Travel – From Emily To You

Camera Museum, George Town

Located along Lebuh Muntri in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in George Town, Penang is Camera Museum, the first of its kind in South East Asia.

camera wall decor

antique camera decorations

Also listed in the Malaysia Book of Records, this Camera Museum which was opened on June 22, 2013, was founded by seven young professional photographers, mostly from Penang.

Shamsul poses with a wall art

Lego digital camera

Possibly the most popular museum in George Town, this museum currently displays more than 300 rare and even antique cameras, dating back to the 1500s.

some of the cameras on display

vintage flash bulbs

Although most of these cameras are placed inside glass showcases, there are some where visitors are allowed to touch and feel for themselves how photographs were taken in the old days, including hands-on experience with the world’s oldest camera.

Mamiya M645 1000s (Gold, Lizard skin)

William Hyde Wollaston - Camera Lucida, Chambre Claire (France 1807)

An in-house guide is available upon request, explaining about the cameras and the development of photography technology through the years.

an in-house guide shows how a camera is used

spy cameras

Check out the rare toy cameras, large format cameras and also vintage camera accessories.

machine gun camera

Ayu looks on as the guide explains the workings of pinhole cameras

Other highlights of Camera Museum would be the Dark Room, Pinhole Room, Obscura Room and Spy Room.

chemicals used in the development of film in the dark room

Double Exposure Café

Besides the Museum, visitors can also spend time at the café called Double Exposure Café or shop for camera-themed souvenirs.

shots of patrons of Double Exposure Café

photos taken at the Smile Corner

Admission fee:
Adult – RM20
Student card – RM10
Senior citizen – RM10
Children below 12 years old – free of charge
*family package available

some of the camera-themed souvenirs available from SnapShop

Camera Museum
Add: 49, Lebuh Muntri, 10200 George Town, Penang.
Tel: +604-2613649
Web: www.penangcameramuseum.com

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ESCAPE, Teluk Bahang, Penang

With a concept similar to SkyTrex Adventure in Shah Alam, Selangor, I was full of trepidation prior to my visit to ESCAPE’s Adventureplay in Teluk Bahang, Penang. While I would like to try the games to bring out the kid in me, I am afraid of heights at the same time. See, it’s more a mental challenge than a physical one when it comes to playing at an extreme theme park such as this.

Adventureplay

owner Mr. Sim Choo Kheng, showing the plans he has for ESCAPE

There is actually nothing to be afraid of as ESCAPE observes world-class safety standards and there is a first aid room manned by paramedics. However, coming to play at an extreme theme park, scraps and bruises as pretty common.

the set up

time for warm up

Anyway, although almost similar to SkyTrex, there are differences. For one, ESCAPE has a total land size of 44 acres, repurposing the land that was once used as staff quarters for the dam construction opposite.

beach volleyball

Atan’s Leap

Opened in September 2012, ESCAPE is owned by Sim Leisure, the company internationally-known for designing, building, operating and managing theme parks around the world. This one is owned by the company, the first in their portfolio. ESCAPE will be incorporating adventure on land (Adventureplay), on water (Waterplay) and a Tree-top Hotel. This is a RM180 million investment that would take six years to realise. Sim Leisure is looking for financiers to invest in ESCAPE. Those interested should contact the company directly.

Gecko Tower, with Atan’s Leap in the background

Edgar trying Go Ape

To be as natural as possible, ESCAPE harvests rain water for washing and cleaning, and soon, for its Waterplay. In fact, the park champions energy-saving efforts with its mainly non-mechanical games, holding on to the motto, ‘low-tech, high fun’. As you can see, it involves plenty of physical exertion.

4-time visitor, Nicholas, still as thrilled with the zipline

Monkey Business

At this point in time, only a section of Adventureplay is open to the public, offering 18 games. The park is smoke-free for staff, and this policy will soon apply to visitors as well.

Monkey Business

Alisha Buckley, learning at the Monkey School as dad, Alex, gives encouragement

Besides the most popular and tough 3-level Monkey Business, there’s Atan’s Leap, where one jumps from a platform 20 metres above ground, or the Flying Lemur, an extension of Monkey Business. Of moderate difficulty, it has two ziplines and various tree-top challenges that test one’s balancing and endurance. It takes about 15 minutes to complete the course.

Roller Racer

souvenir shop

Every Sunday, staff of the park will be dressed in ‘Stop Tourist Scam’ t-shirts, to campaign against the practise of giving commissions or kickbacks to tourist operators or guides who demand for it.

Operating hours: 9am – 6pm daily

Entrance ticket:
below 4 years old (future kids) – free
4 – 12 years old (junior kids) – RM45
13 – 60 years old (big kids) – RM60
above 60 years old (super kids) – RM45

ESCAPE: Adventureplay
Add: 828, Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11050 Penang.
Tel: +604-8811106
Fax: +604-8813106
Web: www.escape.my

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Armenian Street Heritage Hotel

Although located along Lebuh Carnarvon and not Armenian Street, the hotel is just a short walking distance from the street that it is named after.

reception counter

lobby

Still, it is within the George Town UNESCO World Heritage zone on Penang Island, and one could have a panoramic view of almost the entire heritage area of George Town from the viewing deck on the top floor of the hotel.

free internet corner

twin room

The hotel, with a total of six floors, offers 92 rooms, all fitted out in heritage style.

family room

Armenian Street Heritage Hotel, which is just a stone’s throw from the world-famous Ernest Zacharevic’s “Little Children On A Bicycle” street art on Armenian Street, is managed by Tune Hotels. However, unlike the usual Tune Hotels’ no-frills concept, this is a full-service hotel.

Armenian Street Heritage Hotel

Armenian Street Heritage Hotel
Add: 139, Lebuh Carnarvon, 10200 George Town, Penang.
Tel: +604-2623888
Web: www.armenianstheritagehotel.com

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1. Visit Malaysia Year 2014 Grand Launch

Themed “Celebrating 1Malaysia Truly Asia”, Visit Malaysia Year 2014′s grand launch at Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square) in Kuala Lumpur last Saturday was an extravaganza showcase of the country’s cultural diversity.

2. Tourism and Culture Minister Dato' Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz giving a speech

3. Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Dato' Hj. Muhyiddin Yassin officiates Visit Malaysia Year 2014, with Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz on his right and Dato’ Dr. Ong Hong Peng Secretary General Ministry of Tourism Malaysia on left

Officiated by Deputy Prime Minister, Tan Sri Dato’ Hj. Muhyddin Yassin, Visit Malaysia Year 2014 (VMY2014) is the fourth edition of Visit Malaysia Year campaign; the first was in 1990 with the theme “Fascinating Malaysia. Year of Festivals”.

4. pristine beaches of Malaysia

5. remembering the fallen heroes of the country

Although the grand launching ceremony only started at about 8.30pm, an interesting line-up of exciting programmes kicked off at Dataran Merdeka as early as 10am that morning, including the Fabulous Food Carnival, exhibition booths by Balai Seni Visual, National Museum, Kraftangan Malaysia, Tourism Malaysia, MyPass and IM4U, just to name a few.

6. theme parks in Malaysia

7. icons of Malaysia, old and new: the trishaw passing Petronas Twin Towers with KL Tower on left

Other sub-events were performances by buskers, drumline, street soccer, clowns and stilt-walkers. The mobile 6D simulation attracted considerable attention as well.

8. prominent Malaysian musicians perform fusion numbers

9. acknowledging the country’s monarchy

In his speech, Minister of Tourism & Culture, Dato’ Seri Nazri Aziz urged all Malaysians to come together to make VMY2014 a success, in line with the “We Are The H.O.S.T.” concept, H.O.S.T. being the acronym for Heart, Open, Smile and Together.

10. harmonica champions

11. aboriginal tribes of Malaysia

Deputy Prime Minister, Tan Sri Dato’ Hj. Muhyddin Yassin, on the other hand, outlined Malaysia’s top tourist attractions. Listed as one of the top ten countries to visit in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2014, among other accolades, these bear testimony of Malaysia being a premier tourist destination.

12. cultural dance performance

13. Datuk Jamal Abdillah performs a song

With the proboscis monkey (monyet Belanda) as official mascot for VMY2014, tourist arrivals are targeted to reach a record high of 28 million, generating international tourist receipts of RM76 billion in 2014 alone, through the over 200 exciting events and festivals planned throughout the year. This campaign aims to contribute to the realisation of the Government’s target of receiving 36 million tourist arrivals and RM168 billion in tourist receipts by 2020, as outlined in the Malaysia Tourism Transformation Plan (MTTP) 2020, which is part of the National Key Economic Areas (NKEA).

14. the most beautiful women in the world are Malaysians

15. robotic dance

The Grand Launch of VMY2014 at Dataran Merdeka saw a crowd turn-out of more than 50,000. Once the speeches and other formalities were over, they were entertained with impressive “Building Mapping” presentations on the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, fireworks display and singing performances by top Malaysian artistes, Datuk Jamal Abdillah, Dato’ Siti Nurhaliza and Datuk Khadijah Ibrahim.

16. Dato’ Siti Nurhaliza in her element, singing Cuti Cuti 1Malaysia

17. Datuk Khadijah Ibrahim (in red) delivers a song

The party continued late into the night with more performances by Amy Search, Nash, Awie, Najwa Latif and Azlan & the Typewriter, among others.

18. students from Limkokwing University singing the theme song for Visit Malaysia Year 2014 amidst another burst of colourful fireworks display

Event: Visit Malaysia Year 2014 Grand Launch
Venue: Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 4th Jan, 2014
Time: 8pm

*media pass for emily2u.com to cover the above event was made possible at the invitation of Gaya Travel Magazine and Tourism Malaysia, with much appreciation.

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KL trams - sits 8 passengers each

Kuala Lumpur’s tram has got to be one of the city’s best kept secrets because not many locals know about it! Starting from Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, the tram goes through two zones; the heritage zone covering the vicinity of Dataran Merdeka and the nature zone, which covers the Tun Abdul Razak Heritage Park.

convenient

For a ticket price of RM2 for an adult and RM1 for a child, from 9.30am to 5pm daily, the tram route takes one from Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square), to Tugu Negara (National Monument) and returns to Dataran Merdeka as well.

Embarking at Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, stops are the Chartered Bank building, National Textile Museum, Victoria Fountain, Royal Selangor Club, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, former High Court Building, City Theatre, KL Railway Station and Majestic Hotel at Dataran Merdeka.

KL Bird Park

The route continues towards Tun Abdul Razak Heritage Park, with stops at Perdana Botanical Park, Deer Park, Hibiscus Garden, KL Orchid Garden, KL Bird Park, Memorial Tun Abdul Razak, National Planetarium, Royal Malaysian Police Museum, Islamic Arts Museum, National Mosque, KL Butterfly Park, National Museum and lastly, Tugu Negara.

one of the displays at the Islamic Arts Museum: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Complex in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The best thing about taking the tram is that the ticket allows the holder to hop-on and hop-off as many times as required, so it allows one the flexibility to stop at an attraction or to skip it, and to plan the amount of time to visit a place, at one’s own convenience.

Operating hours:
9.30am to 5pm daily (within TAR Heritage Park only)

9.30am to 11.30am & 2pm to 4pm (Mon – Fri)

9.30am to 5pm (Sat & Sun)
TAR Heritage Park & Dataran Merdeka

*tram tickets are available at Kuala Lumpur City Gallery

getting ready to bike (L-R): Lloyd, Edgar, Gael & Kirk

peaceful morning bike ride

the guide points out the Malaysian Royal Police Museum

For those who prefer to cycle around these attractions, bicycles are available for rent at a nominal fee. The package includes a city bicycle, safety helmet, safety vest and bicycle lock.

Those who require a guide may request for one.

Packages:
Free & Easy

RM10 per hour
RM30 for 4 hours
RM5 per hour for the 5th hour and above

Guided tour
RM45 per person – minimum of 8 persons required

*bikes can be rented at the KL by Cycle centre at Kuala Lumpur City Gallery

Tugu Negara (National Monument)

Heritage buffs will be happy to know about the Dataran Merdeka Heritage Guided Walk. It is available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, starting from 8.30am and ends at 11.45am. The starting and ending point is Kuala Lumpur City Gallery.

To book your place on the free guided heritage walk, call +603-26980332 or email pelancongan@dbkl.gov.my

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Travelling to Kuala Lumpur numerous times, I have always wanted to experience the KL Hop-On Hop-Off tour of the city but never found the time for it.

on the Hop-On Night Excursion

Recently, I had the opportunity to try out the company’s new Hop-On Night Excursion, a five-hour tour of the city and its surrounding attractions, at night on the open deck double-decker air-conditioned bus.

first stop - Kuala Lumpur City Gallery

Departing from the Malaysian Tourism Centre (MaTic) on Jalan Ampang, right in the heart of the city, at 5pm daily, the first stop is Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, where one could view the magnificent KL City model measuring an incredible 40ft X 50ft, showcasing the city’s past, present and future development.

Federal Territory Mosque

The next stop would be one of the city’s most majestic mosques, the Federal Territory Mosque along Jalan Ibadah, off Jalan Duta.

arriving at Batu Caves Hindu temple

Next on the itinerary is Batu Caves, the famous Sri Subramaniyar Swamy Temple, home to the world’s tallest statue of Lord Murugan. Take up the challenge to climb up 272 concrete steps to reach the top!

game for the climb?

By now, it is time for dinner, and the recommended eatery is Satay Station in Ampang for one of Malaysia’s most popular local foods, satay. Be entertained by a live performance of traditional Malay folk music as you fill your stomach. The band plays from 8pm nightly.

a dinner of satay at Satay Station

Once your hunger has be satiated, it is time to head to Bukit Ampang, or more popularly known as Lookout Point in Hulu Langat, some 100m above the city, for a panoramic view of the impressive KL City skyline. Spot the neon-lighted Petronas Twin Towers!

panoramic view of KL city at night

The bus then continues its journey back to the city, passing through the Petronas Twin Towers and Jalan Bukit Bintang, making a stop at Petaling Street’s Chinatown, where you can test your bargaining skills.

passing by Petronas Twin Towers at night

Once shopping is done, it is time to head back to MaTic and to call it a day. And what a way to end the day in Kuala Lumpur!

The uniqueness of such an excursion is the ability to check out the customs and cultures of the three major races in the country; the Malay, Indian and Chinese.

An added advantage is the availability of an English-speaking tour guide on board the bus, to explain the numerous attractions along the journey, in the comfort of the air-conditioned bus.

Ticketing price (per person):
Adult – RM170
Senior citizen – RM150
Child – RM120

Two 20% discount vouchers for this Hop-On Night Excursion are available with every MYPass pack. For further information on MYPass and how to obtain a pack, log on to the MYPass website at: http://mypass.com.my/

For booking enquiries, contact:
Hop On Holidays Sdn. Bhd.
Add: 66-2, Jalan 1/76D, Desa Pandan, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: +603-89327690
Email: rlan@hoponholidays.com
Web: www.hoponholidays.com

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owner Mr. Thian introduces the many coffee beverages from his company, Antong Café

The unmistakable aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans greeted us as we made our way to Antong coffee mill in Assam Kumbang, Taiping recently.

coffee beans

roasting coffee beans

Known as the most historical coffee mill in Malaysia, being the oldest as it just marked its 80th anniversary in 2013. It was founded in 1933 by Tiah Ee Mooi, who originally named his coffee Aun Tong. The business is now managed by the third generation of the family.

traditional wood-fired oven

coffee mixture

Visitors to Antong Coffee not only get to try out traditional Hainanese breakfast with roti jari dipped in the many home-brand coffee products, they could even see how coffee beans are roasted in a traditional method using wood-fired oven, if an appointment was made beforehand.

Luqman (L) & Rosli (R) sample Antong’s special roti jari dipped in traditional coffee

Coffee beans used here are mainly sourced from local plantations in Banting, Johor, Sabah and Sarawak. However, beans from overseas may also be used when necessary, imported from countries such as Indonesia, Brazil, Colombia and Kenya.

the many coffee products

Coffee beans are put through a multi-step process, from the first process of roasting for 15 minutes to the last step of grinding to powder form, taking a total of 60 minutes to complete. Amazingly, two tonnes of kopi-O (traditional black coffee) are produced a day!

Antong Café durian white coffee

Besides producing home-brand coffee products, Antong Coffee also specialises in premixed coffee O.E.M. manufacturing, packing materials, packaging design and export documentation.

specially-packed coffee

Currently, Antong Coffee carries more than 20 coffee-based beverage products including durian white coffee, some of which are being exported to China, with plans to expand to the Middle East. Locally, Antong Coffee products, branded as AntongCafe’, are available at Chinese coffee shops, obviously, at Chinese traditional medical halls and also sold at Oloiya outlets.

Kopi Luwak (civet coffee)

Antong Coffee, which has obtained Halal certification, carries the best (and most expensive) coffee in the world, civet coffee (kopi luwak). The company also has plans to market Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee, which is ranked 6th in the world.

Antong Café - the oldest coffee mill in Malaysia

the historical house

Interestingly, the office of Antong Coffee is the house that the father of modern China, Dr. Sun Yat-sen, stayed in whenever he visited Taiping. His second wife, a Hong Kong-born lady by the name of Chen Cuifen, lived here for 17 years. The couple even adopted a local girl as their daughter. Cuifen subsequently relocated to China, where she passed away.

Antong Café administrative office

carved wooden partition

In fact, the coffee mill was formerly the horse carriage garage of this century-old mansion.

in the news

Antong Coffee Mill
Add: 8A, Assam Kumbang, 34000 Taiping, Perak.
GPS Coordinates:

Tel: +605-8075189
Fax: +605-8064645
Email: info@antong.my
Web: www.antong.my

Sales office: 8.30am – 5.30pm daily

Mill hours: 8.30am – 12.30pm – closed on Sundays

Taiping’s 2-in-1 attraction

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Royal Museum (Muzium Diraja - Istana Negara Lama)

Nestled within a land area of 11.34 hectares with a well-groomed garden, is a palace, now known as The Royal Museum (Muzium Diraja).

Royal Museum

Located along Jalan Istana in Kuala Lumpur, it was the official residence of all Yang Di-Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong since 1957.

driveway

Royal Museum

From 1957 onwards, it has been used by 13 Yang Di-Pertuan Agongs, with His Majesty Sultan Mirzan of Terengganu the last to occupy it as official residence in 2011. Sultan Mirzan was the youngest Agong of Malaysia at that time.

small audience hall

one of the dining rooms

Since then, this palace has been closed and became the Royal Museum, while the new official residence of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong has been relocated to the National Palace Complex on Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur, on November 15, 2011.

ministers’ waiting room

cinema

The Royal Museum’s main palace complex consists of two building blocks – the palace gallery and Throne Hall (Balairung Seri).

His Majesty's office

small throne room

The two-storey palace gallery was built in 1928 in Palladian architecture style. Eight halls and rooms on the ground floor and 15 rooms on the upper floor are open to visitors to view. Do take note that photography is not allowed.

round table dining room

royal bedroom

Meanwhile, the Throne Hall was built in the 1960s, which has a banquet hall, the Rulers’ meeting room, Kings’ lounge and apartments for Yang Di-Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong.

royal bedroom

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1. Batu Caves Hindu Temples & Shrines

Batu Caves, with its limestone outcrop and three main caves that have been converted into Hindu temples and shrines, is the most popular Hindu place of worship outside of India.

2. climbing up 272 steps

Thousands of people come to worship, or visit, but the annual Hindu festival, Thaipusam, attracts the most people from all over Malaysia and even other countries. This year, Thaipusam falls on Jan 17, 2014.

3. one of the smaller shrines at the foot of the hill

Batu Caves is an icon by itself. The main attraction is the world’s tallest statue of Lord Murugan, which stands proudly at a height of 140ft at foot of Batu Caves, by the entrance. The statue was officially unveiled on Jan 29, 2006.

4. Batu Caves

Worshippers brave the 272 steps up, to arrive at either of the cave temples at the top. They will also be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the city.

Do refer to Wikipedia on Batu Caves for further reading.

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Laluan Kebudayaan Tan Hiok Nee

This night market in the centre of Johor Bahru, along Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Jalan Sengget and spilled over to adjacent streets, is known locally as ‘pasar karat’ or flea market.

t-shirt stall

colourful bead accessories

I personally won’t consider it a flea market in the real sense of the word because many of the items sold here are new. However, there are also quite a number of preloved bags and clothes sold here too. Moreover, bundled clothes are a mixture of old and new.

popsicle

Milo

I would liken it to be Johor’s very own Petaling Street. However, they may be similar, yet, they are different.

replica Harley Davidson stall

The Legend perfume corner

Open nightly from about 7pm, this night market is a popular shopping spot for locals as well as tourists as they shop for good deals.

3D art

street artist

Whether one would enjoy time here depends on what one looks for when it comes to shopping. Food is not sold here, though.

Oriental-style arch

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6 Corner Senibong Seafood

When touring a city, there’s no escaping the exploration of local food. Seafood is, by the way, one of the most famous in Johor.

the set up

crabs in black pepper sauce

One of our dinners was at this seafood restaurant that goes by the name ’6 Corner’ in a seafood village, just at the fringe of the Straits of Johor , looking out to Singapore.

spicy fish

seafood tomyam

I call it a ‘village’ because it’s a cluster of seafood restaurant, which look similar, but owned by different bosses.

fish fillet

deep-fried prawns

Prepared Thai-style, it was an extremely spicy dinner for us! Check out my photos.

squids

cockles

6 Corner Senibong Seafood, by the way, also runs another restaurant, Six Corner Heights Seafood, at Taman Adda Height, also in Johor Bahru.

stir-fried vegetables

6 Corner Senibong Seafood
Add: 6, Kg. Senibong, Permas Jaya, 81750 Johor Bahru, Johor.
Tel: +6013-7670379 / +6012-7670278
Business hours: 3pm – 12am

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Villa Warisan J.A

This unique boutique hotel sports a Balinese decor, with all fittings imported from Jepara, Central Java, Indonesia.

living room

dining room

The owner, Johar Arif, who owns JA Residence Hotel in Johor Bahru town centre, and whose initials now form part of the name of this establishment, had initially planned to construct this large villa for his own family.

intricate carvings

verandah

But while building was in progress, many curious passers-by stopped to enquire, hence the decision to turn Villa Warisan J.A into a unique wedding venue, with accommodation and catering provided, if required by the bridal couple.

looking down from the upper floor

wedding dais

Already in its second year of business, the villa has witnessed the weddings of many couples, including foreign guests, all of which were done according to traditional Malay customs.

Indonesian wood carvings

bedroom

There are a total of 8 suites, consisting of a King bed, attached bathroom and patio. Besides the suites, three chalets are also available, two of which connect to one another, while the third is a standalone chalet.

bedroom

chandelier

Villa Warisan J.A is also open to hold other events besides weddings, and the maximum sitting capacity for dinner events is 350 pax. The food served is, unsurprisingly, Johorean specials, catered from the kitchen of JA Residence Hotel.

decorative items

wall panel

Interestingly, all the fittings that furnish Villa Warisan J.A are for sale, and the company runs a showroom in Tampoi, Johor. The management currently does not charge visitors who just want to check out the villa, or for photo shoots.

wooden train

swimming pool

Villa Warisan J.A Boutique Hotel
Add: 88, Jalan Abdul Rahman Andak, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor.
Tel: +607-2288333
Fax: +607-2260333
Email: villawarisanja@yahoo.com

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Bayu Marina Resort

Only 17 months old, this resort, a short drive from Renaissance Johor Bahru, is actually an investment property, where some owners lease their units to the hotel for a guaranteed annual return. Hence, besides being a resort, it is also a hotel and residence.

reception counter

There are a total of 193 units of suites, consisting of studio, two and three-bedroom suites, with views of Tebrau River OR Twin City.

lobby

All rooms come with living room and kitchen cabinets, among other facilities.

swimming pools

Common amenities, on the other hand, include sauna for male and female, mini gym and swimming pool, which can be booked for private functions and can accommodate about 350 pax round table.

Studio Suite

Most of the guests here are from the corporate sector, who make use of one of the seven function rooms, all of which are named after migratory birds such as Seagull.

twin beds

On the other hand, many families prefer its location because it is just less than ten minutes’ drive to Johor Bahru city centre and 30 minutes’ drive to Legoland Resort Malaysia.

another angle

Additionally, it’s a top choice for Singaporeans or those who transit to Singapore from Johor because it is just 5 minutes’ drive to CIQ (Bangunan Sultan Iskandar – Custom & Immigration Quarantine Complex).

kitchenette

For the convenience of guests, Bayu Marina Resort offers three theme park packages, i.e. Universal Studios Singapore, Legoland Resort Malaysia and Hello Kitty indoor theme park in Puteri Harbour, Nusajaya.

toilet

Bayu Marina Resort (Hotel | Residence | Resort)
Add: 1, Jalan Bayu Puteri 2/1, Taman Bayu Puteri, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor.
Tel: +607-3405555
Fax: +607-3405566
Email: enquiry@BayuMarinaResort.com
Web: www.BayuMarinaResort.com

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Johor Premium Outlets (JPO)

Brand-conscious fashionistas would have already shopped at Johor Premium Outlets, a shopper’s paradise in Kulaijaya, Johor, currently with a total of 120 brand name outlets, spanning over 100,000 square feet.

fountain

Opened since 2011, the phase two of JPO was launched on Nov 15, with an additional of 40 outlets, from the 80 outlets in the first phase.

leading to more stores

JPO is extremely crowded, especially during weekends and public holidays, and mostly with Singaporeans. Not surprisingly, as shoppers can enjoy up to 65% off retail price of some of the top brands in the world.

posing for a photo

The finest collection designer and name brand outlet stores are here at JPO. You name it, it is probably here.

food court

JPO is only one of the 81 shopping destinations in the Premium Outlets worldwide portfolio, including in the United States of America, Puerto Rico, Japan, Korea, Canada and Mexico.

Johor Premium Outlets (JPO)
Add: Jalan Premium Outlets, Indahpura, 81000 Kulaijaya, Johor, Malaysia.
Tel: +607-6618888

Opening hours: 10am – 10pm daily
Web: www.premiumoutlets.com.my

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JOHO Concept Store

This quaint little house turned show gallery is actually also the retail store of Johor’s artist community who goes by the brand, JOHO, the slang for Johor.

B&W wall art

Love, Trust, Respect

I understand that the birth of P.O.R.T. in Ipoh was inspired by JOHO, with the common believe that artists have to help themselves by creating a platform to promote the arts, and to explore entrepreneurship.

another corner

art wall clocks

So far, JOHO has produced t-shirts, bags and home decors, with the creative minds coming up with the design and concept, and turned into physical products by local producers. Most of the time, recyclables are utilised.

JOHO merchandise

01 shirts

The store’s best-selling item is the black & white top with 3/4 sleeves that goes by the code ’01′. It is retailed at RM55 each.

JOHO vintage corner

decorative items

Since its establishment in early 2010, JOHO has grown from strength to strength. JOHO now organises four major events in its home state Johor, including an indie music festival and surfing competition.

the JOHO brand

JOHO Concept Store
Add: 34A, Jalan Tahar Batu 3 3/4, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor.
Tel: +607-2321550
Email: johobaru@joho.my
Web: http://www.joho.my/

Business hours:
Tues – Fri: 12pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 2pm – 10pm
*closed on Monday

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With love

the lake at UTM Johor

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Johor Bahru campus is no longer just an institute of higher learning. For the past few years, the university management has been promoting UTM as an eco-tourism destination.

Sultan Ismail Mosque in the background

geese

I’d say their efforts have been rather successful as the campus has received thousands of visitors to date. With a total land size of some 1500 acres, guests here can enjoy Mother Nature’s serenity in the city without its distractions.

Scholar’s Inn

living room

UTM was the first public university to be built outside of the Klang Valley, back in 1985. It was officially opened by HRH Sultan Iskandar Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ismail, the Yang di Pertuan Agong then, and also the second Chancellor of UTM.

writing desk

kitchen

Attractions within the campus include the Tropical Park, Deer Park, Orchard and Observatory. Other activities that guests here could indulge in are jungle trekking, camping, cycling, fishing and kayaking.

horse-riding

Annahita Bakavoli models the Royal Perfume

The RM1 billion campus also boasts an award-winning biotechnology unit, which has developed 35 biotech products. One of its proudest distinction would be the perfume produced exclusive for HRH Sultan of Johor, simply named ‘The Royal Perfume’.

Kelvin checks the number of drops of essential oil to add in while Shamsul looks on

mix the solution with the electric mixer

As one of the destinations listed for Visit Malaysia Year 2014, those who choose to have a vacation at UTM can enjoy horse-riding and hands-on experience with the making of perfumes, soaps and body wash.

Kelvin makes aromatic soap

pour the solution into the mould

Talking about horses, the equestrian club here recently participated in the National Horse Show in Ipoh and won several medals in various equestrian competitions. The club has 18 horses and also organises international horse competitions annually. Not surprising, horse-riding courses are offered here.

making home made soap bar

pouring the mixture into moulds

Accommodation is available through Scholar’s Inn’s 40 fully-furnished air-conditioned apartments which are able to meet the different requirements of guests. Rates range from RM120+ to RM250+ per night.

some of the ingredients used to make cologne and aromatic soap

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Ecotourism Campus
Add: Jalan Universiti, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Johor Bahru, Johor‎.
Tel: +607-5530167
Fax: +607-5530582
Email: phbecotourism@utm.my
Web: http://www.utm.my/ecotourism/

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With love

one of the entrances of Kota Iskandar

Kota Iskandar is Johor’s 13th administrative centre. Set in a land area of 320 acres, the buildings here spot two distinctive architecture styles, Moorish-Andalusia and Johor Malay. Johor, by the way, derived its name from the Arabic word for ‘diamond’.

diamond-shaped skylight

indoor garden

The State Legislative Assembly Hall, or known in Johor as the State Parliament, in Bangunan Sultan Ismail is one of the main attractions here.

Johor state emblem

Johor State Parliament

It is said to be Malaysia’s first experimental parliament. It’s no surprise that it is one of Johor State Tourism’s top ten attractions.

the Speaker’s seat

the Al Qu’ran at the top

During Parliament sittings, however, the public can observe the proceedings at the public gallery, though full protocol has to be followed, especially if the state ruler is present, usually on the first day of the first state assembly sitting for the year. The State Parliament sits four times a year, and the most important is the presentation of budget.

the State Ruler’s seat

pineapple skylight

The unique feature of the state assembly hall is its pineapple skylight, which has two functions; to depict that Johor was once the primary producer of the fruit, and obviously, to save electricity.

Siar Jauhar Gallery

official costume for State Assemblymen

Another attraction of Kota Iskandar to the general public would be the Siar Jauhar Gallery. This is where visitors can learn about the history of the State Parliament.

the Al Qu’ran

Kota Iskandar Visitor Information Centre
Tel: +607-2909080
Fax: +607-2374100
Email: enquiries@kotaiskandar.com
Web: www.kotaiskandar.com

Opening hours: 10am – 12pm & 2pm – 4pm daily except Mondays and Public holidays.
For guided tour, advance booking is required.

Dress code: smart casual – no shorts or slippers allowed.

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With love

”By Time” Exhibition

The Terengganu State Museum hosts exhibitions on a regular basis. Currently, it is holding one called ‘By Time’.

replica of sun clock

clock tower at Payang Market in Kuala Terengganu

This exhibition is essentially about history by time, how time came to be and how it is calculated in the different time zones.

famous clock towers around the world

beduk - large drum to call people to go to the mosque

The exhibition has a write-up on famous clock towers around the world, which make an insightful read. Most texts are in two languages: Malay and English.

telling time in simple terms

a collection of clocks

‘By Time’ also features a good collection of vintage clocks and watches, which I know, collectors would find interesting.
Admission to this exhibition is free-of-charge but visitors have to pay for a ticket to enter the museum.

a collection of watches

a 1930 Fixoflex watch from the collection of Mr. Ruhaidi bin Yusof

“By Time” Exhibition @ Terengganu State Museum (Dewan Mandalika)
Date: 17th March – 15th June, 2014
Time: 9am – 5pm

Tickets:
Malaysian citizen:
Adult: RM5
Child: RM2
Uniformed student: RM1

Non-citizen:
Adult: RM15
Child: RM10

The End

Lembaga Muzium Negeri Terengganu
Add: Bukit Losong, 20566 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu.
Tel: 09-6321200
Fax: 09-6266164 / 09-6231209
Web: http://museum.terengganu.gov.my
Email: webmaster@muzium.terengganu.gov.my

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With love

After almost a week of Terengganu delicacies, delegates from China, Hong Kong and Thailand of the 2014 Terengganu International Squid Jigging Festival were craving for some tastes of their homeland dishes.

Payang Serai Restaurant Kuala Terengganu

part of our lunch

Indeed, they found it at Restoran Payang Serai, an unassuming restaurant at the Kuala Terengganu waterfront, which serves delicious Chinese and Thai-style cooking.

Restoran Payang Serai at the Kuala Terengganu Waterfront

And, I am happy to report that the restaurant received stamps of approval from the Chinese and Thai delegates!

yummy dessert

And the dessert….., I don’t know its name, but it’s yummy!!

Restoran Payang Serai
Add: Lot PT 1141 Waterfront, Jalan Hiliran, 20300 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu.
Tel: 19-9561645 (Angie) / 014-6083356 (Roderick)
Email: payangserai@yahoo.com.sg

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With love

Tappers Café Kuala Terengganu

Taking a breather from traipsing Payang Market and Chinatown one late morning, my friend, Mak, decided to stop at Tappers Café to recharge, simply because it looked nice.

cashier counter

kitchen counter

Tappers Café, from what I know, is a franchise chain of cafés, with branches in Petaling Jaya and Selangor.

layout

Opened for business in August, 2013, this cafe serves a mainly Western menu. I can see that similar to Ipoh, more and more Western-style cafes are coming up, and Tappers Café is a pioneer in Kuala Terengganu.

layout

new on the menu: Penne Olio with Beef, Bacon & Mushroom @ RM14.50

Mak ordered Penne Olio with Beef, Bacon and Mushroom, a new item on the menu, for RM14.50 only.

Check out my photos. Instagrammers in Kuala Terengganu or visiting this East Coast town, do take note.

Tappers Café
Add: 73, Jalan Bandar, 20100 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu.
Tel: 09-6205096
Web: www.tappers.com.my
Email: ian@tappers.com.my

Business hours: 9am – 11pm

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With love

Camera Museum, George Town, Penang

ESCAPE: Adventureplay

Armenian Street Heritage Hotel, Penang

Visit Malaysia Year 2014 Grand Launch @ Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur by Tram or Bike

Hop-On Night Excursion Around Kuala Lumpur

Antong Café – Oldest Coffee Mill In Malaysia

Royal Museum (Muzium Diraja – Istana Negara Lama)

World’s Tallest Statue of Lord Murugan, Batu Caves

Pasar Karat Johor Bahru (JB Night Bazaar)

6 Corner Senibong Seafood, Johor Bahru

Villa Warisan J.A Boutique Hotel

Bayu Marina Resort, Johor Bahru

Johor Premium Outlets (JPO)

JOHO Concept Store

Eco-Tourism @ Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Johor Bahru

Kota Iskandar, Nusajaya

“By Time” Exhibition @ Terengganu State Museum

Restoran Payang Serai, Kuala Terengganu

Tappers Café Kuala Terengganu