A Public Holiday Morning
Yesterday was Wesak Day — also known as Buddha Jayanti, Buddha Purnima, and Buddha Day — a festival celebrated across South Asia, Southeast Asia, Tibet, and Mongolia. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha. Since it fell on a Sunday, today was observed as a public holiday.
Bitten by the walkabout bug, we woke up reasonably early and headed to the Medan Tuanku Monorail Station near home. Ten minutes and five stops later, we arrived at Hang Tuah Monorail Station, right beside LaLaport BBCC, our destination for the day.
Coffee Before the Crowds
We were early, so before LaLaport opened, we sat down for morning coffee. Our compliments to the young barista at MonΓ©t LaLaport BBCC — excellent service and excellent coffee.
Browsing LaLaport BBCC
Once inside, we wandered around the main foyer, admiring the beautifully decorated lobby called “Vivid Eid.” Then we headed up to Level 3 to visit Nitori, the Japanese furniture and lifestyle store.
After some browsing, we bought a Kuroudo work chair — I wanted something with flip up armrests so they wouldn’t get in the way when I play guitar. Delivery would take a few days.
With time to spare, we browsed Nojima, the electrical store next door, but nothing caught our eye.
Brunch at Sai Kee
We headed down to the Lower Ground Level in search of brunch. The Kafeteria food court had limited options, and apart from Nang Haus, nothing appealed to us.
So we walked to the other end of the level and settled on Sai Kee Restaurant, which promised an “old school Cantonese Dai Chao experience.” Established in 1950 in a back lane of Petaling Street, Sai Kee is considered one of the pioneer Chinese food stalls in Chinatown.
I had Chicken with Bitter Gourd and rice, while Cat tried the Nyonya Style Fish Fillet and rice. Both meals came with Jasmine tea and cost RM13.90 each — very reasonable for the location. The taste was just okay, and we doubt we’ll be returning.
A Quick Errand and a Drink
We went in search of a clinic for some ointment and, with help from a friendly security guard, found one on Level 4. Mediviron Clinic was closed, but the exit led to a lovely courtyard where we enjoyed the view for a while.
Back on the Lower Ground Level, Cat wanted to try Nang Haus, so we stopped for drinks before leaving LaLaport.
Heading Home
We walked to Hang Tuah LRT Station, and within five minutes and three stops, we arrived at Bandaraya LRT Station. Ten minutes later, we were back home — and that wrapped up our video for the day.
A Small Reminder
While not wanting to be a wet blanket, we feel it is our civic duty to remind everyone that while masks are optional outdoors, they are still mandatory indoors. Stay safe and considerate.
We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.