The Big Event

4th June 2010
Westin Resort & SPA, Langkawi

I was wide awake early in the morning. Despite lying on the extra comfortable bed and wonderful atmosphere at Westin, I just could not put myself to slumber. In my heart, I know why I was not able to. It was not just happening on that particular day, it had been a occurring since the last few days.

I made the decision to wake up, brushed my teeth and changed. Looking at the bed, Furby was still deep in slumber. Gently brushed her hair and pecked her forehead, enough to wake her up a little, I told her that I am going out for a walk in the hotel area and take a few shots with my camera. But in my mind I know there was something more than that I need to do.

I walked to the hotel Reception, there was this petite sized lady named Ms. Azlina there talking to some hotel guest. I waited for them to finish their business. When my turn came, I talked to Azlina and told her my requests and arrangements that required the Westin's staffs help. The conversation took about 15 - 30 minutes, several other staffs came and go, some of them got really exited, some gave me a confident smile enough to entrust them with my quest. I left the Reception and headed to the beach and pool. Took a few shots and returned to my room.

Furby is still sleeping when I entered the room. Woke her up and ask her to get herself ready as we are leaving for breakfast and internet session at nearby cafes. Westin does not provide free internet and we opt for free internet hot spots at Starbucks, Big Apple and Kenny Roggers. It was according to my plans perfectly for us to leave the hotel in order for the arrangements to take place during our absent.

We spent around 2 hours and returned to the hotel. I handed Furby the room key and she entered the room with me following closely at the back. Our room was cleaned by the hotel's Housekeeping with something extra that I had requested. Furby was surprised! I could hear her repeating "Oh my god!" and "Why is our room decorated?". Our bed was decorated nicely with rose petals. A bottle of champagne was chilled in an ice bucket. Our room's bathtub is filled with pure white bubble and speck of rose petals. While she was in the mid of confusion, I snuck out a bouquet of roses from the cupboard and approach her from behind. She turned around and looked at me in pure confusion. I lead her to the bed and showed her something is in the middle of our bed. Covered among rose petals. A tiny red box waiting for someone to discover. I took the red box get on knees and opened the tiny red box to reveal its content to Furby.

"Will you marry me?" I asked Furby.

She was in shock, bedazzled and thinking if what she saw in front of her eyes were true. Slowly I saw tears rolling down her cheek. She took some moments to calm down and analyze. Still on my knees my heart was beating crazily not knowing how will she respond.

"I will look after you for the rest of time and love you forever and ever" I said while looking into her eyes. "Will you marry me?" I asked again. At this point of time, my mind was totally blank just waiting for her respond.

Furby's eyes was all watery and she nodded. My heart was filled with joy and I was so happy to see her simple gesture that means a world to me. I lifted the ring and slowly put it on to her finger. (I made a mistake to put the ring to her ring finger instead of her middle finger :-p) Never in my life I dreamed me putting an engagement ring to my beloved woman. I was really a heart-stopping time of my life.
I let Furby sit on the couch to let her relax herself after the mind blowing event that just shocked her. Then I lift up the bottle of Moet & Chandon and pop it open to celebrate our engagement. Must be the sweetest champagne I have ever tasted. ^^

I Love You Furby :-)

The organizers. Super helpful staffs of Westin, Langkawi who executed my proposal plan wonderfully. Many thanks to them especially to Miss Azlina of the Reception.
D90 35mm f/2 lens @ 1/50sec, f/2, ISO 400

Flower petal decorated bed with a little surprise in the middle
D90 12-24mm f/4 lens @ 1/60sec, f/4, ISO 200, Flash fired

Heart and something extra
D90 35mm f/2 lens @ 1/60sec, f/2.8, ISO 200, Flash fired

Flower, champagne and ring
D90 35mm f/2 lens @ 1/60sec, f/2.8, ISO 200, Flash fired

Solitaire ring waiting for her destined owner
D90 35mm f/2 lens @ 1/60sec, f/2.8, ISO 200, Flash fired

Moet & Chandon to celebrate us
D90 35mm f/2 lens @ 1/60sec, f/2.8, ISO 200, Flash fired

Champagne champagne ^^
D90 35mm f/2 lens @ 1/60sec, f/2.8, ISO 200, Flash fired

Modest complimentary gift from Westin
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More flowers ^^
D90 35mm f/2 lens @ 1/60sec, f/5.6, ISO 200, Flash fired

View of flower petal bubble bath from the bedroom
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So nice
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My beautiful fiancee ^^ (Although Furby keeps complaining that this two picture of her looks ugly >"< )
D90 35mm f/2 lens @ 1/25sec, f/2, ISO 360

She accepted my proposal ^^ I Love You Furby
D90 35mm f/2 lens @ 1/15sec, f/2, ISO 640

Here I would like to thank everyone who helped me for making my proposal a success. Especially my sister Emily who gave me lots of courage and helped me with my ring hunting, Ms. Azlina of Westin for arranging everything so perfectly  as I planned on my behalf and my friends and family who gave me their support and wishes. Thank you :-)

Langkawi, The Finale

Langkawi has been a special place for me. Lots of nice memories are found at this wonderful island. Fun with friends, crazy moments with colleagues, romantic getaway with loved one and most importantly, realizing one of my life's most important event which I'll post about it later. Keep tuned ;-)

Below are pictures of some final moments took before parting from memorable Langkawi.

Little bird sun bathing after taking a dip in the sea. Taken at The Westin's private jetty
D90 35mm f/2 lens @ 1/80sec, f/11, ISO 200

Furby poses at The Westin's main entrance
D90 35mm f/2 lens @ 1/1600sec, f/4, ISO 200

Furby poses at The Andaman's main entrance
D90 35mm f/2 lens @ 1/500sec, f/5.6, ISO 200

Furby poses with the rented Honda Jazz. Great car at a reasonable rental price for RM320 for three days
D90 35mm f/2 lens @ 1/400sec, f/5.6, ISO 200

The Westin's Airport Lounge for their hotel customer to rest while waiting for the flight. Food, beverage, internet and massage is available at a cost.
Here again I applied cross processing technique to add a different feel to the picture. Also cropped it to square and added frame to it.
D90 35mm f/2 lens @ 1/13sec, f/5.6, ISO 200

Next up, what is the big event?

The Andaman - R&R and MISC Pictures

It's been some time since I post about our trip to Langkawi. So I've decided to finish up the remaining posts and wrap up this chapter and move on with some more interesting stuff happening recentely. Some Rest and Relax and miscellaneous pictures snapped at Andaman. Our stay in Andaman is a pleasant experience. The whole environment is quiet and peaceful. Living in the middle of mother nature soothes our heart and releases our mind from the stress at work. Highly recommended to those who wants a place to escape from the busy city.

Furby relaxing and playing her Iphone at the Lobby Lounge
D90 12-24mm f/4 lens @ 24mm, 1/50 sec, f/4, ISO 200

Sweet and sexy
D90 35mm f/2 lens @ 1/15 sec, f/8, ISO 200

Furby's sexy back.
Here I isolated Furby's body and the wooden rail and cross processed the background for a different feel.
D90 35mm f/2 lens @ 1/20 sec, f/5.6, ISO 200

Warning on the hotel room window: Monkeys will attempt to enter your room in search of food! Always lock the window!
D90 12-24mm f/4 lens @ 24mm, 1/2000 sec, f/4, ISO 200

Monkey easily spotted around the hotel. This one is happily eating a banana that I gave them ^^ Here I used my seldom utilized AF-S 80-200mm f/2.8 lens to capture this picture. It's a great lens but just sometimes hard to bring around due to it's huge size. I preferred traveling light :-p
D90 80-200mm f/2.8 lens @ 200mm, 1/1250 sec, f/2.8, ISO 200

Not just monkeys are abundant. Squirrels too!
D90 80-200mm f/2.8 lens @ 200mm, 1/160 sec, f/2.8, ISO 200

Elegant orchid flower decorated in our room
D90 35mm f/2 lens @ 1/125 sec, f/2.8, ISO 200

Another warning sign to beware of monitor lizard crossing! We are really staying in the jungle.
D90 35mm f/2 lens @ 1/15 sec, f/5.6, ISO 500

Rain forest trees have become part of the hotel.
D90 35mm f/2 lens @ 1/15 sec, f/2.8, ISO 900

The view from our hotel room. Cross processed the picture as the original is quite plain
D90 12-24mm f/4 lens @ 12mm, 1/320 sec, f/8, ISO 200

Next up: Final post for our Langkawi Trip

F&B @ The Andaman

Our experience for F&B in The Andaman was a great one. As mentioned in my previous post, during checking in we are served with a tasty welcome drink at their lounge. Mix fruit juice served in a handcrafted cup holder really cooled us down from the heat of the day.

When we check in at The Andaman, we were not informed by the resort staff that we will get discounted price for F&B like in Westin. But that does not stop us from exploring the dining experience at this marvelous 5 star resort. (Also in the fact that we are in a deserted area of Langkawi, that we will not find any restaurant around in 30 mins driving distance :p) The Andaman have a few restaurants on their Hall of Fame for our selection. And we decided to try their Japanese Restaurant for dinner. We made a reservation in advanced as the resort staffs did advised us to do so just in case the table are fully occupied.

At 8.30pm we presented ourselves at the Japanese Restaurant and we were greeted by their hostess dressed in traditional Japanese Kimono. The restaurant decoration and interior designs are very traditional Japanese style. We are brought to our table and given refreshing towel to cool us down from the humidity. Selecting from their menu will quite difficult as most of the dish name are in romanized Japanese. If you are not used to Japanese food, their waitress are more than helpful to give you explanation and recommendation. Our choice of the day: Teriyaki Chicken Katsu don, Sushi and Cold Soba with Japanese Ice Cream and Banana Crepe for dessert.

Their food is great. The Teriyaki Chicken is very tender and Furby say the rice is just delicious. Sushi is very very fresh and Soba is equally delicious. Yum yum :p Green Tea, Red Bean and Vanilla flavored ice cream is up to our expectation. The crepe is also very tasty. ^.^ The bill is charged to our room and unexpectedly, when we check out the next day we found out that we have 50% discount too ^.^

Pictures says a thousand words:

Welcome Drink at the Lobby Lounge. Tasty fruit mix juice served in handcrafted cup holder.
D90 12-24mm f/4 @ 1/20 sec, f/4, ISO200

Japanese Restaurant
The way that Andaman name their restaurants is very unique. The Restaurant , Japanese Restaurant, Beach Bar, Lobby Lounge to name a few.
D90 12-24mm f/4 @ 1/15 sec, f/4, ISO450

Japanese Restaurant - How it looks inside. Having quite a traditional Japanese interior design.
D90 12-24mm f/4 @ 1/15 sec, f/4, ISO1600

Japanese Restaurant - Another view on the interior. There is a section for Teppanyaki.
D90 12-24mm f/4 @ 1/15 sec, f/4, ISO1600

Japanese Restaurant - Japanese Green Tea, must have when having Japanese food :-)
D90 35mm f/2 @ 1/13sec, f/2.8, ISO1600

Japanese Restaurant - Tasty grilled salmon with seasoned vege with some special sauce for appetizer.
D90 35mm f/2 @ 1/15sec, f/2.8, ISO1600

Japanese Restaurant - Main course, Chicken Terriyaki Katsu don.
D90 35mm f/2 @ 1/13sec, f/2.8, ISO1600

Japanese Restaurant - Sushi, yum yum. Very fresh.
D90 35mm f/2 @ 1/15sec, f/2.8, ISO1000

Japanese Restaurant - Traditional must try Cold Soba
D90 35mm f/2 @ 1/15sec, f/2.8, ISO1600

Japanese Restaurant - Japanese Ice Cream for Dessert. Flavours: Green Tea, Red Bean and Vanilla. Splendid way to end our meal ^.^
D90 35mm f/2 @ 1/15sec, f/2.8, ISO1000

The Japanese Restaurant - Bibi : Itadakimasu!
D90 35mm f/2 @ 1/15sec, f/2.8, ISO1250

The Andaman, Langkawi

First of all, I'm kinda delayed my posting for the remaining of my Langkawi pictures. Bunch of reasons for me not posting. Mainly is lazy, work, no internet blah blah blah... Anyway, these is the pictures for our second 5 stars resort stay at Langkawi - The Andaman.

Same like our previous hotel -  Westin, we got discounted price for our stay in The Andaman too thanks for Furby's sis for booking at staff's price. ^^ The Andaman is one of the prestigious hotel in Langkawi. Why did I say that? Cause they say so. :D At the main entrance, you will see their sign board saying: The Andaman, A Luxury Collection Resort. Being in the same status as some of the world renown hotels like Sheraton Grande Laguna - Phuket, Grand Mauritian Resort & Spa - Mauritius, Hotel Gritti Palace - Venice, Prince de Galles - Paris, The US Grant - San Diego, Marques de Riscal - Elciego and many more at their website.

The Andaman is hidden in the North-West of the island. It is surrounded by 50 million-year-old rain forest and faces the coastal beach of Datai and the emerald Andaman Sea. Really a good feng shui as the Cantonese saying goes "Pui san min hoi". The resort is really unique in the sense that it is built in a rain forest surrounding and most of the architecture is based on the Malaysian architecture. Plenty of wooden structure, carved furniture and decoration and the roof are using wood tiles. It is not an ordinary hotel you can find around Malaysia. No wonder it is A Luxury Collection Resort.

Once we arrived at the resort, the friendly porter came and unload our luggage and parked our car. The gong was sounded to welcome us to this luxurious resort. At the lobby, we are greeted by a friendly staff and everything else is settled by by her. We just need to pass her our document and relax at the Lounge sipping a tasty mix fruit juice. It take about 10 minutes and we have our room key ready and the porter show us to our room. By the way we got upgraded to a seaview deluxe room  FOC. ^.^

This are some of the pictures of The Andaman. Enjoy ;-)

We spend our third night here in Langkawi
D90 35mm f/2 @ 1/320 sec, f/5.6, ISO200

The lobby and reception area of The Andaman. Very authentic Malaysian feel interior. Lots of wooden structure and carving.
D90 12-24mm f/4 @ 12mm, 1/15 sec, f/4, ISO450

Another view of the Lobby
D90 12-24mm f/4 @ 12mm, 1/15 sec, f/4, ISO1250

View from the Lounge. Swimming pool, trees, beach and the sea. Really a great place to relax your mind from the busy city life.
D90 12-24mm f/4 @ 12mm, 1/1600 sec, f/4, ISO200

Night view of The Andaman's main building from the pool side
D90 12-24mm f/4 @ 12mm, 25 sec, f/8, ISO400

The Andaman's swimming pool by night, out shone by the Beach Bar and Pool Side Terrace Restaurant.
D90 12-24mm f/4 @ 12mm, 30 sec, f/8, ISO400

Our Seaview Deluxe Room with very comfortable Twin Queen Size beds. Sound of waves washing to the beach can be heard from our room. Super relaxing.
D90 12-24mm f/4 @ 12mm, 1/40 sec, f/4, ISO200

The bathroom with big bath tub which accommodates 2 person :)
D90 12-24mm f/4 @ 12mm, 1/20 sec, f/4, ISO200

View from the balcony of our room. Can see monkeys hanging on the walkway, lots of green, beach and the emerald sea.
D90 12-24mm f/4 @ 12mm, 1/2000 sec, f/4, ISO200

The Lion Roars! Pussy Version

This cat is relaxing under the shades and I managed to snap this great moment of him yawning. ^.^
Shot at Perdana Quay when we are going to The Loaf Bakery & Bistro, Langkawi.

D90 35mm f/2 at 1/1600sec, f/2.8, ISO 200

The Loaf, Langkawi

The Loaf is a Japanese style bakery & bistro in Perdana Quay in Langkawi. The Loaf can be found in the row of building in a very European styled architecture facing  fleets of yacht and sails parked at the marina of Perdana Quay. Very relaxing atmosphere where you can enjoy a piece of nice pastry in a tranquil environment. Nothing you can find in busy cities and other popular destinations. The Loaf features a wide selection of world class pastry in traditional and creative style. Also in their menu, they serve fresh and healthy selection of A-la-Cart food and beverage to suite everyone's taste. Little that I know that, the bakery is actually owned by our Former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir. Once you entered the bakery, you will see a big banner Chef Yosuke Imai, Champion of "California Raisin" contest proudly displayed. Truly a world class bakery found only in Langkawi. The Loaf now have several franchises around Kuala Lumpur and Selangor if you are too tight with your schedule and still like to have a taste of their great pastry.
This our second time visiting to The Loaf actually. The first was in 2008 when me and my crazy gang of 13 came and create havoc in Langkawi. Our gang leader Mr. CH Tan and her wifey recommended us to The Loaf. It was really happy trip and also very memorable for me and Furby. ^.^

The Loaf, a Japanese style bakery & bistro in Perdana Quay in Langkawi.
D90 12-24mm f/4 at 1/2000sec, f/5.6, ISO 200

Furby at the entrance of The Loaf.
D90 35mm f/2 at 1/1000sec, f/2.8, ISO 200

Vast selection of bread freshly baked to suite everyone's taste.
D90 12-24mm f/4 at 1/30sec, f/4, ISO 200

Nicely arranged and comfortable interior.
D90 12-24mm f/4 at 1/60sec, f/4, ISO 200

Cozy couches is optional if one is interested for a relaxing treat of delicious bread. This is also the table me and my crazy gang sat the first time we visited The Loaf. Brings back memories.
D90 12-24mm f/4 at 1/15sec, f/4, ISO 200

My 12-24mm found his distant family members. ^.^
D90 35mm f/2 at 1/20sec, f/5.6, ISO 200

Lovely Furby waiting patiently for the freshly baked breads to be served.
D90 12-24mm f/4 at 1/100sec, f/4, ISO 200

Bon Appetit
D90 35mm f/2 at 1/80sec, f/5.6, ISO 200

My favorite breads - Butter Croissant, Fungi Cheese and Sausage.
D90 35mm f/2 at 1/40sec, f/5.6, ISO 200

Healthy spaghetti with zucchini, mushrooms and tomatoes in pesto sauce is our choice of the day.
D90 35mm f/2 at 1/40sec, f/5.6, ISO 200

European styled back streets at Perdana Quay. Furby poses after a delicious meal at The Loaf.
D90 12-24mm f/4 at 1/800sec, f/5.6, ISO 200