I can't helped it but to talk less today. I believed many of my friends notice this today and most probably wondering ...if I am having a mood swing or another monthly 'aunty visit'? well...'no' to both...My running nose and my sorethroat is bad. So anyone has any miraculous cure for this....CNY is comming...I don't want to fall back on bed wearing my new clothes....
Anyway...nothing remarkable today...nothing much about me...and nation wide only the 'Number of hardcore poor decreasing' on the Star caught my attention. I don't know how much it is true but if it is then it is good. Just hope that Malaysia is not lack behind even with the less attention on IT sector in our goverment's policy. I believe argiculture is important but in today's global trend...IT is nowhere but everywhere.
May all Malaysians live up to our Malaysia Boleh spirit!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Thaipusam at Batu Caves
23 Jan 2008 - I could not recall when was the last time I actually woke up this early. I have to leave my warm bed at 4am as we agreed to meet in KTM serdang station at 5am....I was excited to visit 1 of my 5 must visit site before I finished my uni years....yes....Batu Caves during Thaipusam
After picking up Frankie, we arrived at KTM Serdang at 5.05am. There were only 2 devotees there waiting for the komuter. But when we finally found out that the earliest train only
arrived at 6.15, I was cursing to myself. Why are we an hour early? ...but I couldn't complain
to the others as I was the one that actually arrange for this outing. Somehow we have
been mislead to believe that the komuter starts its operation as early as the sun rise.
So we lepak in that quiet station until the komuter finally arrived at 6.21am.
We board the komuter and had an interchange in the KL Sentral to board the next Komuter
to Sentul.
By 7.30am, we arrived at the Sentul Komuter station. There we disembark from the komuter and hop on the special chartered train to Batu Caves. The journey there wasn't that far but it took us awhile as the train stopped for a while in the middle of our journey.
Finally at close to 8am, we arrived at the Batu Caves station. Have not aware that there was actually a Batu Cave station along the track. It was just beside the temple. We were so excited looking out at the crowd....
First we headed for the river to witness the washing and shaving ritual. Then we witness the piercing. It was not as horrible as I have imagined it before. At this same spot, those devotees put on the heavy but nicely decorated kavadi. According to the people, a huge kavadi can weight up to a person's weight. So I truely admire their courage and strength to carry one on them.
Then we followed one of the group and marched towards the steep 272 steps into the Temple Cave. This stair was really crowded. Most of the times, I was pushed forward. I could not even see my toe infront of me....
So when we finally reached the top....the smoke from the burning of the incense filled the atmosphere. Luckily the thick wall of the cave was still cooling.
After doing our prayers and looking around, we headed back down.
We finally boarded our train back at 11.30am and we arrived in KTM Serdang station at 1.15pm.
We have our lunch at the Restaurant Leong Ya...finally a great meal since 4am...
This Thaipusam outing was really interesting. I am proud to be a Malaysian and to be in a country that is blessed with rich cultures....and thanks to Imran, Gan, Frankie, Racheal, Sin Mei and my sis and bro for such a great company.
To know more about the Thaipusam rituals and the Batu caves, you can visit:
http://www.murugan.org/temples/batumalai.htm
http://www.malaysiasite.nl/batucaveseng.htm
http://www.whatsonwhen.com/sisp/index.htm?fx=event&event_id=6420
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Another day of upset
well as the title suggested, I am really upset today.
I went for the incampus interview session with PDC, Intel. Though I have no intention to join this group or company for the moment,I am upset for my terrible performance. I have to admit that I am really very bad especially when the interviewer Mr Chew ask me about those subjects that I have taken years ago. I just could not imagine myself going though the session again with most of my answers like...'I don't know and I can't remember!'
This is really a terrible experience. I have got to do better the next time. Do more homework...will have to burn midnight oil again.
I went for the incampus interview session with PDC, Intel. Though I have no intention to join this group or company for the moment,I am upset for my terrible performance. I have to admit that I am really very bad especially when the interviewer Mr Chew ask me about those subjects that I have taken years ago. I just could not imagine myself going though the session again with most of my answers like...'I don't know and I can't remember!'
This is really a terrible experience. I have got to do better the next time. Do more homework...will have to burn midnight oil again.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
One Day Trip to Klang and Kuala Selangor
Finally after 4 years stationed in Klang Valley, I managed to go over to both this place. We were in Klang for the famous Bak Kut Teh and the firefly of Kuala Selangor. Kuala Selangor trip has been 1 of the 5 place that I wanted to go before I finish my uni years.
There were 5 of us. Yong Pay, our SLK driver, Wai Chin, our map reader and 3 other passenger, Ee Pheng, Yong Chai and me.
We started our journey at 2pm. We drived along the Federal Highway for an hour plus to reach Klang. From there we went round and round searching for our way to the famous Klang Lek Bak Kut Teh aka the Teluk Pulai Bak Kut Teh.
We were glad that we finally managed to get our way there after few turnings in roundabout and u-turn. It was situated away from the busy street of the town.
When we arrived, we were puzzled. That restaurant seemed to be closed for tea time hours. Without any guess, we braved into the shop to ask and we were in luck…yes Bak Kut Teh was on sale…so we made our order.
We orders Bak Kut Teh for 3 persons share as we all have already taken our lunch but the 3 persons share was just nice. The portion was large. The Bak Kut Teh was delicious. The soup has been brewed for hours with herbal. It came in a claypot with many meats that has much been softened. I am not a fan of pork but this was superb especially the little thigh. The meal was completed with a small pot of tea of Tie Kuan Ying.
After leaving the shop, we actually thought of going to get another round of Karipap, YP’s favourite but we could not find our way there. In the mist of roundabout and flyovers here and there, we passed by the Jalan Istana, where we stopped by the Istana Alam Shah for some photo shots.
By 4pm, we were on our way to Kuala Selangor via Kapar. We arrived at Bukit Melawati at 5.15pm. There were many interesting thing there. First there we visited the Museum Kuala Selangor. Here they have showcased few artifacts with many detailed story of our history. We only have 15 minutes here as they closed on 5.30pm. Then on the museum compound, we have got few good shots of the famous Bukit Melawati lighthouse. It was clean white and approximately 25 meters high.
Outside of the museum, there were a lot of monkeys. Really smart monkeys… went after some kind hearted people for food. They were fed with bread and long beans. At this site, we managed to get a bird’s eye view of the Kuala Selangor and the Straits of Malacca. The reflective sun on the strait and the green mangrove forest were best to be seen from here.
Then we drove down the hill and on our way, we passed by an astonishing temple which we guessed was dedicated to the ‘Chi Tian Ta Sen’ as it was with cave and holes. The temple was very nice kept and decorated. The architecture was impressive. Carvings and sculptures at every corner.
Then we went to the Nature Park or the Taman Alam of Kuala Selangor. The park keeper briefed us that the whole journey should take us an hour. First we passed the Secondary Forest . After crossing the bridge, we arrived in the mangrove forest where we climbed up the watch tower in search for birds. We managed to detect few eagles up above.
Then we quickly walked towards the muddy area. According to the keeper, we were supposed to be able to see the meeting point of Sungai Selangor and the Straits of Malacca but we were upset as we didn’t came across such a place except for a site where we can see the river from as far as 10 meters away. And the tree climbing crab was undetected as well.
By 7.15pm, we were still inside this park. It was getting darker so we opted to take the shorter route. We get do the hanging bridge way, as it would lead us into thick secondary forest before we can reach the exit point. We finally reached the exit point at 7.40pm. It was a rushing trip..not much time to admire the mother nature. I believed this is a great place that worth another visit at later days.
After the hike, we decided to go for a dinner or at least a drink in an air-cond restaurant but none here. Not even a KFC around. So we could only stop by a mini market and grabbed some drinks. I grupped down a bottle of 100plus drink within minutes…really thirsty.
We arrived in the Kampung Kuantan at about 8.15pm. Here Yong Chai and I shared a boat with 2 UCSI girls. We were sitting on a small sampan that fits a max of 4 persons. It was kind of scary as it was not that stable and the site of the sampan was low. It felt like water could flow in at any minute to capsize us but with the pro Pak Cik, that feeling quickly went off. He was suck a good guide. He really knew the fireflies very well.
According to the Pak Cik, the best time to see fireflies was on the 1st to 6th and 18th to 24th monthly of Lunar calendar as the moon would affect the river flow and water level. And the best time if after sunset till 9pm as the fireflies would be mating after that time, so there will be less clipping.
The journey was interesting with the humorous guide. There were many Christmas tree like trees by the 2 shores. We have also got to hold them on our hands. They were very small, approximately 3mm long only. But with the emitted light, it was enough to light a Christmas tree.
The boat ride was about few km long and it took approximately half hour.
Then headed back to KL via Ijok and Sungai Buloh. We stopped by Wangsa Maju for a mamak dinner. Next we stopped by in Coughnout to meet up with our supersenior and only arrived in Serdang at 1pm.
So another great trip with course mates as well as another great outing to continue the Visit Malaysia year spirit….yes!
There were 5 of us. Yong Pay, our SLK driver, Wai Chin, our map reader and 3 other passenger, Ee Pheng, Yong Chai and me.
We started our journey at 2pm. We drived along the Federal Highway for an hour plus to reach Klang. From there we went round and round searching for our way to the famous Klang Lek Bak Kut Teh aka the Teluk Pulai Bak Kut Teh.
We were glad that we finally managed to get our way there after few turnings in roundabout and u-turn. It was situated away from the busy street of the town.
When we arrived, we were puzzled. That restaurant seemed to be closed for tea time hours. Without any guess, we braved into the shop to ask and we were in luck…yes Bak Kut Teh was on sale…so we made our order.
We orders Bak Kut Teh for 3 persons share as we all have already taken our lunch but the 3 persons share was just nice. The portion was large. The Bak Kut Teh was delicious. The soup has been brewed for hours with herbal. It came in a claypot with many meats that has much been softened. I am not a fan of pork but this was superb especially the little thigh. The meal was completed with a small pot of tea of Tie Kuan Ying.
After leaving the shop, we actually thought of going to get another round of Karipap, YP’s favourite but we could not find our way there. In the mist of roundabout and flyovers here and there, we passed by the Jalan Istana, where we stopped by the Istana Alam Shah for some photo shots.
By 4pm, we were on our way to Kuala Selangor via Kapar. We arrived at Bukit Melawati at 5.15pm. There were many interesting thing there. First there we visited the Museum Kuala Selangor. Here they have showcased few artifacts with many detailed story of our history. We only have 15 minutes here as they closed on 5.30pm. Then on the museum compound, we have got few good shots of the famous Bukit Melawati lighthouse. It was clean white and approximately 25 meters high.
Outside of the museum, there were a lot of monkeys. Really smart monkeys… went after some kind hearted people for food. They were fed with bread and long beans. At this site, we managed to get a bird’s eye view of the Kuala Selangor and the Straits of Malacca. The reflective sun on the strait and the green mangrove forest were best to be seen from here.
Then we drove down the hill and on our way, we passed by an astonishing temple which we guessed was dedicated to the ‘Chi Tian Ta Sen’ as it was with cave and holes. The temple was very nice kept and decorated. The architecture was impressive. Carvings and sculptures at every corner.
Then we went to the Nature Park or the Taman Alam of Kuala Selangor. The park keeper briefed us that the whole journey should take us an hour. First we passed the Secondary Forest . After crossing the bridge, we arrived in the mangrove forest where we climbed up the watch tower in search for birds. We managed to detect few eagles up above.
Then we quickly walked towards the muddy area. According to the keeper, we were supposed to be able to see the meeting point of Sungai Selangor and the Straits of Malacca but we were upset as we didn’t came across such a place except for a site where we can see the river from as far as 10 meters away. And the tree climbing crab was undetected as well.
By 7.15pm, we were still inside this park. It was getting darker so we opted to take the shorter route. We get do the hanging bridge way, as it would lead us into thick secondary forest before we can reach the exit point. We finally reached the exit point at 7.40pm. It was a rushing trip..not much time to admire the mother nature. I believed this is a great place that worth another visit at later days.
After the hike, we decided to go for a dinner or at least a drink in an air-cond restaurant but none here. Not even a KFC around. So we could only stop by a mini market and grabbed some drinks. I grupped down a bottle of 100plus drink within minutes…really thirsty.
We arrived in the Kampung Kuantan at about 8.15pm. Here Yong Chai and I shared a boat with 2 UCSI girls. We were sitting on a small sampan that fits a max of 4 persons. It was kind of scary as it was not that stable and the site of the sampan was low. It felt like water could flow in at any minute to capsize us but with the pro Pak Cik, that feeling quickly went off. He was suck a good guide. He really knew the fireflies very well.
According to the Pak Cik, the best time to see fireflies was on the 1st to 6th and 18th to 24th monthly of Lunar calendar as the moon would affect the river flow and water level. And the best time if after sunset till 9pm as the fireflies would be mating after that time, so there will be less clipping.
The journey was interesting with the humorous guide. There were many Christmas tree like trees by the 2 shores. We have also got to hold them on our hands. They were very small, approximately 3mm long only. But with the emitted light, it was enough to light a Christmas tree.
The boat ride was about few km long and it took approximately half hour.
Then headed back to KL via Ijok and Sungai Buloh. We stopped by Wangsa Maju for a mamak dinner. Next we stopped by in Coughnout to meet up with our supersenior and only arrived in Serdang at 1pm.
So another great trip with course mates as well as another great outing to continue the Visit Malaysia year spirit….yes!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Day 5: Malacca --> KL
28 Dec, 07 - We woke up at 8 today. We went to the hotel’s café for breakfast.Well, I would say that the breakfast here was better compared to the one we had in Sri Malaysia. Even though there wasn’t much choice but at least I loved the Nyonya kuih and the karipap.
After checking out, we headed to the Jonker 88 café aka Maritime Museum Restaurant on Jonker Street. This was really a thumb up restaurant. The environment was really very good. With the religious song on the background, it gave me such a smoothing and relaxing feel. Besides that, customers get to admire those great collections of antiques. The collections ranged from monetary, philately, household items to calligraphy.
Jonker 88 - the old furniture...the woody smell
On top of this great environment, the food was a yahoo! I loved it very very much. Everytime I was in Malacca, I would surely come here. The cendol was irresistible…to the extent that we normally have 2 serving of this. Thou the price of the cendol was rather expensive at RM1.70 per bowl, but I can guaranteed you that it was superb! The thick coconut palm sugar was excellent here. It was like McD’s Sunday chocolate but the aroma was way better. With the finely shredded ice, the cendol melted deliciously in our mouths. Besides the cendol, I would strongly recommend the Baba laksa. We were too full to have this at that time but this is the ‘must’ dish for me normally. It is much like curry mee but with some tuna and lime in it, it isn’t that heavy.
wah...cendol....
Food and food…finally we have to start walking. From Jonker street we headed across the river to the St Paul hill site, the central of all tourist attraction. As most of outdoor scene such as the St Paul’s churh, the red Stadhuy building and the Queen’s Fountain, were common and we have all taken photographs here before, so we headed to the People’s museum straight.
Actually the People’s Museum building houses 2 other museum, the Kite Museum and the Beauty Museum. It was RM2 for admission. The collection in the Beauty Museum was rather interesting but may be horrible and puking at times. They have showcased many ways and items used by people across the world for the mean of beauty, from a nose stud to a binding head and feet. Sometimes I found that those things were too horrible until I have some adrenaline shots and start to shiver out of nowhere.
The Kite museum was good…it has kites from all around the world in all odds and evens shapes and sizes. They were colourful and beautiful. I enjoyed admiring at their collection. While the People’ s Museum was the least interesting of all three. There were lengthy words and few photographs only.
Then we walked further down the road to the Philately Museum. This was my 3rd visit to this museum. The collection was really very good and nicely showcased…but for first timer, please look for a vertical like drawers with years labeled on the first floor. They have displayed stamps from Malayan time till recent years. If you are stamps collector like me then you will start to recall if you have owned some of them.
familiar...isn't it?
As it was Friday, we left the museum at 12.15pm. After the museum, we walked to the A Famosa, the Proclamation of Independence Memorial and the Transport Museum for some shots.
next to the Memorial
So next would be the meal time again. We were having the famous Chicken Rice Ball in the Kedai Kopi Chung Wah. If one was to ask me which do I prefer, the Ipoh Bean Sprouts Chicken or the Malacca Chicken Rice Ball. I would definitely say I love the Malacca’s. This shop was really packed up. We have to queue up in order to eat here. Even for a take away, you will need for at least 20 minutes. I loved the chicken and the ping pong ball size rice ball. The sesame oil aroma was good and the rice was mushy enough. But one bad thing about eating in this place was you would be under the lime light. People queuing outside would be eyeing on you and hope that you finished you meal in no time and leave them the seats.
chicken rice ball...
So we quickly finished our lunch and left. We walked along Jalan Hang Jebat to buy some souvenirs and to get our Pineapple tart.
Calanthe Art Cafe
Next not to be missed out was the Calanthe Art Café. This café has been recommended by my friend during my past visit and it has also being listed in many travel guides and magazines. Here they provided really many choices of coffee….from up north to down south and further across the south China Sea, they provide different coffee s for 13 states of Malaysia respectively, each tuning to the preference of the locals….with the motto, The First and Only One…yes true I have not seen any shop or restaurant that provide coffee of 13 states.
proof...really got 13 type of Malaysians' coffees
We tried the Kelantan coffee, Perlis Coffee and the Johor coffee. Each was unique and good in a way. The Kelantan coffee was strong and rich while the Perlis was mild and sweet while the Johor was smoothing aroma which smell a little like lemon grass. And after our experimentally mixing, we found that when Perlis met Kelantan, it tasted like Rootbeer…it leaves the same sweetest just like we have drank rootbeer…yummy!
our Kelantan, Perlis and Johor Coffee
Then we left the Malacca town for Ayer Keroh. First in Ayer Keroh, we went to the Majlis Bandaraya Melaka aka MBB or the city council to settle our summon….yes we got summon early morning for parking without ticket…yes…to all drivers heading for Malacca town, please remember to buy the parking ticket. RM0.50 for half hour and for each subsequent hour or you can get a daily ticket for RM5…the MBB is very efficient in issuing summons. They were on motorbike, going round the city just to catch you.
Luckily, we managed to settle the summon at RM15 instead of the original RM30. So without further wasting our time, we went to the Mini Malaysia, Mini Asean. Again this was my 3rd visit. Yes the Mini Malaysia was interesting with all the unique architecture elements of every state here. We took a lot of photographs here but to our disappointment were the Mini Asean was not maintained. Those building looked creepy, the same as it was 2 years ago. Many were closed then with the notice saying that they are closed for renovation in preparing for Visit Malaysia 2007 but now it was 27th Dec 2007. Only visit this Mini Asean site if you are in a group and have time to kill.
my 'kaki lenguh'..ups and downs the houses
By 5pm, we left and headed back to Kuala Lumpur. We stopped at the Fatty Crab at the Sg. Besi highway for our last meal of the trip. The sweet sour and spicy crab was really very delicious. With the toasted bread, the gravy was superb. Besides the crab, we had a fried rice and vegetable. Overall, the food was great but was expensive….it cost us about RM25 per person.
really spicy...delicious!
Our meals today were extremely good. Another day filled with laughter, smiles and food.
After checking out, we headed to the Jonker 88 café aka Maritime Museum Restaurant on Jonker Street. This was really a thumb up restaurant. The environment was really very good. With the religious song on the background, it gave me such a smoothing and relaxing feel. Besides that, customers get to admire those great collections of antiques. The collections ranged from monetary, philately, household items to calligraphy.
Jonker 88 - the old furniture...the woody smell
On top of this great environment, the food was a yahoo! I loved it very very much. Everytime I was in Malacca, I would surely come here. The cendol was irresistible…to the extent that we normally have 2 serving of this. Thou the price of the cendol was rather expensive at RM1.70 per bowl, but I can guaranteed you that it was superb! The thick coconut palm sugar was excellent here. It was like McD’s Sunday chocolate but the aroma was way better. With the finely shredded ice, the cendol melted deliciously in our mouths. Besides the cendol, I would strongly recommend the Baba laksa. We were too full to have this at that time but this is the ‘must’ dish for me normally. It is much like curry mee but with some tuna and lime in it, it isn’t that heavy.
wah...cendol....
Food and food…finally we have to start walking. From Jonker street we headed across the river to the St Paul hill site, the central of all tourist attraction. As most of outdoor scene such as the St Paul’s churh, the red Stadhuy building and the Queen’s Fountain, were common and we have all taken photographs here before, so we headed to the People’s museum straight.
Actually the People’s Museum building houses 2 other museum, the Kite Museum and the Beauty Museum. It was RM2 for admission. The collection in the Beauty Museum was rather interesting but may be horrible and puking at times. They have showcased many ways and items used by people across the world for the mean of beauty, from a nose stud to a binding head and feet. Sometimes I found that those things were too horrible until I have some adrenaline shots and start to shiver out of nowhere.
The Kite museum was good…it has kites from all around the world in all odds and evens shapes and sizes. They were colourful and beautiful. I enjoyed admiring at their collection. While the People’ s Museum was the least interesting of all three. There were lengthy words and few photographs only.
Then we walked further down the road to the Philately Museum. This was my 3rd visit to this museum. The collection was really very good and nicely showcased…but for first timer, please look for a vertical like drawers with years labeled on the first floor. They have displayed stamps from Malayan time till recent years. If you are stamps collector like me then you will start to recall if you have owned some of them.
familiar...isn't it?
As it was Friday, we left the museum at 12.15pm. After the museum, we walked to the A Famosa, the Proclamation of Independence Memorial and the Transport Museum for some shots.
next to the Memorial
So next would be the meal time again. We were having the famous Chicken Rice Ball in the Kedai Kopi Chung Wah. If one was to ask me which do I prefer, the Ipoh Bean Sprouts Chicken or the Malacca Chicken Rice Ball. I would definitely say I love the Malacca’s. This shop was really packed up. We have to queue up in order to eat here. Even for a take away, you will need for at least 20 minutes. I loved the chicken and the ping pong ball size rice ball. The sesame oil aroma was good and the rice was mushy enough. But one bad thing about eating in this place was you would be under the lime light. People queuing outside would be eyeing on you and hope that you finished you meal in no time and leave them the seats.
chicken rice ball...
So we quickly finished our lunch and left. We walked along Jalan Hang Jebat to buy some souvenirs and to get our Pineapple tart.
Calanthe Art Cafe
Next not to be missed out was the Calanthe Art Café. This café has been recommended by my friend during my past visit and it has also being listed in many travel guides and magazines. Here they provided really many choices of coffee….from up north to down south and further across the south China Sea, they provide different coffee s for 13 states of Malaysia respectively, each tuning to the preference of the locals….with the motto, The First and Only One…yes true I have not seen any shop or restaurant that provide coffee of 13 states.
proof...really got 13 type of Malaysians' coffees
We tried the Kelantan coffee, Perlis Coffee and the Johor coffee. Each was unique and good in a way. The Kelantan coffee was strong and rich while the Perlis was mild and sweet while the Johor was smoothing aroma which smell a little like lemon grass. And after our experimentally mixing, we found that when Perlis met Kelantan, it tasted like Rootbeer…it leaves the same sweetest just like we have drank rootbeer…yummy!
our Kelantan, Perlis and Johor Coffee
Then we left the Malacca town for Ayer Keroh. First in Ayer Keroh, we went to the Majlis Bandaraya Melaka aka MBB or the city council to settle our summon….yes we got summon early morning for parking without ticket…yes…to all drivers heading for Malacca town, please remember to buy the parking ticket. RM0.50 for half hour and for each subsequent hour or you can get a daily ticket for RM5…the MBB is very efficient in issuing summons. They were on motorbike, going round the city just to catch you.
Luckily, we managed to settle the summon at RM15 instead of the original RM30. So without further wasting our time, we went to the Mini Malaysia, Mini Asean. Again this was my 3rd visit. Yes the Mini Malaysia was interesting with all the unique architecture elements of every state here. We took a lot of photographs here but to our disappointment were the Mini Asean was not maintained. Those building looked creepy, the same as it was 2 years ago. Many were closed then with the notice saying that they are closed for renovation in preparing for Visit Malaysia 2007 but now it was 27th Dec 2007. Only visit this Mini Asean site if you are in a group and have time to kill.
my 'kaki lenguh'..ups and downs the houses
By 5pm, we left and headed back to Kuala Lumpur. We stopped at the Fatty Crab at the Sg. Besi highway for our last meal of the trip. The sweet sour and spicy crab was really very delicious. With the toasted bread, the gravy was superb. Besides the crab, we had a fried rice and vegetable. Overall, the food was great but was expensive….it cost us about RM25 per person.
really spicy...delicious!
Our meals today were extremely good. Another day filled with laughter, smiles and food.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Day 4: Seremban --> Sri Meranti --> Malacca
27 Dec, 07 - From up north to central Peninsular…today we continued our trip down south to Seremban.
We departed from my sister’s house at 8.30am. We drove along the KL Seremban highway and exit at Seremban toll…we noticed that the Seremban Siew Pau Empire was just by the side of the highway.
From the toll, we headed to the Seremban Siew Pau Empire. The empire was actually situated in the Seremban Central Market. Here we took our breakfast, hot and crispy siew pau. We tried the mochi, curry pau, egg tart, salted egg crispy and pineapple tart. All were good and cheap but nothing was comparable to siew pau even the chicken pau.
After refreshing, we headed back to the street …to chill out. We went to the famous Geographer Café. It was so busy even on a weekday…Finally after a week of travelling, I got my first sip of beer…bravo!
The night was still young. So after the drink we ‘makan angin’…drove round the city admiring the great scenery of this Historical City.
We ended our day with snacking on McD’s twister fries and Sunday. Hope that Iwe have more of this chilling and relaxing day filled with laughters and cheesy moments. ANd next time in Malacca, I will surely book for a night in the Number Twenty Hotel and best on weekend....more to see on Jonker on weekend.
We departed from my sister’s house at 8.30am. We drove along the KL Seremban highway and exit at Seremban toll…we noticed that the Seremban Siew Pau Empire was just by the side of the highway.
From the toll, we headed to the Seremban Siew Pau Empire. The empire was actually situated in the Seremban Central Market. Here we took our breakfast, hot and crispy siew pau. We tried the mochi, curry pau, egg tart, salted egg crispy and pineapple tart. All were good and cheap but nothing was comparable to siew pau even the chicken pau.
we were too hungry...what's left is only the box
After the breakfast, we headed to the Cultural Handicraft Complex where the State Museum is located. The state museum was formerly an old palace which was dismantled and moved to Seremban in 1950’s. The museum has 3 main sections. The philately section house many great stamp collections…many were older than I am. The other 2 were the Archeology and architecture sections. In the architecture site, they have show cased many traditional architecture and building and needless to say, the best were those on Minangkabau style.
look at the pointy roof of the museum
Next to the museum, there were the Minangkabau Houses. They were made solely from the wood plank with no nails present, hence making it possible to support only 12 people in the house at one time. We enjoyed investigating the Minangkabau architecture…a long wide and short house with edges pointing out on the roof top.
the house that fits 12 only...Minangkabau House
look at how much effort placed on the house
Then we headed to the lake garden area passing through the Seremban town. At the lake garden, we stopped by at the Seremban Art Gallery where rich art pieces were on display for sale. I love the silk batik, the patterns were elegant and with the rich colour, they were perfect…making them rare and unique. They cost approximately RM2k each…expensive but worth the money. Besides that those thin slice crafted bookmarks were on sale at reasonable price…they were good as souvenirs.
At the gallery
Then we drove round the lake garden passing by the Wisma Negeri Complex. It was build with Minangkabau architecture element and yet it was standing robust with modern architecture improvements. We passed by the Royal Palace and the State Library.
By 1pm, we were driving around the city on our food hunt. We were searching for our Hakka Noodle in the Tow Kee Hakka Mee Shop. We actually drove round the city and along the Jalan Kapitan Tam Yeong where the shop was situated for numerous time. This shop was hidden in a small lane. It was situated at the back of Maybank. So to get there ask for direction to the Pasar and the Pos Office next to it. From the Pos Office walk to the Maybank on the opposite road. Then take the junction to the back lane. You will be able to see the shop on the left.
Tow Kee...really hard to detect this shop...even the police officers were uncertain of the road
our reward for the treasure hunting round Seremban
The Hakka noodle here was different from the ordinary ones. They were not in black colour…no thick soya sauce. The minced meat and the chives and the spring onion made the noodle simple yet very nice. The home made noodle was tender and juicy. They were sold in 3 sizes and the smallest cost RM2.80 only.
After the meal, we headed out of the town. We were on our way to the Sri Meranti Royal Museum. It was a one hour plus journey there passing through the Ulu Bendul Recreation Forest, our initial place for the night and the so called scary 18 turns. Well the turns were almost at about 360° but with the wide road, it was easier if was to be compared to the winding road to Cameron Highland and Balik Pulau.
the Royal Museum...an old palace
At Sri Meranti, we visited the royal museum. The exterior was impressively huge but within it, it was rather stuffy as the house has many compartments and all the furniture size was extraordinarily huge. But the most remarkable about this palace was, there were Chinese elements in the interior design. There were dragon crafted on the bed frame of the princes and princesses and silk embroidery on here and there. And to our surprise was how guest room on a corner where one can only access it via the prince’s room.
really got Dragon in there...
We continued our journey to Malacca via Kuala Pilah and Tampin. We have to skip to plan to visit the Tampin Museum as by the time we arrived in Tampin town it was 4.45pm. So we will reserved this for next time.
We drove for an hour plus from Sri Meranti into Ayer Keroh, where I met up with my brother who will led us to the Portuguese Settlement for a great Portuguese cuisine.
sun set in Portuguese Settlement
We arrived in the Portuguese settlement just on time for the sunset. The settlement was situated by the shore. So here we had our dinner by the shore, enjoying the view and the breeze.
Our Portuguese meal was served by the Stall JC. We had a mee goreng, fried squid, Black Pepper Crab, Garlic Butter Scallop and a fried vege. Well this meal was rather cheap for its’ portion. I loved those scallop. They were fresh and juicy and it was only RM15 for such a big plate.
By the end of our meal, the weather started to change drastically. It rained when we was paying for our meal. Luckily we were near, just in time to run into our car.
In the mid of the rain, we rushed into the city in search for our accommodation of the night. We headed to the Number Twenty Hotel. According to the review online, it is a coassy and warmth hotel situated in the busy Jonker Street but to our luck, the hotel was fully occupied. So we ended up putting up in the Hallmark Hotel.
these are Number Twenty Hotel...where we wanted to stay in
and these are Hallmark Hotel...where we actually stayed
After refreshing, we headed back to the street …to chill out. We went to the famous Geographer Café. It was so busy even on a weekday…Finally after a week of travelling, I got my first sip of beer…bravo!
The night was still young. So after the drink we ‘makan angin’…drove round the city admiring the great scenery of this Historical City.
We ended our day with snacking on McD’s twister fries and Sunday. Hope that Iwe have more of this chilling and relaxing day filled with laughters and cheesy moments. ANd next time in Malacca, I will surely book for a night in the Number Twenty Hotel and best on weekend....more to see on Jonker on weekend.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Health minister in sex scandal
I believe the title itself would attract many but well this is not my concern. I have no interest in his sex life. I have 3 other major concerns.
1. Is our hotel safe? where is our privacy?
2. Malaysians are still 3rd world minded...why bother about other people's sex scene.
3. Health Minister who is unaware of 1 single sex partner practise
To all Malaysians out there...please do not be so shallow...Dr Chua's sex life has got nothing much to do with us.
Hope that our politicians learn their lesson!
1. Is our hotel safe? where is our privacy?
2. Malaysians are still 3rd world minded...why bother about other people's sex scene.
3. Health Minister who is unaware of 1 single sex partner practise
To all Malaysians out there...please do not be so shallow...Dr Chua's sex life has got nothing much to do with us.
Hope that our politicians learn their lesson!
Day 3: Teluk Intan --> Ulu Yam --> Rawang --> KL
25 Dec 07, Christmas Day - After 2 long days, we were tired so we woke up a little later today. We left the hotel at about 10am.
see the tower leaning towards me
First we visited the Teluk Intan clock tower. Under the bright sunlight, the lean looked more obvious. We climbed up the tower and got a great view of the town…the condition of this once water tank was still good. Much effort has been placed in preserving this national treasure.
Then we have our breakfast in a restaurant recommended by Cluz…again I could not recall the name now…but I could only remember it was in front of few schools which one of them are Convent. The Jawa Mee was good but the white coffee was my favourite…the coffee aroma was strong and not too sweet.
Then we continued our journey, passing through Bidor, Kuala Bubu into Ulu Yam. Here we had our 2nd meal of the day…luckily the journey from Teuk Intan to this place was rather long. Here we had the Sang Har Mee, Fish Cake, Hokkien Mee and Ulu Yam famous Loh Mee. Perhaps because we were still very full, we found the meal less tasty as it used to be during my past visits.
hokkien mee
sang har mee
After the meal, we drove towards KL and stopped by the Hutan Lipur Kanching…just to help digestion and to make us less guilty for eating too much for the past 2 days…we have a pleasant walk…it would be better if we have got ourselves gears to go for a soak in the cooling river water and the fantastic water fall.
at hutan lipur kanching
We finally arrived at my sis’s house at 5pm…it was a pleasant and an enjoyable trip…I loved to have another with my friends…just driving around searching for best food and best visiting place and chill out…no specific itinerary…no time to beat… very relax
see the tower leaning towards me
First we visited the Teluk Intan clock tower. Under the bright sunlight, the lean looked more obvious. We climbed up the tower and got a great view of the town…the condition of this once water tank was still good. Much effort has been placed in preserving this national treasure.
Then we have our breakfast in a restaurant recommended by Cluz…again I could not recall the name now…but I could only remember it was in front of few schools which one of them are Convent. The Jawa Mee was good but the white coffee was my favourite…the coffee aroma was strong and not too sweet.
Then we continued our journey, passing through Bidor, Kuala Bubu into Ulu Yam. Here we had our 2nd meal of the day…luckily the journey from Teuk Intan to this place was rather long. Here we had the Sang Har Mee, Fish Cake, Hokkien Mee and Ulu Yam famous Loh Mee. Perhaps because we were still very full, we found the meal less tasty as it used to be during my past visits.
hokkien mee
sang har mee
After the meal, we drove towards KL and stopped by the Hutan Lipur Kanching…just to help digestion and to make us less guilty for eating too much for the past 2 days…we have a pleasant walk…it would be better if we have got ourselves gears to go for a soak in the cooling river water and the fantastic water fall.
at hutan lipur kanching
We finally arrived at my sis’s house at 5pm…it was a pleasant and an enjoyable trip…I loved to have another with my friends…just driving around searching for best food and best visiting place and chill out…no specific itinerary…no time to beat… very relax
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