Kg. Koh / Pangkor Island / Setiawan / Damai Laut (Perak)

Another travel to Perak but this time it's not Ipoh but rather the places less traveled by many even for locals. This is definitely a place for cheap seafood and those who just like to escape the urban life.

Kg. Koh - A Chinese village famous for its local made chili with garlic. Basically, you'll see every shops near Kg. Koh will be using their very own bottled chili.

Restaurant Liu Xiao Fu- A non-halal Chinese Dim Sum Restaurant at Kg Koh before I head to Pangkor Island which was famous for its dim sum and curry puffs. Although both of that tasted really nice, their 'Kai Woh Pau' (Loh Mai Kai wrapped in a pau) was really disappointing. No sweet sauce for children, only their proud Kg Koh Chilli Sauce.

Address: 14, Lorong Jati 1, Taman Jati (On google map, the location was slightly inaccurate. It should be further straight up from this road and the shop will be easily spotted on your left)

Pangkor Island - A small island surrounded by beach. You can pay for water sports activites by the beach and some really cheap seafood. Very little place to visit, basically it's just the fish satay factory and the famous lovers tree on stones (which requires some hiking or stones-hopping) near the temple. I've been here 2 years back so I only went in for a few hours. Souvenirs are cheaper near the town rather than the factory as it's very touristy. For ikan bilis, I'll advise you not to buy here  unless you have no choice as the price is more expensive compared to places like Setiawan. Also, there are 2 jetties to enter Pangkor. One is the Lumut Jetty (RM 10 for to and fro) per pax - 30 minutes , while the other is Marina Island Jetty (RM 10 for to and fro) per pax + RM 10 annual membership (at least one person need to sign up) - 10 minutes. Upon arrival, you are advised to rent a bike / car / van and don't worry, a whole bunch of people awaits you. You can easily tour the whole island in less than an hour (without stopping).

Pasar Malam Sri Manjung- A Malay-centred night market on Saturday and Sunday only from 5pm - 9pm/10pm. Mostly selling food and malay clothing.

Address: In front of Giant Sri Manjung. (Or you can simply google Pasar Malam Sri Manjung)

Sitiawan- Good yet super cheap food.

Pasar Awam Sitiawan - Here sells the cheaper rate of ikan bilis and local goods.

Address: Jalan Senawi, Sitiawan, Perak.

Sitiwan Cheong Gia Gong Pian - A traditional old shop which is very famous for its Gong Pian (A crispy biscuit filled with onions that is baked like a naan) priced at RM 1.10 each. Alternatively, you may want to try its red bean paste (hei) / lotus paste biscuits (bai) priced at RM 0.90. As for me, the best is the Hap Dou Sou biscuits, pre-packed and homemade from Kg Koh which costs RM 8.50 for 10 pcs. Highly recommended!

Address: 12, Jalan Tok Perdana, Sitiawan, Perak

Hei Huang Tornado Cafe - This cafe is famous for its Black Bean Tau Fu Fah (Bean Curd) and Soya Milk which are priced at Rm 2.50 and RM 3.00 respectively. Also, this shop serves really good seafood baked cheese rice at RM 13.80 which is really fulfilling and even has a huge mussel in it!

Address: 36 & 38, Jalan Lumut, Sitiawan, Perak.

ABC Kopitiam - One of the best iced coffee only at RM 1.60 while the noodle has a rather special texture, it's rather plain, only with a few slices of meat but still, it's only RM 3.20 for the standard size of small. The locals highly recommended this place for breakfast. Also, if you're wondering why is it called ABC Kopitiam, try ordering their ABC and be amaze of its height! I saw it although I didn't order.

Address: Jalan Lin Chen Mei, Sitiawan, Perak.

Restaurant Michelin Star - The best place you can find for a nice and comfortable dinner at a very reasonable price! Coming from KL, the food prices here are really cheap and this is a classy restaurant. The prawns are really fresh and it's only RM 9 / 100 g, Signature Fried Rice(comes with really huge scallops) is RM 12 for the smallest portion they have (It's sufficient for 3 or even 4 pax if you are a small eater) and RM 10 for a small portion of vegetable dish of your choice. Portions are reasonably huge. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Address: Lot 14781-A, Jalan Lumut Besar, Kampung Sitiawan, Perak.

Tua Pek Kong Temple - Before you leave Sitiawan, you may want to visit this place if you are a Buddhist or simply want an experience of local culture. These Gods are facing the ocean and its believed to bring good luck. Many came here to fill the miracle water flowing out of the God of Kuan Yin and wished for lucky jackpot numbers.

Address: Jalan Pasir Panjang, Kampung Pasir Panjang Laut, Kampung Sitiawan, Perak.

Damai Laut - I basically came here because I got a free room from the previous purchase at Matta Fair and I never regret the escape.

Swiss-Garden Beach Resort - It's located deep inside and require approximately 45 minutes of travelfrom Sitiawan. It has a nice private beach which was closed due to jelly-fish incident and a fun beach where you can play watersports activities. It's facilities are quite complete with golf course, swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, gym and other recreational activities. You can check it's daily schedule for complimentary or paid activities like hiking, archery or night fishing. Once you arrived here, you most likely will just stay there and enjoy the countryside. You may want to bring your own snacks as the convenient store is quite pricey. I had Thai Cuisine for dinner with my partner and it was RM 55.00 nett for a seafood tomyam soup, omellete, mixed vegetables and braised chicken with cashew nuts which I find really reasonable. Alternatively, you can choose to opt for a seafood buffett by the beach or western buffet by the pool. For breakfast, it's only buffet so you may want to call in earlier to get a better rate.

*All prices are as of April 2015 and you definitely need a car to travel to these places more conveniently.

Travel now, just make the money work.