Food at Selayang Mall

From my previous postings, you'll notice that my office is in Selayang (been working here 1 and a half years already - since 4/2/08). Within walking distance we have very limited selection of eateries (mostly roadside stalls).

Most of the time I try to skip lunch (as part of my dieting attemp ha ha) but sometimes (if I skipped breakfast or dinner previous night) I'll be really hungry and need to eat during lunch time.

What to eat? the stalls or drive out? Most of the time I'll drive out to malay restaurants nearby Selayang stadium, or go to Selayang local council food court...

Recently I discovered a shopping mall nearby my office, only 10 minutes drive....so far I've tried:

1. Food court - quite yucky actually
2. Mc Donald - service here quite good. friendly and they serve you free coke when your food take longer time to prepare.
   
3. KFC - busy outlet.
4. Shakey's Pizza - the worst pizza joint I've ever been to! Yesterday I went to the mall to tapau my dinner, wanted to go to Penang Express but couldn't locate the shop, so decided to tapau pizza. I should have listened to my instinc! I was looking at the menu displayed at the entrance, a waiter came n hovered then she said if you want to tapau the menu is inside! I told her off and said I'll go in if I decide to buy food from the shop. Then another girl came and hover! For some unexplanable reason I walked in and ordered pizza and fried chicken. They took their time to take my order as they have to wait for different guy to man the cashier counter. After my order the food took long time to prepare (longer than pizza hut / domino time limit of 15-20min); When I asked the guy at the counter apologized and said they just realized they ran out of coleslaw and they are frying potato chips to replace the coleslaw and of course they never bothered to inform me about it! Then, came the pizza..the worst pizza I've eaver eaten...dry and tasteless! I've been to Shakey's at my old office in USJ9, taste not bad and service is good, when you go in they greeted you and while you wait they provide you with free coke. Here...well I will never ever go to this place again. Now, mystery solved. I mean Shakey's was amongst the pioneers in serving pizza in KL yet their presence compared to Pizza Hut and Domino's almost invisible...now you have your answer. http://julietchun.blogspot.com/2008/05/sale-jom-shopping.html ; http://ejartsweetcatchy.blogspot.com/2008/09/jalan2selayang.html
   
5. Ketupat & Rendang - in front of Shakey's 2 malay girls sell ketupat and rendang. As I was hungry everything look good :-) so i bought 1 bundle of rice ketupat (5 pieces per bundle) RM4.50; 5 pieces of ketupat pulut RM4.50 and 200 gram Rendang Tok RM10.00. Rendang Tok is delicious, I don't mind buying it again but the ketupat pulut taste very bland...I guess I can only eat good ketupat pulut from my mom.
   
6. Pappa Kopitiam - nothing special but palatable enough to fill one's hungry stomach. http://jancanfly.blogspot.com/2009/05/pappa-kopitiam-selayang-mall-kl.html ; http://mimid3vils.blogspot.com/2008/04/papa-kopitiam.html ; http://www.pappakopitiam.com.my/default.asp?contentID=533 ; http://www.3-meals.com/?p=318
   
7. Borneo Station - expensive and I don't like the food. http://www.borneostation.com/Default.asp ; http://sirei5198.blogspot.com/2009/04/borneo-station.html ; http://beckleesblog.com/?p=586
   
8. Garden's Cafe - food taste awful
   
9. Johnny's - same taste as other branches. place quite empty http://www.johnnyrestaurant.com/menu.htm ; http://www.sawanila.com/kedai/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=515:wefwefweferwfwe&catid=50:makan-time&Itemid=153 ; http://foodmoochers.blogspot.com/2007/04/johnnys-steamboat.html
   
10. Secret Recipe - don't have the craving for this place yet as I've frequented their Sri Damansara outlet very often. http://www.secretrecipe.com.my/
    
11. Penang Express - just tried today, they have promotion where you can order one drink (from 3pm to 6pm) and you get to buy char kuew tiaw for RM1. Offer from 3/6/09 to 30/6/09. Anyway, I went there during lunch time and my lime kasturi drink (lime and asam boi drink) and a plate of char kuey tiaw cost me RM12.40! very expensive. Still cheaper than Borneo Station, a plate of their fish noodle almost RM10!
12. Cone Pizza - yet to try http://www.foodstreet.com.my/food-street/opage.s?outlet=Italian+Cone+Pizza ; http://www.conepizza.com.my/ ; http://www.kornykornelius.com/?tag=cone-pizza
    
13. Haji Samuri - yet to try, I'm sure taste wise must be the same as other outlets. http://www.onestopmalaysia.com/food-reviews/selangor/kajang-satay-(haji-samuri).html ; http://kyspeaks.com/2007/06/20/ky-eats-sate-kajang-haji-samuri-at-damansara-uptown/ ; http://food.malaysiamostwanted.com/venues/restoran-sate-kajang-hj-samuri-satay-bgn-dato-nazir ; http://www.thekualalumpurtraveler.com/satay-kajang-hj-samuri-the-best-satay-in-malaysia/
    

Bandung / Jakarta trip

After months of planning and research, we visited Jakarta & Bandung.

8 of us (my parents, my 2 sisters, my sisters in law and a nephew) and 3 kids (a niece and 2 nephews).

The group was split into 2. First group went to Jakarta on 6/6/09 and left for Bandung by train on 7/6/09. Second group flew straight to Bandung from KL on 7/6/09.

Flight –

6/6/09 – 11/6/09 KL-Jkt-KL : KLM RM301 return ticket per adult & RM201 per child. http://www.klm.com/travel/my_en/index_default.html

7/6/09 KL-Bandung: Air Asia RM50/pax (promo);http://www.airasia.com/

12/6/09 Jkt-KL: Lion Air RM154/pax http://www.lionair.co.id/

All expenses for 3D/2N in Bandung and 3D/3N in Jakarta RM600/adult excluding flights n shopping money. Well we only stayed 2 nights at Geulis Hotel in Bandung. In Jakarta we stayed at my sis’s house.

Read on perhaps you’ll find info here useful for your next trip.

6/6/09 saturday

KLM Internet check-in – very useful to avoid long queue at KLIA. All we need to do just drop off our bags at the designated counter.

During booking (if you are a muslim) specify you require halal food.

KLM meals – not bad

Adult – fried noodles / jelly / rojak

Kiddy’s meal – spaghetti bolognaise / , kit-kat / fruit / ribena. With the box they provide colouring page for the kid. My niece tore of the page to be coloured later n left it on the plane. She kept on bugging the mother for it while we were in Indonesia; we thought KLM will provide the same box on our journey back but turned out that was a promo pack. My niece sulked through out the flight back.

My sis & family picked us up from airport. On the way we dropped by at Grand Indonesia http://www.grand-indonesia.com/#(similar to our Mid Valley etc), interesting mall, they have theme for each section including the toilet – Middle East, Japanese etc. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RumIH970TkI

Went to a book shop n bought Mentari prepaid card. Rp6500 for a sim card and we topped up Rp50k. Very cheap, to call M’sia flat rate Rp60/6 sec (RM0.20/min). We didn’t need to top up for our entire stay there. However on 7/6 to 8/6 we could not call M’sia, only local calls, something wrong with their network connection. http://www.indosat.com/

I bought l’occitanne at Seibu – slightly cheaper than KL. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seibu_Department_Stores#Indonesia ; http://www.loccitane.com/29/1/2270/34000/A-True-Story.htm

After dinner went home. Our dinner was at Waroeng Podjok: http://www.warjok.com/concept.php

Sup buntut x 2pax

Sup buntut goreng x 1pax

ikan patin x 1 pax

soto bandung x 1pax

sayur asem x 1 pax

all with rice

Food? Not bad..amongst the better one compared to others that we tried while in

jkt/bandung.

7/6/09 sunday

Took 2nd train (9am). Only Rp50,000/pax (Argo Gede), with the ticket you get a bun, a glass of mineral water and a pack of wet tissue (they distributed the goody on train). http://infoka.kereta-api.com/jadwal_dan_tarif/artikel.php?to_path=/jadwal_dan_tarif/artikel.php&ka=ARGO+GEDE&ch_lang=en

We reached Stasiun Gambir quite early, so after we bought the ticket, my bro in law took us to visit Masjid Istiqlal nearby. After walked around & performed sunat prayer we went back to Stasiun Gambir. http://www.masjidistiqlal.com/

We were carrying heavy bags – lugging them up the stairs to platform (from foyer) and only noticed the lift when we reached the platform sigh...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxDESlzlPew&feature=related

Train? Similar to M’sia KTM la..not superbly clean like European or British or American train but reasonably clean. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6Fod0SCH8Y

Our bags were heavy, so when a porter offered to store them in the overhead compartment, his service was welcomed. Still a bit blur on Rupiah value, I paid him Rp1,000! He stared at me and showed 5 fingers. He wanted Rp5,000  lucky my sister had small change from her previous trip to Indonesia.

After the porter incidence we realized we need small change (when we changed RM to Rp in KL we only had Rp50,000 and Rp100,000 notes).

So, my sis-in-law bought 2 bottles of water (Rp3k/bottle) from the train staff (they sell stuffs first before distributing free goodies to passenger). Ha ha slight commotion since my sister said we shouldn’t let the staff kept the Rp50k (the guy said he’ll return the balance once he has small change).

Anyway, my sis’s worry for no reason, we saw the guy again walking to and fro selling stuffs later. It seems he tried to tempt us to buy his stuffs (toys. Souvenirs, snacks etc) and only returned the balance when we almost reached Bandung.

During lunch – Argo Gede offers nasi rames, nasi goreng, chicken cordon bleu, nasi rawon. we ordered nasi goreng (Rp15k)for my niece but she slept through out the journey. So we asked the staff to pack the food for us. We saw other passengers enjoying hot steaming lunch in proper plate & cutlery.

Images from http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/A9vU7J-GUs3lQBi69_z_Zg?select=KaOdCNucRoG-Pqam65gNuQ ; http://yahaa-fly.blogspot.com/ ; pujangga.net/.../07/12/nasi-goreng-restorka/

The 3 hour journey was pleasant , whenever bored/tired we walked around. N the view? from jkt you can see guys and kids sifting through garbage for useful items, then the train pass through paddy fields, villages and nearer to Bandung you can see terraced paddy fields, deep ravine. Mountains.. beautiful. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_sxHS5UM_o&feature=related ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtnTANRj_1k ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78NLSjNtuCk&feature=related

I guess if I were to go to bandung again from jkt, i'll choose train over car...

We reached Bandung station n saw 2 gates Utara & Selatan, not sure where our hotel rep waited for us, we went to gate Selatan; turned out main entrance is at gate utara…..

Hotel Geulis http://www.geulis-hotel.com/room.php?id=2&aksi=lihat

Nice, clean hotel. We took 2 family suites for Rp4,120,800 (RM1,413) for 2 nights. The suite is a duplex unit with one double bed on lower floor and 2 single beds on upper floor. And one bathroom.

We booked the hotel through Bayu Buana http://www.bayubuanatravel.com/ n the rate is cheaper than buying direct from hotel. The rate is also cheaper than usual rate quoted to foreigners because my sis resides in Jakarta and she bought the hotel voucher for us using local rate.

We were hungry and shared Argo Gede nasi goreng – surprisingly good and the portion is huge.

After a nice rest we started our factory outlets exploration around Geulis Hotel. We started across the street - Coconel right in front of our hotel, it sells shoes. Next is Grande – this one sells clothes etc, next is Jetset also sells clothes n stuffs, next is Blossom – clothes n more clothes.

By now my sis was tired and my niece was throwing tantrum as she was hungry. So we walked to Kartika Sari for our dinner and to pack food for group 2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VF4sVz6cwz8

Food? Ok la since we were hungry (we had better food at Waroeng Podjok at Grand Indonesia).

Nasi capcay Rp22,000 (RM7.54) x 1pax

Nasi goreng ikan asin Rp19,500 (RM6.69) x 5pax

Nasi goreng kampung Rp22,500 (RM7.71) x 1pax

Sup buntut goreng Rp34,000 (RM11.66) x 1 pax

orange juice Rp10,000 (RM3.43) x 3pax

Strawberry ice cream Rp12,727 (RM4.36) x 1pax

TOTAL: Rp240,600 (RM82.52)

Dessert/snacks:

Pisang bolen mini Rp23,000 (RM7.89) x 2 boxes

Brownies kukus adinda Rp24,000 (RM8.23) x 1 box

Brownies choco chips Rp30,000 (RM10.29)

Kacang bogor Rp22,500 (RM7.71)

Total: Rp122,500 (RM42.00)

After dinner, we were too tired to walk back and took angkutan. How much? Rp4,600 for 4 of us.

8/6/09 monday

Breakfast at 7am – small spread but not bad - nasi goreng, pastries, bread,porridge, lontong, eggs, noodle etc.

After breakfast, the older generations wanted to go to Pasar Baru http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImCG4NmDsgI&feature=related while the younger group prefers FOs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9FCbeWoioM&feature=related , so we split into 2 groups and call Zafiracar http://www.zafiracar.com/ for a car

(we already booked 2 units of 7-seaters for use on 9/6/09 to 11/6/09 and 1 unit 7-seater on 12/6/09 cost us Rp3.1mil). He charged us Rp400k for a unit of 7-seater for a day. So total spent on transport Rp3.6mil excluding drivers’ meal n tips, Zafiracar told us to pay the drivers Rp25k each per day (on 8/6 the driver ate with group 2 in Pasar Baru not sure if they paid the driver any tip or not; on 9/6 we paid Rp25k to each driver for their lunch n Rp25k each for their dinner; on 10/6 same amount with additional Rp25k; last day we paid Rp25k for their lunch n Rp50k as tip).

Back to shopping story - So, my sis, 17-year old nephew, 2-year old nephew & I started our FOs exploration – this time along the road next to geulis – started with Episodes etc, then my 2-year nephew refused to walk and we had to carry him, so my sister decided to buy him a stroller (Rp750k) at Lavie.

After Lavie, we were too tired to walk and decided to take angkutan to Cascade/Heritage. The guy dropped us off at Jalan Dago/Jalan Riau/Jalan Merdeka junction and told us to walk to Cascade/Heritage. We walked for a while n couldn’t see Cascade/heritage. I asked a lady and she told us to get on another angkutan…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itzO7THUonc&feature=related

Image from http://bleucat.blogspot.com/2008/07/going-uphill-to-mt-tangkuban-perahu.html

Finally reached Heritage/Cascade and we just rushed in to enjoy the Aircond 

For info Heritage/Cascade has a play area – so if you are tired and your kid wants to play, stop by at Freckles, the kid can use the facility for 30min for Rp3000.

Image from http://cloudswalldecor.com/?p=66

We had our lunch at Cascade and once done with Cascade/Heritage we waked to Summit next door. Once done with Summit my sis decided to take her kid back to hotel, we took a cab back n after dropping off my sis n my 2-year old nephew, we proceeded to Rumah Mode, Mode Plus & Natural. The taxi driver offered to wait n he said Rp50k (I thought Rp50k plus fare from Summit to Geulis) and agreed. But once done. I realized he didn’t stop his meter n we had to pay meter reading & Rp50k which added up to Rp100k!

Our Cascade lunch:

Nasi Timbel, Nasi Goreng Bakar, fries, beef cordon bleu, strawberry juice, aqua, orange juice (3pax + 1 kid) Rp179,000

group 2 lunch at Pak Chi Met Pasar Baru (5pax + 2 kids) Rp134,000.

Anyway, on the way back we asked the driver to stop at Ayam Goreng Suharti & K Circle (similar to our 7-11) to buy water. I also asked him to take me to Restoran Sederhana or Simpang Raya for Nasi Padang, instead he took me to Pondok Kapau! The food looks like it has been displayed for ages n the place quite dirty, so we skipped the place.

Ayam Goreng Suharti + 2 drinks Rp96,500

Mineral water (from Circle K) Rp30,000

Image from http://desawisata.com/?p=1065

Reached hotel and the others already getting ready to continue shopping. So we joined them since we still have few hours on our rental car. We went to Rumah Mode again. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXbkRPD0YBs&feature=related

On the way back, we stopped by at Simpang Raya to pack dinner (my parents, my sis in law and the kids didn’t follow us to Rumah Mode). No more food left! So the driver took us to the other branch of Simpang Raya. Not much food left. After we left, they closed the shop!

Nasi dus Rp6000 (RM2) x 6pax

Rendang Rp9000 (RM3) x 3pax

Ayam Rp9500 (RM3.25) x 3pax

Sagoti Rp8000 (RM2.74) x 2pax

Sambal tambahan Rp3000 (RM1.03)

Lalab tambahan Rp3000 (RM1.03)

Teh botol Rp3,000 (RM1.03)

TOTAL: Rp116,500 (RM39.96)

Fruits from fruit shop Rp433,267

Image from blog.adrianpradana.com/.../comment-page-1/

http://kehadiranku.blogspot.com/2009/02/bandung-trip.html

9/6/09 tuesday

Programme? Tangkuban Perahu / Sari Ater / lunch at Kampung Daun / more shopping in Bandung / Jakarta

Told my sisters – it will be cold in Tangkuban Perahu http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AothBiASxLQ ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnoPLoTo280&feature=related . But they decided to ignore my advice. It was really cold whenever the wind blows. In the end the kids n my parents just looked around for a short while n decided to wait in the car. Brr..later off to Sari Ater. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAORKGnCo_U

On the way down decided to stop by at Sindang Reret since I heard so much about the place. Then off to Kampung Daun for lunch. The group love this place. our meals: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQ8O-7XXTyQ&feature=related

Image from http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=564337&page=8

Nasi Timbel Komplit Rp35,000 (RM12) x 2pax

Nasi Goreng Kg Daun Rp35,000 (RM12) x 1pax

Nasi Kukus Kampung Daun Rp35,000 (RM12) x 1pax

Nasi Campur Ala Sunda Rp45,000 (RM15.43) x 1pax

Bebek Goreng Nasi Enak Rp75,000 (RM25.72) x 1pax

Nasi Bakar Sambal Belut Rp38,500 (RM13.20)x 1pax

Kwetiaw Pad Thai Rp35,000 (RM12) x 1pax

Ikan Nila Goreng RM10,000 (RM3.43) 1 portion

Kangkong balacan Rp17,500 (RM6.00)

Ayam goreng Kg Daun Rp35,000 (RM12) 1 portion

Sop iga sapi Rp45,000 (RM15.43) x 1 portion

Aqua Rp5,000 (RM1.71) x 1pax

Avocado juice Rp25,500 (RM8.74) x 1pax

Strawberry juice Rp25,500 (RM8.75) x 2pax

Orange juice Rp25,500 (RM8.75) x 1pax

Kopyor special Rp32,500 (RM11.14) x 3pax

Hot tea manis Rp5,000 (RM1.71) x 1pax

Pisang goreng keju Rp12,500 (RM4.28) x 1pax

Surabi pisang keju Rp8500 (RM2.91) x 1 pax

Es krim goreng Rp22,500 (RM7.71) x 3pax

TOTAL: Rp812,900 (RM278.82)

Images from http://viinkerbell.blogspot.com/2008_12_01_archive.html

http://singka.blogsome.com/2006/04/03/ & http://seralulalu.wordpress.com/tag/food/

Then continue shopping at Cascade/Heritage n stopped by at Kartika Sari for pastries and cookies.

1) Pisang bolen chocolate Rp24,500 x 3 boxes

2) Pisang bolen Rp23,000 x 3 boxes

3) Bika Cirebon Rp27,500

4) Roll tart keju Rp40,000 x 3 rolls

5) Marble brownies kukus Rp25,000 x 3

6) brownies kukus adinda Rp24,000

7) brownies choco chips Rp30,000 x 2 boxes

8) Brownies sp keju Rp34,000

9) Lapis prunes Rp420,000

10) Roti tawar keju Rp12,000

11) kacang bogor Rp25,000 x 5

12) Almond cookies Rp110,000

13) Florentine Rp100,000

14) Naastarr Rp105,000

15) Bakeput Rp50,000

16) Cheese stick Rp70,000

17) Choc almond Rp95,000

TOTAL: Rp1,570,000 (RM538)

Ice cream at Kartika Sari Rp14,00 x 6 cups

left bandung for jkt abt 7pm and reached my sis’s home about 10pm.

10/6/09 wednesday

Programme? One group to Safari /Puncak and the other group Kubah Mas & Blok M. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDax0yM0GHg&feature=related ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiK9twdpU-0&feature=related ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDEWzA3gA80&feature=related

Images from http://matacahaya.blogsome.com/2007/04/24/piknik-di-masjid-kubah-emas/ http://wongpwt.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/masjid-kubah-emas-dian-al-mahri/

After safari we were hungry and we saw a nice place Dulang something but our driver said 'jelek' n he brought us to Restoran Rindu Alam. Nice view (like Genting) but place is dirty n food? awful...we knew the driver knew the restaurant guys because when we reached there he knew lots of people there n he probably received commission for bringing us there..

Ayam goreng Rp25,000 (RM8.57)x 1

Udang Mentega Rp65,000 (RM22.30) x 1

Capcay Rp19,000 (RM6.51)x 1

Rendang ayam Rp48,000 (RM16.46) 2 portions

Gepuk Rp44,000 (RM15) 2 portions

Nasi Rp39,000 (RM13.38) 6 portions

Kopyor Rp40,000 (RM13.72) 2 glasses

Jeruk es Rp8,000 (RM2.74) x 1

Es pokat Rp11,000 (RM3.77) x 1

Jus pokat Rp11,000 (RM3.77) x 1

jus apel Rp11,000 (RM3.77) x 1

ice cream gold rush Rp20,000 (RM6.86) x 1 pax

ice cream sensasi Rp17,000 (RM5.83) x 1pax

Total: Rp393,800 (RM135.07)

Images from http://lantschones.wordpress.com/2008/04/11/empal-gepuk/

http://critakhayalngawurku.wordpress.com/category/resep-kira2/

http://www.kabarinews.com/article/Berita_Indonesia/Resep_Indonesia/Resep_Aneka_Es_Nusantara/32962

On the way down we stopped by at Masjid Attawun but everyone was tired to climb up the steep stairs so we skipped the place. Lots of peddlers selling stuff at the parking area. My sis was conned! She bought 30 ears of corns thinking they were cheap, turned out the good ones were displayed above the rotten ears…….

After that, macet (traffic jam) for four hours! The journey was supposed to be 45min-1hour but because of peak hour traffic, combined with rain and demo by Manohara we were stuck for 4 hours!

Later that night we continued shopping at Pacific Place. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlblpE1HVqo

Yogurt at Sour Sally Pacific Place 7cups= Rp203,000

Stuffs from supermarket (Kem Chicks Pacific Place):

Oranges (4pcs) Rp44,162

Guava juice Rp18,500

Chocolate Rp98,300

Conello ice cream Rp5,500

11/6/09 thursday

our flight at 7pm, so we spent the remaining time at Mangga 2 (my sis insisted that we go to Tanah Abang but I was afraid that we might miss the flight if we were to be caught in 4 hour jam again; Mangga 2 is closer to airport) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vIW7X0uzoQ

The other group went to Tanah Abang. According to them they were lucky because the place was closed to suppliers for the day (less busy) because president and his entourage were there to campaign (for coming election). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrWptNyH4LM

Our lunch at Mangga 2 food court:

Nasi goreng Rp13,500 (RM4.63) x 2pax

hot plate noodles Rp22,500 (RM7.71) x 1pax

Aqua Rp3000 (RM1.029) x 3 bottles

Finally Selamat Tinggal Jakarta

KLM Meals:

Rice with chicken curry, salad, corn pudding for adult meals

pasta with chicken, fruit, kitkat, ribena for kiddy's meal

over all quite enjoyable though quite tiring....

Reached KLIA and we saw AH1N1 screening....hmm none of those in Jakarta nor Bandung

Sensation Delight Cafe Damansara Perdana

One day my colleague brought steaming hot salted egg chicken wings to the office. He said his friend just opened a cafe in Damansara Perdana and he likes the food serves there especially the chicken wings. I asked him - halal? He said of course. He brought like 9 pieces of the wings and so each of us only got 1 piece...:-( It tasted really nice. I asked him where is the shop but his direction was a bit vague, he couldn't even remember the shop name! He said it is called 'cafe'.

I thought I could find the place on my own, so I went to Damansara Perdana one fine day and drove aimlessly....ha ha. No luck.

Today, I was really hungry but couldn't think of anything interesting to eat....:( So I asked my colleague again about the chicken wings place and asked him to draw me a map. He said "I'll print you a map from google!". I said "just in case what's the restaurant name?"

He said Sensation Delight..

Anyway, I googled to find out more info on the place but couldn't find much info but I did find a map and full adress here http://flatworldconcept.com/my/?p=113

Got to the place and couldn't find the restaurant! But the address was right... No wonder, the restaurant name is displayed inside the shop! From outside you can only see a word 'cafe'...

Anyway, no customer around as I drove straight from work n reached there early..so I guess too early for dinner. Their menu is quite extensive. Too lazy to wait, I just ordered Kam heong fried rice, salted egg chicken wings (the primary reason I was there) and another type of fried rice (forgotten the name)..hmm not that good since I can't recall its name.

Both types of fried rice very oily....i think if the cook reduce the oil perhaps it will be ok..I find kam heong fried rice quite interesting as it has nice smell from curry leaves.

Fried chicken? very nice though a tad oily too...and you MUST eat while it is still hot..once cold it tasted horrible.

Will I go there again? yes for the fried chicken. Other dishes? Well..just typical kopitaim offerings..not horrible and not great either....

If you decide to try this place, the restaurant is right in front of the road sign 'Jalan PJU 8/5A'. Still can't find the place? It's nearby Passion Cafe http://bestfoodnetwork.com/blog/lifes-passions-share-passion-cafe-damansara-perdana but when I was there Passion was closed. Other nearby restaurant is Mum's Place http://kyspeaks.com/tag/damansara-perdana/ ; http://www.photoblog.com/chanchiewsoo/2007/12/30/mums-place--damansara-perdana-pj.html

I noticed Damansara Perdana has lots of eateries, amongst them:

1. http://food.malaysiamostwanted.com/locations/Damansara%20Perdana
   
2. http://food.malaysiamostwanted.com/venues/umai-ya-japanese-restaurant-damansara-perdana
3. http://masak-masak.blogspot.com/2008/04/minang-food-spicy-padang-restaurant.html
4. http://feedmelah.com/blog/2009/03/06/restaurants/selangor/petalingjaya/damansara-perdana/ft-marias-restaurant-metropolitan-square-damansara-perdana/
5. http://christinelifeslikethis.blogspot.com/2007/09/k3k-kopitiam-damansara-perdana.html
6. http://agfidamansara.multiply.com/
   

To try salted egg chicken wings try this recipe or visit Sensation Delight Cafe.

1. http://erinshomecooking.blogspot.com/2009/01/fried-chicken-middle-joint-wings-with.html
   
2. http://kuali.com/recipes/viewrecipe.asp?r=2643
3. http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2009/4/14/lifeliving/3649141&sec=lifeliving
4. http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2006/5/30/lifeliving/14076253&sec=lifeliving
   

Bandung / Jakarta

Planning to go to Bandung & Jakarta this June, so been surfing for info. I thot I'll post my research here for easy ref comes June. I've been to Jakarta but June will be my first trip to Bandung. Pretty excited to try Bandung food........


http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2000/03/12/pandering-good-food-get-yourself-bandung.html

Pandering for good food? Get yourself to Bandung
The Jakarta Post , Jakarta Sun, 03/12/2000 7:15 AM Life
BANDUNG (JP): One Saturday afternoon young Yeannie Adisubrata, with her three girl friends, drove her car along Jl. Kolonel Masturi, leaving the busy city of Bandung and making for its hinterland, Lembang.


""I want to reach The Peak before sunset,"" said Yeannie, who works in for international bank. During the trip she turned down the air-conditioning and opened a window, letting the cool breeze crossing the Lembang mountain range whip past her face. ""The sunset at The Peak is one of the most beautiful things here,"" she said.
Located at the top of a hill in Parompong, along the route from Bandung to Lembang, The Peak is one of the newest dining areas in Bandung and underlines the cafemania phenomenon that hit the area last year.


The newest cafe is Kampung Daun, which opened two months ago. It is located on Jl. Sersan Bajuri. According to Dwi Budi, the cafe's customer service officer, a spa and another cafe offering Mediterranean food will soon open there.
""For now we have Warung Cadas Gantung which offers local food and Cabanasfor self-cooking dining,"" she explained.


Nested in a secluded lower area and surrounded by a high rocky wall, Warung Daun's interior is traditionally designed to match nature. Each table is placed under a bamboo structure whose roofs are made of sago palm leaf. International cuisine like shabu-shabu or deep-fried calamari is available, but Kampung Daun concentrates mostly on traditional food and beverages such as nasi goreng ikan asin (fried rice with salty fish), bakso campur (mixed meat ball soup), colenak (fried cassava with shreddedcoconut topping), bandrek (a hot ginger drink) and bajigur (coconut milk drink). The dishes cost about Rp 10,000 each. Traditional touches are also found in the bar's architecture, the waiter's uniforms and also the plates and mug which are made from coconut shells.


The Peak, however, is ensconced in a modern three-story building, with glass walls offering guests the best views of the surrounding mountain valley. The Peak also only serves European food and beverages. ""One of the most favorite items on the menu here is steak,"" said Sukirman, master chef at The Peak. Local steak is between Rp 32,000 and Rp 45,000 while imported meat is about Rp 50,000.


Employing 45 people, The Peak has a 160-seat capacity and is open everyday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., according to the cafe's operations manager, Agus Erick, who was recently busy preparing the cafe's first anniversary on Feb. 27.
In Parompong, there is another cafe called Rossan Resto. But cafes with valley views can also be found in the city of Bandung. In the Dago area, there are the Calista and Lalita Cafes, which face each other. Guests of the two cafes can enjoy the scenery of Bandung city from their seats. And the prices are reasonable: only an average of Rp 10,000 per dish from theirIndonesian and international menu -- from satay to lasagna. No wonder the Calista and Lalita Cafes are always crowded.


""Except for the narrow street leading to the cafes, everything is just great. The scenery, the food and also the prices,"" said SF Gunawan, an telecommunications engineer who often dines there.


Besides the new cafes, gourmet safaris in Bandung have long been popular.For example, there is an old jam factory that is still producing on Jl. Veteran 40. This industry is owned by 80-year-old Mrs. Budiana, who startedthe business in the 1920s.
""But the heyday of our business has gone due to the industrial development in Bandung's hinterland over the last two decades, as it made it difficult to find fresh fruit for our jam,"" explained Inge, Mrs. Budiana's niece.


Selling the jam for between Rp 12,000 and Rp 24,000 per kilogram, the factory is trying hard to maintain their mulberry, pineapple, chocolate, peanut and lobi-lobi (edible fruit) jams.
Across the street there is the famous Es Bungsu. Containing avocado, cincau jelly and mixed fruit, this very sweet iced beverage is a favorite choice for local tourists. This ""brand"" was even chosen as an item to be asked in a national quiz, Kata Berkait, on an RCTI program last year.
Warungs, operated by small-scale vendors, are quite modest with old wood benches for customers. But they are always packed with teenagers who buy their favorite beverage, iced fruit, which is available at Rp 3,000 per cup, usually after eating snacks at Batagor Kingsley next door. One of Bandung's most famous foods, batagor or baso tahu goreng (fried tofu and meat balls) is served with peanut sauce with chili. At Batagor Kingsley it costs Rp 5,000.


Those who want a more international taste should try the brownies at Bawean, at one of the oldest bakeries in Bandung. The bakery on Jl. Bawean,built in the 1946s and which used to be called the Sweetheart Bakery, is also famous for its rumtarts. Another popular brownie maker is Primarasa Bakery, which has outlets on Jl. Buahbatu and Jl. Kemuning. Primarasa has four choices of brownies, sold for between Rp 17,500 and Rp 23,000. Bandungalso has a yogurt center on Jl. Cisangkuy. Various yogurt flavors -- from grapes to lychees -- are offered with sausages and baked potatoes.


Day or night, Bandung is always ready to cater for any taste.

Bandung by train
http://indonesiapics.com/wordpress/?p=20

Jakarta / Bandung - Travel blog

1. http://www.indonesia-ottawa.org/information/details.php?type=news_copy&id=4642
2. http://life.izham-miyake.com/2006_08_01_archive.html
3. http://razali.vox.com/library/posts/tags/jakarta-bandung+visit/
4. http://www.niezzam.com/2009/03/24/trip-to-bandung-jakarta/
5. http://purple-cashmere.com/blog/bandung-jakarta-jul-08/
6. http://irwandy.com/blog/?p=97
7. http://the-kek.blogspot.com/2007/05/i-heart-jkt-and-bndg.html
8. http://ililiyana.blogspot.com/2009/03/trip-to-jakarta-bandung.html
9. http://www.dzulcarnine.com/blog/?p=773

Travel blogs on Bandung:

1. http://nadya-s.blogspot.com/2008/12/bandung-part-ii.html
2. http://simontalks.com/2009/03/23/top-ten-thing-to-do-see-and-eat-in-bandung-indonesia/
3. http://blog.airasia.com/index.php/have-you-ever-been-to-tangkuban-perahu-v
4. http://www.travbuddy.com/travel-blogs/2550/A-trip-to-the-volcano-Bandung-175
5. http://sphyrna.wordpress.com/2007/09/05/bout-the-trip-to-bandung-end-of-august-2007/
6. http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g297704-i10689-k1888226-Lenghty_Bandung_Shopping_Trip_report_6_9April_2008-Bandung_Java.html
7. http://amranfaisal.com/?p=1545
8. http://jazzmint.net/blog/?p=1267
9. http://sinv1.blogspot.com/2007/08/my-bandung-trip-part-2.html
10. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/message.jspa?messageID=13479368
11. http://ching.indonesiatravel.biz/2009/02/17/bandung-f/
12. http://blog.airasia.com/index.php/shop-till-you-drop-in-bandung
13. http://www.cookingmomster.com/?p=2134
14. http://www.cookingmomster.com/?p=2148
15. http://www.cookingmomster.com/?p=2212
16. http://hankitae.net/v2/?p=110
17. http://lankurdt77.fotopages.com/?entry=1067422
18. http://willysr.blogspot.com/2006/05/trip-to-bandung.html
19. http://atriptobandung.blog.dada.net/
20. http://aeisha.wordpress.com/2006/05/20/trip-to-bandung/
21. http://euzanin.fotopages.com/?entry=1274412
22. http://travel.yahoo.com/trip-journal-1808603-2_days_family_trip_to_bandung
23. http://kazenomise.net/2008/12/17/bandung-trip/
24. http://azwa2808.fotopages.com/?entry=1187011
25. http://tentera-semut.fotopages.com/?entry=1742535
26. http://wanrulez.blogspot.com/2008/12/trip-to-bandung-23-25-dec-08.html
27. http://www.samyeap.com/bandung-rumah-mode-the-famous-factory-outlet/
28. http://www.samyeap.com/tangkuban-perahu-bandung-indonesia/
29. http://bersamathebakersoven.blogspot.com/2008/09/bakers-oven-bandung.html
30. http://theblueranger.blogspot.com/2009/03/cuti-cuti-in-bandung-hot-air-balloon-in.html
31. http://myhappyendinglife.blogspot.com/2009/01/bandung-day-1.html
32. http://imannailah.blogspot.com/2008_06_01_archive.html
33. http://mamasya.fotopages.com/?entry=1783415
34. http://mamasya.fotopages.com/?entry=1787552
35. http://mamasya.fotopages.com/?entry=1809681

Bandung – restaurants

1. http://bunchit.wordpress.com/category/restaurant-asean/
2. http://www.indonesialogue.com/featured-articles/the-specialty-foods-of-bandung-west-java.html
3. http://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowTopic-g297704-i10689-k2302244-l14294738-Spa_and_shopping_area_near_hotel-Bandung_Java.html
4. http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/9e353/12ab91/2/
5. http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/Indonesia/West_Java_Province/Bandung-1223573/Restaurants-Bandung-BR-1.html
6. http://bandung-visit.blogspot.com/2008/09/bandung-haven-for-snack-lovers-and.html
7. http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/indonesia/west_java_bandung/bandung_food_advisor/info-289-restaurants_for_stomachs_big_and_small_in_bandung.php
8. http://www.discover-java-and-bali.com/bandung.html
9. http://www.samyeap.com/bandung-kampung-daun-restaurant-review/
10. http://valerietan.wordpress.com/2007/04/24/kampung-daun-bandung/
11. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g297704-d811893-Reviews-Kampung_Daun-Bandung_Java.html
12. http://indrapr.multiply.com/photos/album/291
13. http://www.cosmotourist.com/travel-tip/50509/bandung/ampera/rumah-makan-ampera-ampera-restaurant/
14. http://indonesiapics.com/wordpress/?p=22
15. http://realtravel.com/e-179542-bandung_entry-the_sundanese
16. http://dieny-yusuf.com/2007/03/02/sundanese-delight/
17. http://hermita.multiply.com/photos/album/42/A_Gastronomical_Journey_Across_Java
18. http://www.budpar.go.id/page.php?ic=6&id=3
19. http://truevis.com/bandungexpat/food.htm
20. http://irvankarta.blogspot.com/2004/01/cafe-geulis-bandung.html
21. http://pennylanekitchen.blogsome.com/2008/04/20/nasi-bancakan/

Bandung - Spa

1. http://mattingtong.blogspot.com/2007/03/vintage-chic-home-spa.html
2. http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g297704-i10689-k1292528-Spa_massage-Bandung_Java.html
3. http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/aa4e2/12ab95/4/
   

Jakarta – restaurants

1. http://www.jenzcorner.com/weblog/archives/food/indonesian_cuisine/west_sumatra_cuisine/

Bandung Hotels

1. http://www.virtualtourist.com/hotels/Asia/Indonesia/West_Java_Province/Bandung-1223573/Hotels_and_Accommodations-Bandung-BR-1.html
   

Our Proposed Programme

3D/2N in Bandung & 3D/3N Jakarta

Group 1 - KL-Jakarta-KL

Group 2 - KL-Bandung-Jakarta-KL

**Note:
· time subject to K.Ah’s or driver (supir) advice.
· Transportation – those with contacts in Jakarta / Bandung – please arrange
· Hotel – sapa-sapa senang please check internet.

DAY 1, 6/6/09 (SATURDAY)
· Group 1 depart from KL by KLM at 4.15pm, arr Jakarta 5.15pm
· Grab a cab from airport to hotel (unless other group members want to spend the night at K.Ah’s house).
· Drop off bags at hotel n freshen up. After maghrib, dinner at Nasi Padang restaurant.
· After dinner – walk around town (shopping or window shopping) / massage
· Book a taxi (Blue Bird) tru hotel for transport to Gambir train station

DAY 2, 7/6/09 (SUNDAY)
· Early breakfast at hotel (if available, if not have breakfast on the train)
· Arrive train station 5.20am (must be at train station 1 hour before departure time)
· Depart Jkt by Argo Gede for Bandung by train at 6.45am. Enjoy the view, or sleep.
· 9.26am - Arrive in Bandung
· Take a cab to hotel & check-in (drop of bags and freshen up), walk around hotel/nearby shopping areas
· 11am - lunch
· After lunch – continue shopping
o fabrics & embroideries - Pasar Baru Wholesale Market (open 10am-5pm)
o leather / shoes – Cibaduyut (open 9.30am-9pm)
o Jeans Street – Cihampelas (open 9.30am-9pm)

DAY 3, 8/6/09 (MONDAY)
· Breakfast at hotel
· 9.00am - leave hotel for shopping exploration
o fabrics & embroideries - Pasar Baru Wholesale Market
o leather / shoes – Cibaduyut
o Jeans Street – Cihampelas
o Factory outlets - Jalan Riau (Martadinata); Jalan Dago ; Cipaganti
o More shopping places here http://indo-spot.blogspot.com/2007/11/bandung-shopping-paradise.html
o Food & drink http://bandungindonesia.blogspot.com/2007/06/ice-creampastry-and-drink-in-bandung.html
· 4.30pm – back to hotel (rest / freshen up) / maybe massage.
· 6.30pm – dinner (kalau tak penat lagi, more shopping after dinner)

DAY 4, 9/6/09 (TUESDAY)
· Early breakfast at hotel
· 7.30am - pick-up by rental van to go to Lembang
· On the way to Lembang, make a sidetrip to Bosscha, the onlyobservatorium in Indonesia. If tour members are into astronomy, if not – no stop necessary (need to make sure reservation is made and to take note on its opening hours.)
· Continue journey to Lembang and stop at one of the food stall that sellsfresh milk. One can drink fresh milk with many flavours. The milk is reallyfresh.
· Proceed to the Mt. Tangkuban Perahu. Go circling around Kawah Ratu (Queen's crater)to see the volcanic activity closely. There are other craters: Kawah Upas andKawah Domas. Beware of the tourist hawkers who sell many things at unreasonablyexpensive prices.
· Continue the journey to Sari Ater, a hot water spring complex. On the way,there is a good Sundanese restaurant, named Sindang Reret, that one can stop byfor lunch. Sari Ater is a resort with natural hot water spring pools, some recreationparks and healthy spas.

. If time permits, continue shopping
· Early dinner at Kampung Daun http://www.samyeap.com/bandung-kampung-daun-restaurant-review/
· after dinner proceed to Jakarta, take a stop at a street food stall and have some grilled 'sweet corns or grilled ketan (sticky rice) while enjoying the view of the tea plantation.
· Arrive Jakarta - Sleep at K.Ah’s house.

DAY 5 10/6/09 (WEDNESDAY)
· Early breakfast at k.Ah’s house.
· 7.30am - pick-up by rental van to go to Puncak / Bogor about 35 mi/60 km south ofJakarta, about a two-hour drive)
· On the way pass by - NATIONAL MONUMENT (MONAS) open 8.30am-5pm, the Land Mark city of Jakarta and
· Stop over shopping at RUMAH BATIK (open 10am-9pm) if agreeable to members, if not proceed to Tmn Mini.
· Visit TAMAN MIN (open 9am-5pm), the miniature houses from 26 Provinces, art andhandicraft display.
· After lunch at Bogor and walk around Bogor Botanical Garden , Proceed the tour to Cisarua - Safari Park with its various tame and wild animals.
· Visit The town of Cipanas is the home of the huge, spectacular National Flower Garden located in Kawang Luwuk Village. (A tall viewing tower in the center of the park offers panoramic views of the gardens and the mountain scenery in the background.)
· After that enjoy the most beautiful panorama of Gede Mountain at Gunung MasTea Plantation.
· Stop by at MASDJID BESAR in Puncak Tea Mountain Resort. After Dinner at localrestaurant, Drive back to Jakarta.

. If belum penat, continue shopping in Jakarta.

DAY 6 11/6/09 (THURSDAY)
· Morning – shopping
o Wholesale Market - Tanah Abang (open 8am-4pm); Mangga Dua 3-in-1 Wholesale Market (Pasar Pagi, ITC Mangga Dua & ManggaDua Mall). Open 8am-4pm.
o traditional markets - These traditional markets provide a lively glimpse into the city’s grassroots life. Among the major markets are Pasar Cikini, Pasar Tanah Abang, Pasar Baru and Pasar Mayestik. (Open 8am-4pm)
o Batik - Jakarta has plenty of Batik outlets. Sarinah and Pasaraya Grande have excellent selections of batik with all of the main styles and producers represented. Batik Keris has a large showroom at Jalan Cokroaminoto in Menteng and a shop in Plaza Indonesia. Batik Semar is in Plaza Indonesia and Blok M Plaza. Iwan Tirta produces exclusive Batik Tulis (Hand-Painted Batik) and one of Jakarta’s most famous batik designers. His showroom is at Jalan Panarukan 25, Central Jakarta or there is a shop at the Borobudur Hotel; Danarhadi Batik Gallery

o Antiques & crafts - Jalan Surabaya in Menteng is a colourful antique market that is include on most Jakarta itineraries. Pasar Seni at Ancol is another good craft market. Other notable areas for antiques and crafts is Jalan Kebon Sirih Timur, only one street away from Jalan Jaksa, for collectors and those after antique furniture who want to browse through the large shops in Ciputat, on the outskirt of the city. A couple of kilometers South of Blok M, Kemang is another hunting ground for antiques and crafts.

o Traditional handcrafted arts - Jakarta is also the city for great buys in traditional handcrafted arts. Sarinah and Pasaraya Grande department stores, both conveniently located, remain the best one-stop shopping places for Indonesia arts and crafts throughout the archipelago. Several floors of each store are dedicated to the sale of locally crafted items including textiles, weaving, carvings, paintings, silver, jewelry, basketry, puppetry, leather goods and a range of interior design items.


o Shopping malls - Elite Plaza Indonesia (adjacent to the Grand Hyatt), Plaza EX and The Plaza Semanggi in Central Jakarta in the East; Taman Anggrek Mall in West, Kelapa Gading Mall in East, WTC Mangga Dua in North, Plaza Senayan and Pondok Indah Mall in South Jakarta.
· Afternoon - group 2 sightseeing; group 1 ready to go to airport.
o Jakarta Old Town (Kota)
o Istiqlal Mosque (the biggest mosque in East Asia) and Cathedral (locatedright in front of it)
o Bird Market
o Sunda Kelapa Port / Old Harbour/ Fatahillah Square - stroll along SundaKelapa Harbour, the city's 16th-century port, where you'll find traditionalsailing ships known as Makassar schooners, or phinisi. One of the world's lastfleets of commercial sailing boats, these brightly painted ships still transportcargo between Jakarta and its outer islands.
· group 1 leaves Jkt by KLM at 6.45pm, arr KL 9.50pm

DAY 7 12/6/09 (FRIDAY)
· Group 2 leaves Jkt by Lion Air at 12.30pm, arr KL 3.30pm

Penang Flavour at 1-Utama

My bf n I love Penang food, every time we go to Penang we'll eat like no tomorrow! He had quite a few court cases in Penang and he always enjoy going there..rojak, asam laksa, char kuey tiaw, fish head noodle etc. And every time he goes there I'll be texting him asking him what had he eaten and how many bowls :-)

Any way, last sunday I had an appointment with Leonard Drake 1-Utama for my facial. After facial it was already 4ish almost 5pm and I hadn't had my lunch. I only took few pieces of toasts for my breakfast. I thought of having steak and cheese sandwich from Subway and while walking there I saw quite a lot of new eateries sprouting near Cold Storage (formerly the spot was occupied by Giant). One eatery caught my attention as a lot of diners were eating there. So, I decided to give Penang Flavour a try. I ordered char kuey tiaw - the waitress (I think she's the owner) asked me with or without chilly. I said with chilly. Then I saw nice picture of popiah displayed above the counter and decided to tapau popiah too. Both popiah and char kuey tiaw cost me RM13.00.

I was really starving when I reached home and despite my state of hunger the char kuey tiaw and popiah tasted really bland! I didn't enjoy them at all. I guess that'll be my first and last visit to this place.

There's another Penang food outlet at the old wing I think it is called Rasa Penang - I prefer this outlet though their food quality had deteriorated quite badly compared to few years back.

Anyway, with the number of eateries in 1-Utama now, finding something to eat will not be a problem.

What others said about the two places mentioned above:

Penang Flavour

1. http://mouthwatering-food.blogspot.com/2008/12/penang-flavours-caf-1-utama-petaling.html
2. http://1001resepi.com/?p=1851

Rasa Penang
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/10/7/sundaymetro/19066094&sec=sundaymetro

Sungai Klah Hot Spring

Hmm...instead of food, I'll write about a place I visited yesterday - Sungai Klah Hot Spring in Sungkai Perak. It is about 70min to 2hrs drive from KL (depends on how fast you drive).

Yesterday was my third visit to the hot spring; first time I visited the place at night with my parents and my sisters n their families. 2nd time was day-visit with my bf. Those were quite some years ago.

Yesterday I visited the place with my bro n his son, my sis n her son and my nieces (their parents did not join us). We reached there at about 1pm. Before leaving KL my sis told me to buy lunch for all of us as she said she had visited the place many times and the cafeteria ran out of food! So, I tapau rice with few dishes, roti telur, roti canai and teh tarik for our trip. Then I stopped by at the supermarket to buy snacks n bottled water for the journey.

Anyway, when we reached there I saw a signboard saying no outside food/drinks allowed within the park. My sis said "Well...they don't have enough food. I experienced it before". So we brought our food in and looked for a place to have our picnic. And found a shady place under a tree, a lifeguard came and told us to move from the spot as guests are not allowed to sit on the grass under a tree! My bro was upset and told the guy off but we obliged and moved away. We saw empty tables at the cafe with no label and decided to sit there (some tables were labelled for dine-in guests only). We were about to unpack our food when a security guard came and told us that we cannot eat food brought from outside the park and we should leave the food at the guardhouse! My bro was hungry, tired and the weather was really hot so he blew his top and scolded the guard. He said the reason we brought food in was because he had problem with the cafe before where they ran out of food and now his kid n nephews/nieces are hungry. So..tell me what to do? You want me to throw out all these food and buy from the cafe?

The security guard realized that he couldn't win the argument with my bro n decided to allow us to eat in peace but he told us to keep our snacks at the guardhouse and buy drinks from the cafe and he left.

My bro was still quite upset. Anyway, I think the operator should allow outside food/drinks to be brought in especially in the current economy situation. As it is guests has to spend RM10/adult and RM8/child. I think the management should allocate an area for picnickers where guests can put up their tents, spread their mats and eat their home cooked food and enjoy themselves. By having specific area, it is easy for the operator to clean up the place too. Of course the area should have plenty of rubbish bins and the families should be responsible to clean up after they are done with their picnic. To ensure cleanliness, may be the operator can impose a deposit of say RM10 which will be refundable if the operator is satisfied that the spot allocated is clean.

Ohh another thing - if the park operator is reading this entry, I hope may be the management can put up a signboard assuring guests about water cleanliness - I mean how do they treat the water? How do they remove dirt and bacteria from various pools at the park? For swimming pool water, we know they treat it with enough chlorine to kill all the bad stuff (read here on how swimming pool works http://home.howstuffworks.com/swimming-pool.htm) . As for spa pools normal way of maintaining cleanliness is explained here http://poollifemag.com/article.aspx?id=Immaculate-Spas . How about this place? From what I heard the water is from natural source and it is stagnant....n just imagine the same water is used by thousands of guests! and some people actually go there to cure their skin diseases...Eeew...if the water is continuosly flowing and replenish like river then I guess ok lah...

Anyway, after lunch we looked for a place to put our things and found an empty table. I sat there reading newspapers and guard our stuffs as I wasn't in the mood for wetting my body (and for reasons mentioned above), as for the children? Bacteria, macteria - they just sped off to the mountain spring pool for their swim without any care in the world. After the swim, they all came back shivering and asked us to move to hot spring pool. We left our stuffs there and moved to soaking pools. Nice pictures here http://forum.keadilan.ws/viewthread.php?tid=72673

After a while my sis decided to have a massage. They have a promo package where if you purchased 2 sessions (2 hours) you and your family will enjoy free jacuzzi at a private villa. So, I decided to join my sis and the others can enjoy the jacuzzi.

They only have one therapist, so my sis had to wait for me (and enjoy the jacuzzi). While I was having my massage (in the one room chalet - nice clean chalet) it rained cats and dog! Since I wasn't decent, the rest had to wait for the rain to subside outside the chalet on the balcony.

The massage? Ayurveda massage. I didn't enjoy it that much as they use oil all over my body and the pressure applied not to my liking. Too soft. After the massage therapist gave me a bowl of scrub, soap and shampoo to remove oil from my hair and body. The bathroom - very nice and clean.

Once done, it was my sis's turn and for me to wait on the balcony as it was still raining heavily. I encouraged my nieces and nephew to stay in the jacuzzi n play in the rain - after all how often can you do that? I mean the water is warm and the rain is cold....what a combination.

We were at the villa (or chalet) for more than 2 hours while we wait for the rain to stop and the kids really enjoyed themselves.

On the way back we stopped at Sg Buloh rest area to eat and pray. We had satay, curry mee, chicken rice and cendol.

When we reached KL at about 9pm I heard my 8-year-old niece said this to her 4-year-old cousin "I had the best time of my life today." I guess..that wraps up our day trip...

What others said about this place:

1. http://www.nstp.com.my/Current_News/TravelTimes/article/ShortbreakEcozone/20070723114755/Article/index_html
2. http://cheething.blogspot.com/2008/10/sungai-klah-hot-spring-sungkai-perak.html
   
3. http://jy-s.com/2008/09/11/hot-spring-sungkai-air-panas-sungai-klah/
   
4. http://ipohchai.com/weekend-at-sungai-klah-hot-spring-park.php
5. http://travelerfolio.com/trap-hot-springs-sungai-klah-sungkai-perak/
   
6. http://www.malaysiavacationguide.com/hotsprings.html
7. http://blurryhunniee.blogspot.com/2008/10/sungai-klah-hot-spring-park-sungkai.html
8. http://www.malaysiabest.net/2008/12/03/hot-water-spring-sungai-klah-sungkai-perak-cooking-eggs/
9. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298297-d878063-Reviews-Sungai_Klah_Hot_Springs_Park-Perak.html
10. http://blog.benghan.com/2008/02/sungai-klah-hot-spring-trap-sungkai/
11. http://www.sabahan.net/forum/sungai-klah-hot-spring-park-t-29.html
12. http://dy4is.multiply.com/links/item/5
13. http://danielctw.com/2007/03/17/hot-springs-sungai-klah-sungkai/
14. http://portal.cyspeak.com/archives/tag/sungai-klah-hot-spring/
15. http://hengm.blogspot.com/2007/03/sungai-klah-hot-springs-park.html
16. http://allmalaysia.info/news/story.asp?file=/2005/4/16/state/10557690&sec=mi_perak
    
17. http://travel.webshots.com/album/561591795AAxqgj
    
18. http://mytravelbay.com/2008/09/08/sungai-klah-hot-springs-park/
    
19. http://www.ah-hong.com/travel-escape/malaysia/sungai-klah-hot-spring-park/
20. http://leemyjessy.blogspot.com/2009/02/sungai-klah-hot-spring-park.html
21. http://www.worldisround.com/articles/171075/
22. http://metta.fotopages.com/?entry=297645
23. http://www.geocities.com/mgoodhandz/sgklah.html
    
24. http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/TravelTimes/article/ShortbreakEcozone/20070604145231/Article/index_html
25. http://www.hcfoo.com/2007/04/cameron-highlands-and-sg-klah-over.html
26. http://econaturetravel.com/eco-tourism-and-travel/hot-springs-malaysia/
27. http://bootingravy.multiply.com/journal/item/32
28. http://littlehealer.wordpress.com/2008/01/12/trap-sg-klah/
29. http://malaysiatrekking.blogspot.com/2008/04/sungai-klah-hot-spring-sungkai-perak.html
30. http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/11/24/north/12487581&sec=North
31. http://clovetwo.com/articles/story.asp?file=/2007/8/11/travelnleisure/18354192&sec=travelnleisure
32. http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/TravelTimes/article/FeatureStory/20061023105446/Article/index_html
33. http://endroog.com/2008/02/23/hot-spring-in-sungkai/
34. http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/388086/+40
35. http://mibckk98.blogspot.com/2008/05/sungai-klah-hot-springs-park.html
36. http://www.xanga.com/Fiona_Sean_babe/595889454/hot-springs-park-sg-klah/
37. http://www.travelling2u.com/malaysia/trap-hot-spring-park-malaysia-sungkai
38. http://soifung.multiply.com/photos/album/54/Sungai_Klah_Hot_Spring-Ipohs_Temple_-_12102007
39. http://gohnaihsing.blogspot.com/
40. http://xsunsan.blogdrive.com/archive/120.html
    
41. http://www.noeman.org/gsm/tourism-friendship-travels/55657-sungai-klah-hot-springs-park.html

and more.....just google

Chili's Grill & Bar

Occasionally I crave for western/tex-mex food, but sometimes I had the craving when I had to dine solo. So, what do I do? Well....I'll drive to 1-Utama and head to TGIF or Chili's Grill & Bar and tapau food from there. Ha ha believe it or not sometimes I just parked my car, went up to Chili's, ordered my food and drove back!

Most of the time I'll tapau either buffalo wings and/or combo fajitas (beef+chicken - cajun style). Sometimes I'll go for grilled chicken salad or their burger. Tried their ribs before - don't like it. Their steak? Yeah tried that too and don't like it either.

Few days back, i was craving for fajitas...so off I went to 1-Utama. I ordered grilled chicken salad, triple play and combo cajun fajitas. A lot huh? Well I was greedy and of course I couldn't finish everything by myself. Well..I didn't waste the food, I just dumped the left over in my fridge and they lasted 3 days ha ha. Day 1 I had Chicken salad and a bit of triple play. Day 2 n 3 I stuffed on the rest of the food :-).

Anyway, I don't think I'll ever order triple play again - I love buffalo wings but the batter covered chicken was very oily and the egg rolls taste weird. Fajitas? I always love it but sometimes Chili's standard dipped a bit and the beef/chicken they served not that juicy (quite dry). Their grilled chicken salad was excellent.

Actually TGIF and Chili's are not the best places to go for western/tex-mex food, so why bother? well as I said sometimes I just feel like having food I mentioned earlier and these two outlets are the nearest to my place and they are quite tapau-friendly, just go to the bar, order and wait (sometimes I'll go some place else and return to collect the food later). If I wait at the bar, the waiter will serve coca cola for me on the house.

If I were to choose between the 2 eateries, I'll pick Chili's over TGIF. Chili's food is much better than TGIF.

Ohh..I should mention this, Chili's burger taste better if you leave it in the fridge a day or two before consuming it (of course I experienced this after I couldn't finish my food and stuffed them in the fridge). Sounds gross huh? Not really lah, normally I'll reheat the left over food in the oven before consuming them. How to throw away, expensive oii! My recent tapau food cost me RM85!

If I were to go with my friends to Chili's of course we always ordered bottomless drinks and nachos! I think that's the best thing about Chili's just sit down order the bottomless drinks and snacks and just chat away until someone says "Sorry guys got to go." :-)

their outlets:

• Mid Valley
• Bangsar
• Chili's One Utama
• KL City Center
• Penang

What others said about Chili's:

• http://sloppychic.com/new-addiction-in-chilis-cheddar-oldtimer-and-cajun-club-sandwich/
• http://blog.benghan.com/2008/02/dinner-chilis/
• http://famouschris.com/tag/chilis/
• http://www.1earthadventures.com/2007/12/14/malaysia/american-chilis-bangsar/
• http://www.vkeong.com/2007/food-drink/chilis-in-g-hotel-penang/
• http://www.vkeong.com/2006/food-drink/chilis-midvalley/
• http://food.malaysiamostwanted.com/venues/grill-chilis-n-bar-suria-klcc
• http://food.malaysiamostwanted.com/venues/chili-grill-bar-western-gurney-plaza-gurney-drive-penang
• http://bbs.buysell.net.my/bbs/archive/index.php/t-24959.html
• http://www.aprilcherrie.com/index.php/2006/03/27/dinner-chilis/
• http://realityslams.fotopages.com/?entry=906180
• http://kucailiah.fotopages.com/?entry=764173

and more.....