoy the beach, the scenery, and also their attractions.So, the tourist me definitely have to explore Gold Coast like the rest! Famous for its theme parks like Movie World, Sea World, Wet 'N' Wild, and Dream World, I knew I have to go to at least some of them.

You can get the Season Pass for Movie World, Sea World, and Wet 'N' Wild that lasts for a year for $99.99. For example, June 2012 to June 2013, you can enter any of the theme parks as many times as you want.  Dream World is in a different package and not included in this season pass. It is better to get your passes online as it will be cheaper and faster. All you need to do is print out the voucher and bring it to the front gates of any one of the worlds and you'll get your season pass on the spot. Definitely so much cheaper compared to buying a one day general admission for one park at $79.99.

I had to skip Dream World and Wet 'N' Wild because there wasn't enough time. During the last few days of my stay, it started raining pretty heavily. I had to choose between the Movie World package and the Dream World package. But I chose Movie World package instead because I'm more of a kiddy person I would say. I want to see Bugs Bunny and Tweety Bird; thus, I picked that over crazy rides in Dream World. Don't get me wrong, I do love crazy rides as well and Dream World would be the perfect place to experience it. However, I love places like Universal Studios and Disneyland that brings back my childhood memories. 

So, the bestie, Andy, and Edwin brought me to Movie World. Something similar to Universal Studios in Singapore. We absolutely love the Scooby Doo Spooky roller coaster that we sat it again and again. Not scary as compared to the Superman ride. Superman Escape roller coaster was really super! It'll start off slow and then, stops for a moment and shoots off like a runaway train. Absolutely the most fastest and craziest roller coaster I've been on. It travels at 100km/h and the ride only lasts for 2:35 minutes. So, you can imagine how fast its speed is. I didn't even have time to open my eyes because it was too fast and all the wind was in my face.

Unfortunately, the Batwing Spaceshot was closed due to maintenance. It's a little higher compared to the Solero Spaceshot in Genting Highlands. If you like this kind of ride, you may want to choose Dream World. The Giant Drop in Dream World is about 2-3 times higher than the Batwing. If you are driving on the highway in Gold Coast, you can see the difference in height of the both spaceshots. I left my heart after riding the Solero Spaceshot. I don't think I will be able to take anything higher than that anymore till I get my heart back. Lol.

Another ride not to be missed is the Green Lantern Coaster. The latest addition to the coaster family. It's pretty small and compact but with lots of twists and turns.

The wettest ride in the whole theme park, Wild West Falls. They have really nice settings for it. Unlike the one in Sunway Lagoon and Genting Highlands, you get really REALLY wet in this ride.

Apparently this Road Runner Roller Coaster was meant for kids. We decided to try it since we had some time to spare. Let me tell you it is too fast for kids! I found it fast. 

For you Harry Potter fans, a shop just for you like in Diagon Alley. They sell all sorts of stuffs like wands, broomsticks, costumes, and more. You should definitely check it out if you are a Harry Potter fan. I know I am and I liked it so much!

And of course, we have the parade where characters walks and greet the people. Bugs Bunny, Joker, Batman, Catwoman, Justice League, Tweety Bird, and Scooby Doo crew joins the parade!

I also visited Sea World with the bestie. The weather wasn't too good as it was raining. Missed out on those rides but we get to see the sea creatures and watch some of the available shows like the seals and dolphins.

It was my first time petting a sting ray. Felt slimy but it was pretty cool to actually get to pet one.

I really liked how they designed the Shark Bay. They have a few species of sharks living together with other sea creatures to recreate a similar habitat just like in the seas. There is a cage where you can pay to go in and experience the waters with the sea creatures. There is also a boat where the bottom of the boat is transparent. You can see them swimming below you.

Shark eggs

The very soft and squishy sea cucumber are kept in the nursery together with the shark eggs are attended by a specialist.

Don't you want to have a dolphin? I do! They are always perceived as the friendliest sea creature that can interact with humans. In Sea World, you can have some personal time with the dolphins.

The dolphin nursery where they are cared for and trained to do tricks.

And that's about it for now. I'll have to visit Dream World and Wet N Wild to tell you more about them the next time. The theme parks are definitely not to be missed! Go during the summer or spring to avoid having rides closed due to bad weather.

Special thanks and love goes out to my bestie, Sook Yi, Andy, and Edwin for taking good care of me throughout my stay. I really had a great time there. I really really miss you, Wai! Can't wait to see you again! Much lovess <3





Yours truly,
Mabs Chan

Gold Coast Part 1

Earlier this year, it was the first time visiting my best friend in Gold Coast. We parted in the beginning of year 2009 and she only came back to visit twice. It was my turn to visit her! So, Gold Coast it was before heading back to Melbourne.

Gold Coast is really different compared to Melbourne. As a Malaysian, you will think that Melbourne's life is quite slow. Wait till you see Gold Coast. It is even slower there, probably 3 times.

People walk slower, relax more, less congested, lesser buildings. It is pretty hard to get around GC without a car since everything is pretty scattered.  

I spent 8 days in GC, staying at the bestie's place. On the first day, after arriving early in the morning, they rented a mini boat to celebrate Andy's birthday. Off we were on our day out at the waters of GC.  Clear sky, clear waters. It is so beautiful that you thought you're watching National Geographic live.

Our mini boat with barbecue pit on board!

We stopped by an island (with no one on it) cause I was getting seasick. Almost kissed the land.  However, when on land, there was not shade at all. No trees, just flat land. Super HOT! The sun in Australia is really scourging. Unlike Malaysia, even though it is hot, there is still humidity. Australian weather is dry. Thus, you can feel the hot sun rays hitting your skin. I was covering myself up with scarves and towels after a while.

Love how the colours blend in together! Ah, how I love nature!

As we were cruising along the Nerang River, we were enjoying the views of all the beautiful mansions. Blardy HUGE mansions with helicopters and boats. I wish I can own one of them in the future. Waking up to a beautiful view everyday is something amazing.

GC city behind of us - Surfers Paradise

Chef of the day - Sook Yi!

Hot pot (steamboat) for dinner!

Besides having fun at the beach, you can go shopping!! Absolutely love shopping in GC. Everything is so cheap! Boutiques selling nice, pretty, and quality dresses for AUD$20-$30. I found the exact same dress in a boutique in Melbourne and it was selling for double the price! Went to shop at Harbour Town DFO, Surfers Paradise, and Brisbane!

Surfers paradise, the place with tall buildings - condominiums, hotels, offices, shops.

It was my first time seeing this. Always seen this on tv in the US. It's so cute but super expensive. Every little thing costs money! You can put small little hearts for you bear, dresses and costumes, and you can have different type of fillings for your bear.

Walking by the beach at night after the bestie 

Gummi bears, strawberries for my froyo!

On the second last day, they brought me to Brisbane. Took a short drive and stopped by this yummy Vietnamese Restaurant! Heard that it is one of the best in the coast! People have to line up outside for the delicious meal.

Rice papers to wrap our own Vietnamese dumpling - popiah like. Trust me, it takes a lot of skill to wrap it on your own.

And the oh-so-delicious beef pho! My absolute favourite!!!

Mabel Poppins in Brisbane!!! 

Apparently, Brisbane's shopping is just about this street. Just like Bourke Street Mall. Me definitely love it even though it is pretty small/short.  But they have everything I want there! From, Supre to Cotton On, Nine West, Valley Girl and many moreee!

Bought so much that I had to increase another 10kg of my luggage allowance to fly back to Melbourne. 

More on Gold Coast the next post! Stay tuned!

Yours truly,
Mabs Chan

Big Breakfast Craze

At last a post about food! 

Have always been hearing about the Antipodean Cafe when I was in Melbourne. Sandy and I went for the career fair in Midvalley Exhibition Center and quickly decided to try the famous cafe since we were already nearby.

Finding a parking spot was definitely difficult especially in Bangsar but we managed to get a spot really nearby the cafe. Antipodean Cafe is famous for its Big Brekky and coffee. 

Wanna save some money from printing menus? Stick your menu on the wall!

The famous Big Brekky - sauteed mushrooms, hash brown, crispy bread, and you can choose how you want your eggs done and the meat of your sausage at RM19. I had scrambled eggs and pork sausage. 

Mushroom was......IMBA! In other words, absolutely yummy! 

It is really filling. So, you might want to share with a friend and other something else. I tried their Iced Chocolate and it was pretty good.  If only they put chocolate by the side of the cup. Then, it would be perrrfect!

Went to check out the new mall, Paradigm Mall at Petaling Jaya. It is the new mall by the side of LDP highway on the way to 1Utama from Subang Jaya.

Me wearing a basic tee from Dorothy Perkins and white shorts from McApee, Raybans, and Birkinstock.

Paradigm Mall isn't that bad. But since it's new, there aren't many people. It is pretty huge and complex due to its design. Quite good shops around like Zara, Charles & Keith, Marks & Spencer, Cotton On, Sephora, The Body Shop, and many many more! Oh, not forgetting Golden Screen Cinemas! Check out more information at http://www.paradigmmall.com.my/ 

After walking around the mall and discovered lots of restaurants, we went for late lunch at Plan b. Contemporary settings with western and asian food to offer. Decided to try their big brekkie! Sauteed tomatoes and mushrooms with hasbrowns, grilled ham, baked beans, choice of scrambled eggs, sausage, and french loaf type of bread. The meal comes with tea or coffee and orange juice for RM26.

Compared to the Antipodean Cafe, it wasn't that good. The scrambled eggs and bread was fine but the rest
was just okay. Really, JUST okay. We didn't even touch the baked beans. However, we also had pasta with sun-dried tomatoes. Pasta is pretty nice. Lots of sauce and flavour.

More food posts next time!

Yours truly,

Mabs Chan