Like Sunshine After Rain - Trailer

Cinetopia Production, in association with Splices Creative

Cast includes Julie Hoi, Ang Pei-Chern, Tony Wong and introducing Cindy Chen

Co-Produced by M Fathil Shahab and Tony Wong

Written, Produced and Directed by Jeffrey Chiang

Like Sunshine After Rain ... Soon to be released!

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Source: DVD (SS2)

The PERFECT film in a time when everything economically seems so bleak, perhaps there is a glimmer of hope after all.


Wikipedia and imdb.com
Slumdog Millionaire is the story of Jamal Malik (Patel), an 18 year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai, who is about to experience the biggest day of his life. With the whole nation watching, he is just one question away from winning a staggering 20 million rupees on India¹s "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?"
But when the show breaks for the night, police arrest him on suspicion of cheating; how could a street kid know so much? Desperate to prove his innocence, Jamal tells the story of his life in the slum where he and his brother grew up, of their adventures together on the road, of vicious encounters with local gangs, and of Latika (Pinto), the girl he loved and lost. Each chapter of his story reveals the key to the answer to one of the game show¹s questions.

Each chapter of Jamal's increasingly layered story reveals where he learned the answers to the shows seemingly impossible quizzes. But one question remains a mystery: what is this young man with no apparent desire for riches really doing on the game show?

When the new day dawns and Jamal returns to answer the final question, the Inspector and sixty million viewers are about to find out.


The narrative is superb, and I was caught leaning off my sofa mesmerised in the dialogue and plot! And what incredible music too :-)

Prem Kumar: Its getting hot in here.
Jamal Malik: Are you nervous?
Prem Kumar: [audience laughs] What? Am I nervous ? Its you whos in the hot seat, my friend!
Jamal Malik: Yes, sorry.

I like this...
Police Inspector: Money and women. The reasons for make most mistakes in life. Looks like you've mixed up both.

And especially this!
Prem Kumar: So are you ready for the final question for 20 million rupees?
Jamal Malik: No, but maybe its written, no?
Prem Kumar: Maybe... '


Brilliantly casted!
Dev Patel ... Jamal K. Malik
Anil Kapoor ... Prem Kumar
Freida Pinto ... Latika
Irrfan Khan ... Police Inspector
Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail ... Youngest Salim
Ayush Mahesh Khedekar ... Youngest Jamal

Here's Ayush Mahesh Khedekar who plays the young Jamal K. Malik in one of my favourite scenes! Watch the film to see the lengths he would go through to get his idol Amitabh Bachchan's autograph when he arrives in the slums, in a helicopter!

This is a well celebrated film, check out a list of key awards deservedly won!

2009 Academy Awards
Won: Best Picture

Won: Best Director – Danny Boyle

Won: Best Original Score – A. R. Rahman

Won: Best Original Song – "Jai Ho", by A. R. Rahman (music) & Gulzar (lyrics)

Won: Best Adapted Screenplay – Simon Beaufoy

Won: Best Cinematography – Anthony Dod Mantle

Won: Best Film Editing – Chris Dickens

Won: Best Sound Mixing – Resul Pookutty, Richard Pryke, Ian Tapp

Nominated: Best Sound Editing – Tom Sayers (lost to The Dark Knight)

Nominated: Best Original Song – "O... Saya", by A. R. Rahman & M.I.A. (lyrics)

2009 British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards (BAFTA)
Won: Best Film

Won: Best Director – Danny Boyle

Won: Best Adapted Screenplay – Simon Beaufoy

Won: Best Film Music - A.R. Rahman

Won: Best Cinematography - Anthony Dod Mantle

Won: Best Editing - Chris Dickens

Won: Best Sound - Glenn Freemantle, Resul Pookutty, Richard Pryke, Tom Sayers, Ian Tapp

Nominated: Outstanding British Film

Nominated: Best Leading Actor – Dev Patel

Nominated: Best Supporting Actress - Freida Pinto

Nominated: Best Production Design - Mark Digby, Michelle Day

2009 Golden Globe Awards
Won: Best Motion Picture - Drama

Won: Best Director - Motion Picture - Danny Boyle

Won: Best Screenplay - Simon Beaufoy

Won: Best Original Score - A. R. Rahman

2009 Writers Guild of America Awards
Won: Best Adapted Screenplay - Simon Beaufoy

Won: Oscars Best Picture

Sin Guat Keong, Lebuh Kimberley - Desserts & CKT, Penang

Guest Blogger: L
Wherabouts: Penang ... Lebuh Kimberley

Once again, thanks to L for this write-up, I had never been to this famous CKT (Char Kuay Teow) joint previously, but seems it (along with the adjacent dessert stall) is rather legendary!

Found this write-up online...
This 52-year-old stall is no-doubt one of the oldest and 'tastiest' Char Kway Teow stall in Penang. There is always an endless queue at this stall, but why is it so special? The significant specialty of this stall is of course their 'killer' ingredient - seafood-infused oil. Seafood-infused oil is simply the cooking oil which has been used to fry prawns before it is used to fry the Kway Teow.
Another special thing about this hawker stall is that the Kway Teow is fried over a charcoal fire, which makes every single plate of Char Kway Teow tastes much better and fragrant. Even though the queue is long, but it is absolutely worth waiting for.

Eatery: Kedai Kopi Sin Guat Keong
Located: Intersection of Lebuh Cintra and Lebuh Kimberly, Georgetown, Penang.
Opening hours: 6pm - 12.30am daily

I love Penang desserts aka Tong Sui :-)

Pork blood, pork bits ... damn popular in Penang!


The legendary CKT!

ps. L had this earlier in the day, seafood noodles ala Penang ... Looks yummy too.

I have no clue where this was at?

Penang - Ferry Ride

Guest Blogger: L
Wherabouts: Penang ... Ferry ride!
Camera: Canon G10

Thanks to L for this long-awaited contribution :-)
I haven't been on the ferry, and can't wait to drive across ... one day, soon!


Penang skyline and another ferry!


Penang Ferry Service is the oldest ferry service in Malaysia. The famous ferry service connects Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal in Butterworth to Raja Tun Uda ferry terminal at Weld Quay in George Town in Penang Island.
The ferry service began operation in 1920, under the management of a Chinese-owned company. However, today, it is jointly operated by the Penang Port Commission (PPC) and Penang Port Sdn Bhd.

Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim (Mainland side)
First ferry departure : 0600 hours / Last ferry departure : 0100 hours
Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda (Island side)
First ferry departure : 0530 hours / Last ferry departure : 0030 hours

Rates
Pedestrian: Adult RM1.20 , Children (between 5 to 12 years old) RM0.60
Motorcar: RM7.70


The Penang Bridge :-)

Valkyrie (2008) : Tom Cruise

Cinema: TGV Bukit Tinggi Klang (RM$11 @ "Couple seat")

Bryan Singer (X-Men - 2000, and one of of fave films of all time... The Usual Suspects - 1995) produced and directed this gripping war-epic, Walkure (German) or Valkyrie.



Brilliant, first-class casting...
Tom Cruise ... Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg
Kenneth Branagh ... Major-General Henning von Tresckow
Bill Nighy ... General Friedrich Olbricht
Tom Wilkinson ... General Friedrich Fromm
Carice van Houten ... Nina von Stauffenberg
Thomas Kretschmann ... Major Otto Ernst Remer
Terence Stamp ... Ludwig Beck
Eddie Izzard ... General Erich Fellgiebel



Tension, suspense and a sombre mood is consistently there throughout the entire dark masterpiece, and this has to rank amongst some of the best films of recent times!

One of my favourite scenes is when Die Walkure plays on Tom Cruise's home turn-table, where the scene turns from elation (Col Stauffenberg being with his family) to despair when the allied bombing begins.

Wilhelm Richard Wagner (Born 22 May 1813, Leipzig, Germany – Died 13 February 1883, Venice, Italy) was a German composer, conductor, theatre director and essayist, primarily known for his operas (or "music dramas", as they were later called).

Die Walküre (The Valkyrie) is the second of the four operas that comprise Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring of the Nibelung), by Richard Wagner. It is the source of the famous piece Ride of the Valkyries. Wagner took his tale from the Norse mythology told in the Völsunga Saga and the Poetic Edda. It received its premiere at Munich's National Theatre on 26 June 1870 at the insistence of King Ludwig II of Bavaria. It was premiered in Wagner's Bayreuther Festspiele as part of the complete cycle on 14 August 1876. The opera made its United States premiere at the Metropolitan Opera on 30 January 1885.

Food Foundry, PJ Section 17 - Mille Crepe Chocolate and Strawberry

Food Foundry is a rather unique little diner, located in the heart of Section 17's Happy Mansion, a residential flats area. It describes itself as "Your Neighbourhood Food Provider". I had previously visited on a number of occassions and always enjoyed the food here!


Add: Food Foundry, BG-8, Happy Mansion, Jalan 17/13, PJ
Tel: +603 7955 3885
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10.30 am - 9 pm & Sat-Sun 9 am - 11pm

It seems Mille means ‘1000′ in French, so this very popular cake translates to 1000 layers of crepe. The crepes are layered on top of each other till they form a cake, and as far as I know it is one of the only places in Malaysia that serves this yummy and unique dessert.

Chocolate @ RM$9 per slice

My choice as always ... Strawberry @ RM$9

One can also choose Ocha (Green Tea, RM$9) or plain ol' Vanilla (RM$8). Noticed this new sign on the table too ... facebook!

Into the Blue (2005) : Jessica Alba, Paul Walker

Source: DVD (Centrepoint, Bandar Utama)


The "beautiful" cast includes...
Paul Walker ... Jared
Jessica Alba ... Sam
Scott Caan ... Bryce

Stunning dive cinematography and incredible free-diving sequences (i.e. sans compressed air!) ... that's why I watched Into The Blue!


A true dive nut's kinda film! :-)
Bryce: Get out of the water. There are sharks everywhere, look.
Jared: Give me my mask and my fins real quick.
Bryce: You - No, you don't need a mask. There's a shark. I swear the God. He's big. He' looks like Jaws. Get out.
Jared: Yeah, I know, but I lost my watch.
Bryce: You lost - ? You need an arm to wear a watch. Would you get out of the water, stupid? Please?
Jared: Sam gave me this watch for my birthday.
Bryce: I don't care! Sam, get... [Sam tosses to Jared his mask and fins]
Bryce: What are you doing?
Sam: He's fine. They're just curious.
Bryce: Oh, curious as to what? As to what? What his ass tastes like?


And, only watch this film if you can put up with corny one-liners such as these (I enjoyed them!!)
Sam: I believe in you more than the prospect of any treasure.

and,

Bryce: Winners make the rules and losers live by them

and,

Sam: We found bodies. Don't you think we should tell someone?
Bryce: They're drug dealers, Sam. They're not missionaires flying care packages to starving kids in Africa, okay? Don't worry, their girlfriends will have new pimps before the milk in the refrigerator goes bad. It's fine.

Posh Wedding - SS2 Bridal House ala Las Vegas Chapel of Love

Add: 207, Jalan SS 2/24, PJ
Located: Up the road from New Paris restaurant and Mungo Jerry BKT
Tel: +603 7875 6133

SS2 just like Jln Loke Yew has come the Wedding Capital in town! Bridal shop after bridal shop are selling their wedding services ... Phew! Check out the latest addition, yes its called "Posh"!


I had nearly driven past when I noticed ... Yes, it's the Chapel of Love ala Las Vegas!


From their corporate website...
The focus of Posh Wedding is to provide a celebrity style dream wedding at an affordable price; a wedding that would be remembered not just for years but for generations to come by recording the dream event with the most talented and experienced professionals in the industry.Posh Wedding offers you a one-stop service centre in the multi-faceted arena of bridal, makeover and photography. Their expertise extends to every conceivable area of a wedding including the planning, organising and developing the most special day of your life with the sole purpose to truly exceed your expectations in every way possible.

My Elephant, Section 17 PJ - Great Thai food!

Add: Block C-G4 Happy Mansion, Section 17/13, PJ
Tel: +6012 328 5028 (Patrick)
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday (except Sunday lunch) - Lunch @ 12.00 p.m. - 2.30 p.m., Dinner @ 6.00 p.m. - 10.00 p.m.

Originally written for: Malaysian Today






I had previously been dissapointed either by the authenticity, taste, or high prices of some local Thai restaurants in PJ and KL. My lucky has changed! L brought me to My Elephant, not far off Jalan University, one rainy evening and I was immediately impressed by the simple yet modern low-lit decor, tasteful "mood" music, good service, excellent food and value. Whether it is a casual, business or romantic meal, My Elephant seems to cover all bases!



Thai restaurants are reknowned for their multitude of attractive and appetising starters, I chose the Thai Fish cakes (RM$8) which were full of flavour and one could easily enjoy the delicious home-made patties.On my next visit, I would definitely try the Mamuang Talay (Mango Salad with assorted seafood, RM$8), and Miang Kum (Assortment ofgoodies such as ginger, peanuts, chilli and shrimps, wrapped in fresh kadok leaves somewhat like a roll-up!)as well.



The next course had to be the "national" dish of Thailand, Tom Yum! We chose Tom Yum Koong (Prawn @ RM$20), which packed a strong lemongrass-infused flavour, with a surprising sweet-aftertaste that actually gave the dish a spicy-sweet balance. The prawns were of a decent size and fresh, we enjoyed every drop! Some friends also heavily recommended the Tom Sum Pla (Fish), which is a clear soup with mushrooms, galangal andother Thai spices.



As there was only two of us on this occasion, we had difficulty in choosing amongst the many lovely dishes on the menu. We chose the Gaeng Keow Wan (Green Curry Chicken, RM$15) which was L's favourite dish of thenight. Again, not overly spicy, with the right blend of sweetness and creaminess, this was really good. I especially enjoyed the aubergine pieces which perfectly complemented the bite-sized chicken slices. Next time,I must try the Roast duck red curry, which is supposed to be mind-blowingly good, and has to be ordered in advance!



I thought the star of the night was the Otak Otak Omelette (RM$12), I simply love the way Thais prepare somethingas simple as a fried egg, but the otak-otak inside just blew me away! The chilli dip (Yes, Thai dishes alwayscome with a plethora of dips!) brought out the flavours perfectly.



I was pleasantly surprised that My Elephant served Brown Rice (Unlimited helpings at $2.50 each) on a banana leaf, which was a healthy yet delicious balance to what was a really good meal.



It seems a "dessert of the day" is also served, such as the well-recommended Sago Pudding served with Jackfruit and Mango. But on this occassion, we were eyeing the Mille Crepe cakes at the nearby Food Foundry!

Special mention to Precious Pea and Lemongrass for recommending some of the other dishes which I didn't getto savour on this occasion, I shall however be bringing many more friends back here for near-authentic and delicious Thai cuisine, at very reasonable prices.

Low Pay! Long Hours! Any Complaints?

Kee's World by CW Kee, The Star dated 24th Feb 2009.

Fire at the end of the Port Klang - Klang Shapadu

As I was travelling along the Shapadu Highway, 24th Feb 2009 evening, I was surprised to see this towering plume of smoke!

the Social, Bangsar - Starter platter

It is no secret that I am a big fan of the aromatic crispy duck with pancakes served at Bangsar's the Social! Seems they have other good dishes too :-)

Thanks to S and Lil Jo for the "starter platter" treat! RM$30 for fresh spring rolls, delicious chicken drumettes, decent prawns, outstanding otak-otak and woo-tau ko (carrot cake) too!

Curry Chicken ala Yanna

Curry Chicken ala Yanna ... More comfort food :-) on a rainy weekend!


I love the minced-prawn tofu that Yanna cooks too ... Yummm!
The steamed fish looks like a pomfret but seems it is a pricier variant of the common fella! Delicious :-)

Honda City - Launched in Malaysia, Rear-view

In the City's fifth generation, Honda has come up with yet another winner!

Overall, I have to say that Honda's design and imagination trumps Toyota in all the key classes, City v Vios, Civic v Altis and Accord v Camry!
Honda Accord 2.4 VTI-L Modulo Test Drive
Honda Civic 1.8S close-up



Ooops, thanks to Jeff for pointing out that my information below was for the PREVIOUS generation Honda City!
Honda City 1.5L i-DSI
SOHC, 4 cylinders, 8 valve water cooler / 1496cc
Max Power: 88 bhp @ 5500 rpm
Transmission: CTV (Continuously Variable Transmission)
Price: RM $79,800 (OTR)
Or get the higher-specced Honda City 1.5L VTEC (A) @ RM $84,800

Here's the latest reincarnation of the City, prices are valid for Peninsular Malaysia as derived from Honda.com.my

Engine Type: 4 Cylinders, 16 Valve, SOHC i-VTEC
Fuel Supply System: PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection)
Displacement (cc): 1,497
Maximum Horsepower [PS(Kw) @ rpm]: 120 (88) @ 6,600
Maximum Torque [Nm (kg•m) @ rpm]: 145 (14.8) @ 4,800

Grade S
OTR with Insurance: RM$ 84,980

Grade E
OTR with Insurance: RM$ 89,980

From what I could derive, the Grade E or higher-spec City has extra goodies with no additional performance (Paultan.org and Honda.com.my):
The high spec car’s paddle shifts are easy to work and just plain works, but this isn’t a quick shifting DSG box so there is a noticeable lag between you pressing the paddle shift and the gearbox actually doing something. If you engage paddle shift mode in the S mode, you will be in the M mode which means the gearbox will not shift even if you go past the redline, after of which the revcut will kick in and prevent you from over-revving the engine. The gearbox will also never downshift on command if it detects that the engine will be over-reved on a downshift.

Other key cosmetic differences:
Fog Light
Door Mirror with Turn Light
Exhaust Pipe Finisher
Alloy wheels (16" instead of the Grade S' 15")

ps - Here's the "controversial Optimus Prime styling" on the front of the City, I think it's good! Photo courtesy of Paultan.org

Audi A6 Abt Sportsline - Bangsar, Malaysia

The Audi A6 in standard guise is a beautiful piece of machinery, but after it is tuned and nip+tucked by Abt it becomes even more handsome!



Wikipedia.com on the C6-generation A6
The new A6 (C6) was released in 2005. Designed by Walter de Silva, the new model is visually an evolution of the C5, but is longer (492 cm), incorporates the new Audi trademark single-frame grille, and features more sophisticated technology.

Worldcarfans.com
The handwriting from Kempten is most noticeable on the rear of the A6: the characteristically wide track with the flush wheels on the outside is additionally emphasized through the Abt rear skirt inset. The four chromed Abt end pipes set a clear signal for the power capacity of the vehicle. The Abt rear spoiler on the boot makes sure of a sportier look and moreover an increased negative lift on the rear and connected improved driving characteristics. Just like all body add-on parts by Abt Sportsline it is manufactured in top quality and is seamlessly incorporated in the contours of the standard vehicle.
The designers set individual focuses with a discreet front grill and front spoiler lip. The handwriting on the side of the body is equally discreet: beside side skirts which underline the dynamical line management from the front to the rear, for the Essen Motor Show Abt Sportsline equips the A6 with Abt sport wheels SP1 in the dimension 8.5x19 from the range of wheels reaching from 17 to 20 inch. The classical five-spoke wheels are manufactured in titanium-look and equipped with tyres by the partner Continental.

Abt.com
112 years ago, Johann Abt from Kempten founded a blacksmith’s with a famous idea: to convert carriages, so that they could even be used in the harsh Allgäu winter. Since the time of its foundation the company has continued to develop and even maintained this policy in hart times. In the meantime the fourth generation of the company are now in charge with Hans-Jürgen and his brother, the former DRM pilot Christian Abt.

Club twenty.one (21) - Changkat Bintang, KL

Add: twenty.one kitchen + bar , 20-1 Changkat Bukit Bintang, KL
Tel: +603 2142 0021
Previous visit: Photo of the exterior

A bottle of Black Label and 42 Below vodka ... RM$600.
The latter went down nicely with Cranberry juice.


Despite the 1st floor club being packed on a weekend, the service was really good, and the Groove Armada - Tiesto type tunes kept our heads bopping all night :-)

Spag Bol - True comfort food!

Home-cooked Spag Bol or Spaghetti Bolognaise is one of my fave things, alongside a really good Hainanese Chicken Chop and something simple like baked beans with minced meat !



L's version includes the addition of minced carrots, leek, onions, garlic, premium minced beef and juicy button mushrooms that seem to explode in my mouth! Gorgeous :-)





ps - This is such a common yet legendary and well-loved dish, that Wikipedia even has a nice write up on it! Bolognese sauce (ragù alla bolognese in Italian, also known by its French name sauce bolognaise) is a meat-based sauce for pasta originating in Bologna, Italy. Bolognese sauce is sometimes taken to be a tomato sauce but authentic recipes have only a small amount of tomato.
The people of Bologna traditionally serve their famous ragù with freshly made tagliatelle (tagliatelle alla bolognese) and their traditionally green lasagne. Less traditionally, the sauce is served with maccheroni or other durum wheat short pasta.
The recipe, issued in 1982 by the Bolognese delegation of Accademia Italiana della Cucina, confines the ingredients to beef, pancetta, onions, carrots, celery, tomato paste, meat broth, red wine, and (optionally) milk or cream. However, different recipes, even in the Bolognese tradition, make use of chopped pork or pork sausage, while chicken or goose liver may be added along with the beef or veal for special occasions, and today many use both butter and olive oil for cooking the Soffritto of small amounts of celery, carrot and onion. Prosciutto, mortadella, or porcini fresh mushrooms when in season may be added to the ragù to further enrich the sauce

Tong Yuen (Glutinous rice balls) next to Econsave, Port Klang

Add: Jalan Raja Muda Musa, Port Klang
Located: Next to Econsave
Opening hours: 8pm - 11:30pm (Closed - Sundays)

I can't wait to try this out!!

Divine hokkien mee and Pepper soup, Tanjung Malim

Located: Not far from the old road that leads from TM town to the PLUS TM toll

Delicious Hokkien-fried Kuay Teow ...


The secret? Charcoal fried individually in a hot wok!
L's favourite, and understandably so, the Hokkien Mee. Wet, tasty, and full of "wok-hay"!


SY's fave ... Yes, I tried it out! Sure packs a kick with an abundance of white pepper, this is TM's famous Pepper Soup.

Finest Gado-gado and Nasi Lemak, Pak Din - Tanjung Malim, Perak

Located: Hawker centre in front of the Balai Polis, Tanjung Malim town centre

L insisted I try her favourite Gado-Gado, and she was right... It's awesome! Simple, full of flavour, like so many things in Tanjung Malim.


The nasi lemak in TM needs little introducing ever since I ranked it as my favourite nasi lemak anywhere! RM$2.30 for a large portion, magic!

Found a nice writeup about this collection of stalls in TM, on langgas.blogspot.com .

Blog entry is titled "Jalan Jalan Cari Makan Tanjong Malim"!

Nasi lemak, Pak Din - Stall No. 18

Mee Rebus - Stall No. 19, Warung Mangga

Gado Gado, Mee Rojak - Stall No. 20

Mee bandung, Abdullah Kamil - Adjacent stall to No. 20 (Evenings only)

Also mentioned were the following:

Mee Kari (Curry Mee) - Stall 15, Warung Juita

Nasi ayam & Sate (Chicken Rice and Satay) - Stall 7, Warung Lee (Evenings only)

Bebe and Bambi - Poodle and Labby

Waiting for the return...


This is Bebe, L's poodle :-)


Cutey!


What suspicious eyes!

Ah... finally zzzzzz!

Heh heh, who do we have here...

This gentle giant is Bambi, a 3 year old labby :-) with a heart of gold!

Tanjung Malim Komuter Station - New KTM terminal

Couldn't resist nosey-ing around the sparkling new Tanjung Malim, Perak, Komuter Station one weekend.

Wikipedia.org
The new Tanjung Malim railway station will become the new terminus of the KTM Komuter network.
The 179 km (111 mi) Rawang-Ipoh electrification and double-tracking project will ultimately allow the KTM Komuter service to be extended to Tanjung Malim on the Selangor-Perak border, nearly 100 kilometers (62 mi) from Kuala Lumpur.
The project has suffered several delays due several reasons, but has seen limited revitalisation. The first phase of the extension, which includes 22 kilometers (14 mi) of rebuilt railway lines and three new stations became operational when a shuttle service from the Rawang stations was launched on April 21, 2007.
The service was extended to Kuala Kubu Bharu on January 5, 2008.
Shuttle service to Tanjung Malim and Ipoh will begin by December 2008.

Here're more piccies of the new station, guess UPSI and Proton City has indeed brought development to TM!

We got there just before the rains arrived

Brand new signage, in an all new station. Fabulous!

Lucky us! A train heading to Kuala Lumpur was about to arrive...

I was caught in action, thanks to L and her Canon G10.

More close-ups

And the train departs...

Hmmm, this made me chuckle! I guess Photography and Breathing is allowed!

ps - Photos shot with my Nikon D80 and Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 which will be with my dad on his China trip for the next month, I shall miss the Tammy!

Yik Mun v E&L - Best Chicken Chop in Tanjung Malim?

Went to visit Tg Malim again one weekend, and was over-the-moon to see both E&L and Yik Mun open for business, as E&L was closed when I last visited on CNY Day 3 . It was time for the definitive Hainanese Chicken Chop Shoot Out!

E&L's service is sloowwwww. It is also rather likely that they are not opened on the day which you visit, as business is done at a really leisurely pace!


What must have been a half hour wait for our chop ... was well worth it! RM$10 buys you a succulent, and lovingly charcoal-grilled piece of chicken chop, served with hand-cut chips and a dissapointing white cream-sauce. I find it hard to believe that at this price-point, it was served with 2 slices of toast and some really creamy butter.



We then quickly went over to the legendary Yik Mun, to have their version of Chicken Chop. On this particular occassion, the chicken was slightly dry, perhaps a tad over-fried (Unlike the grilled perfection at its less illustrious neighbour), but the sauce with a hint of Lea & Perrins and Oyster Sauce, and mashed potatoes more then covered up for it! At RM$13, it happens to be a little pricier then E&L's.



I have to say that E&L actually wins in terms of "chicken only", but in terms of the overall dish (Which after all is the purpose of this HCC @ Hainanese Chicken Chop shoot-out!) ...
Yik Mun Tanjung Malim has MY vote as BEST HCC IN MALAYSIA!


Whatever it is, whichever you fancy, this section of the old trunk road on the North-South, does have two of the finest chicken chop eateries in the country :-) Well worth a visit!

Yik Mun - Legendary Pau in Tanjung Malim, 1926

Yik Mun is a halal family restaurant, located along the old trunk road which we used to take pre mid-90s, whilst travelling from KL - Ipoh - Penang. I remember dad stopping over at TM many times to get a curry pau :-)

Yik Mun was established in 1926, not long after the first tar road was built in Tanjung Malim, namely Jalan Besar (1920).


This Keluarga Si Mamat cartoon by Lat, published in Berita Minggu, caught my attention, it is dated 10th October 1993, roughly the same time the PLUS (North South) Highway was completed.



For some good food (They have diversified into a full menu - Check out the below, pinched from Yikmun.com), nostalgia, and a deserved rest whilst travelling north or southbound, it is a much recommended 10 minute detour off the Highway :-)

Here's another cute Lat memory from 20th May 1979, taken from YikMun.com as well.

Cartoon illustrates Young Lat or Epit (In his birthday-suit glory, so cute!) pulling his 4 little friends along in a "Coconut leaf" ride.

One of his friend shouts out, "Epit! Boleh singgah Tanjung Malim kejap? Kita orang nak beli Kueh Pau!"

Epit then mumbles, "Ini yang buat aku fed up ni..."

Such innocent old days :-)

Chee Cheong Fun road-side - Opposite Say Huat, Section 17 PJ

It's no secret, some of the finest things in Malaysia are "street-side". This humble chee cheong fun stall serves delicious morsels of goodies opposite Say Huat Kopitiam, at the Section 17 Lucky Garden square in PJ.

Uncle's steaming cauldron of goodies! I chose foo-peh, pork balls, fish balls and two really smooth pieces of "noodle" (chee cheong fun).

That reminds me, I must make a visit at some point soon for the definitive and best-ever CCF (Chee Cheong Fun!) at San Yulik in Taman Cheras, KL

Robert Char Kuay Teow - Say Huat, PJ Section 17

Located: Restoran Say Huat - Section 17, PJ

I adore the CKT in Section 17, at a large corner kopi-tiam called Say Huat. Its located in the Lucky Garden square of Section 17, not to be confused by a similarly named area in Bangsar. Late one evening, we decided to venture there whilst waiting for D who had been admitted to Pantai. It was well worth the trek!

Yes, this is one of my regularly visited makan spots, ever since H brought me here back in 2007 . Here is a shot of the personable CKT-man's stall, in fact he came over to have a chat at the end of our meal!


RM$4 for "regular" and RM$4.50 for "large" ... Whatever your choice, you can be assured of an individually-prepared masterpiece! Fresh shrimps, crunchy chives and beansprouts and smooth hor-fun, with cockles and chilli paste. Marvellous!


Hall of fame? Most definitely!

Waikiki Too - TTDI Plaza

Waikiki Too is a really nice chill out place, glad Taman Tun (Not sure if the residents nearby feel the same way!) has now got an established party area, in the form of TTDI Plaza, which also houses Bamboo9, HQ9, Fidels, Wine and Nine, Simone and more.

Add: TTDI Plaza @ Jalan Wan Kadir 3 , Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KL
Previous review: I am a big fan of the resident band and their eclectic selection of songs



Joseph the Bartender ... Cool chap!


Cool 3-D artwork at the bar!


Jugs of Long Island Iced Tea, anyone? RM$130 a pop. Rum + Tequila + Vodka + Gin and more...


WT's choice ... Mojito! This was really good :-)


Ask nicely, and the bartender or waiting staff can get you some Popcorn too!

Albert, Vijay and Badar @ La Bodega Lounge, Bangsar

Add: 1st Floor, 18 Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar Baru, KL
Located: Above La Bodega Deli
Tel: +603 2287 3808
Opening hours: Mon-Sat @ 12pm-1am, Sun @ 10am-1am

Along with Bangsar's WIP and the Social, as well as Hartamas' Blackhole, this easily ranks as one of my favourite places to unwind in town.


I was here to introduce music by Albert, Vijay and Badar to some new friends :-) as I had gotten wind of their performance via Facebook. Best of, no cover charge!


Excerpt from nst.com.my
He’s well-known singer and guitarist Albert Sirimal.
“Hey, how’s it been?” the 45-year-old Albert asks, running his fingers through his hair before sitting down.
With a new band in tow, the veteran pub musician is all geared up for his performance at the Genting International Jazz Festival next month.

“I’ve been singing in pubs for a long time. With singer Vijay David and percussionist Badar, we’ve been playing at the same places for ages.
“But we recently started playing one-night-only shows at different venues.”

Albert’s passion for music began at a young age. His father, a school teacher and disciplinarian, played the harmonium and tabla.
“I was surrounded by music and when I was 15, my dad got me different guitar parts from a pawn shop which I glued together and made my first guitar.
“He taught me all the chords he knew on the guitar, which wasn’t much but when shifted around, I could play John Denver’s Country Road,” says Albert, his eyes lighting up.
“Then he bought me a chord book. But when I started memorising the chords and songs and was constantly playing, dad got frightened.
“He gave a pep talk on how I should concentrate on my studies. So I went to college to do electrical engineering. I dropped out and started playing the guitar for money. I’ve not stopped.”


Juliansi.blogspot.com
Personally, I am glad Albert hasn't stopped ... I was hooked on his genre of music from the first time I watched him perform at DJ, at a very special birthday party last year (Mezza Note @ Heritage Row), and then R introduced me to Albert at No Black Tie.



expatkl.com
Sofas for lounging, books for unwinding, tapas for teasing and wine for indulging set against a backdrop of smooth jazz sounds is the home away from home that the La Bodega team have created with La Bodega Lounge.
Located above La Bodega Deli, the Lounge is the place to unwind if you yearn to be pampered in an environment that is far from the madding crowd of Bangsar below, soaking up the sounds of live jazz until the wee hours in the morning.
The menu offers a different take on the tapas found at La Bodega, the focus being placed on contemporary tapas with funky variations – delectable dishes not found anywhere outside the streets of Barcelona.
The wine list offers a short, yet select range of quality New and Old World wines from Spain, South America, Australia and California and a choice of Champagnes and sparkling wines. For those looking to emulate our trendy Catalan counterparts the cocktail menu certainly spoils you for choice with an array of thirst quenching and head spinning concoctions. Cigar aficionados will feel at home with the impressive walk-in cigar humidor containing a fine selection of cigars hailing from Cuba and The Dominican Republic.
La Bodega Lounge’s cosy interior is adorned with sofas and dark wood furniture, whilst black and white photographs of jazz legends, as well as carefully chosen pieces of original artwork, festoon the walls. With such unique offerings, La Bodega Lounge is difficult to resist. Advance reservations are recommended.

Tom Yam and Telur Bungkus - Santai at Taman Tun TTDI

One of my fave eateries anywhere! TTDI's gem ... Santai.
Add: Santai Restaurant and Café @ 10, Persiaran Zaaba , Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, KL
Tel: +603 7728 8173

Best Tom Yam in Malaysia? Perhaps!


Definitely the best Telur Bungkus (Minced meat Omelette) in town!

Kangkung Belacan ... good stuff!

More comfort food ... the incomparable Nasi Goreng USA.

ps - It's no secret this is one of my fave eateries anywhere ... Been here many MANY times previously, but it was L's first time. She agrees with me, it's good!

Cooking Baked Beans with Minced Chicken - Yummy!

I love the simple dishes at home ... Here's one of my fave comfort foods, Ayam Baked Beans with Minced Chicken! Just like how grandma used to make it...


Voila!


Yanna also prepared some very delicious chinese-style pork chops!

Chicken Soup for the soul

I love chicken soup :-)


Chicken Soup For The Soul
"The day will come when, after harnessing space, the winds, the tides and gravitation, we shall harness for God the energies of love. And on that day, for the second time in the history of the world, we shall have discovered fire." — Tielbard de Chardin

Peng Heong Hakka Pai Kut - Pork Chop Legend!

Add: 2, Lorong Gudang Nanas, off Jalan Pasar, Klang
Tel: +6019 2600 855

It was L's first time at the legendary Peng Heong, and as always the meal was very much enjoyed. Here is are review of some other items on the menu , and click here for directions to this institution . A true rags to riches story!


I love the new menu!


Just what the doctor ordered on a hot weekend ... Barley!
That looks like a soya sauce bottle :-)


Surprisingly good ... Mutton (Lamb) Curry.


Preserved Veges or Choy Keok ... So appetising!


And the masterpiece ... the Hakka Pai Kut aka Pork Chops. Delicious!

Dragon fruit shots -Nikon D80 and SB-600 Speedlight

Nothing like fruit for afters :-) Here are my efforts with my usual set-up (Nikon D80 and Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8), with a combination of RM$30 diffuser (Thanks, KK!) and bounce-flash with my Nikon SB-600.

Dragon fruit (RM$4.50 from Bukit Tinggi, Klang) - Gorgeous to shoot, and delicios to eat! For the uninitiated, imagine it as an "asian" Kiwi-fruit!

L's Lamb Chops - Magnificent with Torres Grand Coronas

L prepared some delicious lamb chops one evening, seasoned with nothing more then cracked black peppercorns and garlic. The beauty was in its simplicity, so succulent and tasty!


Torres Grand Coronas Cab Sauv, Reserva 2000 - Really nice!

Aglio Olio on Valentines Day - Home sweet home!

Salad of brocolli, leek, almonds and raisins :-)

Aglio Olio Angel Hair with Bacon and Seafood ... Good stuff!

Thanks to M and D for the grapes :-)

Digi Yellow Man Trishaws in Melaka

One more Melaka post :-) Digi's Yellow Man aka Yellow Coverage Fellow (YCF) always catches my eye!


shaukani.fotopages.com
Trishaw or becas which is a popular mode of transport in Melaka. In the 1970's, the trishaw hood, made of canvas, can easily be opened or closed when necessary. The seat is made from coconut husk and is complete with a backrest.
But now, it is decorated colourfully with plastic flowers, carved copper design and lately decorated with mobile company colours, green for Maxis and yellow for DiGi.
The trishaw can carry two adult passengers (Malaysian size) and one or two children.

Satay Celup in Melaka - I wanna try!

Pity ... Main Sai Hiong was closed when we visited. I have yet to have my FIRST satay celup! There's always next time :-)


Wikipedia has an entry about this!
Sate Celup or Satay Celup (Steamboat Satay) is a dish where an assortment of raw and semi-cooked seafood, meat and vegetables on skewers are dunked into a boiling pot of water and eaten with sauces that are similar to the ubiquitous satay sauce but made with a variety of different ingredients.
Satay celup is popular in Malacca (historical city in Malaysia). Many tourists and locals consider satay celup a favourite because there are more than 80 types of seafood and vegetables to choose from and the sauces are thick and aromatic. Moreover, the food is always kept fresh in huge refrigerators or on shelves of cold storages in food courts.
Satay celup is sold at prices that start as low as 50 cents in Malacca where delicious food is easily obtainable at cheap prices. Drinks soft-drinks often accompany the meal due to its hot and spicy flavour, coconut water or chinese herbs tea will be a good combination.
Satay celup is sold in a self-service mode, and as soon as seats are picked by customers, food can be immediately taken using trays provided.

Very tall scaffolding at the new Klang Mosque

As we were driving across the "new" Klang bridge, I saw this REALLY TALL scaffolding erected parallel to the minaret of the new Klang masjid. Hmmm, won't want to be the one climbing up this structure!

Yippee Cup SS2 - Hainanese Chicken Chop with Rice

Located: Along the same row as Melaka Street, on SS2 (Jalan SS 2/66)
Tel: +603 7874 6899

Perhaps not as popular as when it was at its old location, but drinks are consistently good, and overall it provides a good value meal (RM$25 for the below).


Lychee juice with Nata de Coco - Simply refreshing!!

Chocolate milk with Pearls - Pretty good, L likes it :-)

Hainanese Chicken Chop with Rice - Great value and delicious, but not as good as when I first had it! Hmm, my taste buds are so spoilt with the Yik Mun Tanjung Malim Chicken Chop these days :-)

Fried rice and Chicken Soup

Simple and delicious ... Just what the doctor ordered :-)

Just what the doctor ordered...

Was suffering from a cold earlier this week, and here's just what the doctor ordered ...

Chicken soup :-)


Minced pork with Tofu ... slurp


Stir fried cabbage .... Aaaahhhh!


And simply delicious ... Chicken with ginger!

Another sunset over Botanic Central Park, Klang

Haha, I was caught in action with my Nikon D80 and Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 !

My favourite shot of the evening ...

As the sun was about to set...

Shots from 7:10pm...

And a couple more!

Canon G9 at Bandar Botanic Central Park, Klang

L's really good efforts with my Canon G9


Shot in full manual :-)


And ... the sunset

Sunset over Botanic Central Park, Klang

7:02pm one Sunday evening


And by 7:22pm ...


Photos captured at Bandar Botanic's Central Park in Klang, with my trusty Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 mounted on my good ol' Nikon D80.

Mint Choc Mousse Cake with Lindt Chocolate @ FBB's Bubbly Brunch

On to the serious stuff ... the gorgeous desserts at FBB's Bubbly Brunch!

Mint Choc Mousse Cake with Lindt Chocolate - Slurrrrrrrp!

Oopps ... forgot to post the last "mains" which arrived, the Seafood Mousse.

Hmmm ... More!

Tacky Heart Shaped Passion and Peach Pavlova - Heh heh! It was after all, V-Day!

Happy Valentine's everyone :-)

Fatboybakes' Bubbly Brunch - Magnifique!

FBB was an amazing host at a recent Bubbly Brunch :-)


Starters, anyone? Yes, please!
Hairy Berry's Exotica Gourmet Platter ... hand-carried and airflown from London.


More starters! Homemade Sausage Rolls ... I loved this!


Divine ... it's Yorkshire pudding time!
Roast Australian Ribeye served with Yorkshire Pudding


Assorted Gourmet Sausages


Roast Duck Pasta ... Coc Au Citronella ...
And, a duet of Wasabi Mash and Mash with Tetsuya Salsa Truffle!
Wow ... there was even a Garden Salad with Pear , Walnut and Quail Eggs .
How about some delicious Popiah ?


Oooh ... bubbles and more bubbles!

The aftermath! And this was only at 3pm!

Tools of the "trade"!


Merry gang! Cheers, all ... Happy Valentine's Day!

Hic ... hic :-)

Beautiful flowers, Holland in Melaka ... and a bee too!

Opposite Christ Church, in the old square at Melaka .... a windmill!

Bees were just busy buzzing about...

A little closer...

Nancy's Kitchen, Jalan Hang Lekir - Melaka

Add: 7 Jalan Hang Lekir (Formerly 3rd Cross Street), off Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Melaka
Tel: +606 283 6099

What a great restaurant, really yummy food and super value ... just off Jonker Street!


Top Hat or Pie Tee (RM$4.50)

Brilliant start to the meal ... delicious!

Kangkung Belacan (RM$7) - Slightly oily, but tasty nevertheless

Bak / Pork Ponteh (RM$10)
Glorious ... potato was so tender, and meat was succulent. Bravo!

Otak otak (RM$10) - Delicious!

Rice (RM$1.50)
Hot Water (RM$0.40 each)

Stadthuys and Fort, Melaka's Dutch Square

This historical edifice dominates Malacca's renowned Dutch Square, or also known as the Red Square because of the crimson coloured old buildings there. Also located at the Square is Christ Church, the former Dutch Reformed Church of Malacca, where the pious Dutch people of the town had long before often congregated.
It is said that the Stadthuys is probably the oldest remaining Dutch colonial building left in Southeast Asia. However, the history of the Stadthuys remains somewhat of a mystery. Records of its construction have now either been lost in time or perhaps still buried in some forgotten archive, yet to be discovered. All that is known about the age of the building is that it was built shortly after Malacca was captured by the Dutch in 1641.
Malacca came under Portuguese control by capturing the famous Malay trade emporium and ousting its sultan in 1511.



During the Dutch rule of Malacca, the Stadthuys, like all the other Dutch administration buildings in Southeast Asia, was painted white. By way of the Anglo-Dutch treaty of 1824, Malacca was given up by the Dutch and the town became a British colony. In 1911, the British painted the Stadthuys and the Christ Church a salmon red.
The actual reasons as to why these buildings were painted red by the British is now lost in time but legends and theories are abundant.

(1) One opinion was that the buildings were painted red to copy the colour of red brick stone houses in Holland. Apparently, the Dutch painted the buildings red to remind them of their homeland. However, this theory is flawed because it was the British, and not the Dutch, who painted the buildings red.

(2) Another theory was that the British wanted to differentiate British built houses from the old Dutch houses. Therefore, the British painted the old Dutch buildings red. However, there were other old Dutch buildings in Malacca that were not painted red by the British.

(3) Most amusingly, it was also suggested that the red discharge from chewing sireh (betel) was constantly spat onto the white walls of the buildings by the locals in venting their hatred and contempt for the Dutch. Later, the British simply decided to cover it up with red paint. A witty tale probably perpetuated by anti-Dutch propaganda and contrived by nationalistic British colonials.

(4) A more plausible reason given was maybe due to the lack of maintenance, the red laterite stone used to build the Stadthuys showed through the whitewashed plastering. Also, perhaps heavy tropical rain often splashed the red soil up the white walls. So, the British decided to paint it all red to save maintenance costs.

Eye of Melaka!

Walk up a flight of stairs, and that leads you to a beautiful fort.

More shots with my Nikon D80

I love this huge old tree!

As we were walking back...

Jonker Street is now Jalan Hang Jebat

Hang Jebat was the closest companion of the legendary Malay hero Hang Tuah. He is well known for his vengeful rebellion against the Malacca Sultan whom he served. After Hang Tuah was sentenced to death, Hang Jebat was conferred by the Sultan of Malacca with the Taming Sari, a sacred kris formerly used by Hang Tuah. Believing that Hang Tuah was unjustly murdered by the Sultan he served, Hang Jebat turned against the Sultan to avenge his friend's death.
No one knew, however, except the Bendahara who went against the Sultans orders and hid Hang Tuah in a remote region of Malacca that he was still alive.With the kris in his possession, Hang Jebat became invincible and there was not one person in the entire Malacca Empire who was capable of killing him. Hang Jebat's revenge had forced the Sultan of Malacca to abandon his palace. Jebat seduced the women of the palace and spent his days eating, drinking and sporting with them. All the warriors sent by the Sultan to challenge him were killed. Even his friend Hang Kasturi was driven out when Hang Jebat realized that the other man hadn't come to join him in merrymaking.

Did you know?
Hang Jebat's famous quote was "Raja adil raja disembah, raja zalim raja disanggah" which literally means "A fair king is a king to obey, a cruel king is a king to fight against".

The local Hokkien Huay Kuan or Association


Quaint old printing business, The Royal Press.

Chicken Rice Ball, Melaka - Hoe Kee

Add: 4, 6, 8 Jalan Hang Jebat, Melaka
Located: Jonker Walk, not far from the well known Famosa Chicken Rice
GPS (Foodpoi.com): N2 11.717 E102 14.886
Tel: +606 2834751 , +6012 623 8431
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm

Many come to Melaka to have their "chicken rice ball fix" at Famosa...


But my favourite is ... HOE KEE!

Very tastefully refurbished interior

Here's the magical ... chicken rice ball.

The chilli plays a vital role in the balanced combination of rice + chicken + chilli :-)

I vouch for this place... Brilliant!

Yanna cooked a wonderful Organic Tofu dish

Spoilt rotten at home :-)

Here's Yanna's latest dish ... Organic tofu with beautiful minced meat sauce.


Delicious and spicy chicken dish...



A meal isn't complete without fried fish and my fave stir fried cabbage :-)

Jonker Street - Nightfall over Melaka

Jonker Walk lit up at night ... On the evening before Chap Goh Mei (Last day of the Chinese New Year)!


Thirst quencher ... Bubble tea ala Taipei!

Melaka by night - Christ Church, 1753

As night falls in Melaka...

Beautiful especially late in the evening...

Source: MalaysiaVacationGuide.com
When the Dutch took over Melaka from the hand of the Portuguese, they built several buildings for their own purposes. This church was built as a place of worship as they did not have any church for themselves apart from the small chapel built by Portuguese on St. Paul Hill. Like St. Paul Church, this church is one of the most attractive heritage in Melaka that has gone through several stages of change under the governing of different colonials.

Located at Jalan Gereja (or known as Church Street), the church is painted in coral red with huge white cross at the middle. It is the most distinguished one among adjacent buildings that are also painted in similar red colour. Surrounded by beautiful landscape with greeneries and flowers, you will probably feel like visiting a vintage church somewhere in Europe!

However, there is something unique and unusual that you might not be able to get in Europe but only in Melaka – the colourful decorated trishaw! In front of the church, there will always be striking trishaws lining up, offering the service to tour you around the town. The existence of trishaw makes the church’s surrounding area more lively and outstanding!

This Christ Church was built by the Dutch. They started the construction in 1741 and completed it in 1753. At that time, the church played its vital role as a place for the Dutch to pray. Later, when British took over Melaka for a temporary term, they converted the original Protestant church into an Anglican church. At the same time the British added the bell and weathercock on the church.

The church is located opposite to Stadthuys, the former official residence for the Dutch government. In the middle, you can see a beautiful fountain and that is the Queen Victoria Fountain built by the British. Further, there is a windmill that faces the fountain.
Most parts of the church were constructed manually including the pews and windows. It still stayed the same even though it had been built more than 200 years ago. Until now, the church is still functioning with services available in English, Chinese and Tamil languages. In fact, it is the oldest church that is still in operation in Malaysia.

Trishaws lit up!

And as we walked across the river dividing the town, I took my 2 favourite photos. My Nikon D80 and Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 was mounted on a half-broken (I didn't know till I got to Melaka!) cheapo tripod :-) for these shots. EXIF: f/9, 1s, ISO400

Melaka River as the sun sets

Unesco.org pays tribute to both Melaka and George Town (Penang) in 2008!
Melaka and George Town, historic cities of the Straits of Malacca have developed over 500 years of trading and cultural exchanges between East and West in the Straits of Malacca.
The influences of Asia and Europe have endowed the towns with a specific multicultural heritage that is both tangible and intangible.
With its government buildings, churches, squares and fortifications, Melaka demonstrates the early stages of this history originating in the 15th-century Malay sultanate and the Portuguese and Dutch periods beginning in the early 16th century. Featuring residential and commercial buildings, George Town represents the British era from the end of the 18th century. The two towns constitute a unique architectural and cultural townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia.

Walking across Melaka River, I was surprised by the amount of tourist river traffic :-)

St Francis Xavier Church

Wikipedia ... This Gothic church was built by a French priest, Rev. Fabre, in 1849, to commemorate St. Francis Xavier who is also known as the "Apostle of the East". St. Francis Xavier is credited for his Catholic missionary work in Southeast Asia during the 16th century.

" Give piss a chance! " - Melaka humour

Bush ... Give piss a chance!

Care for a ... tat!?

ps - Shot the above near the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple.

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Jalan Tokong - Melaka

Buildingconservation.blogspot.com
In the heart of Melaka's old town is Jalan Tukang Emas (GoldsmithRoad) Jalan Tukang Besi (Blacksmith Road) and Jalan Tokong(Temple Street); renowned for many religious places of worship.
The deflected and curving nature of the streets that meander this part ofthe city creates a perfect sense of enclosure and exquisite townscape effect. The visual experience is heightened by the intricateness andvaried buildings in terms of façade design and building height. The streetnames, which took after the craftsmen of old Melaka, reflected theimportance of this area as the once artisan zone for the city. Tinsmith,blacksmith, cobblers, coffin-makers, paper artisan and basket weaversstill ply their trades here.
The other unique feature of the streets is the presence of three different types of places of worship namely; ChengHoon Teng Temple, The Masjid Kampong Kling and the Sri PoyyathaVinagar Moorthi Temple. Although the area is now predominantlyoccupied by Chinese, the presence of the mosque and the Indian temple suggests that this area was once lived by a multi ethnic community that was able to live harmoniously together.
The Cheng Hoon Teng temple isover 300 years old and was founded by Li Kup who fled China when theManchus toppled the Ming. It is still the major place of worship for the Chinese in Melaka and is the oldest functioning Chinese Temple in the country.


Wikipedia ... The Cheng Hoon Teng temple (青云亭) is a Buddhist temple in Jalan Tokong, Malacca, Malaysia. It is the oldest functioning temple in Malaysia.

The richly decorated Cheng Hoon Teng temple covers an area of 4,600 square metres.
Featuring a magnificent main gate along Jalan Tokong, the Cheng Hoon Teng temple consists of a complex of several prayer halls, with a large main prayer hall dedicated to the goddess of mercy, Kuan Yin. Additional smaller prayer quarters were added later. One of these is dedicated to the Taoist gods of wealth, longevity and propagation, while another houses ancestral tablets.



One of the most dramatic features of Cheng Hoon Teng temple is the seven-metre red flag-pole facing the left wing of the main prayer hall, which houses the remains of two of the three Kapitans who contributed to the construction of the temple. Across the road is a traditional opera theatre, which forms a part of the Cheng Hoon Teng temple complex.
The building conforms to the principles of feng shui. The complex is laid out to ensure a view of the river and high ground on either side.

History
Built in 1645 by Kapitan Lee Wei King with building materials imported from China, Cheng Hoon Teng served as the main place of worship for the local Hoklo (Hokkien) community. The main hall was built by Kapitan Chan Ki Lock in 1704 and was rebuilt in 1801 by Kapitan China Chua Su Cheong, who contributed to the aesthetic and magnificent structural additions of the building.
In 1962, then abbot Seck Kim Seng ordained Houn Jiyu-Kennett, a Zen nun from England and the future founder of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives, at this temple.
In 2003, Cheng Hoon Teng was awarded a UNESCO award for outstanding architectural restoration.



Neighbouring this magnificent and well preserved temple ... Masjid Kampung Kling.


Another ornate entrance nearby...

Hotel Puri - Boutique hotel near Jonker Street, Melaka

Hotel Puri is located in a truly convenient location (walking distance to Jonker St), with secure parking a few shop-houses down the road. Reasonably priced, with upgraded rooms starting at RM$160++, and with friendly customer service, it's a place I'd recommend in Melaka!


Add: 114 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Melaka
Tel: +606 282 5588
Located: Hotel Puri Melaka is a boutique hotel in the heart of the old city of Malacca. It is a 30 minute drive from the North-South Highway (Malacca/Ayer Keroh exit), and 10 minute drive from the bus station (Sentral). Surrounded by antique and bric-a-brac shops, it is only a stroll away from Malacca's historical precinct.


Updated May 2009! Parking - Free for guests, there's a secure parking lot owned by the hotel about 100m down the road from the hotel. Very convenient!

Source: Hotelpuri.com
The hotel is a carefully restored Peranakan house which once belonged to the decendants of an eminent philanthropist and rubber plantation owner, Tan Kim Seng. Extending 100 metres long, its distinct characteristics are its beautiful and intricately decorated façade and the impressive length of the house. Retaining its old charm, Hotel Puri Melaka provides modern amenities to its hotel guests.

The building Hotel Puri resides in was first built in 1822 and was bought over by Tan Kim Seng in 1840. The house was then rebuilt by Tan Kim Seng's grandson, Tan Jiak Choo at a cost of 14,000 Straits Settlement Dollars in 1876. The house sits on a piece of land which has in its possession the original Dutch title dating back to 28.4.1819.

It is located in one of the oldest streets in Malacca called Heeren Street by the Dutch, and known as Holland Street to the Chinese till this day. It was also nicknamed Millionaires' Row as most of the Chinese millionaires of the pioneering period lived on this street.

After Malaysia's independence, the street was renamed Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock in memory of the Founder of the Malaysian Chinese Association now a component party of the ruling National Front, and also for the important role he played towards the achievement of Malaysia's independence. His son Tun Tan Siew Sin was the Finance Minister for Malaysia for 15 years. Their ancestral home remains at No 111. Several of the other millionaires' ancestral homes have been refurbished by their wealthy descendants and still remain today along this same street.

There's a choice of dining and having a drink al-fresco, or in the dining room

Jonker 88 Dessert - The Museum Cafe (Baba Cendul with Gula Melaka)

One of the most popular makan-tourist attractions in Melaka...
Jonker Dessert 88, most popularly known as, Jonker88.com, is a cultural entity in form of museum café, legally formed on 1997 in Malaysia. Jonker88.com is the subsidiary of Jia Seng Art Gallery which was incorporated in year of 1986 in Melaka, Jonker Street, now known as Jalan Hang Jebat, headed by Jason & Johnson Yoong, family team are Jenny and CS Yoong, all born in Melaka.


Jonker 88 Dessert serves various ice-desserts, but we chose the popular Baba Cendul (RM$1.70) which was really good.


Quaint Melaka-style decor, and of course that very delicious, "kao kao" (thick!) and fragrant Gula Melaka topping!

Cuti Cuti Malaysia - Jonker Street, Melaka

Jonker Street (which has now been renamed Jalan Hang Jebat) was where we spent most our Melaka outing, here are shots I took with my Nikon D80 (Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8) late one evening before sunset.


Happy Chap Goh Mei ... the 15th and last day of this year's Chinese New Year celebrations :-)


Tang Lungs or Lanterns were everywhere! Even more impressive then Penang I reckon...


Geographer Cafe - Sammi Cheng's Summer Holiday or "夏日的日么么茶" was part filmed at the Geographer Cafe, and released in 2003.

Add: 83, Jalan Hang Jebat, Melaka

Tel: +606 281 6813


Wanna buy some clogs? Or timsum? Jonker Street was coming "alive" from 7pm.


Beautiful old buildings!

It's Chinese New Year... but I was still surprised to see this Moh-Si Tao (Lion Head!) on the roof of this shop, heh heh.

Thestar.com.my

OLD streets, heritage homes, cultural bazaars in the Jonker Street area, houses with traditional red lanterns and Chinese calligraphic couplets have attracted thousands of tourists to Malacca so far during the current Chinese New Year festive season.
Nanyang Siang Pau reported yesterday that the number of tourists visiting the historical city was higher than normal thus far.
Several ceremonies to light up the red lanterns have also been held to add to the festive mood in Jonker Walk, the daily reported.
The daily quoted Gan Tian Loo, the Jonker Walk Chinese New Year carnival committee organising chairman, as saying that the tourist rush has helped many shops and traders in Malacca to make good profits. He estimated that 500,000 tourists would visit Malacca during the festive season.
Traditionally, many of them would chip in to pay for the lanterns and arches.
This year, apart from the Chinese clans associations, Mydin supermarket also funded the Chinese New Year decorations.
Lots of activities have been organised from the first day of Chinese New Year till Chap Goh Meh to entertain crowds in the Jonker Walk area, where the cultural bazaar operates during weekends.

Chap Goh Mei - 15th Day of our Chinese New Year, Taman Jaya Park

Venue: Taman Jaya Park
Also known as: Kelana Jaya Lake Park
Located: Near Tenaga, and opposite Amcorp Mall
Event: Chap Goh Mei celebration

Wikipedia
Chap Goh Meh or Tzap Goh Mei (Chinese: 十五暝; pinyin: shí wǔ wěi; literally "fifteen night") represents the fifteenth and final day of the Lunar New Year period as celebrated by Chinese migrant communities.
The term is from the Hokkien dialect and refers to the fifteenth day of the first month, which is the occasion of the first full moon of the New Year.
The occasion is marked by feasting and various festivities, including the consumption of tangyuan. In traditional Chinese culture, it is also celebrated as the Lantern Festival or the Shang Yuan Festival.
In Southeast Asia, however, it coincides with the Chinese Valentine's Day. It is also when young unmarried women gather to toss tangerines into the sea, in a hope that their future spouse will pick it up – a custom that originated in Penang, Malaysia. In the past, this was also the only day that unmarried ladies could be seen with their partners.

Last chance to get some "kums"!

A sea of people gathered at the park ... fabulous! Thanks to L for bringing me here ... for the first time, ever!

Lanterns

Some went further then throwing kums, there were those who wrote love messages on little "sail boats"!

There were also those who brought NETS to catch oranges / "kums" in the hope of finding a loved one :-) What a tradition!

Thus ended my Chinese New Year this year ... :-)

Nothing beats a good home cooked meal!

One evening at mum's ... Prawns in soya sauce, and Sweet and sour chicken.

Stir fried vege ... Steamed fish ala Teochew.

The occassion? Chap Goh Mei ... and ... :-)

ps. Some cookies from ... Melaka.

Soup Ayam at Pelita, Bukit Tinggi - Klang

Located: Bukit Tinggi, Klang @ Lorong Batu Nilam 3C

Took dad out for his fave kind of supper one night ... Sup Ayam aka Chicken Soup ala Mamak! RM$0.70 for some bread, and RM$4.50 for delicious "kao-kao" chicken soup. And we "added extra soup" for an additional RM$2.

I chose my favourite Ayam Masak Kicap with some stir fried cabbage, a Mamak-style "chap fan" or Nasi Kandar ... Only RM$5.70. Deeeelicious!

Cherries can be yummy!

I finally ... enjoyed a cherry!

A sardin pasty from ... La Boheme, Jusco Klang.

Glorious Loh Mai Kai, home made nonetheless!

Anyway, dins was some french beans ... and stewed duck tonight :-)

Happy 36th Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary, mum and dad :-)

Food of the Year Awards - 2008

Welcome to Juliansi.Blogspot.Com's second FoOTY (Food Of The Year 2008) Awards!
Here's a recollection of the inaugaral 2007 FoOTY Awards

It turned out to be a year when I didn't feel any particular vendor or eatery deserved to be BEST OF THE BEST across all categories, but three which deserved special mention for being exceptional are ... (drum roll) ...

(1) Tai-chau @ Song River Bak Kut Teh, Persiaran Gurney (Penang)
(2) Prawn Mee @ Lorong Loke Yew (KL)
(3) Taiwanese restaurant @ Fong Lye (Sri Hartamas)


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


Bak Kut Teh
Sam Mei - Pandamaran, Klang
Seng Huat "Under the bridge" - Klang

Char Kuay Teow
La Manila - Taman Megah, PJ
Sisters - Macallister, Penang

Chicken chop
Coliseum Cafe - KL

Chicken rice
Aman Suria - PJ
Eng Ann Kopitiam - Klang

Chinese
Ming Room, Bangsar - KL
Fong Lye Taiwan Restaurant, Desa Sri Hartamas - KL


Club
Mambo night at Velvet - KL
Zeta Bar - KL Hilton

Dessert
Creme Brulee at Italiannies, One Utama - PJ

Indian
D-Tandoor, Damansara Uptown - PJ

Kopi-tiam
Peng Heong Pai Kut - Klang
Lorong Loke Yew Prawn Mee - KL


Malay
Santai, Taman Tun Dr Ismail - KL

Nasi lemak
Tanglin near Lake Gardens - KL
Village Park, Damansara Uptown - PJ

Porridge
New Lane near Sunway Hotel - Penang

Pub
the Social, Bangsar - KL
Blackhole, Hartamas - KL
La Bodega Lounge, Bangsar - KL
Afterhour, Solaris Mont Kiara - KL

Steamboat
Mizi Shabu-shabu - Puchong
Ketam Steamboat, Manjalara - Kepong

Tai-Chau
Loong Kee Seafood, Gotong Jaya - Genting Highlands
Ah Wah Hokkien Mee, Jalan 222 - PJ
Song River, Persiaran Gurney - Penang


Tim-sum
Canton i, One Utama - PJ
Jaya Palace near Menara Axis - PJ

Western
Vincenzo, One Bangsar - KL
Chinoz on the Park, KLCC

Wine
Joseph Phelps Cab Sauv 2001 at Long Table, Bangkok - Thailand
Greenpoint Yarra Valley 2005 Chardonnay, Wine House at Plaza Damas - KL

Happy Birthday, Baby J!

Happy Birthday, Baby J :-)


Proud mum and dad!


Thanks for the yummy food ...


The Chai Kuay was so yummy!


The mee siam too!


Caterer: Zoe's
Contact: Zowita
Tel: +603 6250 1200
Tel: +6016 398 2030
Located: Shop at Plaza Damas, Sri Hartamas (Same floor as Kim Gary)

The balloon lady!

Contact: Ms Mok Pei Fun

Tel: +6012 388 7020

Ben10 cake! c/o Secret Recipe.

What big lungs :-)


I'm THREE!

Goodmans GHC57 FMPRO - Dolby 5.1 Decoder and Speakers RM$265

Bargain! Goodmans Dolby Digital 5.1 decoder, tuner and 6 speaker set-up, all for ... RM$265. Available in limited quantities at your local Giant!


Decent looking too!


The surround speakers, front speakers, and subwoofer ...


Comes with a tuner and remote even!

Persatuan Penyokong Rumah Berhala Kwan Imm, Klang - Temple, Teluk Pulai

Add: 30, Jln Raya Barat, Klang
Tel: +603 3374 5930

As we were heading towards the original Teluk Pulai BKT, drove past this temple which caught my eye. Lucky I had my Nikon D80 and Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 in my car :-) I just couldn't resist taking a few shots on a very bright sunny afternoon!

The original ... Teluk Pulai Bak Kut Teh, Jalan Teluk Pulai - Klang

Add: Jalan Teluk Pulai, Teluk Pulai, Klang
Located: On the way to ACS Klang, keep a look out to the left for Jalan Teluk Pulai.

Two of the finest cuts, Pai Kuat and Yuen Kuat.

I wasn't a fan of their veges!

I always enjoy soaking my Yau Char Kuey into the soup, getting it all puffed up with soup ... then enjoying it!!

Leonardos Dining Room - The "new" Attic, Jalan Bangkung @ Bangsar

Congratulations on the opening of Leonardo's Dining Room, a brand new Italian, at the location of the old The Attic, along Jalan Bangkung. Enjoyed a chilled out dinner with BK, CCY, GC and JL :-) PY joined us during dessert too.


Add: 61-1 Jalan Bangkung, Bukit Bandaraya @ Bangsar, KL
Tel: +603 2096 2226
Opening Hours: Daily, 5pm till late

I enjoyed the Waldorf Salad previously, and went for it again this evening.

Seafood platter for Two ... and Weiner Schnitzel. Both were good.

The soup ... and The cod.

One of my fave dishes of the night, Italian Sausages with Peppers/Onions.

We had two bottles of white wine at dinner, here's the 2nd bottle we chose ... Montana Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, 2007 @ RM$140. Average!

Dessert was really good, gorgonzolla with peaches. Blue cheese stinky? Hmm, it's an acquired taste!

Sungai Besi Kon Loh Mee - Post clubbing antidote!

Had been here on a number of previous occasions, including a visit in mid-2007 and my first ever visit in early 2007 . Circumstance is always the same, Zeta or Zouk ... then Kon Loh Mee on the way home!


Really decent Kon Loh Mee / Wan Tan Mee, nicely prepared char-siew that was full of flavour and was sticky... and decent noodles.

The pickled green chilli was outstanding!

Rather reasonable at ... RM$6. But that was for a small portion, guess one has to pay for the "convenience" (Being located in such a strategic location) and "inconvenience" charges (i.e. its open to the wee hours!).

Bangsar Shopping Centre : BSC has reopened

One of my favourite malls, BSC in Bangsar, has reopened with a gorgeous new facade.


When : 29 Nov 2007 - 1 Dec 2009
Where : BSC
The next two years will see some exciting changes taking place within the iconic Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC). BSC is set to undergo a major refurbishment exercise specifically designed to mirror the distinct personality and lifestyle of the city’s most affluent suburb. Expansion plans are also underway to add a new retail wing and a signature office tower to the property. This coupled with the prestigious One Menerung Residential Development is set to cement BSC as the pulse of the Bangsar community.

Phuture is here ... Zouk KL's R&B club

Zouk Kuala Lumpur hardly needs plugging, but this was my first "full" visit to Phuture.
My usual nite out here is Mambo aka Retro Nite at Velvet, but we decided to try out the latest venue in Zouk, it turned out to be packed ... and music was hot!
Kanye West, Estelle, hip hop at its finest, though there were a number of tunes which I didn't recognise which seemed to slow the quickly hic-hic crowd down!

Just before midnight, hardly filled up...


And not long after midnight, the place was pumpin!
L took this shot, my fave shot of the nite :-)


Black Label all night...


View from our table at the VIP / Members area above Phuture :-)


Pumping...

Just before leaving at 02:30...

ZoukClub website...

This is a new two level space situated right next to Zouk. A large spacious space that will have you dancing in virtually every area bathed in the inviting imagery of music videos and visuals coming from more that 20 screens!! A VIP deck and balcony suite overlooks the ground floor area.

What is the main idea/concept behind this room?

Phuture is going to be a brand new club. Situated just behind Zouk, it takes up approximately half of the old Zouk main room floor space. Phuture is a dedicated R&B club. This is a major departure from the original club thinking. A club dedicated to all the fans of this genre which is one of KL’s most popular types of music will appeal to a broad cross section of everyday clubbers.

Acrobatic Lion Dance Troupe - Persatuan Hainan Thean Hou

Gong Hey Fatt Choy to P and family!


Getting ready!

The fun begins ... aerial exhibition high off the ground!

Wow!

P and J had a great time!

The drummers...

Hmmm, the lions want in!

Blessing of the kitchen ...

The drummers were good!

Off the balcony!

And through the garden!

Playful lions!

Pat the lion :-)

Really loooonnnnng red cracker!

Blessing of the cars!

A little gift for the owner of the house :-)

Home made loh mai kai, 2 varieties of prawns - At Home!

Mum outdid herself one evening ... Soya sauce prawns and Tempura prawns. Gorgeous!
RM$60 per kilogram of REALLY fresh prawns, large ones too, from her local supplier in Klang.

Chicken with ginger and wine - Very appetising, and the always-a-treat stir fried cabbage.

Lor Mai Kai - Mum's friend made this, exquisite... juick and so tasty!

Coco was in especially good spirits :-) Woof!

My Open House - Year of the Ox, CNY 2009

A little gathering to celebrate the Year of the Ox :-) Cheers to all!


Gong Hey Fatt Choy!!


Thanks to J and S for my Yellow Man :-) It rocks!


Game time!


DJ, Uncle J, WT, R, H were also there, but left before this shot was taken...


Thanks again to KK for these Nikon D700 shots :-)

BMW E92 335i Coupe - Alpine White with BBS

Swwwwwwwwwwwweeeet :-) White is still the must have colour of the season!

Power plant: 3.0 L twin-turbo
Power: 300 bhp (224 kW; 304 PS)
Torque: 300 ft·lbf (407 N·m)

E92 = The two-door coupé model of the 3-Series became available in August 2006. It is also the first BMW coupé offered with xDrive. The coupé's body is now its own design and no longer derived from the sedan minus two doors unlike its predecessors, being longer and narrower than its E90 counterpart.
All E92s also come standard with Xenon HID headlights and "retractable seatbelt helpers" that extend from the B pillar to hand you the seatbelt when the key fob is in the ignition and the door is closed.

Old and new buildings in Tanjung Malim, Perak

Its hard to resist the charms of Tanjung Malim, and I spent an enjoyable and memorable afternoon there. Located 57 minutes from Klang, its convenient too!

Here are a few more shots from my Nikon D80 and Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 ...
Rest house on Jalan Rumah Rehat, government servant rest quarters I reckon.


Gorgeous old building, such character!


Surprise! A huge RC church nearing completion!

Taekwando classes anyone?

Quaint chinese house, a tuition teacher resides here :-)

How cheeky ... look closely, it isn't Intel Inside. It's TM INSIDE!

Wikipedia

Tanjung Malim is a parliament constituency in Malaysia and is a town in the state of Perak. It is approximately 70 km (43.75 miles) north of Kuala Lumpur via the North-South Highway. It lies on the border of Perak-Selangor state, with Sungai Bernam serving as the natural divider.

Today, "Tanjung Malim" usually refers to the territory under administration of Tanjung Malim District Council or Majlis Daerah Tanjung Malim (MDTM), which includes the smaller towns adjacent to the town such as Proton City, Behrang, Behrang 2020, Sungkai and Slim River. "Tanjung Malim" is lately also referred to the Old Town and New Town divided by the KTM Komuter rail at its heart, from which the town grew. Commuter train services from Tanjung Malim is expected to begin in June 2008.

History

An early settlement nearby Sungai Bernam is named Kampung Kubu (Fort Village). The Bugis community planted jambu fruit trees along the river bank. As population grew overtime, the area is referred to as Kampung Jambu. A mosque is also built to cater its Muslim community. During a visit by a British Straits of Settlements official, Sir List, the state officials headed by Raja Itam referred the area as Tanjong, as quoted by its local ulama Tuan Haji Mustafa bin Raja Kemala.

However, it is also known locally as Kg.Kubu, Kg.Bugis, Kg.Jambu and Tg.Jambu. Hence, Sir List 'officially' named it as Tanjong Malim to avoid confusion. (Malim or mualim refers to the pious local Muslim community)

Did you know?

The 1st shop lot is built in 1901.

The 1st tar road is Jalan Besar built in 1920.

The 1st traffic light is at the Route1-Jln Besar junction set-up in 1985.

The 1st fly over is the PLUS interchange built in 2000.

Yik Mun - The Famous Tanjung Malim Pau (Established 1926)

A true institution in the food chapters of Malaya's / Malaysia's history! This is ... Yik Mun.


Located: Along the trunk Roads (Old interstate Route 1 (Federal Highway) connecting Ipoh-Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +605 4596 380
Opening hours: 09:00am - 10:00pm
Cool! It was opened throughout Chinese New Year, so if you wanted a pau-fix, this is the place to visit!
Note: Halal



Simple decor, just like your average kopi-tiam. Airey and comfortable. The air-conditioned "steak eating area" was closed when we visited one afternoon.


We couldn't resist ordering the three most popular paos...
1) Curry chicken - Yummy!
2) Tau sah (Black bean paste) - Average
3) Kaya - Nice!


Frozen, unsteamed paos, hygienically and professionally shrink-packed, are also available, and I brought a brace back for mum and dad!


Yik Mun is famous for their paos, but I came here strictly for Hainan Steak House's Hainanese Chicken Chop.

It was worth the wait, the chicken was perfectly prepared, the mashed potato yummy, the gravy (tomato-lea and perrins) simply awesome! DIVINE!

Washed this down with some Nescafe Tarik ... :-)

Was greedy, so tried the average but interesting Curry Fried Rice!

Yik Mun, since 1926 ... deservedly proud!

L informed me that neighbouring E&L also serves an excellent chicken chop but they were closed on Day 3 of CNY.

Behrang 2020, near Tanjung Malim

Who would name a town ... Behrang 2020 !?
Obviously a play on the aspirations of Malaysia wanting to be a developed nation by "Wawasan 2020"! We shall see ...

Palm oil estate - Kelapa sawit, Tanjung Malim

Lots of palm oil plantations on the road to Sungai Bil...


Shrine for the palm oil workers.


We did a lot of driving, the roads on the outskirt of Tanjung Malim were surprisingly good!

Sungai Bil, Tanjung Malim - Slim River (Nikon D80)

Here is us heading for my first ever swim in a ... river!

Wikipedia... The waterfall at Sungai Bil is famous among the locals for a weekend getaway. There are some nice spots along the waterfall for family recreation and camping. One can travel from the Slim River town by road within 30 minutes. Food stalls selling lunch and fast food are available normally during weekend. However, the water could be murky during the dry spell. Entrance fee is RM1.00 for car and RM0.50 for motorcycle. There is also a camping site.
There is also an open wet market every Sunday morning until noon, where one can try a variety of local dishes and delicacies.

Add: Kampung Sungai Bil, Slim River, Perak 35800

Located: Tanjung Malim "18 km" milestone

A cool day in Sungai Bil, with gorgeous greenery and fantastic running water.


I love this place!

The running water varied in strength and speed, depending on which path you took to cross. There were some points where I got a natural hydrotheraphy massage by simply sitting between rocks! There were a few plastic containers floating around, but only a few, and generally the area was very well kept.

NOTE! I had to be very careful not to wet my camera as I made my way around and across the boulders!

Such a relaxing day!

This friendly cat was waiting alongside L's car

Wild bamboo

Wikipedia... At Ulu Slim, about the same distance from Slim River to Sungai Bil, there is a hot spring, and it is expected that the local government will develop the place, into a recreation area, for families. The water is 104C and is reputed to be the 5th hottest hot spring in the world.

Proton City, Tanjung Malim

On my visit to TM, we drove over for a nosey about Proton City :-) on the outskirts of town. L was my trusty driver, and my choice of weapon was my Nikon D80 with a Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8


Very glamorous signage!


Notes from Wikipedia...
Proton City tagged as “City of the Future”, is a new township with industrial, commercial and residential activities spread over 4,000 acres (16 km²). It is located about 5 km north of Tanjung Malim, a town in Perak, Malaysia, and houses the state-of-the-art RM1.8 billion Proton car assembly plant.

To be fully developed by 2020, Proton City aims to be home to Malaysia’s automobile industry. Undertaken by Proton City Development Corp Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between DRB-Hicom Bhd and Proton Bhd, it started in 1996 with an initial investment of RM2.5 billion, beginning with the construction of the Proton plant.



The Proton plant has a workforce of more than 2,000 and most of them are expected to live in the area. When Proton City is fully developed, it would have a population of about 240,000. The first settlement in the area - 252 units of apartments - were formally handed over to the buyers recently. These apartments have common facilities that include car and motorcycle parking bays, children’s playground, BBQ area, car wash areas, mosque and a nursery/kindergarten on the ground floor of each block and a multipurpose hall. Parcels 19 and 20 when completed in 2007 will have 1,091 apartments, 336 units of single- and double-storey terrace houses, 86 semi-detached houses, 37 bungalows and 36 shop-offices.



Its own stadium! And check out the beautiful hills in the distance.

Proton City is also expected to be home to students and staff of the Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), which a few years ago was known as Sultan Idris Teachers’ College, one of the country’s oldest teachers’ training institutions. UPSI, occupying 800 acres (3.2 km²) within Proton City, is expected to have a student population of 20,000 within four years.

The next phase of development at Proton City is the industrial component, which will see the construction of 81 factory lots for the national car’s vendors. Other public amenities such as schools, mosque, park, recreational club and man-made wetlands of 24 acres (97,000 m²) with a large lake, water storage towers, air quality control station, fire station and power station will also be built in the coming months.

Modern technology will be put to full use, with a command centre that will monitor all smart home systems. There will be intelligent traffic control, telemedicine, e-commerce and other “k-society” amenities and services integrated into living within Proton City.

Bangunan Suluh Budiman, UPSI Tanjung Malim - Perak

Day trip to Tanjung Malim :-)
One can only imagine how many kids grew up playing ball at this court opposite the Balai Polis.

SMK Methodist Tanjung Malim

This is the oldest building in Tanjung Malim...

pdtslimriver.perak.gov.my
Bangunan Suluh Budiman adalah sebuah bangunan yang terdapat di Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI). Bangunan ini merupakan bangunan yang tertua di Tanjong Malim dan ia merupakan lambang dan kebanggaan bagi UPSI.
Bangunan Suluh Budiman telah didirikan ketika UPSI yang dahulunya dikenali sebagai Sultan Idris Training Centre (SITC) ditubuhkan. Kini bangunan ini telah dibaikpulih dan diselengara dengan baik oleh pihak UPSI .

Nasi Lemak @ Gerai Haji Din, Tanjung Malim - Perak

Located: Hawker centre in front of the Balai Polis, Tanjung Malim town centre

My first trip to TM (Tanjung Malim), and it was a brilliant day out :-) First stop? The popular local nasi lemak venue, Gerai Haji Din.

Old school nasi lemak the way I like it, sambal that is sweet-ish, simple lightly coconut-infused rice which is perfectly cooked, small helping of cucumber and beans ... Magnificent!

L grew up eating the original / dad of the current operator's nasi lemak, and swears by it ... I now know why!

ps - Even beats Shah Alam's famed Restoran Gembira in Section 3

Dragon-i La Mien at AEON Bukit Tinggi, Klang

Add: G53, AEON Bukit Tinggi shopping centre, 1 Persiaran Batu Nilam 1/KS6, Bandar Bukit Tinggi 2, Klang
Tel: +603 3324 0888

Dragon-i is always consistent, and my family likes the la mien here. Had a chance to watch the chefs at work, as we had to wait 20 mins for a table, due to the CNY rush!

Shot with my Nikon D80 at ISO800, 1/40s, f3.2 ... Surprised these shots turned out so well.

Imposing statues will greet you at Dragon-i!

Spicy beef brisket la mien - RM$15.

Pork rib la mien - RM$15

Si Chi Tao (Lion head) noodles - Large pork balls with La Mien in broth, deeeeeeelicious! RM$18.

String beans with minced meat, very tasty @ RM$16.

Signature to-fu, delicious as well! RM$18

Wener's on Changkat - Roast lamb leg magic!

Add: 50 Changkat Bukit Bintang, KL
Monorail / train: Raja Chulan (Monorail)
Tel: +603-2142 5670
Opening Hours: 5pm - 3am (Mon - Sat, closed on Sundays)

Been wanting to eat at Werner's on Changkat for some half year now since it opened, but only managed to have some drinks here when it first opened. It was worth the wait!


Vodka-Cranberry (RM$25) and Tanqueray & Tonic (TNT! Gin and tonic @ RM$25) ... Good cocktails!


Starter 1: Deep fried Manchago cheese (RM$18) - Sinful and delicious!


Starter 2: Garlic prawns (RM$18) - Simple, pretty good.

Starter 3: Caracoles 6 snails / escargots (RM$18) - Creamy and enjoyable, like an escargot sandwich!

Their signature dish, as recommended by Andreas (Very personable manager) and the friendly waiter who served us ... Lamb Leg. RM$130. Succulent, delicious, juicy, and perfectly cooked-through. Huge as well, easily serves two!

The lamb was served with these lovely vegetables. Meditteranean style.

CNY indulgence! Romeo and Julieta - Romeo No.2 , light and easy :-) Well worth RM$44 from your local cigar shop!

Overall, a good eating experience, budget about RM$130 per person including dri