Restoran Loke Yun Ampang 安邦樂園海南雞飯

Once again we were tempted by the food introduced by Taste with Jason, hosted by Axian 阿賢 on Astro channel. We decided to try out the Hainanese chicken rice shop at Pekan Ampang. Loke Yun here we come!

The shop is located nearby the balai polis Ampang. Finding a car park is not easy at the area. When we finally got to the shop, we found that the queue were long. The staff had to take down the name and the number of people for the queue. After waited about half and hour, finally we got a small table to squeeze in the six of us.

The staff took our order and busied off with thousand other things. I took a good look at the shop. The renovation is quite simple, with big menu board displaying the price clearly. Of course, the banner of Axian is displayed. Another big printout displays the endorsement of another food TV show by Hong Kong Artist, Sik Kar Yin, naming it the best Hainanse Chicken Rice. And a big photo frame caught my attention. I walked nearer to the photos and take a good look at it. It has photos of many famous and celebrity who came to this shop, like Chui Ling (host), Kar Yin (HK artist), Datuk Ong Tee Keat (minister), etc.

About 5 - 10 minutes later, finally the tea we ordered is served. When I take a sip of the tea I find that the pu-er we order has a unique bitter-sweet (甘甜) which usually pu-er don’t have. I took a look into the teapot and found that they put some extra leaves inside the teapot. I don’t know what leaves was it. I guess it is probably is a type of spice called “tim kuk” 甜菊I forgot the English name of it.

While waiting, I started to try out their ginger sauce (姜茸) and the chili sauce. The aunty sat beside our table is the regular customer here recommends us to try the special blend of chili sauce here. Even Axian also recommend the chili sauce, I’m looking forward to taste it, because sometimes, for Malaysian like me, the sauce is equally important as the main dish, and I knew how a good sauce can differentiate a chicken rice from good to moderate or bad. First, I try it ginger sauce, but it is disappointing, as it is sourly, taste like vinegar ginger (酸姜). Then I try the chili sauce, it is not exceptionally tasty to me, but it is still consider as not bad. What I would say is that it is unlike the usual chili sauce (for chicken rice) we get outside.

Ok, ok. I know the 1st photo uploaded is a bit small. here's a better photo of the mouth watering "bak zam"chicken.

And we waited about 10 minutes or so, finally, they served the rice followed by the chicken, chicken parts (雞什) , soup, and the vegi. Hhhmm… all look nice and yummy. I take a spoon of the rice. Yummy, the rice is nicely cooked, smooth and not too soft, a bit salty and very fragrant. Now the chicken. We ordered the “pak zham chai yuan” chicken. The skin of the chicken look yellowish and shinning with the oil, it looks tempting. Take a bite of it, and found that the chicken is tender, juicy and sweet. The soy sauce and sesame seed oil blend that pour on the chicken give the chicken a taste of sesame aroma and the saltiness of the soy sauce brings out the natural sweetness of the chicken. Great! It is worth all the hassle of beating the traffic to Ampang, hunting for car park and the long queue and waiting. I then try to dip the chicken with the chili sauce. Unfortunately, I personally think that I like it without the chili sauce. Just the soy sauce blend pour on the chicken works the magic best.

Now, another highlight of the must try dishes of the shop, the chicken parts. I know many people would turn their head on animal spare parts. Well, actually, I ‘m also very skeptical to those food. But since it is very famous here, I might five it a try. For the first time in my life, I eat the chicken intestine. The white and transparent little thingy, I took a bite and surprisingly it is quite good. Munchy and springy feel. The “kai chan” 雞胗 and the “kai gone” 雞肝 also taste quite ok and it do not have any weird taste around. Well, that’s a good try though.

Overall, I would rate this chicken rice shop a “GOOD”. The setbacks are that it is too crowded and it is a bit too salty. When I take the dishes separately, the seasoning of the food appear to be ok, but when all the food tend to has salty taste, gradually, when taking the rice and the chicken and other dishes in, I feel that it is a bit too salty. The price is ok. It is priced higher than those normal chicken rice shops, but it is still consider ok la… Six person, 1 whole chai yuan chicken, 6 big rice, one small chicken parts mix, one small vegetable, plus a pot of tea amounting to RM 83++

Below I add in a summary of my tasting experience in Chinese version for those prefer to read in Chinese.
白嶄菜園雞- 雞皮看起來鮮黃﹐脆口。肉滑而有嚼勁。麻油與醬油調配的醬汁剛好帶出肉的鮮甜味。難得的是雞肉是熟透的﹐許多雞飯商為了要保持雞肉滑的口感﹐常常都有點還是生的。
雞飯 - 香﹐軟而不綿。帶着淡淡的咸味。
雞什- 雞肝﹐雞胗和雞腸。雞腸和雞胗非常爽脆。沒有任何的異味。總結: 值得一嘗。難得的海南雞飯享受。

Additional Info:
Restaurant name: Restoran Loke Yun Ampang / 樂園海南雞飯
Address: 158, Jalan Besar, Ampang, Selangor.
Tel: 03-4291 9884
Business hour: Business hour: 10.30am - 3pm & 5.30pm-8.30pm

Ramadhan

It’s the Ramadhan month again. For travelers to Malaysia, there are few things that I think it is good to know about Ramadhan.

What is Ramadhan? Ramadhan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. In the Western calendar, there is no fixed date, it moves forward about 10 days each year. This year Awal Ramadhan (beginning of Ramadhan) falls on the 22 Aug 09. All Muslim will fast from dawn to sun set during the whole month of Ramadhan. At the end of the Ramadhan is Syawal where Muslim in Malaysia celebrates Hari Raya. During the fasting, Muslim are refrain from drink, eat, sexual and other evil deeds. They will get up before dawn to Sahur (eat) and then perform the prayer. They will break fast after the Maghrib prayer. Ramadhan is a holy month, where Muslim are to practice patience, modesty, spirituality, self disclipine and empathy to those less fortunate. Children, pregnant women, nursing mother, women on menstrual, elderly, critical ill and mentally ill are exempted from fasting.

What do a travel needs to know when traveling in Malaysia during Ramadhan? Well, I think the first thing is to Respect their religious practice. Avoid drinking and eating in front of a Muslim during their fasting period.

For many resort and hotel, generally it is the low season for room booking. This is because most Muslim would not travel or go for holiday during the Ramadhan. So, for many budget travelers, it is one of the best times to grab a good deal. However, if you wish to book for banquet function, it could be hard to reserve place. This is because many corporate firms and government bodies would hold buka puasa (break fast) session during the Ramadhan to have better bond among employees or customers.

Getting food before break fast can be hassle, if you travel to remote places. Of course, normal fast food chain, malls, hotel dining, restaurant manned by non-Muslims would function as usual. Many Muslim restaurants would not be selling food during the fasting period. They would only operate before and / or after the break fast. However, if you are a food lover, I strongly encourage you to visit one of the Ramadhan market / Bazaar Ramadhan, which only available during the fasting month. Muslim would shop for food to prepare for the break fast session after sun set. Many non-Muslim Malaysian would also shop at the market for the specialty that solely available during the Ramadhan. It is the best place to get a feel of the local culture. Try the kuih-muih (local dessert), kurma (dates), ayam percik (chicken), kuih raya and more…

If you are less adventure about hunting food on the street, no worries, you can still taste many unique local cuisines in restaurant and hotels that offer buka puasa buffet or special dining menu during the month of Ramadhan.

Except for the food, I personally feel that it is a good time to do shopping during Ramadhan. Many retailers would offer promotion or sales for the upcoming Raya celebration. Also you’ll get the chance to see more of the beautiful traditional custom of the Malay community in Malaysia. Baju kurung, kebaya, batik, songket, songkot are some of the apparel fashion you should look out for.

Well, that what I know about Ramadhan and traveling during Ramadhan. If you ask me, I would still say Ramadhan is a good time to visit Malaysia. The room rates are generally lower, you’ll get to taste the special food of Ramadhan, shopping are aplenty (and lots of deals and offer around), and it offer a chance to learn about the culture of Malaysia. So why wait, it is just another good chance to come and experience the Malaysia hospitality!

Additional info:
This year Hari Raya Puasa falls on the 20 and 21 Sep 09. Hari Raya Puasa is a public holiday throughout Malaysia.

Deerland @ Pahang

In my earlier blog I wrote about Kuala Gandah where you can see and get up close with the elephants. And about 5mins drive from the elephant sanctuary, you can also visit the Deerland. It is another great place to spend time with your family.

Deerland is run by a local Malay family. One can sees deers, kancil (mouse deer), sun bear, snake, ostriches, monkey, quill, and much more.

Most of the animals inside are allow to be fed by the visitors. You don’t need to buy feed for the animals, the caretakers will give you the right type of food for different animals. Visitors are allowed to pet and play with some of the animals inside the park. Yes, you can pet with deer, snake and even the sun bear.

If you going in a group, you can actually call up them and ask them to cater for a lunch inside the park. You may choose to have the lunch inside the park or to the river bank nearby the park (if weather permits). The owner told me that they can also arrange activities like flying fox for larger group. The fees are reasonable.

I’m very lucky to able to meet up with the owner. He asked her daughter to guide us in the park. She is very warm and friendly, guiding us to visit all the animals inside the park. Later, the owner joins us back at the entrance. He offered to guide us for a short walk to the forest nearby where he showed us the floral and fauna inside the forest. Among the plant we saw are the famous herb- Kacip Fatimah and Tongkat Ali.

If you are to self drive to this place, my recommendation is that depart from town early. First, go register at Kuala Gandah for the elephant watching (so that you can get the full access pass). Then you can drive to Deerland, spend few hours there. Maybe you can have lunch there (lunch must be pre-book). Or you’ll prefer to pack your lunch before departing. It is hard to find food around the area. Then, at about 2pm, proceed to Kuala Gandah for elephant watching.

Additional Information
Address: No. 67, Jalan Zabidin, 28400 Mentakab, Pahang.
Tel: 609 - 2797 249.
Opens daily except Fridays
Business hour: 10.30 am – 5.30pm
Admission fee: RM 10 (adult) RM 5 (children)

Galeri Sri Perdana

Galeri Sri Perdana is open as a tribute to the contribution of the longest serving Prime Minister of Malaysia – Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammed. This gallery is the former residence of Tun. It officially opens to the public on the 21 December 2003.

Amber of free parking bay is available at the side of the main entrance. Walking uphill towards the main entrance of the former residence of Tun you will be greeted by the fleet of vehicles given to Tun.

Photo: The main entrance to Tun’s former residence.

Camera, food and drinks are not allowed inside the building. Entering the building you’ll see the main lounge for official visitors. Also located in the ground floor is the banquet hall, family gathering hall. The hall is decorated with unique woodcarving. Also kept inside the gallery were parts of the souvenir presented to Tun.

Kitchen, laundry room and wood craft workshop are located at the lower floor. On the second floor, you have a chance to imagine the personal life of Tun where his family dining area, kitchen, his main bedroom as well as his children room are. There’s an exhibition hall featuring part of the Tun’s collections.

Coming out from the main building, you can also visit the green house located behind the main building. Adjacent to the main building, there’s a theatre room.

Take a stroll in the garden of Sri Perdana Galeri before you exit the gallery. A souvenir shop is available at the parking bay located outside the main gallery entrance.


Address: Jalan Terengganu, Off Jalan Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 603- 2072 2663
Adminission: Free
Opens: Tues – Sunday (10am -4.30 pm)
Closed on Mondays except public holidays and school holidays.

Kuala Gandah Elaphant Santuary @ Pahang

Wanting to get close with the giant mammoth? You need not go to Thailand. And there’s no need to pay a single cent to get close with these gentle elephants. Kuala Gandah, Pahang is the place to be. You’ll get the chance to get close to the elephants at its natural habitat.

History of Kuala Gandah – Orphanage Elephants’ Santuary
This centre is established in 1989 by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks of Malaysia. It serves as a base for the only elephant relocation team in Malaysia. Over the years the team had help more than 300 wild elephants relocate.

The aim of the centre is to promote and educate the public on elephant’s conservation, and its habitat and environment preservations. It opens its door to tourist on year 2000.

The Kuala Gandah Sanctuary is open daily from 8am to 4.30pm. However, activities start from 2pm to 3.45pm. If you keen to know more about elephants you are welcome to watch the short film about elephants shows on 1pm at the information centre. There’s no admission fee to enter the centre and watching the video. Donations are welcome for funding the protection and conservations of the wild elephants.

Since this centre is getting more popular in the recent years, the management team decided to limit the numbers visitors that get to bath and ride the elephants. Visitors are requested to registered themselves at the information centre before proceed to the ground where the elephants are. Upon register, the helpers will issue a pass for you. You will either get the full access pass (yellow colour sticker) or the limited access pass (red colour sticker).


A yellow, full access pass will be issued to the first 100 visitors of the day. With the pass you’ll get the chance to feed, ride and bath the elephant. And for limited access pass, you only granted the permission to visit the centre. Yet, don’t be too sad over that, you’ll still have the chance to pet the grey giant and feed them. The friendly staffs at the centre will demonstrate and guide you the correct way to feed the elephant. They will also happy to explain the type of elephants at the centre.

The first activity which starts at 2pm is feeding session. The staff will starts with cleaning the area and the elephants. The staffs will then explain and demonstrate the way to feed the giants. Visitors can take the food from the staff and feed them. Usually, they’ll feed them with bananas, sugar cane, fruits and vegetables.





After the feeding session, those with the yellow pass can queue up for the elephant riding. I recommend you wear long pants for the ride. The elephants are hairy and have rough skin.




After the ride, the elephants are guided to the river for the elephant bathing! Yes, you get to bath the elephants and get yourself bath. You’ll understand why once you’ll there. Don’t worry, the park have public bathroom for visitors who wants to take bath before leaving the park.


And if you are lucky like me, you get the chance to pet and feed the baby elephants. I got to see 2 of these cute elephant babies. I feed them with peanuts which some other tourists offered to me. And the experience is totally different from feeding the adult elephant. The babies would sniff at you for food. They sniffed my pocket, bag and my hand. Once they found the food, they’ll use they trunk to suck the food which tickles me. Unlike the adults elephants the babies are free to walk around guided by the staff. Just be gentle with the babies, you can pet, feed and take photos with them.

At about 4.15pm all the activities ended. Visitors started to leave the place and or purchase souvenir from the souvenir shop located inside the park.

How to get there?
Use the Karak Highway. Exit at Lanchang. Turn left at the junction after the Lanchang toll. Head towards Bolok and you’ll able to see signage to the Elephant Santuary. You’ll also pass by an orang asli settlement before reaching the park. About 200km from Kuala Lumpur.

The Urban Tarzan

Day in and out, we are busily rushing with our routines. All we face with are works, traffics, computers and the gloomy news. Want to get away from the busy urban life, for a little escape? Longing to get closer to the nature and add some spice into your life with a little adrenaline rush?

Be an urban Tarzan. Test your agility and face your fears with series of aerial obstacle challenges in the air. And you can get this experience by participate the Skytrex Adventure in a forest reserve located only about 30 mins from town. Yup, the Skytrex Adventure Park inside the Taman Pertanian Bukit Cahaya, Shah Alam offers such thrills.

What’s unique about this park is that the agricultural park and farms are inside a tropical rainforest. You only need to pay RM 3 (adult) or RM 1 (children) to enter this park which covers 817 hectares of land. The Skytrex Adventure Park is 3km away from the entrance of the park. A shutter bus to the adventure park departs from the bicycle rental shop every 10 minutes before each booking slot.

The adventure park operates on weekend and public holiday. For weekdays, they cater to pre-booking made for group with a minimum of 25 pax. This adventure park open to anyone young and old, so long that you meet the health and fitness requirements. They have 3 different adventures challenges for one to try on. The challenges are – Little Adventure, Big Thrill and Extreme Challenges.

Little adventure is the easiest among the three challenges. It is specially designed for children, however, adults who want to join in the fun are welcome too. Big thrill have 23 challenges, ranging from easy to difficult. The challenge ends with a 100m long high speed flying fox. And for those who like bigger excitement the extreme challenge is the choice. A total of 21 extreme challenges with some platforms build at the height of 22m from ground. S person must reach at least 16 years old and reach the height of 1.5m to qualify for the challenge. They recommend the person to have upper body strength and experienced their Big Thrill. Rates range from RM 25 to RM 40 per person depending on the challenge you choose and the age group you fall into.

Below is my personal experience of Big Thrill Challenge.
I rode the Skytrex shuttle bus to the adventure park. The park is in the middle of a rain forest. I could see the trees are high into the air (unable to the summit of the trees). Also saw some platforms, cables for the challenges, some young kids enjoying the challenges excitedly gliding over the pond to the platform located at another side.

I started to feel some excitement within me after I got off the bus. Me and my group walk towards the reception area to checked in ourselves for the challenge. All of us were to hand in the health declaration and indemnity form. They provide lockers for us to keep anything we don’t want to bring for the challenge. So long the items you bring with are not dangling dangerously and the person is comfortable with, they will allow you to bring along. Oh… how can I missed out the chance to take some good shoots, so I bring my camera long, I hanged it on my neck safely. I also bought a pair of glove (optional item) at RM3 to prevent my hand from any injuries. If you don’t mind to use recycle ones, you can also try your luck at the glove recycling bin.

Once cleared from the registration, we headed towards the gear up platform to equip ourselves with the harness. They hand in the harness to us but sadly they didn’t have the official briefing on how to wear the harness. Most of us try to figure it out ourselves, but got it wrong and waited for the instructors there to help us re-wearing the harness or adjust it to perfection.

Afterwards, all are to head towards the training ground. A lady instructor introduced us to the harness we are wearing. She guided us to check on the equipment, explained on it’s functions and the correct way to use the gear. She then demonstrated to us the way to handle the challenge on the training ground. And it is compulsory for each of us to complete the circuit of the training to familiarize with the activity and ability to handle the equipment in compliance with the safety standard.

Though the training ground trial is short and the height is low, I have few moments of hesitations on doing the challenges. I climbed on the platform, done the walking on the plank up in the air, performed a fly to catch the net and did a crawl up the net like a spiderwoman and finally did another flying landing on the ground. Phew! That was fun and it certainly needs some good strength to go through the challenges.

Since I am the first few who completed and passed through the training, the instructor called us to start the big thrill track while the rest waited to pass through the training. A friend and I headed to the starting point of the challenge. However, there weren’t any staff or instructor at the starting point, we inform the instructor at the training ground and she called someone to assist us. Maybe, it is because lunch time that instructor came running with a lunchbox in his hand and kept telling us it’s ok to start and ran off to else where. We waited few minutes still there weren’t anyone. The first challenge is a climb up to the tree. I don’t know the exact height, it roughly as tall as 3 to 4 storey building. I thought maybe someone would have waited us in the second challenge point up there where we could see. So I decided to start the track.

Yikes! The 90 degrees stair up the wood platform up at the tree weren’t as easy as it seems to be. Half way up the stairs, I already feel my stamina running low, I shouted out to my friend, “I’m tired.” Friends who were waiting at the ground encouraged me to move on. How can I stop at the beginning? I took a deep breathe and push myself up. I used my hand to pull myself up and leg to push upwards. Finally, I arrived at the platform. I’m relieved to accomplish the first challenge. I waited for my friend to climbed up the platform. Next, I proceed with the next challenge. Walk on a net bridge to another platform. I couldn’t see where’s the next platform is as there are trees that block the view. After finished crossing the net, still nobody was sighted. A bit annoyed at the bad service yet I’m excited to challenge the next adventure. To cross a zig zag plank.

Whoa! It is not easy to balance myself on the narrow zig zag plank. I pulled harder at the carbina to balance myself. Though the track wasn’t long, but I feel it is endless. My friend was asking me something behind, but I couldn’t concentrate what she said and kept silent. Focusing on my steps.


After a hard struggle on the zig zag, I finally arrived at the platform! I put up a smile and asked my friend what she was saying. I rest at the platform for a few minutes while wait for my friend to join me.

I couldn’t remember the sequence of the nest few challenges. But all are equally exciting and fun at the same time. The only setback was nobody at our track until I completed about ½ of the challenge.

Air hopping with the help of the ropes.

I'm getting ready to swing over to the big net at the opposite platform.

Finally I swung to the other side. Catch on to the net and perform a spider climb to the platform.

On our track to the end of the challenge, we saw few chicken exit for those who unable to take on the challenge. There also some short-cut paths to skip through a challenge with a simple flying fox.

About 2 hours later, I finally complete the track with a high speed 100m “wild revenge” down to the finishing platform. I’m tired, thirsty, sweaty, ecstatic and satisfy to be able to arrived at the finish point. Both of us rush to the reception counter and brought ourselves a can of cold 100 plus (isotonic drink). Ah… so cooling and refreshing. This trip is worth while.

It would be better if there were more staff stationed at the platform giving us advice and encouragement. I chatted with one of the staff stationed near to the end of the track, he mentioned that it not suppose to be this way. But some staff actually went for lunch break without informing their superior. So my advice is don’t take session near to lunch hour to avoid encountering the same scenario like us. Another piece of advice is that don’t go on too large a group. Like our group was 26 pax. Some participant had actually waited a long time before it is their turn. And due to safety reason, each platform can only hold 3 people and one must wait until the participant in front of you completed a challenge before you start. So those at the back wasted quite some time waiting. Especially if the person in front is having hard time to initiate for complete the challenge. Well, my recommendation is organize small group of about 10 to 15 and not more than that. But please don’t tell the organizer because you read my blog so you organize small group. They won’t like the idea. Ideally, their group size is 15-20 pax.

We retried our items, can got back to the finish point and cheered for those at the back of the line. Finally after 6 hours at the adventure park, all participants at our group completed their track. All were smiling and laughing, sharing their own experience. All of us eagerly want to get out from the Bukit Cahaya park and have our lunch/dinner. Very very hungry after all it’s already 4.30pm. And we had our breakfast at 8 something in the morning. Yahoo! Finally we can have our meal. We climbed into our cars and started the hunt for good food!!

Taman Pertanian Bukit Cahaya, Shah Alam

At least a decade had past since my last visit to the Taman Pertanian Bukit Cahaya (Malaysia Agricultural Park) at Shah Alam. I could recall the glory time of this park during my childhood time. There were hanging bridge, four seasons house (a building that replicate Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. The house showcases and allows visitors to see and experience the different season. As a young kid then, I always wanted to see the Winter at the Bukit Cahaya. That’s the only place that snow in Malaysia. So cool!) and it is a fun place to cycle as well.

Those days has gone. Taman Petanian gets less and less promotion as a place of attraction and recreation. I almost forgetten about this place until a friend of mine organized a skytrex adventure. And this Skytrex Adventure Park is inside Taman Pertanian. I’m excited to experience my first skytrex activities and to re-visit this long forgotten place.

About 30 mins drive from town we arrived at the park. To my amazement, the park’s car park bay was quite full. We paid RM 1 parking fee (per entry basis). We walk a short distant from the car park bay to the main entrance of the park where the ticket counter are. My jaw dropped as I saw the crowd at the entrance area. Many young locals and family are queuing up for the tickets. Not bad! I thought many people have forgotten this place as it has minima effort on promoting this place to the public.

Photo: At the entrance of the park

I took my time to survey around looking for information about this park while queuing for the entrance ticket. I found out that the entrance fee is RM 3 for adult, RM 1 for children age between 6 and 11 (and FOC for children below 6) and senior citizen above 55 years. The park is open everyday except Monday. However, if a public holiday falls on Monday, the park is open. And I couldn’t believe that the 4 season temperature house is still around. And one could go in by paying RM 3 for an adult and RM 1 for a child (age between 4 and 11). If you would like to spend a night at the park, they have chalet and camp site as accommodation options. The rates of the accommodation ranging from RM 5 to RM 100. They also have few dedicated sites for outdoor functions.

Oh boy, I couldn’t wait to see what’s inside. Finally, we got our tickets and we got inside the park. Once we entered, I saw a food outlet and bicycle rental facilities. The hut for bicycle rental for packed with people who are keen to ride and explore the park. I wish I got the time to take a ride as well. But, we gotta proceed to the Skytrex Adventure Park located somewhere in this Agricultural Park in less than 30 minutes time. I need to catch the bus dedicated to ferry all the Skytrex participants to the adventure park in font of this small hut. So, I put the idea of riding the bicycle off.

Photo: People waiting to get their bicycle at the bicycle rental shop.

Photo: A random shot at the park

A friend of mine got a map of the park from the staff at the entrance and found out that this park has certainly evolved into a better and larger state than a decade ago. It has more farms area introducing the variety agricultures of Malaysia, 2 dam areas, a place for kayak, flying fox facilities, rabbit farm, birds park, outlook tower, cultural village and orchids garden, etc. The park covers an 817 hectares land. Although, there are many semi open air type of buses ferrying visitors to different place of this park, I didn’t explore the park due to the time constrain. I just took a short walk nearby the entrance and return to hut to catch the bus to the Skytex Adventure Park.

Well, what’s this Skytrex thingy? Actually it is adventure activities that take the participants from tree to tree via series of aerial obstacles in the air. I’ll save the Skytrex experience of mine in the next blog.

Guys and gals, getting excited to visit this park? Well, I think it is worth the entrance ticket. You can get close to the nature, learn about the agricultures of Malaysia, picnic, experience the adventure (or see someone doing it), fishing, cycling, jungle trekking and so much more. It is place that suits for family outings. Bring along the insect repellent if you are very sensitive to mosquitoes. The only set back that I found out is that most of the signage I saw was only written in Bahasa Malaysia. Do ask for an English version of the map from the counter / entrance area is you need to.

Ok, here’s the information for those interest to go to the park.
Address: Taman Pertanian Malaysia, Bukit Cahaya Seri Alam, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor.
Tel: 603- 5510 7048

Map:

Shop til you drop

Save plenty of room in your suitcase! Malaysia offer abundance of tempting one stop shopping centres/ malls, boutique, day and night markets & bazaar to satisfy your buying needs.

Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya
Kuala Lumpur is definitely the paradise for the shopping lovers. Best place to hunt for latest fashion items, branded goods and technological gadgets. Where’s the best place to shop? Well, it is much depends on what are the items that you are looking for and what type of shopping experience you want. I’ll provide a list of the shopping area with a brief of what’s one can expect of.

· Suria KLCC. Commonly known as KLCC by the local. It is located at Jalan Ampang, conveniently connected by public transports. It is famous for its up market merchandise. Will find many luxury and branded boutiques and outlets inside this mall. Besides, you can visit the Petronas Twin Tower just neighboring the Suria shopping centre. Also connected to the building is the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Aquaria (Aquarium Centre) and hotel.

· Bukit Bintang Area. I would say this is “The Place” for ultimate shopping experience. Modern shopping complexes, entertainment outlets, f&b outlets, international hotels making Bukit Bintang the hottest shopping area in Malaysia. Sungei Wang Plaza - famous for latest fashions & accessories outlets, also a good place to look for souvenirs. Lot 10, Pavillion & Starhill – you can find mid range to exclusive designer items in these three malls. Imbi Plaza – Malaysia first and largest digital mall. Computers, notebooks, computer peripherals, latest mobile and IT gadgets outlets gather in this mall. Don’t forget to bargain price. Berjaya Times Square – one stop shopping mall with an indoor theme park. Don’t forget the many individual shopping outlets along Jalan Bukit Bintang. And if you are tired of walking and shopping, try out the reflexology services around the area. Night at Bukit Bintang is even livelier with the many f&b and entertainment outlets available at the famous “Bintang Walk”. Enjoy and cup of coffee or have a beer to unwind after a day of shopping.

· Mid Valley Megamall. Another one stop shopping centre in KL. I suggest you go visit this mall whenever it is near to any festive celebration (that Malaysians celebrate). Why? Malaysia malls like to decorate accordance to the festive. So each time there’s a festival coming up, all the participating malls will decorate accordance to the theme. This particular mall gets numerous best decorated mall in Malaysia. Well, it is a good place to shop, watch a movie, dine in, enjoy the ornaments and decorations and know a little about the festivals celebrated by Malaysians.

· One Utama Shopping Mall, also known as 1U. Another shopping mall that bags many of the best decorated rewards. Mid range shopping merchandise. A live studio inside in mall. There’s also a small rainforest built in the mall.

(sometimes, lion dance performance can be seen at activities held by the shopping malls.)

· Mutiara Damansara Area. I would say these shopping malls are mainly cater to the residents staying nearby. Yet, I love this place because all the malls are so conveniently connected to each other and one can get anything needed from this area. So what’s in the area? There are shopping malls The Curve and Ikano, two mega lifestyle / furniture store – Ikea and Courts mammoth (you can get almost any household items just shop in these two store), a Cineplex – Cineleisure (cinema and bowling centre) and a Hypermarket Tesco.

· Central Market also known as Pasar Seni. Apart from all those modern shopping, this is a place where craft, painting and souvenirs are aplenty. So, you mustn’t missed this place if you wanted to look for local craft and art pieces. A formerly wet market has converted into air-conditioned shopping bazaar. It attracts many tourists to visit the place everyday. Across Central Market is “Goldsmiths Row”. Gold, jewellery, diamonds and jades are sold in the jewellery shops.

· Petaling Street Area, the Chinatown of KL. You can find lots of shops and stalls offering handbags, clothes, shoes, accessories, textiles, replicas, watches, leather goods. Bargaining is a must when you shop here. Foodstuff, fruits and herbs also easily available here. The place gets more crowded during evening and night.

· Masjid India Area. Famous for textile business.

· Ain’t enough? No worries, there are heaps of area to shop in KL. Go to a day / night market where the locals go. Famous night market – Cheras, Taman Connought. Duty Free shopping at KLIA airport and there are also some duty free shop around the town. Buy batik and pewters (famous pewter’s makers -Royal Selangor and Tumasek) as souvenirs. Night life and fashion lover, Bangsar area is another good choice.

Malacca
Good place to buy souvenir. Attention to antiques lovers and collectors, Malacca is the right place to look for the antique pieces. Woodcraft and antique (or replica of antique) furniture is available at Malacca. Germstones, porcelain, silverware, batik, trinkets, baju kebaya specialty store, art, craft and handicraft pieces are among the items hot on Malacca shopping lists. Where can you shopo? Jonker Street (antiques, woodcrafts, silverware), Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, bazaar at Stadhuys and Jalan Laksamana (galleries).

Johor
Similar to KL, Johor especially Johor Bahru has many modern shopping malls and complexes. Night time, Danga Bay is another area worth visting with many stores selling fashion items and souvenirs.

Langkawi
Langkawi is famous for duty free shopping. Many stalls and stores selling clothes, crafts and souvenirs around the jetty/ town (Kuah) area. Another shopping point is the Oriental Village at Burau Bay. This place provides unique shopping experience and cable car access to local tourist attraction.

Penang
For me, Penang is always related to food. Many people will shop for foodstuff at Penang. Unique local produce include nutmeg and nutmeg’s products, prawn pastes, durians (branded durians) & durian products. Gurney Plaza, Gurney Drive (hawkers food stall and other merchandise stalls starts business on the evening), Komtar, night market at Batu Ferringhi area.

East Coast – Kuantan, Terengganu & Kelantan
Here, shopping malls and complexes are very much less compare to other states. However, they are famous for local handicraft products. Terengganu is well known for silk and songket products. Visit the Sutera Semai Centre (silk weaving centre). And if you are visiting Kelantan, lookout for silk, batik and wood craft products. Central Market of Kota Bahru is a good place for shopping the local products.

Not many official sites will recommend shopping in Kuantan. Besides, I don’t think they want to write on what’s Kuantan famous for. But if you ask me, I’ll tell you it’s the fish products. Usually local tourist like us will buy the dried anchovies, salted fish (ask the best quality salted fish in Malaysia. Try it out!) and the satay fish (a type of snack).

Sabah
Recent years, the commercial and shopping area are catching up especially in Kota Kinabalu town area. The 1Borneo is one of the famous newly open mall in Kota Kinabalu. And don’t forget to visit the Philippinos Market along the waterfront of KK town. Knick-knacks, fashion accessories (especially pearl is famous), crafts are widely available.

Sarawak
Very little shopping compare to West Malaysia. However, cheap garments, toys and fashion accessories are easily available at souvenir shops around town. In Sarawak there are many pepper plantation, so high quality pepper and peppers products are abundant here. And for many Asian, they will also like to buy the bird nest products which are famous in both Sabah and Sarawak. Oh… don’t forget to try the sagu products (foodstuff).

Of course, Malaysia has much more to offer than what I can write here. And I’m sure you’ll have bounty items on your way back. Shop all you can and share with me your shopping experience.

Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival 2009

Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival (MMSC) is coming on 4 July -31 Aug 2009! What’s great about MMSC? MMSC is a grand shopping fiesta that held thrice annually. Usually it will fall around the month of March, August and December. Discounted goods up to 70% is up for grab during the sales.

Major shopping malls will have events and special promotions during the sales carnival. No matter you are looking at branded apparel, latest technologies gatgets, household equipments, electrical items, accessories, handicraft or spa services, I’m sure you’ll be spoil with abundance of great deals to choose from.

Don’t miss your chance to shop for marvelous deals!!

Want to be a smarter shopper? Want to compare the price and deals that available on the market? I suggest you visit OfferStation website which features all (at least almost all) the promotions on going in Malaysia’s retail (plus part of the F&B) outlets. Log on to http://www.offerstation.com.my/

In my next blog, I’ll give a quick summary on the hotspots for shopping around Malaysia.