tskk... tsk... tsk...

Ive got less than 24 hours to go for my trip and I am not in any way ready.

Have not done a single packing yet, and heaven knows what the heck am i doing in front of the telly and blogging my time away!!

I think it is largely due to the fact that I could not decide what should I take with me.

My dilemma as always - practicality or style?

I could never decide.

I surely want to take my camera plus its gigantic lenses and flash, bbbbut.... I also want to not look like a dork and the vain in me would want me to carry one of my pretty handbags instead.

So, now it boils down to:

Should take this Nikon pouch, and dump it in one of my tote

or should I go with this AND carry my totes at the same time (one on each shoulder?? err.. maybe not)

Or just pack it in this, and dump it all in the suitcase. (err lagi la No, I know I'd miss my camera )

Or forget about all that and just take my Kata.

Haih.... decisions... decisions... decisions....

Taman Negara preparation...

CNY is finally near. Which also mean I need to start packing for .... our Taman Negara trip yuhuu...

Okay its been a long time since Ive gone camping and stuff so the trip surely going to be an interesting one. When I was younger, during schooldays I loved camping and all these outdoor activities. As I grew older somehow the preference has moved towards comfort rather than roughness.

For good reason.

For one, I am like 8kg overweight now. So doing all those activities that was easy to me before is an effort now. Like truly an effort sebab I am so lazy to exercise regularly.

Two, I am more penakut these days. I used to be braver before, but now I kinda get frighten easily. Maybe that is because I am actually aware of the dangers nowadays. To think back... what a wonderful life I had.... those carefree days kan...

Nevertheless. I am still (very much)looking forward to this trip. Not so much for the fact that I am going to be doing the outdoor stuff, but mainly cos I get to snap new photos... tee hee hee

So like any other journey I have taken, I normally like to plan ahead, at least to make sure I have all the gears I need..

Here comes the checklist.

1. Camera Bag. The one that I have is a slingbag, and its really not suitable to bring. So starting last month Ive been scouting and checking out on web for a new bagpack. At first I thought of buying Lowepro since it is a well known brand and has the AW (all weather) range. But after I looked at few models, I felt that it was a lil too bulky for me. Window-shopped around somemore, and finally I decided to settle for this wonderful Kata bag. I first saw it at Keat Camera, they are offering me at RM385. Looked online at Shashinki and Yamiya, sama jugak around RM385+. Checked out YL, its only RM330 and ada stock! so I went there and grabbed one. Tak sabar punya pasal, I have packed my equipment in.. hehehe -CHECK!

*gambar not clear cos taken with my lousy phone camera.
2. Cari Rizal's backpack. We were told that we need to take a boatride and carry the bags along to the hotel. Knowing that, then of course tamau la bring those suitcases kinda bag.

3. Buy socks. Long thick socks. To avoid the pacats. This one I need to buy. Going to soxshop tomorrow.

4. Insect Repellent. Also takde. Need to buy

5. Extra Batteries for flash -CHECK!

6. Flashlight -CHECK!

7. Gamecards -CHECK!

8. First Aid Kit -CHECK!

9. Small Knife -CHECK!

10. Swimming clothes -CHECK!

11. Memory Card for camera - Since I am not taking my notebook so need a big memory card. Just in case my 2GB + 1GB is not enough. I doubt it, but since I was already in LowYatt to scout for the bag might as well just buy the memory card. It was a pretty good deal, luckily I went around few shops before buying. I got my 4GB Toshiba SD at only RM36, while some shop quoted as expensive as RM70 just for a Sandisk and nonbrand. Shopname is BintangMaju, LotUG23 if u want to also buy one. -CHECK!

12. Raincoat/the pink jacket -CHECK!

-revised-
13. I didnt realise that a lot of the activities in Taman Negara also revolves around the river and water, thought mainly will be in the jungle. So, I highly recommend you to also bring along Sunscreen for all those water activities.

14.

15.

New accessories for me.!

Ahem...

Just purchased a new flash for me...

Decided to go with the SB400, due to the size and price. Bought it from Foto Selangor at RM450. At first I wasnt sure if I made the right decision.

So why SB400? I have looked at the SB600 before and I felt it was too big for an amateur and occasional photographer like me. It also looked quite complicated with the settings on the flash. I think I should try with the SB400 first, at least master the skill of using flash gun before venturing to expensive ones. Plus, I was thinking, since I am only on a RM500 budget (thanks baby!), and I also wanted a CPL filter, I think I should settle with the SB400 for now.

An after thought - I think I made the right decision, especially after reading
this

So here goes

From others

From others

From others

Apart from the flash, I also bought a CPL filter (Hoya Circular Polarised). Unfortunately they didnt have any stock, so will collect it probably Monday or tuesday. Got the CPL for my 18-200mm, and hopefully will be able to capture better skies and water photos soon...
I purchased a Hoya, 72mm and quoted price was RM195, and since I bought both filter and flash at the same time, managed to get another RM10 discount..

Photos of the filter & its outcome to follow soon. :)