The morning view of the spectacular Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang
Day 21 (19.04.2013) Lijiang (丽江) to Lugu Lake (泸沽湖)
For today and the next 3 days were actually the long way return journey back to Chengdu then to Malaysia. We have to return to Lugu Lake by bus first then to Xichang by bus and to Chengdu by overnight train.
We took the 7.10am bus from the Lijiang new bus station for a 6 hour journey to Lugu Lake. The normal bus journey is 8 hours, but this crazy bus driver did it in 6 hours. It was hell of a ride as the driver was speeding all the way and taking corners without slowing down. We were all very distress in the bus, however, we were lucky that we were still alive to tell the story.
We all had a good rest after lunch, but, Lim Cheng Tee rented a new bicycle to cycle across the lake vide the marriage wooden bridge to visit the villages there. He however, came back at 8.45pm after our dinner at 7.30pm and got us all very worried. We had wanted to report to the police and rent a van to look for him. Lily Yap had prayed very hard for his safe return and her prayer to our relieved was answered.
Sleeping: Wind’s Guesthouse (湖畔宾馆) in Lugu Lake
From Lijiang we traveled by bus for 6 hours to Lugu Lake and the main attraction here is the stunning beauty of this forest-lined lake with sapphire blue water as viewed from the mountain road.
The view of Lugu Lake from the mountain road on the way down to Loshui (落水) town.
The bus stopped here to pick up more passengers at Loshui (落水) town the northern part of the Lugu lake.
Home made rice wine on the house during lunch at a restaurant beside Wind’s Guesthouse (湖畔宾馆) in Lugu Lake.
The field is ready for replanting around the Lugu Lake area.
The field is ready for replanting around the Lugu Lake area.
Lugu Lake spectacular sight will cut into your mind forever, attesting to the beauty of God's creations.
Lugu Lake spectacular sight will cut into your mind forever, attesting to the beauty of God's creations.
Lugu Lake spectacular sight will cut into your mind forever, attesting to the beauty of God's creations.
Lugu Lake spectacular sight will cut into your mind forever, attesting to the beauty of God's creations.
Lugu Lake spectacular sight will cut into your mind forever, attesting to the beauty of God's creations.
Lugu Lake spectacular sight will cut into your mind forever, attesting to the beauty of God's creations.
Mosuo tribe is one of the last practising matriarchal societies in the world at Lugu Lake.
Mosuo tribe is one of the last practising matriarchal societies in the world at Lugu Lake.
For today and the next 3 days were actually the long way return journey back to Chengdu then to Malaysia. We have to return to Lugu Lake by bus first then to Xichang by bus and to Chengdu by overnight train.
We took the 7.10am bus from the Lijiang new bus station for a 6 hour journey to Lugu Lake. The normal bus journey is 8 hours, but this crazy bus driver did it in 6 hours. It was hell of a ride as the driver was speeding all the way and taking corners without slowing down. We were all very distress in the bus, however, we were lucky that we were still alive to tell the story.
We all had a good rest after lunch, but, Lim Cheng Tee rented a new bicycle to cycle across the lake vide the marriage wooden bridge to visit the villages there. He however, came back at 8.45pm after our dinner at 7.30pm and got us all very worried. We had wanted to report to the police and rent a van to look for him. Lily Yap had prayed very hard for his safe return and her prayer to our relieved was answered.
Sleeping: Wind’s Guesthouse (湖畔宾馆) in Lugu Lake
From Lijiang we traveled by bus for 6 hours to Lugu Lake and the main attraction here is the stunning beauty of this forest-lined lake with sapphire blue water as viewed from the mountain road.
The view of Lugu Lake from the mountain road on the way down to Loshui (落水) town.
The bus stopped here to pick up more passengers at Loshui (落水) town the northern part of the Lugu lake.
Home made rice wine on the house during lunch at a restaurant beside Wind’s Guesthouse (湖畔宾馆) in Lugu Lake.
The field is ready for replanting around the Lugu Lake area.
The field is ready for replanting around the Lugu Lake area.
Lugu Lake spectacular sight will cut into your mind forever, attesting to the beauty of God's creations.
Lugu Lake spectacular sight will cut into your mind forever, attesting to the beauty of God's creations.
Lugu Lake spectacular sight will cut into your mind forever, attesting to the beauty of God's creations.
Lugu Lake spectacular sight will cut into your mind forever, attesting to the beauty of God's creations.
Lugu Lake spectacular sight will cut into your mind forever, attesting to the beauty of God's creations.
Lugu Lake spectacular sight will cut into your mind forever, attesting to the beauty of God's creations.
Mosuo tribe is one of the last practising matriarchal societies in the world at Lugu Lake.
Mosuo tribe is one of the last practising matriarchal societies in the world at Lugu Lake.
Day 22 (20.04.2013) Lugu Lake (泸沽湖) to Xichang (西昌) to Chengdu (成都)
When we left Lugu Lake in our bus at 8.30am we heard that there was a massive earthquake in Ya’an. We had actually passed by there on our Day 2 (31-3-2013) on our way to Hailuogou (海螺沟), otherwise we would have experienced the earthquake. We were all glad that the earthquake happened now or we will be trapped and unable to continue our adventure.
It was an 8 hours bus journey from Lugu Lake to Xichang arriving at 4.30pm. At the bus station we took taxi to the Xichang train station and were relieved that the train service was on. The train departed at 9.46pm for Chengdu. While waiting for the train we had nice local beer sponsored by Mr. Ng.
Sleeping: overnight train from Xichang to Chengdu
A long wait here due to the road work after a landslide from Lugu Lake to Xichang.
A long and winding road through the pine forest up in the mountain from Lugu Lake to Xichang.
At the Xichang train station VIP lounge to take the overnight train from Xichang to Chengdu.
At the Xichang train station VIP lounge to take the overnight train from Xichang to Chengdu.
Our soft bed sleepers on the overnight train from Xichang to Chengdu.
Lee Kam Boon checking the reading lights on the overnight train from Xichang to Chengdu.
Lily Yap and Lim Sok Bee are happy with the soft bed sleepers on the overnight train from Xichang to Chengdu.
Lim Cheng Tee taking a photo with the lady train inspector on the train from Xichang to Chengdu.
Day 23 (21.04.2013) Chengdu
The train supposed to arrive at Chengdu at 8am but was delayed by 5 hours arriving at 1pm. The delay was due to inspection of the railway track as a result of the earthquake at Ya’an near Chengdu.
When we left Lugu Lake in our bus at 8.30am we heard that there was a massive earthquake in Ya’an. We had actually passed by there on our Day 2 (31-3-2013) on our way to Hailuogou (海螺沟), otherwise we would have experienced the earthquake. We were all glad that the earthquake happened now or we will be trapped and unable to continue our adventure.
It was an 8 hours bus journey from Lugu Lake to Xichang arriving at 4.30pm. At the bus station we took taxi to the Xichang train station and were relieved that the train service was on. The train departed at 9.46pm for Chengdu. While waiting for the train we had nice local beer sponsored by Mr. Ng.
Sleeping: overnight train from Xichang to Chengdu
A long wait here due to the road work after a landslide from Lugu Lake to Xichang.
A long and winding road through the pine forest up in the mountain from Lugu Lake to Xichang.
At the Xichang train station VIP lounge to take the overnight train from Xichang to Chengdu.
At the Xichang train station VIP lounge to take the overnight train from Xichang to Chengdu.
Our soft bed sleepers on the overnight train from Xichang to Chengdu.
Lee Kam Boon checking the reading lights on the overnight train from Xichang to Chengdu.
Lily Yap and Lim Sok Bee are happy with the soft bed sleepers on the overnight train from Xichang to Chengdu.
Lim Cheng Tee taking a photo with the lady train inspector on the train from Xichang to Chengdu.
Day 23 (21.04.2013) Chengdu
The train supposed to arrive at Chengdu at 8am but was delayed by 5 hours arriving at 1pm. The delay was due to inspection of the railway track as a result of the earthquake at Ya’an near Chengdu.
We had very good farewell dinner at Chengdu Kwong Chow restaurant and Ching Neng Bin was presented with a birthday gift by fellow team members with a small cake and a big candle to blow.
Sleeping: Traffic Inn (交通背包客栈), 6号 Linjiang Middle Road, Chengdu.
A farewell dinner at Kwong Chow restaurant in Chengdu.
A view of Jinjiang River by night in Chengdu.
A view of Jinjiang River by night in Chengdu.
A view of Jinjiang River by night in Chengdu.
Day 24 (22.04.2013) D7-327 Chengdu to K. Lumpur (2355 – 0430)
Today is basically a rest day and some last minute shopping. We took 2 vans to airport at 9.15pm for our 11.55pm flight back to Malaysia.
Sleeping: on-board AirAsia D7327
A photo taken with the friendly staffs of Traffic Inn (交通背包客栈), 6号 Linjiang Middle Road, Chengdu.
A photo taken with the friendly staffs of Traffic Inn (交通背包客栈), 6号 Linjiang Middle Road, Chengdu.
Day 25 (23.04.2013) 25 23/04 Arrival at K. Lumpur: 0430 hrs
///Backpacking Adventure to ShangriLa China the Last Frontier 30 March to 23 April 2013 (25 days)
Sleeping: Traffic Inn (交通背包客栈), 6号 Linjiang Middle Road, Chengdu.
A farewell dinner at Kwong Chow restaurant in Chengdu.
A view of Jinjiang River by night in Chengdu.
A view of Jinjiang River by night in Chengdu.
A view of Jinjiang River by night in Chengdu.
Day 24 (22.04.2013) D7-327 Chengdu to K. Lumpur (2355 – 0430)
Today is basically a rest day and some last minute shopping. We took 2 vans to airport at 9.15pm for our 11.55pm flight back to Malaysia.
Sleeping: on-board AirAsia D7327
A photo taken with the friendly staffs of Traffic Inn (交通背包客栈), 6号 Linjiang Middle Road, Chengdu.
A photo taken with the friendly staffs of Traffic Inn (交通背包客栈), 6号 Linjiang Middle Road, Chengdu.
Day 25 (23.04.2013) 25 23/04 Arrival at K. Lumpur: 0430 hrs
The
plane touchdown at 4.30am and we all bid goodbye to each other before
arranging our own transport back home. Lim Sok Bee's brother from Klang
came to pick four of us ( Lim, Ng, Chew, Ching) and dropped Ching in his
son's house in Subang Jaya.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
SPECIAL THANKS to
SPECIAL THANKS to
Bernard Lee our team leader
Lee Kam Boon our official interpreter
Chew Leng Soon our treasurer cum accounting
All team members for their photographs and good team spirit
Quote: "It will be one of the pleasures to recall about the many unforgettable backpacking trips to China".
Lee Kam Boon our official interpreter
Chew Leng Soon our treasurer cum accounting
All team members for their photographs and good team spirit
Quote: "It will be one of the pleasures to recall about the many unforgettable backpacking trips to China".
| Total | Grand | Per Pax | |||
| Day | RMB | RMB | RMB |
| 21 | a. | 3 taxi - Zhuhai inn to Lijiang New bus stn | 40.00 | 4.00 | |
| b. | Bus - Lijiang to Luguhu | 950.00 | 95.00 | ||
| c. | Entrance fee - Luguhu | 550.00 | 55.00 | ||
| d. | 2 vans - Marriage bridge to Wind GH | 50.00 | 5.00 | ||
| e. | Room - Wind's GH 5 X rmb88 | 440.00 | 44.00 | ||
| f. | Lunch | 130.00 | 13.00 | ||
| g. | Dinner | 200.00 | 20.00 | ||
| 2,360.00 | 236.00 | ||||
| 22 | a. | 2 vans - Wind's GH to Luguhu Bus stn @ rmb10 | 100.00 | 10.00 | |
| b. | Bus - Luguhu to Xichang rmb82 X 10 | 820.00 | 82.00 | ||
| c. | 3 taxi - Xichang bus stn to xichang train stn @y15 | 45.00 | 4.50 | ||
| d. | Train - Xichang to chengdu | 2,226.00 | 222.60 | ||
| 3,191.00 | 319.10 | ||||
| 23 | a. | MRT - Chengdu North train stn to Linjiang Hotel stn | 20.00 | 2.00 | |
| b. | Room - Traffic Inn | 620.00 | 62.00 | ||
| c. | Birthday gift - Ching | 118.00 | 11.80 | ||
| d. | Small cake | 3.00 | 0.30 | ||
| e. | Dinner | 361.00 | 36.10 | ||
| 1,122.00 | 112.20 | ||||
| 24 | a. | 2 vans - Traffic Inn IYH to airport rmb80 X 2 | 160.00 | ||
| 160.00 | 16.00 | ||||
| Total for 10 pax for 24 days | 46,641.15 | 4,664.15 | |||
thank you Ching for the good write-up ! I remember celebrating your b'day too somewhere near the Dragon Terrace ...
ReplyDeleteDear Mr. Ching,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing with me again your 25 days adventure photos. I really enjoy to see the Bai Shui Tai Terrace waterfall, it is so wonderful and beautiful, although we have been to Tiger Leaping Gorge we didn't have a chance to get there.
Regards.
Tay Heong Kin
Greetings from a fellow Hockchiu (from Sibu Sarawak) and working in PNG.
ReplyDeleteIt is always enjoyable following you on your trips to China and SEA - plenty of photos to see with just enough text to keep me focused.
I went to Chendu, JZG, Huanglongxi, Luodai, Emeishan, Leshan, Qingcheng Shan, Dujiangyan, etc and stayed at Traffic Inn like you. Do you know that you were featured in Traffic Inn blog? I have been to Guilin/ Yangshuo and hope to travel to other parts of China (the outback) like you. It would be impossible for me to catch up with you in your travel.
I went to Myanmar two months ago (in May) and was informed by two Malaysian girl backpackers that the roads to Mandalay, Bagan and Nyaungshwe from Yangon are now all very good (I was flashpacking and flying). It is a lovely country.
Keep travelling and posting. I have your blog in my bloglist.
Neng Bin
ReplyDeleteThanks for yr great photos. I enjoyed viewing them very much. Have good blessed days to come.
Dear Ching Neng Bin,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your mammoth effort to pen a most fantastic sharing and posting those awesome pics. I will definitely put aside time to read at a more leisure pace.
Dear Ching,
ReplyDeleteThanks very much for sharing all the photographs with the many beautiful scenes of the places you travelled. I would love to make a trip up there one day.
Warmest regards,
MK Liew @ Walking Tall
Thank you for sharing, Ching. Lovely pictures and it appears all of you had a great time together and adventurous trip. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteHi Ching
ReplyDeleteIt's nice of u to share your travel with us. May like to join u in your future travel. But, prefer shorter trip. So let me know if u hv future plan. Tks. Sent from my iPhone陈大德
I would like to join you in your future outings. Please keep me posted.
ReplyDeleteHi Mr Ching,
ReplyDeleteThank you for including me in your mailing list in forwarding & updating us on your trips. I must said you are a good organizer, a good traveler and a good photographer too.
Well, in life, everyone is a traveler……glad that you are enjoying your life the way it should be. Keep it up. Looking forward to your next update.
Thanks & Regards,
Laura
Kuala Lumpur
Thank you for these photos it looks like a interesting trip.
ReplyDeleteI also like to travel, but I do it the easy way and not backpacking. I was in Myanmar (Burma) and Laos early this year, and am looking to plan my next trip which could be to Sabah and Sarawak part of Malaysia.
I am aged in the late 60s and live in Queensland Australia.
Lucky you! Thanks for sharing. What an adventure indeed. Cheers, Siak
ReplyDeleteReceived with thanks. Keep journey on and it's getting more interesting. You're simply the best!!
ReplyDeleteHi! Ching, thank you to share, good experience, good planing and adventure."Like" so much. I do crazy last 15 year ago. A friend and I backpacking to "Nepal" 3 weeks.:) Still can't forget. [*_*] Have a good trip.
ReplyDeleteRegard
Patrick
ReplyDeleteHi Ching,
When traveling abroad, one tends to be concerned with safety when riding on public transport. If encountered unconcerned, devil-may-care driver with penchant for fast driving, one tends to say some silent prayers while cursing the speeding fiend. Thank Goodness all of you were safe. Pleasantly serene, placid Lake Lugu scene with backdrops of mountain view and agricultural activities would have rejuvenated your spirits after hours of traveling on bus, on a repeat visit and on the way back. Enchanting lady train ticket inspector posed to be a good traveling pal; surely she has lots of stories to tell. 24-25 days of traveling in China and that cost only RM3, 200, how you fellas made it? Apart from having a capable treasurer, you also need a good financial planning scheme before you embark on a long journey. Weary travelers arrived at home country tired in the wee hours yet spirit remained high – Going places, anyone?
Regards from
Alan K. K.L.
Dear Ching,
ReplyDeleteOh, please please do keep me in your communication loop. Whether accidentally registered or not, it's been a delight to read about your interesting sharing of your travels. I don't take people's writings for granted as I know a lot of time, physical and mental effort have been invested to bring such reading pleasures to others. I felt my life enriched and spiced up just reading your entries.... whatmore if get the chance to travel along.
So thank you once again for the generous sharing.
Wish you a good day ahead.
May
Taiping