HOTEL REVIEW - TUNE HOTEL, DANGA BAY JOHOR

Time to clear back log

I finally decided to go with Tune Hotel for my Legoland & Hello Kitty Town trip after much self-debating  with myself. I love to compare several hotels and contradict myself before settling down.

Rationale behind my decisions:
1. Shuttle bus to and fro Legoland & Hello Kitty Town
FYI, taxi that brings you there normally rips you off, because they don't usually get customers after dropping you off (empty trip back). Likewise, taxis that waits at the parks are BLUE, which costs 2x more than the regular cabs.
Tip: Always board the regular cabs and it's okay to skip the blue premium cabs even if their cabs are right at the start of waiting queue. However, do board the next available regular cab that's behind the blue one.

2. Value-for-money 
Advance purchasing via Tune Hotel online portal, for my case, the room costs only MYR110.
Tip: Plan and book the room months ahead of travel dates will gets you better hotel rates. & check their FB page for updates of promotions.

3. Good Reviews
I was scanning through TripAdvisor and read countless good reviews from their staycation. It was highly raved by many and they provided interesting good tips during the stay. I liked their prompt response over the Internet and whenever I have inquiries it was solved within probably 24 hours?

This pretty much summarize why did I chose Tune Hotel, and here comes my Experiences with Tune Hotel Danga Bay.

I reached Tune Hotel, left my luggage with the counters (MYR2 per bag a day) as it's way beyond the check in time. And I find it irresistible to take picture of this cute Lego dinosaur near the counter. It's making me so excited about my Legoland Trip.

I reached hotel before 9am, just so I won't miss their shuttle bus that leaves at 930am & 10am. If you late, then too bad, you gotta request counter to help you call a cab up which doesn't come cheap. I purchased my tickets via Tune Hotel because they bundled the regular priced ticket(MYR110) with free shuttle bus that would usually cost MYR15 for the ride alone.
On a side note, I would recommend you guys to purchase the ONE park tickets at Hello Kitty Town. I went to ONLY the Hello Kitty Land even though I have TWO parks tickets because the rest was too lame for my age.
One park ticket - MYR 75
Two park ticket - MYR 110
I literally wasted my money because The Little Big Club are for kids.

Another thing, I was stupidly waiting for the shuttle bus at the hotel lobby, not knowing I have to cashout exchange the vouchers into Shuttle Transfer Coupon at their agency right outside the place. Make sure yours is something like this before they will let you board the shuttle bus van.

Tips: Be early, because the van has limited seats, and if you can't board the first one, you have to wait for the next available van.

Shuttle van comes to pick us up from Legoland either at 530 or 6pm, so we definitely choose the latter to enjoy ourselves more.

Reach back hotel to check in around 630pm. Check-in procedure was quick, and that's when I realize i gotten twin bed instead of double ): Requested to change room but they didn't allow, sigh.

Oh, and you get to choose package along your stay. For me I chose cozy package because I wanted the WiFi and TV during the night time & it's a very bad idea. Frankly speaking, you don't need any package at all during your stay.

1. Towel/ Rental - Bring your own since it's not free
2. Air Conditioning - 24 hours credit, but who need air con when you got a big ass fan hovering at the top.
3. WiFi - Lousy reception, get a Malaysia SIM card instead
4. TV - 24 hours credit, BUT it gets charged even when the TV is off. It's totally lame because I only watch a couple of hours TV on the first night and that's it.

Hotel Rating:

Hotel Cleanliness : ★★★★

Room: ★★★★

Service: ★★★

Value for Money: ★★★★★

Location:  ★★

Upon entering hotel, it looks bright and clean.

The room is clean but a little small, but can't complaint for the price I am paying. You can't expect to stay in a palace when paying peanuts right. Allocated at the second floor, which I am fine with it although I saw online reviews about noises from the lobby.

The service received was alright, staffs wasn't particularly friendly.

It's definitely value for money for my stay. I know there's Legoland Hotel too, but it's relatively expensive, like 5-6 times the price I paid for ):

 Overall, I think it's quite a good hotel except the location really sucks. Even taxi drivers was wondering why did I stay there when I don't drive. It's far from shopping malls I wanted to go like Aeon & Jusco so my cab to and fro the places are roughly MYR 20-25. It would be good if you've got a car during the stay. Oh they have security guard to look after your car.

And I love their mirror! (:

Legoland post will be draft over over the weekends through another post, as it has tons of photo to be uploaded and edited.

Disclaimer: Hotel Photos credits to Tune Hotel.

[S] NEW BIORE CLEANSING OIL COTTON FACIAL SHEET

Biore has revamped their Cleansing Oil Cotton Facial Sheet a.k.a makeup remover wipes. I have been a fan of Biore's makeup remover wipes since I learnt to doll up myself.  I am so lazy that I hope my makeup will remove by itself after I get home. And I can't find anything easier than a swipe of the wipe to get my face clean. It's is proven mild for my skin (sensitive) and completely lazy-proof for people like me.

Comparing the Old & New Packaging Design

Left: New & Right:Old

The newer package looks prettier in the exterior design as compared to the old one. The designer must really know how to capture ladies' hearts, as the sides are coated with laces and pink designs ~ 

 

For the interior, the new packaging has solve the issue which I had faced - difficulty in refilling as it's difficult to open the box from the bottom. I was so glad that we can easily open the lid to use and to refill the wipes.

And also a significant changes made will be the opening of the wipes. It used to be smaller and requires more tug and pull to get the wipes out but it's a breeze now.

Some improvements made to Biore's already awesome makeup remover wipes

• Speedier Makeup Removal (20% more cleansing oil)
• Gentler to Skin (50% less wiping required)
• Moist Skin (Enriched with hydrating beauty essence)
• Air Tight Tub (Improvised sealing performance)

New Packaging of Biore Cleansing Oil Cotton Facial Sheet Series

Box

Refill

Travel / Handy Pack

Testing the Effectiveness of Biore's  Cleansing Oil Cotton Facial Sheet

That's like me with light make up on the left, whereas on the right is having half of my face cleansed in ONE swipe. I'm really sorry about my eyebrow, I had some stitches after a fall and I didn't dare to do threading yet so it's bushy and messy ):

Anyway, I managed to cleanse like 80% of my make up (half face) with just one swipe! The remaining are eyeliners smudge that aren't properly wiped away which proves that the wipe is really effective in removing make up. I didn't even need to wipe it repeatedly, just a couple of time and there you have a clean and bare face. Furthermore, my skin feel 'toing-toing' right after cleansing as thought as I just washed my face and it's yet not too oily that my face cannot accept it. Best of all is, you will only need one wipe to cleanse the whole face, talk about saving money & time using it.

Biore Cleansing Oil Cotton Facial Sheet are Available in Major Pharmacies & Supermarkets

Retail Pricing:

Regular Box - $17.90

Refill Pack - $15.60

Travel/Handy Pack - $3.90

[S] CALIFORNIA FITNESS FITSTART

I'm sure you guys remembered about me and my rant about going all healthy and stuffs, so I did it!

I attended California Fitness FIT Start Program and had more knowledge about doing the right workout to drill our body the way we want it to be.

FIT Start Program

FIT Start training with one of the fitness professionals, is one of the most effective ways of getting started on the right track towards achieving fitness goals. Many people are often lost in their way of exercising, however it may be in the wrong direction. Now with fitness pro to guide you along the way, you can easily achieve what you wanted. The FIT Start Program includes introduction of Xpress Zone circuit of resistance training equipment, providing a basis upon which to build a personalized fitness program.

My Very First Trip to California Fitness @ Takashimaya

Clicked on Level 8 & surprised to see that almost half of the passengers are heading there too. It's my first visit and I only been to a few other gyms but none as large and fully equipped like California Fitness @ Taka. Upon entering, I was asked to leave my bags in lockers (do rmb to bring your own lock for safe keeping) before heading back to the main lobby area to measure my Body Composition by my fitness instructor or simply FI because I forgotten his name after doing so tiresome workout.

Body Composition

Weight: 65kg

Muscle Mass: 24.1kg

Body Fat Mass: 20.9kg

-

Muscle Fat Control

+1.5kg Muscle 

-7.3kg Fat

-

Fitness Score 71

Overall, my report isn't bad but I still need to lose 7kg of my fats ): After gotten our body report, FI analyzed and break down the individual issue with us and asked about our goals before we get started on the real deal. So mine is definitely to lose all these fats before attaining some sexy abs.

We were brought to the training area shortly, different group of people are doing different type of training exercise and for mine, we are doing TRX.

Credit: Agilispeed

TRX involves using heavy-duty nylon webbing attached to wall brackets. Its main purpose is to utilize our body weight to build strength, balance, flexibility and core stability.

We did like 5 sets of exercise with only one rep each to test out, however the real training won't be so 'chicken-feet' I think I look quite weak in those photo, probably because I'm a noobie. 

 Okay here goes nothing, at least to prove that I'm working towards my goal as I'm doing it.

 

It may look easy but as it goes, we were so tired that we stop talking or laughing like we did at the start. I guess we just need more practices, and after the whole experience, I learned that my main weakness is arms and need more training. 

Me, KaMan & Tiffany with our Fitness Instructor for the day

Aftermath

 What do girls do when they have a mirror? 

Take photo. 

Especially when the lifts are so packed

Through FIT Start Program, I understand that it's a way where instructor guides and brings you on the right track. They analyze your body composition and plans the best training routine for you and increasingly making it tougher so your body will not get used to it, so as to prevent stagnant in your training. It's a good way for people who needs motivation and guidance because you have everything here and I believe it's even harder to cheat or quit when there's a professional helping you. So, never give up in your goals when having trouble, seek help, Seek California Fitness

[S] GOING PURPLELICIOUS W HERITAGE HAIR SALON

For people who liked my ombre purple hair that was previously dyed, finally I have time to share with you guys where I have done it.

BEWARE
-tons of selfies ahead-

Heritage Hair

Credit: Street Directory

Located along East Coast Road and I got slightly lost in the process because I wasn't familiar with the East side. Look out for the signage around the area which will direct you to TIDES where Heritage Hair is located at. They are a Redken & L'Oréal authorised salon offering complete range of hair services, treatments, styling and home care products for customers to choose from.

I was greeted by three stylists, including their boss upon entering. It was cosy and I left my stylist, Kenn to decide on what he wanted to do with my hair. He suggested ombre purple since my nails etc are all purple (seems legit)

Look at my horrible terrible vegetable hair before dye-ing ): 

 My previous hair colour has faded into blonde and was looking horrible.

Time to see some miracle working on my hair ~

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Miracles in the Progress

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Tadahhhhhhh

Did you notice there is actually different gradient of purple involved?

Thanks to the 幕后黑手 aka the man behind the scene, my stylist -  Kenn.

 I find him gentle and patient in 'preparing' my hair just by seeing the way he works. He comb my hair with little strength even when it's tangled and he combed them nice and gently. It's a good experience with Kenn & Heritage Hair Salon especially after getting the hair in my favorite color.
I am more grateful than anything for getting my hair set and ready just before my cousin's wedding which is the next day.

Sharing some selfies photos taken during the wedding day.

 At first I thought I was getting the same old purple color again because I previously dyed purple until I realized it was actually in gradients, so with each flicks of hair you can see shimmering purple of different shades.

It's been close to two months after my hair was done and it faded to a pink shade but still looking beautiful. The previous hair colours I used always fade to blonde. I totally love my hair colour all thanks to Heritage Hair~

HERITAGE HAIR
Tides, 217 East Coast Road #02-03
Singapore 428915
Tel: 6345 9902

[S] HIDDEN GEM IN THE WEST - FUKUYA JAPANESE RESTAURANT

In Japanese, Fuku means Happiness while ya refers to House, and when directly translated Fukuya simply means Happiness House. This happiness house silently reside in Jurong Country Club. I would never had expected good food to  be inside a Country Club since I stereotyped it as where the rich golfers will go until I personally tried the food there myself. It's like a hidden gems waiting to be discovered by food lovers.

Fukuya offers a wide variety of options for those craving authentic Japanese cuisine in utterly perfect presentation. The dishes served are photo-worthy as it's often decorated with flowers or edible garnishes on exquisite dining wares. Jap-food lover you just had to add this one in your 'to-eat-list'. 

It's best to start off with Zensai, another term for Appetizer

Seafood Mayo on Fresh Salad - $10.80

Mixture of two types of seaweed, the green and brown one which I hardly see it in the market (probably just me), topped with my favourite seafood mayo~ The seaweed is really salty but crunchy if you tried eating it separately. However, once combined with the seafood mayo, you won't really feel that it's overpowering, instead it brings out an unique taste to the dish.

Dobin Mushi - $10.80 

Teapot Soup

I had never tried something like this before, and it's quite a cool concept of having your soup served. It's sweet and refreshing. Ingredients looks simple, mainly consisted of mushrooms and oysters, but brought out the best of out it. Two ways to savour this, by adding the lime or skipping it. I tried both methods and preferred having my soup without lime.

Sashimi - $68.80

Fukuya Tokusen Platter (7 kinds)

Toro, Uni, Botan Ebi, Salmon Belly, Katsuo Tataki, Shima Aji and Tai

Not a fan of raw food, and my favourite food in a sushi bar is all the cooked food like crab-sticks, unagi and stuffs, but decided to give it a chance and I'm glad I did. All their sashimi are super fresh as it's all imported from Japan. It brings out the true definition of 'fresh saltwater' because you literally can taste it. It's worth every cent in your pocket, and everyone is all like I am going to come back to get this after they get their bonus.

Yakimono - $20.80

Gintara Mentaiyaki (All time favourite)

It's the store's all time favourite, and no doubt mine as well. Grilled fish with mentaiyaki on banana leaf. Their mentaiyaki is thick and creamy and the banana leaf underneath gave it a little burnt feeling which enhance the taste and smell even better like how food being cooked under charcoal flames.
Absolutely a must-try vote from me.

Fukuya Aburi Sushi Mori (5 kinds) - $28.80

Salmon, Anugu, Akami, Buri Belly, Unkun Uni & Ikura Topping

Everyone there was trying to convince me it wasn't spicy and stuffs, and I did finish all the sushi that are sadly all coated with wasabi except the unkun uni(sea urchin) one, by gulping water. I have to say that they are using authentic wasabi as it's not spicy and does not sting the eyes, it's just that the smell of wasabi that I disliked about. Nevertheless, the dish is much raved about and each sushi has its individual sauce and there is no need for soy sauce. I guess it's bad luck I couldn't enjoy this pretty much.

Menrui - $26.80

Fukuya Seafood Ramen (Small)

This bowl of awesomeness is called small, and I think it takes two to finished it. Now I cannot imagine how many could their 'big' portion feeds. Do not be fooled by the colour of the ramen, it's not spicy at all, and surprisingly it's sweet. Vegetables, seafood are all tossed inside to create this sweet yet rich flavouring pumpkin-taste-alike soup. As you can see, the ingredients  are super fresh and generously spread around the chewy noodles.

Kyoho Ice Cream with Kuri Kanronni - $8.80

Japanese Grape Flavour with Boiled Chestnuts

As usual, something I have been waiting for since the start because I am a sucker for desserts and I love KYOHO GRAPES. The sweetness is just right for me and it is as smooth as Gelato, while the chestnut adds texture to the smooth ice-cream. It's a unique combination as I have never expected chestnuts to go well with grapes but it did.

Look at how happy everyone is after the dining experience at Fukuya. For me, food is not necessary the most important key attributes to define a good restaurant, instead the service is. Their Chef Ah Beng is really humorous and friendly around us, get to know him well and he will provide you with special dishes that are not listed in the menu. Chef Ah Beng enjoys having close relationships with his customers.

 I had a great yet different kind of experience there, and I believe you guys should try it too. It's always more difficult to find places with good food and good services. If you happened to be hanging around Singapore Science Centre or Jurong Country Club drop by and enjoy a feast of authentic Jap food.



FUKUYA JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Location : Jurong Country Club, 9 Science Centre Road, Jurong East, 509078

Phone : 6897 1990
Mon to Sun: 1200 - 1500 (last order by 1430)
Mon to Sun: 1800 - 2200 (last order by 2130)