Japamala - love at first sight

2011 already almost a week, and in couple of days I’ll be another year older. A year that passed was a fulfilling one, sometimes I couldn’t believe myself I’m (already) approaching late 20s league :) well, forget the ageing thingy and let's start off 2011 entry with our wonderful experience in Tioman Island last month..hehe..

The trip actually a wedding gift from husband’s friend, which his syarat the place must be LOCAL. Among first being shortlisted was Rawa Island; unfortunately clashes with office deadlines & wedding jobs had postponed the trip earliest by December where boat operation being risky to rely to since most local islands will be on monsoon. Our search continued with Tioman which accessible by flight and found this beautiful site of Japamala, a boutique resort housing 12 villas (they called it Sarang) altogether with own private beach. Pictures in TripAdvisor not that interesting and far from any YTL’s luxurious resorts to be compared to, but reviews were telling otherwise made us evenmore tempted to check out the place. And true, we never regret since.

The good about traveling during monsoon, most will offer you huge discount for room. Japamala had this Low Season Package (available in their website) starting RM1.2k+ for couple, including 2N accommodation, airport (boat) transfer, massage etc. For short 3D2N escape, we rather ticked off all outdoors & spend more intimate time for each other...so all we need was nice room! ;) We booked the Seaview Sarang, apparently the one and only there and the most lavish villa they have for couple..kata sponsor kan...

Took Berjaya’s morning flight from Subang Airport. Upon arrival, paid RM5 marine conservation fees and two hotel staffs already standby for our next boat transfer to Japamala. Jay the staff handed us cool towels and lemongrass welcome drink (one of Japamala’s signature) during trip – very refreshing, especially after 55 mins (unpleasant) flight experience. By the way, the speedboat not a tiny we used to imagine, it’s cabined type with twin motors which pretty luxurious by our standard. Mind you, return boat trip will cost RM300+ per couple if you not taking the package.

Finally reached Japamala’s very own jetty, the water beneath so clear that we could see colorful fishes swimming in it. The jetty also serves as one of their dining place, Mandi Mandi Restaurant where you can dine under the sky, or better, stars if you’re lucky! we then brought to reception area; no counter or whatsoever frills found in usual grandeur hotel lobbies…only one low table with laptop and two round-wooden seats for us. Loved the effort-less designs they have here, it brings more rustic feeling to the resort.

Belle the staff walked us to our Sarang. Not that we know we had to climb (long) wooden staircase all the way to our room; thought the room was Seaview..shouldn’t it be closest to ground or pantai as possible? Hehe. Along the way, we were greeted with ‘Good Afternoon’ and warm smiles from each Japalama staff, made us felt so welcomed. The moment Belle opened the door we had to agree the Sarang worth all the climb & wait! It was uber hugeee, about triple size of their smallest villa and very secluded to offer us utmost privacy.

From info we read, very minimal trees being chopped during construction of this resort and to not disturb the natural landscape, you’ll find each and every villa is rather designed to fit their original location. One obvious example seen in our Sarang, the big rock was not moved but instead made a nice, natural hide for our small plunge pool :) Guess the pictures do better talking..

tengok pun dah berpeluh!


our huge nest ;)


same seat found at lobby *wink

with sky & jungle view..check out the showerhead!

(very) small hot tub..

from homegrown Samadhi Spa

walkway to our pool, where MONKEYS usually found in the morning..no joking! :)

the 'rock' pool ;)

First thing we did was changed & spent hours in our private pool until we turned blue! We later learnt the water was from nearby bukit, no wonder the ‘sejuk’ was different so a sip of hot chocs was nice to warm us out after a long soak. Hubby then went back to reception (since no phone or even mobile coverage in room) to get some DVDs. I was already dozed off by then, and it was almost 7pm when we woke up and me being cliché, rushed to balcony konon to check out the sunset. Haha. It was a little cloudy, so sadly no sunset for us! Regardless, the view still...a breathtaking.. *smile*

candid him

Took quick shower, then head to Mandi Mandi Restaurant for our first dinner. Setting of jetty restaurant itself is unbeatable; it was built up on stilts above the sea with meters away from beachfront. For the first time, actual looked a lot better than pictures especially after the places all been lit up...now I know the TA reviewers were speaking truth hehe. BBQ was cancelled unfortunately, so we had everything ordered. They served Italian/ western cuisine and we’ve been told to fork out at least rm100/couple per meal. Not that friendly to pocket, but I guess fair considering its remote location.

chef at work!

waiting for our table

The bed already made up when we got back. Iced waters replenished, cleaned the used glasses, room was lit up our room scented candles and not to forget, little surprise left on our bed every night – chocolates! :) This is routine & among special touches you'll find in Japamala. The advantage of handling smaller guests at one time made them aware each and every guest whereabouts so they'll come to tidy up each time we left the room. Clearly, “Please Make Up Room” sign is not needed here.

yums!

Had our breakfast the next day at Tamarind Terrace (serving Indo-Chinese & a sister restaurant to Tamarind Spring, so you can expect the taste). With small occupants, they only prepared small buffet with basics like bread, fruits, cereals etc and we’re allowed to order (as many we want) from their menu – another personal touch :) Be it everywhere, Mango Lassi (or any yogurt drink I guess!) is something you shouldn’t miss including here in Japamala. Their homemade chicken porridge was fabulous, had to tapau some food cos hubby overly ordered – good thing, jimat our lunch! Hehe.

check out the bowl. old and rustic! ;)

Belle came to remind our complimentary Thai massage appoinment. Unfortunately one of their therapist was on leave so we had to forego any couple treatment offered. Massage took at one of the hut upside overlooking the sea, with breezy waves as background. Done by a skillful lady from Bali…the pressure was damn good, unbeliavably backpain I’ve been suffering has now gone!

one of massage hut (another climbing!)

I went to checkout the resort while hubby doing his massage and took as much pictures of Japamala. Rooms were all nested within the jungle and only accessible through their wooden walkways. Not that friendly to physically unfit or even kids, as some not even with hand railings. The resort constantly fully booked, mainly with honeymooners seeking for total privacy but locals rarely seen here according to Aruni the resident manager. Visited other villas, their next best with budget friendly option is Seacliff rooms, 3 units altogether – request for room 16, it offers best seaview & privacy! :) Met Mike, one of the staff on the way back (with warm smile of course) and interestingly, he asked how was my massage going. Goodness, we just met? The fact I still remember their names tells a lot about the staff (and Japamala itself) i guess..The warmth & bonding very unlikely to be found in other places :)

the seacliff rooms

We didn’t get to celebrate husband’s birthday earlier due to my brother’s wedding held on same date, so our final night at Japamala would be perfect time to make up with just the two of us :) Mike setup simple private dinner for us by the beach, at one of their beach hut. Funny that we start off having nasi and all sort for a supposed-romantic dinner hehehe..what to do their western jetty restaurant was closed due to heavy wind :p

I only arranged them that 3pm and left all the creativity to Mike and amazingly, they manage to pull out a cake for husband’s belated birthday! The taste? Think Haagen Daaz Belgian Choc, better version! And the best of all – it’s FREE. Husband was completely touched (Who doesnt? You got surprise cake on remote island okay) and never expect it as I was busy with weddings of lates. No nice card, only simple birthday note written on Japamala letterhead..lousy, i know!! :p

26th ;)

The final morning, we requested for in-room breakfast with everything ordered prior night. Nothing spectacular, except you dont have to rush & can dine with only bathrobe on hehehe. We then packed our thing with our most heavy heart knowing we’ll leave this paradise soon. We left some note in their guestbook before we checked out, and planning for similar fair review for Tripadvisor soon.

Overall, Japamala was our best stay so far and thank you again to husband’s friend for this wonderful trip. Time never a rush here, fully recommended especially for couples who wants to absolutely do nothing, like Japamala’s selling line DO NOTHING AT ALL, LET THE SURROUNDING DO IT FOR YOU.. All in all, being local, I have to agree with one note written by previous guest staying in similar room – never knew Malaysia had this..... :) :)

MATTA FAIR is back!

dining place in the middle ;)

we're planning for short trip to this local island coming November. all we need is total relaxation after year round of hardwork...since we have no snorkeling or any beach activity in mind, we better travel during monsoon & enjoy the low season bargain :) my kaki-travel-pantang-AA-ade-promotion cousin had bad experience with their boat service (3 jam muntah hijau) so she advised to opt for flight which i agreed since sea transfer not that reliable during monsoon..

last MATTA fair, the return air package + hotel was tempting..only RM5++ for 3D2N including snorkeling trip, unfortunately they dont offer hotel we wanted & they have confirmed they'll still not offering this particular boutique resort for today's MATTA fair. i think very rugi to go with their associate hotel, cos there's surcharge for school holiday but not for our boutique resort :p we're willing to pay similar amount for nice room rather than that extra surcharge..apart from great review by TA honeymooners, this boutique resort has no mobile network coverage...so no office distraction yahoooooo!! :D

and i hope to check out Bali ground package too, we've booked our tix for nx yr :) my friend recommend lembongan island, sempat ke pegi 4D3N je kot??

nesting

Sneak peek of what WLT been up to during her silence…

In case anyone asking whether she already preggy, yeah she's carrying this new baby in her tummy hehe...

Whitelacetale.Weddings

The blog mainly dedicated for the business & her new journey as vendor. Special rebate/freebies will be given for blog followers & facebook fan in future promotion, so feel free!

http://whitelacetaleweddings.blogspot.com/

We'll list down wedding stuffs we wish to bring in future. For vendor/ supplier (esp newbie) who wish to co-join, kindly email us your idea & quot us your best price :) We just added transparent canopy & chiavari set in the list, will post up soon!

p/s : I still hutang basi entries of my wedding, will start the marathon soonest :p

Wedding Fair @ Saloma Bistro

fuh..after 5 weeks, this blog finally updated!

while everyone busy hitting Isetan for members sale during friday lunch hour , Mas & myself went to checkout wedding fair @ Saloma Bistro. the event was rather small, each booth can only display one wedding item (card/favor/photography etc) except pelamin cos NGI was the one having the exclusive right for pelamin & deco there.

there were 3 pelamins decorated solely by NGI there, but i didnt snap any..somehow each of the pelamin has nothing to really shout about cos i've seen his work better at previous exhibitions. but we both loved the entrance decoration he did...the white pokok & crystal drapes...imagine an evening event with this deco, marvellous... ;)

first booth we stopped by was Kak Haidar's, the one responsible for my wedding deco last time. the booth theme was Hantaran. we were more of catching up on each other rather than checking out her stuffs cos basically i already had the ideas of wedding items/services she's providing. the dulang hantaran she custom made for me was there too...but i wish to see them decorated in nicer way...with lots and lots of bright, colorful flowers maybe...something more eye-catching i told her ;p

next was Reka Teemor's. their theme was "Wedding Invitation". mostly the hardcovered were from Indonesia..with RT's known as having spectacular taste, so the range of hardcover they had from Indon are the pretty exclusive ones. the softcover cards too unlike the conventionally found in market, mostly having the plain, modern design specially custom made for their clients...with starting price of rm2.50..their softcovers not so much of my liking, apart from their price, personally due to the designs were overly being modernized/westernized..

but, i like one of their display...it's actually from Indonesia. nice tiffany blue! my soon getting married brother need some proposal for his wedding card this october...we'll see how much my previous cardmaker can offer for this design...hopefully below than my RM1.3x since this is just 1-pc card :)

Neurmaya was the one offering photography/videography service for this expo. first time seeing his work was in Ratu Sehari, and seem to notice more of him tagging to NGI's clients. the package is rather flexible...no outstation cost, no charges for future publish in media/mags, softcopies for both raw and edited will be returned without any extra cost etc..

Gezal Mihat & Freda took part for dresses. we didnt ask any quo cos no one was there...some of the lovelies found :

next to them is Cocoa Boutique, offering wedding favors made from chocs. i didnt try any of their chocs, so obviously no comment ;) i kinda like chocs they printed with our wedding details & nicely arranged in a wooden box found similar at Godiva...price RM150 and this packaging they purposely made for hantaran. sorry no pix, camera out of battery dah!

last one was Yomie Bake, based in Kajang. for 3-tiers full fondant cake starts rm900, if dummy usually half the price. so, note that not all bakers charging similar price for full cake & dummy, anything back to your budget and preference, the option is there :) their fancy cookies rm3+, the cookies tebal gile so i guess the price justifies..of all, their minis interest me more, be it for design and price..rm15/each. again, no pic but most of the designs were similarly published in their blog :)

the rest booths were Concorde weddings, accessories..we already late, so no chance to drop by..just sempat snap this at Concorde booth to feast your eyes :)

btw, my reception album dah siap since April but we yet to collect from CS. and i've received my bertandang album too...3 months waiting not that bad!:)

B&B Gath - entry basi :P

Ni gang sekapal dengan Wawa, baru nak update psl B&B Gathering :P Fathiyah dah siap update psl B&B post mortem dinner dah pun...huhu

Firstly congrats to Diah, Anil, Amy & the rest committees for the success of this event! AJK kecil-kecilan dan last minute macam saya hanya mampu tolong sikit2 je ;) Diah cakap I was among earliest registering as vendor haha..yup, I was super excited at the time – not so much to promoting 2nd hand wedding items, but more of meeting up bakal pengantins & ex-pengantins that I’ve been reading through!

The night before hubby sama2 stay up siapkan our wedding scrapbook. We had the raw pictures printed on papers, then glued them in scrapbook. The intention was, at least wedding pictures are ready in case guests nak tengok prelim result of our photographers since our album belum dapat lagi ;)

bunting designed by Amy’s hubby, Atim. Sangat chic!

We arrived The Zon quite late, so had to rush preparing the booth. Had to drag my hubby cos my bestie Mas had to leave for family farewell that noon. Mas sempat helped me out with the deco, thank you babe ;) My booth betul2 dpn pintu masuk, decorated in brighttt pink theme :P Jiran2 tetangga my booth were married bloggers Ida, Jamilah & Lynda.

meja masih bersepah....baru gubah bunga

booth my jiran yang happening – Ida!

(mas kecewa tak sempat try dress tu ;P)

my booth - guestnote DIY pakai mug holder je ;P

I couldn’t exactly remember what time guests start datang, tetiba je dah ramai..i was left alone until my colleague jarjar came & help to entertain the guests, thanks jarjar! and suhana too ;D Honestly, I was glad to meet the bloggers/readers that dayyy – macam2 cerita keluar, the one I remembered most where this blogger confessed she went checking out my hall betul2 time kitorg tgh buat preparation & deco..if tau awal2 sure I dah jemput dtg kenduri mlm tu since byk lg seat kosong hehe…And tak lupa, this reader told me one of my designer wondering feedback of my wedding baju – dia kata muka I mcm takde perasaan time pickup baju :P This one guest commented i never had my email published at blog, no im not sombong..dulu i wasnt comfortable to give recommendation cos my majlis not over yet..now with the experience, anything boleh email whitelacetale[at]gmail.com insyaAllah the sharing will be more fruitful this time esp on wedding vendors & tips :)

My booth had nothing much to offer for sale, except my friend’s wedding dresses. Mostly showcase of doorgifts, dresses, hantaran etc from my weddings in case some asking for workmanship of these vendors & ni jelah cara I can be thankful to my vendors by promoting only those who did great job last time :)

Hantaran by Sher Design. Mock up hubby’s hantaran aritu… ;)

Speaking of result my wedding vendors, most popular q thrown out that day was regarding lova as the last entry freaked some out ;(…I’ve expected it anyway & I felt so bad eversince the post. I had to gently remind those who asked, tak semua bad experience & tak semua bad skin mcm I :) Even sue cantik my fave tu pun I penah tgk result my fren yang tak menjadi – but I still trust her to makeover me cos I like her consistency in giving doll-flawless result (beside Tiar), color lipstick off ke apa tu lain cerita hehe. Surprisingly too,my pengapit prefers me in lova rather than sue for her lighter, natural makeup & she even considering lova for her coming big day, see? ;) tu pandangan org yang 24jam dgn I time kenduri tuu hehe ;) So, don’t worry too much psl lova…!

Ok jom layan gamba pulak, all taken from rakan2 bloggers :P

Pelamin by Rass Deco, Que Rafael pun ada showcase their pelamin aritu ;)

doorgift pic taken from diah; kipas bulu & fancy cookies etc

Among the vendors, the popular ole-ole manis selain marryme..

2-2 tak sempat singgah ;(

leftover from my wedding telah jadi doorgift to yang singgah my booth, reason being – last time I nak buat card I pening cari layout, wording & aturcara etc..hope it helps hee!

peserta tekun dgr instruction dari anil & jai

surprise for mommy-to-be azie, tasya pun dtg all the way from Spore ;)

gambar2 kenangan koleksi fathiyah ;D

thanks again to those who came & support this event, and those who dropped by (Rosie, Azira, Chokodox, Shazana, Tahirah, Ika, Xyleen, Aim & many many more to list!) & leave some messages & your bloglink dkt my guest note ;) To those query on 2nd hand items earlier, I’ll post some close up pics & pricing soon! To Tahirah, thanks for considering us – insyaAllah we’re now ready to cater your table centerpiece or any minimal deco (guestbook area etc) :)

balik je from gathering, i terus terbongkang...hubby tolong sapukan yoko2 since my pinggang mcm dah nak patah that dayyy...but overall, i had fun meeting the rest bloggers/readers & making new friends :D

p/s : tiffany petals planned for giveaway during gath dah selamat diberi to ayna..selamat pengantin baru to u both & thanks so much for the invitation.. if hubby dpt cuti, insyaAllah we’ll be there! ;)