Arriving at KLIA
It is 6:45 a.m. and I am on my way to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) for my 10:30 a.m. flight. My dad is giving me a lift to the airport and we decided to leave early to avoid traffic jams but strangely, the roads are rather empty. How come? Right, that’s when I remember that today is a public holiday. So much for waking up early. Pfff…
I arrive at KLIA around 7:15 a.m and 15 minutes later I am already done checking in my baggage and cleared immigration. Ooo, guess what? The weight of my luggage turns out to be 16 kg only and 2 kg of the stuff belongs to my friend in US. Nailed it! I think I deserve the title of “LIGHT PACKER”. Haha…
Now, time for breakfast, gosh, I am starving. Hmm…What shall I have? Considering that I will be having a lot of western food for the next 37 days, it’s only right to have Nasi Lemak which is an all-time-Malaysian-favourite-breakfast so I went to Old Town White Coffee shop to eat. Yummy. Hopefully, this can satisfy my cravings for Malaysian food. =)
For the remaining two hours, I shall do some window shopping and buy some last-minute travelling necessities such as hand sanitiser and shampoo.
At airports, I like to frequent book shops because you can always spend at least a good half an hour there browsing the books. However, I am not buying any since I already brought my favourite author – Sophie Kinsella’s book “Finding Audrey” along. *wink*
Boarding the plane
Finally, it is time for boarding. Although this is my first time flying with Emirates, I am liking it already. I receive a meal voucher for a meal at selected restaurants in Dubai airport as I chose a long layover of 17 hours. Those with more than 4 hours of layover are given meal vouchers. Yesss! Everybody loves a free meal.
While boarding the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, I notice that it is quite empty. In fact, I have the whole row to myself and the seats are fairly spacious . Awesome!
Not long after I am seated comfortably, the plane takes off and the flight attendants distribute hot towels and menu to the passengers. Yay, they are serving chicken curry rice for lunch, another Malaysian meal to help satisfy my cravings in advance. Hehe. The quality of the meal is not bad, comparable to SIA and MAS flight meals.
Meanwhile, let’s check out their in-flight entertainment.
(scrolling through the list of new movies)
OK, found one ! “How to be single”, a romantic comedy film about four women who are living in NYC learning the right and wrong ways to be single. This shall get me in the pre-NYC mode before visiting it two weeks later.
(watching movie)
Hahahaha…*muffling laughters*. Rebel Wilson is funny as usual. I have liked her ever since she acted in Pitch Perfect.
(Sexual scenes playing)
Wait…woah… 18++ ALERT. *awkward moment*
I look at my watch. Few more hours to go…
Hello, Dubai
7 hours later, I arrive at Dubai airport around 1:30 p.m. Finally, I am here! Thankfully, I do not need to retrieve my luggage as this is only a layover. So, I clear the immigration check pretty quickly and have plenty of time to get to the hotel before the pick up at 4 p.m. by Arabian Adventures for my Sundowner Dune Dinner Safari tour. I have always wanted to go to a desert so definitely not missing out this opportunity.
Anyway, Arabian Adventures is claimed to be the Middle East’s No 1 destination management company, providing first-class services to the world’s leading tour operators, incentive houses, meeting organisers, businesses and cruise lines. Based on Tripadvisor reviews, the quality of their sundowner tour seem quite consistent except for some complaints where the drivers did not go and pick up the customers.
There are other companies available but I chose Arabian Adventures as it is part of the Emirates group which makes it more credible and provides me better sense of security since I am travelling alone. My advice is to always do research and read reviews before you make a decision.
Taking the pink taxi
As a solo female traveller, I am going to give the ladies and family taxi a try. I walk to the taxi stand which is located at exit 1 and requested for a lady taxi. Instead of giving me a number or coupon, the staff simply asks me to cross over to the other road where the pink taxis are.
When I get there, I am not sure which pink taxi came first as they are on both lanes of the road so I just go to the second taxi on the right lane. Then, the female driver on the left lane comes and argues with my driver. I don’t understand the language but I think they are making a fuss about how my driver cut the queue. Gosh, so much drama just to take a taxi.
Eventually, the drama ends and we leave the airport.
(Vrroommm……brakee…vrroomm……brakee)
What’s more, my driver’s skill is quite aggressive on the road. She steps on the brake too much. I think I am going to get car sick soon…
Hotel Ramada Deira
Anyhow, I arrive at my hotel safely which is located in the heart of Dubai. The receptionists here are really friendly. For the first time ever, (drum rolls) I am upgraded to a suite free of charge! Man, this is merely the beginning of my travel and it is already great.
While checking in, I make a call to Arabian Adventures via reception to confirm that their driver is coming to pick me up later having read those reviews mentioned earlier. There is no harm in double checking. Do remember to inform the receptionists so that when the driver comes, they can call you.
OK, so that’s settled. Can’t wait to go to MY SUITE now.
Well, the size of the suite is more than enough for one person to stay without a doubt. However, for a 4-star hotel, it is definitely not living up to my expectation as I discover some dust on the desk and dirty stains on the wall. This hotel is rather old too, can do with a good makeover.
*Buzzz….* Great, there is a fly in the room.
I chose this hotel because it is 4-star yet cheaper than the other available options and has decent reviews. So, I am fine with it since I am only staying for a night.
Pick up by Arabian Adventures
It’s 3:45 p.m. , time to get ready and wait at lobby for the pick up. Oh wait, I almost forgot my ring. There is something that I need to tell you guys and that is……I am engaged….
GOTCHA! No, I am not. This is just a cheap fake ring I bought back in Malaysia. LOL. I got this idea from a few other solo female travellers/bloggers to pretend that I am married/engaged hoping that it might somewhat help to prevent unwanted male attentions or advances. For example, if a guy is trying to make a move on me, I can just show him that I am married/engaged and get the hell outta there. I know it might not help to defend myself against any actual attacker but at least something is better than nothing. Many people have also debated that this idea is useless. So ladies, the choice is yours.
Here comes the driver, right on time! I am the first customer that he picks up before 3 other customers – a lovely pair of father and daughter and another elderly man who were all coincidentally from New Zealand. Our driver introduces himself as Umar from Pakistan and he will be our guide for the rest of the evening. He kindly asks us to read and follow the safety instructions for the dune bashing later.
On the way to the desert, we notice quite a number of ongoing constructions on both sides of the road so he tells us stories of these developments in Dubai. It is pretty interesting. We also learn that they still have camel racing to-date which is an old tradition in Dubai.
Half an hour later, we reach the entrance of the desert but all the vehicles turn into the car park first. Ooo, the drivers have to let out some of the air from the tires for better traction on the desert sand. Cool~
Falcon show
The first stop of the tour is the falcon show where you can gain more understanding of Shaheen- the national bird of the UAE, a powerful yet solitary bird that is a symbol of force and courage. Falcons are fast flying hunters suited for taking prey in the air. So, you can get a taste of how they hunt during the show.
Dune bashing
Finally, the highlight of the tour – Dune Bashing!!! Weeeeeee….It is so thrilling and fun like a roller coaster ride. The video below doesn’t do it justice. I really want to scream with excitement during the ride but I control myself out of respect for the other passengers. Never mind, I will just scream in my heart.
(weeeeee….omg….woohooo….yeah…watch out…phew…weeee…it’s so fun!!!!)
For those with motion sickness, it’s best to have motion sickness pill before you take the ride cause there are people who get car sick and have to stop aside to rest.
Sunset at Dubai Desert
Gosh, Dubai is burning hot at 40°C especially at the desert but that is not going to stop me from taking a nice photo before the sunset.
And, the sun setsss….Though it is nice, it does not meet my expectation, may be because it is crowded. If it is just me and the sun set, I think I will be fully immersed in it. Oh well. *shrug*
Camel riding & sand boarding
We then head off to the base camp where you can enjoy different activities such as camel riding, sand boarding and henna painting on hands. These are all part of the tour package except for the photographs taken by them which are not cheap.
First, let’s try camel riding. I climb up the steps and sit on the camel’s hump. Hey, the camel is cute…Woah, the camel is standing up. I jerk back and forth. OK, it is a bit scary but still an interesting experience nevertheless. Don’t worry, just hold onto the handle tightly if you don’t want to fall off the camel. The staff there will walk the camel, all you need to do is hold on and sit tight. =)
I really was looking forward to the sand boarding, however the moment I reach there and see them up close, my heart sinks. Noooo…… It’s not the sand boarding I imagined like using a paper board to slide down the slope but it turned out to be a proper snow board and the slope is quite steep.
*flashback*
I still remember vividly that I almost injured myself while skiing in South Korea many years ago. I was having fun practicing near the bottom of the slope. Then, I decided to challenge it from a higher point of the slope but to my horror, I lost control and sped all the way down . Fortunately, I managed to swerve in time and fall on my butt before I bump into someone.
*end flashback*
Should I really take the risk? Nah…may be next time. After all, today is only my first day of travelling. Best not to risk injuring myself.
Buffet dinner
Time to dig into the Middle Eastern buffet dinner! Initially, I was disappointed with the selection of food as it was so little and I took each of everything but turned out these are only the appetisers. I bring my plate of food and sit alone until my car mates i.e. the lovely pair of father and daughter from New Zealand join me, they are very friendly and polite. I really enjoy chatting with them.
(bell ringing)
OK, main meals are out. They have a selection of grilled meats and fresh salad. I am greedy so I take a bit of everything which I shouldn’t have because I know I can’t finish it in the end. Possibly due to jet lag, the food taste mediocre. Malaysia time is now 12:15 a.m., 4 hours ahead of Dubai and obviously, we don’t usually eat at this hour.
There are also some traditional dance performances while we dine.
Last but not least, dessert. I am super stuffed. I can’t eat anymore……Hmm……may be just one piece. *munch munch munch gulp* This is what happens when you are afraid of missing out things that you have not tried before and you force yourself to. “There is always room for dessert”. Uh uh, not for me, I was never a dessert person and don’t think it will change in the near future.
Henna painting on hands
After dinner, Hailey and I set off to have henna painted on our hands. I notice both our henna designs are the same so I think they only do the same designs for all customers.
Twinkle twinkle little stars
A guy is shouting, “We are switching off the lights for 5 minutes.”
Ah, here comes the tour finale.
(total darkness)
I gaze in awe upon the sky. There they are, shining brightly. Hey, Big Dipper, is that you?
I smile, lost for words……
Never have I ever seen so many stars before. Living in a city with bright lights and tall buildings have hindered the possibilities of such a view.
Quietly, I sit down and gaze at them as long as I can.
This is going to be an unforgettable moment in my life and I would totally recommend this to anyone.
Going back to the hotel
Sadly, the star gazing session is over after 5 minutes and it is now time to leave. Our guide sends us back to our hotels.
Once I get back to my room, I block the door with a chair so that nobody can open it just like what you see in the movies. The chair is not high enough to reach the handle so I let it lean against the lock. I try pushing the handle down and it will not budge. OK, it works. This is just a safety precaution. Call me paranoid all you want. The world is a dangerous place and you never know what’s going to happen. Better be safe than sorry is what I strongly believe in.
Perhaps you will understand me better when you read the tips section below. I think it is important for you to know too.
(Yawnn…)
I am really tired, going to take a shower then sleep.
Leaving Dubai
(Alarm ringing)
*Rubbing my eyes* I look at my phone and it is 3:45 a.m. All right, time to wake up. Although my flight is at 7:15 a.m., I need to get to the airport early as I realised that I forgot to bring one of the most important things for travelling – TRAVEL POWER ADAPTER. Sigh. I will need to buy a new one even though I have a few at home.
After freshening up and packing my stuff into my bag pack, I drag my tired body to the lobby to check out.
Yesterday, I asked hotel reception for the free shuttle to airport but unfortunately it is not available in the wee hours so the hotel concierge helps me to hail a taxi instead.
By the time I get to the airport, it is 4:45 a.m. I head straight to the travel shop to buy the power adapter and it costs me AED 135. Not cheap. On the bright side, this is the latest model with two USB ports, better than the ones I have at home.
Feeling like a zombie due to serious lack of sleep, I need foodddd for energy. So, I went to exchange my meal voucher at McDonalds for a chicken burger set. You can choose either beef or chicken. Not bad, the set even comes with a banana.
*munch munch munch, slurp*(eating my burger and drinking orange juice) Ah, that really helps. Feeling more alive now.
Few hours later…
“Good morning passengers. This is the pre-boarding announcement for flight xxxxx. We are now inviting passengers for seats section xxx to come forward. Please have your boarding pass and identification ready for boarding.”
Well, that’s my call. See you again, Dubai…and Oslo, Norway here I come. =)
(TO BE CONTINUED)
Travelling tips in Dubai:
- To my fellow Malaysians, we do not need to apply visa in advance as we will be granted visa on arrival at immigration check.
- Respect local laws and customs. A few examples of what-not-to-do are as follows:
- Dress code: do not wear revealing clothes or tight fitting clothes in public places. Shoulders and knees need to be covered.
- Sex outside marriage is illegal. Worst of all, there were cases where victims of sexual assault were jailed for having sex outside marriage. Read the news here.
- Public displays of affection could lead to imprisonment and punishment.
- Do not drink in public places except for licensed hotels and clubs.
- Please refer to the links below for further information and news reports :
- http://www.news.com.au/travel/what-tourists-need-to-know-before-going-to-dubai/story-e6frfq7r-1226683120406
- https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates/local-laws-and-customs
- http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/general/call-me-a-survivor-says-gang-raped-woman-in-dubai-1.1155077
- http://traveltips.usatoday.com/rules-unmarried-couples-staying-dubai-hotels-61972.html
- The taxi flag down rate of ladies and family taxi is higher (almost double) than normal taxi, starting at AED 25.
- If you have motion sickness, best to have a motion sickness pill first prior to the dune bashing.
Costs for reference:
Note a : There was no traffic during the time I took the taxi so this may lead to lower taxi fare.
Reviews:
