The year 2010 seems to be a traveling year for me, especially in the second half - 2 holiday trips and 2 business trips.
The summary list of travel destinations can be updated as below:
1995 - Australia - Sydney & Gold Coast
1996 - Thailand - Bangkok & Pattaya
1997 - Netherlands, Belgium, England - Amsterdam, Brussels & London
2000 - New Zealand - Christchurch, Rotorua & Auckland
2001 - Denmark, Sweden, Norway - Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Stockholm, Oslo & Bergen
2002 - Hungary, Austria - Budapest & Vienna
2002 - Hong Kong
2004 - Thailand - Chiangmai
2005 - South Korea
2006 - Thailand - Chiangmai
2007 - Thailand - Phuket
2008 - Indonesia - Bali
2009 - Australia - Melbourne & Sydney
2010 (May/June) - Italy - Rome, Florence, Pisa & Venice
2010 (September) - China, Shanghai (Business Trip)
2010 (November) - Indonesia - Jakarta & Jogjakarta (Business Trip)
2010 (December) - Taiwan
Hopefully there will be more trips for the year 2011.
Showing posts with label Holiday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holiday. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Taiwan 2010
2 December - 8 December 2010
Family annual trip to Taiwan.
Day 1 - 2 December 2010
Depart from KLIA in a MH flight to CKS Airport, Tao Yuan on 9.20am flight. About 5 hours flight to Taipeh. Upon reaching, travel to Yilan County, a place popular with its hot spring resort. Spend one night in Yilan.
Day 2 - 3 December 2010
Yilan - Jiufen - Keelung. Overnight in Keelung.
Day 3 - 4 December 2010
Keelung - Taipeh. Overnight in Taipeh.
Day 4 - 5 December 2010
Taipeh - Tai shee Garden - Doraemon World - Flying Cow Ranch, Miaoli. Overnight in Flying Cow Ranch.
Day 5 - 6 December 2010
Miaoli - Taipeh. Overnight in Taipeh
Day 6 - 7 December 2010
Taipeh. Overnight in Taipeh
Day 7 - 8 December 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Italy 2010
This is just to briefly record my trip to Italy last May-June.
27 May 2010 (night) - Fly out from KLIA to Rome.
Day 1 - 28 May 2010
Touch-down Leonardo da Vinci airport Rome early in the morning. Took a express train from airport to Roma Termini. Then walk about 15 minutes to reach the hostel - M&J Hostel. Newly renovated. Quite a nice place. It is actually about 10 minutes walk from the Termini, but since it is the first time, need some time to find the place. Could not check in until 2pm. Leave the luggage at the storage room, then went to grab breakfast, enquired about the Roma Pass at the tourist information center and then visited a few churches which are nearby to the Termini. Then it was 2pm and rushed back to the hostel to check-in and shower.
After a short rest, then went out for Part 2 of Day 1. Took a metro to Spanish Steps. It was not as pictured in the travel books and as shown in the many websites. Was slightly disappointed. Feel it was overly rated. Then walk along Via del Condotti - the high fashion street of Rome - where all the branded labels are found along this road. Went into Prada and LV to enquire about the bags my sister asked me to find out. Then walked to Trevi Fountain. Had dinner nearby. Took tons of photo. Then it's walking back to the hostel for Day 1.
Day 2 - 29 May 2010
Rome - Florence
Took a morning train from Rome to Florence, about 1hr30mins journey with Trenitalia. Stayed at this place, Hotel Perseo. Walking distance from the Central Train Station and the city center. Very friendly receptionist staff. Strongly recommended.
In Florence - visited the Academia (for the David's), Uffizi Gallery, Michaelangelo Square for sunset.
27 May 2010 (night) - Fly out from KLIA to Rome.
Day 1 - 28 May 2010
Touch-down Leonardo da Vinci airport Rome early in the morning. Took a express train from airport to Roma Termini. Then walk about 15 minutes to reach the hostel - M&J Hostel. Newly renovated. Quite a nice place. It is actually about 10 minutes walk from the Termini, but since it is the first time, need some time to find the place. Could not check in until 2pm. Leave the luggage at the storage room, then went to grab breakfast, enquired about the Roma Pass at the tourist information center and then visited a few churches which are nearby to the Termini. Then it was 2pm and rushed back to the hostel to check-in and shower.
After a short rest, then went out for Part 2 of Day 1. Took a metro to Spanish Steps. It was not as pictured in the travel books and as shown in the many websites. Was slightly disappointed. Feel it was overly rated. Then walk along Via del Condotti - the high fashion street of Rome - where all the branded labels are found along this road. Went into Prada and LV to enquire about the bags my sister asked me to find out. Then walked to Trevi Fountain. Had dinner nearby. Took tons of photo. Then it's walking back to the hostel for Day 1.
Day 2 - 29 May 2010
Rome - Florence
Took a morning train from Rome to Florence, about 1hr30mins journey with Trenitalia. Stayed at this place, Hotel Perseo. Walking distance from the Central Train Station and the city center. Very friendly receptionist staff. Strongly recommended.
In Florence - visited the Academia (for the David's), Uffizi Gallery, Michaelangelo Square for sunset.
(Click here for photos of Florence and Pisa)
Day 3 - 30 May 2010
Florence (Pisa)
Morning, walked around Florence. Afternoon, took a train to Pisa for the Leaning Tower.
Day 4 - 31 May 2010
Florence - Venice
(Click here for the photos in Venice)
Day 5 - 1 June 2010
Venice
Day 6 - 2 June 2010
Venice
Day 7 - 3 June 2010
Venice - Rome
Get that Roma Pass. I think it well worth the money.
Day 3 - 30 May 2010
Florence (Pisa)
Morning, walked around Florence. Afternoon, took a train to Pisa for the Leaning Tower.
Day 4 - 31 May 2010
Florence - Venice
(Click here for the photos in Venice)
Day 5 - 1 June 2010
Venice
Day 6 - 2 June 2010
Venice
Day 7 - 3 June 2010
Venice - Rome
Get that Roma Pass. I think it well worth the money.
(Click here for the photos of Rome and the Vatican)
Day 8 - 4 June 2010
Rome
Day 9 - 5 June 2010
Rome
Day 10 - 6 June 2010
Rome - KL. Flew out from Rome on 6 June 2010 (noon). Reach KL 7 June 2010 (morning). Evening drove back to JB. Back to work on 8 June 2010.
The following four are my top personal favorites (not in any particular order) - the four attractions that just took my breath away:
1. Colosseum, Rome
2. St. Peter's Cathedral, Vatican City
3. Leaning Tower of Pisa
4. Grand Canal, Venice
Biggest disappointment - Spanish Steps.
Day 8 - 4 June 2010
Rome
Day 9 - 5 June 2010
Rome
Day 10 - 6 June 2010
Rome - KL. Flew out from Rome on 6 June 2010 (noon). Reach KL 7 June 2010 (morning). Evening drove back to JB. Back to work on 8 June 2010.
The following four are my top personal favorites (not in any particular order) - the four attractions that just took my breath away:
1. Colosseum, Rome
2. St. Peter's Cathedral, Vatican City
3. Leaning Tower of Pisa
4. Grand Canal, Venice
Biggest disappointment - Spanish Steps.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Australia 2009 - Sydney
G'day mate.
My second visit to Sydney. And it remains my favourite city. Somehow, Sydney presents to me as a vibrant, exciting, casual, friendly and lovely city. It is not as rush as KL, but a pace faster than Melbourne. The first time I was here was in 1995 - a good 14 years ago. 4 days here, and probably not sufficient. I would love to have a longer time, not as a tourist, but to experience life here as a local.
When I was first here, the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House were 2 major landscapes that fascinates me most. Especially the bridge, from the engineering point of view. It was unfortunate that the bridge climb was not available then. Subsequently when it was opened, I vowed that one day I will return to Sydney for that climb. Therefore the first thing I did when arrived in Sydney was to go for the Bridge Climb. The Climb is the single most expensive itinerary of the entire trip. Worried that I may not get a place in the climb, I reserved on line before leaving Sydney. The Bridge Climb cost AUD189, which works out to be about RM497 (based on 2.63 exchange rate). This would more than enough to get a VIP seat for the Wang Lee Hom concert in KL. But I think it was worth the money, as the experience is marvellous and unforgetable. Going to the very top of the bridge span, which is 2 times the height of the tallest fin of the Opera House is a moment to be remembered. The climb was meant to last about 3.5 hours, but due to our smaller group (only 6 of us in the group), we were up there for about 4 hours.
The first day in Sydney was basically spend at Circular Quay doing the bridge climb. After the climb, the sky is already dark. The Rocks was also closed. The only thing left to do was to take pictures of the Opera House at night, something that I had not managed to do during my first visit. Sydney skyline at night is marvellous.
The second day, with an extremely fine weather - blue sky and bright sun, we went for the coastal walk from Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach. Accoring to one of the website (lost that link), this was supposed to be one of the best coastal walk in the world. And quite rightly so, if the ocean and beaches are your thing. Though the sun is bright, the walk is not as tough due to the breezy and cooling wind. We took slightly more than 2 hours to reach Bondi Beach. We ended the Sydney beach itinenary with a bus ride from Bondi Beach to Watsons Bay for the Doyle's Fisherman Wharf Fish & Chips. The Gap, next to Watson's Bay is spectacular. Thrilled me first time, it still does the second time.
The third day was to Blue Mountain. It rained in Sydney that day, but not in Blue Mountain. So that was a very good planning. We took a train from Sydney Central Station to Blue Mountain - a 2-hour journey. Then in Blue Mountain, we took the Trolley Bus to travel around. Blue Mountain to me, is like Cameron Highlands. A few towns that eventually make Blue Mountain. But we were only in Katoomba, the main town and Leura which is within the route of the Trolley Bus. I read a lot of guides and travel forums where all recommended a visit here. I would have also recommended this, but I suppose it is not a must. The reviews in the travel guides and forums are probably slightly exaggerating, especially on the The Three Sisters. I think the comments are just a little big over-rated. If you have a day to spare, yes, why not dropping by Blue Mountain. Otherwise, doing it on a second visit is still fine.
One of the highlights of Blue Mountain is the Scenic Ride. Yes, that was something, especially the Scenic Railway. But the ride ended too fast to feel the thrill. Doing the ride again, will cost another AUD10 dollars. Doing both the Railway and Cable rides cost AUD19 dollars, if you purchase the ticket at Scenic World. But if you get it from the Trolley Bus Agent, you will save a dollar.
After getting back from Blue Mountain, we headed to Chinatown and Darling Harbour. Darling Harbour was the place that I could least recognised. A lot of development had taken place. The Sydney skyline viewed from the Harbour is impressing.
The last day in Sydney was disappointing. It rained early in the morning. Then stopped. We managed to get into the CBD area. Then it started to rain again. We were trapped at the New South Wales Art Gallery for few hours. The last stop was in Chinatown for dinner. The last time I was in Paddy's Market, I could only see the flea market section, not realising that there was also the fruit and nuts market as in Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market. Comparing the price of both markets, Paddy's Market seems to be lower than QVM.
Then it back to Central Station to catch the bus back to Melbourne for the conclusion on this trip. Though I'd mentioned that I will never be back to Sydney, I would love to stay in Sydney. My favourite city.
My second visit to Sydney. And it remains my favourite city. Somehow, Sydney presents to me as a vibrant, exciting, casual, friendly and lovely city. It is not as rush as KL, but a pace faster than Melbourne. The first time I was here was in 1995 - a good 14 years ago. 4 days here, and probably not sufficient. I would love to have a longer time, not as a tourist, but to experience life here as a local.
When I was first here, the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House were 2 major landscapes that fascinates me most. Especially the bridge, from the engineering point of view. It was unfortunate that the bridge climb was not available then. Subsequently when it was opened, I vowed that one day I will return to Sydney for that climb. Therefore the first thing I did when arrived in Sydney was to go for the Bridge Climb. The Climb is the single most expensive itinerary of the entire trip. Worried that I may not get a place in the climb, I reserved on line before leaving Sydney. The Bridge Climb cost AUD189, which works out to be about RM497 (based on 2.63 exchange rate). This would more than enough to get a VIP seat for the Wang Lee Hom concert in KL. But I think it was worth the money, as the experience is marvellous and unforgetable. Going to the very top of the bridge span, which is 2 times the height of the tallest fin of the Opera House is a moment to be remembered. The climb was meant to last about 3.5 hours, but due to our smaller group (only 6 of us in the group), we were up there for about 4 hours.
The first day in Sydney was basically spend at Circular Quay doing the bridge climb. After the climb, the sky is already dark. The Rocks was also closed. The only thing left to do was to take pictures of the Opera House at night, something that I had not managed to do during my first visit. Sydney skyline at night is marvellous.
The second day, with an extremely fine weather - blue sky and bright sun, we went for the coastal walk from Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach. Accoring to one of the website (lost that link), this was supposed to be one of the best coastal walk in the world. And quite rightly so, if the ocean and beaches are your thing. Though the sun is bright, the walk is not as tough due to the breezy and cooling wind. We took slightly more than 2 hours to reach Bondi Beach. We ended the Sydney beach itinenary with a bus ride from Bondi Beach to Watsons Bay for the Doyle's Fisherman Wharf Fish & Chips. The Gap, next to Watson's Bay is spectacular. Thrilled me first time, it still does the second time.
The third day was to Blue Mountain. It rained in Sydney that day, but not in Blue Mountain. So that was a very good planning. We took a train from Sydney Central Station to Blue Mountain - a 2-hour journey. Then in Blue Mountain, we took the Trolley Bus to travel around. Blue Mountain to me, is like Cameron Highlands. A few towns that eventually make Blue Mountain. But we were only in Katoomba, the main town and Leura which is within the route of the Trolley Bus. I read a lot of guides and travel forums where all recommended a visit here. I would have also recommended this, but I suppose it is not a must. The reviews in the travel guides and forums are probably slightly exaggerating, especially on the The Three Sisters. I think the comments are just a little big over-rated. If you have a day to spare, yes, why not dropping by Blue Mountain. Otherwise, doing it on a second visit is still fine.
One of the highlights of Blue Mountain is the Scenic Ride. Yes, that was something, especially the Scenic Railway. But the ride ended too fast to feel the thrill. Doing the ride again, will cost another AUD10 dollars. Doing both the Railway and Cable rides cost AUD19 dollars, if you purchase the ticket at Scenic World. But if you get it from the Trolley Bus Agent, you will save a dollar.
After getting back from Blue Mountain, we headed to Chinatown and Darling Harbour. Darling Harbour was the place that I could least recognised. A lot of development had taken place. The Sydney skyline viewed from the Harbour is impressing.
The last day in Sydney was disappointing. It rained early in the morning. Then stopped. We managed to get into the CBD area. Then it started to rain again. We were trapped at the New South Wales Art Gallery for few hours. The last stop was in Chinatown for dinner. The last time I was in Paddy's Market, I could only see the flea market section, not realising that there was also the fruit and nuts market as in Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market. Comparing the price of both markets, Paddy's Market seems to be lower than QVM.
Then it back to Central Station to catch the bus back to Melbourne for the conclusion on this trip. Though I'd mentioned that I will never be back to Sydney, I would love to stay in Sydney. My favourite city.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Australia 2009 - Melbourne
This is my first visit to Melbourne. The most common thing I heard about Melbourne is the '4 seasons in a day'. During the 3 days that I was here, I did not get the summer, but it was cold throughout the 3 days. And it rained in the evening of the first day.
Throughout the 3 days, temperatures were ranging from 11 Celcius to 20 Celcius. That for Malaysia would be considered as cold.
Doing the tourist stuff in Melbourne for 3 days is quite easy.
Day 1 - Melbourne CBD and Docklands
Day 2 - Yarra River and Southgate
Day 3 - St. Kilda's
The best thing about Melbourne for tourist in terms of transport is their free City Circle Tram and Tourist Shuttle. The tram made a loop in both directions around the City Center, stopping at every tourist destination along the way. And it is very easily recognizable. The Tourist Shuttle - a bright red colour bus - runs a little big farther than the City Center and it goes across the bridge to the Southgate Precinct.
The best thing about Melbourne trams are they stop at every road intersection, either before or just after the traffic light at each road intersection. Thus you don't need to walk far to a tram stop. However, it also because of this, traveling in a tram is very time consuming.
Throughout the 3 days, temperatures were ranging from 11 Celcius to 20 Celcius. That for Malaysia would be considered as cold.
Doing the tourist stuff in Melbourne for 3 days is quite easy.
Day 1 - Melbourne CBD and Docklands
Day 2 - Yarra River and Southgate
Day 3 - St. Kilda's
The best thing about Melbourne for tourist in terms of transport is their free City Circle Tram and Tourist Shuttle. The tram made a loop in both directions around the City Center, stopping at every tourist destination along the way. And it is very easily recognizable. The Tourist Shuttle - a bright red colour bus - runs a little big farther than the City Center and it goes across the bridge to the Southgate Precinct.
The best thing about Melbourne trams are they stop at every road intersection, either before or just after the traffic light at each road intersection. Thus you don't need to walk far to a tram stop. However, it also because of this, traveling in a tram is very time consuming.
Melbourne Docklands is a newly developed suburb in the west of Melbourne city. And it is one very interesting area. Very artistic with colourful buildings and interesting sculptures.
The Melbourne Jazz Festival coincides with our visit. For this year the festival started on 26 April 2009 - the second day of our arrival. They have an opening show at the square at Federation Square. It was a very cold evening and it drizzled half-way through the performance, but none of those watching made a dash from the square. The weather rewarded them by stopping the drizzle and the show continued. We left half way through the second performance due to the very cold weather.
Southgate precinct - just south of the Yarra River - is also a Art Center. It houses, among others, the National Gallery of Victoria and the Arts Center. We took the opportunity to visit the National Gallery and the featured Bugatti exhibition. Southgate also has a very nice food court area. Asian, European and Mid-east foods are all available.
St Kilda Beach, further south of Melbourne City, is easily reachable by tram. I noticed a very sizeable Indian population in this part of the city. The beach was practically deserted due to the cold weather. Luna Park, an amusement park, was also closed. But I can imagined the place to be crowded with people during summer and it would be a very busy place.
Queen Victoria's Market, another interesting place in Melbourne. A very big market that sells food and non-food related stuff. But I was more interested in the food area. Though there are many stalls, but the varieties are very similar. There are the fruits and vegetables on the open air section. The meat and poultry sections are indoor. I bought two type of salami (cured sausages) back. I think Australian sausages are pretty tasty.
My impression of Melbourne - A slower pace city compared to Sydney or probably even KL. Less vibrant. Lots of Asians. The city center is surprisingly small for a well-known city. Newer developments around the city such as Docklands and Southgate make it more vibrant. A mixed of modern and older buildings in the city itself. I will not choose to live in Melbourne. The following photos generally depicts Melbourne and its night scene at the Yarra River.
Australia 2009
Last year (2008) in November, MAS did a promotion on their online ticketing flying from KL to Melbourne. That's when I booked the ticket for this trip - a good half a year ahead. Ticket costs at RM1623 return. I would say that was a bargain, although subsequently there are other cheaper rates quoted online.
The itinerary for this trip as follows:
Out from KL to Melbourne:
Depart: Fri, 24 Apr 2009, 21:30
Arrive: Sat, 25 Apr,2009, 07:00
Flying time: About 7 hours;
and back:
Depart: Sat, 02 May 2009, 15:00
Arrive: Sat, 02 May 2009, 21:10
Flying time: About 7 hours.
I found out an easier way to get to KLIA. I took a cab from home to the Bandar Tasik Selatan LRT Station to catch the KLIA Transit. This train costs RM29.50 and took 29 minutes. A much lesser hassle and cheaper than going all the way to KL Sentral for the KLIA Express.
The full itinerary planned for this trip is:
25 April 2009 - Melbourne
26 April 2009 - Melbourne - Night: Leave for Sydney by bus
27 April 2009 - Sydney
28 April 2009 - Sydney
29 April 2009 - Sydney (Blue Mountains)
30 April 2009 - Sydney - Night: Return to Melbourne by bus
01 May 2009 - Melbourne
02 May 2009 - Return back to KL.
And I am glad that the plan was perfectly executed.
Click here for the full pictures album for this trip.
The itinerary for this trip as follows:
Out from KL to Melbourne:
Depart: Fri, 24 Apr 2009, 21:30
Arrive: Sat, 25 Apr,2009, 07:00
Flying time: About 7 hours;
and back:
Depart: Sat, 02 May 2009, 15:00
Arrive: Sat, 02 May 2009, 21:10
Flying time: About 7 hours.
I found out an easier way to get to KLIA. I took a cab from home to the Bandar Tasik Selatan LRT Station to catch the KLIA Transit. This train costs RM29.50 and took 29 minutes. A much lesser hassle and cheaper than going all the way to KL Sentral for the KLIA Express.
The full itinerary planned for this trip is:
25 April 2009 - Melbourne
26 April 2009 - Melbourne - Night: Leave for Sydney by bus
27 April 2009 - Sydney
28 April 2009 - Sydney
29 April 2009 - Sydney (Blue Mountains)
30 April 2009 - Sydney - Night: Return to Melbourne by bus
01 May 2009 - Melbourne
02 May 2009 - Return back to KL.
And I am glad that the plan was perfectly executed.
Click here for the full pictures album for this trip.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Oversea Holidays
My very first oversea holiday was in 1995. That was when I packed my bags from Singapore and moved back to Malaysia. Then without a job, it was the best chance to go for a carefree holiday with no work worries. And go as many days as I can afford. Unfortunately, probably due to that was the first time I actually left for a place so far away, I felt a little bit of home-sick after 1 week and thought of coming back home ASAP.
That very first oversea trip was to Sydney, Australia. February 1995 (can't remember the date) - I flew from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney. After 4 days in Sydney, I took a bus from there to Gold Coast and spent 2 nights there. Then I flew home from Brisbane.
Summarizing, all my trips aboard:
1995 - Australia - Sydney & Gold Coast
1996 - Thailand - Bangkok & Pattaya
1997 - Netherlands, Belgium, England - Amsterdam, Brussels & London
2000 - New Zealand - Christchurch, Rotorua & Auckland
2001 - Denmark, Sweden, Norway - Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Stockholm, Oslo & Bergen
2002 - Hungary, Austria - Budapest & Vienna
2002 - Hong Kong
2004 - Thailand - Chiangmai
2005 - South Korea
2006 - Thailand - Chiangmai
2007 - Thailand - Phuket
2008 - Indonesia - Bali
This year, 2009, I made a return trip to Sydney. Among the places I have been to, Sydney remains my favourite city. Following this, I will posting some photos that I have taken during this trip
That very first oversea trip was to Sydney, Australia. February 1995 (can't remember the date) - I flew from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney. After 4 days in Sydney, I took a bus from there to Gold Coast and spent 2 nights there. Then I flew home from Brisbane.
Summarizing, all my trips aboard:
1995 - Australia - Sydney & Gold Coast
1996 - Thailand - Bangkok & Pattaya
1997 - Netherlands, Belgium, England - Amsterdam, Brussels & London
2000 - New Zealand - Christchurch, Rotorua & Auckland
2001 - Denmark, Sweden, Norway - Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Stockholm, Oslo & Bergen
2002 - Hungary, Austria - Budapest & Vienna
2002 - Hong Kong
2004 - Thailand - Chiangmai
2005 - South Korea
2006 - Thailand - Chiangmai
2007 - Thailand - Phuket
2008 - Indonesia - Bali
This year, 2009, I made a return trip to Sydney. Among the places I have been to, Sydney remains my favourite city. Following this, I will posting some photos that I have taken during this trip
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Makan trip to Penang
8 March 2009 - Thought I go back to Ipoh this weekend, as I may not be able to go probably until April. As my sister is unable to go back, I drive back alone after work on Saturday (as usual). Anticipate a weekend of lazing at home or may be a day of mahjong.
But my aunts and cousins already planned a one-day trip to Penang on Sunday. My eldest cousin said this would be a makan trip to Penang. And yes, what a day of makan.
First stop, Sg. Bakap. We left Ipoh about 9.45am and reach Sg. Bakap at about 11am. We exited at Jawi Interchange and continue slightly north to Sg. Bakap for breakfast. Breakfast is like a bit of dim sum, which a slightly different bak kut teh, fried noodle, and 'chai kueh' - which is supposedly their signature dish. The shop is in front of the main road, but tables are placed on the walkway and the frontal road. Food is OK, but we were accompanied by lots of flies.
Then off to Bukit Mertajam to visit a relative and then to Saint Anne's Church. After we took the bridge and reach the island for lunch. I do not the name of the area, but been here with my hunters gang. Lunch consists of fried kueh teow (with salted duck egg), apom, chee cheong fun (with har-kou - not for me), lor-bak, prawn mee, laksa for some and popiah. After a full lunch, its off to Air Itam for the fame tau-sar-piah. From there, a few steps down for the Air Itam Laksa. Written on the card board and pasted on the wall, is Air Itam Laksa - RM2.70 a bowl. Was told this is also known as Toilet Paper Laksa. It appear to unhygienic to ask why Toilet Paper then. Well, I think the laksa is over-rated. I have tasted much better one else where.
After that a debate was on, (well, how could we not have a debate within the Tan family). At the end, a trip to the Batu Ferringi beach won over whether we should leave the island then to make a stop at Taiping. From the beach, we passed through Gurney Drive to access to the Ferry Terminal. A crazy strecht of road, where the traffic was at a horrible jam. Thanks mainly to people driving slowly to find a parking spot, or waiting for a car to reverse and leave.
Dinner was at Bukit Tambun. We reached there about 8pm, but still a lot of people still there. I suggest going to another restaurant (the last one along the strecht of road) in favour of the one we usually goes (the second last one), because this second last one was already very full. If we ate here, it will probably took us 2 hours. A good decision though, as the other restaurant served faster and the food is better than OK. What's for dinner - fish - ikan hantu, fried sotong, lala, vege, prawns.
That's a day of makan trip up north. And we reach Ipoh at 11pm. More than a 12-hours trip.
Who's who in the trip? - Big aunt, 2 aunt and family minus Wee Chong, 3 aunt and Emily, 4 aunt and family minus Ah Chu, 5 aunt and family plus Desmond's GF, And our family - everyone except Ce, Ed, & Ja.
And oh yes, what's the story of the toilet paper laksa. My sister-in-law said later in the car after eating, rumours had it the owner actually mixed toilet paper into the laksa soup. After it was boiled the toilet paper were torn and made to look like fish meat normally found in laksa. Believe it Or Not.
But my aunts and cousins already planned a one-day trip to Penang on Sunday. My eldest cousin said this would be a makan trip to Penang. And yes, what a day of makan.
First stop, Sg. Bakap. We left Ipoh about 9.45am and reach Sg. Bakap at about 11am. We exited at Jawi Interchange and continue slightly north to Sg. Bakap for breakfast. Breakfast is like a bit of dim sum, which a slightly different bak kut teh, fried noodle, and 'chai kueh' - which is supposedly their signature dish. The shop is in front of the main road, but tables are placed on the walkway and the frontal road. Food is OK, but we were accompanied by lots of flies.
Then off to Bukit Mertajam to visit a relative and then to Saint Anne's Church. After we took the bridge and reach the island for lunch. I do not the name of the area, but been here with my hunters gang. Lunch consists of fried kueh teow (with salted duck egg), apom, chee cheong fun (with har-kou - not for me), lor-bak, prawn mee, laksa for some and popiah. After a full lunch, its off to Air Itam for the fame tau-sar-piah. From there, a few steps down for the Air Itam Laksa. Written on the card board and pasted on the wall, is Air Itam Laksa - RM2.70 a bowl. Was told this is also known as Toilet Paper Laksa. It appear to unhygienic to ask why Toilet Paper then. Well, I think the laksa is over-rated. I have tasted much better one else where.
After that a debate was on, (well, how could we not have a debate within the Tan family). At the end, a trip to the Batu Ferringi beach won over whether we should leave the island then to make a stop at Taiping. From the beach, we passed through Gurney Drive to access to the Ferry Terminal. A crazy strecht of road, where the traffic was at a horrible jam. Thanks mainly to people driving slowly to find a parking spot, or waiting for a car to reverse and leave.
Dinner was at Bukit Tambun. We reached there about 8pm, but still a lot of people still there. I suggest going to another restaurant (the last one along the strecht of road) in favour of the one we usually goes (the second last one), because this second last one was already very full. If we ate here, it will probably took us 2 hours. A good decision though, as the other restaurant served faster and the food is better than OK. What's for dinner - fish - ikan hantu, fried sotong, lala, vege, prawns.
That's a day of makan trip up north. And we reach Ipoh at 11pm. More than a 12-hours trip.
Who's who in the trip? - Big aunt, 2 aunt and family minus Wee Chong, 3 aunt and Emily, 4 aunt and family minus Ah Chu, 5 aunt and family plus Desmond's GF, And our family - everyone except Ce, Ed, & Ja.
And oh yes, what's the story of the toilet paper laksa. My sister-in-law said later in the car after eating, rumours had it the owner actually mixed toilet paper into the laksa soup. After it was boiled the toilet paper were torn and made to look like fish meat normally found in laksa. Believe it Or Not.
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