Everything could be better If only I did not injured my toes!!!

During the last Gawai Season,we visited to the capital of Sarawak, Kuching. We had road trip from Miri up to Kuching.  As in part of the plan, we will be heading to Gunung Gading National Park and it’s waterfall was the main attraction.

Back to Mother Nature.

It was raining cats and dogs at the beginning, the trails  were slippery. There were 11 of us holding the trail one by one hiking up to Gunung Gading. Along the way, someone would say “watch out” broken steps! Few moments later, someone will shout as a sign emergency break, eventually there’s someone falling down and get hurts!

We were just being briefed that there’s lots of steps, but never thought it will be such a tough journey. At that time I was only hoping, if I know it earlier, I won’t bring all the big equipments with me. In fact, the smaller the better.  Regrets No.1

Along the way in the jungle, there’s lot of unique species that we rarely seen. But due to low light condition, most of my pictures came out blurry. I hate to say that, even with a big Dslr if you don’t have the skill, the result came our are just as ordinary digital camera.  Regrets No.2

There’s actually 3 waterfall at Gunung Gading, but we can’t go further up, you should know why, we don’t have the sport men spirit, to fight till the end. The bags were too heavy, each bag weight at least 5kg to 10kg. The tiredness were worthwhile, that’s because the good things is always happen latter. We heard the crispy water sounds. Its from the waterfall!

We left our bags and belongings on the higher part, as we need to walk lower down to access to the waterfall. Someone must stay back at the top to watch over their belongings. We can’t bring our camera down, we worried it will be water damage! Regrets no.3

Photo credits: Robert Lau.
He did not join us in the water as he worry his fortune Dslr camera to get wet. The only thing he could do is stay far away and zoom with his 300mm telelens . His fortune camera cost him more than RM10k. So he better take good care of his belongings and miss out the happiest water moments with the others. Pity him.. someone must do the scarification. =)

William at the peak enjoying his water moments!

Alex was having waterspa! Gosh!

The scenery was great, but where’s my camera? No.. I can’t bring it here as its not waterproof camera. If I own the Sony TX5 waterproof camera, then I’m sure I will have lots of candid moments of us splashing each other in the water! If I have thought of having this camera for this trip, I bet it could solve up a lot of regrets and problems.

Each of us was overjoyed to see the waterfall, the environment was real good for a short retreat. Everything off and jump to the waterfall!  Can’t wait to get splashed by the waterfall. We were like Kampung boys and girls. Forget about all the doubts and let go all the stress.

All those funny moments could have taken with Sony TX5, it can capture a moving subject in a sequence of 10 continuous frames per second. Meaning that, all the fast action moments can be captured just like the moment we splashed water at each other! Oh, Eric, I will remember the moment you splashed the freezing cold water at me!

While trying to cross the stones, I sprained my right leg and it hurt my middle toe. In fact, it is very dangerous to hop around the big stones to reach the highest peak.  We have to be extra careful while playing at the waterfall. The big stones are slippery, and our feet couldn’t grab firm on it.  I soaked my toes in the cold water, but it doesn’t help much. The pain get worsen, and it turns black on my toe.

My swollen leg. Looks like old nanny’s leg.

The moment I lay on the rocks, I noticed the greens were really attractive. Too bad I don’t have a camera with me, even If I have, I don’t have a wide angle lens with me. With Sony TX5, I can take Panorama Photos. It could automatically join up a few photos into one and it even can recognize human faces and subjects!

I couldn’t move else where, can only sit still by the rocks and enjoying the water splash.

Sony TX5 could play a big roll especially for a frequent traveler like me. It has many many proof! Have you ever encounter of your camera getting blur due to cool temperature? Do you ever face problem when there’s dust in your lens? And worst is do you ever face problem if you drop your camera?

That is why I should have bring it to Gunung Gading. I don’t have to worry carrying a big back pack, and running out of breath. I still can capture whatever moments I had even my ugliest moment that I hurt my toes. Even if the camera drop into the water, it still can be use, and of course even if I accidentally drop and knock on the rocks, I bet is still can work pretty fine.

Of course as a blogger, I need a really durable camera to be with me on the go. Imagine, regardless of what condition I would still be able to capture down the moment. I could have shoot some nice photos in the jungle but due to low light condition the photos came out blur. I could be able to shoot nice photos with its Twillight mode.

Sometimes I really hate to bring out the big Dslr with me. It makes me looks so gigantic. A small compact camera would be nice to fit into my handbag.  Counting back, this could be my first crush with Sony camera. Previously I’ve heard of lots of positive feedback from my friends but  I’ve never give them a try. But ever since I heard of  Sony TX5 , I think I’ve fall in love with it. And hey, it does comes with 5 different colours. Which color do you think is suitable for me? A pink? or A black?

Sony TX5 is selling at RM1499. I think this price is very attractive with all the advantages and latest technology. Don’t you think so?

For me Photography is an art, there’s no right or wrong. Everyone can be a very good photographer.Go ahead with your own instincts and capture the best moment of yours in life.

P/s: Again and again, If only I have known of this camera earlier, I bet I won’t have hurt my toes. I won’t have bad mood and throwing tantrums at my hubby. I had the biggest war with Alex a day before my birthday. Holiday ruined, Mood Spoiled, Toes Pain. What a birthday gift to myself ! So now I should get myself a TX5 to pamper back myself!

We asked around for the most recommended one, as advised Restoran Highlands could be the popular among the locals. It is just located behind the busy street, not that obvious, but their business is consider very good. They serve traditional Charcoal Steamboat with the very long funnel to avoid big wind blow off the fire.

The shop was just a simple coffee shop style. They will asked you the portion you want, and just wait to be served.

We ordered for 2 person’s portion. First plate served with Bihun, Veges, Assorted Meat Balls & Eggs.

The second plates come with assorted seafood.

And the final plate comes with meat plates. These are the plates that served for steamboat.

All looks so fresh and delicious! Tender & Juicy!

Alright, both of us are very hungry. Can’t wait any longer for the things to cook. We finished up everything except the plates!

Let me show you the tall funnel. Very cool right? And look, the charcoal are burning inside.

We enjoyed the meal There’s actually lots of other steamboat shop around. Some serve organic foods.

Anyway, we are happy with the food here. It’s only RM16 per person. I don’t think I could get these yummilicious steamboat back in Miri!  Yet another, MUST TRY! =)

In Miri, we do have Pasar Malam selling varieties of things, however, among 20 stalls, i bet 10 stalls are selling the same thing and they aren’t selling things that are extra ordinary than usual. But in Cameron, choices and prices are much more attractive.

This is one of the favourite stop. I bought Cactus for my 2 beloved friends in KL. At the same time, Alex bought me dozens of roses too! Haha, roses here are just too cheap! RM 10 I can get 2 dozens and they give you free some other flowers as well.

Not to forget, if you wanna eat cheap strawberry, then please get all in Pasar Malam. They said the strawberries here might be rejected or those overnight strawberries. So if you really want to buy, please check carefully and don’t bring it home. By the time you get home, its already rotten.

Vegetables are everywhere, they have sweet corns, cabbage, spinach and many many more. The sellers would claim that they plant at the backyard of their house in Cameron. That is just to assure you that the vege are fresh from Cameron. However, its not 100% true, the fact is lots of plants were import from Ipoh! Don’t believe? Then you go explore around Cameron, you hardly see other plantations other than TEA. Do correct me if I’m wrong.

I found my favorite here, Tomatoes!!!
I take it as tidbits. They are selling 4 boxes for RM10. These are cherry tomatoes, not so sour, just nice.  In Miri I could hardly get such tomatoes, if yes, they are selling like RM10 per box!

The specialties from Cameron would be sweet potatoes, sweet corns and FRIED MUSHROOM! Most of the stalls are selling the tempura style mushrooms, vege and prawns. Price start from RM3. For the first few bites it could be very nice, but the more we eat, I think its a bit too oily.

Kenny Roger’s sister was here too. You check out the way they grilled the chicken. So professional la!

Surprisingly again, I saw lots of replica Crocs here. They are selling for RM20 per pair.  During this trip to KL, I finally realize there’s so much crocs in the market that we could hardly differentiate the replica and the genuine. Food good sake, buy the replica one is enough! Its 5x cheaper than the original!

Of course quality does matter! Please be a smart consumer lo!

We enjoyed the shopping at the pasar malam. We’ve filled up the tummy with many many tempura mushrooms, strawberries and sweetcorns. Other than the flowers Alex bought for me, and I manage to grab some magnets as souvenirs.

Take a look at those fruits magnets, it looks so real especially the Langsat! These are what we call valued for money! Its only RM2.50 for one magnet! Hahaha… I believe after reading my post, you would love to visit the pasar malam too right?

Don’t worry, school holidays is coming, do plan your trip earlier!

Supposedly, the Cactus Farm tour is included in our tour packages, which falls on day 2. Somehow, not far away from our Hotel, we found a free admission cactus farm.

From far we saw the funny and colorful cactus symbolize that this is the cactus farm. So Alex and I walk further up to the end and found the cactus heaven.

From the entrance, it looks more like a grocery stores to me. They sells lots of things, junk food, souvenirs and even antiques.
I assume this shouldn’t be the actual cactus farm, but since we were there why not to explore it?

In fact, the shops here are mainly for visitors. Its just located few steps away from the Pasar Malam. No wonder I had mistaken it as  the Cactus Farm. Somehow they do sells lots of plants, not only Cactus, but also flowers.

The cactus plants are mostly in small pots, which enable the tourist to bring back home.

I had my good time taking pictures too!

These are the few species that I never seen before.

The strange thing about the shop is, there’s no shopkeeper around except the front cashier.  At the back of the shops,  it comes with big area on plantations.  Not even a single CCTV!

Poor little Nephentus sell for RM18.

This is the wedding flowers.  I love the shape!

Some common flowers, Hibiscus.

And many other types of flowers.

They named this flower as Lipstick.
Do you know why? Probably it will left some red stain after you touch it?

As the farm is totally no restrictions, I just go further into their backyard. Alex saw that there’s large grows of Strawberries at the back.  There’s even larger cactus plants at the back. But to respect peoples properties, we better behave.

The strawberry farm’s gate were lock so I didn’t manage to take close up photos for that.

So if you’re not thinking to take any tour, probably you could consider to come and have a look here.
All In One. No admission fee. No surveillance TV. No Salesgirl. Its just so free and easy!

A few things to share and compare here.

• The Air tickets to International sometimes are cheaper than to KL.
• Lots of places like in Peninsular needed to access by car, if you don’t have a car, then anything else would be expensive.
• Hotels and tour packages for domestic are usually very expensive. Compare to those travel packages that offered for our neighborhood country, everything in Malaysia seems more expensive.
• Travel information are hard to get online

Anyhow, there’s actually lots of great places to explore within Malaysia. Cameron Highlands is one of the place that I wish to go but always ended up to other places. I’ve been study online for the information for the highlands, with the helps of friend who always travel up and down, only then I manage to get ourselves the free and easy trip!

Taking Bus Unititi to Cameron from Pudu

Maybe some of you might be thinking, drive from KL to Cameron easy only la, why make its sounds like you are going oversea? Excuse me, I’m really going over the SEA. To go Cameron Highlands, we need to travel from Miri to KL over the sea. Then only we could take BUS up to the highlands. Journey seems long to us, but its worthy for our never ending honey moon.

Arriving Cameron , Tanah Rata Tourist Centre

The very first important thing  we need to take note for the free and easy trip is you need to get a a simple local tour from Cameron. The one get from here seems good. I don’t need a luxury tour, but just bus transfer from KL, pick up, accommodation and simple country side tour.

Note: They charge extra RM50 during the weekends, same things goes to Hotel rate.

The Hotel that is provided is Hotel Chua Gin in Brinchang Town, a family run hotel. Its just above the shop lot, but the rooms are just nice. With LCD tv with Astro channels. Only thing that I don’t like is the toilet which is pretty small and the shower isn’t hot enough. Oh ya, Hotels in Cameron are all non-aircond. Its pretty cool, at night the temperature will go lower.

Then the 2nd thing is google it, see where are the best food located. The thing that we worry most is being slaughtered at a new place. People might raise the price just because we are tourist. So search for the most recommended restaurant , at least not a blacklisted one would be fine. Thanks to the Tour Agent remind us which are the shops that we shouldn’t try.

As we were there around 2pm, Alex and I were pretty hungry.

So just below the hotels, there’s lot of restaurant. Of course, not the one blacklisted. We choose to go those with lots of customers. But it was late noon, its already off lunch hour. We saw this shop who the owner were very keen to get customers and show us menu with price. Although its consider slightly expensive but at least I don’t feel being cheated and will be wise to order according to menu.

I can’t recall the name of this vege, but they claimed its from Cameron. But I confirm its from Ipoh la~

Fried Mushroom, taste like Chicken!

Guiness Pork Rib, very nice..

Total sum up around RM40. Phewwwit, but the food are special, and I like it! =)

3rd thing, other than the places that included by the tour, we should see is there any other entertainment available around. So indirectly, it relates to the location of your hotel. If you stay far away from town, you might need a taxi to travel around the town.

We just have a walk around Brinchang town area. Its just a few rows of  shops and further up its the country side.

Suddenly, I feel that I’m not in Malaysia!

There’s more activities to come in the next post. Till Here! Tata!

I gotta admit, I rarely read blog ever since I’ve addicted to Facebook. Anyway, FB is a very successful lifetime interacting tools, which is fun enough to update, or to “kaypoh”. But don’t ever take things too seriously over FB cos you’ll never know who is reading or stalking you behind the screen.

No, I don’t like Twitters. So not to have further comments on it.

Goolooloo.com was once a most popular blogs of Miri Community but not in Malaysia. Seeing the other bloggers being nominates, I could only say their hard works paid off. This could never happen on lazy bloggers like me. Anyhow, my blog will remain. I’ll still update on my travelogue as usual but have to cut down all my travel plans due to my tight budget plans.

My next travel destinations will be on Sandakan. =) Domestic travel would be fun cos you don’t have to worry about the currencies difference or the language problem. Let’s have some fun with the “Orang Utan”!

Image Source

I’ll be back!

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.

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!

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.

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.