Phuket - Island of Friendlies

Just came back from our 4D3N (6-9 Sep) Phuket trip. Was kind of apprehensive initially cos it's right smack in the middle of Phuket's monsoon season now. However, guess "monsoon" for Phuket is very different from how it's being defined in US. There was hardly any rain, except for a very light drizzle for couple of mins on our 3rd day.

Our visit didn't just benefit Phuket's tourist industry, the mozzies couldn't wait to welcome us. They didn't hesitate to help themselves to their two 肥羊 (En and me). We're still suffering the effects of their VERY vicious attacks, swollen bumps that itches ever so often, especially Baby En who ended with a swollen left eyelid (after one horrendous mozzie landed on it while she was sleeping). Those mozzies were a tad different from what we get at home. They were leaner, meaner and faster. And they were EVERYWHERE!! Insect Repellent could only do that much......

The best part about Phuket is it's people. They are generally a friendly bunch who loves children, especially. Thus, our Miss Popularity topped the chart again, playing with hotel staff, toilet cleaners, store vendors, strangers, practically anyone she ran into. Having said that, it doesn't mean you don't bargain when you shop. Come on! That's the culture! Start with at least 50%- 70% off, unless u enjoy being a "radish head" (坎菜头). Patong is the HIP place to go, for shopping, food, clubbing, beach activities etc. Nightfall is when the place comes alive. Personally, I prefer Bangkok for shopping as it has a wider variety. Moreover, most of Phuket's stuff comes from the other provinces. If you're looking for "branded" stuff, it's paradise (don't expect AAA grade like Korea). For Shopping Malls, there's a new and rather big one - Jungceylon (http://www.jungceylon.com/) in Patong itself. Another one to look out for is Central Festival Market. We passed by it while on our way to the airport. It's huge and houses many international brands. However, the public transportation in Phuket is almost non-existent, thus it's very expensive to travel to CFM (approx. S$50 2-way from Karon). There might be free shuttle to and fro Patong though. Shopping aside, if u intend to go for a seafood feast, it's not cheap at all, even if you don't go for hotel fare (1 steam pomfret, 6 BBQ prawns, chap chai and fried rice cost us about S$50).

We stayed at Centara Karon Resort's (http://www.centralhotelsresorts.com/) private Cabanas (as the name implies, it's located at Karon Beach, about 10 mins drive from Patong). Though there's some shopping places and it's relatively easy to find eating places, convenience stores, massage parlours etc, Karon is much quieter compared to Patong. The hotel staff are just as friendly as the others but they generally lack initiative. Thus, it's quite unrealistic to expect first class service. Citing an e.g., we arrived very early on Day 1, around 9am Phuket time at the hotel. They weren't able to check us in as there were few Cabanas and they were all occupied. Even though we had a very young one in tow, and the mozzies were attacking us like 饿鬼, we were basically left to fend for ourselves, till I enquired if there were other rooms available. THEN, they brought us to one (they had plenty of unoccupied rooms as it was low season). Same thing happened when we checked out. I had to request for another room type for late check-out. They didn't offer me an option when we were told the Cabanas were fully booked. Thus, we ended up staying in 3 different room types for the trip :).

The Cabanas are really a class of it's own. We have our own private outdoor Jacuzzi (but it's not as well-maintained as the one in Siloso Beach Resort and you can't choose when you want the water jets to work) and rain shower. Though the Cabana is suppose to be a private en clove, it's not exactly PRIVATE. For shy ones, who're afraid that there might be people peeping at you when u shower INDOOR, then I suggest u give it a miss, as guests staying at the taller buildings around might still see you. Look at the pics below and you're probably understand why.

Our Cabana came as a package deal, meant for honeymooners. So, we got to enjoy 45min massage for 2 (which we upgraded), welcome drinks, bottle of sparkling wine, fruit basket, nightly canapes (snacks), dinner for 2 and the usual daily breakfast. All these merely cost about half of what it should be during peak season, which makes it really worthwhile.

Since the Cabanas are one of the most exclusive suites there, even the toiletries are special (yes, they are different from what the other rooms carry). On the first day, they even decorated the bed as if it was for honeymooners. We also had our rooms made twice everyday. The housekeeper would come in once more in the evening to tidy up the bed and spray a relaxing mist on the pillows. Sweet dreams......

Though we didn't have much to do (basically spent 2 half days at Patong), it really tires me out. Still suffering from exhaustion now. Guess that's how it's going to be with a naughty 2 year old tagging along.