You don't Face your Fears, You should Stand Up to Them
The Future belongs to those who believe in the Beauty of Their Dreams
The Man who has no imagination has no wings to fly high
We cannot control the directions of the wind, but maybe we can adjust our sails
One man can be a crucial ingredient on a Team, but one Man cannot make a Team
When you bring a single light of Peace, It will brighten up wherever you go
Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly
The most Important thing about Motivation is Goal Setting. You should always have a Goal
To be Successful, you need to develop the hunger for it
Teamwork is the catalysts that yields excellence from shared thoughts
Vision is the art of seeing things invisible
Anger is a wind which blows out the lamp of the mind
While we may not be able to control all that happens to us, we can control what happens inside us
You should not comply something due to fear, You should believe & trust what you are doing is right
If only everything in life is as precious as you!
You make each working day exciting
The different colors of your personality makes this world an exciting place to be in
Cheers!
Sean
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
8 Secrets of Better Decision Making for Success
Our minds are always into thinking about it – Decisions and more Decisions to make. Our everyday life’s are full of it, small mundane ones to large life-changing types. To have the right to choose and make decisions are important to our well-being, and is central to us being an Individual. However, sometimes we just make decisions so bad that make us very unhappy or live with lifelong regrets.
Over the few decades, scientists, neurologists and psychologists are looking into the possible mental processes and signals that may affect our decision makings. Here i distilled some of the findings and will share with you 8 simple ways to make better decisions towards your success.
A) Danger of Social Pressure
Everyone of us would like to think of our-self as a single-minded individual and have a clear say of what we want, but in fact no one is immune to Social Pressure. Many studies have shown that human succumb to social pressure especially at extreme conditions.
We do have ways to avoid the the danger of Social Pressure. At anytime that you suspect that your decisions are based on what your superior or senior wanted, step back and re-group your thoughts. When you are in a group and everyone agree on a certain thing, don’t assume they are right and go along. Step back and ask yourself if this is true, and if not – be the one to oppose and share with them your thoughts and reasoning. Beware of situations when you have little responsibilities because that is where you are most likely to make irresponsible decisions and feedback.
B) Do Not Fear Consequences
Every decision that we are making usually involves predicting the future, be it choosing who to date and marry, changing of jobs or what course to study. We normally try to imagine how our choices will make us feel, and we usually go for the option we think will make us the happiest. The problem is that we aren’t that good in this type of affectionate forecasting.
We have too often overestimate the impact of our decision outcomes, both good and bad. In fact the outcomes of most events are less intense and briefer than most people thought. A major factor is due to Lost Aversion, where we feel that A Loss will hurt more than A Gain will make us happy.
Our solution? Instead of imagining how a outcome can make us feel, we should try to find someone who has made the same choice before and see how they felt. Is is important to understand that whatever the future holds, it will probably hurt or please you less than you have imagined.
C) Go with Gut-Feeling
Sometimes an instinctive and instantaneous choice might be as good as a decision that requires much time to conjure. One article reported that we make judgements about a person’s competence, aggressiveness and trustworthiness within the 100 milliseconds of seeing a new face. Given a longer time to look (up to 1 -2 second), researchers found that observers hardly revised their views, but only become more confident in their snapshots decisions. Something you are familiar isn’t it?
Some would argue that extra information can help you to make rational decisions. Yet many times, the more information you have, the better off you may be going with instincts. Practice with cautious and experience perhaps.
D) Emotions Consideration
We all think that emotions are the enemy of decision making, but in fact they are integral to it. Neurologist’s studies show that whenever we make a decisions, the brain’s emotional centre is active. Our brain stores emotional memories of past choices, which we use to inform present decisions. This is detrimental as making choices under the influence of an emotion can seriously affect the outcome of it.
Personal experience shows that when we are angry or nervous, we are more prone to accepting the first thing that we are being offered rather than consider other options that are available. Anger and nervousness seems to make us risk-prone and impetuous. All emotions affect our thinking and motivation, so it may be best to avoid making decisions under such circumstances.
Sadness on the other hand, surprisingly, seems to help us make better decisions. When we are sad, we seems to take time to consider the various options on offer, and ended up making better decisions. There are reports that indicated depressed people have the most realistic take on this world.
E) Understand that Irrelevant Figures affect our brain
Our decisions are easily attached to irrelevant facts and figures that we come across. Every-time when we see something that marked “reduced price”, “end-of-year sale”, “moving-out sale” in a shop, we lost our senses for making decisions. The original price serves as an anchor against which we compare the discounted price and we make it look like a great bargain even if in absolute terms it’s expensive. This is very difficult to break. One way is to resist the temptation and spend sometime looking around for similar products or services.
F) Looking from the other angle
We prefer options that seems to offer some gains and detest those that seems to involve losses. This is a common weakness in us that marketing dept of products and service tend to exploit. We would rather a product that indicate “80% fat free” than another that shows “20% fat”.
It is tough to ignore such effects but it is important to at least know that such biases is around. Better education and experience will come in to negate this effect. But for now – we can avoid it by looking at other angle.
G) Be Adaptable and Flexible
All the success coach and motivation guru always tells us to have perseverance and be strong to drive the project or ideas through. This is not wrong, but i believe they did not mention that we should persevere but be open, adaptable and flexible at all times. We need to be realistic.
The notion is that the more we invest in something, the more commitment we feel towards it. The investment need not be in financial form. Who has not persevered with a tedious thick book, and yet find it not interesting at all? Does this scenario sounds familiar to you? Always remind yourself that the past is the past. It is alright to move on, as there might be better things ahead of it, compared to the current settings. If at the time of considering whether to end a book or a project, that you wouldn’t initiate now if given a choice, then it’s probably not a good idea to continue. Scrape it and start something new and refreshing.
G) Limit Your Options
We might think more choice is better. But consider this – Let say you are trying to get a packet of crackers for you son. Would you be happier to choose from a selection of 10 or a selection of 30? This is commonly known as the paradox of Choice. In fact more choices is not always good. Sometimes, less choice is better.
More choices requires more information processing skills and the process can be time-consuming and confusing. Greater choice also increases the chances of making mistakes, so we will easily feel less satisfied due to the fear that we have chosen a wrong option and missed a better opportunity.
This paradox of Choice is worst for people that examine all options before making up their minds. They spend whole lots of time and energy trying to find the Best Solution. Those people that tend to choose the first option that meets their requirements suffer least. If we are out to find a ‘good enough’ answer, a lot of the pressure’s off and task of choosing something in the avalanche of choices becomes manageable. Thus, instead of searching for your ideal Hand-phone, ask a friend if he’s happy with his. If he is, it will probably work for you too. Even in situations when a choice seems far too important to simply choose it, try to limit the number of options.
H) Avoid Procrastination
For cases where time permit us to slowly come up with the decisions, it might be detrimental if we do not keep it in check. By being complacent and only visiting on surface the problem is not good for us. We should avoid procrastination and think and of the possible options that we have and jot it down. In this case, we have a certain “number of options” in our list and can easily filter out one at a time as each day passes. This ensures that our mind is clear of our actions.
Hope this information will help you to make better decisions in order to be successful in your own ways. For me, i have a couple of decision to make for my career and i will be employing the eight ways that i have mentioned.
To your Success,
Sean
“People may doubt what you say, but they will believe what you do.” – Lewis Cass
Over the few decades, scientists, neurologists and psychologists are looking into the possible mental processes and signals that may affect our decision makings. Here i distilled some of the findings and will share with you 8 simple ways to make better decisions towards your success.
A) Danger of Social Pressure
Everyone of us would like to think of our-self as a single-minded individual and have a clear say of what we want, but in fact no one is immune to Social Pressure. Many studies have shown that human succumb to social pressure especially at extreme conditions.
We do have ways to avoid the the danger of Social Pressure. At anytime that you suspect that your decisions are based on what your superior or senior wanted, step back and re-group your thoughts. When you are in a group and everyone agree on a certain thing, don’t assume they are right and go along. Step back and ask yourself if this is true, and if not – be the one to oppose and share with them your thoughts and reasoning. Beware of situations when you have little responsibilities because that is where you are most likely to make irresponsible decisions and feedback.
B) Do Not Fear Consequences
Every decision that we are making usually involves predicting the future, be it choosing who to date and marry, changing of jobs or what course to study. We normally try to imagine how our choices will make us feel, and we usually go for the option we think will make us the happiest. The problem is that we aren’t that good in this type of affectionate forecasting.
We have too often overestimate the impact of our decision outcomes, both good and bad. In fact the outcomes of most events are less intense and briefer than most people thought. A major factor is due to Lost Aversion, where we feel that A Loss will hurt more than A Gain will make us happy.
Our solution? Instead of imagining how a outcome can make us feel, we should try to find someone who has made the same choice before and see how they felt. Is is important to understand that whatever the future holds, it will probably hurt or please you less than you have imagined.
C) Go with Gut-Feeling
Sometimes an instinctive and instantaneous choice might be as good as a decision that requires much time to conjure. One article reported that we make judgements about a person’s competence, aggressiveness and trustworthiness within the 100 milliseconds of seeing a new face. Given a longer time to look (up to 1 -2 second), researchers found that observers hardly revised their views, but only become more confident in their snapshots decisions. Something you are familiar isn’t it?
Some would argue that extra information can help you to make rational decisions. Yet many times, the more information you have, the better off you may be going with instincts. Practice with cautious and experience perhaps.
D) Emotions Consideration
We all think that emotions are the enemy of decision making, but in fact they are integral to it. Neurologist’s studies show that whenever we make a decisions, the brain’s emotional centre is active. Our brain stores emotional memories of past choices, which we use to inform present decisions. This is detrimental as making choices under the influence of an emotion can seriously affect the outcome of it.
Personal experience shows that when we are angry or nervous, we are more prone to accepting the first thing that we are being offered rather than consider other options that are available. Anger and nervousness seems to make us risk-prone and impetuous. All emotions affect our thinking and motivation, so it may be best to avoid making decisions under such circumstances.
Sadness on the other hand, surprisingly, seems to help us make better decisions. When we are sad, we seems to take time to consider the various options on offer, and ended up making better decisions. There are reports that indicated depressed people have the most realistic take on this world.
E) Understand that Irrelevant Figures affect our brain
Our decisions are easily attached to irrelevant facts and figures that we come across. Every-time when we see something that marked “reduced price”, “end-of-year sale”, “moving-out sale” in a shop, we lost our senses for making decisions. The original price serves as an anchor against which we compare the discounted price and we make it look like a great bargain even if in absolute terms it’s expensive. This is very difficult to break. One way is to resist the temptation and spend sometime looking around for similar products or services.
F) Looking from the other angle
We prefer options that seems to offer some gains and detest those that seems to involve losses. This is a common weakness in us that marketing dept of products and service tend to exploit. We would rather a product that indicate “80% fat free” than another that shows “20% fat”.
It is tough to ignore such effects but it is important to at least know that such biases is around. Better education and experience will come in to negate this effect. But for now – we can avoid it by looking at other angle.
G) Be Adaptable and Flexible
All the success coach and motivation guru always tells us to have perseverance and be strong to drive the project or ideas through. This is not wrong, but i believe they did not mention that we should persevere but be open, adaptable and flexible at all times. We need to be realistic.
The notion is that the more we invest in something, the more commitment we feel towards it. The investment need not be in financial form. Who has not persevered with a tedious thick book, and yet find it not interesting at all? Does this scenario sounds familiar to you? Always remind yourself that the past is the past. It is alright to move on, as there might be better things ahead of it, compared to the current settings. If at the time of considering whether to end a book or a project, that you wouldn’t initiate now if given a choice, then it’s probably not a good idea to continue. Scrape it and start something new and refreshing.
G) Limit Your Options
We might think more choice is better. But consider this – Let say you are trying to get a packet of crackers for you son. Would you be happier to choose from a selection of 10 or a selection of 30? This is commonly known as the paradox of Choice. In fact more choices is not always good. Sometimes, less choice is better.
More choices requires more information processing skills and the process can be time-consuming and confusing. Greater choice also increases the chances of making mistakes, so we will easily feel less satisfied due to the fear that we have chosen a wrong option and missed a better opportunity.
This paradox of Choice is worst for people that examine all options before making up their minds. They spend whole lots of time and energy trying to find the Best Solution. Those people that tend to choose the first option that meets their requirements suffer least. If we are out to find a ‘good enough’ answer, a lot of the pressure’s off and task of choosing something in the avalanche of choices becomes manageable. Thus, instead of searching for your ideal Hand-phone, ask a friend if he’s happy with his. If he is, it will probably work for you too. Even in situations when a choice seems far too important to simply choose it, try to limit the number of options.
H) Avoid Procrastination
For cases where time permit us to slowly come up with the decisions, it might be detrimental if we do not keep it in check. By being complacent and only visiting on surface the problem is not good for us. We should avoid procrastination and think and of the possible options that we have and jot it down. In this case, we have a certain “number of options” in our list and can easily filter out one at a time as each day passes. This ensures that our mind is clear of our actions.
Hope this information will help you to make better decisions in order to be successful in your own ways. For me, i have a couple of decision to make for my career and i will be employing the eight ways that i have mentioned.
To your Success,
Sean
“People may doubt what you say, but they will believe what you do.” – Lewis Cass
Friday, May 28, 2010
The Secret To Happiness & Success
What is your take on the true secret to happiness and thus success? To me, i strongly believe it is ATTITUDE! If you think that being wealthy, popular, handsome or rich will make you happy, think again.
Happiness if a matter of the heart and has little to do with external events on matters. It is about how you see things, not what happens, that makes the difference. The most well-adjusted people are those who choose to look at the brighter side of life.
So, instead of dwelling on negative thoughts, they count their blessings each day, at every moments. They understand that gratitude is integral part of happiness and we need to acknowledge it personally. These "happy" people generally develop positive speech habits and learn to speak out blessings, not curses and complaints. This tells us one important thing - How we say things makes a huge difference in how we perceive them.
(Pix by One/Million)
Happy people do not look for worth in material things. Those that are always going for the material things are not that happy after all, as they are sometimes afraid of loosing the wealth that they have currently. Those that have millions but are driven to develope themselves and their business will be much happier and eventually be more successful. They understand that material things alone will never fill that empty void that life sometimes brings. As such, to be really happy and be successful people, we need to find peace and purpose in a strong faith.
Happiness if a matter of the heart and has little to do with external events on matters. It is about how you see things, not what happens, that makes the difference. The most well-adjusted people are those who choose to look at the brighter side of life.
So, instead of dwelling on negative thoughts, they count their blessings each day, at every moments. They understand that gratitude is integral part of happiness and we need to acknowledge it personally. These "happy" people generally develop positive speech habits and learn to speak out blessings, not curses and complaints. This tells us one important thing - How we say things makes a huge difference in how we perceive them.
(Pix by One/Million)Happy people do not look for worth in material things. Those that are always going for the material things are not that happy after all, as they are sometimes afraid of loosing the wealth that they have currently. Those that have millions but are driven to develope themselves and their business will be much happier and eventually be more successful. They understand that material things alone will never fill that empty void that life sometimes brings. As such, to be really happy and be successful people, we need to find peace and purpose in a strong faith.
Inspiring Movies – Peaceful Warrior
Arrogant, talented Dan Millman seems to have the perfect college life: a stunning gymnast's body of incredible strength, handsome looks, good grades, plenty of money and a shot at the Olympic qualifiers in men's gymnastics. Still, Dan wakes up almost nightly from terrifying nightmares and odd visions he can't explain or dismiss.
One night, awakened by yet another nightmare, Dan goes for a run through his foggy neighborhood and comes upon a well-lit service station. Behind the counter, an old man seemingly moves without regard for space or time. One moment, Dan is paying for his snacks, the next the old man is on the roof of the station. Stunned by the impossibility, Dan begs the old man, whom he instinctually names Socrates, to share the secret of his abilities in order to achieve his goal of Olympic Gold. The old man puts him through a regimen that changes his diet, training, and lifestyle. Before long, his life is ruined, and he loses his friends, his girls, and is almost thrown off his Gymnastics squad. Thus begins
One night, awakened by yet another nightmare, Dan goes for a run through his foggy neighborhood and comes upon a well-lit service station. Behind the counter, an old man seemingly moves without regard for space or time. One moment, Dan is paying for his snacks, the next the old man is on the roof of the station. Stunned by the impossibility, Dan begs the old man, whom he instinctually names Socrates, to share the secret of his abilities in order to achieve his goal of Olympic Gold. The old man puts him through a regimen that changes his diet, training, and lifestyle. Before long, his life is ruined, and he loses his friends, his girls, and is almost thrown off his Gymnastics squad. Thus begins
Monday, May 24, 2010
Inspiring Movies - Gridiron Gang
This is a gritty and inspirational movie based on a true story of a group of teenage delinquents given a second chance to redeem themselves by playing football. Sean Porter (Johnson) is a frustrated juvenile probation officer. Most of the kids in his detention camp are either sent back to prison once they leave or meet a violent end when they return to the streets. Desperately looking for a way to make a difference, he and his co-worker Malcolm Moore devise a plan to teach discipline and responsibility through the game of football. But with only four weeks before the start of the season, Porter must overcome insurmountable odds to put together a competitive team. It's a season that will test their minds, spirit, and bodies as Porter teaches his players the principles of good character, strength through resiliency, and genuine respect for one another.
Certainly a good movie for the many juvenilles these days that wonder around the streets and hope to inspire them to pursue something in their life with a Greater Purpose.
Certainly a good movie for the many juvenilles these days that wonder around the streets and hope to inspire them to pursue something in their life with a Greater Purpose.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Success is being True to Yourself
In one’s pursuit of success in life, there are many paths to attain it. To me personally, success is being able to be true to yourself. It really doesn’t matter what others say, be they your friends or business associates. At the end of the day, you ought to live your life the way you want to.
Most unenlightened people will light success to lots of money. I think there are many angles from which to look at this. My personal phliosphy to success is to be upright and honest person because if you are not, the all the millions in your bank means nothing. The values of integrity, honesty, responsibility, disciplines, determination and hard work should be inculcated at young age. These values will certainly carry you through everyhing to lead a truly successful life.
In this way, we can savoured life to the fullest, as we seek our own meaning of Success in our life.
Friday, May 21, 2010
5 Simple Ways to Organize Each Day
As a person seeking a more Successful and Fulfilling Life, your time is precious. While the choice is yours in how to spend your day, the best way to utilize your resources and maximise your time is to organize it. We should start each day in an organized way, and you’ll get more done than you can imagine.
Below are 5 simple ways for achieving an organized day:
1) Make a To-Do List:
Make a list the night before of the things you have to do tomorrow. Prioritize every item in the sequence it should be accomplished, with the outmost priority to be placed on top and the rest in a descending manner. Consolidate similar tasks. When you wake up in the morning, you will have a clear-cut guide for everything that must be done.
2) Be Wary of Getting Diverted:
Very often we are distracted by other external factors and our schedule that we have set earlier gets thrown off track. If you find that you constantly get off track, we can set a timer that goes off every 30 minutes. Every time it sounds, be sure you are working on what you originally planned. If you’re not, stop what you are doing at that moment and get back to schedule. Most distractions are not emergency situations.
3) Strike Off Items As You Complete Them:
Every time you finish something, strike it off your To-Do List. This will certainly give you a sense of accomplishment throughout the day.
4) Call Before You Move:
If you have an appointment during the day, always try to confirm before you leave your office or home. This will ensure that the person you’re meeting did not forget about the appointment. And if you client has something to finish up and need to meet you slightly later, perhaps you can do something else first, before you leave to meet them.
5) Do A Final Check:
At the end of the day, take a look at your To-Do List. How many items were you able to accomplish? Are there only one or two things left unfinished, or are there many yet to be striked off the list? If there were just a few undone, simply move them to tomorrow’s To-Do List. If there were many undone and unstriked, and you work diligently on everything all day, then you probably had too many things on your list to begin with. Re-think how much you can possibly do in a given day. Remember, we have only 24 hours, and we should be using one third of those hours to sleep and rest our system.
The above ways have been my key towards a more efficient and effective lifestyle.
Hope you will find the 5 simple ways as useful as i find it.
One Who Conquers OneSelf,
Sean
Thursday, May 20, 2010
A Great Book with Great Tips to Live Your Life!
A year ago, i read a very good book - a No.1 New York Best-Seller on Self-Improvement known as "The 4-Hour Work Week" by Timothy Ferriss.
Really an awesome book. It empowers us on escaping the 9-5, Live Anywhere and Join the New Rich, where we live everyday to the fullest. We do not believe in Retirements when we are so rich at 5o years old. Instead, we believe in having many many mini-retirements throughout our life.
Who wants that? Highly recommended book for those that want more life than the 9-5 work week, especially for those that aspire to become an entrepreneur.
I seldom recommend books to others, but this one is really special!
Go Get The Book Now! You will be as happy as me. =)
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Backpacking Holidays in Perth, Western Australia - Part 4
This post will be the fourth one (i.e. Part 4) of my Backpacking Holiday trip to Perth, Western Australia. You can check out Part 3 HERE. This series will serve as a mini-travelogue for people that are searching for information on Perth Backpacking and Free-&-Easy Holidays.
Day 3: APT Tours to 4WD Pinnacles + Caversham Wildlife Park + Sandboarding Adventure
As per Day 2, we went early to wait for the day coach and was sad to realise that the driver (cum Day Tour Guide) is a different person. We understand that the drivers were given rotating schedule and destination in order to keep them excited and fresh. But we were all gear up mentally to have another exciting day with the new driver. Oh, the tourists group were also different, thought we met a couple that was on same coach with us on Day 2 tour.
Hot drinks are a comfort in the chilling morning
We left the city limits and crossed over the Swan River and headed north through the Swan Valley to Caversham Wildlife Park where we stopped to view and photographed koalas and hand feed kangaroos. It is a shame that the wildlife park tour was in a rush. Everyone was enjoying ourselves here and was so reluctant to leave those animals.
Caversham Wildlife Park
They are so gentle and cute =)
So nice to touch..opps..not suppose to?
We then continued with the thrilling experience of 4-wheel driving in our giant 4WD over massive Lancelin sand dunes and the chance to try sand boarding. It was the first in my life and i was enjoying myself with many rounds of sandboarding!
4WD Drive was scary at first
Getting ready for sandboarding
I am good with Sandboarding
We then continued on to the Nambung National Park, home of the amazing Pinnacles Desert. Here our driver guide took us for an easy paced walk through parts of this fascinating landscape covering some 404 hectares. It is such an amazing structure! Full of Chemistry - limestone formation and Geogrpahy - sand and wind erosion! Another thing to add: the day tour guide is damn good! Seemed to be a chemist or geologist or what. Technical terms were made so simple for many laymen to understand the possible reasons that Pinnacles are formed.
Day tour guide explaining the possible formation of Pinnacles
Posing with the awesome Pinnacles
Later enjoy a sunset journey back to Perth and arrived back in Perth at approximately 7.30 pm. We bought pizza back from a cafe in Perth City Central, and to our disappointment - the pizza taste like stone - rough, hard and almost tasteless.
Now, we were exhausted from 2 days of Day Tours to National Parks. But we still need to get up early the next morning cos we are going free and easy walk of Perth City and famous Cottesloe Beach.
PS: Do drop me a comment. Would love to hear from you.
PSS: This blogpost is part of a series titled: "Backpacking Holidays in Perth, Western Australia". Click on "Holiday Tips" for whole series.
Day 3: APT Tours to 4WD Pinnacles + Caversham Wildlife Park + Sandboarding Adventure
As per Day 2, we went early to wait for the day coach and was sad to realise that the driver (cum Day Tour Guide) is a different person. We understand that the drivers were given rotating schedule and destination in order to keep them excited and fresh. But we were all gear up mentally to have another exciting day with the new driver. Oh, the tourists group were also different, thought we met a couple that was on same coach with us on Day 2 tour.
Hot drinks are a comfort in the chilling morning We left the city limits and crossed over the Swan River and headed north through the Swan Valley to Caversham Wildlife Park where we stopped to view and photographed koalas and hand feed kangaroos. It is a shame that the wildlife park tour was in a rush. Everyone was enjoying ourselves here and was so reluctant to leave those animals.
Caversham Wildlife Park 
They are so gentle and cute =)
So nice to touch..opps..not suppose to?We then continued with the thrilling experience of 4-wheel driving in our giant 4WD over massive Lancelin sand dunes and the chance to try sand boarding. It was the first in my life and i was enjoying myself with many rounds of sandboarding!
4WD Drive was scary at first 
Getting ready for sandboarding
I am good with SandboardingWe then continued on to the Nambung National Park, home of the amazing Pinnacles Desert. Here our driver guide took us for an easy paced walk through parts of this fascinating landscape covering some 404 hectares. It is such an amazing structure! Full of Chemistry - limestone formation and Geogrpahy - sand and wind erosion! Another thing to add: the day tour guide is damn good! Seemed to be a chemist or geologist or what. Technical terms were made so simple for many laymen to understand the possible reasons that Pinnacles are formed.
Day tour guide explaining the possible formation of Pinnacles
Posing with the awesome PinnaclesLater enjoy a sunset journey back to Perth and arrived back in Perth at approximately 7.30 pm. We bought pizza back from a cafe in Perth City Central, and to our disappointment - the pizza taste like stone - rough, hard and almost tasteless.
Now, we were exhausted from 2 days of Day Tours to National Parks. But we still need to get up early the next morning cos we are going free and easy walk of Perth City and famous Cottesloe Beach.
PS: Do drop me a comment. Would love to hear from you.
PSS: This blogpost is part of a series titled: "Backpacking Holidays in Perth, Western Australia". Click on "Holiday Tips" for whole series.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Backpacking Holidays in Perth, Western Australia - Part 3
This post will be the third one (i.e. Part 3) of my Backpacking Holiday trip to Perth, Western Australia. You can check out Part 2 HERE. This series will serve as a mini-travelogue for people that are searching for information on Perth Backpacking and Free-&-Easy Holidays.
Day 2: APT Tours to WaveRock + Historic York + Wild Flowers Viewing
Early in morning of 7.15am, we waited for day coach at the office area of Australian Pinnacle Tours office. Realised through my conversation with the driver (cum day tour guide) that Australian Pinnacle Tours is the official service provider for many other day tour agencies/companies in Perth. I.e. we booked and paid for the day tours with APT Touring but they have no offices in Perth, only Melbourne / Victoria area.
At about 8am when everyone (other tourists) have arrived, we headed east through the scenic Darling Ranges where we stopped to enjoy some morning tea & pastry at historic York, the first township founded in the Avon Valley. We were given about 30mins to take some pictures of the old Victorian buildings and enjoy the pastries on our own expense.
Surprised with the selections in this Old-Fashion Candy Shop in York
We then continue heading east where we passed through wheat belt plains and stop en route at the famous Dog Cemetery, a tribute to Australian working sheep dogs.
Our comfortable Day Tour Coach
Dog Cemetry @ Corrigin
Later we reach the small town of Hyden, home of Wave Rock. Before lunch we visit Hippos Yawn an unusual natural rock formation shaped like a yawning hippopotamus, regarded by the local Aboriginal people as a special place. We then went to the Wave Rock Wildflower Shop to take our Picnic lunch, prepared by the driver (cum tour guide).
After lunch we went for the tour of Wave Rock. Estimated at being an incredible 2,700 million years old, the rock has over time been sculptured by nature into the form of a huge breaking wave. It was an awesome sight! It is so high up from the ground that you enjoyed the consistent breeze blowing towards you.
Posing at the bottom of Wave Rock structure
Water found on Peak of Wave Rock structure
Leaving Wave Rock, we head off to view some other intriguing rock formations of the area including the Humps, a camel hump like granite rock and finally Mulkas Cave. Our guide explained the ancient Aboriginal cave paintings featured within it, telling the legend of the outcast Aboriginal, Mulka the Terrible. It was a mysterious tour i must say!
Our return journey took us along back roads through the heart of the Western Australian wheat belt to the small farming town of Babakin. Here we enjoy some country hospitality over an afternoon tea (own expense. we dint order any food due to the heavy lunch) with local town folk.
The only thing we missed was the supposedly wild flowers that should be covering the roadside. We dint see any. According to the day guide, the wild flowers has wilted a week ago before we arrived.
We ended Day 2 with arrival in Perth at approximately 8.30 pm, but not without our dinner at McDonald's. We were all excited about Day 3 as we went to bed.
PS: Do drop me a comment. Would love to hear from you.
PSS: This blogpost is part of a series titled: "Backpacking Holidays in Perth, Western Australia". Click on "Holiday Tips" for whole series.
Day 2: APT Tours to WaveRock + Historic York + Wild Flowers Viewing
Early in morning of 7.15am, we waited for day coach at the office area of Australian Pinnacle Tours office. Realised through my conversation with the driver (cum day tour guide) that Australian Pinnacle Tours is the official service provider for many other day tour agencies/companies in Perth. I.e. we booked and paid for the day tours with APT Touring but they have no offices in Perth, only Melbourne / Victoria area.
At about 8am when everyone (other tourists) have arrived, we headed east through the scenic Darling Ranges where we stopped to enjoy some morning tea & pastry at historic York, the first township founded in the Avon Valley. We were given about 30mins to take some pictures of the old Victorian buildings and enjoy the pastries on our own expense.
Surprised with the selections in this Old-Fashion Candy Shop in York We then continue heading east where we passed through wheat belt plains and stop en route at the famous Dog Cemetery, a tribute to Australian working sheep dogs.
Our comfortable Day Tour Coach
Dog Cemetry Signage
Dog Cemetry @ CorriginLater we reach the small town of Hyden, home of Wave Rock. Before lunch we visit Hippos Yawn an unusual natural rock formation shaped like a yawning hippopotamus, regarded by the local Aboriginal people as a special place. We then went to the Wave Rock Wildflower Shop to take our Picnic lunch, prepared by the driver (cum tour guide).
After lunch we went for the tour of Wave Rock. Estimated at being an incredible 2,700 million years old, the rock has over time been sculptured by nature into the form of a huge breaking wave. It was an awesome sight! It is so high up from the ground that you enjoyed the consistent breeze blowing towards you.
Posing at the bottom of Wave Rock structure 
Water found on Peak of Wave Rock structure Leaving Wave Rock, we head off to view some other intriguing rock formations of the area including the Humps, a camel hump like granite rock and finally Mulkas Cave. Our guide explained the ancient Aboriginal cave paintings featured within it, telling the legend of the outcast Aboriginal, Mulka the Terrible. It was a mysterious tour i must say!
Our return journey took us along back roads through the heart of the Western Australian wheat belt to the small farming town of Babakin. Here we enjoy some country hospitality over an afternoon tea (own expense. we dint order any food due to the heavy lunch) with local town folk.
The only thing we missed was the supposedly wild flowers that should be covering the roadside. We dint see any. According to the day guide, the wild flowers has wilted a week ago before we arrived.
We ended Day 2 with arrival in Perth at approximately 8.30 pm, but not without our dinner at McDonald's. We were all excited about Day 3 as we went to bed.
PS: Do drop me a comment. Would love to hear from you.
PSS: This blogpost is part of a series titled: "Backpacking Holidays in Perth, Western Australia". Click on "Holiday Tips" for whole series.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Backpacking Holidays in Perth, Western Australia - Part 2
This post will be the second one (i.e. Part 2) of my Backpacking Holiday trip to Perth, Western Australia. You can check out Part 1 HERE. This series will serve as a mini-travelogue for people that are searching for information on Perth Backpacking and Free-&-Easy Holidays.
From today, we will start to discuss on the 8 days i spent my time in Perth holidaying. Hope this serves as a possible itinerary for your planning.
Day 1: Reach Perth + Perth City Self-Tour + Fremantle
From Singapore Airport, we took Jetstar Asia budget airline and reached Perth International Airport on Friday morning, 13th November 2009 at about 3am in the morning. We took a nap in the airport before we took the airport city shuttle at about 7.45am to Perth City where our backpackers hostel is located.
Reached Perth International Airport
The trip was fast and we reached Globe Backpackers Hostel with a pleasant surprise - the hostel has a very good geographic location in Wellington Street. We were greeted and received at the check-in counter by one of their permanent staff, Trish, which starts our 1st day in Perth. She is so helpful and friendly - told us to check with her on anything to make our stay in Perth an enjoyable one. Since we can only check in at about 10am, we left our backpacks in the Baggage Room and proceed to our quick Perth City foot tour which is around our hostel.
At about noon time, we proceed to take the train to Fremantle - the port city of Perth, with the aim of visiting Western Australia Maritime Museum and sampling seafood at the Fishing Boat Harbour.
Western Australia Maritime Museum in Fremantle
Fremantle is a beautiful place and was packed with lots of locals as well as tourists on a friday afternoon. We went to Cicerello - known for as "Western Australia's No. 1 Fish & Chips" and ordered two set meals: Famous Fish-&-Chips as well as their Seafood Basket. We were glad we were there. The fish and the seafood basket is awesome and their fries are damn tasty! I would vote for them to be World's No.1 Fish-&-Chips!!!
Best Fish-&-Chips in the World! Oh my, the fries is damn good also!
We then proceed to the reknown Fremantle Markets which is opened only from Fri-Sun.
Fremantle Markets - reknown market in Perth
It is a pleasure to walk through the market and looking at the products offered by each stall owners. We did not pick up any items or gifts since we felt nothing was really special and items are over-priced (obviously since this is a tourist attractions). We did stop by a Pastry-serving cafe (one and only) for some servings. The food was great! Recommended!
We then proceed to the Fremantle Coastline to enjoy the sea breeze. Lovely scenery!
Sean posing at coastline of Fremantle
With that, we took a trip back to Perth City where we checked into our room and was shocked by the condition of it! It was way too good for that price! I have never stayed in a hostel that is so clean and comfortable. I knew i was going to enjoy my time in Perth. The savings we had for the hostel (instead of extravagant posh hotel) is going to be used for food and other entertainment/activities!
After a quick shower, we proceed out to check out the night life and scene in Perth City. It seemed like they prefer home-based activities in Perth. Most of the shops are closed by 7.30pm, including shopping centres and shops. The only ones still open are Fast-Food Restaurants such as McDonald's and Hungry Jacks (Burger King) as well as Kebab and Pizza serving shops. Most of the people on streets are tourists and young adults / teenagers.
More activities (Pubs and life-bands) can be found at Northbridge Area where queues to enter entertainment premises can be seen. In general, it felt safe for tourists. We did not really see any commotions, except one black sheep - a small group of youngsters taunting each other for fights. Do note that this particular scene is not common.
So Day 1 ended with us walking back to our hostel safely and feeling excited about Day 2.
PS: Do drop me a comment. Would love to hear from you.
PSS: This blogpost is part of a series titled: "Backpacking Holidays in Perth, Western Australia". Click on "Holiday Tips" for whole series.
From today, we will start to discuss on the 8 days i spent my time in Perth holidaying. Hope this serves as a possible itinerary for your planning.
Day 1: Reach Perth + Perth City Self-Tour + Fremantle
From Singapore Airport, we took Jetstar Asia budget airline and reached Perth International Airport on Friday morning, 13th November 2009 at about 3am in the morning. We took a nap in the airport before we took the airport city shuttle at about 7.45am to Perth City where our backpackers hostel is located.
Reached Perth International AirportThe trip was fast and we reached Globe Backpackers Hostel with a pleasant surprise - the hostel has a very good geographic location in Wellington Street. We were greeted and received at the check-in counter by one of their permanent staff, Trish, which starts our 1st day in Perth. She is so helpful and friendly - told us to check with her on anything to make our stay in Perth an enjoyable one. Since we can only check in at about 10am, we left our backpacks in the Baggage Room and proceed to our quick Perth City foot tour which is around our hostel.
At about noon time, we proceed to take the train to Fremantle - the port city of Perth, with the aim of visiting Western Australia Maritime Museum and sampling seafood at the Fishing Boat Harbour.
Western Australia Maritime Museum in FremantleFremantle is a beautiful place and was packed with lots of locals as well as tourists on a friday afternoon. We went to Cicerello - known for as "Western Australia's No. 1 Fish & Chips" and ordered two set meals: Famous Fish-&-Chips as well as their Seafood Basket. We were glad we were there. The fish and the seafood basket is awesome and their fries are damn tasty! I would vote for them to be World's No.1 Fish-&-Chips!!!
Best Fish-&-Chips in the World! Oh my, the fries is damn good also!We then proceed to the reknown Fremantle Markets which is opened only from Fri-Sun.
Fremantle Markets - reknown market in PerthIt is a pleasure to walk through the market and looking at the products offered by each stall owners. We did not pick up any items or gifts since we felt nothing was really special and items are over-priced (obviously since this is a tourist attractions). We did stop by a Pastry-serving cafe (one and only) for some servings. The food was great! Recommended!
Lovely pastries in the Pastry-Cafe in Fremantle Markets
We then proceed to the Fremantle Coastline to enjoy the sea breeze. Lovely scenery!
Sean posing at coastline of Fremantle With that, we took a trip back to Perth City where we checked into our room and was shocked by the condition of it! It was way too good for that price! I have never stayed in a hostel that is so clean and comfortable. I knew i was going to enjoy my time in Perth. The savings we had for the hostel (instead of extravagant posh hotel) is going to be used for food and other entertainment/activities!
After a quick shower, we proceed out to check out the night life and scene in Perth City. It seemed like they prefer home-based activities in Perth. Most of the shops are closed by 7.30pm, including shopping centres and shops. The only ones still open are Fast-Food Restaurants such as McDonald's and Hungry Jacks (Burger King) as well as Kebab and Pizza serving shops. Most of the people on streets are tourists and young adults / teenagers.
More activities (Pubs and life-bands) can be found at Northbridge Area where queues to enter entertainment premises can be seen. In general, it felt safe for tourists. We did not really see any commotions, except one black sheep - a small group of youngsters taunting each other for fights. Do note that this particular scene is not common.
So Day 1 ended with us walking back to our hostel safely and feeling excited about Day 2.
PS: Do drop me a comment. Would love to hear from you.
PSS: This blogpost is part of a series titled: "Backpacking Holidays in Perth, Western Australia". Click on "Holiday Tips" for whole series.
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