Internet in Oman for those without resident visa

Initially when I first arrived Muscat, I was given an Omantel prepaid simcard to use for my Internet use in a small Samsung modem device. However after realising that it only contains 2GB and costs OMR5 every time to ensure that I don't go over the limit, I realised, it's super not worth it. Especially since I Skype with Daniel everyday for almost 2 hours.

Then my boss upgraded my simcard and made it into a postpaid plan, where it would have 10GB per month and charged monthly straight to his card (OMR24). Although that was better than the previous plan I had, it still wasn't enough for me. Per skype session of an hour usually takes about 2GB, so 10GB would only give me about less than 5 days usage for me.

Since I yet have the resident card for Muscat, I do not have the option of installing broadband into my apartment or subscribe to any contract. I then decided to check out Ooredoo at the airport and ask what my options are. 

I was then told that there was an option for me called Mousbak where I need to pay OMR20 for the device and I chose the highest GB volume of 150GB for OMR33 a month. 

They checked if there is coverage in my area then took a copy of my passport and said that there is no contract to it. It was the best decision I've ever had. 

Although the connection is not as stable and fast as the Omantel I've been using, I no longer had to worry about the GB that I'm using for the month. 150GB gives me more than enough to chat with Daniel over skype and I was also able to download or stream movies whenever I want.

Now I only use the Omantel postpaid Internet for my mobile use (since it's already paid for, and saves me money from topping up to use Internet on my phone) and when I'm at home, I use the ooredoo Internet. 

Review of The Entertainer Travel use on hotels and travels - Intercontinental Muscat

So, after the amazing experience Daniel and I had at Shangri-La al-Bandar hotel, Muscat with the use of 'buy one night free one night' voucher from Entertainer book (saving us OMR36 but oh well), we decided to try it out on Intercontinental hotel, Muscat voucher next.

Again, I used the same techniques of booking for the hotel on the phone, by asking the availability of the rooms and the price BEFORE mentioning you have the voucher.

So anyway, rooms was available and was told it would cost OMR110 (as there was 3 adults in the room). I was quite taken aback considering its the same price as Shangri-La, despite the location of Intercontinental not being as exquisite as the latter, but oh well, decided to try it out anyway.

So last Thursday (14th May) I decided to check in first before Daniel arrives Muscat. I went to the counter and told them my reservation, and was told BREAKFAST IS NOT INCLUDED. BECAUSE I USED THE VOUCHER.

I'm like WHAT THE HECK?! In booking.com it would cost OMR78 for 2 adults INCLUSIVE OF BREAKFAST. But apparently, BECAUSE I was using the voucher, it is NOT included. DESPITE ME PAYING FULL PRICE FOR THE FIRST NIGHT. I tried arguing, but no point really as they kept saying that 'it varies from hotel to another' and 'you should have checked first'. Yeah, my fault. I SHOULD HAVE CHECKED. If I knew, I would have booked Shangri-La to be honest.

So, BECAUSE I wanted breakfast for me and my guests, I had to pay OMR11 per person, per day. So that was OMR11*3 = OMR33. Thankfully my guest and I weren't too motivated to get breakfast for the second morning, so I only paid for one morning, thus totalling the hotel stay of OMR143. Which again, I emphasise, was NOT worth the use of the voucher.

Anyway that's when I started to think that this stupid entertainer travel voucher is NOT worth it for when you're using it on hotels. Yes, Shangri-La did save me OMR36, but it so did not save me any money for this Intercontinental.

For those planning on using this Entertainer Travel voucher, just do the research first and see if it's cheaper on booking.com / expedia.com instead of using the voucher.

Review of The Entertainer Travel use on hotels and travels - Shangri La Muscat

So as mentioned previously, Daniel and I spent the weekend at Shangri-La al-Bandar hotel. To be honest, if it wasn't for the 'buy one night free one night' coupon, we wouldn't have bothered staying there. But since we had it, we thought, "huh. Why not?"

In order to use that coupon for the hotel, you are required to call the hotel and inform them the dates you want to stay at the hotel and inform them you want to use the coupon.
I remember calling them the first time on a Monday night about 9p.m and the conversation on the hotel reservation went like this:
Res: "Hi this is Shangri-La hotel reservation. How may I help you?"
Me: "Hi. I have this Entertainer coupon that I would like to use for this weekend. For the 16th to 18th April. May I know if you have any rooms available and how much it would cost for 2 adults?"
Res: "Oh with entertainer voucher Ma'am? Yes, you can use that. Let me check... Oh sorry ma'am we do not have a room for the 17th. How about if you come earlier or the day after maybe?"
Me: "Oh, I won't be around after that. It's ok then. Thanks"

Super disappointed as I really wanted to try out that hotel. So I was not satisfied enough with that answer, so I decided to try and call out the hotel again. With a different strategy.

Called up the next morning and made sure I had a different operator.

Res: "Hi this is Shangri-La hotel reservation. How may I help you?"
Me: "Hi. I was wondering if you have any rooms for this weekend, 16th to 18th? And please tell me how much it would be?"
Res: "Hi, yes let me check. Yes, there is a room available at both al-Bandar and al-Waha hotels here at Shangri-La. Which would you like? Al-Bandar costs OMR110 per night while al-Waha we only have the premium suite that will cost OMR320 per night"
Me: "Ok, I'll take al-Bandar then for both nights. Oh but I will be using the entertainer buy one night free one night voucher, so I'm guessing my second night will be free"
Res: "Yes ma'am. You're right."
Me: "Ok. I'd like that room please for those 2 nights"
*and so she took down my details*

So that night I checked booking.com. Strangely enough for 2 nights for 2 adults costs OMR146, so I was a bit weird out why it cost more on the phone. Daniel told me that that is normally the case, so I just let it be. Besides, I'm only charged OMR110 for both nights, so that sort of saved us OMR36.
We were given free breakfast for the first morning which was BLOODY AMAZING.

WAS.SUPER.WORTH.IT!
5 stars I swear.

A review of The Entertainer book for Abu Dhabi. How Daniel and I used it.

SO, Daniel was given the Entertainer book Abu Dhabi for free by his company and he got me the entertainer body book Abu Dhabi. According to their website the Entertainer book that Daniel got for free costs AED395 whereas the Entertainer Body book that Daniel bought for me is AED275.

Initially I was a little skeptical about using this book and believed it was part of some 'psychological advertising campaign crap' thing, however when I noticed all the vouchers being buy-one-free-one, I decided to just try it out and see how it goes.

That morning on the weekend I was in Abu Dhabi, we went to the Emirates zoo cause we really didn't couldn't think of anything else to do other than shop. That gave us a buy one free one adult admission entrance, which meant it only costed us AED30 total.

We then went for a couple massage at Rotana Yas Island that costs per person AED325. Since it was buy one free one, Daniel paid for his and I went in for free =D. The massage was AWESOME and lasted for an hour.

Then we went to Dasma Mall and decided to try out the Haagen Dasz with the buy one scoop free one scoop voucher. OMG THE ICE CREAM THERE IS AMAZING. I hardly eat ice-cream, let alone those high branded classy ones, so this was like an amazing treat for me. Daniel paid for his scoop which was like AED18 and I got mine for FREE =D

Next morning, Daniel and I went to Dasma Mall again and decided to try out Tim Horton's buy one free one sandwich and buy one free one hot chocolate. Total cost was apparently 129AED but due to vouchers, he only paid AED64 cause all mine were FREE =D

Then for lunch, we went to Yas Mall and tried out Giraffe restaurant. We used the buy one free one main course and we saved another AED75 on my meal that was lower priced than Daniel's.

Then I went to Bath and Body Works and got myself a body wash using the buy one free one voucher, saving AED60!

So total saving for that weekend was AED572 thanks to these books!!

Although if we add up the total costs of the books together, it would amount up to AED670 which is not as much as the savings Daniel and I did. But then again, theres WAYYYY more vouchers in there to be used, so for sure we will end up topping up the costs altogether and save up more money.

I am a happy happy cheapskate Asian girl.

Review of Rotana Jet and Abu Dhabi International Airport Terminal 2.

So last Thursday I went to Abu Dhabi. Had to take Rotana Jet cause it was already booked by Daniel few weeks before and well, decided to give them another chance after their disappointing performance the weekend before for my flight from Abu Dhabi to Muscat.

My flight from Muscat was meant to be at 8:45pm. Was told it was going to be on time; Daniel rang Rotana Jet in Abu Dhabi to confirm if there will be any delays AND also the check in sign said it's going to be on time. HOWEVER when I got to the gate around 7:45pm, nothing happened. Then it was 8:15pm. Still nothing.
Then 8:45pm.
The sign at the gate suddenly changed the time to 9:00pm. Without any announcement WHAT-SO-EVER.
Then 9:10pm the doors finally opened and about 25 of us passengers took the bus and went to the small airplane.

We finally took off at 9:30pm. An hour later. WITHOUT ANY NOTICE. Joy.

The flight was OK. Only had one stewardess, and surprisingly was served a chicken sandwich and apple juice despite the short flight.

Then we landed. Took a shuttle bus from the airplane that seem to be giving us a tour of the airport as it took about 10 minutes to finally reach the terminal.

Then. HA. The queue at the terminal 2. Unbelievably LONG. I AM NOT KIDDING. Probably like about 300 people. Not being racist or anything, but 98% of the people queuing were brown... and clueless as each one of them would be asking one another "what's going on" "why queue so long" "why queue not moving". Thankfully I have my nintendo with me, so I decided to spend my queuing time playing Zelda.

45 minutes later and getting through only half the queue, suddenly I had this strange conversation with this white guy who was in another line ahead of me.
Him: "you're still here!"
Me: "Yes I'm still here. Doesn't it look like I'm here?"
Him: "But you're a lady!"
Me: "I'm a bit worried on why you look so surprised about that"
Him: "No, no. That's not what I meant. Families are allowed to cut the queue and go straight to the counter"
Me: "I'm not a family. I mean I'm on my own. No family with me"
Him: "I meant, ladies and families are allowed to cut the queue"
Me: "ANDDD nobody bothered to tell me 45 minutes ago. Great" *I looked back at the back of the queue there were still other ladies. I gave a confused look to the white guy who then lifted the barrier line thingy and signal the custom guy that I'm apparently a lady, who then signal me to go through*

Yes. So after an hour of queuing of not making myself look like a lady despite me wearing pink shirt and pink shoes and long hair and pink handbag, I managed to get through the custom immigration and find Daniel amongst the sea of other brown people.

Verdict: ROTANA JET IS NEVER ON TIME AND TERMINAL 2 ABU DHABI NEEDS A LOT OF WORK. Screw having cheap flights. Its NOT WORTH being pissed and angry and wasting time at that stupid terminal. I rather pay double and not waste my friggin time at queuing for something that takes only 30 seconds to do.

Oh, this time however, the immigration people didn't ask me questions. In fact, we didn't even need to give those immigration cards like the ones we need when landing at Terminal 3 or 1.
The immigration guy did however stamped my entry date as being 7th April instead of 7th May. I don't know how that will affect me in the future, and I hope it doesn't. I still have my boarding pass for future reference, JUST IN CASE.

Our Shangri-La Muscat experience

So 2 weeks ago, Daniel came over to Oman. And instead of bunking over at mine, I decided to try out Shangri-La Muscat hotel just for the sake of trying to make Muscat like a vacation destination over some of the weekends.

So Daniel arrived around 8pm and we picked our rented car up from Europcar. AGAIN, for the SECOND TIME, they took FOREVER to deliver our car, despite the fact we've already booked the car way before WITH DETAILS ON OUR PICK UP TIME yet they seem to be unprepared for it.

Anyway, the car this time round wasn't as shabby or smelly as the car we previously hired. So whatever. Got our car after 45 minutes - 1 hour waiting at the booth and then we finally drove up to Shangri-La at Qantab, which btw, was super far away from the airport. Took us about almost an hour drive and got there around 10pm, just enough time to check in and have a quick dinner.

Since it was already like super late, we were not able to check out the scenery as much and decided to rest and explore the area the next day.

So we woke up Friday morning and decided to try out the breakfast buffet that was on offer. I was amazed by the choices given; there were like foods from different regions of the world!! I, being the fatty me, took one of everything, however Daniel remained to his American roots by sticking to plain eggs with some sausages and salami. 

Food was very satisfying although the one thing that annoyed me was that Daniel and I had to request for coffee/tea 3 times to the point I went up to the coffee jug area and attempted to just take one to our table. Thats when the waitress noticed, apologised and insisted that she will bring it over, like she stated 3 times before. 

Anyway, after breakfast, Daniel and I decided to drive around Muscat and check out souq Matrah (the main touristy area of Muscat). Then because it was Friday prayers, we noticed lots of cars were piling up on the streets and we decided to run off before we get caught in traffic. We went to Grand Mall just to realise that about 60% of the shops weren't open, so had a quick coffee before heading out to City Centre Seeb.

Our main aim at shopping was to find proper swimming attire for the weekend. We managed to find a nice swimming shorts for Daniel and some snorkels for me at Sun Sand and Sports, goggles for us from GoSport and my swimming suit from Marks and Spencers. Then we rushed back to Shangri-La and I quickly told Daniel to suit up and get in the sea with me =D

THE VIEW OF SHANGRI-LA FROM THE SEA WAS AMAZING!! I felt so super honoured to be staying at that hotel and using their private beach.

Anyway we only managed to stay for like an hour in the sea as apparently they close the beach at 6pm. I don't know what the reason is, maybe thats when the lifeguard goes off-duty or for safety reason or what not, but whatever. Daniel was much happier lazing on the beach chairs with his Nintendo on.

Later that night we decided to try out the International dinner buffet (think it was 22kd per person) and OMG THEY WERE AMAZING!!! There was SO MANY FOODS that were offered that we couldn't even try all of them!! And they were super delicious and worth spending on!!! Daniel and I slept with a full bloated happy stomach that night and felt super satisfied.

Prior to the trip I saw a super positive review on tripadvisor on a private cruise trip to see the dolphins. I decided to message the guy in charge to book a session for me and Daniel. So then on Saturday morning, Daniel and I rushed to Bansher Marina, located only about 10 minutes from Shangri-La for thetrip.

So around 8:15am, we took off and went searching for dolphins. It took a while till we actually spotted one, but when we did, we ended up spotting more than one. The whole dolphin watching lasted about 2 hours, including the time it took to get us to the middle of the sea and back to the dock.

Then after dolphin watching, the Captain took us to check out the coastline of the sea. He would stop for few minutes at most of the coastline for any one of us to take photos off.

The captain at the back. Super friendly guy.

Then after the whole dolphin and coast seeing, the captain took us to some seaside to allow us to do some snorkeling. He gave us about 1-2 hours to snorkel and explore the area and even provided us with cold drinks throughout. 

The corals and fishes were not AS spectacular as the ones I've seen in Malaysia, however, they were enough to satisfy me and make me happy. I did see some sea urchins on the seabed which panicked me out and made me decide to use the flippers. 

The trip ended about 12pm and to us. Total cost for the dolphin watching + coastline + snorkeling was 20kd per person. Well worth the try!!

The whole weekend felt like a vacation for me, especially the stay at Shangri-La. 

Super super super touched that Daniel was willing to get into the sea with me, considering the fact he has never done that before in his entire life.

My weird passport check out experience at Abu Dhabi airport

So 2 weeks ago, I flew to Abu Dhabi to meet Daniel.

Right after landing at the airport, I went to queue for the passport immigration line. This brown guy (assuming Philippino) asked me if I'm European??? (which was rather flattering to be honest) and I said, no, Malaysia (and guided me to the GCC national counter... weird. But ok whatever).

Then at the passport immigration people, the guy at the counter took my passport and asked if I have been to the UAE before. And since I have been to Dubai like 3 times previously and once to Abu Dhabi (to visit Ferrari World of course), I said yes.
He flicked through my passport and said "Really?"
Me: "Yes. 3 times"
Him: "Are you sure??" *with the I-don't-believe-you look*
Me: "Yes I have! Twice in 2013 and once in 2012"
Him: *flicks through passport, types in some stuff on the computer. Pause. Confused look all over his face. Flicks through book again* "Ok"

and lets me through. Um... Ok?

Then fine. Whatever.

So this weekend, I went to Abu Dhabi again.

As I landed at the airport, this Indian dude asked if I'm a GCC resident or a tourist. I told him tourist and he guided me to the tourist line - which makes sense. Then after waiting for like 25 minutes for my turn, the lady at the counter gestured stop (as in don't come over) and she went away from her booth. God knows why. And so I was standing there with some bunch of other people queuing behind me wondering why the hell is the line not moving.
Then after me and this lady behind me gave a subtle angry looks at every other counter, this security guard decided to step in and take over, after like what? 8 minutes later???

THEN he took my passport, asked where I'm from and asked: "Why are you in this line???"
I stared back and said "cause I'm a tourist???"
Him: "No. You should not be in this line. Who told you to be in this line??
Me: "Some Indian security dude"
Him: "You need to be at counter number 2!" (and signaled the number 2 backwards 'peace' sign which in Britain would probably be an offensive sign).

Oookkk. So I went to counter 2. GCC nationals line. Like wth? Oh.Kay. Lets try this out then.

Thankfully the line was short. Like only 1 person ahead of me. Then it was my turn and had this quite a big size middle eastern lady who took my passport and did not make any issues about me lining up there ON A GCC NATIONALS line WITH A MALAYSIAN PASSPORT. Then it was like dejavu all over again as this conversation happened:
Her: "First time in Abu Dhabi?"
Me: "No. Third time"
Her: "Really?"
Me: "Yes. I was here two weeks ago in fact"
Her: "Really?"
Me: "Yes! I have it stamped in there somewhere"
Her: *flicks through passport. Types in something. Looks at me. Glances back at my passport. Flicks passport. Stamps passport* "Ok"

WHAT THE HECK? Do they think Malaysians can not afford to go to Abu Dhabi or something?!?!

Anyway, went out and had a good weekend with Daniel and 2 days passed and it was time to go back to Muscat.

Went to Terminal 2 as I was flying back with Rotana Jet and *trumpets out* MY FLIGHT WAS DELAYED 4 BLOODY HOURS. AT TERMINAL 2 ABU DHABI.
If anyone has ever been to Terminal 2 Abu Dhabi, you could say that it has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING at that airport. NOTHING. Even Puduraya bus station has more things there than this airport.
It was 5:30pm and my flight was supposed to leave at 7:00pm. I couldn't even check in and go through the immigration because apparently THERE WAS NO ONE AT THE CHECK IN COUNTER.
OOkkk~
So Daniel and I had bit of lunch at this small cafe in the airport (its like THE ONLY THING there at that terminal btw) till I randomly decided "AH F THIS. I'M NOT GONNA WAIT 4 HOURS AT THIS TERMINAL AND ARRIVE HOME AT 12 MIDNIGHT. I'm getting a new flight".

Get this. It was already 6:30pm that time and as I scanned through skyscanner.com I found a flight via British Airways that was flying to Muscat at 8:30pm.
I quickly booked it on my phone, checked in online and Daniel rushed me through to Terminal 1 airport.

There were lots of people scanning their bags and blablabla but I managed to get through getting boarding pass and stuff fine.

Then passport immigration time. This one is even more interesting that I've had previously.

*Gave the passport guy my passport and boarding pass*
Him: "Where are you going?" *while holding to my boarding pass*
Me: "Muscat"
Him: "Where's your visa paper?"
Me: "What visa paper?"
Him: "The visa paper they gave you when you came into Abu Dhabi"
Me: "I was not given any visa paper"
Him: "Then how did you get visa to come in?"
Me: "I don't need visa to come in. Its visa upon entry"
Him: *pauses* "Where are you from? Where is this from?" *while holding on to my passport*
Me: "What do you mean?" *gave him a weird look*
Him: "Where are you from? Where is your passport from?"
Me: "I'm Malaysian. My passport is from Malaysia"
Him: "Really?" *scans me and glances at my passport* "Malaysia?"
Me: "Yes really" (I was screaming in my head going WTH?! CAN YOU NOT READ MY PASSPORT THAT HAS THE WORD MALAYSIA STAMPED RIGHT IN FRONT?!!?)
Him: "Ok" *stamps passport*

LIKE WTH IS GOING ON?!?!

Anyway, I got home around 10:45pm. I checked online at Abu Dhabi airport, apparently my flight with Rotana Jet has yet left Abu Dhabi *gives a virtual hand clapping motion to the airline*.