Keef's Top Ten tips to visiting Langkawi

1. Only hire a car when you arrive at the airport/ferry as they offer cheaper rates there and it can be bargained. MAKE SURE that the car is in good condition and the air-cond is not blowing out hot air. Else, you'll be in a car oven and when it rains, you can barely see the road ahead.

2. Do not pump full tank petrol as you will not be able to use all for a 3 days/2nights trip.
3. Visit(or trespass into) Four Season's, take a rest(or a nap) and enjoy the serenity of the place.

4. Do lots of jumping shots at the beach and 'kicking water' too.

5. Visit the pasar malam on Saturday night in Kuah town for snacks after a sumptuous dinner at the corner chinese restaurant.

6. Trek up to Seven Wells (preferably in the morning), bring change of clothes and just jump into the crystal clear water on top of the waterfall. There is no better place to enjoy a natural water spa and enjoy the view.

7. Pay RM15 for a cable car ride to the top of Mt Chincang and enjoy the cool air. Walk down to the hanging bridge but DO NOT attempt jumping shots there. It's risky...

8. A visit to Langkawi is not complete without a visit to Dataan Lang. It's extremely hot in the afternoon so opt to go in the evening. Night time is a disappointment as the place is really dark without enough lights. It could have been a beautiful night spot if there are enough lights to lit u the Big Eagle.

9. Buy lots of liquour/chocs/snacks and have a drinking session in your hotel room or go down to beach and have a fun time there....(though it will be very dark).

10. Last but not least, remember to bring lots of sunblock, drink plenty of water and have a crazy time with your pals.

PS : This is my 5th visit to Langkawi. It is almost a must visit place for me annually.

Food Review:Sun Ming

This is my favourite local Chinese shop on a lazy Saturday afternoon. Although usually jam packed with people, a visit to this shop never fails to make me happy and I went home with a full stomach (and extra pounds). Although, famous for the roated duck, my personal favourite here is the char siew and siew cheong. It is by far, the best that I have tasted. The meat is not dry and it is well marinated. The siew cheong......one bite will leave you craving for more. We normally have siew yuk too and the skin is crispy yet, the meat is tender. Have them with a bowl of steaming rice, it's simple pleasure at it's best.

Total damage : A platter of char siew, siew cheong, siew yuk + 2 rice = RM17

opppssss...forgot to mention that it's in Tmn Connaught...same row as Domino's

Sucksss

Period sucks or rather PMS sucks. I always thought I am in control of it but last week, emotion was a roller coaster ride.
Woke up one morning with high spirit. Went for a jog and feels great. Went to work later on with such a bad mood and this continued to the next morning. And then many mornings I woke up with nightmares and abandoned my jogs most of the days because I could not find the motivation. And I feel worse everytime I am in the office (or maybe it's because work sukcs too????). Tried to make myself feel better by tuning up the volume of my headsaet and just feels like drowning myself in music.
And yesterday, I was so lethargic towards the end of the day I can barely think straight. And the blarddyyy headache on the first or second day of that time of the month. Hmmmppppphhh.....
On another note, Episode 3 into Supernatural Season 5 and hell it's boring...Should I just abandon it? But I guess I would continue to watch just because of Dean...Yummy..

Food Review: California Pizza Kitchen

Pop quiz: What do you mainly order when you go to California Pizza Kitchen? A: Pizzas of course...Duh....(i know it's lame)
Anyway, it's my first time to California Pizza Kitchen (CPK). We only ordered a pizza and a pasta so we will still have space for dessert later.

We had

1) Portobello Mushroom Ravioli

Rosemary ravioli filled with Portobello mushrooms, herbs and cheese. Topped with imported Italian tomatoes, fresh basil and garlic or garlic-Parmesan cream sauce.

2) and I actually forgot the name of the pizza. (I think it's Hawaiian BBQ Chicken)

Personally, I really like the pasta dish. it's something different and and you can feel the cheese oozing out when you take a bite. The pizza is quite normal but I do like the amount of cheese on it.

Hot sauce instead of Tabasco sauce

Total damage: Forgotten....:(

Have I been a good daughter?

The other day, I went to the optometrist again. This time round, I managed to persuade my dad to get a new specs as his current is not good enough anymore for reading. My dad is very thrifty on things like these. As long as still can use, why get new ones? I often see him sitting near the light or outside when the sun light is bright enough just to read the papers.

Towards the end of the eye check, I felt a bit emo. The optometrist said my dad's eyes are weak, even the best glasses for him would not be good enough. As cruel as it might sound, it's a fact.

He doesn't have cataracts but due to old age, he would soon have difficulty in reading. This can be corrected by surgery but do I still want to put my dad through it? I felt selfish at that point. I spent a large amount of money on Lasik and yet, I never really cared enough for both my parents.

At that point, I ponder, have I wasted my money? Why didn't I give more thoughts on their well-being?

I do feel the stress. I'm scared that I can't take care of them well enough. All I cared most of the time was my next holiday. And all I whined about is my job. My parents are doing the same thing of half of their life and yet they never complaint. I feel very guilty and emotional. Sigh...

 

It's not easy to say sorry and it's not any easier to express how much you love your parents. Sometimes, words are not enough. I don't know how to continue this post anymore...just hope both my parents will have

a happy and healthy road ahead....

Lasik....

19.09.2009 was no special day for ROM...Hehe...Wrong guesses my friends...

It was the day I plucked up enough courage to FINALLY go for LASIK. As much as I tried to denied that I did it out of vanity, that's my main reason (no la...it's for convenience-still in denial)

I started wearing glasses, when I was about 10 or 11. It is confirmed that I have short-sightedness when at that time, I couldn't see the numbers on the buses clearly, even when it's less than 3 metres away. My mum forced me to go to the optometrist and ever since then, spectacles has been part of my life.

At times I really loath wearing them. I envy people who has perfect vision. I hated it everytime I have to spend on glasses.

Almost 20 years of living with glasses, it feels so good to wake up without seeing everything in a blur state. It's also much more convenient as I always go for runs and hiking. And I can finally learn to swim...One reason that discouraged me to learn swimming is because I can't see clearly without glasses. Though it's no small amount of money spent, but I tried to console myself with all the pros.

The procedure itself is really painless. Just a bit if irrtation and a bit of tugging and pulling at the flap of my eyes and that's it. What tortured me was the waiting time and the pre-treatment hour. I was very nervous by the time I go in to the laser room and the nurses were kind enough to hold my hands to clam me. So much for pretending to be cool and calm -_-".

And thanks to dear who accompany me through it all.

Now, day 3 post treatment, I can see almost 90%. Just that my eyes will get tired easily and a bit blur at times. It's worth the money spent. But this also means that I have to be on a strict, i repeat STRICT budget for the next couple of months...*sighs*...

19.09.09

Another highlight of the year...
Hope everything goes well...
:P

That's my wallpaper for the moment...Lame?? Haha...

:X

It's hard trying to be someone. It's harder trying to be someone perfect. And it's so much harder trying to deny that you are trying to be someone perfect that you are not and wanting to please other people in the progress.
I was feeling very emo on Friday. Not only Friday, I guess lately I've been throwing tantrums and getting angry easily. Blame it on PMS. Blame it on work stress. Blame it on someone else although he did nothing wrong.
At times, I swore to control my emotion. But it's really easier said than done. I might be good a few days then it will all start again. Why am I like that? In the process, I tend to say hurtful things and be rude to people I am close with.
Well, enough said. I'm going to stop blaberring. What done is done. So, I'm going to slap myself each time I feel like I am going down the same path again. Just so sick of trying to please everyone. hmmmpppphhhh...:X

Two months ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Jakarta for work. At first, I was excited. Who's not when you get to stay at a 5-start hotel for free, eat for free and on top of that, you have travel allowances. But WTH, after 2 weeks there, my heart is yearning to come home. Not sure if it's a sign of getting mature (rather than OLD) and craving to have a stable (and BORING) life. Haha...

kinda miss my room

It was quite an experience I had there. Aside from the friendly people (well at least in the office), I'm actually quite surprised when I visited some malls there. Everywhere I turned, there are pleant of pretty and hot chicks. I'm impressed at the way they dress up and their styles. Hmmm...Maybe those malls I went were quite high class (similar to Pavillion).

Everyday, I took a taxi to and from office. Some taxi drivers are nice. Most think that they are 'King of the Road'. It's a mandatory to be able to weave in and out during heavy traffic. Talking about traffic, it's REALLY bad here during peak hours. But then again, I guess it's the same in all big cities.I had a short day trip around the city and visited the main tourist attractions.

Among them:

Muzium Gajah (their national museum)

small little symbolic elephant in front of the musuem

China Town (which is similar like our old Petaling Street- not the current state where it's dominated by foreigners)

Shops selling snacks of all kind in China Town

buah lontar, tastes like cocnut and very refreshing

Sunda Kelapa port (which I witnessed great balancing act of workers carrying heavy sacks across a tiny wooden planks between the ship and ground)

one slip and you'll be in the water

Taman Fatahillah (which served as anadministrative center of Batavia (Jakarta) in the 18th century).

a stone marker on one of the oldest building in town

a make shift tailor near the square

prison cell, gave me an eerie feel

It's a historical journey around Jakarta. I went to this Taman Mini also which is kind of like our Taman Mini in Melaka but this is way bigger and more well maintained. It features all the traditional houses in Indonesia as well as replicas of historical monuments. It was a huge park and I think I managed to burn some fats walking around it.

The hotel I stayed is a 5-star hotel and the service and facilities there are great. Staff will smile and greet you wherever you are, press the lift for you, send you fruits, etc etc. I sent 4 blouses and 2 pants to the laundry and it came back clean, fresh and well-ironed (and with a bill of RM 100+). Well, maybe I haven't stayed in many luxurious hotels so I am very impressed with the services.hotel lobby

view from my room, this was during the presidential campaign

ps: I'm still not used to being called 'bu' after two weeks there. Still makes me feel olddd...

pps: I'm disappointed I didn't get to visit the safari as it was a bit far from Jakarta. A trip to Jakara next year, anyone?

It's been quite a while

It was quite some time ago since I went trekking/ hiking. Can't even remember the last time I went to Bukit Gasing.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to hike up Broga Hill. It's located in Semenyih and getting there is quite easy but I could not remember the way...Haha.

Anyway, the trek up was pretty easy. Gradually ascending with little challenges and we made it to the top in total darkness. I was all ready to witness sunrise and capture all the beauty from top of the hill but my camera's battery decided to give up on me. Ok ok...my fault for not charging it...&)$&%)W*&#)#$. Luckily we had a pro photographer with us...Haha.

Trekking down can be slippery and now I notice some of the route we took on our way up is quite dangerous. One wrong step and you'll find yourself in a deep ravine. Overall, it was a fun hike up and will definitely go there again...

(the view is spectacular between the first and second view point and a good place for wedding photos, only IF there is an easy way up there)

Food Reviews:TGI Friday's

Who says you can't eat TGI Friday's on other days? :P
There is a promotion going on : choose an appetizer and entree for RM 29.90 and add RM 6 for 2 choices of dessert minis so we decided to give it a try.

http://www.fridays.com.my/

We ordered:

Fried Mac & Cheese - golden-fried balls, crunchy on the outside, cheesy and satisfying on the inside with elbow noodles and lots of cheeeseeeee....It melts in your mouth. Absolutely love it.
Tossed Tomato-Basil Chicken - chargrilled chicken breast with linguine pasta tossed in a fresh tomato-basil salsa, tasted ok, not too heavy and flavourful, perfect for those who like something light. Sizzling Chicken and Cheese - sizzling garlic-marinated chicken breast over melted Colby and Jack cheeses and served with cheddar cheese mashed potatoes. Not my favourite as the chicken meat is not flavourful, not marinated well enough and the meta is too tough. The sizzling cheese are so little that we barely can taste anything out of it. Snickers Treat - sweet chocolate custard covered with chunks of chewy Snickers bar.

Tropical Delight - coconut custard sprinkled with toasted coconut flasks and pieces of fresh sweet pineapple.Total damage : RM69.95

New addiction

I think I am addicted now...
Still learning to catch the clues and decipher them...
Guess I need to pay MORE 'learning fees'...
Treasure hunting anyone?

Food Review:Soon Huat BKT

For Bak Kut Teh (BKT) lovers, try out this newly opened shop in Bandar Puteri Puchong. It is a franchise of Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh, well-known in JB.This is actually the first time I tried a clear soup BKT. Normally, BKT from Klang or other famous restaurant in town is full of herb taste. For Soon Huat, they make it not so strong, so it is perfect for those who can't stand the strong smell (like my mum).

The BKT comes in clay pot which is the only way I like it. Flavourful, despite the clear soup. The claypor ginger chicken and the stewed 'chu sau' is recommended as well. The gravy goes very well with a bowl of hot steam rice. I like the 'tau foo pok', stewed with some BKT soup and special sauce.

Personally, I still prefer the strong herbal smell and taste of BKT. But do give Soon Huat a try if you like/want to try this clear-based soup.

Location:

No 3, Jalan Puteri 2/5,

Bandar Puteri Puchong

Too adorable...

ello...

L-o-n-g-e-r weekends

I wish to have looooongerrrrr weekends -_-

I guess everyone wish for the same. Seriously, I barely have time to rest.

End of my shift Friday night, I reached home about 1 am. Barely seven hours later, I dragged my lazy ass up for a jog (I needed the stamina for the night run). I did some house chores (yes, I do house chores), washed some clothes (and yes, I do wash clothes) and then it's time to go makan makan and jalan jalan and watch movie with someone special. Rushed home near evening to have an hour or two of sleep and then off to Shape Night Run in Putrajaya. My first night run...

It was pretty crowded, pretty stuffy and pretty humid but I think I did pretty good. :P

And the night view from the bridge is beautiful.

Pic 1: Thorn among the roses

It's hard to sleep after the run although I am so tired, physically. So ended up sleeping at 1am again.

So the next morning, woke up early again (is 8 am early?). Washed some clothes (yes, even on Sundays), cleaned my room and then it's time to go out for some therapy - retail therapy. And so, I unleashed the shopaholic within, bought a pair of fairly expensive shoes from URS (and I don't even dare to tell someone special on the price, let alone the two blouses I bought, shhhh).

Pic 2: Pretty?

It's hard to control the temptations. With sales, sales and sales everywhere. Furthermore, I really needed a new pair of flats as the previous pair was beyond repair (and I threw it away in Jakarta). And I really needed working clothes. It's important to invest in your career. Agree? *blink*blink*

Pic 3: My accomplice

I promise myself not to buy anymore shoes/ clothes until...well..until HK trip end of the year...:P

And the beautiful Sunday ended with a dinner with a special group of people (no pun intended).

Pic 4,5,6:look at those happy smiling faces....

So, yeah, I really hope to have a longer weekend.

古巨基 - 友共情

love this song...
and it even has a 'fly kite' scene in it...WTH...
dedicated to all you out there...you know who you are..*wink*wink*

relaxing

There's is nothing more rewarding than having a warm bubble bath after a long work day. Add some bath salt, lots of bubbles, sit back and relax. Followed by some comfort food - chocolate cake (called Opera Slice) and a really delicious Orange Cheese slice while watching Discovery Travel and Living...

This is a pleasure...

If only I have someone to share the moment with...

much ado about jakarta

Well, I am still not used to being called 'bu'...i know it is coutesy(a way to greet a lady) but it makes me feel so errmmm....old??
Anyway, I had a little historical journey through Jakarta today and learnt a lot...will blog about this soon.
I indulged a lot of good food these few days. Breakfast buffet in this hotel is excellent. They even serve sushi. I have 100,000 RP voucher each day for food. So dinner is practically free. I just have to fork out a little amount to enjoy a sumptuos meal. And I had a delicious traditional nasi padang meal for lunch today (full of curry and santan).
I don't want to gain weight before I go back so I FINALLY went to the gym earlier. The gym here is equivalent to any gym centers back home. And the swimming pool is really nice. Gosh, I can get used to this kind of living.
One thing I dislike is the traffic here. You need a LOT of courage to drive on the road. But still it can't beat the traffic in India. Earlier this evening, they were having a march/ campaign near the hotel (at the National Stadium) for this coming Wednesday's election. 'People mountain, people sea' to literally put it. Even little kids joined. The traffic was a chaos. People were holding flags and banners. But this is just a peaceful march. It's an experience as I was stucked in the van in the middle of all these.
I detoured to Senayan City and Plaza Senayan yesterday before heading back to the hotel. These two are one of the most luxurious shopping malls here (and they have a LOT of shopping malls). Senayan City is another version of Pavillion. Posh, luxury, branded goods. One thing I must ackowledge - the people here are actually quite good looking. Pretty girls everywhere and they sure know how to dress up.
More updates and pictures soon. Want to watch TV now. Good night Malaysia.