Earn an income while spending time with kids at home?

You can do it too!

Our Convenient Kuala Lumpur Getaway

ADVERTORIAL, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL | 10 comments

I know I’ve talked about going to Kuala Lumpur a lot and I’ve even blogged about it more than once. But! Every trip is different and this time, I’m 26 weeks pregnant and we went sans the helper. (Gasp! Horror(ish)!). We survived or rather I survived – all thanks to a bit of meticulous planning. Self-patting on the back.

First off, I booked the flight and hotel waaayyy in advance. I went with The Boulevard as our choice of hotel because MidValley Megamall and The Gardens is pretty much THE reason for our trip. And also because Nick’s cousin is getting married.

Next, I make sure we have data roaming while we’re on holiday because it makes life easier, don’t you think? So the night before we left, I got myself an M Card prepaid card from M1, which comes with free 500MB data bundled. And the best thing about M Card is….. wait for it... I can use my existing data bundle in Malaysia (Celcom) at a local data rate. No additional cost! And I could also turn on my phone as a hotspot to share with Nick. Savings for the whole family. I’m pretty sure I won some brownie points here 😉

I purchased my M Card from M1 shop at Paragon Shopping Centre, but you can easily get it from any physical convenient shops like Cheers or 7-11. Just remember to activate your data roaming before you leave Singapore, right at the airport or whenever you have 2 minutes, or when you reach your destination. The activation process couldn’t be simpler:

In Singapore:
Dial #100✲8✲1# on your phone. Select “Enable data roaming” option and confirm your request. Done! Don’t worry if you can’t remember the steps. It’s available in the little booklet that comes with the SIM card.

When you arrive at your destination:
Ensure you are connected to the preferred networks (Celcom for Malaysia, XL Axiata for Indonesia,Chunghwa Telecom for Taiwan, SmarTone for Hong Kong and Macau. Turn on both Mobile Data and Data Roaming in phone settings menu. I’m so glad I activated my card right away because these hands are full when you are travelling with 2 young children.

Off we go….

We took a mid-morning flight and landed an hour later. I swapped my SIM card to M1 Prepaid Card during the flight and immediately have data access upon arrival.

A quick Whatsapp message to tell my sister that we’ve landed and where to pick us up. Hurray to no more expensive roaming phone calls and no more scrambling around KLIA looking to purchase a local SIM card.

An hour later, we arrived at our hotel. Television’s on and the kids took all of two minutes to make themselves at home.

Meanwhile, here is one of the ever hardworking Nick logging into work using my data connection. You’re welcome, hun.

Did I mention the hotel we stayed in is connected to MidValley Megamall? I planned that and if you want to note down the genius idea for your next trip to Kuala Lumpur, I don’t blame you. An elevator ride later, we are at the centre of the action!

Lauren was reunited with her beloved cousins. I used the ‘we are going to see Mithraa and Rohan this weekend, you do as I say or you stay home’ card prior to the trip and it worked splendidly. If only I can think of what other threats I can use after the trip.

Tummies were rumbling and a quick check on ‘what to eat in MidValley’ on Google, pointed us to Dragon-I for la-mians, pork chop fried rice, crispy eel (my fav!), dumplings and double boiled soups.

The next day… the wedding day (not mine)….

We had to get to Nick’s grandparents’ place for the wedding and tea ceremony at 9am in the morning. So the best way to make sure we were on time and not get lost was to book our ride through Uber.

Meanwhile, a quick photo and instant upload on Instagram while we waited for our ride to arrive.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BHWNy7tBEYA/?taken-by=thechillmom

The groom party arrived and Lauren did the all-important car door opening ceremony. Poor girl was frightened by the honking, she refused to open the car door. Daddy Nick to the rescue and did it for her.

A few challenges and dancing for the groom and groomsmen and they had the bride!

After the early ceremony, we headed back to the hotel for a siesta. After a quick dip in the hotel swimming pool, we were off again for the wedding reception. After I bribed my sister into babysitting, Nick and I got to enjoy the food in peace and catch up time with the rest of the extended family.

“You can take a mum away from her children, but you can never take the children away from her heart”, once said a wise person or I think I just made that up. Anyway, thanks to my sister and M1 Prepaid data roaming, I was kept updated about what’s happening with the kiddos back at the hotel.

Last day…

Started my day with a plateful of fruits from the hotel breakfast buffet…. followed by nasi lemak and croissant with cheese. I believe in lining my stomach with the healthy stuff first.

The shopping continued at The Gardens, a mall right next door to MidValley.

Lauren and Georgia make great shopping companions. After chasing each other around the shops, they found the clothes racks to be excellent for playing hide and seek.

One of the best thing to do whilst in Malaysia is to eat! We went to The Han Room for dim sum lunch with my mother-in-law, aunties and grand aunt.

While we chatted away, YouTube kept Lauren occupied.

Oh… and one more thing about having data roaming with M Card while you are on holiday is you can check-in to your flight online to save time at the airport!

That’s it on my hassle free and convenient travel with M Card. You can find more information on M Card here.

HELLO! I’M MICHELLE.

I love my family, building successful ventures and helping others achieve their dream motherhood. This blog combines those three loves.

Find out more about me here.

BROWSE

10 Comments

Ai Sakura on 14/07/2016 at 3:33 PM

Seems like a really good deal! Especially if you can use your existing data overseas at local prices. Roaming plans can be so darn expensive!

Ai @
Sakura Haruka
- Michelle on 14/07/2016 at 4:22 PM
  
  Oh yes. I only activated $10 for data and it lasted more than the 3 days we were away. I still have remaining credits in the card for local data connection and calls until today!
Lynn Lee on 14/07/2016 at 4:27 PM

You really make the planning of the trip sound so easy! If I ever decide to go KL, I think I will just use your guide.
- Michelle on 14/07/2016 at 4:36 PM
  
  Not much of a guide except book a hotel that connects to where you will eat, shop and play. Save on transportation fares. And staying connected with cheap data roaming helps heaps!
Adeline Tan on 14/07/2016 at 8:18 PM

You look so radiant and relaxed! Great idea to book a hotel that is connected to a mall, especially in places like KL, where traffic can be quite a nightmare. The M1 deal sounds great, and I’ll be sure to keep it in mind for our next trip to Malaysia!
AJugglingMom on 14/07/2016 at 8:46 PM

I shall remember this when I head up to JB next time. We love to dine at Dragon I whenever we’re in Malaysia and my daughter is a fan of their XLB 🙂
David Sim on 14/07/2016 at 9:42 PM

Thanks for reminding me about the variety of shopping and dining options in KL. I love to see the decor of the mega KL malls, they really go all out to decorate.
Debs G on 15/07/2016 at 9:05 AM

I have never been to KL (shocking, I know) but you make the trip sound so effortless and fun. Good tip on booking a hotel connected to a mall so that you don’t have to fight the traffic!
Irene Soh on 19/07/2016 at 10:19 AM

Wah. Didn’t know can buy local prepaid sim cards and use overseas!!! Thanks for sharing. Now I know!!
- Michelle on 19/07/2016 at 10:31 AM
  
  Awesome right? No more missing out on important messages when we are travelling 🙂