Batu Buruk Gang Reunites
One week after our trip to Kuala Terengganu, we were given something even more precious than another getaway. Our good friend Vinodh invited us to a small reunion with mates from our former high school. The gathering was set at SOULed OUT in Sri Hartamas and knowing it would be a long and meaningful night, we booked a room nearby at The Signature Hotel.
Just the Two of Us This Time
Brendan was busy that weekend, helping friends run an open day booth at Multimedia University in Cyberjaya, so it was just the two of us heading out. In a quiet way, it felt fitting—this reunion was about reconnecting with a chapter of life that belonged to a much earlier time.
Lunch, Coffee, and Anticipation
We drove to Sri Hartamas around lunchtime and had lunch at Nasi Kandar Pelita, then followed it up with drinks at Starbucks as we waited for check in time. It was relaxed, unhurried, and filled with anticipation. We knew the evening ahead would be special.
In the afternoon, we made the short drive to The Signature Hotel and checked in. We settled into the room, took a short break, and got ready for the night ahead.
Old Friends, Same Laughter
At six in the evening, we said goodbye to Cat and walked the short distance to SOULed OUT. We were supposed to meet Vinodh, Krishenjit (Kris), Deva, and Soh. At the very last minute, Kris fell ill with Influenza B and had to sit this one out, which was disappointing—but we promised to make up for it soon.
Vinodh was already there when we arrived. Deva joined us not long after, and Soh completed the group about half an hour later. Just like that, decades melted away.
Six Hours of Memories
We spent the next six hours catching up on old times—starting with mojitos, then sharing a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label, alongside plate after plate of finger food. Conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter, stories, and moments that only old friends could understand.
Our thoughts drifted back to Kuala Terengganu, where we all grew up. Life felt simpler back then. We remembered riding bicycles everywhere, tennis practice every evening at the school courts, and football matches whenever we could find the time. Football, to us, often meant kicking a tennis ball around the basketball court, with Soh and one of us usually serving as goalkeepers.
And of course, there were the games on the beach at Batu Buruk, the place that gave our group its name. Running on sand drained your energy faster than you expected, but we never cared. We were young, free, and always together.
Nostalgia Hits Hard
As we talked, we felt a deep, quiet ache. Nostalgia had a way of doing that. It reminded us how beautiful the past was—and how far away it now felt. The mix of pride, joy, and longing sat heavy in the air as we shared memories that shaped who we had become.
Ending the Night Gently
After finishing the bottle of whisky, we ended the night with a pint of Heineken, then took a short walk to Nasi Lemak Burung Hantu Hartamas for supper. Sitting there, tired but happy, we made plans to meet again next month—this time at Soh’s place along Jalan Imbi, with Kris joining us too.
We said our goodbyes as Soh and Vinodh headed back toward the car park. Deva and we walked across the street to The Signature Hotel, filled with gratitude for a night that reminded us of who we once were.
Morning Goodbyes
The next morning, we met Deva again briefly after breakfast at the rooftop café. Soon after, we packed up our things and checked out at ten.
Until We Meet Again
That reunion was more than just a night out. It was a reminder that no matter how much life changed, some bonds stayed strong. We planned to gather again in July, before taking a short break and resuming our adventures in August—when we would finally visit Sabah for the first time.
Some journeys took us to new places. Others took us gently back home.
The Signature Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/unGH1G7GkF7LWbqFA
SOULed OUT Kuala Lumpur - https://maps.app.goo.gl/MybVvfusw32K137y7
Nasi Lemak Burung Hantu Hartamas
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