Online Malaysia Passport Renewal Application

Recently, I heard from my buddy that you can actually submit your passport renewal application online and the service level is 2 hours ready for collection. Yup, that 's what I did because time is $$$ for working people like me and the queue will make you go crazy at the immigration office.

How to apply online

1. Visit MyOnline*Passport.
2. Choose your age category: (either below 18 years old or above 18 years old)
3. Insert your passport number, IC number and type of passport.
4. Upload your latest passport sized photo (maximum file size is 25kb)
5. Select the location to pick up your passport.
6. Make online payment via secured portal (RM100 for 2 years and RM300 for 5 years) where you will receive a code through your mobile phone to complete the transaction.
7. Print out the official receipt or reprint anytime from the portal.

Terms & conditions

• The applicant must be present at the selected Immigration Office for collection.
• The passport photo must be taken back within 3 months before the application date. (Do not use the same photo in your old passport, definitely get rejected)
• Your current passport must be in good condition and is a biometric (chip-based) passport.

Why I like this

• You can apply anytime and collect at time and place convenient to you
• You can track your application status
• You will get a call from Immigration Office if your uploaded photo fail to meet their criteria.
• Less waiting at the counter, you will still need to wait minimum 30 minutes if the passport photo submitted fail to meet the criteria. 
• Secured online credit card payment (FPX is disabled during my application)
• Get everyone wondering how you can get VIP service (someone ask me why I got mine so quick)

I paid RM300 for 5 years validity on my passport. You can opt for less if you're a seasonal traveller and this online facility makes your life easier. 

Passport fee (RM100 - 2 years, RM300 - 5 years)

My spanking new passport

Phuket Krabi New Year Getaway

I finally made it happened for year 2012 after many years of typical new year celebrations at my homeland, Malaysia.

Day 1 - Arrived at Phuket Airport 

With my travel buddy, we took Air Asia flight and landed at Phuket around 8.50pm on new year eve. But heck, taking the mini bus which costs us THB 150 per person was a long wait due to the busy new year eve. It took us almost 3 hours to reach Patong and just in time to count down to welcome year 2012 as we walk to the beach.

Nonetheless, I'm glad that I was in Phuket, Patong beach enjoying the clear night sky lit by hours of firework displays and sky lanterns (孔明燈) released by patronage at the beach. The sight was amazing, a magical moment not to be forgotten.

There are just so many 'farangs' around in Phuket, more than the local Thai people. And we did made friends with some Australians commenting about her not-so-good experience in Malaysia, specifically Penang. "Generally, its pretty good but there are too many rules to abide. No slippers or shorts at the restaurant (G Hotel). I'm happy I'm here, no rules". So did we. These fireworks reminded me of Kate's song (Fireworks) that make you wanna "Boom, boom, boom. Come on, let your colors burst ,Make 'em go, oh.

The unlucky one

Day 2 - Phuket Shopping Spree

We wanted to rent a motorbike to explore Phuket but the cloudy sky and drizzling rains ruined our plan. Instead, we opt to walk around Patong beach and went for shopping spree at Jungceylon, the largest shopping mall in Phuket that can rival Sunway Pyramid.

In the evening, we went to Phuket Fantasea. You can easily book the tickets via your hotel or any operating tour agents around the town. Packages are available with or without dinner buffet and price ranges from THB 1500 - 2200 with pickup transfer service. The bright neon colors of the theme park with different themes are really the main attractions here besides the cultural show. Personally, I find that show was surprisingly funny with some magics and animals role play towards the end, else the show would be darn boring. Do take note that you are required to deposit any equipments with recording capabilities which include your camera before the show. For more details on Phuket Fantasea, click here

Day 3 - Aonang, Krabi 

Again the early morning rains destroy our plan to go kayaking :P. 
So we indulge ourselves with a big bowl of Swensen's ice creams and later depart for our ferry ride to Krabi at noon. The journey to Aonang took us at least 2 hours from Phuket with free hotel transfer. We did nothing much in the late evening except for watching the sunset over the horizon in beautiful orangy colour.

Krabi Sky during ferry ride

Aonang Beach

Day 4 - Back to Malaysia

Had the best local Thai food in Aonang before we board the mini bus to the airport.
Will we be back again? Definitely because we missed out so many places to visit and the sea adventure.

Welcome 2012

Its a brand new year, brand new start for my blog towards a better me.

Stay tune and by the way, I'm celebrating new year at Phuket with this scheduled post.