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Budget honeymoons in S.E Asia

March 4th, 2010 by Stephanie Chai | Posted in Honeymoon Ideas, Wedding | 2 Comments

One of the best things about Asia, is that not only is it a continent of exotic destinations, but traveling around is pretty affordable (compared to say a trip to London!). So if you’re a bride who wants a great honeymoon but on an equally great budget – then we’ve narrowed down a list of top South East Asian spots for you:

Vietnam

Phu Quoc island is a small teardrop shaped fishing island, where the locals seem a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. Rugged in beauty, and surrounded by clear flat azure blue waters, and miles of empty beaches, you’d be forgiven for believing that you have stepped into paradise.

Nestled on the north west of the island lies one of Vietnam’s best kept secrets; a hidden boutique lodge called Mango Bay. While away your time with your loved one by snorkelling right in front of your bungalow, sipping a chilled Chablis on the remote beach, or renting a motorbike and exploring the naked coastline.

Mango Bay is eco-friendly, and there are no televisions or air conditioning. Just you and your loved one. Enjoy!

Daily Flights to Saigon on Air Asia.

Daily flights to Phu Quoc departing from Ho Chi Minh City on Vietnam Airlines.

Thailand

With a population of around 60 million people, Thailand is one country that offers a bit of everything and anything. You’ll find most budget airlines fly into Thailand and getting around is relatively cheap be it taxi, cab or local airline. If you’re heading there for the first time, I suggest stopping in Bangkok for a few days of shopping, massages & (interesting) nightlife. Whether you want to have a bit of a laugh at one of the infamous tiger shows (head to Patpong) or stop by backpackers hub Khao san road, you’ll find that you can have an amazing time having not spent much at all. Don’t miss heading to Wat Pho (renowned temple with the Emerald Buddha) and the Grand Palace to get in touch with the Thai culture. Also make time for perhaps the BEST market in Asia, Chatuchak, which sells everything under the sun such as funky clothes, vintage wear, furniture, art and even pets! For cute boutiques, go to Siam Square and remember to bargain if it’s not an established brand name. Though you may be on a budget, put aside something for a drink at glamourous Sirrocco bar which sits on the top floor of the Lebua Tower. This is a must as it is perhaps the most romantic spot in town with a hard-to-beat view of the city.

Once you’re done with the city, make a trip to one of Thailand’s many beach destinations. My favourites are Hua Hin, Phuket (avoid Patong full of sleazy tourists), Samui (if you want to party it up together then go for the Full Moon party), Krabi and Khao Lak. There are many hotels to choose from so you shouldn’t have a problem finding something that fits your budget. To keep travel costs down, take the overnight bus from BKK down to the South. The buses are quite comfy (about USD 30 one way) and if you’re not a light sleeper you should be able to nod off.

Cambodia

What better way to spend a honeymoon then to visit one of the 7 wonders of the world – Angkor Wat. Found in Siem Reap, Cambodia, millions from around the world travel many a mile to make it to this mystic place. Though Cambodia has become a popular backpacker destination, Siem Reap has plenty of boutique guesthouses and resorts. This is the place to be if you want to zen out and meditate at perhaps the most iconic temple, Angkor Wat. Tip: Go to Angkor Thom to avoid the masses if you want to catch the sunset. It’s just as beautiful and you’ll have the whole temple to yourself.

Also, remember to treat yourself to the culinary delights of Bar Lane and lookout for some quirky Cambodia delicacies such as deep-fried spiders and snake blood!

Bali

The Balinese are known for their hospitality and peaceful nature, which is one of the reasons why Bali is so magical. A rather large island given it’s nine times the size of Singapore, don’t be fooled into thinking you can zip around everywhere in ten minutes! Bali has many different arenas that should fit any criteria for the honeymooner.

For cosmopolition chic, head to Seminyak with its funky restaurants and designer boutiques. Checkout Made Warung for good Balinese food at good (aka cheap) prices!

If you want immerse yourself in Balinese arts and spirituality, then trek into the island’s interior and stay in Ubud. This little hillside town has a bit of a hippie scene to it, there are art shops, cafes and one of the best massage houses, …..

Again, there are many beautiful beaches in Bali which you can make day trips to or even stay at. For a rustic adventure head to the Amed in the East Coast. It’s a sleepy fishing beach with volcanic black sand beaches – great to get away from it all (and everyone).

Tip: For bookings, we recommend agoda.com or your trusty tripadvisor.com for hotels. And for travel of course airasia.com, where now everyone can fly! xxx

Tags: Bali, Budget Honeymoon, Cambodia, Honeymoon Ideas, Thailand, Vietnam

Honeymoon in Monaco!

February 10th, 2010 by Stephanie Chai | Posted in Honeymoon Ideas, Wedding | 7 Comments

Written by: Barron Randall

Monte-Carlo, Monaco, is beautifully placed on the French Riviera coastline and is one of the world’s most romantic hot spots to honeymoon.

Arriving into Nice, Monaco is situated at only 30 kilometers from the airport. For those who want to experience the lovely view by air, one can take a luxurious trip by helicopter to Monaco, which is only 15 minutes away from the center of town!

Whether by air or by land, the journey into Monaco is just fabulous. Driving down the windy hilly roads with the Mediterranean Sea gazing into the background, the drive will certainly remind you of the James Bond movie ‘Golden Eye’!

Home to the rich and famous, Monte-Carlo offers a large range of top quality attractions for one to chose from.

For your stay, I suggest that you try out the Hotel De Paris (home to Master Chef Alain Ducasse’s restaurant the “Louis XV”), the Hotel Hermitage, or the recently opened Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel.

Take a stroll down the charming casino square, and why not pop into the famous Casino de Monaco to see how lucky you get.

Or if you simply want a taste of the Monegasque culture, you can take the miniature local train up to the Palais Princier on the Rocher and take a wander down the cobbled streets of the charming old village.

For those who prefer to kick back and relax, why not visit Les Thermes Marins de Monte-Carlo, which is one of Europe’s most beautiful spas.

In terms of when to go, I recommend June or July in order to enjoy the sunny season without being suffocated by the large number of tourists that are mainly present during August.

To make your trip extra special, I recommend that you rent a boat for the day and take a short trip to St Tropez for lunch at Club 55. In the afternoon take a swim off the shores of St-Jean-Cap- Ferrat, and spend the evening in Monte Carlo in time for the sunset, where you can enjoy a glass of champagne at the beautifully refurbished Fairmont hotel, overlooking the port.

The Monaco nightlife is buzzing the most beautiful fireworks crackling in the sky every Friday night. Enjoy an unforgettable dining experience at the Sporting Club where you will be able to watch live performances from the biggest celebrities in the world such as Beyonce, Lionel Richie, Rod Stewart and many more.

Whatever tickles your fancy, Monte-Carlo is that magical place that can only make your honeymoon ever more sweeter!

From L to R: Ned, Me (Steph), Ed & Barron

Unfortunately, my good friend Barron is traveling once again and unable to send a photo of himself… thus I had to rummage through my files and find a pic of us with some friends. Having lived most of his life between England & Monaco, Barron has spent the last two years traveling the world and exploring his Asian heritage (his mother hails from HK). Fluent in 5 languages, Barron could no doubt personify the penultimate spy or token translator – but instead would like to one day start his own business in greater China. When it comes to ‘love’, Baz says that he’d ideally like to get all the travel out of the way and settle down with a lovely lass at the ripe ol’ age of 28!

Tags: Barron Randall, Honeymoon in Europe, Honeymoon trends, Monaco Honeymoon, Monte-Carlo, St. Tropez

Honeymoon trends for 2010!

January 15th, 2010 by Stephanie Chai | Posted in Honeymoon Ideas, Wedding | 3 Comments

Fear not brides! Yes, organizing a wedding may be stressful and a tad bit of a headache, but as we all know, there is (usually) a honeymoon holiday just round the corner. Given it’s a brand new year, we looked around for the latest honeymoon trends. And according to The Knot, these are the top trips to embark on:

Adventure Trips

Living in Asia, there’s no shortage of nature or the promise of adventure around us. If you’re a couple who loves activities and exploring the outdoors then this could be a great option for you. Be it learning to surf in Bali, a bout of elephant polo in Sri Lanka or white water river rafting here in Malaysia… there are endless options available to get your romantic adrenaline going.

Tip: For tour operators who are all about adventures try voyagetrek.com

Private Villas

Nothing says solitude and time alone better than your own private villa. Choose from either a villa in the tropical heat of Bali or opt for cooler (cuddly) weather in Cameron Highlands. Though a little bit pricier than a hotel room, your villa gives you your own space and that feeling of a home away from home.

Tip: Search the best villas of Europe and the Caribbean to find one that best suits you with wimco.com. In Asia my personal favorite (for best deals) online is agoda.com

Go green

Unless you’re living in a cave (as the ultimate greenie), you’d realize that mother earth is facing tough times with the advent of global warming. Nowadays, there are eco-resorts as well as hotels that practice environmentally friendly policies. In Fiji, the Turtle Island allows only 14 couples to stay at a time in order to minimize waste. Nearby in Thailand, the Six senses group run the Evason and Soneva resorts which are well-known for their beauty and being eco savvy.

Tip: If you’d like to do your bit of goodwill, then consider helping others on your honeymoon. Plan a volunteer honeymoon using sites such as charityguide.org or i-to-i.com

The Sporting couple

Feel that you’ve got lots in common with Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf? Then a sport-filled honeymoon may be just for you! Book yourselves tickets to top sporting affairs and enjoy not only the event but also the atmosphere and buzz that go with it. My personal pick – World Cup 2010! But you need to be getting married fairly soon for that!

Tip: For those who want a sporting event to be the pinnacle of their stateside trip, check out sportstravelandtours.com when it’s time to set the vacation plans. Or also try formula1.com and atptennis.com, if racing and tennis is more your thing.

The Food connoisseurs

I personally know quite a few couples who simply love their food. Should dining on fine cuisine be your cup of tea, then put together a honeymoon that is all about cultivating culinary experiences. Whether you’re making a trip to a Michelin starred restaurant or sipping wine with a well-versed sommelier, or bargaining at a market for fresh local produce – a food affair has many options. Think Paris, Spain and Italy if you’re heading to Europe or Hong Kong for top Cantonese cuisine.

Tip: Perfect your culinary skills in a session of cooking classes. See epiculinary.com for a list of culinary vacations available.

Around the world – just the two of us!

If you don’t get to travel very often as a couple, then make the most of your honeymoon time but visiting a few destinations. If you’re thinking of going off to far flung places, this makes the most sense and gives you the chance to discover new places together.

Tip: If you’re going many places then save on the dollars with budget airlines. In Europe, check ryanair.com or easyjet.com and in Asia have a look at airasia.com. Or read the blog of a couple who’s blog is #1 on the web for around the world honeymoons – thirteenmonths.com

Boutique Hotels

Forget the impersonal feel of large hotel chains; nowadays the word on the tip of every jetsetter’s tongue is ‘boutique hotel’. Low density, detailed décor and personalized service create a unique experience for the romantic couple.

Tip: If you want to feel like a queen for the day, then try London’s 41 (right next to Buckingham Palace) with its black-and-white theme concept and air of aristocracy. Or search for some of the most stylish boutique hotels around at epoquehotels.com

Cruise away

We don’t mean jump on Titanic now, but rather your own yacht or luxury boat where you can go on your own private cruise to wherever you fancy. Think sea breeze, sunbathing galore and fresh air.

Tip: Try crystalcruises.com or Galapagos Islands on galapagosislands.com

Tags: Honeymoon Ideas, Honeymoon trends, The Eugenia, Wedding Budget

First it was Belinda Chee’s wedding – now all about her HONEYMOON!

December 10th, 2009 by Elaine Ho | Posted in Honeymoon Ideas, Wedding | 6 Comments

Belinda & hubby Joe on their honeymoon

8tv Quickie host Belinda Chee tied the knot recently and unless you were living in a shoebox… you would of heard of the beautiful wedding that was held at the Shangri La here in K.L. I’ve known Belinda since from Kuching days as we had many mutual friends in common. Just like me, she’s another gal in a long relationship who got around to walking down the aisle. I’m so happy for Bel because she really is as nice as she seems when on television :) I asked her about her recent honeymoon in the Maldives and this is what the new Mrs. had to say:

How long have you been married for and how is life so far?

Officially, we’ve been married (on paper) for a year now! But our wedding ceremony and reception was held only in October 2009. So far, everything’s going well. I don’t feel any different being married to Joe compared to when I was just dating him, so I guess that’s good! :) He’s still my best friend, it’s just that now, we have a piece of legal paper to show our love for and commitment to each other!

Which destinations were on your shortlist?

We both wanted an island holiday for our honeymoon because we both love the sun and the sea! Initially, I’d really wanted to go to Bora Bora or Hawaii. But due to time and monetary constraints, we decided on Maldives instead, which was also shortlisted as one of the places to go.

Chaaya Lagoon Hakura Huraa in the Maldives

There are so many amazing resorts in the Maldives. Was it a case of decisions paralysis?

We went to a local Maldivian agent from the start, so he actually helped us narrow our choices down based on our budget. In the end, we only had to choose from around 2-3 different resorts.

Chaaya Lagoon Hakura Huraa - huts overlooking the water are the most popular to stay in

How did you end up booking your resort?

We booked Chaaya Lagoon Hakuraa Huraa based on the agent’s recommendation and because it suited our budget and had an all-inclusive package. We were actually the first Malaysians guests they’ve received! The agency we went through was Retreat Holiday Maldives and Mr. Ahmed Shiyam (shiyam@retreatholidaymaldives.com) helped us with everything. We got to know of this travel agency through a friend from Maldives.

Hmmm… and what does one do in the Maldives!

Belinda went diving alone... while Joe snorkeled from above :)

You can do a whole bunch of things or nothing at all!! And that’s the beauty of it! You can go on excursions, like scuba diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, island hopping, etc. But if you just want to relax and do nothing but sit by the beach the entire day, it’s up to you!! For us, we went on one snorkeling excursion, I went diving once and that was it! The rest of the time we just spent doing nothing and stuffing our faces with food!

Romantic dinners? Was it lobsters all the way?

Our package was an all-inclusive package so breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner and supper were provided daily. But we paid for a romantic Lobster dinner by the beach and were given a complimentary bottle of red wine as we were on our honeymoon. On other days, since breakfast, lunch and dinner were served buffet style, we had plenty to eat… there were lots of variety (seafood, meats, salads) and the menu is slightly different everyday! Because Maldivians are essentially what we in Malaysia would call Mamaks – Indian Muslims, we were served lots of familiar foods as well, like Roti, Dhal and Nasi Bryani.

Favourite parts of the holiday!

Dive in the amazing ocean OR have a peek from the safety of your room

My favourite part of our honeymoon was just being able to relax and spend time with each other after the chaos of the wedding. We both just chilled by the beach most days with a good book and not thinking or worrying about anything at all! And gazing at the star-filled night skies with Joe, discussing our future together, that was the most memorable part!!

Any advice on choosing a honeymoon destination?

Make sure it’s a place both of you would enjoy. Also, it’s your honeymoon, so perhaps choose a place where you can spend quiet time just being together. Don’t jam-pack your honeymoon with so many activities that you don’t have time to spend with each other!

Tags: 8tv Quickie, Belinda Chee wedding, Chaaya Lagoon Hakuraa Huraa, Maldives, Retreat Holiday Maldives

Honeymoon all around Europe

November 9th, 2009 by Stephanie Chai | Posted in Honeymoon Ideas, Wedding | 10 Comments

Just got this great article from one of our soon-to-be contributors – Alia Soraya. She just tied the knot a year ago and recently returned from a long awaited honeymoon. Alia skipped the norm honeymoon by the beach and opted for something a little more classic, romantic and European. Enjoy!

Paris - the city of romance

I have to admit, I didn’t have a ‘proper’ honeymoon. You know, the one where it’s just you and your hubby, being all romantic and secluded in a spectacular beach villa. Nope, definitely not.

But what we did do was celebrate our SECOND wedding reception in France for my husband’s family and friends. So I guess that counted as our little unofficial honeymoon. We spent 3 lovely weeks in London, Paris, Champagne and Britanny with near-perfect weather and lots of wonderful family time – my sister joined us from Australia, my aunt from London and my parents from Malaysia, so overall a very international and family oriented trip :) Though some may find traveling with family can be a pain, both of us being close to our families meant that it was natural to want to spend time with them on the trip.

I think many couples get a bit worried spending on a honeymoon especially after splurging on a wedding-of-a-lifetime and moving into your new home. It amounts to a lot of money, and at the end of the day, the whole idea about getting married is that it’s not about the day or package but about the marriage and the rest of your life. And not starting your married life in debt – that’s an important one!

As Malaysians, we’re very lucky to have many low-cost airlines operating from Kuala Lumpur, making it the perfect base to go travelling. While people in Europe have to fly halfway across the world to enjoy our tropical treasures and that of our neighbours, everything is right at our fingertips. Be it one of the paradise islands of Thailand, Philippines, or romantic Bali or even our very own Langkawi, we really are spoilt for choice.

For brides who want to have a destination wedding or honeymoon, I would suggest combining the two, which is kind of what I did. Europe is beautiful for the perfect fairytale wedding with France and Italy being the top picks for many couples. Plus, the fact that it’s far away means you can whittle down your guest list for that perfect intimate getaway!

Chateau de Courcelles - in Champagne, France

So there we were, 9 months after our 3-day Malaysian wedding, with a quick culture stop in London and a beautiful sunny romantic week (alone) in Paris. Has anyone ever had a wedding celebration that dragged on so long? Hey, I’m not complaining. The fairytale backdrop picked out by my mother-in-law was the elegant Chateau de Courcelles located just outside the city of Reims, capital of the Champagne region – yes, the heavenly place where bubbly is created!

A Relais & Chateaux establishment, this beautiful chateau has its share of historic weddings with Napoleon Bonaparte marrying his second wife Marie Louise of Austria and has even hosted many of Christian Dior’s salons in the 50s. The property boasts its own river, parklands and 15-acre forest.

Hello Moet!

After the cozy cocktails and wonderful feast, we spent the next day visiting champagne cellars – with the notable being the Moet & Chadon cellars, home of Moet & Chandon and Dom Perignon. What a wonderful treat it was to learn the time-honoured procedures in making champagne, from vine to bottle! You really gain an appreciation for lovely bubbly by the end of the tour and a vintage tasting session…YUM!

Brittany - try the world famous omeletts at La Mere Poulard

Our pseudo-honeymoon/roadtrip complete with both parental units took us to the region of Britanny or Bretagne, where pirates, sailors and Celts originate. Needless to say it was a trip full of culture, art, architecture, famous Bretagne seafood and just FOOD in general. I think I put on 3kg after that trip, but it was all worth it, haha.

And while we didn’t have a traditional ‘honeymoon’, we spent quality time with those we love the most and each other, and if it helped my dad accept my ang moh husband that much more by seeing him with his family, then I ask why not?!

Tags: Chateau de Courcelles, European Wedding, Honeymoon Ideas, Paris

The Andaman Langkawi – a luxurious tropical experience

October 27th, 2009 by Evi Abdul Jabar | Posted in Honeymoon Ideas, Wedding | 1 Comment

As you Google possible honeymoon destinations, keep in mind what it is you want – a quaint vacation in a secluded place; a shopping escapade; a vibrant and colourful destination filled with people?

Then there is the type of setting and climate you prefer. Would you rather spend time with your loved one adventurously trekking the cool terrain of a mountain? Or in your heels enjoying the sights of a trendy neighbourhood? Or would you rather feel the sand between your toes as you take a walk along a secluded tropical beach at sunset?

After all, every couple has their own personality. If you and your husband prefer a quiet honeymoon in a luxurious resort in the midst of a tropical island, The Andaman in Langkawi might just be right for you.

These days, most of us can’t get enough time from work to go anywhere far and enjoy the place to its full extent – so why not stay within Malaysia’s borders? Discover places within the familiar to find something extraordinarily exciting and new.

So what does The Andaman have to offer? To sum it up in one word – luxury, luxury, luxury. And who doesn’t want that?

For those who have the means to splurge on a fantastic island vacation minus the headache of visa applications, passports and long flights – The Andaman promises newly-weds a chic, modern and secluded environment for a truly memorable and pampering honeymoon.

The ambience of The Andaman invokes ease and relaxation with its uncluttered décor and lavish surroundings. That’s just inside, wait until you step out into the azure waters of the resort’s private manicured beach!

The resort accommodates 168 rooms and suites as well as five food and beverage outlets set against the lulling backdrop of the ocean. If more pampering is what you want on your honeymoon, stroll over to the spa.

And if sitting across your new hubby, gazing into each other eyes gets tiring – make sure to check out the other activities The Andaman has to offer: Nature walks, jungle trekking, biking, bird watching, various sports, tours and snorkeling among many other things. You could spend a lot of time here and not get bored, but then again, I think that’s how they designed it!

Although every resort pretty much offers the standard activities, what The Andaman has invested in heavily is sprucing up the environment to ensure that a honeymooner or even a family can stay with ease and comfort with all the modern amenities still around them.

Like I said before, luxury is the name of the game!

So for you big spenders out there, if you’re looking for a tropical island honeymoon without the hassle of extensive travelling, look no further.

Check it out – www.theandaman.com.

I know I would like a vacation there right about now!

Tags: Honeymoon Ideas, Langkawi Honeymoon, Luxury, Malaysia Wedding, The Andaman

The Samaya – a beautiful Bali honeymoon

September 8th, 2009 by Stephanie Chai | Posted in Honeymoon Ideas, Planning & Ideas, Wedding | 5 Comments

Eki + Nick

A friend of mine from Singapore recently married the ‘love of his life’. Nick Claridge is quite the relationship guy and after a couple of long-term girlfriends… he met the beautiful Eki, and simply knew straight away that she was ‘the one’. “Because whenever I was with her all my worries were gone.” Eight months later, the two lovebirds wed and embarked on their honeymoon. After much research they finally settled on ‘The Samaya’ in Seminyak, Bali. Here’s what Nick had to say:

The main pool

Why ‘The Samaya’?

We actually relied a lot on the advice from tripadvisor.com, which rated the resort no.1 for romance in Bali. Eki gave me full authority to select our honeymoon destination, which was very nice of her – my wife trusts me! We also wanted to experience Bali during the ‘Day of Silence’; a public holiday when Balinese must stay at home, remain silent and not use any lights at night. It was a very unique festival and provided us with some real peace and quiet – although we were not allowed to venture outside of the resort. Also the Manager of Samaya provided us with a competitive rate.

Is Seminyak a good location?

Definitely, Seminyak appealed to us because arguably – it has the best beach on Bali and is one of the least crowded.

Which villa did you get?

We opted for the Royal Courtyard Villa. These new units are located about 5 minutes walk from the beach. They are some of the largest in the resort with a very generously sized private pool and garden.

Eki having breakfast

Daily routine?

To be honest not much and the same as what most honeymooners get up to! We hired a car one day and visited my Monkey friends in Monkey Forest but apart from that there was no real need to venture outside the resort because it was sooo good and catered for everything. We soon realised the best plan was just to stay put in resort and enjoy all it had to offer.

Favourite thing?

The staff are highly attentive yet discreet. What stands out above all else is that the resort is very, very well run.

Romance meter?

The Villa was rather romantic not only from the décor but because it was very private. Though what added to the experience was the ‘Day of Silence’… when at night we could relax in our private pool in complete silence with only the stars for light.

Was it worth it?

Expensive but it was 100% worth it and overall good value for money. I have lived in Asia for many years and travel a lot for holidays and business, yet I must say that Samaya is one of the best resorts I have ever stayed in and we will definitely go back, next time with our baby girl.

Tags: Bali, Beach, Honeymoon Ideas, The Samaya, Villa

A honeymoon in Malaysia – Pangkor Island Beach Resort

September 7th, 2009 by Evi Abdul Jabar | Posted in Honeymoon Ideas, Wedding | 3 Comments

08pangkor3

I’m sure you can think of a million and one places to go for your honeymoon. Imagine yourself sipping a glass of wine with your new hubby with a spectacular view of Paris’ twinkling lights; or enjoying a gelato walking hand in hand on the cobbled streets of Florence; or even a refreshing swim in Greece’s amazing blue-green ocean.

But as your fingers stray away from your mouse and your eyes look away from pictures of dream honeymoon destinations, they inevitably end up staring into your bowl of maggi.

Reality begins to sink in – you are indeed a bride on a budget. From those million and one honeymoon destinations, you’re down to an unsightly few, which involves a three-day, two-night package at a hotel in town.

Listen up girls, you still have another option to get away from it all and experience a romantic and relaxing honeymoon away from the familiar.

It may not be France, Italy or Greece but an island honeymoon is still an island honeymoon. We do live in a tropical country after all; so let’s make the best use of it. Imagine this instead, laying down next to your hubby on a pristine beach, facing an eye-catching view of the ocean, whilst holding a cold drink in one hand with the cool salty breeze of the ocean tip-toeing across your body.

Still think a week long island honeymoon is still out of your budget?

Think again!

Let’s take a peek at what Pangkor Island Beach Resort can offer – you may find paradise is closer than you think! Say hello to a beautiful resort framed by 73 lush acres of tropical jungle and of course, 1.2 kilometers of white sandy beach overlooking an alcove of emerald green waters.

Okay, before I start to sound like a Pangkor Island Beach Resort ad, let me say this: I actually spent my honeymoon there and the resort really surprised me, in a good way!

The resort is only a three-and-a-half hour drive away, or a 35-minute plane ride, for those who don’t want the hassle of driving. But honestly, driving is not bad at all, see it as a nice little road trip to start off your honeymoon.

Depending on your budget, you can choose your type of accommodation within the 258-room resort: From the luxurious villas, the ocean wing, pacific wing and lastly, the garden wing.

Most of the time, the resort has some sort of promotion going on, so make sure you call and ask to get a better deal.

The resort accommodates two pools, one of which is attached to a bar and a children’s pool; two restaurants and a lounge bar; a spa; two tennis courts; football field; and a golf course.

If you do by any chance get bored of lounging on the beach and swimming until your fingers prune, there are other activities you and your hubby can do – archery, snorkeling jet-skiing, parasailing, kayaking jungle-trekking or even go on a fishing trip to the nearby islands.

Sound good so far? Price-wise, my hubby and I spent RM1,000 for a week stay under one of the resort’s promotions. Good price, eh? Sure beats a weekend stay at a hotel in town or even a weekend in a hotel in Putrajaya, which one of my friends ended up doing!

But word of the wise, make sure you do your research on any place you plan to go –Tripadvisor.com has become an indispensable tool. Don’t just take my word on it, but I have to say my honeymoon in Pangkor Island Beach Resort was a memorable one.

The saying goes: it’s the person and not the place that makes a trip enjoyable… but come on – we’re talking ‘honeymoon’ here! So make sure you’re going somewhere just as memorable as your wonderful partner.

Happy honeymooning!

For more information, call 056851091 or email reserve@pangkorislandbeach.com.

Tags: Honeymoon Ideas, Malaysia Wedding, Pangkor Laut

True story: how to have a brilliant honeymoon on a shoestring

August 23rd, 2009 by Fay Khoo | Posted in Honeymoon Ideas, Planning & Ideas | No Comments

My good friend Alexandra was concerned about spending money on her honeymoon when all around her people were losing jobs and cutting back. But she was determined to have a honeymoon to remember so we got creative, thought out of the box and four months later, she had the honeymoon of her dreams in Italy. How did she do it? I’ll let you in on the secret:

a) Plan ahead and get a credit card that awards airline redemption points like the CIMB Enrich card – instead of paying cash for your wedding expenses, charge it to your card so that you earn points towards your honeymoon
b) Instead of a gift registry, why not have a honeymoon registry instead? Set up a Facebook site asking guests to contribute towards your honeymoon

c)    Opt to travel off-season – not only will your hotels and flights cost considerably less, you won’t have to jostle the crowds to visit tourist sites. This is especially valuable for places like Venice which is truly hellish during the summer season but is amazing during the spring months and you get much better service to boot!
d)    Get your airline tickets using your redemption points or use your points towards an upgrade for a comfortable, champagne-filled flight to remember!
e)    Always use the H-word! Whether at dinner, or when you’re checking in to the hotel or for your flight, people are quick with upgrades and freebies when they find out that you’re on your honeymoon, so go ahead and spread the love!

Tags: Honeymoon Ideas