The Fastest and Cheapest Way to Kobe from Kansai International Airport and Back
If you’re planning on visiting Kobe after landing at Kansai International Airport there’s a super deal for the high speed ferry that will zip you to Kobe in no time. Hopping on these fast bay shuttle boats is cheaper than taking a bus or a train from KIX to Kobe and back.
As of writing until March 31st, 2024 an adult one-way fare cost 500¥. The bay shuttle ferry takes you from Kansai International Airport to Kobe Airport in about 30 minutes.
The normal fare for adults cost 1880¥. Children’s one-way fare cost 200¥ down from 940¥. That’s a savings of 75%.
Discount price for foreigners…
This special discount is only available for foreign tourists. So you’ll have to present your passports. And this deal is valid until March 31st, 2024. And they have been extending these discounts because I remember this special fare for tourists since 2020.
I came across this discount while I was searching for the cheapest train option to KIX from Kobe. There are no direct trains so I would have to transfer to one of the trains at one of Osaka’s stations. Plus my flight departs at 10am which meant I would have to get up early and try to drag my butt to the airport a few hours before.
Which meant that I’d have to check out of my hotel at 5am. Which means I would be groggy, grouchy and possibly bitchy until I find some decent coffee. All in all, it wouldn’t be pretty.
So when I found out this better and cheaper way of getting from Kobe to KIX in about an hour I was all psyched.
credit: https://www.kobe-access.jp
Since I wanted to stay in Kobe for my last leg of the trip, using the bay shuttle makes more sense. I already stayed quite awhile in Osaka already recently. So I really wanted to spend more time in Kobe.
Kobe – Kansai High Speed Shuttle ferry service is hands down better than taking a bus or a train back to Kansai airport. Because the ferry ride takes about 30 minutes. Total travel time for me was only about 1 hour.
Boarding start 5 minutes before departure. There are about 50 seats inside. I would make a reservation on their website to lock in a seat…
This high speed ferry boat service going from Kobe to KIX runs every hour starting at 5:30am with the last departure at 10:45pm. The ferry boats run once every hour but check out their timetable to make sure in case there are changes. And of course it also runs from KIX to Kobe also which is great if you are planning to head to Kobe first.
Even though early in the morning there were plenty of seats available I still highly recommend you reserve a seat, especially if you’re traveling in a larger group. The boat has about 50 seat passenger capacity with designated spaces allocated for luggage.
I can imagine during peak hours it might be hard to get a seat. It’s a high speed boat after all and for safety reasons there’s no standing room permitted. When passengers are seated they are required to use the seatbelts.
How to Get from Kobe City to Kansai International Airport in Roughly 1 Hour
I was staying at b Kobe Hotel which is about a 5 minute walk to Port Liner Sannomiya Station (PLSS). The PLSS is directly connected to JR Sannomiya Station which is important to know because there are other train stations nearby with the Sannomiya name. And trust me you don’t want to get into the wrong station. Otherwise you’d never find PLSS.
So when you located JR Sannomiya station, start looking for signs directing you to PLSS. There were many signs and hard to miss.
Port liner station is on the second floor of Jr Sannomiya station…
There’s only one entrance to Port Liner Sannomiya station and it’s on the second floor. If you have a lot of luggage there is an elevator on the ground level. You’ll see the ticket vending machines like the one the picture below. Just like other ticketing machines you’ve come across while traveling on Japanese trains, you first must indicate how many fares you are purchasing and then you’ll get the total you have to pay.
It’s 330 Yen for 1 adult. I was buying tickets for myself and my wife and thus the 660 Yen total…
My flight was departing at 10am so I checked out of the hotel at 5am. The walk from b Kobe hotel where I was staying to Port Liner Sannomiya Station took about 5 minutes.
I actually went a few days ahead to find the entrance of the Port Liner station so I wouldn’t have to run around like a headless chicken at the last minute in the early cold morning of Japan’s winter. To me alone that would probably be fun. But I was traveling with my wife so I had to be a bit wiser. So that’s why I found the station quicker.
“Wayfaring Soul Travel Tip #86: Locating the exact location of your next transport hub beforehand will ensure smooth travels.”
There are only two platforms so be sure to read the digital display which points to the right platform. You’re looking for the train heading to Kobe Airport…
The first train at Port Liner Sannomiya Station arrives 5:40am sharp. The trip to Kobe Airport where the ferry terminal is located is 18 minutes long and the final stop. Remember to take the train heading for Kobe Airport. If I recall correctly the train waited for about 3 minutes before it left the station.
Inside a port line train. The ride is 18 minutes long, making 8 stops before terminating at Kobe Airport…
Because we were in so early the train was not crowded at all. The train makes 8 stops along the way and even stops at a station with an IKEA. I was so tempted to go buy some Lingonberry jam and some wall shelves. But we had a plane to catch.
Credit: https://www.kobe-access.jp – On this map you have to head to Kobe Airport Kaijyo Access Terminal. I don’t know why they just don’t call it the Kobe to KIX Ferry Access Terminal…
Almost There
Kobe Airport is the last stop. After you exit the ticket gate you should see some signs pointing the way to the port entrance right in front of you. There’s no need to go inside Kobe airport. When you go downstairs outside you’ll see the first large sign leading to the ferry terminal.
You’ll be walking past a parking lot and at the end of the parking lot is another sign directing you to go left. Then more signs leading you directly to the Kobe Airport Kaijyo Access Terminal.
There should be a bus that will take you to the pier but we didn’t see one I guess because it was still early in the morning. But for me and my wife the walk took about 5 minutes. So the pier is not far away.
The Kobe airport Kaijyo access terminal is the short white building in the distance…
I reserved 2 seats a few days ago before departure. Matter of fact according to their website reservations are available 3 months to 48 hours before departure. The ticket counter was easy to spot because the ferry terminal is not all too big. You can pay with credit card and I even saw a currency exchange booth.
Just a single ticket counter to purchase your fare…
So I informed them of my reservation and was asked to show my passports and then I got two tickets on the ferry to KIX at 500¥ a piece with 15 minutes to spare. I even had enough time to buy a hot coffee at a vending machine.
Besides vending machines selling hot and cold drinks I even saw ice cream too. Also some work tables with charging ports. Quite the cozy ferry terminal if I may say so.
Kobe – Kansai Bay Shuttle ferry boat…
At KIX Airport
Once passengers disembark at KIX ferry terminal a few buses are waiting. The first bus heads to Terminal 1 which is where all airlines are located except for Peach Airline which is located in Terminal 2. Don’t worry, all the buses have digital displays indicating which bus goes to which terminal.
Check the bus’s digital display. Some of the Terminal 2 buses will make stops at Terminal 1 first, during off peak hours…
Final Thoughts
It’s probably a wise idea to check the weather to make sure there are no typhoons or hurricanes forecasted. The end of August and early September is Japan’s typhoon season. You can imagine weather could really play a part in delaying your trip to catch your flight from Kobe to KIX.
Really, the whole trip process was so smooth and in a way, so clock work Japanese. As I looked out my window when the boat departed you could see a porter waving good bye. Everything went so smoothly. Usually I get nervous about trying out a mode of transport for the very first time. Especially when I have to catch a flight home. But this first time going on this high speed ferry boat from Kobe to KIX was a flawless experience.
From Where to Book Your Phuket Tours to the All Important Travel Insurance in Thailand
Is it cheaper to book tours when I set foot on Phuket Island? Should I book Phuket tours in advance?
If you’ve asked both questions then you are essentially wondering what’s the best way to book daily tours in Phuket, Thailand.
By the time you’re finished reading this blog post, you’re going to have clear answers to booking a tour before or after you arrive on Phuket Island. Plus everything else in between, including tour travel insurance why you should not book tours with local Thai tour agencies using your debit cards.
Unless you’ve got yourself a fancy yacht courtesy of a generous trust fund or a Bond villain-style speed boat parked somewhere along Thailand’s Andaman Sea, you’re going to have to join a tour group to explore the beautiful islands and beaches of Phuket (ภูเก็ต pronounced Poo-ket).
Smaller wooden motor boats are made for private tours. But private tours cost more…
Don’t Own a Boat? No Problem.
You will learn where to go find the best prices for tours on Phuket Island. Also, the best online travel agencies to reserve island hopping tours in advance. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group of best friends and family, my Phuket travel guide will ensure you’ll find the best tour prices.
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand. With 32 smaller islands which requires hiring a boat or joining a tour group for island excursions. You can’t do it alone. So you will need local Thai guides and hired transportation.
Also in this post, I’m going to point out the benefits of booking tours online versus booking tours on Phuket island. I’m sure you’re eager to find out which is better.
Safety is Important These Days for Touring the Islands of Phuket
No one wants to get into accidents let alone think about it. I’ll cover what’s included in Phuket’s tour operators’ insurance coverage. This is important to know when you’re frolicking on the beach and cross paths with monkeys in a bad mood. And sometimes the causes of accidents aren’t entirely the fault of tourists alone.
Thai tour operators can be accident-prone as well. I’ll touch base on insurance coverage provided by Thai tour agencies and what to expect below.
Tourists waiting to board their boats on Khao Ping Kan (James Bond Island)…
Benefits of Joining a Phuket Island Tour
A visit to Thailand’s famous Phuket island is on most tourists’ must-do list. Joining an island and beach hopping tour is the best and most convenient way to explore Phuket and all of its beautiful surroundings.
There are plenty of perks for joining tours:
A driver picks you up from your hotel and drops you back off when the tour is over.
Knowledgeable English-speaking guides are on hand.
Lunch and refreshments are included in the price. Beers are extra.
Admission fees to islands are included as they are considered national parks. However, you should double-check trip descriptions to be sure.
Snorkel gear and life jackets are loaned out.
Better to bring your own snorkel gear. Because the equipments provided are reused repeatedly. Gross!
Tour agency inside a hotel on Phuket island
Like most things in life you get what you pay for. There are private yachts to the Phi Phi Islands you can hire outright for the day with champagne and caviar served. But you’ll be paying out of your butt hole for that privilege.
I’m like most folks. I’m looking for the best valued tour in Phuket. I don’t want a tour that is too cheap yet provides an amazing value and experience. Which is a polite way to say I want a lot. But I want to pay a little. And that’s okay.
Because in this little Phuket tour guide, I’ll show you where to book that dream tour to the Phi Phi Islands and where you shouldn’t be booking your overall Phuket tours to save money.
You’ll specifically know which areas are best to book tours on Phuket island after arriving.
But first, here’s a little nifty tip from your buddy the Wayfaring Soul:
Wayfaring Soul Tip #1901 for Booking Phuket Tours
“The bigger the boat, the cheaper the tour price. The smaller with less people and faster the boat, the more it’ll cost.”
Speed boats are better… but it’ll cost more
Smaller speed boats provide specialized tour services. It can carry approximately 15 passengers, not including crew. But they cost more. Speed boats are nimble enough to navigate to certain parts of the islands that are quieter and less frequented. Less people the better and that’s the way I like it. So I typically book Phuket speed boat island hopping tours. The cost is worthwhile.
Larger ferry boats are okay… and it’s cheaper
Ferry boats fit more passengers but don’t have much flexibility because they can’t pass through shallow waters. And also certain secluded locations due to the size of the boat.
However, because more people are sharing the boat the cost per passenger is lower. There are just too many people on these boats, approximately fifty onboard. I’ve only been on once and never again.
My friends have been on larger tour boats though and they tell me it’s not that bad though. So it all comes down to personal preference.
And now, let’s get to the big question you’ve been asking.
The wooden boats with single engines are used for short island hops and small tourist groups…
“Booking a Tour in Phuket After Arriving VS. Booking Phuket Tours Online” – Which is Better?
This is a question I’m asked often. Who wants to arrive in Phuket only to find out that the tour you wish to join is completely sold out?
Everyone wants the best tour for the best price. No one wants to overpay. More importantly, who wants a crappy Phuket tour experience?
This will happen if you book tours in all the wrong places. Booking day trips in Phuket within your own home country’s travel agency is a classic mistake. There are only two things to think about:
How Much Time You’ve Got Before Arriving in Phuket?
How Many Persons Are Traveling Within Your Group?
Here are your answers. Plus also my best tips on where you should book your tours and more examples of where you shouldn’t.
Time – You’ll Have Plenty of it to Join a Tour in Phuket
If you’re like me, a serial procrastinator, you’ll be happy to know there are plenty of opportunities to purchase jungle trekking, snorkeling, or scuba activities and island hopping packages right on the main island of Phuket.
There are as many tour sellers as there are 7-Elevens in Phuket. If you don’t know what I’m talking about you’ll see when you get there.
So it’s not necessary to purchase day trip tours outside of Thailand. Nor book Phuket tours online in advance.
But there is an exception as to why you should book Phuket tours onlinebefore arriving.
I’ll get into that exception later. But if you can’t wait, click here.
Here’s a speed boat commonly used by Phuket tour operators. It has an approx. 15-person capacity excluding crew and is used for fast travel to cover more beaches and island stops…. I always book a speed boat tour.
Believe me, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to buy tour packages if you haven’t done so yet. The island is full of tour agencies, tour agents, tour kiosks, and tour touts.
The nice Thai lady running a laundry shop could also hook you up with a phone call.
Whether you want it or not airport taxi drivers will try to sign you up for a jungle trekking tour. Even though you are deathly scared of large hairy spiders like yours truly.
Unscrupulous locals train monkeys to shake tourists down if they don’t buy tours from them. Stray dogs are tattooed with tour advertisements. You can even buy tours from elderly Thai fruit vendors. Okay, so I’m kidding about the last three. But you get my point.
Here’s another scenario. Say you arrived in the cities of Bangkok or Chiang Mai first.
And it’s the high season (November to April). You’re concerned that all the island tour operators are fully booked. So you decide to book a tour through the hotel’s on-site tour agency.
Tour agencies in Phuket offer boat trips all around Phuket Island, possibly dropping you off certain beaches for a little while…
Never Book Phuket Tours Inside Hotels
That action will end up costing you at least 20% to 35% more compared to reserving that same tour on Phuket island. Hotel tour agencies in Bangkok don’t do it for free. And they shouldn’t as it’s a service they are providing. All hotels in Bangkok or any other tour vendors in Thailand outside of Phuket will charge extra.
I don’t even recommend purchasing day trip tours inside Phuket International Airport. Because renting a location inside an airport is expensive. In turn, tour operators pass some of the cost to you.
But we are savvy travelers, right? Don’t fret, book your tours on Phuket because you’ve got plenty of time to save yourself some money for a frosty piná colada.
Now that you know where not to book tours in Phuket, I’m going to show you where you should go for the best Phuket tour rates…
For the Best Tour Prices in Phuket, Head to Patong Beach
So I’ve already established that it’s best to purchase your tours right on the island of Phuket. To be specific, head to the Patong Beach area because there are so many tour operators all selling the same tours. But at slightly different prices. Chances are you’re probably staying at a hotel in the Patong Beach area anyway. Or at least be visiting Patong Beach for its nightlife.
The reason why you can get better prices from tour operators on Patong Beach is because that’s the area where most tourists are wandering around. And tour agencies in that area try to be as price competitive as possible to get your Baht into their grubby hands.
Patong Beach Road – Walk along this to find the best Phuket tour prices…
Where is Patong Beach?
Patong Beach is a seaside resort on the western coast of Phuket. The area is abuzz with Phuket’s nightlife including a smallish red light district.
Even then, Patong is family-friendly. With many restaurants serving Western food and seafood restaurants. Chances are, you’re going to visit Patong Beach at least once on your Phuket vacation. I guarantee it.
Patong Beach is the single best location in Phuket to find tours on arrival.
A tour agency desk right by Patong Beach, Phuket…
Here’s What to Look for at a Phuket Tour Agency.
Look for a Phuket tour agency with a business name clearly marked, with phone numbers.
I recommend dealing with a dedicatedtour agency only. I typically stay clear of tour agencies that double as a laundry shop or other businesses unrelated to tourism.
Make sure a Thailand Tourism License (TAT) is displayed. It looks like the image below but with a license number.
Here’s how a TAT license looks. A licensed tour agency will also have a license number displayed…
Check Around for the Best Tour Prices
I recommend speaking with tour agencies on the street level of Patong Beach. I also recommend checking prices with at least 3 different tour agencies. You’re more than welcome to check more than that if you have the time.
Me, I prefer to spend it under a beach umbrella with soft warm sand caressing my feet. While cradling a nice frosty boozy piná colada. I just love those cute little drink umbrellas.
Price comparisons from three different travel agencies along Patong Beach will give you a general idea of prices for tour activities during your visit.
How much can you save from checking around?
It’s possible that you can save a few hundred Baht or more, depending on the season, time of day, or whether or not a particular tour agency has reached a quota. The discounts can add up if you’re traveling in a group. It’s possible to ask for group discounts.
Matter of fact, ask for discounts. But be polite about it. Do not expect a deep discount. If they can’t sell to you, trust me, they’ll find somebody else to purchase a tour.
Patong Beach Road is crammed with tour agencies…
Use Your Common Sense
Whatever you do, do not book a Phuket tour from a local tour agency offering an incredible itinerary at a too-good-to-be-true price.
While doing your price research along Patong Beach you will eventually figure out the average cost. Finding anything unrealistically cheaper than the rest should set off alarms in your brain.
If you see a Phuket tour more than half off of what everyone else is charging you’re at a dodgy unlicensed business. No questions about it. They probably don’t have your safety in mind nor care whether or not you have a good experience.
Remember what your mother told you about talking to strangers…
Also not a good idea to have a tour tout approach you out of the middle of nowhere. These guys, girls, or ladyboys may not work directly with the tour agency. But rather as middlemen so they get a commission when you book which you end up paying for their lunch. Simply put, don’t speak to strangers who approach you with a fist full of tour pamphlets.
Bangla Road is also a good area to look for Phuket Tours
Aside from Patong Beach, I also recommend searching for Phuket island hopping tours along Bangla Road where you’ll find lots of tour agencies.
Bangla Road is a major street on Phuket Island that runs parallel to Patong Beach. You’ll find it with no problems.
Tour agencies in Phuket’s Patong Beach can speak English…
Here’s When to Book Tours in Advance Online
Now let’s talk about booking Phuket tours online. It’s not more expensive than booking on the island itself. In some instances, during low travel season, it’s about the same price. How that happened I have no clue.
If you’re traveling with just a few people go ahead and book the tour upon arriving on the island.
However, I highly recommend booking tours in advance online for bigger groups.
Book that Phuket Tour Online When You’re Traveling with a Bunch of Friends
Viator.com is a reliable online tour company where you can book your Phuket tours ahead of time…
So here’s the exception I mentioned before. If you’ve got a bunch of friends traveling with you to Phuket then I advise booking Phuket tours online in advance.
Like anything these days on the inter-web you can purchase Phuket day trips at home in the comforts of your underwear. Fuzzy pink bunny slippers are optional.
Online Phuket tour prices are priced slightly higher. I’ve never found them to be cheaper than booking a tour on-site at Patong Beach and Bangla Road. However, as I mentioned prices could be the same in some instances.
The biggest benefitof booking a tour online in advance is that there’s enough space for you and all your friends to chill out on the same boat. Because nothing drags down a vacation mood more than getting separated from your BFFs.
For me, I normally book tours ahead of time when I’m with at least five friends. If you’re popular and have even more friends you might even get your own boat.
Some tours are more popular than others. Obviously, the best tours get picked up and run out of space the quickest.
This is another reason why it’s a good idea to reserve that tour online ahead of time.
In most instances, you can reserve now and pay later, or cancel within 24 hours’ notice, just like the popular tours around Phuket I listed below.
Book Tours Ahead of Time for These Best of Phuket Island Beach Tours
One-Day Tour to Phi Phi, Maya and Bamboo Island – This trip is designed to pack in the Phuket travel experience of your dreams. As I recommended you’ll travel via speedboat to Koh Phi Phi where you can relax, swim along coral reefs, and possibly fend off monkeys trying to steal from you as you snap selfies. You’ll be visiting four islands on this tour package. Check the price and read reviews for this tour on Viator.com
Similian Islands – If you want to spend more time in the water snorkeling instead of fighting off monkeys on a beautiful picturesque island then a tour of the Similian Islands you will enjoy. Similan Islands has some of the best coral reefs and diverse marine life in the Andaman Sea. Check the price and read reviews for this tour on Viator.com
Raya Island – Imagine a long stretch of soft white sandy beach with crystal blue waters. And no pesky monkeys. That’s what you’ll find on Raya Noi. You’ll definitely enjoy a stop at Banana Bay for snorkeling. Check the price and read reviews for this tour on Viator.com.
Here’s Another Reason to Book Online Ahead of Time
Best to book shows ahead of time, especially if you’ve got a big group…
Every time my friends come to visit Phuket for their very first trip, I always recommend checking out Simon Cabaret Phuket for a fun night out. But if you want the good VIP seats you need to book in advance. This all ladyboy cast cabaret is very famous in Phuket and a super popular tourist attraction.
Oh, and another reason why you want to book ahead of time for Phuket Simon Cabaret Show is you won’t get separated from your friends and have a table to sit together.
Trazy.com and Viator.com Are Some of the Best Online Travel Agencies for Phuket Tours
There are many reputable online travel tour operators selling all kinds of tours in Phuket from, island hopping, snorkeling, sunrise tours, jungle trekking and yes even tickets to Phuket Simon Cabaret Show.
I like online tour operators like Viator.com, you check out an example of their James Bond Island tour itinerary.
These tour boats are designed for shorter distance trips around Phuket…
Another online travel agency I recommend is Trazy.com which has a highly reviewed tour of Phuket’s 1 Day Similan Island Tour.
Both are reputable online tour operators in Phuket and the major reason why I recommend them is if there’s a problem you know how to find them. For instance if you’re back home and you want to complain about something you can write to them, leave a review or a feedback. Plus, they speak English.
Versus booking a tour through a local tour operator you may not want to pay for international calls or have some sort of communication problem.
Not that I’m saying local Thai tour operators across the scale are bad. Just saying things happen and if it did, don’t you want to be able to speak to someone you can easily communicate with?
I mean what if you want to cancel a tour and get some money back?
Cancellation policy from a tour on Viator.com, please check all tour cancellation policies as each may be different…
However a recent Tragedy in Phuket Has Swayed Me to Recommend Booking Tours Online
Due to a recent tragedy in July 2018 which resulted in the deaths of 41 Chinese citizens returning from an island tour in Phuket, I can’t stress enough to be careful about how you choose your tours in Phuket.
I believe that companies like Viator.com and Trazy.com are highly reputable online travel agencies that are more responsible for the safety of their customers.
Cancellations and Refunds – Pay Tours With Credit Cards (Not Debit Cards)
There are a lot of reasons why tour agencies cancel an outing. And reasons why you need to cancel a tour too. Rough weather is a big reason why operators will cancel a day’s worth of tours for safety precautions.
Your husband had some bad sushi a few days before arriving in Phuket. And don’t want him to blow chunks on the speed boat. That would be one reason why you as a customer need to cancel and request a refund.
For obvious safety reasons tour operators cancel trips due to inclement bad weather…
Why should you pay with a credit card? There are several reasons but one example is if there’s a cancellation due to weather. If you paid in cash but have no time to pick up the refund afterwards then it’s easier to get the money refunded back to your credit card.
However, a local Thai tour operator in Phuket might add a 3% surcharge for paying with a credit card. Which is not a big deal.
Though is another reason why I recommend booking a tour online with the web travel agencies I mentioned.
Also, if there’s a problem, say if you think you’ve dealt with a shifty tour operator you can always contact the credit card issuer to put a hold on the charge. And have the credit card company investigate and sort things out.
Never pay for tours with a debit card. I don’t want to get off topic so if you want to know the reasons why check this article here.
Lunch on the Tour
If you’re booking a full-day tour package it will include lunch. Maybe even a light breakfast in the morning. Most half-day tours include lunch also.
Try and stay away from tours where for lunch they stick you inside a large shared restaurant.
Here’s an example of why from my last Phuket island tour:
Recently, a large restaurant was made somewhere off the island near Phuket where all the surrounding tour agencies shuffle in hungry tourists and serve lunch.
There are restrooms and snack shops as well, which is all good.
This restaurant was built a while ago to handle the influx of hungry tourists in Phuket…
There were 10 to 12 tour mates at a table. Everyone was quiet as we stared at the dishes that were presented to us. Awkwardly silent I must add. Like everyone was thinking the same thing in unison.
Where’s the nearest McDonalds? We’ll swim through shark-infested waters if we must for some McNuggets and fries!
We were served cold french fries. Some tepid water with root vegetables and chicken (me thinks) that’s supposed to be soup de jour.
Did we have sweet and sour pork? Or was it chicken? There were a few other Thai dishes but let’s not get into that.
Was there a chance our tour group’s lunch was made by a cadre of less experienced cooks?
While the real chef was out on the back pier enjoying his afternoon siesta with an icy cold beer. Possibly…
Andaman Seafood restaurant, is packed and crowded because most tour agencies stop off here so tourists can have their lunch which is included in the tour package…
So what’s the lesson here kids? Ask your tour operator if they provide tours where lunch is served on the beach. Search around until you find an itinerary somewhere specifically stating where you’ll be having lunch.
Remember, all tours are usually priced about the same as advertised by other Phuket tour operators. So why would you want to pay for a crappy lunch and location when you can get something better? For roughly around the same price.
Because I have joined tours where you can enjoy a lunch buffet on a nice sandy beach with a view. Believe me, it’s a whole lot better than eating at a packed restaurant and looking at the faces of disappointed tour mates.
The Ultimate Goal is to have the Best Phuket Island Tour Experience
For example, here’s an itinerary from Viator.com showing their list of pit stops along with other helpful info about their Phi Phi Island Adventure Tour.
Too lazy to check the link? Here’s an excerpt from that tour itinerary:
“Then, cruise to the white beaches of Bamboo Island. Go ashore for a delicious buffet lunch at an island hotel, and enjoy free time to relax on the beach and swim.” – From Viator, Phi Phi Island Tour
Phang Na Bay, located in Khao Phing Kan, is also called James Bond Island. This limestone landmark is the island’s claim to fame…
Insurance on Phuket Tours – Bad Things Can Happen
Sure, we don’t want bad things to happen. But it’s still a good idea to have some accident insurance coverage. Especially if you’re planning on zip lining up in the air and short trekking through jungles filled with rabid monkeys in heat.
All licensed tour operators in Thailand are required to carry insurance for tourists under their charge. Keep in mind, that some tour agencies may charge a little bit extra for insurance to cover children.
Accidents can happen so be sure to book with tour operators that have insurance clearly listed…
Here’s a look at one of Trazy.com’s Zipline experiences in Phuket. It clearly states what’s included in the price, including insurance.
By Law, Local Thai Tour Operators Must Provide Insurance Coverage
As indicated in this Bangkok Post article, in case of an accident involving tourists, local tour operators are required to cover up to 500,000THB ($16,500USD) for injury.
In the instance of death, a tourist’s estate receives 1,000,000THB ($33,000USD) per tourist. All licensed tour operators in Thailand must have insurance as dictated by the Tourists Authority Thailand (TAT).
Phuket Island Tour Operators with Insurance
Nutticha Marine Co., LTD – They have a good selection of on and off-island itineraries. Their full-day Phi Phi, Maya, and Khai Island tour provides a good experience and is recommended.
Flying Hanuman – If zip-lining through the air while screaming like a maniac does it for you then check out this tour operator. And yes they have insurance.
Trazy.com – This online travel tour agency provides tours in many countries but has a good selection of Phuket tours at reasonable rates.
Trazy is a web travel agency offering insurance on their tours…
When searching for local tour operators in Phuket, if you see one that you are interested in but don’t see them listing insurance you can always email them and ask if they provide any for peace of mind. Because if they are licensed tour agencies on the island they are required to provide it.
Because information changes from time to time, and if travel insurance is your concern on any tour excursions in Phuket please contact the tour operator and inquire about their company tour insurance policy.
Final Thoughts on Booking a Phuket Tour…
Booking tours in Phuket is usually smooth sailing (pun intended) as most tour operators on the island are doing their best to provide the best experience for their customers.
The locals depend on tourism because it’s very important to the island’s micro-economy.
A few of the crew members working on a tour boat in Phuket…
I’ve been to plenty of island tours in Phuket booking online and on the island and I have to say all were good fun. Local tour guides spoke English or one other language.
Most have a great sense of humor and fun conversations were had. The crews look out for the welfare of the passengers under their care and want everyone to have a good time.
6 Tips for Booking Tours in Phuket, Thailand
April through October is the monsoon season. Tours during these periods are cheaper. But be sure to have plenty of time in Phuket so you can rebook the next day in case of cancellations.
Patong Beach is the best area in Phuket to find the lowest rates on day trips in and around the island. Check and compare with at least 3 different tour agencies on Patong Beach for the best tour rates. Not far from Patong Beach is Bangla Road which is also a good alternative to find tour packages.
Never purchase Phuket tours inside a hotel lobby travel agency.
For a better experience book tours from well-established online travel agencies with reviews of itineraries.
Be sure to read up on tour itineraries, pit stops, what’s included, and what to expect during a tour. Some tour agencies include admission fees to islands and some don’t
Pay tours with your credit card to get refunds conveniently or dispute charges.
Now that you’ve learned that Patong Beach and Bangla Road on Phuket Island are the best areas to look for tours. As well as the importance of having insurance included are you ready for your awesome tour experience in Phuket?
Being near Phuket and able to travel around the islands is one of the reasons why I love living in Thailand…
I hope so!
If you have any questions regarding booking tours in Phuket drop a comment below and I’ll reply as soon as I can. Until then, happy travels in beautiful Phuket!
The Best Eats in Kuala Lumpur Are Served on Plastic Bowls and Metal Trays…
Being based in Bangkok, Thailand with so many countries and cities I can choose to visit frequently, here are some reasons why I chose Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia as the place I go time and time again.
Many murals located all around KL…
Because Kuala Lumpur always has a special place in my heart. The history, the culture and the food combined together creating one of the most fascinating cities in Southeast Asia.
Where else in the world can a guy like me with a big appetite get authentic Chinese, Indian, Arabic and of course Malay cuisine in one location. And sure, inevitably foods will get crossed and the result is simply magic.
I haven’t been to the country of India yet. I haven’t even really had the chance to explore China yet either. Coming to Malaysia gives me a taste of both. The best of both worlds.
A good photographer friend and I came across this wedding at an Hindu temple…
Chinese, Malays and Indians generally get along living together and praying together not far off from each other. And it all began in the 1800’s when the tin mining industry boomed and hordes of workers were needed to work the mines and then some for sustaining the booming population.
It is common to find Hindu Temples within short walking distance to Chinese Temples. Where ever there are devout worshippers their are hungry stomachs.
This Chinese temple is just right across the street from a Hindu temple near Jalan Petaling Street…
The Food – It’s What Pulls Me Back To Kuala Lumpur Every Year
I know this is going to sound really crazy. Okay maybe not. If you ask me why I travel to KL every year multiple times my answer is for the food.
It’s that simple. When I tell the local Malays that I love their food their eyes light up. Because they know first hand what I’m talking about. Like a secret hand shake into a secret club. They too share the sentiment, that the food of Malaysia is a national treasure.
Delicious options at a Nasi Kandar style restaurant in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur…
But there’s one particular food that I enjoy. And one style of restaurants that I enjoy very much serving what I love. And that’s Nasi Kandar.
Intro to Nasi Kandar
This style of restaurant has its origins from South India which is why you will find a heavy Indian influence which is what I like and enjoy so much. Curries are what I love so much! More about Nasi Kandar below.
These types of eateries remind me of the local pizzerias back in the old days of New York City. It’s where you go to grab some quick bites and chill with friends.
Nasi Kandars are open 24 hours, 7 days a week. The young, the old and everyone aged between can be seen sitting around, having their meals and conversing with friends. Smoking in Nasi Kandars is allowed but because there are no windows and plenty of oscillating fans I’ve never been inundated with second hand cancer smoke.
Now if you want me to put a finger on what I like to eat the most at my favorite Nasi Kandar joint I’ll let you know. It’s something that I can’t get enough of and something I eat every single morning and dream about every night before I go to bed in KL.
Roti Canai and Chicken Curry
My breakfast in KL, every morning. The quintessential roti canai (2 pieces) with a bit of curry chicken and hot teh halia (hot ginger tea with milk)…
I pride myself to be a simple man with simple tastes with a huge appetite.
Some times I stay in KL up to a full week. For my entire stay for breakfast I eat roti canai, curry chicken and hot ginger tea with milk. Even the waiter recognizes me. As soon as I park my ass on a chair all I have to say is “the usual please” and a nod from the waiter is the confirmation I needed to know that in a few minutes something yummy is coming to fill my tummy.
Roti is a simple unleavened flat bread and popular for breakfast choice for the locals that typically eat it with lentil curry called dahl.
What’s the secret ingredient in Roti? It’s the copious amounts of ghee, an Indian clarified butter and lots of it is used to make roti. And I prefer my order of roti canai with delicious curry chicken.
The combination is amazing. The roti when freshly made is so soft, fluffy and chewy at the same time. The ghee is the real key. Chicken for some protein and curry spice combined with the warm roti is a dream combination.
Been eating at this restaurant in Bukit Bintang since the first day I visited KL ages ago…
You can find roti canai and curry chicken all over Malaysia but I always go to Restoran Arraaziq located in the heart of Bukit Bintang for breakfast.
The Basics of Nasi Kandar Restaurants in Malaysia
Nasi Kandars are all over KL open 24 hours serving food and tea to the hungry masses…
Nasi Kandars are the greasy spoon dives where you’ll find construction and office workers eating together at any time of the day since they open 24 hours.
Rice dishes at Nasi Kandars cost about 10RM to 15RM depending on how much foods on your plate. Rotis with some curry chicken and a tea beverage will set you back about 10RM.
I’m going to safely assume that Nasi Kandars are cheaper as you head further out of KL central.
So as you can see, if you want cheap but oh so good eats go to a Nasi Kandar. The portions are generous and the price is very affordable. Like I mentioned already these restaurants are built for the working class.
Nasi means rice and Kandar means balance. Back in the days street hawkers used poles balanced on their shoulders with buckets of rice on one end and on the other end an assortment of meats and curry sauces. They served the local population of the time that helped build the city if not Malaysia.
Rice biryani with fried chicken, sautéed vegetables and some curry sauce…
Dining at a Nasi Kandar might be intimidating at first. But down to its basic core it is simply a fast food restaurant. There might not be menu boards with prices but most of the restaurants I’ve been to have menus with English.
Cleanliness could be a concern while dining at these greasy spoons. Most of the foods are cooked ahead of time and not heated throughout the day. Because of the Malaysian weather food won’t get too cold and stays room temp for most of the day.
However, most Nasi Kandar restaurants have microwaves. I’ve eaten at a lot of Nasi Kandar restaurants all around the KL area and I’ve never been sick once.
Nasi Kandar restaurants are great for fast foods 24 hours a day…
Never seen rodents or roaches at a Nasi Kandar. Oddly enough not even flies. I’m in KL mostly around August, November and February. I’m sure there are pests like most major cities around the world have but perhaps these restaurants are really good at keeping them at bay.
But if cleanliness is really your concern you can head over to Pavillion Mall’s food court in the basement level. Look for Food Republic. Food will cost more but it’s a clean place to enjoy this type of food.
I’ve never been sick eating at a Nasi Kandar but if you’re worried about the squirts, then try the food court at Pavillion Mall for a safer setting…
Ordering and Paying for Your Food at a Nasi Kandar
In essence when it comes to dining at Nasi Kandar, if you’re going for the rice dishes you either order it at counter where you pick what you want and a server scoops it up for you.
Or you scoop up your own food typically starting with the rice first. Confused? I thought so. But it’s not complicated. See the photo below.
If you see an open area like this at a Nasi Kandar this means self service…
If it’s an open area like the photo pictured above then you can go and scoop up your own portions. It’s all self serve. Notice the microwave on the top left corner. Make use of it if you’re scared of getting sick and squirting out from both ends, while huddling on the floor in the fetus position of your hotel room.
There are waiters who will gladly assist in case you don’t know what’s what. But usually, it’s chicken, beef, mutton and fish on the bottom shelves. There’s no pork as these restaurants have Muslim roots. The servers will also help you chop up fried chicken for easy eating.
Vegetables are all on the top shelf. Just in case some strict vegetarian will complain that the meats are fouling the veggies. You all know who you are.
At Arraaziq rice dishes is not self service but they usually give a lot on a plate…
Once you get the hang of self serve you’ll be fine like you’re at a buffet. How much to scoop? That’s up to you but I can honestly tell you be generous to yourself because from what I see the locals seem to pile stuff on their plates like there’s no tomorrow.
It goes with out saying don’t be a jack ass and fill your plate with so much food you can’t finish. And it’s obvious the waiters will charge more per plate if they see you piling up a storm of food on your plate.
Once you sit down with your plate of food a server will ask if you want anything to drink. Sodas, teas, water, smoothies you name it they’ve got it. Once your drink is brought to you a waiter usually writes down the price of your food on a receipt and tucks it under your drink cup or plate.
Now there’s more foods served in Nasi Kandars then simply rice, curries and roti. They also have a mix of Malay and Chinese foods also that are cooked to order so you can order it from their menus.
Most Nasi Kandar restaurants give out hand written checks. Some give out magnetized cards with the amount you owe. This is a bill for buttered naan, tandoori chicken and hot ginger tea with milk…
You can eat with your hands like the locals mainly do. Or you can eat with the forks and spoons provided on the table. For the rice dishes and also the roti canai I use fork and spoons. If you want to go native, all Nasi Kandars have wash basins to clean your hands.
Nasi Kandars are also great restaurants to indulge in naan and tandoori chicken. They serve buttered, garlic, cheese and of course plain naan. And the tandoori chickens are heated right up to order.
Chewy buttered naan with tandoori style chicken…
Okay so I could be considered one sick individual. Just like I eat roti canai with chicken curry every morning I eat buttered naan with tandoori chicken just about every night. And don’t forget the hot ginger tea with milk to wash it all down. Can you blame me? It’s so good. But so bad for my waistline.
The cost, 11.80RM for all 3 items or about $3US bucks. Here’s another dirty little secret. Although the portions are quite generous, if one night I am particularly hungry I’ll head to another Nasi Kandar just a short distance from this one and order another set of naan and tandoori chicken.
Just take your bill up to the cash register to pay, it’s as simple as that. No need to tip the servers…
So, pretty much all Nasi Kandar serve the same stuff but for myself some very good naan and tandoori chicken can be found at Restoran Mohamed Nazar Curry House in Bukit Bintang.
The Other Options…
And there are so many. I just touched on the tip of the iceberg on Malaysia’s food culture. But to keep this post short I recommend trying out Chilli Pan Mee which I wrote about here.
If you’re short on time and you don’t want to run around like a headless chicken in search of some good eats in Kuala Lumpur than might I suggest heading over to the Lot 10 in Bukit Bintang.
The Lot 10 Malls Hutong Food Court is a must visit for all the best KL has to offer in one clean eating area…
I’ve eaten in some fancy restaurants in my life time. And I can tell you if I played the “Last Meal Game” I wouldn’t say it would be had at a fine wine and dine restaurant with expensive porcelain plates and silver ware.
I would choose to have my last meal where the food is served on cheap plastic bowls and large prison issued aluminum trays.
Eating at a Nasi Kandar – To Sum it All Up
Nasi Kandar meny prices range from very cheap to cheap. Rice dishes cost about 10RM with a meat and vegetable side. The most I spend is about 15RM and I’m a big eater.
Because this is Malaysia English is spoken. Not all wait staff can speak it but some one working inside will be able to communicate with you.
For Nasi (rice dishes) go choose your own selection. Find an empty chair and sit.
Forks, spoons and tissue are provided especially when they know you’re a tourist.
A waiter will come for drink order. Once drink is delivered to you a total will be written down and handed to you. If it’s a magnetic card your total is stored in the card. Don’t lose the hand written bill or the card.
To pay, go straight for the cashier, you’ll usually see a sign or simply a cash register. It’s typically cash only.
There’s no need to tip at Nasi Kandar restaurants. Unless you really really want to.
A Popular 3 Star Hotel Along the River Kwai Kanchanaburi
This month my wife and I decided to head over to the province of Kanchanaburi for a week. One of Thailand’s most well known scenic and natural province. Kanchanaburi’s center is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes drive (143.7 kilometers) from Bangkok proper. Which qualifies it as good as anyplace in Thailand for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Big Mango.
Most of all we were looking forward to our stay at the (แคว ธารา ริเวอร์ไซด์ วิลลา) Kwai Tara Riverside Villas in the district of Sai Yok. We heard so much about it on various media outlets so we decided to go check it out for ourselves. The Kwai Tara is well known for it’s quiet serene location, right on the meandering Kwai Noi river or River Kwai.
Many hotels and guesthouses along the River Kwai, but we chose to check out the Kwai Tara Riverside Villa…
Even though I’ve been in Thailand for many years I’ve never really traveled around Kanchanaburi. Just through it and never stopped over to check out the area. And I am aware of it’s history and the area’s claim to fame or infamy, the Kanchanaburi Death Railway. Plus the bridge which was the basis of 1950’s action drama movie, “The Bridge over Kwai”.
During this trip I’ve booked two other hotels in Kanchanaburi to do a comparison. And I can confidently say Kwai Tara Riverside Villas is the best hotel in the district of Sai Yok, or at least amongst the three we’ve stayed in.
On the Road to Kwai Tara Riverside Villa
Lots of road construction along the highways leading to Kwai Tara Riverside Villas…
These days it’s just so much easier finding your destination with google maps. We went during the weekday and didn’t expect a lot of traffic. But some areas were still congested due to road construction as of writing. By the time you’re reading this I’m guessing most of the major road constructions are all finished.
Kanchanaburi province is growing thus the need for more roads and wider highway lanes are needed.
Overall, it was a very easy to find the Kwai Tara Riverside villas because highway signs are clearly marked. But I have to admit the last few kilometers to the villas could get a bit tricky so make sure you’ve got plenty of battery on the phone for google maps.
The last few kilometers leading to Kwai Tara could get a little tricky due to less signage…
Now if you’re considering staying at the Kwai Tara it’s best to self drive. It’ll be a whole lot cheaper than hiring a driver with a car. And you are going need your own wheels to get to restaurants and places to explore. Which there are a few and you’ll find out where we went below. Because I can tell you there’s really nothing to do at the Kwai Tara’s resort ground.
Though there is the Mahawangchang Elephant Camp directly next to Kwai Tara’s property. But we’ve had our fair share of elephant rides earlier this year when we went to Koh Chang where I made a review of the Emerald Cove Koh Chang hotel.
For my wife and I we consider this as a road trip just like we did it in Khao Sam Roi Yod. And the Kwai Tara is a good enough place to rest our heads, if not a bit overpriced.
This is the backside of the mountain villa rooms. You do get a good view of the mountains, but not so much of the river in these rooms…
We booked a floating house villa which at the time I paid about $130USD per night including taxes and breakfast. That is pricey considering it’s listed as a 3 star hotel. But there’s no gym and no swimming pool. And those were the weekday rates.
I guess you can consider jumping into the river if you choose to for a dip in which you are more than welcome to. And believe me, walking down and than back up from the floating houses could give anyone a quick workout.
These are the mountain view villa rooms which are the closest to the reception area…
But I got to say, the floating houses are big. It’s about 80 square meters with very high ceilings so you get this really nice spacious feel. There’s a private front with cargo nets you can stretch out on top while the river waters below pass gently underneath. It was quite nice. Though whether it’s worth the +$100USD price tag is up to ones personal bank account.
A Look at Kwai Tara Riverside Villa Floating Houses
These floating house style rooms are 80 square meters and uses two A/C units to cool the room…
The room’s size get’s the winning point plus having the river just footsteps out the sliding doors with a beautiful view of the river is the cherry on top.
It’s a sparsely decorated room with a fridge that is filled daily with complimentary sodas and snacks. Which is pretty much unheard of. There are not a whole lot of channels on the television and the Wi-Fi, if you need it is unreliable.
There was one morning where the electricity was shut off for nearly an hour and a half so the room got warmer. But luckily it kicked on just before afternoon when it gets hotter.
A big bathroom. Be sure to bring your own shower gel as the ones provided by the hotel is not enough…
As I mentioned earlier breakfast was included in the price we paid. Basically, you get two choices, American breakfast which is eggs to order, some bacon and ham. Then there’s the Thai option which is Khao Tom Moo (ข้าวต้มหมูสับ), rice porridge with ground pork. You can order multiple plates and the kitchen staff were more than happy to oblige.
Then there’s a table where guests can serve themselves cereals, toast, salads and juices. And that’s pretty much what we had the entire week for breakfast.
The breakfast area is located right by the hotels reception area…
There’s one thing I have to mention and I can’t really blame the hotel for this problem. And that is the flies.
As soon as the food ordered hits the tables flies seemingly materialize out of nowhere and started dive bombing my sunny side eggs and bacon. There are numerous electric fans set on high located throughout the eating area but even that was not enough to keep the pests away.
Maybe by the time you’re reading this Kwai Tara’s hotel management have figured out a way to solve this problem.
You can enjoy a view of elephants marching by in Mahawangchang Elephant Camp…
The Final Verdict
I really like to like the Kwai Tara Riverside Hotel. It’s great I think for a short visit. But I can’t really say I would go back again. But the reason also is there’s really not much to do overall in Kanchanaburi. And you really do need to drive about an hour just to find some nice place to eat or chill out at a café.
If you’re looking to be pampered then you might want to look elsewhere. They do have staff to help with your bags down the steep steps if you choose the floating houses. But after 8pm there’s no one at the reception desk for assistance until sometime sun up.
Everyday the hotel provides a free raft ride in the early evening and it was very enjoyable…
There are numerous time we’ve stayed at the same hotel property in Hua Hin like the Escape Hotel and La A Natu Bed & Bakery. We usually like to stay at our favorite hotels because we already know we’re going to experience great service and enjoy the going ons around the hotel’s location.
And because there’s nothing of real interest for us at least near the Kwai Tara there’s just not much reason for us to return again.
But here are a few points of interest you might enjoy in Kanchanaburi, but as I mentioned quite a drive from the hotel:
Giant Tree Kanchanaburi or Giant Monkey Pod Tree Kanachanburi (just google it) is about an 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from Kwai Tara Riverside Villa.
Sringarind Dam National Park is about 2 hours drive from Kwai Tara Riverside Villa. It’s a scenic drive with plenty of restaurants and rest stops along the way.
A long drive up mountains and hill afforded us this beautiful view of Srinagarind Dam…
As I mention already during this road trip we stayed in several other 3 star hotels in Sai Yok. And Kwai Tara is hands down the winner in terms of hotel quality and uniqueness. I guess if I could choose one word to describe the Kwai Tara the word would be unique.
There’s sort of a new catch phrase in Thailand and it’s called the “slow life”. Well if you want a taste of the slow life or even just a glimpse of it then go check out the Kwai Tara Riverside Villa.
Nice Little Hotel in Seoul – Not Expensive but Not Cheap Either
The Nine Tree Hotel is located in Myeongdong. One of my favorite fun neighborhoods in Seoul. Not only can I find great Korean restaurants, but also the nicest affordable hotels in South Korea’s capital city of Seoul.
I found Nine Tree Hotel while doing a search for hotels in Myeongdong/Dongdaemun areas via Agoda.com. Seoul’s a big city with a lot of budget and mid range hotels so don’t worry you can easily find a place to stay within your price range. It certainly did for me.
The Nine Tree Hotel lobby is on the 3rd floor…
What I like about Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong
The hotel is very close to a subway station. It is near Subway Line 4 and the closest entrance/exit is #8.
The hotel location is right in Myeongdong near a lot of good Korean restaurants, hip cafés and trendy Korean dessert shops.
For me it’s the perfect location for a walking tour of Seoul on your own. You can easily explore most of Seoul’s amazing palaces without spending money on train fare.
Nine Tree Hotel is located right next to Myeondong Station (Line 4), just a few minutes walk from Exit #8…
Standard Double Rooms are Small but Clean
I stayed in room 502, a standard double room…
On my most recent stay in Seoul at Nine Tree Hotel I booked a standard double room. It cost about $80USD a night with taxes included. Breakfast was not though.
Standard double rooms are around 16 square meters…
For me the important thing about any hotel I choose the rooms have to be clean. Nine Tree Hotel’s rooms, particularly room 502 which I stayed in was clean enough. Which was no surprise to me whatsoever. Korean hotels particularly in this price range are well maintained.
Clean toilet, shower and sink. Can’t ask for anything else…
The bathroom was not tight at all and had ample sink and shower space. I like the Japanese styled toilets, it was a nice touch.
Nice spacious shower…
Not Much to Complain About
The Nine Tree Hotel Myeondong quality wise is decent. But for $80USD a night some might consider the price a bit high. Because there’s no pool or fitness room. Every hotel I review I write up I try and choose some thing to really nit pick at.
Though essentially if you’re deciding to stay at the Nine Tree you’re pretty much really paying for a comfortable bed in one of Seoul’s most popular tourist areas.
One last tip while checking in make sure you ask for a room with a view on a high floor if one is available. Room 502 was facing an adjacent building. So ask for a street view if possible I believe a room high up will have a good view of Myeondong and beyond.
I came across my first ever bowl of Chilli Pan Mee when I went on a “Shutter Therapy” with Robin Wong. That was a few years ago. Since then I have made it a mission to get myself a nice bowl of traditional Malaysian Chilli Pan Mee in Kuala Lumpur whenever I’m there.
Chilli Pan Mee is a real working persons meal. It’s got carbs and protein all in a bowl. The eggless flour noodles are thick, yummy and filling. It’s got crunch from fried anchovies. Some extra savory tastes from the fried shallots and seasoned minced beef.
And depending on which restaurant you go or which area you’re in; Chilli Pan Mee is one of the cheapest meals in Kuala Lumpur.
This bowl of homemade spice is what makes Chilli Pan Mee so special…
But the real kicker on any proper Chilli Pan Mee is the nice poached egg. Wait, I take it back. The real kicker is actually the homemade chilli!
For me this kind of chilli is spicy, but not fiery spicy. You can add 3 or 4 heaping tablespoons and you’ll get that enjoyable heat. But it won’t burn your mouth to the point your eyes start watering and your nose becomes super runny.
You mix everything up with your chopsticks and spoon together and enjoy!
There are many Chilli Pan Mee restaurants all over KL. And my friend Robin showed me a restaurant located in Chow Kit called Restoran Kin Kin.
Restoran Kin Kin is a dive restaurant that is popular with local Malays…
Restoran Kin Kin in Chow Kit
Address: 40, Jalan Dewan Sultan Sulaiman, Kampung Baru, 50300 Kuala Lumpur
There are plenty of famous Chilli Pan Mee restaurants all over KL. Restoran Kin Kin in Kuala Lumpur’s Chow Kit neighborhood is one of them. And this was actually the first restaurant I ever had my first bowl.
Afterwards I’ve tried several other places on my own. Many places came close to Restoran Kin Kin’s style. But it could never replace it.
Restoran Kin Kin is also very easy to find. You can get there by taking the KL Monorail to Medan Tuanku Station. The immediate area surrounding the restaurant may look run down to some but it’s quite safe.
A cook preparing a sheet of dough ready to be sliced into noodles…
I don’t think there is a menu but the staff inside can speak English and I know the owner inside can speak Cantonese and most likely Mandarin too.
But they know if you step foot inside you’re looking for Chilli Pan Mee. The real question is how many bowls you want to order.
And if you have a healthy appetite like me it’ll be more than one!
You can’t just have one bowl…
To me the portions are not too big. But one bowl is enough for a snack I suppose. So if you really want a full on meal I guess you have to order two bowls. Like most customers do. Every time I’m there when I look around Restoran Kin Kin customers usually have extra bowls on their tables.
Besides, a bowl of Restoran Kin Kin’s Chilli Pan Mee only cost 8RM. That’s $1.80USD a bowl. Also a small bowl of spinach egg drop soup is included.
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