Trip - Simple Staycation with Colleagues

Hi Blog,

Finally, after nearly five months of deliberation, two months to set a date, and a last-minute decision on where to stay and how to get there, I had the opportunity to go on a staycation with my colleagues today.

Around 4 plus... I had to get up early, but I was looking forward to this bonding experience.

In general, my blog post will be brief, providing only a summary of our trip and introducing you to an intriguing and yet ulu (Singlish: remote) hotel recommended by OM.

Me in an untidy room, attempting to pack my luggage for the staycation.

My colleague texted me that they had arrived below my block to pick me up.

Mr Sun was still sleeping, and hello to Mrs Moon.

I was the last one to get picked up, and everyone was super excited about the trip!

OM wanted to get through customs before 6 a.m., and we were stuck for about an hour plus.

After our first toilet break, OM suggested that we drive to Melaka to see some sights because we were early before checking into the hotel at midday.

It was a long journey to Melaka, and OM tried to keep the speed up for our safety.

And I simply slept my way... So sleepy... Thank you, HD, for being OM's copilot and ensuring the direction to our destination.

Selamat Datang Ke Melaka (welcome to Melaka)

Thank you, HD, for finding a vegetarian-friendly breakfast spot for us to eat together. Personally, as long as I have eggs, I am good.

OM wanted to bring us to their local hot spring, but it was closed, so he took us to the iconic Bukit Melaka - A Famosa, where they only stopped for a checkpoint.

The Melaka regulars recommended that we try the famous avocado drink from one of the popular roadside stalls.

I must say, it had a pleasant taste with a touch of bittersweetness; although I'm not a huge fan, it was certainly creamy.

Aside from beverages, the group tried some local desserts, including fried potato with gula melaka, which was tasty but left me bloated.

We arrived at the Amerin Hotel JB after nearly three hours and a few pits stops in the late afternoon. When compared to the other low-rise buildings in the area, this hotel stands out.

What a spacious lobby!

It looks like a firework light display here.

I received my hotel card; it is cool that they included an extra card (non-door card) that allows me to electronically activate the entire room rather than using the door card.

This is a display of Golden Arowana intended for feng shui purposes.

Ah! Trivia question: where did you see the rainbow square theme? Yes, it was located behind the lobby counter.

Emo-me because we had an hour break before dinner and I was wondering if I would have enough time to relax in the pool here.

And exciting me to introduce my room for the night! Interestingly, they have a basin outside the toilet.

The toilet already has a basin, and it is generally clean.

I have the entire king-size bed to myself for the night! Yippee! However, I ended up sleeping on one side of the bed, with most pillows supporting my back or between my legs. Hahaha

Outside my window, was an unobstructed Malaysian landscape with no tall buildings.

I learnt that there is a swimming pool on top of the Amerin Hotel; when I arrived, there was a private celebration going on... And to add salt to the wound, the pool resembles a pond or water feature.

There was a chilled counter beside the pool, and the crew appeared concerned about my potential entry into the pool, as they frequently checked on me, suggesting I move away.

So I just took an unobstructed panoramic overview since I was up here.

Upon returning to my room, I immersed myself in the cool air-conditioned environment, imagining that I was leisurely floating in a pool.

Subsequently, I enjoyed a long bath to thoroughly wash my body, especially my feet, before dinner.

I feel rejuvenated, yet there seems to be something lacking... 🫠🫠🫠 

Let's snap a good pic of Amerin Hotel JB!

Because I had some time before dinner, I went to Perling Mall, which is across from the Amerin Hotel, to repair my phone screen and preview what I could buy with my colleagues after dinner.

Ah, we could take bus CW3 from Singapore to Perling Mall; I am just wondering where and how to get there. So I did a quick Google search and got the result right away for future reference.

My coworkers wanted to eat at a seafood restaurant, but since I am a vegetarian, that is usually a turnoff for most people... I tried to keep things simple for them.

However, my colleagues will help me communicate with the chef (in Malay) about my vegetarian preferences, such as no garlic, onion, or potential meat products in their sauce, and I will be served simple fried rice with a sunny egg. I appreciated what they had done.

After that, the guys just hang out at the rooftop chill counter, listening to the private event's live band.

Then I realised they had a glass walkway, which I had overlooked when I was here earlier.

It is necessary to remove your shoes before stepping on it.

The glass bridge reminded me of my trip to Vietnam, but I was barefoot this time.

The night was getting late, and seeing this scenery made me feel like I was outside of JB.

Time to transform!

I slept in my suit for the night. Just kidding... I just realised that I had not worn this in a long time and had not fully utilised it. Time to sleep now. 😴💤

The next morning, I awoke early in the hopes of getting in the pool before breakfast.

However, they unfortunately did not keep the metal panels...

Really... It looks more like a water feature than a swimming pool.

The sunrise in the morning was amazing, as was the vast horizon, where you could see the clouds flowing like oceans.

It is also amazing that this untoned nerd decided to go swimming.

Since no one around...

...from the security guard's CCTV, they simply laughed and wondered what I was doing in my undies...

I was just doing my best impression of a cool cucumber while surveying the area.

I can imagine that people who look up will begin to think... Unsightly.

Alright, just a few more pics and then it's swimming time!

Just trying to push myself to soak in the cold water, and there is one more thing I forgot to bring... Yes! Where are my goggles?! I forgot to pack it, despite the fact that it was in my packing list basket...

The water was cold, there were no goggles, and the pool was so small that I could swim back and forth using only one breath. Just a meh, vengeful feeling from yesterday.

Feeling satisfied that I did not waste any money by being unable to use the pool. Anyway, I returned to take a quick bath before breakfast, and...

...went to one last shopping mall after checking out; I swear I will have a taste of llaollao if given the chance.

Eventually, my colleagues bought a lot of items and filled the seat next to me, allowing me to rest my head on it.. Hahaha

I appreciate OM for taking the wheel and HD for navigating and ensuring our safety on the road. Together, we made it to Singapore just in time, avoiding the heavy customs traffic. Great teamwork! 

Jeff