“It’s raining, but it is still sooo much fun.”

Perth 2016

Why Perth?

Well initially because we found a cheap ticket to Perth.
Plus to what we know, trip to Perth cost less (based from what we read), so it just seems like the right decision to do.

And this time it’s not just the 3 of us, my entire in law’s family going to tag along, so we decide to make some precise cost calculation for the trip.

Final cost – MYR 1,900/person Include return flight ticket.

We going to share some of our experience for the trip.

“One of our shortlist of outside diner.”

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“Kinda of our first experience staying in a cabin. Seeing all the caravan, we now plan for renting caravan on next trip to Australia.”

Transportation

Well for the first time since we start traveled, we are going to rent a car for transportation. Which give more flexibility and different experience ( it is always more excitement driving in another country….not sure why…)

We rent from Thrifty.
Recommended to be done online before departure, avoid hassle and smooth the process.

“Car rental counter. Plenty of options.”

Other options in Perth Airport are Redspot, Hertz, EuropCar, Avis & Budget (Might be others, but this what we saw near Thrift counter)

Car we get – Hyundai Imax. Fit nicely for 8 adults (luggage compartment pretty huge also)

Insurance – Highly recommended to get the fully covered insurance. Why?.. Some roads like Pinnacles is a bit rocky, like for example, not sure how or when, our front windshield got some crack during our trip.

Also – Get a GPS and car seat (must for those with kids). For GPS, it might be better to have all details ready beforehand because we took a bit of time to learn how to get use with the GPS (probably because we do not have GPS back home)

“Our smallest and most cheerful travel companion.”

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“Up we go!!”

Sim card

There’s 2 option immediately available in Perth Airport, Optus and Vodafone.

Initially we plan for Vodafone, but since Vodafone closed when we arrived in Perth Airport, the only other option is Optus.

Optus – Based on our experience, the coverage and internet speed is slow most of the times. But we not sure if this is because of the coverage in area we went or what. Sometimes we have to use international rooming which under Vodafone. Probably can check around.

“Chocolate…..who do not like it?”

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“Rain, or cloudy, can’t break our travel spirit!”

Hotels

For us, we like to get all booking done before departure. This time all was done using Booking.com

Pinnacles Holiday Park – Rent Family Cabin (Fit for 6 person, and it’s quite comfortable even for 8 adult – but need to pay some for additional fee for extra guest)
2 room, 1 room with double bed, while the other room with 2 bunk bed.
Living room is spacious enough for 2 person, thought we slept on the sofas.
Kitchen size – pretty nice.
Just 2 things,there’s no wifi (it’s cabin anyway) and shared bathroom.

Quest Mandurah – Three Room Apartment.
Cost a bit more than the other hotel we stayed, but we really satisfied.
Huge living room and kitchen on ground floor, while on first floor there’s another 3 rooms, 1 master bedroom and another 2 room with 2x single bed.

Burswood Lodge Apartments – Superior One-bedroom Family Apartment.
Late check in, but still can get our room’s key easily (they apparently used a safety box and by telling us the pin, we able to open it and get our keys).
Our room on 4th floor……. and there’s no lift.
For wifi, might need a prepaid to use it, we not really sure.

4th night…Perth Airport – If backpackers or single traveler, this might be fine… but for adult with kids, not really recommended. But what an experience we had. The airport is quite nice thought.

“It’s shopping time…..sorry, more like window shopping!!”

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“Must go place around Perth.”

Some extra tips

Drinking water – If heading to Pinnacles, it might be better to pack some mineral water in Perth City since the mineral water cost is a bit pricey and tap water taste quite different.

Buy groceries and cook yourself – Recommended for trip with family. The food price in restaurant might be a bit expansive (especially when converting money to MYR currency), so cook yourself might be a good option.

Souvenir – Recommended to get it at E-Shed Market. Take note that it only open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. You might need to arrange your plan.

Halal food – Easiest options is Halal Kebab. Worth trying.

Speed limit – Always follow speed limit. No need to rush, just chill and have fun.

Rain coat – If you planning on going there around end August – early September. It’s raining when we arrived there on 31st August.

Have fun!! – This is the most important, take things lightly, and enjoy your trip.

“Take some time off here. Chilling and resting. The scenery is astonishing.”