Friday, February 27, 2015

Singapore.

Went to Singapore from 13/2 - 15/2 and it was my 2nd time there. Previously never really had time to explore Singapore as I spent my time at Universal Studios and my friend's place. This time, I had chance to celebrate Valentine there but that's not the main aim but rather I was invited to attend the ASEAN Career Fair with Japan at Singapore EXPO (They paid us subsidy of SGD 100) so there's really no reason not to go.

I touched down at Singapore around 4pm on the first day. After settling down, we went to Orchard Street. Most places at Singapore are reachable by their MRT & LRT system so it's really convenient and not forgetting to mention, efficient. Also, you can simply take their buses to your nearest MRT if you are lazy to walk.


Orchard Street - It's basically filled with branded stuffs like Prada, Burberry and etc. According to Singaporeans, it's suppose to be more lively during Christmas season. Out on the streets are the famous block ice-cream with waffle biscuits or bread which only costs SGD 1.20. Price differs among stalls so do look for the cheapest ones.


Chinatown- I then head on to Chinatown which was really happening at that time as Chinese New Year was approaching. This restaurant is across the busy street of Chinatown, passing a mall.You can totally feel the festive mood among the crowd. Jason's uncle brought us to a buffet-style Korean restaurant and it was really good. Their chicken wings especially. (And yes, it comes with beer too if you order)

Also to highlight: The famous claypot porridge which is before the Korean buffet.


Singapore EXPO- This is usually the place where conventions and exhibitions are held in Singapore. Still, reachable by MRT, it's just a station before Changi Airport. There are a few cafes such as Coffee Bean inside if you happen to head there.


Bugis Street-  Nearby there is a temple which is really famous among locals. This street is an outdoor and indoor marketplace selling various items from apparels to food. A nice place for tourists like me! I manage to bought a Cheongsam here for only SGD19.90



International Seafood & Teppanyaki Buffet Restaurant - We then head on to our Valentine dinner. This place was really crowded and it usually requires booking in advance to guarantee a nice seating, near to the food or you'll probably need to wait for hours or sit outdoors (away from food which is really sad). The combination of foods here are really awesome. Basically as the name goes, it really does have all kinds of seafood and teppanyaki food (and more!) Service was good too! They had this free polaroid service on special occasions like this.  The 2nd picture is the ambience outside of the restaurant (waterfall and lights).

Just one more dream.

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Ipoh en route Cameron Highlands.

This time around I will talk less about Ipoh since I've already did that previously. Refer here if you are doing a trip like mine to know more of what to explore at Ipoh! You can do either first. For us, it's Ipoh - Cameron Highlands via Simpang Pulai. Simpang Pulai is the new road and in my opinion, less curvy turnings and a safer road.


I started off the journey from Ipoh and visit the usual spots. I added a few spots which are the cave temple, Sam Poh Tong and further up along the road before you turn towards the cave temple, the place which sells pamelo. I got the cheapest of RM 10 for 3. History of Sam Poh Tong is that there are a few monks which were trapped due to flood and died. Ever since, it was maintained. Donations can be done by purchasing bread, tomatoes and kangkung to feed tortoises and fishes.




Big Strawberry Farm en route Cactus Valley. This farm is a must visit. It's not so famous but it's definitely a hidden gem. If you are walking up, you'll pass by the Cactus Valley first which sells really cheap potted plants starting from as low as RM 5. Walking up the hills, you'll see strawberry plantation, salad and grapes if its on season. Highest up on the hill is the toilet (if you are urgent, drive up as there is a parking on top of the hill) and its wonderful cafe. The strawberry feast overlooking the plantation view is really pleasing not forgetting sweetylicious. :)


Charcoal Steamboat Dinner- This is very famous at breezy cold Cameron Highlands especially at night. You can find this at any streets during night time but they usually close around 9.30pm - 10pm. This shop is opposite the row of Jasmine Hotel, Rainbow Hotel, Parkson Hotel(many hotels along the road so it should be quite noticeable). Once opposite, there's one similar shop but this one is behind that row of shops. Price for 4 is RM 18 per pax. It's reasonable and really fulfilling! Note:The less people you have, the higher the price.


Lavender Garden- This is the newest garden established along the Simpang Pulai way. You'll have to pay RM 5 entrance fees to witness the beauty of various flowers. There is a comfortable cafe and fresh jam factory inside. If you love to witness the beauty of flowers in a whole lot, do go!

Water Cress Farm - RM 1 entrance fees. Fresh water cress for sale at RM 5/kg. It's really fresh.

Night market / morning market - The night market is getting smaller than before in my opinion but it's probably because I went there late. Anyway, you might still want to go to purchase some fried mushrooms or dried strawberries. Note: Fresh strawberries in Cameron Highlands are usualy sour-sweet. As for the morning market, if you want to avoid the jam, go early. Further in the morning market, there's a vegetables farm that sell to you on the spot if it's on season. RM 5 for a large round cabbage (pesticides free). Home stay is also available there.

Tanah Rata- Usually a night spot for people from Western. The AA Curry House has really nice teh tarik which you should try. It's really smooth and has a strong tea scent that's definitely worth a try for RM 2!

Definitely a nice place for a weekend getaway or simply away from the hot weather. :)

Life is like flowers. At times, it dies but most of the time, it blooms as long as you do not pull off its roots.