Malaysia

  • Kuala Lumpur,  TRAVEL/HOLIDAYS

    Amazing Fun Theme Parks in Kuala Lumpur

    Hello, travel-lovers and avid readers! How are y’all doing? Hope you’re having a blast each second of every day as I am. We are not getting any younger, so, why waste our time worrying about little things, right? Today’s entry is going to be about that – about having fun while we still have the energy in our bones to have it! We’re going to dive into some of the best theme parks you can find in Kuala Lumpur.

    Imagine this, let’s say you are travelling from Penang to Kuala Lumpur and you began to wonder, “Where’s the fun in this bustling city?” Well, that is a question I might be able to help you out with.

    Behold! 3 Fun Theme Parks in Kuala Lumpur!

    I-CITY SHAH ALAM 

    i-City Shah Alam is as much fun when it is daytime as it is night time. I hope that’s not confusing. Okay, bear with me, we’re about to go technical for a bit. i-City Shah Alam spreads about 72 acres of land and established in 2009. Apart from coming out as a major business centre comprises of various industries including biotechnology and software development, this place is mostly known to its theme park nature that never ceased to bring joy and fun to both kids and adults. i-City Shah Alam looks even prettier at night because of its colourful lightings that are both artistic and mesmerizing. At the theme park itself, you’ll be able to find various attractions such as the Outdoor Park Rides, Snowalk, Fun World Rides, Red Carpet, House of Horror, Trick Art Museum and WaterWorld. Each attraction will range from RM5 to RM100 per pax and it varied according to the attractions of course.

    SUNWAY LAGOON THEME PARK

    Sunway Lagoon is one of the pioneers of theme parks in Kuala Lumpur. I can still remember when it was first just a water theme park. It’s amazing how a simple water theme park now evolves into something this big and I’m pretty sure it’s not going to end there. Again, switching to the technical aspects for a bit. Sunway Lagoon covers over 88 acres with 90 attractions open for visitors. Its main attractions including the Water Park, Amusement Park, Wildlife Park, Extreme Park, Scream Park and Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon. Admission rates for an adult of 13 years old and above are RM169.80, children of 12 years old and below is RM141.50, while a senior citizen of 60 years old and above is RM141.50. IFor international traveller, an adult of 13 years old and above is RM254.70, children of 12 years old and below is RM212.30, while a senior citizen of 60 years old and above is also RM212.30. Just by looking at everything from afar is going to blow your mind, let alone actually experiencing each and every one of those rides. I’m sure you’ll leave the theme park feeling blessed.

    DISTRICT 21 KUALA LUMPUR

    Do you like to get your gear on and live on the edge? Do you like to feel the adrenaline pumping in your chest and blood rushing through your veins? District 21 is an adventure theme park situated inside a shopping mall that will give you the rush you crave for. Inside IOI City Mall, Putrajaya on the top floor where you will find the post-apocalyptic style entrance to District 21. There are 11 attractions inside with different level of difficulties. Not all children can play the attractions provided. The attractions consist of suspended ropes, chains and platforms. If you have a high level of fear of heights, this might be a challenge for you. The entrance fees are RM58 on weekdays and RM76 on weekends. Visitors who are wheelchair-bound and children below 90 cm in height are not applicable to pay any admission fees.

    So, what do you think? Are you up for it? If you really fly from Penang to Kuala Lumpur, let me give you a little hint on the best deals you can get. Traveloka. They got some pretty good deals too. If you have experience buying with them, share me your stories. If you’ve gone to the listed theme parks, share me your stories too!

    Until then, see you in my next entry.

  • Cameron Highland,  Malaysia,  Pahang,  TRAVEL/HOLIDAYS

    The guide to café-hopping in Cameron Highlands

    One thing that one can never miss while scrolling through their Instagram is a whole string of photos of food, cozy environment and beautiful cafés that people are visiting. As far as I can remember, cafes weren’t really popular, until maybe two or three years ago and has become such a huge culture here in Malaysia.

    With so many cafés sprouting like mushrooms after a heavy downpour, café hopping has become a normal weekend activity that Malaysians really love. In Cameron Highlands, there are some cafés worthy to be hopped up in the mountains. Check these out:

    Lord’s Café

    lordscafe

    lordscafefood

    This quaint little café located along Jalan Besar in Tanah Rata is the perfect place for your afternoon tea with the most delicious and sumptuous scones around. Fresh out of the oven, you can either pick their signature Strawberry scones or the normal, butter one. If you are a cake person, they do not disappoint in their variety of cakes, pastries and pancakes. Serving also local English and other varieties of teas, Lord’s Café is the best place for your evening siesta.

    Address: No 4, 1st Floor, Jalan Besar, Tanah Rata.

     

    The Barracks Café

    barrackscafe

    barrackfood

    barrackgarden

    Located in Tanah Rata at the edge of the town, Barracks Café is actually a real military barrack that was built during the World War II by the British. Their menu has an extensive mouthwatering dishes which includes pasta, salad, rice dishes as well as a wide selection of cakes and pastries. You can also enjoy your afternoon tea in their beautiful garden, just like how it was done years ago.

    Address: No 1, Jalan Gereja, Tanah Rata.

     

    Fruit Delights Café

    fruitdelightscafe

    fruitdelightsfood


    If you are into fruits, then this café is dedicated specially for you. Just like what its name indicates, Fruit Delights Café offers fresh fruit juice of every kind, and varieties of teas. They have put together an impressive selection of fruit desserts like strawberry ice- cream, raspberry cheese cake, durian cake, mango milkshake, and many more. They also offer local food like pineapple rice, pineapple curry rice, steamboat and fresh fruits. This place is a total delight!

    Address: 27 Jalan Besar, Tanah Rata.

     

    Teh Tarik Place

    tehtarik

    This café is located at Cameron Square in Brinchang. They serve Malaysia’s renowned street food like Teh Tarik, crispy hand-tossed Roti Canai, Nasi Kerabu, Nasi Lemak and Mee Goreng Mamak. If you can’t live without Teh Tarik for a day, this place is a must visit.

    Address: Ground Floor, Cameron Square, Brinchang.

     

    Tea’Ria Cafe @ Boh Tea Center

    bohtea

    A definite must on the list of cafe-hopping in Cameron Highlands is a visit to Sungei Palas Boh Tea Cafe, also known as Tea’Ria. Tea’Ria offers their own varieties of teas that exude refinement by infusing exotic spice and fruit flavours with tea’s own aroma. You can enjoy your blissful cup of tea while enjoying the fresh air overlooking the tea plantation.

    Address: Sg Palas Boh Tea Center, Brinchang.

    Now that I have covered some of the best place for café-hopping in Cameron Highlands, here are also some great hotels where you can unwind and relax after your blissful-strawberry filled evening.

    Copthorne Cameron Highlands – Staying here, you are waking up to cool mountain air and lush greenery. A 4-star hotel, Copthorne Cameron Highlands offer a choice of 341 full-service guest rooms and apartments, all furnished with modern amenities.

    Cameron Highland ResortCameron Highlands Resort is built as a long extension from an existing 1930s cottage with architecture dating from the 1070s. The thing that draws people to this hotel lies in the interiors that dates back to its grand colonial heritage with tall French doors, timber-beamed ceilings and plantation shutters.

    For the best deals in town when it comes to hotels, get it straight through Traveloka.

  • Temerloh

    BACA – The Reading Room & Cafe, Temerloh, Pahang.

    The first time I went to Temerloh was 4 years ago and recently I had the chance to be there again to conduct an art workshop at BACA’s Meet the Author Series 2016 at BACA – The Reading Room & Cafe, Temerloh, Pahang.

    Baca-Bookshop

    BACA – The Reading Room & Cafe, 81, 1st Floor, Jalan Dagang 1, Dynaton Bukit Angin, Temerloh.
    Photo credit: BACA.

    BACA is situated in a new commercial area in Temerloh; Dynaton Bukit Angin. With alluring strategic location within Temerloh town and the main road, BACA’s location allows for local booklovers community (or passing-by travellers) to just come and seek a great perhaps (this is the motto of BACA).

    According to BACA’s owner, Surina Suhaimi, its core objective is to promote reading in the local community. BACA’s range of books include literatures (new and vintage), fictions, non-fictions, autobiographies, children’s books (be it chapter or picture), indies (those from Fixi, Dubook, Selut, to name a few), comics (Marvel, Ujang, Tiga Dara Pingitan, etc), Chinese books (I saw those from Jimmy Liao!), travel books and many more!

    chinesebooks

    bacabooks

    autobiography

    Surina even put on sale some of her own books that she collected from her travels. I found a book that caught my eyes, Blumenmärchen by Ernst Kreidolf, published in 1982. The book was printed in Japan and Surina told me that she picked the book up during her travel to Japan. It is now in my possession, for free! Thank you, Surina. I really appreciated it.

    BACA has been in business since November last year and in its effort to promote local authors, as well as reading, it is now having a BACA’s Meet the Author Series 2016. In its 1st series, BACA introduces me (I am truly honoured) and next in row will be Gina Yap Lai Yoong (the date is yet to be announced). The series will be conducted once a month.

    Apart from books, BACA offers light food and drinks (will update the list soon). You can read and have coffee at the reading area. So, if you chooses to drop by, you can stay the whole day without the worry of stopping for a lunch break. List of drinks include Espresso, Mocha, Cafe Latte, Cappucino, Chai Latte, Hot chocolate, Decaf of no 1-5, Kopi O (1 cafetiere) – Aik Cheong blend and many more. While list of food includes Thick Toast set of 2 with kaya and margarine, Thick toast set of 2 with butter and imported jams, Assortment of cakes (sliced), Tour les jours soft cookies, Creamy egg sandwich, Famous Amos cookies, Peanut cookies and Haw flakes. Their weekend brunch set will be introduced soon.

    With a multitude of offerings, BACA invites all to fill its space. Do find your way to BACA – The Reading Room & Cafe.
    Address: 81, 1st Floor, Jalan Dagang 1, Dynaton Bukit Angin, Temerloh.
    Opens from 10am until 10pm.
    Tel:  011-1089 0415
    Facebook page: BACA – The Reading Room & Cafe.

    I found a heaven in Temerloh.

    A photo posted by Em – Illustrator, Malaysia. (@emilayusof) on

  • Malaysia,  Terengganu,  TRAVEL/HOLIDAYS

    TERRAPURI – The Land of Palaces

    Kak Em, there is one place called Terrapuri Heritage Village that you must visit because I know you like architecture,” a friend told me when we discussed about places that we had and have not been. I was quickly filled with excitement, dreaming to visit the place. One day, I was invited by Sham to join Gaya Travel team to stay at Terrapuri. I jumped at the opportunity and said yes.

    My family and I travelled by car to Kampung Mangkuk, Pantai Penarik, where Terrapuri is situated. Upon reaching the place, the gate was closed. Silly me, I didn’t know that I had to pull a string to ring the bell. “Kak Em, you have to pull the string to ring the bell to call someone to open the gate,” Sham told me on the other end of the line when I called him to ask how do I enter the place. I did just that, and voila, someone opened the gate for me.

    Majestic! My eyes were rolling and feasting on what I thought as a very beautiful heritage village with houses that were built more than 100 to 250 years ago. The place is set in an idyllic environment where there exists nothing between human and nature. One will certainly feel refreshed. Thoughts are sure to get uncluttered and there would definitely be an inspiration overload.

    ThingsTerrapuri

    Being the brainchild of Alex Lee, Terrapuri Heritage Village is a conservation and restoration project involving classic Terengganu Malay houses. There are total of 29 antique houses that were collected by Alex for over the period of 18 years. According to Alex, the layout of the heritage village is inspired by the 17th century Terengganu Palace and its surroundings.

    Terrapuri villa

    The antique houses manifest creative and aesthetic skills of the Malays. They were built using chengal wood with triangular shape, steep gabled roofs and odd-number staircases. The houses were also built on stilts (8 feet high) and employed the tebuk-pasak technique at the joints. The roof was made from rhomboid-shaped Singgora roof tiles while the walls were made from timber panel walls slotted into grooved frame (what the Malay calls Dinding Janda Berhias). The upper part of the walls, windows and doors are decorated with screen with beautiful woodcarving work (Kerawang or Sobek).

    Types of houses here include Rumah Kedai Buluh, Rumah Paloh, Rumah Belukar Titian, Rumah Tasek, Rumah Dusun, Rumah Binjai Rendah, Rumah Tembakang, Rumah Gelugor Raja, Rumah Seberang Takir, Rumah Jeram, Rumah Kubang Jela, Rumah Nibong, Rumah Pulau Musang, Rumah Pengkalan Kubu and Rumah Sungai Mas.

    kerawang2I stayed at Rumah Nibong. Although it is old, I had the benefits of the villa’s refurbished splendour and unique traditional batik (with Nibong patterns) as décor. For a hot and humid weather, air-conditioning is heaven-sent, and each house in Terrapuri comes with its own unit. My husband said that he prefers the old kampung way instead and said that the house’s natural ventilation system adequately cools and reduces humidity. I agreed but with the temperature of more than 40°C, I doubt that cooling could take place. I switched off the air-con and opened up all windows and doors. After few minutes, my husband started to sweat. He finally gave into the idea of switching on the air-conditioning unit. He switched on the ceiling fan in addition.

    Although the house itself is traditional, the interior is half traditional, half modern. So just because the house is over 100 years old doesn’t mean that every piece has to be antique. I love that Alex combines preserved history and progressive design. By progressive design, I mean rain shower, wooden bathtub, bathroom amenities (WC and what not, I can’t imagine myself doing ‘business’ in the old way), hair dryer, fridge and coffee/ tea making facility. Telecommunication medium like TV and telephone is not available in this heritage village to create a real kampung ambience.

    My son and I spent some time visiting the library (Rumah Pulau Rusa) and reading room that is furnished with antique furniture, some books and magazine collection, computers with internet and a congkak set. We loved it there. We also dropped by the Serengas Shop that features a handpicked selection of finest antiques, artefacts, books and crafts from Terengganu and other parts of Malaysia.

    After that we went walking along the coconut-tree laden beach, admiring the beautiful view that overlooks Pulau Perhentian, Lang Tengah, Pulau Cepu, Redang and Bidong, which are all visible during a clear day.

    brasspotIn addition to just feasting our eyes on the beauty of the surrounding village, we also went for refreshing coconut drinks and fried keropok lekor at the nearby food stall. We later drove to Kuala Terengganu, which is about an hour’s drive, to have our dinner.

    We really had a great time at Terrapuri and wish to come back again for a family holiday. We missed the attractions nearby, namely the Fireflies Sanctuary and Setiu Wetlands, and plan to visit them soon when we return to Terrapuri.

    Although the cost of staying at Terrapuri ranges from RM400 and above per night, it is worth it as the owner had spent a lot of money and time restoring the houses to make it the most beautiful place in Terengganu (perhaps in Malaysia). The best time to stay there is when it is off-season – you might just find the peace and tranquillity that you’ve been looking for. Your heart will certainly be full of joy for having a chance to travel back through time and experience the architecture of a forgotten ancient kingdom. ~EY

    Translation:

    Kampung – village

    Rumah – house

    Keropok lekor – cracker which is made primarily from a combination of dough (sago flour) and pounded fish.

    tebuk-pasak – mortise and tenon

     

  • Kuala Lumpur,  Malaysia,  TRAVEL/HOLIDAYS

    A day trip to Royal Selangor Visitor Centre

    Royal Selangor. I’ve heard the name, seen the pewter, admired the craftsmanship from glass window of its retail outlets namely in Suria KLCC and Central Market, wanted to visit the place but never made an effort to do so, until last Saturday. The main reason was because I didn’t know that I can just walk in and visit.

    The visit begins when I take the escalator up to the first floor from the main lobby to reach the museum area.

    Back in 1882, in a port town of Shantou, China, a young boy named Yong Koon, age 11, learned how to make pewter. Three years later, at the age of 14, he braved himself to sail to Malaya and join his brothers, who both had already established themselves as tinsmiths in a town of tin mining known as Kuala Lumpur. The Yong brothers had a shop called Ngeok Foh (Jade Peace), hand-crafted pewter objects mainly for ceremonial use.

    In 1930, Yong Koon, his wife and sons moved to their own shophouse at Jalan Pudu and named the shop Malayan Pewter Works. The next decade saw how family disputes had Yong Koon’s sons shuffled allegiance and formed 3 other companies namely Tiger Pewter, Selangor Pewter and Lion Pewter. It was that Selangor Pewter that was run by Peng Kai, Yong Koon’s 3rd son that had survived to this date.

    Selangor Pewter was renamed Royal Selangor in 1979 when The Sultan of Selangor conferred them the warrant as Royal Pewterer.

    Yong KoonLeft: Yong Koon in front of Jade Peace situated at Cross Street (now Jalan Silang), KL. Right: Yong Koon in his old age.

    Other than history, the museum features old tin currency, pewter artefacts and Yong Koon’s original pewtersmithing tools and personal effects. The museum also houses the Melon Pot, one of Yong Koon’s original pewter pieces that found its way back to the founder’s family members in an unusual way.

    MelonpotThe legendary Melon Pot that bears Jade Peace touchmark. It was found by Ah Ham, a villager in Kajang during WW2. The pot made it’s way to Selangor Pewter in the 70s for polishing and it was quickly recognised as it has Jade Peace touchmark. Selangor Pewter tried to acquire the pot but Ah Ham could not depart from the pot that he thought had saved his life during the war. But years later, before he died, he sold the pot to Selangor Pewter.

    mythicaldogOne of Yong Koon’s early works—a teapot that features a mythical dog that is believed to bestow good fortune and success.

    touchmarksLeft: Evolution of touchmarks. Right: The legendary first touchmark.

    There is also few interesting sections such as The Science of Pewter, Giant Weighing Scale, Chamber of Chimes, where I think that will attract kids. Other than that there’s Wall of Finishes (each wall displays different pewter textures and patterns), Hall of Frames (more than 200 photo frames on display) and Twin Towers Replica (constructed completely out of 7,062 tankards, standing at 9.1 meters).

    SciencePewter is made of tin, antimony and copper. You and your kids can learn this and many more at the The Science of Pewter section.

    framesHall of Frames!

    Then I visited the factory. The factory tour shows visitors the elaborate processes of pewter-making; detailed hand-crafting that goes into each piece include casting, filing, polishing, soldering and hammering. This factory has 250 skilled craftspeople who create beautiful pewter pieces that are sold in over 20 countries. As Royal Selangor maintains its tradition of craftsmanship, every piece made is still hand finished to an astonishing degree.

    employeeA skilled worker removing rough edges using steel a blade.

    Here how it’s done: the first step is casting, a process where tin, antimony and copper are melted at 250 degrees Celsius to make molten pewter. Skilled artisans pour the molten pewter into moulds. After it solidifies, the mould is dismantled and the casting is removed. To remove the oxidation and rough edges, a steel blade is used to skim over a rotating piece of pewter to give the surface a satin-like finish. Designs in different shapes and sizes and with motifs are polished in a different manner. Rough edges are removed using small hacksaw blades and filing tools. Fine sandpaper is also used to remove the yellow patina. The hammering process is a traditional method of pewter decoration made by a steel hammer. A steady hand, precision and consistent strength is needed to create a neat and even line of dimpled patterns.

    And the highlights of the visit are The School of Hard Knocks and The Foundry. I had fun at these two sections.

    workshop My pewter dish.

    At The School of Hard Knocks, I experienced the rigours of traditional pewter-crafting! I was guided through the process of creating a pewter dish using traditional tools such as the hammer, mallet and wooden mould. At the end of the session, I get to keep my bowl. In addition, I was given a certificate of completion, and that makes me a certified bowl artisan!

    Details of workshop:
    Cost: RM 60 per person
    Time: 30 minutes
    Group size: 50 (maximum), 4 (minimum)

    EpendantMy E pewter pendant, made by my own hands.

    At The Foundry, I get to unleash my artistic talent! I was guided through the process of casting, polishing and decorating a pewter accessory by an experienced instructor. At the end of the session, I get to take home my own pewter accessory.

    Details are as follows:
    Cost: RM 150 per person
    Time: 60 minutes
    Group size: 12 (maximum), 4 (minimum)

    I had a great time at The Royal Selangor Visitor Centre and will certainly visit again with my family. I showed photos of the visit to my son and he is all envy and wants me to take him there next weekend.

    If you like to experience the tour and making your own craft at The Foundry, I have a great promotion offer for you, in collaboration with Royal Selangor: you can purchase two passes at RM150 (you save RM150!).

    Here how it works:

    • Purchase workshop passes at the information counter, Royal Selangor Visitor Center (Setapak branch only) or purchase via e-mail: visitorcentre@royalselangor.com.my.
    • Mention the promotion code: FOUNDRY EMILA
    • Book the date slot (anytime from 18 August to 19 October 2014)

    Enjoy the promotion and enjoy your visit soon!

    Address: Royal Selangor Visitor Centre, 4, Jalan Usahawan 6, Setapak Jaya, 53300 Kuala Lumpur. GPS Coordinate: 3.196, 101.724 Contact: +603 4145 6122 | +603 4022 3000 | visitorcentre@royalselangor.com.my