Pontian: Joe Burger Station + Sri Delima BBQ & Steamboat + Pontian Seaside

Pontian, is a small town, located in southwest Johor. This district has 2 towns, which are Pontian Besar and Pontian Kechil (district capital, which means more happening place). After exploring, I realized that there are no malls or cinema here. So, it is time to explore something new during my free time!

Here's to share some of the food I've tried for dinner and my current favourite seaside.

#1 Joe Burger Station (halal)

This is a shop run by Malay family and it seems to be very famous! They have lots of tables by the road side and there are a lot of people dining in when we arrived. Apparently, a lot of food blogs recommend this place too! So we decided to try out. 

I was craving for Roti John for a while, so I decided to order that instead of burger. They serve noodles and western food here too! My other colleagues ordered chicken chop, burger and lekor. They are all really good! Or is it because I skipped lunch? =P

Roti John (RM6) -- The bread is slightly crispy! So good! I can imagine how good is their burger by having this. haha... I tried the lekor too and it is good too. A place worth trying if you are in Pontian.

#2 Sri Delima BBQ & Steamboat (halal)

To be honest, every night we have problem identifying what to eat for dinner. A colleague found a steamboat place which looks fairly decent and we decided to give it a try. It ended up just walking distance from our hotel and it is buffet style. RM22 per pax, with bottomless drink. Their choices are quite standard. One thing I like is they have satay! We can grill our own satay and there are two types of sauce - rempah (marinated with spices) or honey. Nonetheless, the satay is good! 

The environment is quite nice as they have indoor and outdoor setting. However, there are a lot of birds flying around and we were really worried while eating. Don't wish to have any additional "spices" in our food! XD Oh! Not to forget that they serve ice cream here too! That goes my diet mission in Johor. 

We have 2 types of soup - tom yam and clear soup. Save us from choosing which soup to order. 

#3 Pontian Seaside

It is located near terminal bus Pontian Kechil. Along this seaside, there are a lot of seafood restaurants, either Malay or Chinese. You can come for seafood hunt! To be honest, I haven't get to try any. So wait till I give a try then I'll share =)

Itinerary: Bali 4 days 4 nights trip

Hello!!! It has been a long long time since I last update this blog. Caught up with work and money constraint and  hence lesser time to travel. XD Finally, I have time to update on my Bali Trip last month -- a random, 4 days 4 nights trip in November 2016 with my hostel mates. 

As one of us has pretty tight schedule, we have only 4 full days to travel. Thus, we booked a night flight on friday night and reached Bali at midnight. Trying to spare more time to travel on Saturday. Flight ticket was bought pretty last minute and it costs me RM616 for return ticket. Could be cheaper if buy during zero fare. Air Asia has sales every week anyway. 

So let's start with my journey to Bali!

Day 1: KL-Bali (Check-in hotel and sleep!)

As I'm traveling alone from Kuala Lumpur, I've decided to park my car at Bandar Tasik Selatan station and catch the KLIA Express to KLIA2 (RM38.40 one way)

Our flight got delayed for 30 minutes... The friend who flew from Singapore had to wait for an hour in Bali airport to meet us. Poor thing... We booked a driver -- Mr Bagus and he waited to pick us up from airport to hotel. Was a little sad with the delay as he had to stay up to pick us up and the next day we have a full day tour. No extra charge! Very kind of him.

Our hotel for first 3 nights -- The Kana Kuta Hotel.

Pool view from breakfast place. I love the coffee served during breakfast. Best coffee I have tried in Bali. Too bad I didn't manage to get the brand.

Day 2: Tanjung Benoa (water sports) - Lunch (Babi Guling) - Pandawa Beach - Uluwatu Temple (for sunset) - Adi Spa - Dinner @ Jimbaran Bay

We had breakfast in hotel and then proceeded with our first stop of the day with water sports activities at Tanjung Benoa. To be honest, I think that this is the spot that I don't really enjoy throughout my Bali trip. Expensive and nothing special (maybe because there's no crystal clear water, which makes me feel disappointed). We spent a lot of time waiting for our turn under the hot sun, and our parasailing was forced to cancelled due to the weather. In the end, we spent about RM260 per person for Jetski, Banana Boat and Rolling Donut. 

Tanjung Benoa

We ended our water sports activities around 2pm and we were all starving. So, we asked the driver to bring us to try Babi Guling. As we were rushing time, he suggested a shop nearby instead of going to those famous Babi Guling restaurants. We ordered nasi babi guling special to try... Was really excited to try it since it is so famous. 

While waiting for our food to be served.....

Ta-daa! My plate of nasi babi guling special (~RM10). 

It comes with pork satay, minced pork, crispy skin, etc... I don't really like the skin. Only enjoyed the satay and meat. It was served with chilies and hence quite spicy. Overall, I don't really fancy but it is a good experience trying out. Just wondering if the famous stall's would taste better or not. Ahh....

Then, we went to Pandawa Beach for a walk. Pandawa Beach is more of my kind of beach, with greenish blue sea and white sands. It was once known as secret beach due to its location, which lies behind the two cliffs with poor access. There are a lot of tourists visiting Pandawa Beach now... You may need to pick low season for a more peaceful beach. =)

I enjoyed walking on the white, soft sands. ^_^

Overview of Pandawa Beach from the cliff area (near the Pandawa statues)

After that we were supposed to go to Water Blow at Nusa Dua but our driver suggested us to skip that and go to Uluwatu Temple right away in case we missed out the sunset. Hence, to choose between Water Blow and Uluwatu Temple, of course we choose the latter.

Uluwatu Temple, also known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu in Balinese, is a Balinese sea temple. It is one of the six key temples believed to be Bali's spiritual pillars. It is known for its magnificent location, perched on top of a steep cliff approximately 70 metres above sea level. Uluwatu Temple is one of the top places on the island for sunset delights, with direct views overlooking the beautiful Indian Ocean, and you can watch Kecak dance performances over here too!

With such amazing view, I can't stop myself from "WOW" "WOW "WOW" while walking along the cliff walkway. The entrance fee for uluwatu temple is IDR40,000 but it is really worthy! Spamming photos taken at Uluwatu Temple as the place is too beautiful!

Look at this view! Heartmelts...

Aww... I can stay here all the long just to listen to the sound of the sea slamming on the cliff. 

Group Photo while waiting for sunset. 

Bare in mind... You have to be very be careful with your belongings here. Monkeys will just come attack anytime, anywhere. Our driver kept reminding us and we managed to escape in one piece =)

Not a perfect sunset but it is worth waiting after all. 

Heart this place very much

After that, the driver brought us to a spa place - Adi Spa. The price is really expensive and we bargained so hard to get IDR300,000 per person for an hour of Balinese massage. It is actually very over-priced but we were like stucked there with the driver (who looks pretty keen for us to try) and the workers. We looked at other spa's places for pricing and realized that we paid almost twice more than the actual price. =.= conned... 

The environment is quite peaceful actually.

After an hour of spa, we finally can go for dinner @ Jimbaran Bay. I was actually quite sad that we couldn't make it for sunset at Rock Bar. Choosing between Rock Bar and Uluwatu Temple, I decided to go for Uluwatu Temple, which is the must-see. Typical tourist thought. =)

The driver brought us to a seafood place to dine at the beach @ Jimbaran Bay. We were quite exhausted after one whole day of tour, both mentally and economically. Hence, we just ordered some simple dishes like fried rice and grilled chicken to fill up our tummy. Food here isn't cheap either. Maybe of the location I guess. However, I do enjoy the environment here. The sound of the ocean is so soothing.

The restaurant that we dined in.

The open air seating. Too bad it was drizzling when we arrived. So we got our indoor seats instead of this romantic one. XD

Day 3: Barong & Keris Dance - Batik Shop - Kintamani (where we had lunch) - Coffee Plantation (Luwak Coffee) - Tirta Empul Temple - Tegalalang Rice Terrace - Naughty's Nuri (Dinner)

Early morning of our day 3, we heaeed out around 9am (was supposed to be 8.30am =P) to watch Barong & Keris Dance. It is a traditional dance, and they have written storyline in different languages available for your reference while watching. It really helps! Easier for me to understand the content of the show.. I wouldn't disclose any of the show content... You are suppose to come here to explore if you're planning one. haha... Entrance fee is IDR100,000 per pax.

 

Our group photo with the Barong. 

Then, the driver drove us to a batik shop, with some people processing batik at a side. We did not spend much time there as batik stuff are expensive and we are running out of money. Not our main interest of the trip anyway. =D

Colouring of the cloth

After that, we proceed to Kintamani for lunch at Pulu Mujung Warung. Usually, drivers or tour will opt for buffet at Kintamani.. We are trying to find something more special and hence we ended up here. I kinda like this place as they serve organic Indonesian dishes, which is nice. However, my other 2 friends who prefer heavy taste find them very tasteless. Haha... But, there's one thing that all of us like - the Mount Batur view with breezy cold wind.

 

Lunch with such a view - best in life!

Perak: Manjung Trip - Where I Stay, What to See & What to Eat

Manjung, is a district in the southwestern part of the state of Perak, Malaysia. Bandar Seri Manjung is the district's principal urban center while there are smaller towns around it which includes Sitiawan, Lumut, Pantai Remis etc. As I have to attend a 3-days workshop in Hospital Seri Manjung, I have the chance to visit Manjung district, which is also famous with Pangkor Island. 

WHERE I STAY:

I booked Hotel Sfera to stay as it seems to be more decent from photos in Agoda.com. It isn't cheap though, it costs be around RM336 for 2 nights stay. This hotel is actually a shoplot hotel where you will see a lot of shops around. However, the interior of this gym is very nice and it has a link bridge to connect to opposite shoplots.

The lobby

I've got myself a twin room. Requested for a queen bed but I checked in late on the first day, hence I got these single beds for myself. A little disappointed. 

They have very beautiful swimming pool but it closed at 7pm. I don't have the chance to enjoy it. Great place to chill!

WHAT TO SEE:

1. Teluk Batik - a beach located in Lumut town. It is about 10 minutes drive from Bandar Seri Manjung. I would say that it is a great place to chill, especially over the weekend, when you need a short escape from stress. I went there for sunset but the beach was rather quiet on weekday. After walking around, I've decided to leave the beach before the sun sets due to safety issue as I was alone.

It was really relaxing to be here. Enjoying the sound of waves and sea breeze.

Selfie at the beach. I have people staring at me as I am the only awkward girl walking along the beach and keep taking photos. XD

There's a huge square with unique traditional designs.

Last selfie before leaving Teluk Batik

2) Tua Pek Gong Temple, Sitiawan (品仙祠大伯公和观音堂)
This is like a must-visit place if you were to visit Manjung/Sitiawan. It is located at Kampung Pasir Panjang, facing the sea. Using waze, you can get to this temple easily. However, the turnings that you need to go through when approaching the temple is a little funny. Trust your GPS, then you will reach the temple!

Huge tua pek gong statue! Wow!

Thailand 8D7N Trip: Day 4 Nopparat Thara Beach, Asiatique

Day 4: Nopparat Thara Beach, Flight Krabi --> Bangkok, Asiatique

Our flight to Bangkok is in the afternoon and taxi driver suggested us to leave the hotel at 1pm. Hence, we have some time in the morning to explore Krabi for the last chance. Found that there is a slightly more peaceful beach than Ao Nang beach , which is just beside Ao Nang Beach. So, we took a Tuk Tuk in front of ibis style hotel to the beach --> Nopparat Thara Beach. The journey costs us THB90 for return Tuk Tuk trip.

Noppharat Thara is a long beach (~5km), adjacent to Ao Nang and split into two halves by a river. The side closest to Ao Nang is the most developed as it is bordered by the main coastal road; access to the other side is by boat, or by a dirt track from the road to Klong Muang. (click here for more information)

This beach is so quiet and tourist-less. I enjoyed my visit here. Such a peaceful morning walk. 

I miss Krabi a lot. The emerald / blue sea and the soft whitish sand. 

With the long tail boats

Before we leave, we took a photo in front of the hotel. Thanks for such an amazing stay.

The taxi driver came to the hotel early while we were playing pool. He is really nice and waited for us to finish the game. I'm so grateful to meet such kind soul in a new place. Travel always make me believe that there are a lot of kind souls on earth. =)

Reached airport after an hour. We had lunch at the airport lounge.

Yes.... I ordered pineapple fried rice (THB 150) again! =D

It is not as good but reasonable taste. 

Waiting area at Krabi airport. 

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Can't wait to explore Bangkok!

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Can't wait to meet my another 2 friends!

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Upon arrival at Bangkok airport, we went to the taxi area to get a taxi to the hotel. Their taxi system is very systematic and fast. We waited for 80 numbers in less than an hour of waiting. It was fast. But we were forced to squeeze into a taxi with huge bags. Suffocating inside with the bad traffic jam of Bangkok city. Wow. Traffic is worse than KL. 

We reached Pratunam area after about an hour. Then, we immediately checked in to KC place and went out for dinner at Asiatique. 

Asiatique The Riverfront is a large open-air mall, situated in the former docks of the East Asiatic Company, and faces the Chao Phraya River and Charoen Krung Road. Asiatique opening hours is 5pm-12am daily, with 1500 shops and stalls and 40 restaurants. Asiatique opened on 27th April 2012.

We had Thai Food for dinner in a restaurant that we simply chose. Too many choices and we were confused. XD The dinner was quite ok. I didn't really enjoyed as I noticed that my handphone went missing. It is either in the hotel, in the cab or being dropped somewhere. So, I wasn't paying full attention during my visit at Asiatique. However, I do enjoy my ferris wheel ride.

The landmark of Asiatique --> Asiatique Sky operated by Mekhong.

Thailand 8D7N Trip: Day 3 Phi Phi Island Tour, Sunset at Ao Nang Beach, Indian Food as Dinner

Day 3: Phi Phi Island Tour, Sunset at Ao Nang Beach and Indian Food @ Taj Palace for Dinner 

Island hopping is a must in Krabi! I haven't been to beach for months. Seriously, I miss my vitamin SEA. Initially, we were contemplating which island tour to choose from. Phi Phi Islands? 4 Islands? Phi Phi Islands can be access via Phuket too. So should I keep it for next trip?? But Maya Bay is too attractive and hence we chose Phi Phi Islands tour in the end. I feel a little sorry for a friend as she has been to Phi Phi. But she said she don't mind going there again. That assures me that it would be a great island hopping experience!

I booked the tour at airport with THB1000 per person, which include hotel pick up and buffet lunch. I think it is worthy as the lunch is good and they brought us to 7 islands (though we are not allowed to go down for all islands). 

Tuk Tuk picked us up at 8.30am. Favourite photo -- look! the sun shines on my face!

We are ready to get tanned and to enjoy the sea!

While waiting for the tour guide to brief us... Tourist photo first!

After 5 minutes briefing, we are good to go! Our tour consists of about 18 people, from different countries. The tour guide speaks good English (no problem in understanding). Was so excited to see these boats! We are really going to Phi Phi Islands! NOW!

Short walk to the boat (No.2!)

We need to take off our thongs prior getting on the boat. This is good! Make sure my thongs are safe throughout the trip. XD Spot my man-ish thongs!

We sat 2 by 2 opposite of each other so that we could chit chat in the boat. Smart, isn't it? =P

A little sharing on what I found about Phi Phi Islands. Phi Phi Islands are located between the large island of Phuket and the west Strait of Malacca coast of the mainland. The islands are administratively part of Krabi province. Technically, Phi Phi is 2 islands of Ko Phi Phi Don, where long beach is located, and Ko Phi Phi Leh, which is smaller and only accessible by tour or chartered fishing boat. To enter the national park, we are required to pay another THB400 per pax for entrance fee. Don't be too surprise with entrance fee as a lot of national park will require us to pay, for instance our Kota Kinabalu marine national park too!

The boat ride took about 45 minutes to reach the first stop. Bamboo Island.

The sand is soft! The water is so clear. O-M-G! I love bamboo island the most!

Look at the emerald green sea. So fascinating.

Sunbathing.

To be honest, the boat was really hot when I sat down and took this photo. Almost burn my butt! XD