After a most gruelling 2-day food and fun hunt organised by Swiss-Garden Beach Resort Damai Laut which took us hunters from Bidor to Batu Gajah in Perak, it was time for some much-needed rest and recreation. After all, it was not easy to emerge champions, so a reward was definitely justified.

1. the living room of my Deluxe unit

I extended my stay in Lumut for another night and decided to move over to Marina Island Pangkor Resort & Hotel. Why not, when it is only RM188 nett per unit? This offer is available throughout 2017, in conjunction with Visit Perak Year. If you are not aware yet, Marina Island Pangkor Resort & Hotel is also one of the participants of the 100,000 Hotel Rooms Promotion, an initiative of Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Perak Chapter to boost tourist numbers to the state.

2. with kitchenette

This was my third stay at the resort, and I requested for a room with a lagoon view. It’s very scenic but guests could ask for a unit with marina view instead.

Unlike many of my hotel and resort stays, this one was purely for rest and recreation. I didn’t want to do much but found a lot of new attractions within the property itself since my last visit two years ago.

3. Frenzy Water Park (photo: Marina Island Pangkor Resort & Hotel)

One was them was the Frenzy Water Park, which was opened last March. That’s ten months ago. Silly aquaphobic me dared not go into the water but the joyous shouts of the children and their parents attracted me to watch them play.

4. the fish pond

5. feeding giant grouper

Then, there is the fish pond, which is actually owned by one of the directors of Marina Island Pangkor Resort & Hotel. I was told that there are eighteen fish in the pond, which began their life here at only 20kg in weight.

They now weigh some 50kg each, within a duration of less than a year. Guests at the hotel are able to share in the joy of this private hobby by feeding the fish, with what else but smaller fish, at a price of RM2 for six. Fish feeding hours are from 4pm to 6pm.

6. washroom

When I was there, I bumped into a group of people who told me that they were planning to trek Bukit Engku Busu, which is just nearby. As I was feeling lazy and didn’t want to exert myself further, I gave that a pass but will plan a return trip – later, when I am feeling energetic!

7. balcony with Jacuzzi

With my base at Marina Island Pangkor Resort & Hotel, I went food hunting in the neighbourhood. I shall be sharing my culinary discoveries later in a separate post…. so stay tuned!!

If you are planning a trip to Lumut, or even if you are not yet and haven’t made plans for a domestic holiday this coming school holidays in March, you should consider Marina Island Pangkor Resort & Hotel. As I said, my third stay already and fussy me has no complaints at all.

8. lagoon view

Let me share with you the published room rates:

1-Bedroom (inclusive of 2 breakfast)

Weekday
Superior: RM218 nett
Deluxe: RM278 nett

Weekend / School holiday
Superior: RM318 nett
Deluxe: RM378 nett

Public holiday
Superior: RM418 nett
Deluxe: RM478 nett

2-Bedroom (inclusive of 4 breakfast)

Weekend
Superior: RM318 nett
Deluxe: RM398 nett

Weekend / School holiday
Superior: RM418 nett
Deluxe: RM498 nett

Public holiday
Superior: RM518 nett
Deluxe: RM598 nett

3-Bedroom (inclusive of 6 breakfast)
Weekday: RM428 nett
Weekend / School holiday RM528 nett
Public holiday RM628 nett

*Rates are subject to change without prior notice
*Rates are inclusive of 6% GST
*Extra bed at RM70 nett per night inclusive of 1 breakfast
*Check-in time: 3pm / Check-out time: 12pm
*Terms & conditions apply

9. my bedroom

But as I have mentioned above, for 2017, a limited number of rooms are sold at only RM188nett per night (weekday, weekend & school holiday), inclusive of breakfast for two.

Additionally, guests who are taking advantage of this deal may also enjoy discounted rate for Frenzy Water Park. Normal price for the park is RM20 (adult) and RM15 (child). That’s a double deal that you should not miss.

Terms and conditions apply, of course:
– Valid for One-Bedroom Apartment only (Run-of-House)
– Not applicable for Eve & Public Holiday
– Additional Breakfast is chargeable at RM21 nett (adult) and RM16 nett (child)

Accommodation aside, Marina Island Pangkor Resort & Hotel welcomes all to join in their Chinese New Year celebration this coming 1st of February, at 9.30am. There will be a heart-stopping double-lion dance performance on stilts, by an award-winning lion dance troupe from Teluk Intan.

Do witness the Chinese tradition of lion dancing and join in the celebration, all happening on 1st February at 9.30am, at the lobby of D’Ocean.

Perhaps, you would want to dine at the resort’s Terumbu Reef Coffee House. A Chinese New Year buffet lunch is available on the first day of Chinese New Year (28th Jan) at only RM40 nett (adult) and RM28 nett (child). Lunch is from 12.30pm – 2.30pm.

For further information or to make a reservation, contact Marina Island Pangkor Resort & Hotel directly. Details below:

Marina Island Pangkor Resort & Hotel
Add: KM 1, Jalan Utama Marina Island, Teluk Muroh, 32200 Lumut, Perak Darul Ridzuan.
Tel: +605-6832881 / 3881
Fax: +605-6837883
Email: reservations@bwpangkor.com
Web: www.marinaislandpangkorresort.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Marina Island Pangkor Resort & Hotel

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As I have mentioned in my previous post, my extended stay in Lumut was purely for rest and recreation. It was a very relaxed 2D/1N stay at Marina Island Pangkor Resort & Hotel, so I mainly spent my time food hunting in the area.

Many people asked me what’s there to eat in Lumut whilst I was there, and I promised that I would share my discovery in a blog post.

I guess I should not use the word ‘discover’ because I had the most reliable food guide in a local friend, Cheong, who took me to some of the best places to eat in Lumut.

These are the must-go-to eateries if you should visit Lumut anytime soon. Read on and do take note that this list is compiled in random order.

Apam Balik Billion

1. Apam Balik Billion

Unlike conventional apam balik (turnover pancake), this one by En. Razali who mans the roadside stall on the right side of the Lumut main road heading to Marina Island Pangkor Resort & Hotel, has a thin, crispy base.

2. Apam Balik Billion

Best eaten hot of the wok, while I was there, an Ipohite was incidentally packing some home as well.

3. Apam Balik Billion

Apam Balik Billion is open daily from 11am to 6pm. Off day is Friday.

D’Pine Café

4. D’Pine Cafe: Smoked Duck Salad

Located within the compound of Rockbund Fishing Chalet is a new eatery called D’Pine Café. It is open to the public, offering al fresco dining, facing the straits, overlooking Pangkor Island and Vale.

5. D’Pine Cafe: Chicken Golden Blue

6. D’Pine Cafe: Carbonara Seafood

The view may be difficult to appreciate in the dark of the night, but the lights from afar make the horizon attractive. With the breeze blowing in, it will definitely be an evening to remember, especially when it is over a delicious meal.

7. D’Pine Cafe: Special Smoked Salmon Burger

8. D’Pine Cafe: Smoked Duck Pizza

Casual dine-out experiences aside, D’Pine Café actually offers a fantastic ambience for those who are looking for a venue to host a private event, such as a private party or wedding.

9. Rockbund Fishing Chalet

The café is open for business daily from 12pm to 1am. For further information, check out its official Facebook Page.

Lumut Restaurant

This family business is well known for its fresh seafood at very reasonable prices, apart from its ‘navy’ theme which seemed to be an attraction on its own.

10. Lumut Restaurant (Restoran Lumut)

Lumut Restaurant is a pork-free establishment that started its business in 1998. Owner of the restaurant, Ms. Teong, recommended some of the restaurant’s signature dishes to me when I visited. I would have loved to dine on a full course seafood meal here but my tummy wasn’t cooperating.

Nonetheless, if you do come to Lumut, remember to drop by. Some of the dishes to order would be the ‘tiga rasa’ fish, the ‘kung pao’ mantis prawns, and the crispy oyster egg (o-chien).

Add: PT-4176, Jalan Sultan Idris Shah, 32200 Lumut, Perak.
Tel: +605-6838596
Business hours: 11am – 3pm & 6pm – 10pm daily

D’Mystery Café House

11. D’Mystery Cafe House

One of the most Instagrammable cafés on Marina Island would be D’Mystery Café House. In fact, while I was enjoying my meal there, I noticed many people taking photos with the café’s unique setting without dining there. The owners are perfectly fine with that.

12. D’Mystery Cafe House

D’Mystery Café House features a glasshouse concept that was inspired by the Handwritten Past music video of popular Taiwanese singer, Jay Chou.

The house measures 20ft (length) x 16ft (width) x 12ft (height) On the other hand, its name was derived from a South Pacific Island called The Mystery Island, which made a deep impression on the café’s owner, Jackson, during his visit there.

13. D’Mystery Cafe House: Doggy Egglet

Columbia Coffee is D’Mystery Café House’s very own signature coffee, brewed with imported coffee powder from Columbia.

14. D’Mystery Cafe House: inside the Doggy Egglet

As for the food, the menu is currently limited to items that are egglet based. Egglets are similar to waffles. They are very popular in Hong Kong and gaining a good following among foodies in Malaysia.

While there are other cafés that may also serve egglets, as far as I am aware, D’Mystery Café House is the only place that you can get this “Doggy Egglet”.

15. D’Mystery Cafe House: Cheesppy Cheese Egglet

The Cheesppy Cheese Egglet is to die for, I tell you. Cheese is melted between the egglet bubbles, and not simply coated on the surface.

16. D’Mystery Cafe House

D’Mystery Café House also has an open-dining concept and can accommodate about 76 pax concurrently. By the way, due to its setting, it has become a popular garden wedding venue.

For further information or to make a reservation, head over to D’Mystery Café House official Facebook Page.

Warung Mak Yang

17. Warung Mak Yang

This Malay food stall actually has no name. In fact, the large signboard at the stall says Tutup Jumaat, which is a notice to inform customers that the stall closes on Fridays. Mak Yang is actually the name of the proprietor, hence what it is known to the local folk.

18. Warung Mak Yang (clockwise from top): ABC, laksa & mee rebus

Warung Mak Yang is in Teluk Muroh, just across from Marina Island Pangkor Resort & Hotel. When you come to a modest food stall like Warung Mak Yang, you know that you would be served with authentic dishes cooked with heart and passion. Yes, that’s what it takes, and more, to keep such a stall running for the past eight years.

19. Warung Mak Yang: mee kari

Check out some of the food that we had. Obviously, Mak Yang, 49, is able to whip out way more than that. But what? Head over there to find out yourself. You may need to ask for directions as it is located in a rather obscure corner. Business hours: 11.30am – 4pm daily. Closed on Fridays.

Warung Persatuan Nelayan

20. Warung Persatuan Nelayan

I actually came here for their famous Mee Udang Meletop (sizzling noodles) but they ran out of prawns. Although Mee Udang Meletop was not available, there was Nasi Goreng Ketam to save the night. At least, our trip was not in vain.

21. Warung Persatuan Nelayan: nasi goreng ayam

The eatery is located in Kampung Batu Satu, Lumut, and offers a picturesque view of fishing boats parked by the jetty. Its proprietor, Mat Deris, was a boat repairer, and decided to venture into food and beverage a year ago.

22. Warung Persatuan Nelayan: nasi goreng ketam

Seafood may be popular in Lumut but you should know where to go to get them fresh and at budget-friendly prices.
Warung Persatuan Nelayan offers them fresh on their all-day menu.

23. Warung Persatuan Nelayan: kupang & udang bakar

24. Warung Persatuan Nelayan: sate ayam & sate daging

Business hours are from 12pm to 12am daily. Closed during the month of Ramadhan.

25. Warung Persatuan Nelayan: the view

And so, I conclude my list of top six eateries in Lumut, Perak. I suspect this is just Part 1 of a series of posts on my Lumut food hunt.

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1. Pn. Jamilah’s shop that sells seafood products, wholesale and retail

A visit to Lumut and Pangkor is incomplete without coming home with bags and bags of sea products as souvenirs. Let’s be honest, returning empty handed, your relatives and friends will send you eye daggers!

2. shelves of products

Even me, who rarely would buy anything on my travels, had to purchase something. My top choices are dried seafood products such as blue-eyed anchovies, sliced cuttlefish, prawn fillet and satay fish.

I wouldn’t say these were all souvenirs as some were for myself as well. Once I start eating them, I have trouble stopping!!

3. neatly arranged

Lumut’s Hasil Laut Jamilah is a popular shop that carries an extremely wide range of seafood products, whether raw (dried) or read-to-eat snacks.

Known locally as “Mama”, Jamilah is a wholesaler-cum-retailer. Her shop is in Lumut town, along the road to Lumut Jetty.

4. hundreds of products are sold here, both raw and ready-to-eat

When I voiced out to local friends about getting some seafood products, all of them recommended Mama Jamilah, saying that her products are fresh and priced reasonably. Local knowledge is truly useful, so I heeded their advice.

Luckily, there was ample parking space right in front of Hasil Laut Jamilah, so it was very convenient to shop!

5. it is comfortable to shop here due to the spacious aisles

In fact, Mama Jamilah, 52, has been in business since the early 1990s. If you remember, her stall was right in front of the Lumut Jetty.

6. owner Pn. Jamilah (Mama) asks a customer, “Harga ni lepas diskaun OK ke?”

When I dropped by her shop, I had the opportunity to chat with her, too. She was very friendly and kept asking me to have a seat as though we would be in for a looong chat. LOL

7. blue-eyed anchovies

In this post, let me share with you some photos taken at Hasil Laut Jamilah during my visit last week. Check out the varied products sold there, and the wide, comfortable aisles to move around!

Hasil Laut Jamilah
Main: No. 4, Jalan Titi Panjang, 32200 Lumut, Perak (in front of Hotel Blue Bay)
Branch: No. 2, Waterfront Promenade, 32200 Lumut, Perak.
Tel: 019-5571246 (Jamilah)

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While enjoying my 2D/1N rest and recreation at Marina Island Pangkor Resort & Hotel, I thought I would have nothing to do except to sleep the day away in my apartment.

1. ATV

After all, I had missed my afternoon nap for two days during the 2-day Swiss-Garden Beach Resort Damai Laut Food & Fun Hunt!

2. kid cars

However, while enjoying the night view from my balcony of D’Ocean apartment, I was attracted to bright blinking lights at the far right end of my block. I just had to go out to investigate what was going on.

3. dirt track

The new attraction is the ST Theme Park, a family-oriented outdoor entertainment ground, on 2+ acres of land. It operates from 6pm to midnight daily, except on Mondays. It is even open during holidays, and especially school holidays.

4. children enjoying themselves

There are plenty of motorised and non-motorised vehicles to play with, some suitable for kids as young as 1 to 2 years old.

5. go-kart

According to owner-cum-operator, Mr. Jimmy, he started this mini theme park to create a recreation avenue for children. Indeed, I counted and there are 60 to 70 units of kiddy cars!

6. manual scooters

Other rides available include drift cars, big wheel bikes as well as yoyo kid boats, roller blades, go-karts and scooters, just to name a few.

7. yoyo kid boats

All in all, there are some 15 different rides or games for young children to teenagers, who prefer to spend time at the dirt track on ATVs and scramblers

8. Robots

As I was curious about the Robots and Big Wheels, Mr. Jimmy sportingly went up and demonstrated how they move. I told him that even Ipoh doesn’t offer these rides. Kids in Lumut are darn lucky, I tell you!!!

9. theme park owner, Mr. Jimmy, demonstrates the Robot

What are the rates?

Drift bike: RM15*
Harley bike: RM15*
ATV Adult: RM15*
F1: RM15*
Big Wheel: RM10*
Robot: RM10*

*Per 5-minute ride. Other rates for other games, peak and non-peak days apply.

10. Big Wheel

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1. the arrival of Cheryl Samad’s family at The Haven Resort Hotel & Residences, Ipoh

The Haven Resort Hotel & Residences, Ipoh was a flurry of activity for 3D/2N from 11th to 13th Jan, 2017 when local celebrity Cheryl Samad and her family were there to film an episode of Astro Ria Family Travel Show.

2. a family photo at the back of Lobby B

With Cheryl was her husband Ng Ping Ho, an award-winning film director, producer and screenwriter, possibly best known for his English-language television sitcom, Kopitiam. Table For Two, Realiti and the corporate reality TV series, The Film, are also popular works by Ng Ping Ho.

3. breakfast time, alfresco style

Their two daughters, Stella and Kate, were also part of the entourage, that included the crew of Parallax Pictures. Cheryl Samad is now a television presenter, professional emcee and actress but I probably best remember her as Malaysian Idol co-host and Nescafe Kickstart VJ.

4. filming begins

The Astro Ria Family Travel Show also features other local celebrity families such as Harith Iskandar, Nabil Ahmad, Lana Nodin, Tomok, Wawa Zainal and Siti Sarah. Each episode was separately filmed at a different location.

5. Cheryl and her husband, Ng Ping Ho

In today’s post, let me share with you some exclusive photos of the “behind the scenes” of Astro Ria Family Travel Show, featuring Cheryl Samad and Ng Ping Ho, together with their two children.

For further information or reservation, contact:

The Haven Resort Hotel & Residences
Add: Jalan Haven (Persiaran Lembah Perpaduan), 31150 Tambun, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.
GPS Coordinates: N 04° 38.167′ E101° 9.684′

Email: reservations@thehavenpremier.com
Web: The Haven Resort Hotel & Residences
Tel: +605-5400000
Fax: +605-5400099
Hotline: 1700.8.1700.0

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1. MinNature Malaysia

Opened to the public on Nov 20, 2016, after eight tiring months to get all the displays ready, MinNature Malaysia is an interesting attraction for those who like scale-size models, something like Lego City, but better, if I may say so.

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With a floor space of 17,000 square feet, MinNature, located in The Summit USJ (shopping complex), is the largest indoor miniature and train exhibition in Asia.

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5.

The original idea was supposed to be 200,000 sq ft but a suitable place has yet to be identified. Nonetheless, it is still a plan to look forward to, as it will feature all states of Malaysia as well as her neighbouring countries. The objective is simply to leave behind a legacy for the generations to come.

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It is interesting to note that the Masterbuilders of MinNature Malaysia, basically the core team members behind this “mini” project, come from different backgrounds. In total, there are more than 70 people involved in the project.

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They are engineers, graphic designers, a bio-technologist, biologist, mechanic and lawyer. Some have even left their career to pursue this passion in shrinking the world!

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Currently, there are twelve themed sections with hundreds of beautifully hand-crafted dioramas, all printed using the ten 3D machines in the workshop, also situated within the exhibition space.

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MinNature Malaysia is not just a fun-filled, interactive exhibition. It is also educational as visitors can witness a 360-degree bird’s eye view of Dataran Merdeka and adjacent buildings, while reading up on their history.

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Even as the moving miniature trains bring life to the landscape, visitors are encouraged to look out for interactive panels to make the exhibits come alive. There are many crew members who willingly explain where and what you should do, so that your experience at MinNature Malaysia is more fulfilling.

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While you are busy photographing or videoing the exhibits, do not forget to take part in the MinNature 1st Ultimate Grand Treasure Hunt Challenge. The participant with the most found items within the shortest time wins.

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19. Thean Hou Temple

MinNature Malaysia is very much a work in progress. So, if you have visited it before, there will still be something new to welcome you the next time you set foot in it. At the moment, the team is already in the midst of shrinking the PETRONAS Twin Towers.

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Ticket pricing

Adult
MyKad RM28 / Standard RM38

Child (4 – 12 years old)
MyKid RM15 / Standard RM25

Senior (above 60 years old)
MyKad RM15 / Standard RM25

*free admission below age 4

22. 3D printers

23. printed material

MinNature Malaysia
Add: Summit USJ, Level 4, Jalan Persiaran Kewajipan, 47600 Subang Jaya, Selangor.
Website: www.minnature.com
Email: info@minnature.com
Tel: +603-80119372
Business hours: 10am – 10pm daily (last entry: 9pm)

24. sales gallery

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1. Summit Hotel Subang USJ

Strategically located in the heart of the Subang Jaya township, when I found out that Summit Hotel Subang USJ is just adjacent to Summit USJ shopping complex and DA MEN Mall, I got excited.

2. lobby

I enjoy staying in hotels located beside malls more than standalone hotels, resorts notwithstanding. Too bad we did not have enough free & easy time for me to check out the malls, except for a visit to MinNature Malaysia.

3. Leaf Café

I would say that this 4-star property is a business class hotel, being just 20 minutes drive to Subang SkyPark Terminal and 40 minutes from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

4. Oceania Buffet Restaurant

Nonetheless, guests who are here on a leisurely trip may be happy to know that the hotel is well connected by public transport to popular tourist landmarks such as I-City theme park and Sunway Lagoon.

5. ballroom

I was assigned a triple-sharing room of one King bed + one single bed. This is just one of the five room categories available with a total of 332 rooms, including 14 suites.

6. my shared room

My room facilities are standard, such as in-house movies, shaver socket, WiFi, complimentary coffee and tea making facilities, basic things that we always take for granted, and only feel their importance when they are removed from our hotel room!

7. washroom

When I checked in, there was a function going on in the Grand Ballroom, so I was not able to view it. From what I read, it is pillar-less and features a high ceiling. It can accommodate 900 pax comfortably. I am impressed.

8. swimming pool

Let me share with you some of the photos I took during my stay at Summit Hotel Subang USJ.

9. mini gym

Summit Hotel Subang USJ
Add: Persiaran Kewajipan USJ 1, 47600 UEP Subang Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan.

Tel: +603-8023 3000
Fax: +603-8023 2233
Hotline: 1-800-88-SUMMIT

Website: www.summithotel.com.my
Email: sales@summithotel.com.my

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1. De Palma Hotel Kuala Selangor

On a recent trip to Kuala Selangor, as a delegate of a media group invited to Discover Selangor, Heart of Malaysia, we spent a couple of nights at De Palma Hotel.

2. reception counter

3. De Palma Hotel grounds

Upon arrival, I did not know what to expect, and had thought that this property is similar to “rest houses” in small towns.

4. swimming pool

5. swimming pool

However, I was caught by surprise by the modernity of amenities. I was assigned a triple-sharing room with only one delegate, so there was more than enough space to move around.

6. the path to chalets

7. shared entrance to my unit (on left)

At Kuala Selangor’s De Palma Hotel, one has the opportunity to get close to nature. There are plenty of greens to surround oneself with, and a walk along the pathway is relaxing. Kids love the pool, but I couldn’t find the time to take a dip myself.

8. triple-sharing room

9. wardrobe + work station

By the way, accommodation options are chalets or villas, and I was informed that Dato’ Siti Nurhaliza was a guest at one of the villas. So, if you do stay at the same villa, that could be your claim to fame!

10. washroom

11. switches, power point and USB charging ports

Despite my initial misgivings based on the exterior of De Palma Hotel, I did have a comfortable rest and found nothing to complain about, even though I could be rather fussy sometimes!

12. Rumbia Coffee House

13. Rumbia Coffee House

Check out my photos and let me know what you think!

Del Palma Hotel Kuala Selangor
Add: Jalan Tanjung Keramat, 45000 Kuala Selangor, Selangor Darul Ehsan.
Tel: +603-3289 7070
Fax: +603-3489 7080
Email: fo.dphks@yahoo.comm

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1. River View Seafood Restaurant, Kuala Selangor

Seafood is almost like a staple diet for those who live in the District of Kuala Selangor. After all, the area is just by the Straits of Melaka.

2. all decked up for Chinese New Year

3. some of our dishes

While there are quite a number of seafood restaurants in town, comes highly recommended is River View Seafood Restaurant along Jalan Besar.

4. fish ball soup

5. steam fish

I guess its popularity is not only because of its fresh seafood menu at reasonable prices, but also its setting and seating arrangement, allowing diners to have a clear view of the sea.

6. fried prawns

7. another fried dish

When I was there, the restaurant was all decked up with red ribbons and lanterns in preparation for Chinese New Year.

8. fried chicken

9. fried squids

Check out my food photos. I’ll let them do the talking. It’s hard to say which was my favourite dish. I just love my food fried. Yea, I know it’s poor diet. LOL

10. stir-fried vegetables

11. watermelon as dessert

River View Seafood Restaurant
Add: 1, Jalan Besar, Pasir Penambang, 45000 Kuala Selangor, Selangor.
Tel: +60 3-3289 2238

Business hours: 11am – 11pm daily (Sunday closed at 10pm)

12. dining by the river

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1. plant with corn ready to be harvested

I’m not someone who goes ape over food, but corn (or maize) is one goodie that I never refuse. I just love some corn, even if it’s just plain corn on the cob without seasoning.

2. tall corn plants

3. lush green corn field

So, when the Discover Selangor delegation, yours truly included, went visiting a corn field, you could imagine my joy. It was like me falling into a candy jar!

4. boiled corn

5. corn on the cob

I did not realise that Kuala Selangor is well known for corn, until I saw with my own eyes the acres and acres of green corn fields during our visit one recent afternoon.

6. corn fritters

7. popcorn

Until then, I also did not know that there are so many ways to eat corn, or even drink it! Maybe I should start juicing my corn now, too!

8. steamed corn

9. corn dessert

Additionally, corn is one of the world’s healthiest food. This is one awesome reason to eat more of it, without delay!

10. corn pudding

11. corn pudding

Corn is also said to be the staple food for North Americans. I have no idea why I love it so. LOL

12. sticky corn

13. sticky corn

Check out these photos that I am sharing from my visit to the corn fields of Kuala Selangor. Are you enticed to eat your corn differently now?

14. corn juice

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Although I have been to quite a number of trips to witness fireflies, notably in Kuala Sepetang (Perak) and Sungai Yak Yah (Terengganu), I was still mesmerised by the flickering of uncountable fireflies during my cruise along Sungai Selangor in Kampung Kuantan, Bestari Jaya (formerly Batang Berjuntai).

1. Kuala Selangor Fireflies Tour

Three species of fireflies out of approximately 2,000 species in temperate and tropical environments are found in Kampung Kuantan, Kuala Selangor. The species are: Pteroptyx tener, P. valida and P. malaccae. The dominant species in this area is Pteroptyx tener.

Fireflies are also known as lightning beetles, being the only insects in the world to produce their own light. P. tener in Kampung Kuantan are about 5 – 10 mm in length. They become active at dusk, from around 7.30pm to 11pm, congregating on berembang trees.

2. firefly watching

How does one differentiate a male firefly from a female? Well, the light from the male firefly is said to be brighter, so as to attract the opposite gender. One thing to note is P.tener’s synchronised flash, something that is uncommon for other firefly species.

My group was out on boats to witness the fireflies up close. Each human-pedalled boat could only carry four passengers, excluding the boatman. The ride, which takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes costs RM53 per person.

3. one of the posters

Photography wise, as no flash is allowed, it would take a very capable device to successfully capture the fireflies on camera. I wasn’t able to but I have committed the sights to memory, which should be the case!

Oh yes, for your information, those who catch fireflies, if caught, will be fined RM1,000 under the Local Government Act 1976, Part XII Section 101.

4. video room

To plan a trip to watch fireflies (Kelip-kelip), you are advised to go through Tourism Selangor. Contact information enclosed below:

Tourism Selangor Promosi Sdn. Bhd.
Add: Lot P7, Jalan Indah 14/12, Seksyen 14, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan.
Tel: +603-55132000 / +609-3262036
Fax: +603-55136268 / +603-55182407

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1. cendol arriving….

I was told that one of the places to get your local food fix while in Kuala Selangor is Cendol Durian Borhan.

2. cendol, without durian

With a large eatery by the roadside, Borhan’s huge cendol durian signage does attract a large crowd, especially on weekends. You have been forewarned, it will be a long wait for your order!

3. laksa

During our visit, we did not have cendol durian. We ordered cendol biasa only. It was because we were told not to stuff ourselves with too much food and to leave some space in our tummy for dinner!

4. curry noodles

However, like young children, we couldn’t resist ourselves and had curry noodles and laksa. Dinner would be dealt with when dinner was served. HAHAHA

5. Cendol Durian Borhan

Cendol Durian Borhan
Add: Kampung Permatang, 45000 Kuala Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia
Tel: +6013-358 0679

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1. at the jetty of Kuala Sungai Buloh

To say that I was disappointed with my trip out to sea from Kuala Sungai Buloh would be an understatement.

2. a scenic view

3. bird perched at the pole on the right of photo above

My hopes were high that we would be able to experience Sky Mirror in Sasaran, after seeing the many captivating photos on the internet. I thought that my chance is finally here. Unfortunately, the stars did not align, so to speak, and we only managed to cruise the river for other sights instead of heading to Sasaran.

4. cruising

5. egret in flight

You must be wondering where is Sasaran. I have to admit that prior to learning about Sky Mirror, I had not even heard of the name. It is near Kuala Selangor, actually, about an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, followed by a speedboat ride of another 30 minutes.

6. a boatman

7. cockles that have just been harvested

Sasaran suddenly became famous last year with its new tourism product of mirror effect photography. In short, Sky Mirror is Malaysia’s very own version of Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia’s salt flat. At Sasaran though, the difference is that there is no evidence of salt lumps, just a vast expanse of sand and sea, much like a beach, hence the place is known as Sasaran Beach.

8. fishermen pulling their net in

9. birds chasing our boat

However, it is not a real beach in the technical sense. During high tide, the sand disappears and it is just like the sea once again. This phenomenon happens just a few days a month, usually around 5th to 7th day, particularly during low tide.

10. some buildings on the shore

11. file pic: Sky Mirror (note the mirror effect)

Anyway, all was not loss, despite the cancelled Sasaran. We still managed to catch a few sights, from the harvesting of cockles to photographing swarms of egrets (Burung Bangau) flying overhead.

12. washing the cockles

13. cockles being sorted out

If you would like to plan a trip out to Sasaran, either to participate in a mangrove river cruise and/or to Sky Mirror, contact the numbers listed below.

Tourism Selangor Promosi Sdn. Bhd.
Add: Lot P7, Jalan Indah 14/12, Seksyen 14, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan.
Tel: +603-55132000 / +609-3262036
Fax: +603-55136268 / +603-55182407

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1. Dorani Homestay, Sungai Haji Dorani, Selangor

Opening your room window when you wake up from your sleep in the morning, you will be greeted by vast acres of paddy fields as far as your eyes could see.

2. one of the properties in the homestay programme

This is a typical “view from a room” at Dorani Homestay for those seeking a village holiday. Haji Dorani Homestay is located by Sungai Dorani / Sungai Besar in Sabak Bernam.

3. view from the veranda

The villagers here who have enrolled in the homestay programme has opened up their homes to guests who are looking for a different, more relaxed, vacation.

4. living room

Therefore, a number of packages have been drawn up, offering not only accommodation but meals alongside family members as well as village activities from eel-fishing to making coconut leaf trumpets.

5. one of the bedrooms

During our visit, my friends and I had the privileged to learn more about Kuda Kepang, where dancers “ride” the flat horse, depicting horsemen.

6. kitchen

This is a traditional Javanese dance with strong links to spirit possession, therefore many of the dancers seem to be in a trance. However, in modern day the Kuda Kepang dance is presented as a form of cultural entertainment.

7. Ynez Wahab blows the coconut palm whistle

Depending on how much time you stay at Dorani and the season, you will get to participate in many local pastimes, including flying the wau and harvesting of paddy.

8. masks used in the Kuda Kepang dance

To get the best paddy scenery, I would suggest to stay during the months of June and December, prior to the harvesting of paddy.

9. Kuda Kepang demonstration

Most of the villagers in Sabak Bernam are of Javanese descent. These hosts are very friendly and try to make their guests’ stay as comfortable as possible, despite the lack of modern city amenities.

10. Kuda Kepang demonstration

I have to reiterate that homestays are not for everyone as one needs to be clever to adapt to a strange environment. Nonetheless, there is no harm trying just for one time, right?

11. my friend Fauzi Mohamad learns the steps to Kuda Kepang

Dorani Homestay
Website: Dorani Homestay
Add: Parit 1, Sungai Haji Dorani, 45300 Sungai Besar, Selangor.
Tel: +6013-607 7025 (Abdul Rahman Daud)

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1. exotic lunch at Restoran Lembah Bernam

If you know me well, you will know that I am not someone who is crazy about food. I eat to live and not the opposite. Nonetheless, I do enjoy my food when I have the opportunity to do so.

2. ulam-ulaman & sambal

During our visit to Kuala Selangor, where we were taken to explore the many attractions of the district in Selangor, one of the meals we had was at Restoran Lembah Bernam.

3. ikan baung

I have not heard of this restaurant prior to my visit but later found out that they are well known for their exotic dishes of deer and porcupine! Yup, you read right!

4. freshwater prawns

Of the many times that I had been offered exotic dishes, I had declined but this time, I decided to give it a try. After all, how often do we come across porcupine rendang?

5. curry deer

Our dish of porcupine rendang was accompanied by curry deer and fried spicy jungle fowl (ayam hutan goreng berempah). I am proud to say I gave them all a bite. One each was more than enough. Let me just stick to my “safe” food. LOL

6. porcupine rendang

Besides these cooking styles, these exotic meats can be prepared in numerous other ways to suit customers’ tastes.

7. ayam hutan goreng berempah (fried spicy jungle fowl)

For those who are as unadventurous as I am when it comes to eating, Restoran Lembah Bernam also serves kampung-style cooking. Phew!!

8. Restoran Lembah Bernam

Restoran Lembah Bernam
Add: Jalan Main Canal, Tali Air 9, Sekincan, Pasir Panjang, Selangor.
Tel: +60 7-285 8603

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1. Paddy Gallery, Sekinchan

As a city gal, I never bothered my head about where the rice that I eat come from. The only thing I care about is the price per 10kg bag of rice. As long as it is within my budget, I am pleased.

2. short talk & video presentation

Nonetheless, I have longed to visit Sekinchan, a fishing village that is also known for its paddy crops. I finally found the opportunity to visit Sekinchan, in the district of Kuala Selangor, upon being selected as a delegate in the Discover Selangor media familiarisation trip.

3. more explanation on rice

The only problem during our January trip, was that the paddy had already been harvested in December. Even so, a visit to Paddy Gallery was most fruitful, giving me the chance to learn the theory of how rice is planted.

4. exhibits

Paddy Gallery is owned by PLS Group. In the early days, the company was first established as a rice transporter, but today it has diversified to become a wholesale supplier of rice, grains trading, cultivation and sale of rice seedlings as well as transplanting rice services, distribution of fertilisers and pesticides, among numerous other services.

5. exhibits

Visitors to Paddy Gallery are treated to a video presentation as well as a short talk by one of the staff, to better explain the entire process of how rice comes to be. Paddy Gallery, Malaysia’s first ever, is also home to a good collection of artifacts and items related to paddy planting and the rice industry in general.

6. exhibits

If you plan a visit to Sekinchan, do take note that planting season is February and August. Harvesting is only done after 110 days of planting the transplanting mats. So, I reckon the best time to visit the village sould be around June and December, just before harvesting, using a rice combine harvester. The golden fields would be such a sight to behold!

7. rice

By the way, did you know that using the modern method of a rice transplanter, 1.2 hectares of land can be planted with 300 pieces of transplanting mats in just 2.5 hours. This is a vast improvement from the manual planting of rice, which would require eight workers over two days.

8. rice products

Rice is the staple food in Southeast Asia. Do you know how long it would take an adult to consume one ton of rice at two meals a day, assuming its serving size is 70g each? The answer is 19 years! If the rice was consumed three times a day at the same serving size, it would take 13 years.

9. rice transplanter

See how much knowledge I gained after a visit to Paddy Gallery in just one morning? You should make your way there, too!

Paddy Gallery
Add: Lot 9990, Jalan Tali Air 5, Ban 2, 45400 Sekinchan, Selangor.
Tel: 016-205 6558

Opening hours: 9am – 5.30pm
Admission: RM5 per person (kids under 95cm free of charge)
Website: Paddy Gallery

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1. Ah Ma House Bakery

A specialty cake and pastry shop, Ah Ma House is a village house that transports us back to the old days of our grandparents. Indeed, Ah Ma is the Hokkien word for grandmother.

2. Vespa with its rider, Fauzi Mohamad (Pojie)

Personally, I find Ah Ma House, also known as Ah Ma Bakery, to be a commercial store. However, the items that are sold here may be difficult to find now in larger cities, hence its attraction.

3. olden wares

Other than to stop, browse and shop, there is no one whom I could ask for further information about the house, because everyone was busy taking orders and serving customers.

4. childhood candies

Items that most people buy here are traditional snacks and cookies, such as kuih kapit (love letters). Apparently, the recipe was passed down from their grandmother.

5. old household cupboards

Ah Ma House in Sekinchan provides a wonderful photography opportunity, which we naturally took full advantage of!

6. rattan furniture

If you walk around to the garage of the house, you will also see vehicles that visitors could rent to tour the village easily, for a fee, of course. I heard that it’s RM5 per round but the poster says otherwise.

7. special vehicles to tour Sekinchan

Ah Ma House
Add: Lot 10376, Jalan Tali air 5, Kampong Sekinchan, 45400 Sekinchan, Selangor, Malaysia.
Tel: +6012-389 9888
Website: Ah Ma House

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1. SKC 3D Art Gallery

3D art, or trick art, is all the rage these days; it has even infected the village of Sekinchan.

2. Emily Tang, the paddy farmer

3. Art Gallery

The attraction, also known as SKC 3D Art Gallery is only open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, public holidays as well as school holidays.

4. kid racer

5. ballerina

Having been to many other similar art galleries, I think SKC doesn’t have much to shout about in terms of art, but go to the rooftop and get an amazing panoramic view of the paddy fields down below.

6. crystal ball

7. Amos, the upside down student

It would be best to visit around the months of June and December, when the paddy crops are just about ready to be harvested.

8. two fishermen hard at work

9. chased by a locomotive

However, there are many photo opportunities both at the 3D Gallery and more so on the rooftop. The one hour that I spent at the gallery was definitely insufficient, despite being a jaded visitor of trick art galleries.

10. Winnie the Pooh corner

11. car crash

So, if photography is your cup of tea, make sure to plan your trip to Sekinchan on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, or public and school holidays. Otherwise, you would figuratively “touch door nail” (arrived on closed days)!

12. garden

13. garden

Admission:
14 years old and above – RM12
8 – 13 years old – RM10
up to 7 years old – free of charge

Business hours: 9.30am – 6.30pm (Fri – Sun, Public Holidays & School Holidays)

14. Love seat

15. framed

Sekinchan 3D Art Gallery
Add: 45400 Sekinchan, Selangor.
Tel: +6010-323 9666

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1. Sekinchan 3D Art Gallery

Many years ago, Sekinchan used to be a small fishing village that people would not visit on purpose unless it was for business. However, times have changed and Sekinchan is now a tourist attraction.

2. Sekinchan 3D Art Gallery

3. Sekinchan 3D Art Gallery

Located in Selangor, less than 30km from Kuala Selangor, Sekinchan is also known as the ‘rice bowl of Selangor’, with an extremely high yield of paddy per season compared to other paddy cultivation areas in the country.

4. Ah Ma House

5. Ah Ma House

The word Sekinchan, after all, means “village suitable for plantation” in Chinese. Therefore, not only is paddy successfully planted here, other plants are viably grown as well. Paddy remains its top crop, though, with about 4,300 acres of land provided for it. That’s a large area of land that you won’t see the end of it.

6. Farm Ville Café

7. Paddy Gallery

Paddy is planted twice a year and it takes 110 days before it is harvested. Thus, based on the planting seasons, the best time to visit Sekinchan would be in June and December, just before the crop is harvested.

8. Kuala Selangor Bus Restaurant

9. Kuala Selangor Bus Restaurant

When you are there while paddy has yet to be harvested, you can see and photograph the glorious paddy fields ripe for the picking.

10. Wishing Tree Temple

11. L-R: Husna, DJ Fiq and Nuar enjoy Mango King

During my recent sojourn to Sekinchan as part of the Discover Selangor delegation, I visited, ate and shopped at these places which I would love to share with you.

1) Sekinchan 3D Art Gallery
2) Ah Ma House
3) Farm Ville Café
4) Paddy Gallery
5) Kuala Selangor Bus Restaurant
6) Wishing Tree Temple
7) Mango King
8) Pusat Jualan Masri, Empayar Kerepek Sekinchan

12. a photo from Pusat Jualan Masri, Empayar Kerepek Sekinchan

A visit to Sekinchan would be incomplete without at least dropping by these attractions!

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1. tourist guide Jasmin leads a group for the walk

If you find yourself in Klang over the weekend and looking for something interesting to do, may I suggest that you participate in the Royal Klang Heritage Walk, a free guided walking tour, that will make you look at Klang town with renewed eyes.

2. Royal Gallery Sultan Abdul Aziz

3. Jasmin shows the then and now

The walk is jointly organised by Tourism Selangor Sdn. Bhd. and Klang Municipal Council. Available on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 9am, each walk is limited to a maximum of twenty people. If you are coming in a larger group, you are required to write in formally to Tourism Selangor Sdn. Bhd. prior to your tour.

4. the former Chartered Bank

5. Royal Klang Club

Registration for the tour begins at 9am, with the walk commencing at 9.15am. The starting point is the Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery. Depending on the pace of the participants, the tour requires at least 1.5 to 2 hours to complete.

6. Alam Shah Palace

7. Church of Our Lady of Lourdes

There are six guides who capably conduct this tour. I was surprised when I learned that the average time required for a guide to pass the special test to conduct this Royal Klang Heritage Walk is one year. It is that difficult with many facts to memorise!

8. Klang Convent School

9. Tengku Kelana Street (Little India)

In Malaysia, there are only six heritage walks, including Ipoh Heritage Walk and Georgetown Heritage Walk. However, this walk in Klang is the only “royal” walk in the country.

10. Indian Muslim Mosque Tengku Kelana

11. Sri Nagara Thendayuthapani Temple

The Royal Klang Heritage Walk takes participants to eleven landmarks. They are:

1) Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery
2) The former Chartered Bank (now Chennai Silk Sarees)
3) Royal Klang Club
4) Alam Shah Palace
5) Church of Our Lady Lourdes
6) Klang Convent School
7) Tengku Kelana Street (Little India)
8) Indian Muslim Mosque Tengku Kelana
9) Sri Nagara Thandayuthapani Temple
10) Klang Fire Station
11) Gedung Raja Abdullah (warehouse)

12. Klang Fire Station

Check out my photos taken sometime in January 2017. Although these buildings were erected in the late 1880s or early 1990s, they are still so well maintained. That’s why I highly recommend this walking tour to friends for a glimpse of the heritage of Klang, Selangor.

13. Gedung Raja Abdullah

For further information, contact:

Tourism Selangor (Product Department) at +603-55132000

Persons in charge:
1) Mr Md Saad Mahsah (Project Manager)
2) Mrs Sarimah Hashim
3) Mr Mohd Izzul Izzat

Email: product@tourismselangor.my

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