Going Home: MH2513 KCH ✈ KUL

Going Home!

I awoke at eight and promptly ordered breakfast for us from McDonald's with the Grab delivery app. Cat woke up shortly there after and received our meal from the delivery rider. We then woke Brendan up, had our breakfast and began to pack our things away.

We left Adelyn's Airbnb at half past ten and arrived at Kuching International Airport (KIA) approximately fifteen minutes later.  I then dropped Brendan and Cat off at the front of the Departure Hall and waited a while for them to unload our luggage.

Our good buddy Awang Amirul was again indisposed so I drove the rental car around and into the airport car park where it was securely parked. I shared a few photos of the car's location with Awang Amirul and then made my way to the Departure Hall. Here's a link to his Facebook page.

We then waited until 11:30am to check ourselves in. With time to burn till our flight was scheduled to depart we decided on drinks at Starbucks. Although it was fairly large the outlet's barista also doubled as the cashier which resulted in a longer wait time.

Half an hour later we began to make our way the Departure Hall. We navigated the Immigration counters, the security checkpoint before heading to Gate 5. Thankfully MH2513 was still on schedule to take off at 1:30pm so we had less than hour's wait.

The boarding process began at 1:00pm, we got to our seats twenty minutes later. We were seated along row 10 which meant that there was no window to peer out of, and more importantly no footage of the take off and landing.

MH2513 began taxiing towards the runway at 1:30pm and  took off ten minutes later. Apart from a few air pockets the flight was largely uneventful and we were soon served with our on-board meals. Brendan and I had the Chicken with Rice while Cat opted for the Seafood with Rice.

We soon touched down at 3:10pm. We collected our luggage from Carousel L then headed down to the ERL train station. We caught a train at 4:00pm and arrived at KL Sentral approximately half an hour later.

We then hailed a 6-seater Grab car for a fare of RM25.00 (approximately USD/EUR5) and got back home at almost five in the evening.

Kuching, we miss you already!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

The CountryMan, Terrace House - https://goo.gl/maps/ASdsS7d7Qqo718vs8

Kuching International Airport - https://maps.app.goo.gl/f332PGTvyN2EvCDJ7

Kuala Lumpur International Airport [KLIA]

- https://maps.app.goo.gl/DYvUeoexURAYX19V6

ERL Express KLIA - https://maps.app.goo.gl/mfxSDNaMFaMhVBXD8

ERL KLIA Transit - https://maps.app.goo.gl/k2bjKrKcEVnVCr6K7

Havironia Music - https://goo.gl/maps/swtNfVmjFK4FgRsf8

DARUL HANA Musical Fountain

Darul Hana Musical Fountain!

Our penultimate day in Kuching, and after our simple dinner at Tower Market we took a stroll along the Darul Hana Bridge. We got to the end and doubled back just time to catch the spectacular musical fountain located in front of the State Assembly building.

We hope you will enjoy our 4-minute footage of this excellent music, light and water fountain show!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Darul Hana Bridge - https://maps.app.goo.gl/cJxJ4PhvpoUQRoHa9

Darul Hana Musical Fountain - https://maps.app.goo.gl/P4SvQpM7YDzcwBkVA

DARUL HANA Bridge

Darul Hana Bridge!

Our penultimate day in Kuching, and after our simple dinner at Tower Market we took a stroll along the Darul Hana Bridge. This S-shaped pedestrian suspension bridge opened to the public in November 2017. The two viewing decks offer excellent 360-panaromic view of the Sarawak River. 

It is intended to complement the new State Legislative Assembly Complex (DUN) to form a dynamic urban cape—set against elegant parks and water features—that will be intrinsically linked to the identity of the city. 

This RM35 million bridge provides pedestrian access from the Kuching Waterfront in the south of the city to the new DUN, the Botanical and Orchid Gardens and beyond in the north. It will also provide pedestrian access from the surrounding villages to the city centre attractions, such as the Plaza Merdeka shopping mall, the international hotels strip and the cafés at the old Court House.

Be sure to catch our next video of the Darul Hana Musical Fountain!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Darul Hana Bridge - https://maps.app.goo.gl/cJxJ4PhvpoUQRoHa9

Darul Hana Musical Fountain - https://maps.app.goo.gl/P4SvQpM7YDzcwBkVA

KUCHING Water Front (Tower Market • Darul Hana Bridge)

Water Front!

Our penultimate day in Kuching, and we spent the afternoon indoors as I worked on our footage before taking an hour's nap.

We left Adelyn's Airbnb at seven in the evening. Brendan left earlier to meet up with his varsity debate club buddies at a smoke house in Tabuan Jaya.

We hailed a Grab car for a fare of RM7.00 (approximately USD/EUR2) to the Open Air Market food stalls near the river front and ordered these delicious local delicacies:

• Three (3) Chwee Kueh or Steamed Rice Cakes for RM1.00 each 
• Three (3) Sio Bee or Minced Pork Parcels for RM1.00 each
• Two (2) bowls of Lai Ci Kang or Sweet Lotus Seed Soup for RM4.00 each
• Two (2) bowls of Red Kolo Mee for RM6.00 each
• a cup of Gula Apong Ice Cream for RM3.50

Our very simple hawker food stall dinner came to RM29.50 (approximately USD/EUR6).

We then walked to the waterfront and made our way across Darul Hana Bridge while taking photos of the wonderfully illuminated surroundings. We got to the end of the bridge then doubled back in time to capture footage of the Darul Hana Musical Fountain.

Be sure to catch our next videos on the walk across the Darul Hana Bridge as well as the Daru Hana Musical Fountain!

We continued our stroll along the river front before hailing another Grab car, again for a fare of RM7.00 (approximately USD/EUR2) back to Adelyn's Airbnb.

It was a fitting end to our last night in Kuching, for tomorrow we're leaving on a jet plane 😔

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:
The CountryMan, Terrace House - https://goo.gl/maps/ASdsS7d7Qqo718vs8
Tower Market - https://maps.app.goo.gl/zR7BY4yYcvbyzQ7T9
Kuching Waterfront - https://maps.app.goo.gl/HrKxhXQvGL8a1R6L7
Darul Hana Bridge - https://maps.app.goo.gl/cJxJ4PhvpoUQRoHa9
Darul Hana Musical Fountain - https://maps.app.goo.gl/P4SvQpM7YDzcwBkVA

MAKANSARI Food Street (Uncle Dom BBQ)

Dayak Cuisine!

After our excursion to Samarahan's river bank we drove on in search of a place to eat and naturally ended up at the food court at Aiman Mall, known as Makansari Food Street.

Today we were thankful that the local Dayak stall was open so we ordered up a storm. Brendan ordered his Kolo Mee for RM5; while Cat and I feasted on:

• a plate of Pork in Lemongrass Soy Sauce for RM12
• a bowl of Mixed Pork Soup for RM12
• a plate of Crispy Pork for RM12
• a round of drinks RM7.90

Together with white rice our Dayak lunch came to RM48.90 (approximately USD/EUR10). Tonight we hope to visit a Dayak smoke house, so be sure to catch our next video!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Makansari Food Street - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ANtnCVxBMS2B3uAW9

SAMARAHAN and Back (Uncle Dom • FELC)

Santai!

Our penultimate day in Kuching, and after the exertions of the past few days we decided to have a 'santai' or chillaxing day. We had a good night's sleep, and I woke up at half past six to a gloriously cool and soothing morning.

I opened the front doors and allowed the fresh air from this cosy neighbouring called Kenyalang Park to envelope the Airbnb. I then took a shower then ordered breakfast from McDonalds via the Grab delivery app.

In all this time Brendan and Cat remained asleep and I did not intrude their slumber, choosing to work on the ever-growing volume of footage from the last few days.

Brendan and Cat woke up a few hours later and we left the Airbnb at half past eleven.

Our first destination was Kota Samarahan again, but this time we wanted to explore the actual Samarahan township that lay beyond Summer Mall.

We arrived at a row of stalls selling fruits and local cakes by a river, but we could not find a place to eat. We took a walk to what looked like a jetty but a large signboard that warned of crocodiles scared us off!

We then drove on in search of a place to eat and naturally ended up at the food court at Aiman Mall, known as Makansari Food Street.

Be sure to watch the next video dedicated to our Dayak lunch!

After lunch we drove (yet again) to UNIMAS so that Brendan could return his graduation robe and hat. However, before he did that Cat, and I took turns posing with the garb at his faculty's photo booth.

We then parted ways as Brendan made plans to meet a few friends who were graduating today, while Cat and I drove back to Adelyn's Airbnb.

Tomorrow we leave Kuching 😔

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

The CountryMan, Terrace House - https://goo.gl/maps/ASdsS7d7Qqo718vs8

Pusat Penjaja Kota Samarahan - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ww2DJXu7ALst5p9QA

Makansari Food Street - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ANtnCVxBMS2B3uAW9

Faculty of Education, Language and Communication UNIMAS

- https://maps.app.goo.gl/kr5BDfhJAXcaVrgK8

BRENDAN's Graduation!

 Brendan's Graduation!

We got up at half past six and checked out of My Inn Hotel an hour later. We then drove to the parking lots allocated for parents at CITDS, UNIMAS and made the short walk to DETAR PUTRA.

Since it was only a quarter to eight we took a stroll along a row of stalls before deciding on a sweet, blue-themed graduation bouquet for Brendan. We then parted ways with Brendan who had to get himself registered before half past eight. We were then ushered into a large tent where we were served with light refreshments.

We waited for an hour before the process of admitting parents into the main hall commenced. Parents were trooped in batch by batch, and we finally entered the main hall at a quarter past eight. 

The ceremony began a little after ten with the arrival of the Premier of Sarawak, The Right Honourable Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Abang Openg who is also serving as Chancellor of UNIMAS.

The ceremony started off with PHD students, then post-graduate students before finally fresh graduates from Brendan's own Faculty of Education, Language and Communication.

Three hours later Brendan received his scroll, and the ceremony ended at two in the afternoon. As we exited the hall we realised that a heavy downpour had engulfed UNIMAS. Brendan and his fellow graduates were ushered back to his faculty for a separate and intimate ceremony while Cat and I drove to his old college Cempaka and had a late lunch at the Sulaiman Cafe.

After lunch at Brendan's beckoning we drove to his faculty and helped with an impromptu photography session with his lecturers and fellow graduates. Brendan said his goodbyes and we left UNIMAS at four, arriving back at Adelyn's Airbnb a half an hour later.

We would spend the entire evening at home, and ate in with the help of the Grab delivery app.

What a day!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

My Inn Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/q5LuB6V5X7YANRX67

Centre for IT Development and Services UNIMAS

- https://maps.app.goo.gl/Th1Kaks4mb8LL2VL9

Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Hall (DeTAR PUTRA)

- https://maps.app.goo.gl/dgMQK7s6S6rTWyuR7

Cempaka College - https://maps.app.goo.gl/vCZxhup1vQ8W4E8V7

Faculty of Education, Language and Communication (FELC)

- https://maps.app.goo.gl/dhjDGSwS2AJ2pX7c6

The CountryMan, Terrace House - https://goo.gl/maps/ASdsS7d7Qqo718vs8

BRENDAN's Photo Shoot!

Photo Shoot!

After lunch at Unplugged Coffee rather than wait for the weather to cool, we drove back to My Inn Hotel so that Brendan change into his graduation garb before heading out again to UNIMAS

Do check out our next video for coverage of the photography session!

However given the erratic weather here in Kuching we immediately set out to UNIMAS so that Brendan could have himself a photography session adorned in his graduation robes.

The first venue for his photography session was his faculty. We then drove to the bridge across UNIMAS Lake affectionately called Jambatan Cinta (The Lover's Bridge).

The next photography session was held around the Dataran Tuanku Abdul Rahman (DETAR). From here we took a stroll to his faculty again.

The final photography session was held at his old college, Cempaka College. He has some bittersweet memories of living here, some good; some not so good. Most were memorable for better or for worse.

With that we wrapped up Brendan's photo shoot and drove back to the hotel. In hindsight, we were thankful for doing the photo shoot earlier as we soon saw dark clouds overhead.

We can't wait for his graduation ceremony tomorrow!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

My Inn Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/q5LuB6V5X7YANRX67

Faculty of Education, Language and Communication (FELC) -

https://maps.app.goo.gl/dhjDGSwS2AJ2pX7c6

Jambatan Cinta UNIMAS - https://maps.app.goo.gl/4xot8jPG3q7VijTAA

Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Hall (DeTAR PUTRA)

- https://maps.app.goo.gl/dgMQK7s6S6rTWyuR7

Cempaka College - https://maps.app.goo.gl/vCZxhup1vQ8W4E8V7

Kota Samarahan (My Inn Hotel • Unplugged Coffee)

Kota Samarahan!

Kuching is notorious for its Monday morning traffic jam especially to and from Kota Samarahan. With this in mind we had booked a night's stay at My Inn Hotel right beside UNIMAS. That way we were assured of reaching UNIMAS for Brendan's graduation ceremony tomorrow morning without delay.

So at lunchtime we took a drive to Kota Samarahan. We checked into My Inn Hotel at 2:00pm:

• Brendan's single room as well as our double room cost RM163.40 (approximately USD36/EUR36) 
• additionally a deposit of RM50.00 (approximately USD11/EUR10) was required for each room.

We then deposited our bags into our rooms and headed out again.

We asked the front desk person if she had any recommendations for local Dayak cuisine, but she said the most eateries are closed on the Sabbath day.

So we headed out in their general vicinity of Desa Ilmu near Aiman Mall and eventually ended up at an Indonesian restaurant called Unplugged Coffee.

After a quick scan of them menu and after being guided by the waiter who informed us most dishes were not available on a Sunday we settled on:

• Nasi Lemak with Fried Chicken 
• Nasi Lemak with Squid Sambal
• Chicken Chop
• and a variety of drinks

Our late lunch came to RM44.00 (approximately USD/EUR9).

We then drove back to the hotel and rested for bit while waiting for the weather to cool, since Brendan wanted me to take some photos of him in is graduation garb at several iconic locations within UNIMAS.

Do check out our next video for coverage of the photography session!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

The CountryMan, Terrace House - https://goo.gl/maps/ASdsS7d7Qqo718vs8

My Inn Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/q5LuB6V5X7YANRX67

Unplugged Coffee - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Sct8fdSXLJhMDKZs8

Airbnb: The CountryMan

The CountryMan!

For the second time in a row we booked our nights' stay with Adelyn, our favourite Airbnb host here in Kuching. However this time around we booked Adelyn's home via Agoda since it was cheaper than Airbnb.

Here's a description off her Agoda page: "Get your trip off to a great start with a stay at this property, which offers [a] car park free of charge. Conveniently situated in the Kuching City Center part of Kuching, this property puts you close to attractions and interesting dining options. Don't leave before paying a visit to the famous Semenggoh Nature Reserve. This 5-star property is packed with in-house facilities to improve the quality and joy of your stay."

And this is what we wrote on Adelyn's review page at Airbnb: "A little gem of a home, Adelyn's unit is tastefully furnished and is very cosy. Open the front doors facing the dinasour park in the evenings to a calm and serene environment. Walk out and find many quaint little eateries and coffee shops serving local dishes. In urgent need of provisions? Don't worry, Everwin is a stone's throw away. If you fancy cooking at home that by all means drop by the local Kenyalang Park Market for all your needs. Adelyn's home provided us from the Peninsula with the opportunity to experience living in a local community, an experience that is priceless!"

We will certainly be coming back!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

The CountryMan, Terrace House - https://goo.gl/maps/ASdsS7d7Qqo718vs8

Spring Mall (Food Bazaar)

Laksa!

After the exertions from yesterday we spent the entire evening at the Airbnb, ordering in something for supper later at night.

We all had a good night's sleep, and I arose first at eight. After a quick shower I woke everyone else.

First order of business was breakfast, so once everyone was ready we got into the rental car and left at ten.

In the mood for laksa we drove for twenty minutes to a riverside destination called Tinot Laksa. Alas the Waze app took us to a cluster of residential homes, and we could not locate the restaurant.

Undeterred and still in the mood for laksa we looked up Google and we're recommended Mom's Laksa about ten minutes away.

We got to Mom's Laksa but could not find suitable parking. Dejected but undefeated we then went to Spring Mall since we had some errands to run here.

Our first here, we asked around for a place that served local cuisine and were told to head up to the food court.

We got to the food court, aptly named Food Bazaar The Spring and were pleasantly surprised to find a stall selling Laksa! We each ordered a bowl for RM29.40 (approximately USD/EUR6).

Breakfast out of the way we then walked around a couple of shoe stores and finally found a pair that Cat liked at the Padini store. She only brought a pair of sneakers and wanted a nice pair of sandals for Brendan's graduation ceremony tomorrow.

We then drove back to Adelyn’s Airbnb, which we will feature in the next video!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

The CountryMan, Terrace House - https://goo.gl/maps/ASdsS7d7Qqo718vs8

The Spring Shopping Mall - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yq2JA2Vqs1EzsH8v8

AIMAN Mall

Aiman Mall!

Brendan was a happy camper in the backseat as he played around with his graduation robes and hat.

Our next destination was Aiman Mall where we ran several important errands including:

• replacing Brendan's tattered mobile phone screen protector
• a visit to a local pharmacy for antiseptic wash
• sanitising spray as well as bottles of drinking water from HSL Supermarket
• and finally taking away three packets of rice with spiced chicken for RM9.00 each (approximately USD/EUR2)

We finally made it to our Airbnb at Kenyalang Park courtesy of our gracious host Adelyn at six in the evening. With dinner in the bag we would spend the evening doing laundry as I began to sort out the voluminous amounts of footage we had captured.

What a day!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Hall (DeTAR PUTRA)

- https://maps.app.goo.gl/EdkoBjjqZxAYWcNM8

Aiman Mall - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Qh5ZNSeL2gsHYkjh8

The CountryMan, Terrace House - https://goo.gl/maps/ASdsS7d7Qqo718vs8

UNIMAS (Graduation Robes)

UNIMAS!

Having cleared Customs and Immigration at a quarter past one in the afternoon we walked out of Kuching International Airport to collect the rental car.

As always we turned to our good buddy Awang Amirul for wheels. Here's a link to his Facebook page.

He was not able to see us this time around so he kindly arranged for us pick up the rental car from his friend, Atek.

We hope to embark on a Sarawakian road trip next year, from Kuching to Miri and back, an epic adventure that will span almost two thousand kilometers. Awang Amirul will definitely be integral to our plans.

We then drove to UNIMAS as Brendan wanted to collect his graduation robes. We arrived at DeTAR at 2:00pm but found the office still closed for lunch so we headed over to Brendan's old college, Cempaka.

We had drinks at Sulaiman Cafe while I consumed a round of  antibiotics.

We then headed back to DeTAR to collect Brendan's robes. The entire process was rather tedious but absolutely necessary and took about an hour or so.

Brendan was overjoyed for finally being able to see his graduation robes for the first time, and we have a photo shoot planned around the lake area tomorrow.

Meanwhile, be sure to catch the next video where we ran a few errands at Aiman Mall nearby!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Kuching International Airport - https://maps.app.goo.gl/f332PGTvyN2EvCDJ7

Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Hall (DeTAR PUTRA)

- https://maps.app.goo.gl/EdkoBjjqZxAYWcNM8

Cempaka College - https://maps.app.goo.gl/266oUobp68ztuAi56

Flying to Kuching (MH2520 KUL ✈ KCH)

MH2520!

After breakfast at McDonald's we headed to the Departure Hall. We successfuly navigated the security checkpoint and then headed to Gate A5.

Thankfully our flight was still on schedule to take off at 10:55am so we had an hour's wait.

We were allowed to board at 10:25am, batch by batch according to our respective groups. After a slight delay in loading luggage the plane began taxiing towards the runway at 11:00am. 

MH2520 took off at 11:15am.

Apart from a few air pockets the flight was largely uneventful and we were soon served with our on-board meals. Brendan had the Chicken Briyani while Cat and I opted for the Fish with Potatoes.

It has to be said here that we've noticed a dip in services, the cabin crew seemed cold and distant to us.

We soon touched down at 12:50pm. Since the carousel where we were supposed to collect our luggage was beside the washroom we all went for a much needed pitstop.

Then as we waited for our luggage to appear a lady brazenly walked into the men's room! She beat a hasty retreat, and we had a right good chuckle.

We eventually cleared Customs and Immigration and walked out of Kuching International Airport at 1:15pm.

Be sure to catch the next video where we pick up our rental car and head to UNIMAS!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Kuala Lumpur International Airport [KLIA]

- https://maps.app.goo.gl/DYvUeoexURAYX19V6

Kuching International Airport - https://maps.app.goo.gl/f332PGTvyN2EvCDJ7

KL Sentral to KLIA

Kuching!

Today is the day we fly to Kuching in anticipation of Brendan's graduation ceremony at his varsity, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).

Flights to Kuching are immensely popular and fills up fast, so as soon we heard from UNIMAS that Brendan's graduation ceremony would be held on 4th November we immediately booked our seats. Mind you, this was way back in June!

We left our condo at a quarter to eight and hailed a 6-seater Grab car for a fare of RM14.00 (approximately USD/EUR3) to KL Sentral. 

With the re-opening of Malaysia Airlines in-town flight check-in and baggage drop facilities at KL Sentral beginning Sept 1life for folks like us got a whole lot better. So once we reached KL Sentral we made a beeline to the MAS check in counter, and got ourselves and our luggage checked in. Easy peasy lemon squeezy!

We then exited the MAS check-in counter area and walked across past the ERL turnstiles. We then caught an express train to KLIA at a quarter past eight.

We arrived at KLIA approximately half an hour later and with time to burn till our flight takes we decided on a quick breakfast at McDonald's... oh the horror!

RM30.85 (approximately USD7/EUR6) and a half an hour later we headed to the Departure Hall.

Be sure to catch the next video for our experience onboard MH2520!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Havironia Music - https://goo.gl/maps/swtNfVmjFK4FgRsf8

ERL KLIA Transit - https://maps.app.goo.gl/k2bjKrKcEVnVCr6K7

ERL Express KLIA - https://maps.app.goo.gl/mfxSDNaMFaMhVBXD8