Hari Raya might falls on the 21st Sept, but Bongkersz and I had an earlier Balik Kampung Trip today. It has been a month since I last met my dear, so Sibu here I come!

We start the journey at 6am, which was too early for me but still I made it. After an hour of journey we stopped by at Batu Niah to refuel the RON95 and release some fluid from our body.

And we made a conclusion, from Miri to Batu Niah need to spend RM15’s petrol.

The weather change dramatically all the way up to Sibu.

It is suddenly full of Fogs..

*Welcome to Cameron Highland*

Followed by the Big Rains that blurred all your vision..

But don’t worry, I have a steady driver.

Sambil Driving, Sambil Makan Lee Fah Mee!!!

The Journey took 5 hours, and we directly meet up Alex at Mitsu Tea House.

My dear dear waiting for our arrival

Bongkersz better get some recharge before he head back to Sarikei.

Let’s have some tea

And Some Dim Sum.

Eh, before I forget, Will Chua was there too! And he is going to celebrate Hari Raya at Kuching this year.

So how’s your Raya holiday? Have you plan anything yet? I’m planning to go Karaoke tomorrow! Yay!!!

Anyway, kepada semua muslimin dan musliman, Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

This is a post-Merdeka entry, How did you celebrate your Merdeka? Any special feeling? Did you wear black? Did you went Clubbing or Karaoke? Did you sing the national anthem?

Thank God that I found my companion during Merdeka. Nee was back to Miri so we went for a fine-dining at Bistro de Nico. This is my first visit, hence would love to give them a little review.

Buono Sera..
Good Evening in Italian..

For me, Bistro de Nico is kind of country western style,family run business which would feel warm and cozy dining here.

Let’s hop to its menu of Bistro de Nico.

The names listed in the menu aint something familiar to me. I’m not very fond for fine-dining. Somehow, I would love to give it a try, just to pamper myself once a blue moon. In their menu, there are quite a list of selections, but I do not dare to burst my wallet by trying something new. For secure,  I get myself a Chicken Breaded and Lasagna for Nee.

Tables and the Cocktail Bar

Customers enjoying their wine..

Its a nice place for you to have a chit chat or dating with your love one.

Chicken Breaded with Bacon and Sausage.
RM 19.75
Rate: 7/10

Lagsana
RM 22.50
Rate: 6/10

Total Spent: RM56.00 on me.

Bistro de Nico is located at Lot 2356, Ground Floor, Jalan Sekolah Anchi, Piasau Indah Com. Centre, Miri Sarawak.

They provide catering and delivery service too.  Contact them @ 085-657972 / 0168532998.

Old Town White Coffee, I wish you are here.

I wish, I want and I wonder, when will OLD TOWN WHITE COFFEE enter Miri Market? Not to say Miri but Sarawak. Old town White Coffee established 121 outlets in Malaysia, except Sarawak. Rumors has been spreading that Old Town will be here shortly but is that real?

I like Old Town, maybe due to its popularity which is almost compatible with Starbucks. There has been several outlets copying the concept of Old Town. For instance the newly Open Uncle DOM in Sibu and we have Ipoh Town instead of Old Town in Miri and some other not-so-famous outlets.

Old Town White Coffee @ NewWorld, Jalan Burma

I heart Old Town mainly because of its menu and their comfy environment. During our last visit to Penang, Alex and I were craving for food after movie at Prangin Mall. Lucky enough, we have easy access toOld Town which is just located next to Tune hotel. It makes Jalan Burma livelier even at 12 midnight!

How can I missed such a good chance to eat the very delicious OldTown Ipoh Chicken Hor Fun?

Yeah, you know what I wanna eat today?

Their friendly staff would come and check my order in a short while.

My Favorite, Kaya & Butter Toast

Other than White Coffee, they serve other cold beverages too!

But now back to my concern, if really Old Town coming into Miri, how long could it survive? Looking at all the big franchises blooming in Miri market, I start to worry. I can’t see much people queuing at Big Apple nowadays compare to months ago. There has been 2 Secret Recipe now, where the occupancy not even up to half of it.

I’ve made a survey, owning the license its not an easy task, u need $. A lot of $.
Some more in Miri market, do you think they are willing to spend so much on toasted bread and cup of coffee which you can actually get it from normal coffee shop?

The basic requirement to own the license is you must at least have a net worth of RM500,000 and liquidity of RM600,000 and the license is RM60,000.

Empty chairs are wait to be seated..

Hoping that the rich tycoon in Miri would like to bring this business in, by then, the empty chairs will be seated by me!

I heart OldTown so much, do you?

I gotta slap myself, stop thinking of food! Stop it!

Frankly, the most disappointing news to share here is, we didn’t even have enough time to explore the whole Penang Food. Lucky enough, we stayed at Tune Hotel where we are surrounded with all the good foods.

New World Park, Penang is just located beside our hotel, strategic enough, just a stone throw can reach the Old Town Cafe. From the Penang’s historical chapter, New World Park was one an entertainment spot at the late 1930s. Today, it is yet another exciting tourism attractions in Penang!

Alex and I was there to have a short walk, pattoh to be exact. Noticed the Old Town White Coffee was still packed with people even though its already Midnight30. Maybe this is how the Penang Folks spend the nightlife, but at least its a healthy one isn’t it?

Other than Old Town White Coffee, there are actually some other eatery shops that can be found here, but mostly are operating during day time only. Not to be missed , it is attach with a big food court with wide selections of food can be found here. You gotta walk further if you are from the direction of Jalan Burma.

Let’s get kicking with our food hunt to the New World Park’s foodies landmark!

There are quite a few selections of eatery shops and restaurants available here. I found this Nyonya Cafe would actually attract lots of tourist. I believe they do wish to try out some Nyonya Foods as well.

If you don’t like to eat in a restaurant, and would love to try more on local delicacies, walk further down you would see the Food Court.

We were there too early for lunch, most of the stall are still getting ready.

Dessert Stalls that sells Chendol

and Fruits.

The hawkers are nice, maybe he see me carrying a big gun on my hand that is why he is polite to me?

Anyway, he introduced me to have their local dessert called “Tee Nya Kuih”. Something that is cold, like agar agar and served with “gula melaka”.

And their specialties, Ice Chendol.
There are many kinds of Chendol available but I request to have the most original Chendol.

With many many red beans, Chendol (the green green stripes), gula melaka and Santan.

Lick the picture now, you’ll know how great it taste!

Preparation is still in progress.

But at least what I wish to eat, still can be found.
My favourite, Kuih Tiaw Soup.

I love their soup base. Served well with the sauces.Its so yummilicious!!!

Meanwhile, Alex tried the Fried Kuih Teow again, in fact while having this RM4 CKT, he was still mumbling to eat the RM8.50 CKT !!!

It’s just another way of cooking, which I think its not bad!

Fried Oyster RM5.
Yum yum, the oyster are fresh, not smelly.

We had our fabulous breakfast , and this is could at least last us for a few hours….

Other than the food court, there are also some hawker stall available by the road side. You’ll never get hungry in Penang, but will only get poor and bloated!

Food food food.
Penang is the Unesco World Heritage Site, but it should be classified as World’s food heaven.

Like I mentioned earlier, our mission is to EAT only. Thanks to Chanlilian, the famous Penang blogger, she introduced us to wander around our hotel, as there are lots of good foods somewhere around.

Noted.

After we check-in Tune Hotel, take a rest, and we are off to Jalan Selamat. Hmm, watch out for the tune hotel review.

At first we thought to have our lunch at Old Town Cafe, but it would be a waste if I did not try the local foods. From my research, I understand that Jalan Selamat is just somewhere nearby our hotel. I must get the famous CKT for my dear, he heart CKT so much.

Passing through Jalan Selamat, a row of old shops, mostly are not operating.

There’s also some other eatery shops and medical centre.

Kafe Heng Huat – The most famous Char Kuay Teow in Penang.

Our luck is pretty good. The good smell lead us to the roadside stall along Jalan Selamat. Although there was just about 10 stalls operating, but we found this!! The very famous Char Kuay Teow aunty, with her very stylish head and wearing a crocs sandals frying her very expensive Char Kuay Teow.

The stalls are just located by the road side.

This is the CKT aunty. The only conversation I heard is , Ai Heam or Mai Heam. Its pronounced to be spicy or not spicy.

The Char Koay Teow come in 3 sizes. Prices vary from the portions and numbers of prawns.

Kafe Heng Huat is actually just a normal coffee shop, but the main attraction mainly come from this CKT stall.

The aunty is assist with a girl for taking orders and a few aunty who will deliver the CKT to the customers.

Big Fire, Big Wok.

The truth that makes the CKT nice is due to the Charcoal Fire burning underneath.

The Charcoal was ignite by a fan.
Caution, Its HOT~!!!

Did you notice that her Crocs’s sandal was burnt by the Charcoal too?
Don’t play play, she’s wearing  a genuine Crocs la!

Ok, at the mean time lets take a look at the shop. See, it was Monday evening, but everyone seems so free, rushed here just to eat the CKT~!!!!

Regardless of Age, people are coming in and going out.

Its too delicious, and heartwarming, to see the mom is actually feeding her daughter a mouthful of CKT. Sweet.

30 minutes over.
I was so worry that the Aunty has forgotten our order. No… She’s not, she even remember that we ordered 2 BIG plates of CKT.

RM8.50 , spicy CKT with big PRAWNS.
It is really delicious…i was nicely fried, strong fire burnt smell~!

Anyway, this is a hot weather, do served with a glass of Fresh Ice Longan.

Other than the CKT, we can actually have the side orders from the road side. Hence I asked Alex to check out what else is edible. Ahem~

This is yet another PoPiah stall nearby.

My popiah in preparation progress.
RM 2.60 for 2 pieces. (min. order)

It’s actually a little but watery from the ingredient. Alex is not a fans for Popiah, he said Popiah is tasteless. But I’m the opposite, I love popiah so muchie!

Not to be missed, the Penang Asam Laksa.

Indulging?
I never know Sardin can be so tasty with Asam Laksa….

Yum yum, its spicy, its soury…

Although I hate the celery smell, but never mind, i can still ignore it and continue the yummilicious Asam Laksa.

Thumbs up for all the food from Jalan Selamat!

Another CKT stall, but not as popular as the Heng Huat.

Sorry boss, I’ll come back to you next time..

This complete the Jalan Selamat food hunt. Coming up next, New World Park , Penang.

Alex and I were away for a short vacation again last week. We only have 5days 4 night, hence we opt for a short trip to Penang.

I’ve been to Penang roughly about 5 years ago, that was when I had my graduation trip with a bunch of friend. So this is my second visit to Penang, definitely our mission is only aiming on FOOD.

Alex got the bus ticket earlier from LCCT. We took TRANSNASIONAL express bus from Pudu (KL) to Penang the next morning.

Bus fare: Rm35 – business coach, with 3 seats per row.

The 5 hours journey is not so long as compared to the journey from Miri to Sibu or Sibu to Kuching. This is much more comfortable, as we have so many gadget on the go. It so easy to kill the time.

We have internet 3g on the go, can update facebook. Ipod for music, and my spider web-Nokia 5800 fitted nicely on the seat, just for us to watch Fast and Furious 4.

YAY, this is the first time Alex cross the Penang bridge, must capture it down.

We reached Sg. Nibong bus terminal, Penang around 1.30pm. As a backpacker, we prefer to wait for a local bus that connect us to TUNE hotel downtown Penang. The truth is, we can save the taxi fares and allowed us to eat more local delicacies.

We went to ask one of a Rapid bus driver on where to get the T304 bus to our hotel. From his kind advice, we were asked to go to the opposite way, and the bus will pass by there.

After an hour of waiting for the Rapid bus T304, we start to frown!!

Why? Why? Why don’t we get a taxi and direct reach hotel? Why should we trust that driver??? Why don’t we just wait at the bus terminal?? Why do we want to wait by the roadside?

Thanks so much to the shed.

I don’t care, I trust with my research, its impossible that we will missed the bus.

Buses and buses pass by but there’s still no avail.

We almost gone crazy…and finally.. the bus is here.

Rapid bus:  T304
Destination: Jalan Burma (Tune Hotel)
Fare: RM1.50

To be honest, the bus driver are very helpful and friendly towards the tourist. We reached our hotel safely without any hassle. Tune Hotel Downtown penang has a great location that is easy to reach.

I heart tune hotel!!

Coming up next. Are you ready to join us for food hunt????

More info on Penang.

Warning: If you are on diet, don’t read this post. I myself also out of control, but to blog this out!

Kuching, people name it as Cat City, but I prefer to name it as Food Heaven. I spent my Gawai Holiday in Kuching and went for food hunt almost everyday. That is what we always say , “Jiak Bui Bui“.

My brother-in-law, who is born in Kuching, but live in Miri bring us around based on his 10 years ago memory. Although the city is growing up rapidly, but the good food in Kuching will never fade away.

There’s too much to eat, too many places to cover, so I’ll just summarize out what I’ve hunt over the days in Kuching.

1. Kuching SioBee

Location: Open Air

Location: Green Hill coffee shop

2. ABC

Location: Open Air

3. Beef Noodle

Location: Green Hill coffee shop

4. Kuching Laksa

Location: Green Hill coffee shop

Location: Golden Arch

5. Sambal Bihun

Location: Cemetery

6. Seafood

Prawn (3rasa)

Oyster Pancake

Location: Top Spot

7. Popiah

Location: Golden Arch

8. Kolok Mee

Location: Open Air

Wuwuwu, Food Hunt was over…
I want some more, Can I???
Ok I know the answer, I’m fat, gotta control the food intake.

Food is essential.

After all, food is where i spent the most money during my visit to Australia. Other than having home meals, we did dine out a few times. Each meal roughly will spent around Aud 15. For me, this is very expensive! Aud15×2.4=RM36+/- each meal. oMg!!!

Anyway, I do enjoyed every meal I’ve taken in Gold Coast. Although mostly are considered as fast food, at least I tried something new here.

1. Subway
This is the first meal and was also the breakfast we taken right after we landed there. Its located not far away from our stay,it was just a small outlet which can only occupy a few customer. I think mostly they do take away.

Yay, my Subway !
I didn’t even know how to order, how to mix, but just take what ever ingredients which is edible.

But sorry, no capsicum please!

2. McDonald.
What? Go so far away still eat McD? Crazy ah?

Com’n, their menu is not the same as Malaysia.

A very simple reason, there’s bacon inside!!

3. Nandos
I’ve seen Nandos in KL but had never try it before. And almost everyday we passed by the outlet, it was full of customers. Coincidentally we saw a vacant, so let’s give it a try.

Slrrp~ my favorite chicken wing.

Eet ordered burger meal. =.= everyday burger not sien meh?

The reason why not sien —>Chilly Sauce! This is good! Spicy enough !:)

4. Kofte Burger
What burger again??? But this is a Turkish Meal. We had this for lunch during the visit to Harbour Town.

Anyway, this is the happiest meal that I had.

The beef set.

See, you see that? It’s rice!!! Rice Rice Rice!!!
It’s been a week that we did not had any rice into our tummy.
Thank god, on the final day, at least we had it.
Yum yum!!!

Not to be missed, Chili Sauce again to add up the taste of the meal.

Arrrgh, I feel hungry after all these nice food. Time to go dinner. Coming up next, the final entry of my gold coast travelogue. Stay tune ya!!