If you ask Sarawakian, what’s the tourist attraction we have here, I think most of the people will answer you MULU and follow by Gua Niah. So what is MULU? Gunung Mulu National Park is one of the World Heritage Site, and that’s the world’s largest natural rock chamber – big enough to accommodate 40 Boeing 747 aircraft park side by side.

WAH… So proud to be Sarawakian right?

But then I tell you the truth, most of the Sarawakian has never been there! And the opposite, it’s mostly visited by tourist.

That is why, I tell myself, this is what I should do one day. So here I did it, with a bunch of friends to MULU on the Christmas Holiday. =)

Mulu World Heritage – Day 1: Getting There

How to GO?
The easiest way to reach Mulu is using aircraft, MASWING. You need to fly to Miri, Sarawak and transit to Mulu. We had booked the promotional fares, which is only RM172 for both ways.

The cute & comfy ATR that carry us from Miri to Mulu.

Arriving Mulu airport, it’s a very simple building. No aircond, and even the toilet were also limited.

Welcome to MULU =) Gunung Mulu National Park !

The whole airport sounds peaceful, no crowd, and just a few tourist.  Look at the manual baggage system, haha, classic right?!

Useful Tips: Things you must bring to MULU.

1. A lot of Mineral Water. Get 1 carton since you have free Baggage up to 20Kg using MAS.
Why: It’s because most of the resources there were expensive. Including drinks, which will cost you RM6 – 8 for 1 bottle. You will consume a lot of water depends on your activities.

2. A lot of FOOD.
Why:  Of course there’s limited choice, and the price for each meal will cost up to RM10. So its better you keep some canned food and instant noodles for backup.

3. Torch light & Raincoat
Why:  Easier for your jungle walk, and the rain comes anytime!

4. Repellent & Medicine
Why:  Too much different kind of flies and insects. Better be safe.

You will need to pay RM5 per ride to go National Park or to your hotel Royal Mulu Resort. Sorry, there’s no taxi but it’s all using local vehicles.  This is the only transport you could get in Mulu, pay it or take a 30 mins walk on the rocky road to the park.

Where to STAY?
1. If you are rich, you can stay at the Royal Mulu Resort.
2. If you are on budget, then stay at the National Park, which you don’t need to take a ride from hotel to the park.

This is the National Park, hmm, what happened to the K, eaten by the monkey!

The entrance to the park also the place you can wait for your transport.

Going through a bridge, and you will reach the GREEN tourist information counter.

As it is managed by Australian, so the office does looks like the parks in Australia too!

Pictorial as a guide for your trip in National Park.

We reached there before noon. Somehow, we need to register at the information counter and get the tour information from here. The officers will arrange you the suitable tour by using a map. By then, we will know the budget needed as well as boat fees.

This is what they arranged for us. We have a total of 12 people.

Day 1 : Moonmilk Cave
Day 2: Wind Cave & Deer Cave
Day 3: Paku Waterfall
Day 4: Going home
But this is also something that I will never gonna forget for my entire life! Stay tune…

We booked the “Longhouse” chalet type, with the name “Tongkat Ali” Wtf!

No aircond, but complete with towel, bedsheet, pillow and blanket. Sharing toilet.

The Cafeteria & Giftshop.
The only place we can find FOOD & DRINKS.

You have to take off your shoes to this canteen. No good… no good…

Canteen is surrounded by the green and river.  WARN* a lot of mosquitoes!

They have computer system for the very simple transaction, looks great but their service is super slow and face is super dark.  Ok, unless you are “Orang Putih” then you get special privileged.

Lunch Hour.Nasi Goreng RM10. No ingredients just fried with carrots and eggs…..

Check In Done.

Program List Done.

Lunch Done.

So better take a good rest before the afternoon program.

We did not start the main attraction on Day 1 as we need to wait the other 5 tour members to arrive in the afternoon flight. Therefore, we can only can some “simple” walk around the park.  WARN* it’s gonna be very adventurous on my next post. Stay Tune!

I can’t recall how many times I’ve been to Excapade Sushi, but I know it’s uncountable. For Mirians, that could be the only choice of weekend escape and to enjoy some food that is worth to travel so far.

Some of my friends who live in KL always wonder, why do Mirians always spent time going to Brunei just for Sushi, for them, Brunei is so FAR. For us, Brunei is just 30-40 minutes drive to the nearest town (Kuala Belait).

Talk of conveniences, if it’s not because of the ASEAN Bridge that connects Miri & Brunei, we won’t be going there that often.Some how the the toll fee is RM10 per way. There’s one more toll before entering Kuala Belait, that charge BND $3 one way. Counting on the toll fees itself, Plus & Minus the petrol, I think roughly we need to spend at least RM50 for 1 vehicles. =)

Okay. Now talk about the 2011 Review for Excapade Sushi. It’s not something we’re HAPPY to know.

1. First.
Yeah, they have new menu again. Looks very nice. And I have trouble looking for the menu pictures. Teeheehee.. =)

2. Second.
About the food. Taste is still as great as before. Lot’s of varieties compare to Sushi King in Malaysia. Ya, we have 1 Sushi King in Miri.

3. Third.
Talk about the portion. Here comes the BAD one.

This picture is taken from the menu. It’s not for illustration purpose. It meant to be so big portion. But that is the past. Not in the present. Hmm!

The Salmon Sashimi we had, is slightly thinner than what it used to be.

And also the scallops. Half of the size it used to be!

4. Fourth.
Service. I understand that their business flow is keep on increasing. If you did not make your booking, don’t wish to get a sit. It’s always not enough waitress to attend all the customers. Especially like us who need to keep on ordering, refilling and questioning about the orders.

Talk of Booking. I have KB’s branch no. Please save it to your phone book
Excapade Sushi KB Branch Contact No: +673 3333 993

New Tryings :
My friends are all big fans of Excapade. I think the whole menu has tried out by them.

This time I get to try this sizzling beef. Marinated Beef with asparagus.

Enjoy the self cooking, with a small cooking wok.

My friend is a good cook right?

And we even use the remaining butter to fry the Salmon. It’s quite a waste tho..

The fried seafood noodle. Sorry I don’t know the actual japanese name for all the dish.
But it taste very good, but I warn you, it’s not cheap. Hahaha~

To keep their business flow increasing, probably the management should do some improvement on the portions and service.

We spent roughly BND$20 per person that day.

Overall, from my own point of view, Excapade Sushi is still doing quite well by looking at the number of branches keep growing. It’s always a great place for the weekend short escape and to gather with family and friends

I don’t like noodles, but I heart Pan Mee.
I don’t like noodles, but I heart Maggie Mee.
You get what I’m talking here?

What I wanna say here is, actually there’s a lot of noodle type in the market, some are made of flour and some are wheat and even vege!

Basically, selections in Miri are very limited. For instance, Pan Mee, I could only name out 2 places which is consider GOOD.
1. Happiness Cafe at Boulevard
2. Hai Ma Cafe at Pelita

The one I had today, at Happiness Cafe located next to Eon Bank and Am Bank.

It’s always FULL house every morning, especially the weekends. There’s nothing much offering here, other than noodle still noodles. Errm, of course different type of noodle. So of course, their signature dish would be their mushroom pan mee. The classic type.

1 glass of Chinese Tea Peng and 2 bowl of Pan Mee and waited for 15-20 mins. Take it or leave it if you can’t wait. Cos a lot of people are still waiting for your seat!

Apa boleh buat, you want to eat or not?
If want, duduk diam diam and wait la. Don’t aji ajo!
But normally if they are not busy, they are actually quite fast!

Finally the noodle is here.
You know wat, their portion is really “si beh a lot!”
Believe me, I can’t finish it alone.

This is the dry pan mee.

It’s not consider as Special Pan Mee, but this are very classic type, and they don’t serve you the dried chili powder. I always go for the soupy type, cos I love adding up the chili sauce into it.

And now looking at this picture, I would say, since not so special, why so many people go there leh? I also puzzle how to answer you. Maybe you could help me to get the answers?

I swear, KFC is only good in it’s chicken. When it comes to seafood, its always quite disappointing. Dear Mr. Colonel, I think you better stick with the chickens.

I understand in this very competitive food industries, you need to bring something NEW to the market. And bear in mind, for the everything you did will be very high expectations from the consumers. Just like me!

My friend, William, was telling me that he want to have his chap goh meh dinner at KFC. I was like, HAR? Why? Okay, that’s because his family had celebrated earlier so he says he might want to try out the new Fish Donut.

Okay, to my curiosity, and my “tamjiak-ness” , we had our late dinner last night at KFC. Actually I don’t like to dine at KFC especially in Miri.

Reasons why I don’t like to dine in:
1. It’s not comfy
2. The floors and tables are very oily
3. Most of the old outlets, have some strange odor, I can’t stand it.
4. Aircond not cold. *Bintang Megamall* outlet.

Enough. But I will still eat KFC, cause I can’t deny, their chicken is really finger licking good! Mostly, I tapao-ed.

But last night we dine in.
This is what we ordered :

1 set of Fish Donuts Combo
2 piece of chicken
1 large coleslaw

Total: RM 25.65
And I did not realize of the 6% govt tax. Pain pain pain , eating fast food so expensive!

Okay. So why I badly criticize on the fish donuts.
Again.
1. You look at my combo, compare to diner plates, it took off the buns, and replace with the donuts, but I have to pay more.
2. The donuts are so pity small, it’s one off bite.
3. The donuts taste like ordinary fish nuggets.
4. If by ala carte, the donut cost RM 1.12 not inclusive of TAX

See..

Okay la. I’m “kiamsiap”. I admit.

I’m not a big KFC fans but I will still support for the next new menu. =) Looking forward !

I feel quite sick today, maybe I’m lack of sleep, and my meals routine all mess up after going here and there one whole day. It’s 3pm, and that’s the best time for tea time. We suddenly recall of this place, Sin Wan Delight Rojak or the local Miri people call it Petronas Rojak. Why? Cos it’s located right beside Petronas Petrol Station near to Bintang Commercial Center, Miri. =)

I would say, it’s finally, at last, we manage to eat here. Alex and I have been trying to eat here for several times since December last year. They were close for renovation, which is about 1 month. Right after a few weeks of business, they are close for a few weeks again for chinese new year celebrations. OMG.  I think the owners purposely took this chance for vacation, or else with their business volume, its impossible for them to have a good rest.

But who are the one who suffer? The Customers.

I’m lucky, I manage to grab a table, and that’s right after someone stand up and i took the place. At first I thought the owner might wants to renovate into an aircond place. But from what I observe, they did not do much changes, even the tables are still the same. I really can’t understand, what’s so big construction that need to close for so long. Hmmm… but nevermind, they are re-open now. Hurray. This is really the voices from most of the Mirians. How do I know? Because the I Love Miri City admin is on duty la.

Alex is busy updating to the I Love Miri City page in facebook, and lots of people commented they miss the foods here and want to come over later.

This is actually something I recall of old school, something that you will always tempted to have it especially in a hot sunny day.  If you asked if this is one of the specialty in Miri, I could proudly say YES!

In Sarawak, we called this Chendol, but it’s slightly different than those in Melaka, cos we have different type of ABC Chendol selling at RM2.60 per bowl.

The one on the left,  normal chendol with milk or santan. Quite similar to the one in Melaka just that the taste of Gula Melaka is lesser.

The one I had is Special (right), what so special?

Cos it consist of 1ONE pc of Longan, Jagungs, The green balls should be Sago, Red Agar Agar , Black is Grass Jelly and add in red syrups and milk then it is call SPECIAL. Somehow I think chendol taste better.

Apart of Chendol, the most important menu would be the Rojak. Sarawak Rojak is made of fruits with the mixture with prawn paste.  Other than rojak, we also have 2 more specialties, which is Sotong Kangkong and Cucur Udang Mix. Both are dip with prawn paste too.

The generous amount of sauce and peanuts makes the food even greater! RM8 for the smallest portion.

Then this is cucur udang mix with Yam, Tauhu and Sweet Potatoes. This must be eaten when its still HOT. RM5 for smallest portion.

When the bills come, i expect it to be less than RM15 cos we ordered for the smallest portion for 2 person.  The price listed on the signboard are ranging from RM4.  Somehow the actual amount came out was RM18.20.

For me, its consider quite expensive. It’s just an afternoon tea for 2 person and its already cost RM18.20. But Alex says its reasonable cos the portion is acceptable. Nothing to complain, everything is hiking, as long as the food is delicious, all the consumers are willing to pay for it.

For those who has been waiting for their reopen, quickly go grab your seat now!

Happy Chap Goh Meh everyone! The great festive is over, its time to concentrate on work now. But before I could continue on with my work, of course I need to conclude the CNY post first.

As part of the mobile phone dealers in Miri, we were invited to the Chinese New Year dinner organize by the association on 13th Feb 2011. This is the first year i join this dinner, and I  hope they could do it even better next year.

Organized at Parkcity Everly Hotel, Miri. Pavillion Ballroom.

The cocktail party begins at 4.30pm. It’s so freakinggg HOT….! The guest  were so little at first, but around 5.30 there comes the crowd.

Apart of joining the Cocktail session, I’ve to take care of this little girl in Red. She’s so happy to see the swimming pool, and tell me she want to swim with that cheongsam! OMG …

The cocktail session was indeed simple, but hey, there comes the FREE FLOW OF BEERS! Nah, you see, these people are really generous when it comes to deal with BEERs!

Along the cocktail session, there’s also a few booth participate by dealers to promote some new product into the market.

And this is the one we’re doing.

Fav/ve Portage

A new brand in the market, dealing with mobile accessories.  If you want to know more, then get to know them from here.

Two cuttie promoters for the event.

The group photos for all, include the little entrepreneur :p

Amber with the Hotlink Lion Dance.

Meanwhile waiting for the dinner to start, all the guest may get around to know each other more.  It’s my pleasure to invite both the VIPs  from TenTen Telecommunications, Mr Vincent & Liang .

And some candid cam moments.

Me with my tickets, and my lucky numbers.

Finally, the dinner begins at 8pm. We were all very hungry and tired ………. next time please begin the dinner earlier..

Look at Mr. Ling’s eyes. He’s so lack of sleep eh!

Group photos with our company’s staffs. I do hope they enjoy the night although the food are really not so appetizing.

Mention about the food, I swear I would not recommend any of my friend to hold dinner at this hotel. The food are terrible and the service are even worst.

This is the 1st time I encounter the sharkfin soup tat doesn’t come with any shark fins and it’s left half bowl on the table. Proven, its really BAD. It’s okay, we should learn not to eat shark fins, and protect the sharks. Good excuse for them. =)

But how about the chopsticks?

I thought it’s suppose to be all the same matching colors of chopsticks, but.. I have 3 pairs of different colors in a row.

Okay la, I better stop criticize so much, or else I might get sue for telling the truth as well :p

There’s lots of program on going for the dinner. Speeches by the VIPs, Dance Performance and of course Lucky Draw. The Best thing of the dinner is, the amount of lucky draw gifts are huge.  The association managed to get a lot of sponsors from all the mobile distributors.  See, if next time someone invited you to this dinner, please remember to say YES.  Don’t miss a chance to win the great prizes.

Out of 4 tables, we had got 8 lucky draw prizes for that night. Not much, but hey, what else do you ask for more?

Although the food was quite disappointing, but overall we did enjoy the night. I’m just praying that next year it shouldn’t be ParkCity anymore.. =)

This is something that I wonder to blog or not to blog. To blog, because its something happening . Not to blog, because I worry you thought I’m a politician. No way!

Every festive season, I think it would be the busiest moment for the YBs and Datuks to get around with the public.  As usual almost every year, my family are honor to be visited by the YBs and Datuks.  Hmm, and that is also the moment I’ve turn into a maid, busy serving all the guest.  My mom would be busy preparing her specialty dish, Foochow Mee Sua which is the favourite of the Datuks.

Mama’s Specialty Foo Chow Mee Sua.

This year, our house was scheduled on CNY Day 6.

Visited by YB. DATUK PATINGGI TAN SRI DR. GEORGE CHAN HONG NAM and YB. DATUK LEE KIM SHIN with their fellow SUPP members, there’s a lot of them. Follow by lots of reporters too..

My dad presenting his Calligraphy to YB. DATUK PATINGGI TAN SRI DR. GEORGE CHAN.

Oh well, this is also the first time I met YB. DATUK PATINGGI TAN SRI DR. GEORGE CHAN’s  wife, Lorna Enan Mulloon. She looks “HOT” in real person.

Another one to YB. DATUK LEE KIM SHIN.

What’s the calligraphy about, i’m not sure, maybe you have to ask my dad. :p

Group photos of all the Datuks… Datuk Lau Tang & Dato Sri Law Kiu Kiong were present also.

On Chinese New Year Day 9, YB. ENCIK ANDY CHIA CHU FATT also visited our home.

Also time for makan makan mee sua =) but this time less crowd.

Again, my dad presenting calligraphy to YB. ENCIK ANDY CHIA CHU FATT

All these calligraphy were done by my dad. He’s very passionate in Chinese Calligraphy.

And what is this?

Ok I do a free publicity , if you have any problem dealing with the govt, try contact him for help.

And Why I have so many of this? Cos he is very kind keep distributing almost everyone in my house. =.=

Okay, so that’s the visit. So tell me, what to conclude for this post?

Hints of Election is coming? Gotcha~!

Happy Chap Goh Meh!

Not sure if everyone still in the mood of Love, it has been few days after the Valentines Celebration.
Its just another ordinary day for me and alex due to our tight working schedule, busy with the new house chores, and almost neglected on the Vday. To my own surprise, i did not request him to get me pressie this year, and I did not expect him to celebrate it grandly. In fact, I’m just hoping for a simple dinner and a relax moment. I mean , Stress Free moment.

Alex bring me to the my favourite shop, dessert master for an afternoon tea.  Don’t worry, they did not hike the price just for Vday.

I had sesame paste, He had melon “xi mi lu” and the prawn fritters.  It only cost us RM11.

But of course that’s not how we celebrated the Vday la.. Alex did try to look up for a few restaurant, but end up I still opt for not so grand way to celebrate the Vday with him.

We made a booking at Citrus which they have the Valentine Set Dinner for RM90 per couple. The price is consider very reasonable for the food it serve, and the environment it provide. Save RM100 compare to our initial plan.

Luckily we did made the booking, or else I would be ended up no seat. It is expected to be fully booked everywhere. And the funny thing is, the environment is so packed, even if i wanna say some mushy mushy words i also worry the guy next table might heard our conversation.

In case you need their number , Citrus Miri Phone Number : 085-430554

This is the first time I celebrate my Vday at Citrus.  It’s also been quite sometime since I last visited this place.  Looking at the menu, nothing much to complain for the price it offered.

1st, they serve us the Fruit Mocktail. Red = Love.

2nd, here comes the oxtail soup.  Hmm, not to my own preference but its edible.

And then… we have to wait and wait for the main course to be served. Probably they just want us to spent sometime chit chatting with the loves one. But I can see from everyone’s face, they are tired of waiting. :[

Finally, 8pm the main course were served.

I could foresee if they play Cooking Dash, for sure the waitress cannot meet their goal. It’s such a busy night, but there’s only 3 waitress on duty, which is include of Cashier.

I had the Mix Grill, oh I heart the Sausage.
Other than that, it’s consider average.

Alex had the Teriyaki Salmon.
The portion is consider generous, but I think he says the Salmon could be fresher.

8.30 pm dessert was served.

I love this plate of Ice Cream served with Strawberries. This my favourite among all the dish.

9pm.  Done Dinner.

Thank you Mr. Ling for the meal, it was a great meal. So in return, I tell him, I’m going to bring him for RELAX…

Hehe… What Kind of Relax?

*Evil Laugh*

Ya, I brought him to Thai Border. A heaven for all, includes men and women.

This is actually a reflexology center, where they provide Thai Massage service. I come here quite often, it runs by a few Philiphino. Reasonable price RM45 per hour, RM 65 for 1 1/2 hours. If you’re interested, do call them up for booking. Trust me, there’s no hanky panky things happened here. =)

Thai Massage Phone Number: 0168781096

I  guess you would never think of going for a massage on a V day right?  For me, it’s A simple, but meaningful Vday that I’ve spent with my love one.

Happy Valentines Day Everyone!