From KL to Perth with Love - Episode One

From KL to Perth with Love - Episode One

July 23, 2015 | Adiek Sarah

It has been my dream to travel to 'Negara Mat Salleh' or white people country. This time I was travelling with different people. Lina, was my MBA classmates and a new friend, Anis.

As usual, I was the mastermind behind all this plan. Tickets by AirAsia were sold at RM680. I thought it was the promotion price, but it was fluctuating around that range. Referring to some local blogs, I've finally done with the final itinerary.  

Here we go. On 8th May 2014, we flew by AirAsia X from LCCT KL. It was the last day of AirAsia in LCCT because on the next day they will start operating at KLIA2 which was bigger and more comfortable.

It took about 5 hours and 10 minutes flight and we arrived at Perth International Airport at 6 am. Before the arrival, an arrival card will be given. We had to fill in the personal details and declare the item we'd brought. Bare in mind that Australia had strict rules for the immigration and customs. The first place we were looking for was the 'Quiet Room' or prayer room. It was comfortable with the wudu' pipe inside the room. 

It was nearly end of Autumn in Perth. Sometimes it was raining for the whole day. Temperature at that time was about 19 DC and very cold for my type of skin. We had our breakfast at the airport for some hot coffee and muffin. Cost for my breakfast today - $12.50.

Perth International Airport

Next, to the Bayswater Car Rental. I read that the location was only 5 minutes from the airport and the fare was only $15, but I was wrong. We called a cab and direct us to Bayswater Airport Branch at Guildford Road.. It was actually close to Domestic Airport. Perth International Airport and domestic airport were 2 different airports. It ended up took us about 20 minutes and the fare was $36.

We rent a car for 3 days at Bays water Car Rental. It was $53 per day for Toyota Corolla sedan + $6 GPS rental per day + insurance for international driver $6 per day + insurance coverage for additional driver $20. Total = $233 and refundable deposit $50. The cheapest car which was Toyota Corolla Hatch but it was fully booked. The fuel was 3/4 full and it had to be filled with the same amount when we returned the car. Petrol price was in the range of $1.50 - $1.60 depends on the area. The further we are away from the city, the more expensive the price will be.

The journey continued, to feed the kangaroos! We were heading to Caversham Wildlife Park which was located in Whiteman Park. It was a bit difficult to find the place because the GPS could not find the location. We had to ask around and finally found the place. The entrance fee was $25 per adult. 

I couldn't help myself to look for the kangaroos. We could feed the kangaroos all day long (no specific hours). The kangaroos are very friendly but we were upset because we couldn't find the food to feed them. We walked around to see other animals. A lot of interesting species such as quolls, birds, etc but I was more interested to look for the koala. It was suddenly a heavy rain and the koala's was the perfect place to take cover. Koala's habits was to sleep for 20 hours a day. It will wake up to eat and sleep again. Even though they were sleeping, never touch them unless you are allowed to do so. 

There were 2 main shows scheduled for the visitors. 1. Wombat and Friends. 2. Farm show. Due to time constraint, we only managed to watch Wombat and Friends. The show was about to introduce some animals and allowed the visitors to touch them and take pictures together.

After talked to a zoo keeper, we knew where the kangaroos's foods were located and we returned to the place. I would feel incomplete if I didn't feed the kangaroos after came to Australia. The kangaroos were very friendly and accompanied by a school of ducks. The feeling was so great and I felt like never let them go. 

Once we were done, we left to our accommodations for the first night at the Cervantes Lodge Backpackers. The location was more than 300 km to the north. The reason that I booked this room was because it was very close to the Pinnacles Dessert, Nambung National Park. The room was $90 for 2 person and additional pax was charged at $25. We arrived at the lodge at 4 pm. It was raining along the way and it was very cold.

The room fits for 4 person with 1 queen bed and a bunker bed for 2. We had our shower, made some dinner at the kitchen and took some rest to continue the journey on the next day.