BNf 2023 │ SUNDAY Stroll: Dataran Merdeka • Central Market • River of Life

We're on a Walkabout!

The last week wasn’t kind to me as a few health issues flared up. As soon as I felt a little better, we decided to go on a — what else? — walkabout. We’d read that the Borneo Native Festival was back at Central Market (Pasar Seni), so that became our destination.

Jalan TAR to Dataran Merdeka

We left our condo at noon and headed onto Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. City Hall closes the street to traffic every Sunday, so we enjoyed a peaceful walk down its entire length.

At the end of the street, we crossed the intersection with Jalan Tun Perak and continued south along Jalan Raja, which was also closed to traffic. We walked past the iconic Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka) before turning left onto Jalan Lebuh Pasar Besar.

We continued east until we reached the Masjid Jamek Lookout Point, crossed over to Jalan Hang Kasturi, and eventually entered Central Market.

BNf at Central Market

We spent almost an hour taking in the sights of the Borneo Native Festival — the colours, the crafts, the music, the energy. And of course, we met up with our favourite beadstress, Caroline.

Lunch at Taste of Medan

All done with Central Market, we walked out and had lunch at Taste of Medan at the Central Market Annexe next door.

• I had the Nasi Lemak with Chicken
• Cat had the Nasi Lemak with Squid Sambal

With drinks, our meal came to RM51.15 (approximately USD11/EUR12). A little pricey by our standards, but it was the weekend — and we didn’t want to stray any further than necessary.

River of Life Stroll

After lunch, we took a stroll along the River of Life (the Klang River), heading north past the Kolam Biru and the Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad mosque.

We crossed Jalan Tun Perak and headed down Jalan Melayu before turning right onto Jalan Masjid India. I made a quick stop at the Maybank ATMs along Jalan Bunus, while Cat continued on to Haniffa Department Store to run an errand.

We met up again at Haniffa and headed home.

Seven Thousand Steps Later

Thus ended our Sunday stroll — a gentle, steady walkabout that clocked seven thousand steps.

We’ll probably not be posting any blogs in the coming weeks as my day job will once again consume all my time.

Catch you all soon!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Havironia Music - https://goo.gl/maps/c3itMGWSg5Wbepk69

Sultan Abdul Samad Building - https://goo.gl/maps/NDumnjsefW48MmuHA

Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka) - https://goo.gl/maps/gPvgaU1VMmyUL8A79

Masjid Jamek Lookout Point @ River of Life

- https://goo.gl/maps/t5w9go8JGTfNL2JHA

Central Market (Pasar Seni)

- https://goo.gl/maps/bzUo327XZcg73rXT9

Taste of Medan (Central Market Annexe)

- https://goo.gl/maps/n4wFLxX9Xh74oexKA

River of Life - https://goo.gl/maps/uFWNLCtcsByZxean9

Kolam Biru - https://goo.gl/maps/mM9EXuJGanYUYF616

Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad - https://goo.gl/maps/ymjAtgShaEoc4LU68

Masjid Jamek LRT Station - https://goo.gl/maps/McA3Q5BzTSYnWYvr9

Flea Market Masjid India - https://goo.gl/maps/d1Q4i7JVgwbLSLqh6

Maybank (Jalan Bunus Branch) - https://goo.gl/maps/GxpLf2MFTCTCrkyw8

Haniffa Department Store - https://goo.gl/maps/heBiv4kUt561ERZd9

BNf 2023 │ BORNEO Native Festival 2023 [Re-Upload!]

It’s BNf 2023 (Re Upload)

This is a re upload of our BNf 2023 video, which we had to take down due to “copyrighted content detected”. With this year’s BNf just around the corner, we thought it was the perfect time to bring it back.

Borneo Native Festival Returns

We visited the Borneo Native Festival exactly a year ago and were delighted to experience it again.

Dubbed “Weekend for the arts: Borneo Native Festival (‘BNf’ for short) in KL, master printmaker celebrated” by The Star, the festival — now in its second edition — was held in conjunction with Sabah’s Kaamatan and Sarawak’s Gawai celebrations. A joyous harvest festival mood filled the air for Malaysians and visitors alike.

Inside Central Market, the indoor area had been transformed into a vibrant crafts bazaar showcasing traditional and contemporary Bornean creations. Workshops, forums, film screenings, food demos, and fun competitions filled the programme.

As the organisers shared:

“This festival is held to introduce the culture of the Borneo communities to the people of the peninsula, as well as to bring the Kaamatan Festival and Gawai Day celebrations to the Sabahans and Sarawakians who cannot return to their villages.”

Sadly, the colourful BNf parade — originally planned to march from Dataran Merdeka to Central Market — did not materialise.

Exploring the Festival

We entered Central Market, walked its entire length, and exited through the other end where even more stalls awaited. The place was lively, with a Bornean beauty pageant taking place on stage. We strolled along, visiting each stall one by one.

Eventually, we found ourselves at the stall we had truly intended to visit all along — Caroline’s. We had first met her just a month earlier at Gateway @ KLIA2, and Cat was thrilled to see her again.

Cat took her time browsing every item before settling on:

• A couple of Kabo necklaces
• Several bracelets

The total came to RM220.00 (≈ USD48/EUR44).

We bade Caroline farewell with a promise to meet her again soon — a promise we kept many times over the following year.

Looking Back

BNf 2023 was a wonderful celebration of culture, craft, and community. Revisiting these memories reminds us why we love this festival so much.

We’re excited to return for BNf 2024.

Stay tuned!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Central Market (Pasar Seni) - https://goo.gl/maps/bzUo327XZcg73rXT9

MAEPS │ FRIDAY Frolic: MAEPS • Restoran Kader

We're Off to Serdang!

There was plenty of hype surrounding this year’s autoshow, which promised to “feature hundreds of the latest cars, EVs, motorbikes and technology showcases,” all taking place at MAEPS Serdang from 4–7 May 2023.

We had originally planned to go yesterday (Thursday, 4 May), but since it was Wesak Day, a public holiday, we feared the crowds would be overwhelming. So we waited it out and made plans to go today instead.

We walked out of our condo to Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, caught a free GOKL Red Line bus, and got off at the Muzium Negara stop.

Getting to MAEPS

From Muzium Negara, we caught an MRT train to Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), switched lines, and continued to UPM. From there, we hailed a Grab car to MAEPS.

We spent about an hour or so at the autoshow before hailing another Grab car to Putrajaya Sentral, where we caught a train back toward the city and disembarked at Ampang Park.

The Accidental Detour

At Ampang Park, we switched from the MRT to the LRT — but mistakenly boarded a Gombak bound train instead of the Kelana Jaya line. We corrected course at Damai, switched trains, and eventually reached Masjid Jamek.

Banana Leaf Reward

From Masjid Jamek, we walked a short distance to our favourite banana leaf spot at Restoran Kader on Lebuh Ampang.

We had our usual:

• Banana leaf rice
• Chicken Fried Varuval
• Tenggiri Fried Fish
• A round of Masala Tea

We also took away a packet of rice with fried chicken and curry for Brendan, plus two more packets of Masala Tea.

Our late late lunch came to RM66.50 (approximately USD15/EUR14).

Incense & Bananas

Next door, we replenished our incense supply — RM15.00 worth — from a colourful little shop.

Along the same alley, we picked up a couple of bunches of Pisang Emas (Lady Finger bananas?) for only RM6.00 (approximately USD/EUR1).

With our errands done, we walked back to our condo, as always taking the scenic route.

More to Come

Do stay tuned — we’re planning a market hunt next week!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:
MAEPS Serdang - https://goo.gl/maps/eXmNKLfesoGG4E9P8
Restoran Kader - https://goo.gl/maps/S7kwwNmYSqYaTjw5A
Havironia Music - https://goo.gl/maps/TxggWHoYJ7fJTvzg9

MAEPS │ MRT - LRT Train Rides (to MAEPS and Back)

We're Riding the Trains Again!

There was plenty of hype surrounding this year’s autoshow, which promised to “feature hundreds of the latest cars, EVs, motorbikes and technology showcases” at MAEPS Serdang from 4–7 May 2023.

We did a little research and found that the easiest way to get there was by taking the MRT from Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) to UPM.

Getting to MAEPS

After a bus ride to the Muzium Negara MRT Station, we caught a Kajang bound train and disembarked at TRX. From there, we switched to the Putrajaya Line, rode to UPM, and the total fare came to RM4.30 (approximately USD/EUR0.90).

From UPM, we hailed a Grab car to MAEPS for RM17 (approximately USD/EUR4).

After the Autoshow

Once we were done at the autoshow, we hailed another Grab car to Putrajaya Sentral for RM13 (approximately USD/EUR3). We then caught a Kwasa Damansara bound train and disembarked at Ampang Park MRT Station for RM3.80 (approximately USD0.90/EUR0.80).

We exited the MRT and walked into the LRT station — where we mistakenly boarded a Gombak bound train. We realised the error quickly, got off at Damai, switched to the Kelana Jaya bound train, and finally disembarked at Masjid Jamek for RM1.80 (approximately USD1/EUR0.40).

Train Hopping Complete

Thus ended our little train hopping session — a full loop through KL’s public transport system, complete with transfers, detours, and a few laughs along the way.

Be sure to catch more videos of us riding KL’s awesome public transport in the future!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:
Muzium Negara MRT Station - https://goo.gl/maps/WhcQVX94HBRHx88Y7
Tun Razak Exchange MRT Station - https://goo.gl/maps/Wt1xoZz3mjmRgSrL9
UPM MRT Station - https://goo.gl/maps/YUHK8mWiyv82AQFu6
Putrajaya Sentral MRT Station - https://goo.gl/maps/kNhSdLP74SXr3zxH7
Ampang Park MRT Station - https://goo.gl/maps/RnnSiiHQQZkhj2Se6
Ampang Park LRT Station - https://goo.gl/maps/ppJoAXnpro9kYkj16
Damai LRT Station - https://goo.gl/maps/N81UMPBCffYGdzen7
Masjid Jamek LRT Station - https://goo.gl/maps/KHeCQjG3UQimY4fQA

MAEPS │ MALAYSIA Autoshow 2023

Malaysia Autoshow 2023!

There was plenty of hype surrounding this year’s autoshow, which promised to “feature hundreds of the latest cars, EVs, motorbikes and technology showcases,” all taking place at MAEPS Serdang from 4–7 May 2023.

We made the effort to get to MAEPS — a place that, not too long ago, housed Malaysia’s largest Covid 19 quarantine centre. Once there, we paid the RM15.00 entrance fee via QR code and were admitted in.

Before the Halls

Before entering the exhibition halls, we grabbed a light meal and drinks from the food trucks lining the street outside. Then we made our way through Hall A, Hall A1, and finally Hall C.

We filmed about twenty minutes of footage, which we hope you’ll enjoy.

Our Honest Thoughts

Truth be told, we felt a little let down. The autoshow felt more like various car brands simply transplanting their showrooms into the exhibition halls. There were:

• No concept cars

• No new innovations

• No “wow factor” moments

Just rows and rows of familiar models under bright lights.

Heading Out

After finishing the halls, we left the exhibition area and took a shuttle bus to the main entrance of MAEPS. From there, we hailed a Grab car to the nearest MRT station.

Would we recommend this autoshow?

We’re honestly on the fence about it.

More adventures coming soon!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:
MAEPS Serdang - https://goo.gl/maps/eXmNKLfesoGG4E9P8

Midweek Romp │ Mid Valley • Kajang • KL Sentral

We're Going on a Walkabout!

After a stressful month at work, I decided to take a week off to let my lower back heal. But midway through the week, the walkabout itch returned — and as always, we gave in and headed out for an impromptu stroll.

We left our condo at about nine in the morning and walked to Jalan Melayu for breakfast at Jai Hind. We both had Potato Paratha with Masala Tea, and the bill came to RM15.00 (≈ USD/EUR3).

LRT to Mid Valley

From there, we took a short walk to the Masjid Jamek LRT Station and rode to Abdullah Hukum. We crossed the KL Eco City Link Bridge into The Gardens Mall, then continued on into Mid Valley Megamall.

We browsed for a bit before stopping at KOI Thé for drinks.

• Cat had Bubble Milk Tea
• I had Honey Milk Tea 

Both cost RM12.40 each (≈ USD/EUR3).

After a quick potty break, we headed back toward the LRT — but were stopped by a curious couple who wanted to know more about our camera. I explained that we have a channel they could check out for more details.

MRT to Kajang

Feeling adventurous, we switched from the LRT to the MRT at Pasar Seni. About an hour later, we arrived in Kajang and got off at the Stadium Kajang MRT Station for lunch.

After wandering in circles for a bit, we finally reached Restoran Sate Kajang Hj Samuri. We ordered:

• 10 sticks Beef Satay
• 10 sticks Chicken Satay
• A plate of Nasi Himpit each
• A round of drinks

Sadly, the satay wasn’t up to par — cold, dry, and under grilled. The disappointing lunch came to RM42.10 (≈ USD/EUR9).

Komuter to KL Sentral

We walked back to the Stadium Kajang MRT Station, rode to the final stop at Kajang MRT, and switched to the KTM Komuter. About 45 minutes later, we arrived at KL Sentral.

We headed into NU Sentral, where Parkson was having a clearance sale. We picked up a bagful of clothes, then went to MAX Fashion for another bagful of work pants.

Monorail to Bukit Nanas

From KL Sentral, we took the Monorail and got off at Bukit Nanas, then caught a free GOKL Blue Line bus back to our condo.

More Coming Soon

Be sure to watch our upcoming video — we’ll be visiting the Kuala Lumpur Autoshow next!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:
Restoran Jai Hind - https://goo.gl/maps/2SFYckG5ckHFMaNW8
KL Eco City Link Bridge - https://goo.gl/maps/9UA521GVQdgVSnkf6
Mid Valley Megamall - https://goo.gl/maps/YEr3bATTn5GpdwY46
Restoran Sate Kajang Hj Samuri - https://goo.gl/maps/XR5Kyzn9Uoq1PX3L7
NU Sentral Shopping Mall - https://goo.gl/maps/DYi84G1RpMdKkJLe7
Havironia Music - https://goo.gl/maps/JmR6TK8yRmMhg3NP9

KL Train‑Hopping Adventure │ LRT → MRT → Komuter → Monorail!

KL’s Public Transport Is Awesome!

Our train hopping session began at the Masjid Jamek LRT Station. A fare of RM1.90 (approximately USD/EUR0.40) took us to Abdullah Hukum, where we crossed the KL Eco City Link Bridge and spent some time at Mid Valley Megamall.

LRT → MRT → Kajang

We then returned to Abdullah Hukum and caught another train to the Pasar Seni hub, where we switched to the MRT Kajang Line. About an hour later, we arrived at the Stadium Kajang MRT Station for a total fare of RM4.80 (approximately USD/EUR1) and headed for lunch nearby.

After lunch, we walked back to the Stadium Kajang MRT Station and rode the MRT to its final stop at Kajang MRT for RM1.20 (approximately USD/EUR0.20). From there, we walked over to the Kajang Komuter Station.

The KTM Komuter took us all the way back to KL Sentral for RM3.70 (approximately USD/EUR0.80).

Shopping at NU Sentral

This time, we made our stop at NU Sentral count — we spent productive time shopping and left with several bags of clothing.

Monorail → GOKL → Home

Armed with our shopping haul, we headed to the KL Sentral Monorail Station and eventually disembarked at Bukit Nanas for RM2.70 (approximately USD/EUR0.60).

From there, we hopped onto a free GOKL Blue Line bus back to our condo — fare RM0 (approximately USD/EUR0).

Half Day Expedition Complete

Thus ended our half day expedition around the Klang Valley — smooth, affordable, and surprisingly fun.

More videos of us riding KL’s awesome public transport are on the way!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

LRT Masjid Jamek - https://goo.gl/maps/kbkceiSrcvsmAnD79

LRT Abdullah Hukum - https://goo.gl/maps/eJeXDRydk2q4zUK78

Pasar Seni - https://goo.gl/maps/JGwGekhdhh45Br2B8

MRT Stadium Kajang - https://goo.gl/maps/4hiXYiY57Sjchg8K7

Stesen Komuter Kajang - https://goo.gl/maps/e771KxYJs8sDz6cp8

KL Sentral - https://goo.gl/maps/xzBSHxwSz68mCoz6A

KL Sentral Monorail Station - https://goo.gl/maps/X9BsDivpsQQ2CPx79

Bukit Nanas Monorail Station - https://goo.gl/maps/3Z9y1biq8k1xR9UX7

Havironia Music - https://goo.gl/maps/JmR6TK8yRmMhg3NP9