Category Archives: MALAYSIA

My 3D/2N at Ambong Ambong Langkawi

April 18, 2013 thammelissa 23 Comments

Yes! I was here at Langkawi for the second time. Once a year? 😉

I chose Langkawi as our short getaway destination because I kinda love this island. The beer here is dirt cheap. The people here are nice too. My previous visit to Langkawi was with a group of friends. And we put up at a budget hotel in Kuah town. Since this round was just Alex & myself, I thought we should go for something better and memorable. Why not stay somewhere around Pantai Cenang? Its more happening over there compared to town.

Ambong Ambong opened since December 2011. Its still consider new. And how did I find out about this place since they are so many hotels or resorts in Langkawi? Through Groupon’s deal.

Why am I attracted to this place?

“Secluded Tropical Getaway at Boutique Hotel Ambong Ambong Langkawi Rainforest Retreat”.

Its something different from those hotels that I’ve stayed. Hence I would love to experience the touch of nature, the rainforest.

Once we arrived at Langkawi airport, we rented a car(remember to negotiate for the best price)..easily for us to move about in the island. Driving in Langkawi is quite easy. With the guide of maps and the proper road signs. Upon arriving Langkawi early..so we thought we should go for our breakfast first. Breakfast at KFC at Cenang Mall, a new mall in Langkawi.

What is the meaning of Ambong Ambong?

Ambong Ambong is the Malaysian name for Scaevola taccada, a plant that is native to Langkawi.

There are currently two 2-bedroom cottages and six individual studios available for accommodation. Very limited!

We were guided to our room by their attentive staff. Nizam, a friendly guy welcomed us to their holiday villa.

Our Studio room, rebak 2 is located mid-hill and at 2nd floor.

A welcome drink by Ambong Ambong to quench our thirst on that sunny afternoon. Phew…I need to catch my breath after ~~climbing~~ walking up the stairs. Our room check in is done in our respective room. Nizam handed the room key to us, together with a map of Langkawi (which is quite thoughtful)..and some brief information.

I was amazed with their action on decorating our bed!! I told HB not to destroy the lovely swan as he was taking a short afternoon nap. LOL!

Our 46m.sq. Studio room is spacious, clean and comfortable. Lets take a tour to my room.

A small lounge area. I like the tall ceiling windows which allows natural sunlight without switching on the room lights.

I have a small kitchen in my room! Made me feels like I’m at home. This small kitchen equipped with refrigerator, microwave, electric kettle, bread toaster, ceramic plates and bowls, utensils, cups and glasses. Oh ya…and also soap detergent for washing.

The room’s open air balcony with a ceiling fan. A relaxing environment with touch of nature. Birds chirping in the morning and sound of cicadas (an insect) at night. Feels like I’m camping in a forest!

There is suppose to be a sea view here. But is blocked by the trees. *sigh

Of course we have TV in our room!

The spacious built-in wardrobe.

The bathroom with separated shower area.

I noticed there was no mirror in the room. All I have is this mirror in the bathroom. I have to fix my makeup in front of this mirror under the dim lights. Understand that probably its not suitable to install a mirror in the room…but appreciate if they could maybe install one behind the wardrobe’s door? Because the wardrobe’s light is brighter.

Although we are at a forest like villa…but we are connected to the world. With FREE WIFI! Yes…Wifi is provided for free here. Unlike some hotels with expensive room rates..but wifi is only available at the lobby. HUH! What for?!

On that sunny afternoon, wouldn’t it be great to take a dip in the pool.

Hb testing on the pool’s water. The water was quite cold! Ohh ya…it may look deceiving. I felt the swimming pool is rather small. But I think its sufficient to cater for the low occupancy in Ambong Ambong.

Chillaxing by the pool.

While having a bottle of Hoegaarden for only RM4.20!

Buggy ride is available daily from 9am-9pm. Just give a call to Nizam to check if he’s available to pick you. Sometimes we decided to ~~climb~~ walk back to our room. The steps are quite steep though. Really a good workout!! I told Hb, if I would to stay here for a long period, I’ll be slim and fit! LOL!!

What?! We are gonna have breakfast in our room? Ohh…that’s cool! I love the idea of having breakfast in room too. No rushing and we can slowly take our time. Food will be replenish daily around noon.

Such a healthy breakfast I’m having. Appreciate if they would to add in eggs. Then I can make soft boiled egg with toast bread. Voila!

We had our daily breakfast at the balcony. It was so relaxing. Moreover you can enjoy lotsa free oxygen here. From the trees. HAHAHA!! If you are lucky, you can spot the dusk-leaf monkey. I wasn’t lucky T_T

But I spotted a pair of Oriental Pied Hornbill in front of my room! However it flew off too before I could take a photo. *sigh*

Hb busy with his mobile phone. *tsk tsk*

Ishan Spa is located downhill of Ambong Ambong. Feel free to drop by for a spa experience.

Anna, the person in charge on replying my mails, answered my queries and sort out my room reservation.

I wish I could spend another 1 or 2 nights here. We had a unique experience and enjoyed our stay at Ambong Ambong.

Tips: Its not difficult to locate Ambong Ambong. Ambong Ambong located on the southern part of Langkawi Island, a 25 minute drive from Langkawi International Airport and half an hour from Kuah, the main town. If you are coming here by taxi, you may need to say out “Unkaizan Japanese Restaurant” in case the taxi driver is not familiar about this place. Unkaizan Japanese Restaurant is just slightly below Ambong Ambong. Pantai Tengah is within walking distance, probably around 10-15 minutes walk. If possible, book your room at the higher floor for a better view. Kindly join their Facebook Page to know about their latest updates.

Ambong Ambong Langkawi Rainforest Retreat

Jalan Pantai Tengah
Langkawi, Kedah 07000
Company Website

celebration, Chinese New Year, Food, Sarawak, Sarikei, Sarikei

My Trip Back to Sarikei for CNY 2013

February 27, 2013 thammelissa 22 Comments

So fast CNY has over. But my mind still stuck in this festive season lar. Can’t CNY be 1 month? hehe….

HB and I often travel few days earlier before the CNY to avoid the crowd and also the expensive air fare.

While most of my friends were at work, I say goodbye to KL. Making many of them feel envious :-p soli lor….

We missed the cheap fare which fly directly to Sibu. Therefore we took the alternative way by going to Kuching then from there took another flight to Sibu in the late afternoon. Alex’s friend, Frankie who is in Kuching brought us here for the nice Sarawak Laksa. I also had a bowl of “Tian Miang Ngu” which look like our ‘min fun kou’ but they taste differently.

Frankie also brought us to this place selling lots of Kek Lapis (Sarawak Layer Cakes). Here, you can sample varieties of kek lapis for free. Very attractive isn’t it? But some are quite dry. I did not buy much, because Alex said MIL has ordered alot for the CNY. I still have those cakes in my fridge ler…next year kena tell MIL not to buy so much for us edi 😉

When I reached Sarikei, what I must eat the following day is the Kampua Noodle! I do know there some people in West Malaysia prefer Wantan Mee over this. For me…I think I like both of them also la..cos they are different!

Also not forgetting the Kolok Mee. I will never miss having both of them!

Although Sarikei is famed for its pineapple, but I seldom eat. Too cooling for me. Trust me..the pineapples there are very sweet!

Other then pineapple, Sarikei is also famed for its pepper. Have you seen a real pepper plant? I meant before they were process. I often come back to buy their pepper. And I noticed each time I buy, the price also increased 😦

A day before eve of CNY, followed MIL to a CNY bazaar at Nyelong.

It was a wet CNY. Luckily the rain stopped while on our way to the bazaar and I noticed this rainbow. I feel joyful each time I sees a rainbow.

Beautiful orange sky at about 7pm.

Have you ever seen this kind of dish served in a fast food outlet? Yes..you can only get this from Sugarbun Sarawak! I also never fail patronizing this place whenever I return Sarikei. I seldom order the burger but will normally order the fried chicken with their special rice.

On one afternoon, we skipped lunch and felt hungry later. So, MIL steamed these plump and meaty ‘siew mai‘.

Family reunion dinner. Some of it are bought from restaurant and some are prepared at home. Too much of food, we couldn’t finish all.

People were launching Kongming Deng (Sky Lantern).

It was like a fireworks competition on eve of CNY. Watched them for free. Unfortunately I sprained my knee when I was running back home when a firework at our neighborhood went haywire. *so dangerous* 😦

As usual, we will go friends house visiting (pai nien) on first day of CNY, after having a bowl of mee suah.

Time flies…its time for me to return to my own hometown. I traveled back on 2nd day of CNY. Beautiful sky leading my way to Sibu airport.

Before traveling back…I want to have these for my breakfast! Kampua, pig’s liver soup and bien nuk! Will miss them for several months lu…

MIL knows I like midin. She bought a few bunch for me (they are nicely wrapped in layers of newspaper) and that night we had stir fry midin (cooked with garlic, ginger & red rice wine) for dinner.

For more food photos and places in Sarikei, do refer to my previous post:-

i-City Shah Alam, MALAYSIA

At Trick Art Museum, i-City Shah Alam

February 1, 2013 thammelissa 20 Comments

It was still early to watch the colorful LED lights here at i-City…I meant the lights will only turn on around 7pm. So, we decided to pay RM5 per person to visit Trick Art Museum….since most of the rides are for kids. Yes…you need to queue to purchase the tickets and additional RM5 deposit (dunno the deposit is for wat oso). Deposit money is refundable..but queue again lah…

Earlier I’ve read and seen some of the photos published on newspaper about this museum. It looks quite interesting.

THE Trick Art Museum at i-City in Shah Alam has earned a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records for being the first trick art museum in the country. The walls and floors of the 8,000 sq ft museum are adorned with hand-drawn 3D images, enticing visitors to pose with the paintings. The effects are magnified especially when the fun poses are captured on camera. (source from The Star)

The 8,000 sq ft museum spanning two floors is the latest attraction in the Selangor capital. The museum in i-City has been divided into five areas with different themes — animal kingdom, Egyptian, marine life and selected masterpieces, which include modern classics and famous masterpieces. All the paintings are done on walls and floors. Well..the painters are from South Korea, Iran and China.

The first painting that you will see as you enter the room.

*Alex so jahat….go pull down people’s pant.

Woahh….I din know mummy is such a good painter. Mona Lisa le….dun play play hoh…

*I fetch!

Hmmm…..was hoping to find some hidden treasure underground…

Aiyo….Mummy was so excited! She said the blocks are falling down!

Elo….anybody home? *he whisper to the mice kut…

Climb ladder…aiya…easy job la..no problem.

Wahh….got hidden door le…push hard*

Hey….this balancing ain’t easy okay.. I don’t want to fall into the deep hole.

Pity the tree…kena chopped =_=

The baby elephant is cute hoh. So friendly summore. Aiyoo…reminds me of the baby elephant at Sabah. So pitiful 😦

*dunno can feed or not. I think the elephant likes me lar. LOL!

Run fast! The bull is getting angry!

Ima bad angel…hehe huhu haha….

The giraffe is also friendly.

Help…I don’t want to be eaten by T-Rex!

Alex volunteer to be life bait.

Wow…this slide was fun. But there’s a buaya waiting there. Alamak!

Penguins here are so tame.

Aja!

Chinese New Year coming edi….I need more money. *open bag*

Over Here* Drop it all….

Batman & Robin are here to guard the museum I guess ^^

One can be creative in their posing together with the wall art..It gives you the 3D effect which looks quite real. However not every painting gives you the WOW effect. Some looks quite boring (I skipped that). Those arts are impressive!

But the one at Jeju Island, Korea look much nicer!

Trick Art Museum, Jeju – Day 12 in South Korea

i-City Shah Alam, MALAYSIA

My First Visit to i-City, Shah Alam

January 30, 2013 thammelissa 24 Comments

Before the lights go out……..

I often mention to Alex that one day we should pay a visit to i-City before the lights go out. Later the LED lights terbakar edi…how to watch summore? ^^

You know lar…Malaysia style ma….creative, innovative…but poor in maintaining!

During the past long weekend we finally made a trip there. Bringing mummy along too.

Recreational attractions at i-City comprises of:-

i-Walk

A 30,000 sq ft outdoor convention centre with a capacity of 15,000. i-Walk has been venue for a number of international events such as the MTV World Stage Concert Live in Malaysia 2011 and Miss Tourism International 2010.

The night view of i-Walk

Snowalk

Newly refurbished with a Science 2012 @i-City theme, this is a 50,000 sq ft snow educational showcase with life-sized ice sculptures and thrilling rides in a below 5 degree Celsius arctic environment.

We did not go in to experience it. I find it abit expensive to pay RM35/person.

RM25 per adult and RM20 per child before 6pm.

RM35 per adult and RM30 per child after 6pm.

Water World@i-City

Experience Malaysia’s first Tornado ride attraction and enjoy a day of cool splashing games and activities for the family.

The entrance ticket for adult is RM50

The overall map of i-City. Look interesting only.

Although the entrance is free, but every ride also need to queue and buy ticket. All rides also need to pay. No money no talk. This world really no free lunch!

Looks like they are using vacant shop lots to transform into amusement park.

Ride for kids. ‘Pirate Ship’ I suppose.

Happy Train for kids.

no idea what mascot is this. Just go forward pose and snap photo! ^^

City of Digital Lights

Dubbed the City of Digital Lights, the over 1.0 million LED lights dazzing i-City nightscape attracts an average of 90,000 visitors weekly. Its seasonal light themes and outdoor fun rides has become a night gathering place for families and friends.

The festive season is coming soon…Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Brighten up the walkway with red LED lights shape of lanterns.

Although Christmas is over, I still like snowman. 😉

Do you notice the rail across this photo? That’s the track for Spacewalk which is an elevated rail ride through the Enchanted Forest of digital lights. RM20 per cable car (holds two people).

Beautiful lights. Finally I got to witness them!

Mummy said these Sunflowers are very pretty!

Super Swing – RM5/ ride

Double Decker, claimedthe largest 2-Tier Carousel in Malaysia. RM5/ride

Bought the Mickey prop there….for RM5. *act kawaii*

Verdict : 1 visit will be enough, at least to experience it. If you only want to spend time only on the LED lights…. 1 hour is sufficient. Food wise…nothing much to choose here. Its either you go for Kung Fu Chicken (KFC) or Oldtown White Coffee…do not put high expectation on the food. Else go for mamak food there. Parking rate is rather high. We parked our car for not more than 3 hours, the auto machine charged at RM12! More expensive than shopping malls leh!

There is also a ‘6 D Motion Theater’, I don’t dare to experience it…I afraid the effect I got after the show is backache. LOL!

Check out the upcoming event on their website. “Event Calender”

Friends, Kelantan, MALAYSIA, Photography, Travel

I’ve visited 3 Buddhist Temple in Kelantan

October 16, 2012 thammelissa 16 Comments

During my past trip to Kelantan, our friend Jimmy has brought us to 3 large Buddhist temple on 2 different days. The architectural of the temples looks so similar to those in Thailand. Why ar? Probably because of the distance which is near to Thailand..therefore most of the founder are Thais. Apart from that, the name of the temples here begin with “WAT” or better known as Temple in Thai. Am quite surprise to see such nice temples there.

1) Wat Machimmaram

Address: Kg. Jubakar, 16200 Tumpat, Kelantan
Telephone: 09-7256769

Our first stop was at Wat Machimmaram. Known as sitting buddha. It reminds me of Hong Kong’s Tian Tan Buddha at Lantau Island. Wat Machimmaram claimed as the 2nd largest sitting Buddha in South-east Asia. Height is 30 meter and with the lotus base width of 47 meter. Some said the lip is made of gold.

Alex looks like a CD seller…hahahhaha…. ^^

Alex & I

Then, this “gay” couple request for a photoshoot. LOL!!

But after its done, then only I realized Mr. Laang’s eyes were closed. So, he asked me to edit and put a pair of eyes for him.

So, this was what I did…the result..which matches him very well. hehehe…

Gorgeous dragon carving on the columns.

Noticed a blooming lotus which I love it.

I think Jimmy was giving a story telling class. As usual..I do not pay attention..just like if I travel by tours, the tour leader will be telling story and I’ll be either roaming around, taking photos or yawning…and sometimes sleeping. HAHAHA!

2) Wat Pikulthong

Address: Kg. Terbak, 16200 Tumpat, Kelantan
Telephone: 09-7257153

a small welcoming standing buddha at the entrance. Noticed the architectural of the building? This is what I meant by influential of Thai and Chinese culture.

I think they are doing some upgrading works..I noticed the paint works were pretty new.

The sun was extremely glaring. And it was burning hot..I hardly open my eyes. Therefore I frown a little ^^

More steps to go…..

This is what I came for. The glorious standing buddha with the height of 36 meter.

Other than the standing buddha…we also came here for this ‘Khao Jam’ which is popular among the locals. Also known as ‘green nasi kerabu’ or salad rice. A satisfying plate of rice for just RM1.80. You heard me right?

Porridge with chicken strips.

Ingredients to prepare “Som Tam” or Thai Papaya Salad.

An appetizing plate of “som tam”.

We were interested on these BBQ chicken wings too. And we ordered each person a piece.

BBQ Chicken Wings were surprisingly good. Well marinated, tasty and not overcooked.

We settled our lunch here. Its a small wooden hut pretty visible once you enter Wat Pikulthong. You may find it uneasy dining here with houseflies and stray dogs admiring you. Anyway…I did not “lau sai”… =p

3) Wat Photivihan

Address: Kampung Jambu, 16200 Tumpat, Kelantan
Telephone: 09-7193019, 019-9586322

Wat Photivihan known as sleeping/ reclining buddha is is one of the biggest Buddhist Temple in South-East Asia. It is 40meter long..longer than the one in Penang, which is 33meter. Siew Liek told me that those dead people’s ashes jar are placed under this sleeping buddha.

Had a good time visiting these popular temples in Kelantan. I was told by Jimmy that most of the Buddhist temples here are funded by King of Thailand. Really an eye opener to see such beautiful temples in Kelantan, often mentioned as Islamic state.

Friends, Kelantan, MALAYSIA, Photography, Travel

Kota Bharu, Kelantan…not bad at all..

October 5, 2012 thammelissa 28 Comments

Traveling together with a large group of friends somehow reminds me of my school days where we used to attend those ‘rombongan sambil belajar’.

My recent trip to Kota Bharu , reason to attend a wedding and at the same time to spend to travel around KB. Tat rented 2 units of serviced apartment for all of us at Kondominium Pelangi Mall.

meeting in our apartment ^^

Our room has nice view too….view of ‘teh tarik’ river.

Come to Kelantan must never forget to try their nasi dagang. I thought nasi dagang is from Terengganu. Then I asked mummy who came from Terengganu…she told me they are different in terms of rice. Nasi dagang in Terengganu, the rice is whiter.

My breakfast of day 1 was a pack of nasi dagang with curry ikan tongkol(fish) and 1/2 egg for RM3.30.

Kota Bharu is the state capital of Kelantan. Though Kelantan is ruled by the Islamic Party..yet there are many Siam Buddhist temple, probably due to the influential by the Thais which is very near to Kelantan. (will blog about the temples in my next post)

Our so-called tour guide,Jimmy brought us here, Siti Khadijah Market in Kota Bharu town.

My friend, Rock told me this market is unique because most traders are women. Here at this market, you can get many local products.

Come to Kelantan…must not forget to bring home some keropok ikan(fish crackers) too….

Makcik packing my keropoks…Weeee….happy purchase 😉

fancy these jars of ‘jeruk’?

Then we came to Pantai Cahaya Bulan (Located about 10km from Kota Bharu) which was formerly named as Pantai Cinta Berahi / Passionate Love. So, now its call ‘Moonlight Beach’. There must be a reason they changed the name. Probably people there are sensitive with the word “berahi”/passion.

I Love the photo outcome of this place. ♥

Don’t you agree that this place is beautiful? I’m using this photo as my PC’s wallpaper 😉

Siew Liek told me, huge rocks were placed along the beach because of the erosion.

Oppa KB Style?

phew….panas sungguh cuaca hari ini…

Alex and I

My BF of the day…. ^^

Lets order some coconut drink to quench our thirst. Told you right…we are like a bunch of students. =p

Enjoying a coconut drink under the hut surrounded by coconut trees feels so good. You can’t have this kind of feel in KL city.

I’ve not seen those drinks, sarsi & ice cream soda in the bottle. Have you?

Some of our friends left KB a day earlier than us. Later in the afternoon…..we came to Pantai Sri Tujuh (about 17km from Kota Bharu town), is one of the famous beach in Kelantan.

Its an eye sore to see rubbish were thrown everywhere…. 😦

work of a creative person.

Take 1 – High Jump

Take 2 – Then I requested something rather funny one.

Do you miss this kind of ice cream? Though it would not taste as creamy or as good as those luxurious brand…but it reminds me of school days 😉

The power of technology. Shoot and post! I love the sun glare above Jimmy’s head ^^

Then I bought a big grilled corn for RM2.50 from a foodstall near the beach.

We had our Thai food dinner here. But the food was just average..so, I didn’t bother to take down the details.

Say goodbye to Kota Bharu…we travel back to KL on a morning flight.

Thank you to Jimmy, Tat & Siew Liek for the hospitality 😉

Family, Port Dickson

Picnic at Port Dickson

July 9, 2012 thammelissa 16 Comments

Last weekend I spent some time with my family at Port Dickson beach. We planned to go picnic there. And the weather was all good. Not really sunny and did not rain. Port Dickson is just half an hour drive from Seremban. Therefore, the idea of getting there for a family day isn’t tough.

Port Dickson is developing now. Finally there’s a McD!! Located at PD Waterfront (near town). Unfortunately there are still many abandoned resorts which is an eye sore. Whenever I sees an abandoned building…my mind will start to imagine some spooky stuff… =p

Nice weather with people strolling along the beach.

I chose this part of beach which is located next to Avilion Resort. (Not so crowded & quite clean). But you will need to walk further if you need to go to toilet.

There are tables and benches provided for people who planned to picnic there.

Mummy prepared some light food. Otak-Otak Samosa (bought from supermarket and self deep fried it) ,Fried Chicken (marinated overnight with kunyit) and Apple+Water Chesnut drink. The fried chicken was ‘finger licking good!’ ^^

visitors having fun at beach. There are people doing fishing there too.

guess this couple were having fun at beach too.

Do you like the sandy beach?

Alex abandoned his slipper here. *kesian…

my slipper and a dead coral.

Sis brought some toys for Vernice to play there.

She has yet to get used to the beach. She kept saying dirty @_@.

Vernice : YiYi…tissue please….

Yea..this was the purpose of asking tissue from me. Busy wipping her feet! =p

Finally! Braving herself to lift her ‘heavy’ feet from the mat. hahaha…

Everybody getting their hands on the sand.

Mummy was happy too…

The result. A rejected ‘sand castle’ and a cacat feet! Hahaha….

Mel with Alex ^_^

Alex : Aiyohhh….so heavy lah! Can’t carry. My bones are cracking!!

Mel : Kahwin time can carry…Why now can’t edi?

Alex : Last time was light, and now so heavy!

Mel : @_@ KNS!!

Water sports; banana boat, water scooter or a boat ride with some charges.

Have a nice day! ♥

Cameron Highlands, Family, MALAYSIA, Travel

Places I Visited at Cameron Highlands – Part 2 (EQ Strawberry Farm, Boh Tea Center)

November 24, 2011 thammelissa 1 Comment

After the vegetable market, we continued our journey…within the short distance by road, we made another stop at a Strawberry farm which is located just beside Equatorial Hotel. Guess, strawberry farm is a MUST VISIT place in Cameron. – since its grown widely here, due to the weather. Takkan keep eating and buying strawberries..but never know how its grown & how it looks right??

Knowing that time is precious, (as we do not want to reach KL too late) I must say that we did not waste a lot of time on every destination. Each stop were within 1/2 to 1 hour.

4) EQ Strawberry Farm

There are so many Strawberry Farm here. Somehow we just choose randomly. A friend of mine suggested ‘Big Red Strawberry Farm’. Unfortunately I missed that place. Since EQ Strawberry Farm is just a short distance from vegetable farm, therefore we went for it. Its Free Entry here. At EQ Strawberry Farm, you may experience self pluck strawberry. Price is determined by the weight of strawberries you plucked. If I’m not mistaken its RM20/kg. Nahh….we did not go for that..just plain visit.

It’s pretty visible along the road.

Other than self pluck strawberry…there are also souvenirs and light snacks sold here. (ice cream, strawberry dip inn chocolate).

Hmm…looks like Strawberries are planted on pots.

strolling at the fenced up farm. It’s fenced, so that people won’t curi the strawberries…. ^^ Moreover the place looks quite neat too.

The ripe and the non-ripe strawberry.

EQ Strawberry Farm
78, Jalan Kuari, Brinchang, 39100 Cameron Highlands
Tel: 05-4911759

5) Boh Tea Center (open daily 9am-4.30pm closed on Mondays)

There are several tea plantations/ farm in Cameron Highlands. My friend recommended Boh Tea Center located at Sg. Palas. Not just that, she also warned me about the narrow & winding road (which fits only 1 car at certain part) all the way up hill. Ohh My…I’m so worried and terrified. Keeping myself alert all the way up..constantly reminding Alex to ~~move~~ drive slow slow….careful on the sharp bend…

Saw these colorful houses when we were about to reach the designated place.

pheww…reached here safely… walking on the trails to the top for a nice view!

Well, I can see a nice and rather unique building on top hill.

I’m at midway…Don’t worry. It’s not a tough climb anyway…

still climbing for a scenic panorama view

yeah….I’m up here now! Look at the magnificent view…really worth it.

Boh is the largest tea plantation in Cameron Highlands.

The largest producer of tea in Malaysia, Boh was established by JA Russell, an English businessman in the very early nineties. Noting the mineral-rich soil, high rainfall and cooling climate of Cameron Highlands, Russell saw the potential for growing tea – high in demand at that time despite an economic depression. He purchased a tract of land in Habu and set out to produce a robust tea with a distinct flavour, straight from the ground up. Since then, Boh has expanded into a corporate franchise sponsoring nature conservation efforts, producing intense media campaigns, and marketing its products sold across Southeast Asia.

View downhill..foot trail , blue houses & also a school for the villagers here. The villagers are usually the people who works at the tea plantation.

At Boh Tea Center, you can learn about Boh’s operating history, shop for its products, dine at its cafe and view its factory. By the way…the boxes of tea sold here ain’t alot cheaper than supermarket lor…

After we had our tea break at the scenic cafe, we walked downhill by the premix road. Here, you can shoot at different angle.

OK…ending my post with a photo of Me & Alex. ^^

Will write about the Cafe at Boh Tea Center on my next post. Stay tune….

For excellent series of photos…please view this blogger:- ARDEN KHOO

Cameron Highlands, Family, MALAYSIA, Travel

Places I Visited at Cameron Highlands – Part 1 (Brinchang Night Market, Cactus Point, Vegetable Market)

November 22, 2011 thammelissa 8 Comments

Since we arrived Cameron quite late, therefore we did not have much time to visit any plantations. On first day, after a satisfying steamboat dinner we went to Brinchang Night Market. It was a wet evening. Luckily the rain stopped just on time for us to have a brisk walk at the night market.

1) Brinchang Night Market

Brinchang is a town located in Cameron Highlands in the state of Pahang, Malaysia. It is the second tourist town in Pahang after Tanah Rata. One of its attractions is the night market available during Friday, Saturday night and everyday on Malaysian school holidays. Brinchang night market offers a wide variety of products. Apart from vegetables, fruits, flowers, souvenirs and clothes, the main attraction here is their great variety of local street foods. Other than the representative Cameron food like fresh strawberry stick with honey/chocolate cream, steamed sweet potato or sweet corn, fried sweet potato ball, fried fresh mushroom or vegetables, the night market also serves a lot of common foods like pancake, roasted chicken, fried chicken, ice-cream, cake, fried meat ball, Murtabab, Kebab and others.

Getting a car park may be quite hectic here…I would suggest you to pay RM2 to park opposite Hill Garden Lodge Apartment/ Guardian Pharmacy or opposite the police station.

Blogs to refer :-

Strawberries at night market is so cheap..3 boxes for RM20. Its big and juicy. Mixed of sweet and sourish. Not forgetting ‘ais krim potong’ filled with strawberry extract is just RM1.

2) Cactus Point

The following day, after checking out from Strawberry Park Resort, we decided to traveled towards Simpang Pulai exit. The route back to KL. Our first stop was at Cactus Point. You can make any stops along the main road…because most of the tourist attraction (places to visit) are located along the main road.

Free Entry at Cactus Point

How well do you know about cactus? Or probably have you seen cactus before (the younger generations) Here, you can see varieties of cactus. There were so unique ones, ugly ones, beautiful ones, different ages… You can also purchase the cactus with an affordable price.

Different sizes and shapes…

How about some colorful and odd shapes?

Red vs Yellow?

Waahhh….cactus too has so nice flowers?

Not just cactus can be found here…you can also get flowers and plants. What do you think about the pricing? Not bad huh… My mom bought some potted plants back home too…

Do you like Gerbera Daisy?? I like it! I personally feel that Gerbera Daisy gives me the fresh and girlish feeling. ♥♥♥♥

HELLO to Gerbera?

Cameron Highlands Cactus Point

39100 Brinchang, Cameron Highlands

TEL: + 605-4914180 / 0192550068

3) Vegetable Market

Better known as the ‘morning market’. Located at Kea Farm, is one of most popular shopping destinations in Cameron Highlands, located 3km after Brinchang town. While mostly an agricultural district, the center of activity lies in a day market next to the main road, just before Equatorial Resort. Every morning till evening, traders and farmers sell their crops here to visitors and locals alike. Flowers, ornamental plants, souvenirs and handicrafts are other products sold in the market besides fruits and vegetables. On holiday weekends and national festivals, the road that leads past Kea Farm Market may be cluttered with cars parked (or parking) along the sides, causing a massive jam that stretches all the way to town.

You can see shoppers crowding this place, getting goods with the best price.

assorted fresh vegetables sold here. Some are hardly seen in KL.

However Mummy claimed that the Cauliflowers are quite expensive.

These vege looks so fresh and nice too…

Have you seen these in KL? Preserved Guava with Apple flavor. Price are depending on size too..For the size above, each pack is priced at RM8. 2 packs for RM15.

Flowers here are sold at cheap price. Roses here are sold at only RM10/ bouquet. (approximately 10 stalks-bear with the torn..because its still intact with the stem)

Fresh corns are priced depending on the size.

How about grilled corn. A lil char on the outer part, yet the juiciness & crunchiness is still there. However I think I much prefer the steam version. RM3 for a corn, I would say its not cheap.

Varieties of Strawberry souvenirs.

Mummy was so happy seeing all the fresh vegetables..She made huge purchase of vegetables. Big and small bags with happy face.

For more tips & info about vegetable farms & market in Cameron Highlands,

please click HERE

Cameron Highlands, Hotels, MALAYSIA, Travel

1 Nite Stay At Strawberry Park Resort, Cameron Highlands

November 17, 2011 thammelissa 7 Comments

Started our journey from Seremban and exit through Simpang Pulai toll then drove approximately another 1 hour only to reach the resort which is located at a 7-acre hill between Tanah Rata and Brinchang, Cameron Highlands. The entire journey was quite long. Moreover due to the heavy rain which slow us down.

Utilizing the coupon I bought earlier, I decided to bring my family there for a short holiday.

Bought 2 coupons at a good price of RM230 each for 2D1N Stay in a Studio Suite + Breakfast at Jim Thompson Terrace. Recently the resort has undergone refurbishment, with the modern concept rooms. Now it looks so much fresher.

A small waterfall as you entered the resort.

At the Lobby – Minus the late lunch we had…only able to reach the resort at around 5pm to do our check ins. Quite late huh…

Our rooms are located at this block. I like the environment here…the place is rather quite compared to those located along the busy and noisy street. Moreover getting in to Brinchang town is just within 10 minutes drive.

The impression of Studio Suite. Studio Suite measures 8.50 meters x 5.25 meters with floor areas of 44.6 square meters or 480 square feet with a balcony. I like the spacious and cosy room. Unfortunately when I asked for double bed(1 big bed), the reception told me; “Our Studio Suite are all 2 single beds”….Alrite..fine then…not really convincing. Don’t want to argue more, well I just go with it….

LCD TV with in house movies.

Private balcony with chairs, nice place for Alex and I to have a cuppa while enjoying the cool breeze air.

Complimentary Mineral Water & Coffee and Tea Making Facilities.

The very spacious bathroom. Though the bathroom is huge..but the shower area is rather narrow (behind the wash basin/mirror wall).

complimentary toiletries

Strawberry is widely plant here in Cameron Highlands. And its cheaper too. So, why not have a full cup of strawberries before getting into bed. *Bliss….

Strawberry Park Resort
P.O. Box 81, Lot 195 & 196,
39000 Tanah Rata,
Cameron Highlands,
Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia.

Tel: +605 491 1166
Fax: +605 491 1949

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