Updated: MAXTHER - Unique experiences at lowest prices in South East Asia

Unique experiences at lowest prices in South East Asia

Maxther.com

Maxther.com had her baby steps in January 2017, and now provides more than 80 different experience from 8 countries in Southeast Asia. And their listenings are still growing!

Maxther is a travel marketplace for Southeast Asia local experiences, begin with a group of tech nerds and travel addicts who have more than 30 years of experience in Southeast Asia travel industry. Their extensive travel in Southeast Asia and interactions with the locals over the years has inspired the concept for Maxther, that is to help locals maximize their resources and be connected globally for alternative opportunities while allowing travelers to maximize their local travel experiences. 

The concept allows for local tour operators, boutique travel agencies, local rural/urban communities, and individual (really anyone) to participate.

While there are many established online travel marketplace platforms around, this is how Maxther distinguish itself:

1) They focus on Southeast Asia/ ASEAN countries only. We look for unique, one-of-a-kind local experiences in Southeast Asia to list on their platform.

2) Maxther has free help plans, built on their travel experiences, in areas like enhancing itinerary ideas, operationalising local experiences, I.T. setup, English language etc., to assist our local partner (aka Maxperts) to put up their unique experiences successfully online. You will not find these help plans on other established platforms.

3) All Maxperts working with them are verified via checking of license & personal identification documents and face-to-face interviews. This is their assurance to their guests that their Maxperts are authentic people and licensed companies.

Review

My first impression of the Maxther that they have unique activities that allow me to learn their daily lives. None of the travel agencies can provide local experiences.  As a backpacker, I will definitely join one of the activity to learn and experience from the local lives. The activities are affordable too!

For example, they have an activity to allow you to walk in a traditional Khmer Village and the school visit in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Khmer Village is one of the poorest villages in Siem Reap Province. You can get to see the house made of palm leaves and their daily lives. Last but not least, you will be joining one of the local villager's house for lunch!

I can't wait to join this activity in June. Do check it out for my next post about this activity!

Do sign up to be Maxpert - http://maxther.com/registration/

Referral code: MAX-DIARI (USD$5 or SGD$7)

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Japan Rail Pass & trains

Do I need Japan Rail Pass?

In this trip, we did not get the rail pass because we did not travel out of Osaka.

Disclaimer - This is based on our knowledge. Any amendments please do comment.

This is my favorite website: http://www.hyperdia.com/en/

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2016.html

Japan Rail Pass News (taken from http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361.html)

1. On a trial basis, the Japan Rail Pass will become available for sale at selected stations inside of Japan from March 8, 2017, to March 31, 2018. However, the pass will be more expensive when purchased inside Japan.

2. From April 1, 2017, the pass will become unavailable to Japanese nationals with permanent residence outside of Japan.


There's been confusion on a need or a want? Here are the things that can be broken down to suit your needs.

1. JR Pass

Normally the pass will include Shinkansen, airport express train, JR region lines, bus, and trams package all in one. Prices will be steep but it's a very good value if you're visiting Japan longer and want to experience other places.

An example of a rail pass will be categorized in places called 'area'. Pick the appropriate ones and choose wisely. When purchases made online, it will be exchanged for a physical pass to use on your travels. While this is a good option to have, be cautious of the train services. Some Shinkansen trains will be affected by your ticket. If the service is not on your pass, you'll have to pay the price difference.

2. Cost per travel - Buying tickets at the train station

Best suited if you're making arrangement for short distance journey. This option is made by going to the ticketing automated machine or through the ticket counter if you're not sure how to purchase the ticket. Most of the machine in Japan are in Japanese but using the machine is very easy when you're used to buying it. Just selected the desired location amount that you want to go and pop in coins or notes into the slot. If let's say you have reach upon the station and the amount is not sufficient to exit, there will be a "fare adjustment" machine to match the exit amount.


Different type of trains

But first, before hopping onboard the train, do check the timetable of the train. Japanese trains have a vast variety of services. Subway trains are less complex. Look at the timetable and be sure about it or you can ask the friendly staffs there for assistance. Most of the time we are using Google Maps as timetable are integrated into the app itself.

Trains are categories as follow:

1- Local (Stops at every station)
2- Rapid (Skip most stations. No price difference)
3- Limited Express (Stops at major station. Surcharge will be applied)
4- Super Express, Shinkansen (Runs on different track and platform. Different charges may apply for your rail pass)

Before entering the paid zone, be aware of where to slot in your ticket. If you do not have the ticket in your hand, the barrier will close automatically.

When at the station platform, there is guidance where to stand. Signs will indicate how many cars depending on the service. For example, a rapid airport express route will be having a 9 car formation (3 cars + 6 cars). Station announcement will indicate before the train arrives at the platform. So listen carefully. Most services have combined trains such as the rapid airport express which will uncouple at a station before the train proceeds to the next destination.

Inside the train, it's very quiet. Please take note that there are few of priority seats. Announcements are made in both Japanese and English.

Be sure to get ready your ticket when exiting the machine. Any adjustment of fare can be made at the fare adjustment machine.

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Japan and Taiwan budget travel - 12 Days 11 Nights $1780

Japan-Taiwan 2016

Date of travel – 19 December – 30 December

Flight

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Osaka, Japan (One-way ticket by AirAsia)

Price: $125 SGD

Osaka, Japan – Kaohsiung, Taiwan (One-way ticket by Peach Airline)

Price: $130 SGD

Budget Peach Airline

It's so spacious

Kaohsiung, Taiwan – Singapore (One-way ticket by Scoot Airline)

Price: $200 SGD

Total price: $455 SGD

Accommodation

Osaka, Japan

6 Nights in Airbnb (Entire House)

Price: $184 per person
https://www.airbnb.com.sg/rooms/4968226

Two single bed

Kitchen

Bathroom

Even provide washing machine

Kaohsiung, Taiwan

4 nights in Legend Hotel Pier 2 

Price: $110 SGD per person - provide breakfast

Hotel Lobby

B1 - XBox console, Toilet, Laundry

Multiple charging ports and 2 USB ports

Toilet

Bathroom

2 Single beds

Taichung, Taiwan

1 night in MINI HOTELS (Feng Jia Branch)

Price: $32 SGD per person

Outside MINI HOTELS

Lobby

Breakfast Corner

Lobby

Toilet

Staircase to the bed

Double bedroom

Total cost for 11 nights: $326  SGD

Total spend in Transportation, Food, Clothes and etc.

Japan - $650 SGD 

Taiwan - $350 SGD (even included HSR)

Here's a short video on the transport we took in Taiwan

Total spend in Japan and Taiwan: $1781 for total 12 Days 11 Nights.

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Malaysia, Johor Bahru - Boat Noodle

I love to eat boat noodle especially the spicy and sour taste of the sauce. The boat noodle origin from Thailand.

If you miss Thailand food, you can try out "Boat Noodle" in Malaysia, Johor Bahru. However, the taste of the food is not 100% same as in Thailand.

Menu

Menu

There are not many varieties but their food are standard.

This is how you take your order. Likewise, in Thailand, the same principle of accompanying food items are at your side table. Psst, the fish sauce is definitely worth to add in to your boat noodle.

Once you decide what to order, call  the staffs and they take your orders.

The ice milk tea taste so milky. Those who like to add more condense milk then this is specially for you.

First up it's the Grilled Chicken Meatball. True to its menu, very juicy and sauce accompanied very well.

Here comes the main part. On the top right is clear soup based which is called Pathumtani and the others are Ayutthaya. You have options whether to go for the rice or egg noodle. Our recommendations go for the rice noodle which in this picture.

Pathumthani recipe is a dark soy sauce broth with an appetizingly sour-ish and delicately spicy flavor. 

Ayutthaya has an intensify flavor based creamy dark broth with no less than ten herbs and spices. 

After the satisfying meal, you can make your way to the cashier to make a payment. Do take note that they accept cash only.

Rating 1.5/5  😟 

Andress: Komtar JBCC, 80000 Johor Bahru, at Level 3

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Singapore Wake Park - The adrenaline rush in water

Formally known as Ski360, now managed by the Island Lifestyle Group, it’s Singapore’s only cable-ski park that offers the thrill from ages of 10 to seniors in their 50s (assessment based on individual’s water competence and general fitness level), includes wakeboarding and water skiing that is in a safe enclosed body water. Located in the lagoon of East Coast park, this place has attracted the interest of many who are interested in finding new activities to do.

But before that, currently they are running a promotion. From now till 30th November, 2 person are entitled for the price of one. Terms and conditions apply.

Opened throughout the week, both in daytime and night time, this revamp place has a full-sized cable system and two System 2.0s (Suitable for beginners and novice riders). A person that is introductory of this sport are most welcome as the instructors will guide you through the process. In other words, putting fear aside and bring your inner self of confidence to conquer different kind of challenges.

How to get there?

Getting to the place is easy, whether from taking bus, train, car or whichever mode of transport where you come from, especially bicycles (since it’s East Coast park), the place has a unique designated area.

From Bedok, you have to take a bus to reach to the destination. It’ isn’t far and preferably service 197. Dropping off at Laguna park, take a walk and pass by Victoria School, upon seeing the expressway, walk straight towards the underground passageway. Another service 401 only operate during the weekend which will bring directly to the bus stop nearer.

Only operate during the weekend.

By Car or taxi, going through ECP highway, exit 7A and take the Laguna Flyover into East Coast Park Service Road. Park at Car Park E1 and walk 500m to Singapore Wake Park.

Upon reaching, you’ll be greeted by the friendly people at the shop. Whereby purchases have to be made first before getting to the water. But before beginning the ride, you'll require to sign a Liability Waiver Form. Remember to bring along your identification card for verification purposes. After that, getting change is easy as there are toilet and shower facility with locker storage at your convenience. Do remember bring your own personal lock or you can buy from there from $3 per lock. The park also offers many complementary facilities and services including free wireless connectivity.

Dress code & safety gear

It is advisable to dress comfortably for being in the water for a period of time. Do also bring a towel and a change of clothes.

You'll be given a life vest, which is extremely well build quality and a helmet.

The Lagoon

Source from : https://uscablewakeparks.wordpress.com/2016/06/15/new-worldwide-full-size-cable-wakeboard-parks-2015-2016-opened-coming-soon/

Okay let's dive into the main part of this post. Divided by 3 sections from System 2.0 (A & B) and Full-size cable system. But before

System 2.0 for beginners (A & B)

This section offers the fundamental knowledge on how to cable ski when you’re first timer. This system is great for anyone from learning to kneeboard or stand on the wakeboard. Section A was practically easy, lining up your position and knowing the posture on how to start off. The sitting start was most comfortable for me. Best of all, you can take your time to learn as this is only one person at a time hence creating a safe learning environment whereby the instructor focuses only on one rider each time. The speed is adjustable, which makes leaning how to stand on a wakeboard easier, and it also means gentle falls. Perfect for young children and those just starting out on the wakeboard.

Section A - Teaches you how to begin

Section B - This is where you'll be levelling up. Teaches how to deep water start in case you accidentally fall inside the water and doing a figure of '8'. Basically, it's the manoeuvring turns.

Based on my experience, first try out wasn’t as easy. But throughout on trying again, it was a joy to be riding again and again. Till the time you didn’t notice, you are having fun. I have been lost of words by how incredible this new sport for me.  

Section C : Full size cable system

If you have what it takes from the two sections, then it's time to bring in the challenge to the next level. Key features include 6 towers and 6 evenly-spaced carriers, advanced sensor technology and environmentally-friendly cable system. There's a max capacity of 6 riders at each time. I didn't manage to ride on this system as mostly were spend time on System 2.0. What I was told is that this is much faster to anticipate and uses a much more thicker wire. They adding obstacles in the full size cable system soon in the near future such as (Kickers, Box, Rail, Grom Table, Pipe).

Hungry for an appetite? Coastal Rhythm got you covered.

 If you are feeling hungry or accompany someone at this place, they have a café and bar. Coastal Rhythm serves up international and local cuisine for both the public and park visitors.

The food place has a seating capacity from 80 - 100. Opening hours from 10am - 11pm on Mon - Thurs (last food order at 930pm), Fridays and Eve of Public Holidays, 10am - 1am (last food order at 1030pm), Saturdays, 9am - 1am (last food order at 1030pm), Sundays and Public Holidays, 9am - 11pm (last food order at 930pm). Do note that their full menu course are available from 11am onwards. During operational hours, sandwiches and snacks are available.

For more information you may visit their website:

http://singaporewakepark.com

Monday – Friday: 10am – 10pm

Saturday, Sundays and Public Holidays : 9am – 10pm

(Check on their website for the most updated opening hours)

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