Part 2 (Honeymoon)~ Redang Bay Resort, Pulau Redang, Terengganu

Continue my honeymoon story of Part 2, hehe ^_^

Day 1

Once we checked in at the resort, we placed our luggage & our food supplies in the room. As u can see, the room is very nice. I went to check out the spaces and every corner of the room out of my excitement ^_^ Ahhh... I felt so happy, this was perfect. So our 1st schedule was lunch at the cafeteria. My husband and I hurriedly went to the cafe to check out the food. Wahhh... They were all very tasty. I didn't expected they would taste that good :-)

The decent cafeteria. Even though its view is not something to brag about, the food on the other hand were very awesome!!

Fish, veggies and rice

Candid his photo while he had lunch

After lunch, we went back to our room & got ready for the 1st snorkeling session. I was so excited!! My husband had snorkeling experience before. He went to Tioman with his friends for snorkeling.

But me on the other hand had never snorkel before and this was my 1st time. I was really looking forward to it ^_^

A signboard of snorkeling destinations in Redang Island

His funny face while registering ourselves at the snorkeling centre. This was the place to collect your snorkeling equipment

Wehuu!! It was finally the time to search for some corals and fishes ^_^

Me trying to act tough and went a bit far from my husband all by myself. Hehehe...

He was all excited too!

During this session I didn't see much of fishes & corals, the water was kinda dark and not the best place to snorkel. We snapped some photos though but they are not worth sharing. The fishes & corals were nowhere to be seen.

After the 1st snorkeling session, we went back to our room & had a good rest. We went for dinner afterwards & it was a BBQ night!! The food was great & we really enjoyed ourselves.

The BBQ picture was not in my PC now, so this was all I got hehe

Day 2

As the usual schedule, we started off our day with breakfast at the cafe. I personally think their food was very tasty, clean & lots of varieties. Breakfast was provided with Coffee, Tea, Bread & Bread spread such as Strawberry jam & Peanut Butter, fried rice, fried mee hoon, fish balls and much more.

After breakfast we went for the 2nd snorkeling trip which was at the best place ever, 'The Marine Park'. I saw plenty of fishes and handful of corals. They were so beautiful.

On our way to the Marine Park

The Marine Park

Corals

Another type of corals

Fishes

Close-up picture

The snorkeling experience was very memorable and I was so glad I experienced it. At first I thought I would drown, but my husband guided me on how to use it & breathing was not as difficult as it look. We just need to control our breathing technique using the equipment but it was not something to be afraid of. It's very easy to use, no rocket science!

After the snorkeling session in the morning, there was supposed to be another session in the afternoon but unfortunately I was very tired and slept the whole noon & missed the session. My husband persuaded me to wake up & join the next session but I was so exhausted & couldnt make it. He then continue to sleep too.. Heeeheheee...

As soon as we woke up, we went to the beach and we swam like crazy :-P

Me did that on the sand :-)

Lying by the beach looking at the cloud, was one of d most relaxing feeling I experienced here ♥ Redang is beyond awesome

Later that night we went for dinner as usual & we hanged out some more by the beach...

We listened to the music & hold hands together

Day 3

It was the time to go back home.. :-( I was so sad to leave Redang!! It was one of the best time of  my life.

We again started off our morning with breakfast & packed our bags. Before we went back we had the chance to drop by at the resort's souvenir shop & brought some for our families.

These cost us quite a lot.Their souvenirs are very expensive!!

Snapping his picture in front of the souvenir shop

It was time to be boarded once again in the boat and back to the Jetty. Goodbye Redang!! See you again some other time!!!

I am very much looking forward to our next honeymoon which will be in Indonesia, Jakarta & Bandung for 8 days and 7 nights in the upcoming February!!!

Part 1 (Honeymoon)~ Redang Bay Resort, Pulau Redang, Terengganu

For our 1st honeymoon- we chose a holiday destination in Malaysia. It was due to our tight budget (so sad). But that was okay! My husband said he will bring me to Indonesia on February next year for our second honeymoon!!! ^_^ So this time I am okay to just spend time in Malaysia, my lovely country!! :-D

The first thought that came to us was a holiday by the beach. But question arose, which beach to go? To me, it's not a problem, as I am already more than happy to be with hubby :-)

I suggested Pulau Langkawi to hubby but he doesn't fancy the water; he said they are not clear blue. According to him, oceans at Malacca Strait are not as mesmerizing as the oceans in South China Sea. Whatever~ (What he said turned out to be true, I had to admit to him later)

Indeed, oceans in South China Sea are so captivating, beautiful clear blue waters. When South China Sea pops in our head, we think of Pulau Redang, Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Lang Tengah.

Being famous with its clear blue water and breathtaking view, we finally chose Redang Island in Terengganu for our honeymoon getaway. There were so many resorts to choose from and we finally settled for Redang Bay Resort. 6 months before the big day, my husband and I had prepared everything for this trip. So, we were finally off for our honeymoon just a day after the event. Just like our wedding, we also made an advanced preparations and plannings for our honeymoon getaway. It's true, it ensures smooth journey.

We bought this package at 'Matta Fair' earlier in March 2012 which cost RM700+ per couple. I thought this price was okay, and it was within our budget. The minute you set foot in this fair, you will be so captivated by the choices lay before you. All the travel agencies are unquestionably unique & good.With the affordable prices offered, there is nothing to lose.

These are how the prices look like

Our agency was 'Sedunia Travels'. Rest assured all agencies are good and trustworthy as our government had inspected them before they are permitted to join this fair. So, do not worry on this part.

What are the things included in our package?

1)  Full meals throughout the stays (Including 1 BBQ night)

2) 3 days and 2 nights accommodations - Twin Bed Sharing ( 1 Queen sized bed & 1 single bed)

3) 3 Snorkeling sessions (Including Marine Park entrance fee)

4) Free flow of drinks (Coffee, Tea, Sky Juice)

5) 2 ways boat transfer (Boat bring us from Jetty to the beach and return to Jetty)

Snorkeling equipment was not included. That part we had to rent with a cheap price (About RM15/RM20 each)

Initially we had chose Redang Kalong Resort, which bedrooms were facing the island itself. We could not resists the idea of opening our door to an island right before our eyes.

We had booked a place in that resort and paid for it actually but luck was not on our side. Back in my office later the agency sent an email to cancel our package deal as the resort will not be operating in October due to the Monsoon season.

Luckily, a few other resorts were still be operating till middle of October. So, they offered other options and that was why we ended up with Redang Bay Resort which were not bad after all. In fact, we were very satisfied with the changed of course. We love Redang Bay resort.

Our check in date was on the October 8th, 2012. So, our plan was to drive from KL to Terengganu during the night of the 7th and reach jetty by the next morning. As part of their employee benefits plan, my husband's company will lend a car to their staffs for first marriage. My husband picked Honda Jazz ;-) I absolutely love it, I thought it was perfect ;-) We started the trip on the October 7th at 10pm, and I was awake most of the time throughout the journey. I was busy talking to my husband to keep him awake and I didn't feel sleepy at all. Luckily we made sure we had Nescafe (coffee) in stocks and some finger foods to keep us 'on the go'. He was the only driver as I still don't possess a driving license although I've been driving for the past 3 years. (Let's hope there are no police traffic readers around, he he he .... )

My husband didn't bother to stop for toilet breaks and I was struggling to keep my pee, haha. It was about 7 hours drive when we finally reached the town of Kuala Terengganu. It was very difficult to find the Syahbandar Jetty, but after experiencing a wrong turns and dead-ends road, we finally reached the jetty. We were fully depending on Google Maps.

The minute I set foot at the place, I grabbed my husband to find a toilet & later dragged him for food. The boat wasn't expected to depart until around 8.30am so we had some time to rest during the waiting and it was still 5am. I was in a deep sleep despite the amount of caffeine consumed. And my husband snored in the car. I guess we were both so exhausted.

Our boat departed at 9am and we started to snap photos for our memories ;)

  The SyahBandar Jetty

In Syahbandar Jetty's office. My husband went to collect the boat tickets at the counter. They provide clean toilets and decent waiting area.

All the guests were waiting for the boat to start its operation hour.

This was the pathway leading to the boat, we walked through this path with our luggage and the boat was waiting at the end of it.

The Boat

This was the inside of the boat. It was provided with facilities such as a TV and toilets.

They played some movies on the TV but I didn't watch them. I was too preoccupied watching the view of the ocean and snapping more photos ;) It was my first time riding a boat. The seat was comfortable and the whole conditions of the boat was quite decent ;) 

Earlier that morning, I had taken a pill to avoid sea-sick. I figured out later that this wasn't necessary as the boat was very advanced built, it only produces a distant sound and less bumpy rides. Seriously it wasn't necessary to take those pills!

Plus, those sea-sick pills could caused some dizziness and it happened to me. I was feeling really weak after a few minutes of consumption and my eyelids kept on drooping till I eventually fell asleep. So I told my husband I wont take those pills on the return trip back to the Jetty 3 days later and I didn't. Luckily I was awake and happier during the return trip. And I snapped a lot more photos.. He he;)

The minute we reached Redang Island my husband woke me up and I was so surprised to see the clear view water. It was so crystal clear that you could actually see the corals and the fishes.

Instantly, I fell in love with Redang Island. I was captivated by the beauty of it.

This was the view of Redang Laguna Beach Resort, the most expensive resort here in Redang Island. Perfect, isn't it? ;)

My husband looking all tired but still managed to pose in front of the camera ;-)

We emptied the boat and walked towards our resort which was very near to this Redang Laguna Resort

At the shore, agents from each resorts were presented there waiting to bring their guests to their resort respectively. We followed our agents to our resort.

A picture of my hubby in front of the resort's main entrance. It was quite decent and nice-looking although it surely could not compete with Laguna Beach Resort ;-) 

I made my husband carried our luggages and bags. He he he... That's a gentleman responsibility ;-P

The view surrounded the accommodation's area.

This was the front view of our exclusive room ;-)

This was the view from our room's door. There was a small pool right in front of our room. Not very clean though. I didn't see anyone uses it. I didn't dare to use it either, better not. Look at the greenish water.

This was our bedroom. It was provided with a queen-sized bed and a single bed, a decent cupboard, few towels and clean bathrooms.

This was in between the toilet and the bathroom. A nice big mirror with a washbasin for its guests use.

A picture taken from a different angle. This was the cupboard I mentioned.

Another picture of our warm and cozy bedroom ;-)

I really liked this place. It's nice, isn't it? :-) It's very decent and really comfortable. But during the night, there were noises which came from the rooftop. I thought it was so scary. But my husband said it might be just rats or cats or monkeys. I couldn't sleep tightly on the first night but then later I got used to it. I couldn't ask for a better place. This was perfect ;-)

Wedding prep

I'm writing this post just to share about my wedding preparations, some major things that fall into the categories like the wedding planner, the food caterer, the make up person (mak andam), the bridal gifts, the guests'doorgifts etc... 

Hope some of what i shared will benefited someone out there, if not most.. 

Even back before I got married, it was my usual practice to survey everything in blogs..

So maybe my blog could comes in handy for someone out there for whatever search they got linked to this.. 

anyway, check this out :)

Wedding Planner~

Ok.. I'll start with the wedding planner. My husband and I decided to pick 'Seri Wawasan Catering' for the big day. The owner's son happened to be a friend of my bro's fiancé. So, initially she was the one suggested this planner to us. Due to the endless persuasions from my brother, we then decided to give it a try and set up an appointment with this planner. We call him Abg Din.. Abang Din's business is operating in Setapak, KL. However, he's doing weddings for the whole states in Malaysia. As far as I know, previously he did many weddings in other states apart from Selangor and KL. So if u guys r not based around here, rest assured abg din can do it.

At that time when i took his service, the charges was much more affordable as compared to others..

He covered everything a wedding should have.. 

Basically I hired him for everything, be it catering, interior design of the wedding hall, make up person or attires..

All I needed to do was just tell him what i like and how I wished things to be done.

We only paid  RM13,100.00 for our package.. So here's the list of what we got out of it...

1) Food- RM 10 per guest (mine was 800 guests)

2) Round table with tablecloth & plastic chairs (ribbons were provided for VIP's chairs)

3) Bridal Thrones (Many choices to choose from but ours was surprise choice from the planner himself)

4) Bridal costumes (Rented from abg din)

5) PA System for music and Karaoke

6) Make up person for both events (Solemnization & Reception)

7) Alatan Merenjis (My customs- the blessings given by parents while we were at the bridal thrones)

So that covered all parts of my wedding. I just had to concentrate on doorgifts, invitation cards, bridal gifts for both sides & other simple things.

Check out his Facebook, Blog & Website ;-)

www.facebook.com/khairudin.husman

sriwawasan.blogspot.com

www.sriwawasan.com

#Abg Din: 012-6286678

Photographers ~

Meanwhile, photographers part I won't elaborate much as I had already mentioned about this topic in my previous entry. So check out that entry for more info!

#Encik Keyrol, 012-2934582

Mak Andam/Make up person~

Abg Din had arranged a mak andam for myself.  We call her Mak Tam...

She actually has a business on her own, so through abg din, i go to get her service too..

The price was included in my package, so if u want to hire mak tam separately, I'm not sure what is the price,u can just check out her Facebook...

Her work of art? Simply awesome beyond words. ;-) u just have to trust her, she is a professional.

www.facebook.com/sentuhan.maktam

#Mak Tam, 012-2857641 & 018-2876841

Wedding Hall~

For this part, u can google the names of public halls nearby to your desired location, and make some calls, ask for the price and availability... Bear in mind the hall that u wish u had ur wedding be held, is not always the final choice for u, as it all depends on availability... It's crazy how bride to be could managed to book earlier in advance, sometimes a year earlier!

For me, I chose Dewan Taman Tasik Ampang Hilir, a public hall just within the area of my current hometown. Before that we chose a different hall but ended up changing the venue as this was nearer to our place..

They only charged RM50 per hour & I rented it out for 10 hours, from 2pm-12am. We needed to rent earlier than the reception time due to the arrangement that the wedding planner needs to make in the wedding hall. Some wedding halls may charge u the floor carpets separately, and just like me, I was charged RM450 for it. So the total rental was about RM1000+. Nowadays I dont think u can get the price as I heard they are putting air-conditioning inside. I suppose it will be more costly with those.

#The wedding hall-Dewan Taman Tasik Ampang Hilir, 03-42514615

Doorgifts~

Okay for this part, mostly it was all my idea. My husband and I stopped by at this 1 wedding shop in Ampang Point Shopping Mall while we were out looking for wedding stuff.. 

We were wandering around in that shop when I saw this cute little cardboard box which is very cheap, RM0.26 per piece. It was quite big, it could probably accommodate an average size apple. Instantly, I fell in love with the box. I bought 800 pieces for 800 guess and i just paid RM208 for that! 

#Kedai Klim Craft - 1st Floor, next to Popular bookstore, Ampang Point.

Doorgift Stickers~
I wanted to paste a Thank You sticker on each of the boxes, and I found 1 small kiosk in Ampang Point selling this stickers. So I ordered 800 pieces stickers with total cost of RM70. It says 'Natasha & Haikal's wedding, 6/10/2012, Thank You". You can choose whatever words you want them to print.

Later on I decided to put in a muffin inside the box and that was financed by my brother and his fiance. Thanks guys :-)

Wedding Invitation Card~

For this part, we took a service from a printer shop (selling wedding invitation cards) in Semua House mall, KL. We just ordered 300 pieces as we are planning to distribute to our friends, while for relatives we will just invite verbally. This card cost us RM1.10 per piece. We also took a bunting from this shop, which cost us RM50 per piece. Simply give them ur pictures, then, they will create the bunting. It was very nice ^_^ 

Bridal gifts/Hantaran~

In my custom, during the solemnization ceremony, there's an occasion where both brides exchange the bridal gifts. We had started to survey for this gifts 6 months prior to our wedding day..

I saved up to RM500 from my salary each month..

So for this, my husband gave me:-

1) Monetary gift in the form of cheque (RM10,000.00 - hangus terbakar beli semua wedding preparations ni)

2) White gold ring from Tomei

3) Crabtree & Evelyn bathroom set

4) Britney Spears perfume set (RM200+)

5) prayer items for muslim- Bought from Jalan TAR, KL which cost just about RM100+

And I gave him:-

1) prayer items for muslim - Price included with my items

2) Cupcakes (Free gift from my friend)

3) Dolce & Gabbana perfume set (RM300)

4) Body Shop bathroom set

5) Fruits

6) Topman shirt

7) Alan Dillon man's beg

I think I cover all parts of my wedding. If I missed something, just drop me a comment & inshaAllah, whichever parts I think I can advice, I will advice & share my experiences.. ;-)

P/S: It's a good idea to manage your budget & not to spend so much. After marriage, good financial state will always comes in handy. So, plan your wedding and choose simple things! ;-)

my wedding invitation card, pink and white motives

my guest's doorgift (muffins inside)

 

my custom-made wedding album

Outdoor photoshoot @ Taman Rimba Ampang

Soon after the eventful solemnization and we have officially became husband and wife, our photographers brought us for an outdoor photo-shoot sessions. 

Initially we had planned to do the sessions at Taman Tasik Ampang Hilir, the venue in which our reception would take place later that night. However, we changed our mind and went to Taman Rimba Ampang, famously known as Bukit Belacan (It just behind my rented house with hubby). 

We were very glad we chose this place. It was our photographer's idea. The scenery was awesome. 

I had a great time during this sessions ^_^ I was so glad we chose this photographers. They were very friendly and awesome.

At the time when we took their package it only cost us at RM1500.00 that was included with:-

1) Outdoor Photo-shoot
2) Unlimited shots covering engagement, solemnization & reception events
3) Story book album
4) Photo Album with 200 selected photos
5) 1 Gold Frame & Photo size 16R
6) 1 Frame & photo size 8R

Check out their Facebook and Flikrs ;-) Enjoy!