Prawn spa

The little critters bit off dead skin cells. Stings a bit at first, once the swarm arrive, it became pleasant.

Senibong, JB

Just enter Senibong in your GPS POI. It should take you to the seaside seafood center in Johor. Parking may be a hassle. Just enter any one of the restaurants there. Should be equally good. Go for the set menu - for four range from RM115 upwards. Even the lowest range should satiate. The set menu includes a large fish, squids, clams, soup, veggies, rice, a pitcher of drinks and cut fruits.

We added chili crab (3 large whole crab) which is quite good but added RM70 to the bill.

Recommended.

Photos by Akmal.

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As my dear friend Nizam survived the Paris Metro, I too managed to survive the causeway albeit with a major faux pas. Vehemently, it is not entirely my fault for missing the autopass stage of the journey. The immigration guy told me to move forward and the customs guy said its up ahead, the signage had its yellow arrow pointing forward. Before I knew it, I was out on the highway in the land of the Merlion. Nary a sight for turning around.

Few phone calls later confirmed that the autopass is mandatory not just for moving around but more so for parking. We asked and looked all over to solve the matter. Most Singaporean does not even know what it was - can't blame them, they don't drive. Even the Post Office were not sure. By the time someone suggested to go to their road transport department or whatever, its already too late.

We had to cross the causeway back into Malaysia and was nearly fined for entering without the autopass. Weird, they let you through then fine you for not having something that you were supposed to have before going through. However, the lady was reasonable and nice and let us off as apparently our car was not in their system. Turns out, the autopass can only be bought at the entry point. In between the immigration and customs checkpoint. Wouldn't it be easier to issue it at the immigration counter itself ? Or at least have proper signage or directives for all first time entrant instead of one big sign that says "Have your autopass ready". How the hell are you supposed to have it ready if you don't even know what the thing is.

Its annoying and really is out of character for such a systematic and modern city such as Singapore.

The Legend Water Chalet Port Dickson

Our new favourite place in Port Dickson - after Avillion. Excellent facilities with good buffet spread. The highlight would be the private pool in the villa and the outdoor showers ;0) . Even the rain did not dampen the spirit of the kids. Highly recommended.

Bagan Seafood

First visit, next door to the Sea Lion Fishing Park in Port Klang. Free wifi and credit card accepted. These places has moved with the times. Parking is abundant albeit a bit muddy if its rainy or the tide is really high.

Mushroom with broccoli.

Mantis prawns. Battered, deep fried and lathered with the yummy sauce.

Bagan's take on the ever popular deep fried squid.

Bamboo clams cooked just right. A tad longer and it will be like chewing on a piece of rubber.

Butter prawns.

Black pepper crab. Personally, we should have asked for the chili crab.

Steamed pomfret.

The remains.

The best is yet to come. Appetisers (pickled papayas and peanuts), desserts (watermelon and pineapples), a round each of fruit juice and coffee, rice and all of the above costs us (3 pax eating for 5/6) slightly less than RM150.

Highly recommended.

Bukit Merah Laketown Resort

The place is not bad. Would I go again ? NO.

After all the investment setting up the place, they forgot the strategy for having repeat customers. Everything has to be paid for. Most are not cheap considering what you get in value for your RM. The worst bit for me was the fact that we stayed on premises, yet there were no offers or concessions of any kind for the attractions. At the very least include the cost as a package so customers like me won't feel cheated. Staying on premises means that you are there to enjoy the park, so why is it that I have to pay similar to walk in customers ?

My advice is to stay in Taiping instead. Its not that far and most likely (we do), mealtime calls for a trip to Taiping. There are food courts and restaurants on premises, but it costs more and the food is not great either, be it the taste or the portion.

Red, hairy, juicy....

The pro's at the back, efficiently gathering the fruit in neat bunches while the amateurs at the front battling those pesky red ants...

Contact with cow poo on the way back. Worth it I guess...

Gunung Nuang

A dear friend introduced this place to me. An excellent venue to get back to nature, get some exercise and be away from the hustle and bustle of city life. From the federal highway head towards Kajang via Cheras. After the first toll past Plaza Phoenix turn left and then left again at the Police Station. Drive straight until the road ends at the foot of Gunung Nuang which is also where the Hulu Langat Dam is located.

Register at the guard house and pay the RM1 fee. From there on start climbing on old fire tracks. The vegetation will change from pine forest to bamboos to thick vegetation. Your lungs will be on fire as it tries to acclimatise to the clean fresh air. Once it does, it felt good and you will most likely got your second wind. One and half or two hours later you will reach the base camp. From there another half hour will be Kem Lolo on single track passing the old dam on the way up which is flanked by a high waterfall. After Kem Lolo will be Kem Pacat after which another few hours will take you to the peak. I have only been up to Lolo and am still trying to get at least to Pacat. The peak will require an overnight trip or at least a whole (literally) day outing.

Wear comfortable shoes and make sure the soles does not give out as it has to go through mud and water too. Mine does and it was a struggle getting down on shoes with broken soles. To be safe carry a pair of slippers or sandals in your bag. Bring enough water, one half liter in a Camelbak is enough to get me up to and down Lolo. Some food would be good too. I like chocolates but it cause a friend to use the huge public toilet...

Knick-knacks @ Pasar Philippine

Kota Kinabalu. An interesting must visit venue.

Dusk

NT [click on the photo to see sharper image]

Tasik Kenyir

The houseboat from RM800.00 for 2 days/1 night. Can accommodate up to 12 person. Equipped with cooking facilities though you would have to bring in your own raw materials. They even have Astro onboard.

The chalet/resort if the thought of an "Anaconda" style adventure on the house boat seems too much to you.

The daily mode of transport between interesting points in and around the lake. Atrip from the main jetty to one of the fish farms costs RM60.00 and the boat will take up to 6 passengers.

Fish feeding at the fish farm.

The Tilapia.

The Patin.

Green, serene surroundings. Perfect break from any concrete jungle.