CGK Day 1 │ Soekarno-Hatta to Thamrin Executive Residence!

Welcome to Jakarta!

We picked you up again after MH721 landed in Soekarno-Hatta at exactly 4:00pm. After a short time taxiing we disembarked ten minutes later. Learning our lessons from the previous trips we made sure we had everything lined up before we arrived, including the health and customs declarations. We were glad that the Indonesian government had combined the previous three declaration sites into one, here is the link that we used:

https://allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id/

We breezed past the Immigration's auto-gates then collected our yellow submarines from Carousel 2. Unlike previous visits this time around we decided on a difference mode of transportation to Jakarta Pusat, if only to experience Jakarta's notorious traffic jam known as macet!

After navigating past Customs we headed to a Bluebird Taxi counter and was given clear instructions on how to get to the pick-up point. We then walked out of Soekarno-Hatta's Terminal 3 at a quarter to four and consulted with the Bluebird Taxi app. The fixed fare for a taxi to get us to our Airbnb was IDR179,000 (approximately MYR45/USD11/EUR9) which we thought was value for money seeing as we avoided lugging our large bags in and out of trains to Jakarta Pusat.

Armed with the directions we received earlier we headed to Gate 3 then walked across to the Bluebird terminal. Here Praticilia Tessy Mai picked us up at ten to four. We asked her for a forecast of the impending traffic into Jakarta Pusat and she confidently declared that we would not be encountering the notorious 'macet' since it was not yet five in the evening.

True enough we arrived at Thamrin Executive Residence which is now our default abode here in Jakarta at 4:35pm which meant that the journey only took forty five minutes. The eventual fare including toll charges came to IDR204,500 (approximately MYR52/USD12/EUR11).

Yes, we had returned to Sigit's lovely apartment (be sure to catch a previous video of this unit) since we loved its location, and peaceful solitude. We collected the unit's key and access card from the reception who recognised us and gave us a rare half-smile. We remembered to present her with a box of Tiramisu chocolates by Beryls before making our way up to Unit 26BA.

We quickly unpacked and showered then changed into fresh clothes before we headed out again. Be sure to catch our next video as we spend time at our favouritest mall, Grand Indonesia.

Welcome to Jakarta!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Terminal 3 CGK - https://maps.app.goo.gl/GUKEHko86VFviMoU8

Blue Bird. PT - https://maps.app.goo.gl/r7jJ1dgWYSXQn5gd6

Thamrin Executive Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jg8sVpVdkfACodMv9

CGK Day 1 │ KUL to CGK • MH721!

Back in Batavia!

It's been eight months since our last visit, and a year since our first. Truth be told Indonesia is our new favourite shopping destination, more so that Thailand. Besides the more favourable currency exchange we found the articles of clothing to be of a higher quality especially the Batik which is locally produced.

Brendan has now completed his master's program and has began interning at a local fintech, so this time we had to make our own way to KL City Air Terminal. We left our home at a quarter past eight then hailed a six-seater Grab car for a fare of RM16.00 (approximately USD4/EUR3) to KL Sentral. We were dropped at the entrance to the KL City Air Terminal and we walked over to the check-in counters.

As always we bought our KLIA Express train tickets online to enjoy a discount, so a return ticket only cost us RM90.00 each (approximately USD21/EUR18). This is important to note since the only way to gain access to the KL City Air Terminal was with the KLIA Express tickets. We scanned our train tickets at the turnstile and voila! We were in. For now KL City Air Terminal caters to only Malaysia Airlines (MAS), Batik Air and KLM.

We submitted our yellow submarines for a security check before checking it in. Our bags weighed 27kgs, well within the allowed total of 50kgs. We then exited the KL City Air Terminal and walked across past the KLIA Express turnstiles using the same train tickets. We narrowly missed the 8:41am train so we waited for the next one due in fifteen minutes.

The train departed KL Sentral at 9:00am and arrived in KLIA half an hour later. Since our bags were all checked in safe for a small carry-on we rode a series of escalators up to the Departure floor. Here we walked over to the Malaysia Airlines counter to sort out our seating arrangements

.

We initially selected seats 16H and 16K, but were eventually given seats 28A and 28C? We did not realise the anomaly until we boarded the train and I thought to check our boarding passes.

We ironed out the matter and headed to the Departure Hall. We cleared immigration without incident but for the fact that Cat's MyBorderPass malfunctioned. With the autogates busy she opted for the traditional counter and got her passport stamped.

We then checked the FIDS screen to discover our gate C35 was at the satellite building. Before we boarded the Air Train Cat stopped by the MAC store and got three of her favourite shade of compact powder. Since the total came to more than RM500.00 she was entitled to RM50.00 off bringing the total to RM493.00 (approximately USD117/EUR100).

We then rode the Air Train and disembarked to look for a place to eat. We eventually settled on The Loaf where we had the:

• Mushroom Cream Soup
• Ciabatta Chicken Mayo Sandwich 
• Zesty Sizzle Wrap
• Teh Tarik 
• Orange Juice 

which attracted a 10% service charge and tax that brought the total to RM101.75 (approximately USD24/EUR21).

An hour before departure we made our way to Gate C35 and navigated past the final most stringent security checkpoint before taking our seats at the lounge.  Boarding began at 1:15pm and we finally got on board ten minutes later. The plane pushed back at 1:43pm and took off at approximately 2:00pm.

The flight was uneventful, and our inflight meal was served half an hour later. I had the Chicken Varuval while Cat opted for the Mango Fish.

The aircraft soon began its descent and MH721 touched down at 3:00pm local time. Kudos to Captain Wan Arif and Chief Stewardess Jennilee for an excellent flight.

Stay tuned for the next video as we breezed past Immigration and Customer then head to Thamrin Executive Residence!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Havironia Music - https://maps.app.goo.gl/s1TPt76pQr7mcxeV9

KL City Air Terminal - https://maps.app.goo.gl/78PhoH1Kvb8tNj5K9

KLIA Express Transit Station - https://maps.app.goo.gl/zxveoeVY8VfFgZYY7

Gate C35 - https://maps.app.goo.gl/6cvfGQUPTZzmBLjN6

Terminal 3 CGK - https://maps.app.goo.gl/GUKEHko86VFviMoU8

NGD│ DJI Osmo Nano!

New Gear Day!

I read online a couple of days ago about the launch of a new camera by DJI. There was a previous launch of the DJI Osmo 360 that did not pique my interest, since I held no love for fish-eye perspective.

This new camera, called the DJI Osmo Nano was a different story. Billed as a camera that was "lightweight and ready for anything, Osmo Nano lets you capture life's moments effortlessly, wherever your day takes you."

Sharing the same 1/1.3″ sensor as the DJI Action 5 Pro the Osmo Nano definitely fit the bill as a second option for me to its bigger sibling.

With that in mind I contacted CM of Altech Camera over at Berjaya Times Square to confirm that he had stocks of the camera. He answered in the affirmative and we made an appointment to meet up today.

We left our home at eleven and in the interest of time hailed a Grab car for a fare of RM10.00 (approximately USD/EUR2). We were soon picked up and arrived at Berjaya Times Square fifteen minutes later. 

We then headed up to the sixth floor and were soon looking over our new camera. Satisfied that everything was in order we transferred the required amount to CM and were on our merry way.

We then headed back down and as always stopped by LC Waikiki where Cat got a couple of blouses for RM74.80 (approximately USD18/EUR15). 

It was approaching lunchtime so we walked over to LaLaport a short distance away. Here we rode an escalator down to the lower ground floor and began wandering.

After a quick potty break we settled on Hawker Chan, a nostalgic foodstall. During the pandemic and countless lockdowns we depended on Hawker Chan via the Grab food delivery app for our source of Chinese cuisine.

Here we ordered the:

• Soy Sauce Chicken Rice with added Char Siew 
• Siew Yoke Fried Noodles
• 2 Iced Chrysanthemum Tea

for a total of RM42.00 (approximately USD10/EUR9).

We then began strolling and ended up at the Mr DIY on the second floor. We got a few household items  then headed out in search of our true destination: Mitsui Shopping Park just a floor up.

First on our list was the Mr DIY store where we got some insoles. Next door was Nitori where we got home slippers for the three of us for RM89.70 (approximately USD21/EUR18.

The Skechers store was next. Here I found a pair of comfortable black work shoes for RM169.00 which was already at a bargain price. At the cashier I discovered that my Skechers membership held a voucher of RM50.00 so without hesitation I asked for it to be applied, bringing my shoes to a mind-boggling price of RM119.00 (approximately USD28/EUR24)!

We then walked over to Daiso to get some shoelaces. Finally we walked into the GEOX store that was having a massive sale, and after much consideration and back and forth with Brendan on the phone settled on a pair of black Oxford shoes for his convocation ceremony in December.

A once in a lifetime event, we paid RM499.00 (approximately USD118/EUR101) for the pair of shoes. Thus ended our shopping spree that together with the DJI Osmo Nano totalled well over RM2,000.00 (approximately USD474/EUR405).

We then made our way to the Hang Tuah LRT station and caught a train for a fare of RM1.40 (approximately USD0.33/EUR0.28) to the Bandaraya station. We then walked back to our home.

Be sure to catch our next series of videos as we head back to Batavia for some unfinished shopping!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Havironia Music - https://maps.app.goo.gl/s1TPt76pQr7mcxeV9

Berjaya Times Square - https://maps.app.goo.gl/eHySyMMFTKpitYQi7

Altech Camera - https://maps.app.goo.gl/VPpPvPwKb86HzSZv9

LaLaport BBCC - https://maps.app.goo.gl/TcAEv3aPawndCmzdA

Mitsui Outlet Park - https://maps.app.goo.gl/KSik6XZjuuQWRdo97

JHB Day 4 │ R&F Mall to City One!

Going home!

I woke up of my own accord at 6:40am and hit the showers. Cat and Brendan soon followed suit, we then spent the next hour or so packing up our things.

After one final sweep of the apartment to make sure nothing was left behind we headed down to the lobby to deposit the access cards in the designated mailbox. We then sent some photos of the event to Jacie the host before walking out.

We had scheduled a six-seater Grab car to pick us up at 8:30am for a fare of RM35.00 (approximately USD8/EUR7). As explained in a previous video Aeroline's bus back to Kuala Lumpur was only in the evening which meant that we would only reach home at midnight.

We looked for comparable bus services and found the Causeway Link Express that departs at 10:00am each morning from KSL Hotel, where the scheduled Grab car would take us later.

The Grab car picked us up five minutes ahead of time and we arrived at KSL Hotel ten minutes later. With more than an hours till boarding we decided to while away our time at the Starbucks within the hotel. The coffee making machine was out of order so we ordered the:

Iced Shaken Lemon Tea

Iced Matcha Latte 

Hot Chocolate 

2 Chicken Deli Sandwich 

1 Mushroom Deli Sandwich 

for a grand total of RM92.30 (approximately USD22/EUR17).

Then I  received a call from the bus company saying that the bus was about to depart without us! Turned out the pickup point was NOT KSL Hotel but KSL Mall next door.

Thankfully it was just a very short dash, even so we were quite flustered with the wrong pickup given and the dirty stares from the driver and passengers.

Unfortunately in our haste to board the bus no footage was captured. A lesson learnt. We'll stick to Aeroline for future trips by bus where possible.

Two hours into the journey we made a pitstop at the Tangkak rest area. Fifteen minutes later we were on our way again. 

We arrived at Berjaya Times Square at precisely 3:35pm. We then hailed another six-seater Grab car for a fare of RM20.00 (approximately USD5/EUR4) back to our home. 

Be sure to catch our next series of videos as we head back to Batavia for some unfinished shopping!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

R&F Princess Cove - https://maps.app.goo.gl/GL1yCgU9TZax736b9

KSL City Mall - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ExFgHY7YhintwhhM6

Tangkak Rest Area - https://maps.app.goo.gl/t8dvZ1ufsYWheTAe8

Berjaya Times Square - https://maps.app.goo.gl/eHySyMMFTKpitYQi7

Havironia Music - https://maps.app.goo.gl/s1TPt76pQr7mcxeV9

JHB Day 3 │ Gardens by the Bay!

Off the Bucket List!

If yesterday's mission was to visit the Merlion and Changi's waterfalls then today it's Gardens by the Bay and Haji Lane.

We emerged from the Gardens by the Bay MRT station to a heavy downpour. After waiting a while we decided to press on but only until the food court Satay by the Bay. We decided to wait it out till the rain subsided and had:

• 2 Iced Lemongrass
• Orange juice
• Popiah
• Rojak

for a total of SGD18.90 (approximately MYR62/USD15/EUR13).

The rain subsided to a drizzle at half past eleven so we began exploring in earnest, taking in the sights and snapping a bucket load of photos.  We eventually found ourselves at the iconic domed structure, so we walked in and paid the entrance of SGD46.00 per person (approximately MYR151/USD36/EUR31) to gain access to both the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. 

Taken from its website: "Be awed by the Flower Dome’s beauty and its sheer size — this cavernous cooled conservatory holds the Guinness World Record for the largest glass greenhouse! Come explore and learn more about this innovative megastructure that literally brings the world’s flora under one roof."

We thoroughly enjoyed our stroll in absolute beauty of nature, and after that continued onwards to the Cloud Forest, with "more than 72,000 plants thrive in Cloud Forest, with more than 50 species with lineages that can be traced back to the Jurassic period, such as ferns, cycads and conifers. These plants once thrived alongside dinosaurs and even served as food for them."

Brendan especially enjoyed the Jurassic World experience that featured zones for visitors to explore, with highlights including an awe-inspiring 8.5-meter-tall Brachiosaurus, and a face-to-face moment with the fearsome Tyrannosaurus rex.

We spent more than two hours at both these captivating places, before walking out and making our way to Marina Bay Sands Hotel where we hailed a Grab car to our last destination.

Be sure to catch our previous video to find out what we were up to next!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Gardens by the Bay - https://maps.app.goo.gl/3yee2ZCkyQVCEaGy9,

Flower Dome - https://maps.app.goo.gl/zC2aTtkip5k3BXSEA

Cloud Forest - https://maps.app.goo.gl/egZ3iB8DrHWUAbck6

JHB Day 3 │ Another Day Trip to SIN!

Morning Rush!

We were up at the crack of dawn today and left the Airbnb at five to seven this morning hoping to make our way to the Johor Customs Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) again. This time around we skipped breakfast and walked over to the main entrance of R&F Mall to wait for the 7:10am free shuttle bus to the CIQ.

Traffic was quite bad that it took us almost twenty minutes to get to the Johor Bahru Checkpoint. Today was a regular workday so we got to experience firsthand the daily commute of thousands of Malaysians working in Singapore.

We went through the same motions as yesterday and only deviated when we joined a random queue and eventually rode the #170 bus at 7:45am to the Woodlands checkpoint for a fare of SGD1.90 (approximately MYR5/USD1/EUR1).

We then cleared the Singapore checkpoint at eight then headed down to the bus terminal where we thought we could ride one of Causeway Link buses to town. Apparently they only accept credit  and not EZ-Link cards, so after consulting with an immigration officer here we're told to take the same #950 bus to Causeway Point. 

We caught the bus at half past eight and arrived at Causeway Point fifteen minutes later for a fare of SGD1.50 (approximately MYR6/USD1/EUR1). First thing we did here was to get some breakfast, so after wandering around for a while we settled on Toast Box. Here we ordered:

• 2 Traditional Toast Set
• 1 Kaya Traditional Toast
• Teh C Cold

for a total of SGD23.80 (approximately MYR78/USD19/EUR16).

We were done with breakfast at a quarter to ten, Cat even made friends with a group of local ladies and posed for photos with them that eventually became the thumbnail of this video.

We then walked across to the MRT station and caught a train at 10:00am bound for Bayshore. Eighteen stops and forty five minutes later we disembarked at Gardens by the Bay for a fare of SGD2.33 (approximately MYR8/USD2/EUR2).

Be sure to catch our upcoming video of these modern marvels.

We picked you up again two hours or so later as we walked out of the Gardens by the Bay. We eventually ended up at the lobby of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel lobby where we hailed a Grab car for a fare of SGD7.40 (approximately MYR24/USD6/EUR5) to Haji Lane, arriving at exactly two.

We quickly settled on Prince Coffee House for lunch and ordered the:

• Hainanese Pork Chop 
• Sweet & Sour Pork with Rice 
• Fried Rice 
• 3 Iced Chinese Tea
• a large bottle of Tiger Beer 

for a grand total of SGD73.70 (approximately MYR242/USD58/EUR49).

We then made our way to the Bugis station and caught the Green line train to City Hall at half past three just a stop away. Here we switched to the Red Line train bound for Jurong East. 

Sixteen stops and fifty minutes later we were back at Causeway Point for a fare of SGD2.33 (approximately MYR8/USD2/EUR2). Here we stopped by the Old Chang Kee stall to get a half dozen curry puffs for SGD12.00 (approximately MYR39/USD9/EUR8).

We then hopped on the #950 bus to the Woodlands checkpoint for the same fare of SGD1.50 (approximately MYR6/USD1/EUR1) at 4:32pm and eventually emerged from the Johor Bahru CIQ at 5:10pm. We walked down to the surface level then hailed a Grab car for a fare of RM5.00 (approximately USD/EUR1) back to R&F Mall. 

We reached home at half past five, with a new-found admiration for Malaysians who commute daily to work.

Off-camera Brendan went down later at eight to take away dinner from Uncle Five Coffee at R&F Mall downstairs.

Be sure to catch the next video as we ride the Causeway Link Express back to Kuala Lumpur! 

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

R&F Princess Cove - https://maps.app.goo.gl/cGu5LSK8cc79HJEv5

Johor Bahru Checkpoint - https://maps.app.goo.gl/NVnztFuVZ5xpXc7w5

Woodlands Checkpoint - https://maps.app.goo.gl/rmiAZrWony9aVsDC8

Causeway Point - https://maps.app.goo.gl/aGTX8m4C8rur9mv39

Gardens by the Bay - https://maps.app.goo.gl/3yee2ZCkyQVCEaGy9

Haji Lane - https://maps.app.goo.gl/mFAVge989bDgGRHf6

Prince Coffee House - https://maps.app.goo.gl/YMhbuULrfoAgJTE79

JHB Day 2 │ Day Trip to SIN Part 2!

Changi Airport!

We picked you up again after arriving at Changi for a final fare of SGD2.17 (approximately MYR7/USD2/EUR1). Since it was already lunchtime we wandered for a little while before settling on the nearest eatery lunch. We asked around and were told to head to the food court at Terminal 1. 

Here we settled on the chicken rice shop Roost and ordered the:

• Yin Yang Chicken Rice
• Soya Sauce Chicken Rice 
• Tom Yum Soup with Rice 
• 2 Coca-Cola 
• Iced Lemongrass 

for a grand total of SGD52.28 (approximately MYR171/USD41/EUR35).

After lunch we went in search of the iconic waterfalls at Terminals 1 and 2. We first walked over to Terminal 2 to capture footage of the digitally created Wonderfall. We then caught the Skytrain to Terminal 1 to see the HSBC Rain Vortex, the world's tallest indoor waterfall.

Missions accomplished we doubled and eventually got back to the Changi train station. Here we caught a train to the Tanah Merah station at 3:00pm before switching back to the Green Line bound for Tuas Link.

We disembarked at City Hall then switched yet again to the Red Line bound for Jurong East making it all the way back to Causeway Point at 4:15pm for a total fare of SGD2.43 (approximately MYR8/USD2/EUR2). From here we caught the same#950 bus back to the Woodlands Immigration checkpoint at ten to five and returned back to Johor Bahru.

Stay tuned for the previous video to find out how we got on after that!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

R&F Princess Cove - https://maps.app.goo.gl/cGu5LSK8cc79HJEv5

Johor Bahru Checkpoint - https://maps.app.goo.gl/FD15P1J3qHe29etc9

Woodlands Checkpoint - https://maps.app.goo.gl/rmiAZrWony9aVsDC8

Causeway Point - https://maps.app.goo.gl/aGTX8m4C8rur9mv39

Raffles Place - https://maps.app.goo.gl/4ysw1FSSh7VdAXAN9

Changi Airport - https://maps.app.goo.gl/x5X1uVWMt1keTcRR6

JHB Day 2 │ Day Trip to SIN Part 1!

Lion City!

We picked you up again after navigating past the Customs Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex.

We alighted the free shuttle bus from R&F Mall then followed the endless streams of commuters navigating past the Malaysian immigration checkpoint. We then followed everyone along long mazy corridor before pausing to choose between Platforms A and B. 

We chose Platform B then followed the same stream of commuters till we finally got to the bus #950 lane. We boarded the bus at 9:20am for a fare of RM2.10 each (approximately USD0.50/EUR0.40)and arrived at the Singapore checkpoint ten minutes later.

Here it took us an hour as we fumbled with the Visit Pass. First with our phones then with the kiosk provided try as we might we could not get our pass application approved, for one reason or another. Eventually a kind lady officer helped us with our application and we finally got past the Singapore Immigration checkpoint at 10:15am.

We were in the third ASEAN country!

We then joined the queue to get on the #950 bus again. After a lengthy wait we boarded the bus at 10:30am for a fare of SGD1.90 (approximately MYR6/USD1/EUR1). We arrived at the Causeway Point fifteen minutes later and made our way to the ticketing counter. Turned out our previous EZ-Link cards had expired, and its shelf life of six years signified the amount of time we've been away.

We then bought three new EZ-Link cards for SGD10.00 each (approximately MYR33/USD8/EUR7) from the kindly lady at the ticketing counter. Although each card carried a value of SGD5.00 we still went to the nearest kiosk to add a value of SGD20.00 (approximately MYR66/USD16/EUR13) to each card.

We wanted to pay the Merlion a visit so we asked for directions from the same kindly lady at the ticketing counter. We were asked to head up to Platform B and catch an LRT to Raffles Place. We caught the Red Line train bound Marina South Pier at eleven and after seventeen stop arrived at Raffles Place forty five minutes later for a fare of SGD2.28  (approximately MYR7/USD2/EUR1).

We exited the station and walked a short distance to the Merlion! We then wandered around taking the customary shots of what the area had to offer before doubling back to the same station. We got back at Raffles Place at half past noon and caught a Green Line train bound for Pasir Ris. We got off at Tanah Merah and walked across to Platform C where we caught another train bound for Changi at 1:00pm. 

Stay tuned for the next video to find out how we got on at Changi Airport!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

R&F Princess Cove - https://maps.app.goo.gl/cGu5LSK8cc79HJEv5

Johor Bahru Checkpoint - https://maps.app.goo.gl/FD15P1J3qHe29etc9

Woodlands Checkpoint - https://maps.app.goo.gl/rmiAZrWony9aVsDC8

Causeway Point - https://maps.app.goo.gl/aGTX8m4C8rur9mv39

Raffles Place - https://maps.app.goo.gl/4ysw1FSSh7VdAXAN9

Changi Airport - https://maps.app.goo.gl/x5X1uVWMt1keTcRR6

JHB Day 1 │ Airbnb • R&F Princess Cove!

Home away from Home!

We picked you up again arriving at Persada Johor International Convention Centre at 6:30pm. We collected our luggage then hailed a six-seater Grab car for a fare of RM11.00 (approximately USD3/EUR2) to R&F Mall.

We reached the mall and guided by the check-in instructions made our way to Block A3-1 near the Fried Thing restaurant. Here we registered ourselves with a QR code then collected the access card to the unit.

Our particular unit was hosted by H&H R&F Homestay, and will be our home for the next three nights. The stay cost us RM241.25 a night (approximately USD57/EUR49) and given its close proximity with the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) complex represented good value for us.

We located the lift to Block A3-1, tapped our access card and headed up to Level 8. Our unit was 3A and we entered after inputting the given passcode. We stowed away our yellow submarines and took a stroll to show you around the unit.

We then headed back down to the ground floor where we had a quick bite to eat at Burger King. We then walked to KK Mart to replenish the Federal Reserves before walking over to Infinity Exchange to purchase some Singapore dollars which was closed for a dinner break.

We then headed up to Mr DIY to get Brendan a phone charger before stopping by Guardian Pharmacy to pick up some items. In that time Infinity Exchange was back from dinner so we purchased SGD300 (approximately MYR987/USD234/EUR199) worth of cash in various denominations for our excursion tomorrow.

Our last errand for the night was a stop at Uncle Five Coffee for beverages to be taken away. We then headed back up to the Airbnb and got settled in.

Stay tuned for the next video as we make our way to Johor Bahru's checkpoint!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

R&F Princess Cove - https://maps.app.goo.gl/cGu5LSK8cc79HJEv5

JHB Day 1 │ City One to R&F Mall • Aeroline!

Johor Bahru!

We woke up at the crack of dawn and made sure we were out the door half past seven. Why? It's because we had booked a six-seater Grab car the night before, scheduling for it to pick us at eight this morning. This time Brendan was tagging along as well!

Sure enough we were picked up for an inflated fare of RM30.00 (approximately USD7/EUR6) at eight and arrived at Corus Hotel ten minutes later. With more than two hours until our departure we decided to have breakfast at the hotel's Dondang Sayang Coffee House for RM34.80 (approximately USD8/EUR7) per person.

We were excited to visit JB again, this time courtesy of our favourite bus company Aeroline. We wanted to take advantage of the four-day weekend in conjunction with Malaysia Day celebrations, so we booked our Aeroline bus tickets online for RM72.00 each (approximately USD17/EUR15) departing from Corus Hotel today at 10:30am. 

The bus made its appearance at 10:00am and after a delay in the delivery of the catered food finally departed at 10:37am. The bus bearing the number VBR8808 was scheduled to arrive at Persada Johor International Convention Centre five hours later.

We drove past the Sungai Besi Toll Plaza half an hour later and from then on traffic grew progressively worse. Two hours into the journey we had only reached Seremban. An hour later traffic cleared near Senawang and from there the bus tried to make up for lost time. 

The bus stopped for a much need break at the Pagoh rest area at 3:10pm. Brendan and I I lighted first, being unfamiliar the place we went around the maze of corridors before finally locating the washrooms. 

The bus resumed its journey at 3:45pm and eventually drove past the Skudai Toll Plaza at 6:00pm. We arrived at Persada Johor International Convention Centre half an hour later.

Stay tuned for our next video as we hail a Grab car to R&F Princess Cove.

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Havironia Music - https://maps.app.goo.gl/AYjZ6mCMqSAMKC8s6

Corus KLCC - https://maps.app.goo.gl/gqgBmuKmUvAZFj3j7

Dondang Sayang Coffee House - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Fxh7Z2TGsi5nVwg7A

Aeroline Johor Bahru - https://maps.app.goo.gl/W2VMNeqCJTXabuTBA

BT Day 3 │ Colmar Tropicale to City One • NU Sentral!

Going Home!

We woke up at half past six and headed down to Le Blason half an hour later for our complimentary buffer breakfast.

As soon as we got there at seven Brendan again was already dining. We took our time and as is the case after several trips to the buffet table we were done with breakfast an hour later.

We headed back to the room to begin packing and headed down to Level -2 to deposit our luggage with BiBi. We then headed up to the hotel's lobby to check out and left Colmar Tropicale fifteen minutes later.

Traffic along the Karak Highway was very smooth and we arrived in Kuala Lumpur within the hour. We then made our way to NU Sentral to enquire about rescheduling a future trip to Medan at the Malaysia Airlines office here.

We managed to change our travel dates from February to June 2026 which attracted an additional fee of RM183.00 each (approximately USD43/EUR37). 

We then went to our favourite bakery Yamasaki to get RM38.40 (approximately USD9/EUR8) worth of buns. I then headed to Thai Street Food to get three sets of their Fried Chicken Krapow set for RM35.70 (approximately USD8/EUR7) while Cat got half a dozen egg tarts from Milk & Barley for RM36.30 (approximately USD8/EUR7).

All that for less than the dinner we had at Colmar Tropicale last night. Go figure! We then made our way back to BiBi and drove back to our home arriving at a quarter to noon.

Stay tuned as we ride the Aeroline bus to Johor Bahru next week, and visit our third ASEAN country of Singapore!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

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

Colmar Tropicale - https://maps.app.goo.gl/EEXpRfahSoX1WqXD9

Le Blason - https://maps.app.goo.gl/yBwg9GaVwF7EgVJj8

BT Day 2 │ Colmar Tropicale's F&B!

3 Square Meals!

Our final day at Colmar Tropicale started very early as we woke up at half past six to have our complimentary buffet breakfast at Le Blason. We paid RM207.36 a room (approximately USD49/EUR42) a night including complimentary breakfast for two persons which in our minds represented good value for money.

As soon as we got there at half past seven Brendan was already dining. We took our time and after several trips to the buffet table we were done with breakfast an hour later.

We then took a stroll from one end to the other taking advantage of the cool morning weather knowing at the sun would be out soon. We got back to the room at a quarter past eight.

We spent the morning indoors and emerged for lunch, Brendan was not hungry and did not join us. We left the room at 1:30pm and wandered for a bit before settling on La Flamme. Here we ordered the:

• Spaghetti Bolognese Chicken
• Prawn Aglio Olio
• Coca-Cola 
• a can of Tiger Beer

for a  handsome sum of RM110.00 (approximately USD26/EUR22). The exertions of the past week in Kuala Terengganu and the long drive back from Kota Bharu seemed to have taken its toll on us, and this relaxing trip to Bukit Tinggi was exactly what the doctor ordered.

Cat then got a packet of organic baby tomatoes for RM7.50 (approximately USD/EUR2) then a set of 4 fridge magnets for RM10.00 (approximately USD/EUR2). Before retiring to the room we stopped by the cafe across our apartment block, La Boulangerie Cafe to get a Latte Caramel and some ice cream for a total of RM26.00 (approximately USD6/EUR5).

We spent the entire afternoon in the room as I worked on our videos from Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu while Cat chilled in bed. 

We emerged in the evening and headed to the same restaurant as before, La Flamme. Turned out yesterday's La Poulet Roti and I La Flamme were the only two restauarant served anything decent for dinner. Since we already had the Family Feast at La Poulet Roti yesterday we thought we'd try the same Family Feast here at La Flamme, which served up:

• Spaghetti Bolognese Chicken
• Spaghetti Carbonara Chicken
• Quattro Pizza
• 4 Guava Juice Juice

the set was priced at RM120.00, and since Brendan skipped lunch he added a Pepperoni & Feta Cheese Pizza. Our second dinner in Bukit Tinggi came to RM169.00 (approximately USD40/EUR34).

We then headed back to the room.

Stay tuned as we have buffet breakfast at Le Blason again before checking out!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

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

Colmar Tropicale - https://maps.app.goo.gl/EEXpRfahSoX1WqXD9

Le Blason - https://maps.app.goo.gl/yBwg9GaVwF7EgVJj8

BT Day 1 │ Colmar Tropicale!

A French Resort!

Taken off their website: "Opened in year 2000, Colmar Tropicale is modelled after 16th century Colmar town, north east of Alsace, France, also incorporating architectural designs and elements from ancient surrounding villages of Riquewihr, Turckheim and Kaysersberg.

The resort comprises of 235 rooms and suites with 5 food & beverage outlets, which offers a wide selection of local & international cuisine. Meeting rooms and banqueting facilities are also available in the resort."

We picked you up again after breakfast at Leng's Cafe. We were here a very long time ago during the occasion of my sister Ginny's wedding, and have not been back since.

We arrived at 11:00pm, parked BiBi and headed up to the hotel lobby. We deposited our bags with the hotel's left luggage and were told to come back at one to register.

We then headed out to the main thoroughfare and eventually found ourselves at Starbucks. We ordered a round of drinks for a total of RM79.10 (approximately USD19/EUR16) and spent the next hour and a half here whiling away the time.

We headed back to the hotel lobby at a quarter to one and got ourselves registered. We were eventually issued keys to our rooms at a quarter past two and headed to the Gazania Block. Our rooms were on the second floor, Brendan got the room facing the street while Cat and I got the quieter garden view room.

We paid RM207.36 a room (approximately USD49/EUR42) a night including complimentary breakfast for two persons which in our minds represented good value for money.

We settled into our room, showered and had a nap.

We emerged again at seven in the evening and wandered for a bit before settling on La Poulet Roti for dinner. Turned out the restaurant was on the ground floor of our apartment block.

With a diminutive selection we ordered the Family Feast set which served up:

• a Roasted Half Chicken
• 4 Butter Rice
• Coleslaw
• Wedges
• Fries 
• 4 Orange Chilled Juice

the set was priced at RM120.00, and together with a Café Latte and two Coca-Cola our first dinner in Bukit Tinggi came to RM147.00 (approximately USD35/EUR30).

After dinner we took a stroll to take in the sights before returning to our rooms to retire for the night.

Stay tuned as we have buffet breakfast at Le Blason the next morning!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

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

Colmar Tropicale - https://maps.app.goo.gl/EEXpRfahSoX1WqXD9

Le Poulet Roti - https://maps.app.goo.gl/e3TRrkxyB8rkH9nYA

BT Day 1 │ City One to Bukit Tinggi • Leng's Cafe!

Bukit Tinggi!

We came back to Kuala Lumpur yesterday afternoon after a seven day trip to the east coast states of Terengganu and Kelantan.

Barely twenty four hours later we were on the road again, this time headed just an hour northeast from here, and this time with Brendan in tow.

We left our home at eight this morning and headed down to the parking level where BiBi sat resting after the long drive yesterday, loaded our luggage and set course for Leng's Cafe in Bukit Tinggi.

It was an uneventful drive that was surprisingly smooth given that today was a public holiday, and the start of a three-day weekend.

Forty-five minutes later we arrived at Leng's Cafe perched atop a hill within the small hamlet of Bukit Tinggi. Situated across The Enclave this cafe's sole source of customers is apparently from the said condo.

We perused the menu before eventually settling on:

• Western Breakfast with Croissant
• Western Breakfast with Toast
• Black Pepper Chicken Chop
• iced Ribena Lemon Soda
• iced Ginger Lemon
• hot Mocha

We decided to spend more time here since we wouldn't be able to check in at 3:00pm so we added: 

• French Fries 
• Century Egg Salad
• hot Caramel Macchiato 
• iced Fresh Lemongrass Tea
• Coca-Cola

for a grand total of RM147.00 (approximately USD35/EUR30). We spent the next hour or so enjoying the scenery and fresh air, and left at half past ten.

We arrived at Colmar Tropicale half an hour later. Stay tuned as we check into this 'French' resort!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

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

Leng's Cafe - https://maps.app.goo.gl/x1aLvtXjagw7daXd7

KBR Day 2 │ ibis Styles to City One • Syed Bistro!

Going Home!

Today is the 7th and final day of our road trip to the east coast of Malaysia. We woke up before dawn and checked out of the hotel at six in the morning.

We were not willing to drive all the way back to Kuala Lumpur via the usual route since it would have taken would have taken us across virtually the entire state of Kelantan to Gua Musang then across Kuala Lipis and Raub in the state of Pahang.

With this in mind we set course for the Kuala Terengganu Toll Plaza at Kampung Gemuruh some three hours away. From there it was a straight shoot all the way to Karak Highway which in our minds was a far more relaxing drive.

We made our way to BiBi, loaded our luggage into her boot and began our drive before sunrise. We eventually ended up along the Kota Bharu-Kuala Terengganu federal route and eventually made it past the Kuala Terengganu Toll Plaza at Kampung Gemuruh at a little past eight in the morning. 

Here we stopped for a potty break. We were mighty relieved that the most arduous portion of our eight-hour plus drive was behind us.

Once the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is completed by the end of 2026 this long and arduous drives to and from the east coast states of Peninsula Malaysia will be a thing of the past. However Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) raised concerns over cases of cable theft which it said could disrupt the planning and operational timeline of the ECRL, now at a critical phase ahead of its targeted completion in December 2026.

Twenty minutes later we made our 2nd stop at the Ajil rest area for breakfast where we had:

• each the Roti Goyang (toast with half boiled eggs)
• hot Nescafe
• Iced Milk Tea

for a modest RM19.00 (approximately USD4/EUR5).

We resumed our drive at 9:00am and stopped at the Paka rest area forty five minutes later because I was feeling sleepy and needed a hot cup of strong black coffee.

We resumed our drive at ten past ten before stopping at the Gambang rest area an hour later to refuel at the Petronas station here.

We eventually arrived in Kuala Lumpur at a quarter past noon which meant that our drive was actually only a little over six hours. We navigated KL's and arrived at Syed Bistro at one. We ordered the:

• Chicken Varuval with rice for the both of us 
• Iced Lemon Tea
• Assam Boi Apple Juice 
• Chai Wala Tea

and since we weren't going out for dinner added the:

• Regular Cheese Naan
• Tarik Cheese Naan
• 2 regular Naan bread
• a serving of Tandoori Chicken 

which all in came to RM72.15 (approximately USD17/EUR15).

We then made the very short drive back to our condo, arriving at half past two. Stay tuned as we spend a laid back forty-eight hours in a “French” resort tomorrow, so please stay tuned!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Hotel ibis Styles Kota Bharu - https://maps.app.goo.gl/AcuVrhsyBPzkMnd88

Plaza Tol Kuala Terengganu - https://maps.app.goo.gl/NyxTGJnd4jNhLrSH6

Ajil R&R - https://maps.app.goo.gl/VzmJ3R3zGYsz5pA39

Paka R&R - https://maps.app.goo.gl/u6Ma3jhW9y8sLb9CA

Gambang R&R - https://maps.app.goo.gl/VvieWkCZebyexA118

Syed Bistro - https://maps.app.goo.gl/NZBdpkEtcBdcgCJg8 

KBR Day 1 │ Branch Visit • Restoran Khas!

Branch Visit!

We picked you up again after lunch at the Lobby Cafe of Hotel ibis Styles. After a quick shower and change I bade Cat farewell and left the hotel at half past three and hailed a Grab car for a fare of RM7.00  (approximately USD 2/EUR1) to meet up with my counterparts at the local branch here. I was again met by the branch head, and waited a while until the last customer was served to give the same briefing on a new internal core system that will be implemented at the end of the year.

The session proved fruitful, and I was as always grateful to be able to meet up with my counterparts here. I then bade them a fond farewell then hailed another Grab car for a fare of RM7.00  (approximately USD 2/EUR1) back to the hotel to rest up. 

At dinnertime we did not feel particularly adventurous and settled on Restoran Khas just outside the hotel along Jalan Sultanah Zainab. Before that we started a load of laundry at Fafa Laundry 2 a few doors away from the restaurant.

Back at Restoran Khas we perused their menu, and after six glorious days of local east coast cuisine we decided to go Chinese and ordered the:

• Minced Pork in Tofu
• Sweet & Sour Pork
• Large Omelette
• Salted Vegetable Soup
• 2 Iced Chinese Tea (plus 2 packed to go)

for a grand total of RM62.00 (approximately USD15/EUR13). Midway through dinner I dashed over to transfer our load of laundry from the washer to the dryer.

After dinner we headed back to Fafa Laundry 2 to collect our clothes, a sudden downpour meant that we had to wait a while before making our way back to the hotel for (hopefully) an early night.

Please stay tuned as we make the estimated ten-hour drive back to Kuala Lumpur at the crack of dawn!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Hotel ibis Styles Kota Bharu - https://maps.app.goo.gl/AcuVrhsyBPzkMnd88

AKPK Kota Bharu - https://maps.app.goo.gl/rb9EkJBjbuzgEMtPA

Restoran Khas - https://maps.app.goo.gl/E7SzEZRFrrXow81A9

Fafa Laundry 2 - https://maps.app.goo.gl/q8DPa6C97NKbGP726

KBR Day 1 │ Lim Sian Tian to ibis Styles!

Kota Bharu!

We woke up at seven and began final preparations to pack up and check out of the rest house. We were finally ready and checked out an hour later, loading our luggage into BiBi then drove over to the home. 

We parked outside then walked over to Abid Corner for breakfast of:

• Nasi Dagang for both of us 
• hot Black Coffee
• Iced Tea

that came to a very modest RM13.00 (approximately USD/EUR3). We then walked back to the home for one final check to ensure it was securely locked up.

Satisfied that the home was secure we commenced our drive north heading to Kota Bharu at nine. We avoided the federal route and enjoyed the scenic coastal road, and our seaside drive put us in the right frame of mind to endure our arduous drive fraught with dilly dally motorists.

Three hours or so later we arrived at our accommodation for the night, Hotel ibis Styles Kota Bharu. Our Superior Twin Room cost us RM246.24 (approximately USD58/EUR50) and we were a little disappointed that the room, as well as the entire floor held a faint odour of stale cigarette smoke, despite it being a non-smoking floor.

We however had no problems with the room itself, with a modern and vibrant feel complete with all the necessary amenities. We deposited our luggage and headed down to the restaurant but were told it was closed for a private event.

We then tried the Lobby Café, naturally at the lobby of the hotel and ordered the:

• Spaghetti Carbonara
• Crispy Chicken Burger
• Spanish Latte
• Milo Tabur 

for a total of RM62.00 (approximately USD15/EUR13). We then headed back to the room to shower and change into my office wear.

Please stay tuned as I visit visit with my counterparts at the Kota Bharu branch!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

MS RESTHOUSE - https://maps.app.goo.gl/BiKzwqqxG7ZtuJ1y6

Lim Sian Tian - https://maps.app.goo.gl/4kvZXShVMfFectb48

Hotel ibis Styles Kota Bharu - https://maps.app.goo.gl/AcuVrhsyBPzkMnd88

TGG Day 5 │ Abid Corner • Branch Visit • Pasar Kedai Payang!

Branch Visit!

Today is our 5th and penultimate day in Kuala Terengganu, and I had an appointment with my colleagues at our local office here later this morning.

This morning we woke up at seven and made our way to a nondescript stall near the home selling various rice-based breakfast dishes as well as hot drinks.

We took our seats and ordered the:

• each the Nasi Dagang
• hot Nescafe
• iced Milk Tea

for an undisclosed amount since our neighbour Ah Tee, who happened to be there as well paid for our meal! We eventually found out the the name of the nondescript stall: Abid Corner.

We then walked back to the home, and I got ready to head out to meet my colleagues. We had arranged with Tony, a friend of Ah Tee to send a cleaner over this morning to clean the upstairs, mainly to mop the floor and wipe the windows.

I then said goodbye to Cat who was waiting for Tony to arrive and hopped into Bibi for the short drive to the Central Bank building along Jalan Sultan Mohamad. 

I was met by the branch head here, and I spent the next few hours giving a briefing on a new internal core system that will be implemented at the end of the year. The session was very fruitful, and I was glad to be able to meet up with my counterparts here.

I bade them a fond farewell then headed back to the home to pick Cat up for lunch. We drove to the Pasar Kedai Payang https://bit.ly/47Pdwju where there were plenty of food stalls. Here we headed to the food court located at the back of the annexe building and settled on Nasi Dagang Kak Sal where we ordered the:

• Nasi Kunyit (Pulut Kuning) Ikan Aya
• Nasi Minyak Gulai 
• each an Iced Lemon Tea

again for a modest sum of RM17.50 (approximately USD/EUR4). We then headed over to the dried foodstuff section and visit Salmah's stall where we got:

• 5 packets of Dried Fish Crackers
• 200 packets of  SEAmEQ Fried Fish Crackers
• assortment of other goodies

for a grand total of RM232.00 (approximately USD55/EUR47). All done with replenishing our stocks of dried food we drove back to the home to rest as I continued working on our videos.

I was feeling a little under the weather so we walked back to the rest house at six in the evening to begin packing up. At dinnertime we decided against going out so we ordered in with the Grab food app. This time we tried Kedai Mesup Oren and ordered the:

• Mee Goreng Mamak Ayam (Fried Noodles with Chicken)
• Maggi Goreng Kerang (Fried Maggi Mee with Cockles)
• Air Batu Campur (Shaved Ice)

for a total of RM25.90 (approximately USD6/EUR5). Our food arrived at half past seven and we spent the next hour downstairs at the lounge cum common area enjoying our dinner for two. We then had an early night.

Please stay tuned as we check out of the rest house, lock up the home and make the arduous drive up to Kota Bharu tomorrow!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

MS RESTHOUSE - https://maps.app.goo.gl/BiKzwqqxG7ZtuJ1y6

Lim Sian Tian - https://maps.app.goo.gl/4kvZXShVMfFectb48

AKPK Kuala Terengganu - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ur9sn3u8sycFv7ZW9

Kak Sal Nasi Dagang - https://maps.app.goo.gl/FY8jgF2f434LgG3P9

Pasar Kedai Payang 1 - https://maps.app.goo.gl/rU6d55gJe2DDn13B7

TGG Day 4 │ A & I Selera!

Change in Plans!

I continued working throughout the afternoon, while Cat took a much needed rest. We emerged in the evening and were in the mood for some authentic Terengganu cuisine, so we decided to head out to Kedai Makan MYM for dinner. 

Despite our neighbour's warnings about traffic congestion we thought we would brave the less than two kilometer drive to our dinner destination near Istana Maziah.

First introduced to us by my good buddy Vinodh we've been enamoured with its local cuisine ever since. Cat and I especially loved their  Daging Goreng Kunyit (Turmeric Fried Beef) so we both had it with Nasi Lemak, so it was a complete bummer for us to find it closed!

So with our tails between our legs we continued onto Jalan Tok Lam all the way to the before turning left onto Jalan Sultan Ismail. We then turned right onto Jalan Sultan Omar and spotted a row of interesting eateries here. We parked in front of Abang Damak but walked back to A & I Selera that seemed a bit more popular. We carefully perused their menu before settling on:

• Fish Kengsom
• Grilled Beef 
• Kailan in Salted Fish
• large Omelette 
• 2 Lychee Soda

for a grand total of RM62.00 (approximately USD15/EUR13), which in hindsight was the first rather pricey meal for us since we arrived in Kuala Terengganu. We then hopped back into BiBi and headed back to the home. We spent an hour or so tying up loose ends before walking back to the rest house.

Please stay tuned as I pay my Kuala Terengganu branch counterparts a visit!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

MS RESTHOUSE - https://maps.app.goo.gl/BiKzwqqxG7ZtuJ1y6

Lim Sian Tian - https://maps.app.goo.gl/4kvZXShVMfFectb48

A&I Selera - https://maps.app.goo.gl/GMWZ3eRxRLVzrQ6w8

TGG Day 4 │ Warung Pok Long • More Pottering Around!

Hacked!

This was supposed to be our 4th and final day, and we had planned to head back to Kuala Lumpur. However, a sudden work assignment meant that we extended our stay in Kuala Terengganu by another two nights, and who are we to complain? 

After the exertions of the day before we slept in and woke up at 9:00am to discover that I was logged out of my Telegram messaging app. I could not log back in and realised that my account now bore the number +1 562 which after researching originated from Los Angeles, USA!

We decided not to panic and showered to get ready for the day. We walked to the home and started a load of laundry, and since the nondescript breakfast stall that we usually frequent was closed we walked out to Kedai Makan Ezan to also find it closed.

We doubled back and walked out onto Jalan Pejabat and here found that Warung Pok Long was open, although most of its dishes were already sold out. We settled on white rice with fried chicken and sambal, and together with drinks our simple breakfast (or brunch) came to a very modest RM14.00 (approximately USD/EUR3).

The diminutive stall also sold Pulut Lepa (Pulut Panggang, a traditional Malay dish of grilled glutinous rice wrapped in banana leaves). Turned out this particular stall was quite popular https://bit.ly/3HUMz3t among the locals and is usually sold out within the hour.

The stall had just began firing up the grille so we ordered ten Pulut Panggang ready to be collected forty five minutes later. We then took a stroll in search of rope to secure our canopy at the front porch, and eventually found it with a few other provisions at GNH Plastic that came to RM28.00 (approximately USD7/EUR6).

We then walked back to the home where we spent the morning tending to our chores, as usual I worked on our videos while Cat pottered around the house. I had an extra task of securing my new Telegram account, so it took a while.

At noon Ah Seng and his assistance came by to fix wall sockets in the small room downstairs where we had earlier installed an aircon. While the job only took ten minutes he stayed for an hour to dish some dirt on our neighbours from hell who were fond of parking in front of the home.

Apparently Ah Tiong and his obnoxious wife Vivienne had absconded to Kuala Lumpur, we'll avoid the specifics and leave it at that.

At lunchtime we were advised by a neighbour not to drive out as traffic was congested all over town. We were not feeling very hungry to begin with so we made to with the Pulut Panggang we got earlier this morning.

I continued working on our videos throughout the afternoon, while Cat took a much needed rest. 

Please stay tuned as we have dinner at a new favourite restaurant serving authentic local dishes!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

MS RESTHOUSE - https://maps.app.goo.gl/BiKzwqqxG7ZtuJ1y6

Lim Sian Tian - https://maps.app.goo.gl/4kvZXShVMfFectb48

Warung Pok Long - https://maps.app.goo.gl/BbguFfifHEo9TeKu5

Pulut Lepa Jalan Pejabat - https://maps.app.goo.gl/JycY8RVtdCv5C59F7

GNH Plastic - https://maps.app.goo.gl/QFyqqsK34LnQn5MDA

TGG Day 3 │ Merdeka Day • Pottering Around!

Merdeka!

Our third day in Kuala Terengganu was also Merdeka Day https://bit.ly/4nBK8C8 an annual public holiday in Malaysia celebrated on each 31st August to commemorate the country's independence from British rule in 1957. 

We woke up reasonably early and were out of the rest house at half past eight. We made our way to the home where Cat started a load of laundry, and we then hopped into BiBi meaning to have breakfast somewhere in town.

Alas as soon as we drove out onto Jalan Sultan Ismail we noticed the road leading to town was closed off. Knowing that it would be futile to even try we doubled back to the home, and ordered in from the Grab food app.

We eventually settled on Warung Atiq - Jalan Pasir Panjang and ordered:

• each a Nasi Lemak with Omelette
• Iced Lemon Tea
• Iced Coffee

for a total of RM25.20 (approximately USD6/EUR5). After a delay due to the road closures our breakfast was eventually delivered at 10:40am, thankfully it was a meal thoroughly enjoyed. Our Nasi Lemak was served in Sambal gravy reminiscent of my school days, and the Ikan Aye (Ikan Tongkol or Mackerel Tuna) was steamed to perfection!  

After breakfast we got down to work, me at the laptop and Cat with her vacuum cleaner as well as various other cleaning equipment. Lunchtime came and went but we were still full from the Nasi Lemak from earlier this morning, making do with leftovers from Gerai Kuih Gong Kapas two days ago.

We continued pottering around the house and even got a three-by-three meter tent erected at the front of the porch. It was a struggle but well worth the effort, though it was a shame that we forgot to capture footage of our endeavours.

In the evening we ventured out to take care of the weeds that had engulfed the drain. This time we remembered to capture footage.

We were told that due to the Merdeka celebrations traffic around the home was pretty gnarly, so we decided to order in with the Grab food app. This time we tried Warung JNA Bapatoh and ordered the:

• Pulut Kuning Daging Gulai
• Pulut Kuning Ikan Aya
• Nasi Dagang

for a total of RM33.30 (approximately USD8/EUR7). After dinner we started another load of laundry and waited for the load to be done before locking up and making our way back to the rest house at 9:00pm to retire for the night.

 

Stay tuned for our next video for even more pottering around!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

MS RESTHOUSE - https://maps.app.goo.gl/BiKzwqqxG7ZtuJ1y6

Lim Sian Tian - https://maps.app.goo.gl/4kvZXShVMfFectb48

Day 2 │ Adik Beradik Sri Kolam Seafood!

Ikan Celup Tepung!

Despite the strenuous day of home improvements by the time evening came we were still in the mood for a local delicacy where seafood is dipped in flour then deep fried. This particular dish is known as Ikan Celup Tepung and although referencing fish this type of dish includes other seafood as well.

We hopped into BiBi and set course for Kampung Teliput half an hour's drive away away. We were headed to Warung Adik Beradik Sri Kolam Seafood since the restaurant offers unparalleled views of the South China Sea. This also meant that we would have the opportunity to drove across the Terengganu Drawbridge, always an exciting prospect.

After a rather drawn out drive with plenty of gnarly traffic we eventually arrived at Warung Adik Beradik Sri Kolam, and since it was half an hour till closing (at 7:00pm) we hastily ordered:

 

• 10 sticks of Keropok Lekor
• a skewer of Prawns
• one Ikan Kembung (Chub Mackerel)
• a round of drinks

for a grand total of RM31.00 (approximately USD7/EUR6). As with most eateries in Kuala Terengganu, this restaurant closes by seven to make way for Isha prayers.

We then took a leisurely drive back to the home, this time avoiding the congested coastal road that led to the Terengganu Drawbridge. We made a pitstop on the way back at Mr DIY along Jalan Tengku Ampuan Mariam for the customary provisions that came to RM119.10 (approximately USD28/EUR24). We also got a deodorant from the 7-Eleven along Jalan Pejabat before finally arriving at the home at half past eight. We then spent the next couple of hours at the home before returning to the rest house to shower and retire for the night.

 

Stay tuned for our next video as we try to have breakfast at our perennial favourite chicken rice shop, Chuan Kee!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

MS RESTHOUSE - https://maps.app.goo.gl/BiKzwqqxG7ZtuJ1y6

Lim Sian Tian - https://maps.app.goo.gl/4kvZXShVMfFectb48

Warung Adik Beradik - https://maps.app.goo.gl/u63AGzqX6tfptbM49

TGG Day 2 │ Kedai Makan Ezan • Letrik KT Soon Heng • Home Improvements!

Home make-over!

We woke up early and left the resthouse bound for the home to start a load of laundry before heading to our breakfast destination a short walk away. Situated across Jalan Sultan Ismail and right beside our neighbour, Ah Tee's furniture shop stood Kedai Makan Ezan affectionately known as Pok Loh (Uncle Abdullah, or Loh for short).  We naturally ordered the Nasi Dagang, and with a round of drinks our first breakfast in Kuala Terengganu came to RM16.50 (approximately USD4/EUR3).

We then walked back across to the home, but continued on to Elektrik KT Soon Heng along Jalan Pejabat where we got several items for a total of RM55.00 (approximately USD4/EUR3). We then walked back to the home and waited for Ah Seng the electrician to arrive. 

A week before our trip to Kuala Terengganu, at Ah Seng's recommendation we contacted Mrs Tang of Kejuruteraan Letrik Dan Hawa Dingin Tahiti to place an order for a 1-horsepower Daikin air conditioner. We paid Mrs Tang the amount of RM1,180.00 (approximately USD278/EUR239) via bank transfer and arranged for Ah Seng to collect it.

At the same time as we waited for Ah Seng to arrive we also made arrangements with Hafiz to drop by the home to dispose of several old furniture. A collection and disposal fee of RM200.00 (approximately USD47/EUR41) was agreed and Hafiz duly arrived at 11:20am to began work on collecting the two old iron single bed frames and three kitchen cabinets. His crew was done with the job fifteen minutes later, we then transferred the agreed fee to him via QR code and he was off to the dumpsite.

Ah Seng duly arrived soon after at 11:45am and began work installing the aircon in the little room on the ground floor that was now vacant. An old, antiquated unit had been installed before making the job a lot easier since it was all a matter of replacing the old with the new. This should be among the last steps before the home is liveable inhabitable again. 

We were considering installing another aircon in the big bedroom upstairs but left it for another time. We hoped to have the home ready for habitation by Chinese New Year next year, as we planned for a weeks’ stay then.

We went about our chores as Cat pottered around the house and I worked on our videos while Ah Seng and his assistant installed the new aircon. Midway they left to collect several essential items and came back after lunch to resume work.

Lunchtime came and went but we were too engrossed in our respective chores to have the desire to go out so we ordered in with the Grab food app, both settling on Nasi Minyak Daging from Parsley Cafe for a total of RM27.80 (approximately USD7/EUR6).

Our identical Nasi Minyak arrived at 1:30pm, and with lunch sorted we resumed work, while Ah Seng was done with the aircon installation a few hours later. We transferred the agreed installation fee including parts and labout of RM520.00 (approximately USD123/EUR105) to him via QR code and he was off for the day.  

We then discovered a leak in the kitchen sink's pipes so we got in touch with our regular plumber Ah Huat. He turned up at 4:00pm Ah Seng and his assistant were leaving. After assessing the damage Ah Huat left to get some parts and supplies before commencing with the repair work. 

Ah Huat was finally done fixing the leaky kitchen sink at 5:30pm, and after paying him the agreed fee of RM100.00 (approximately USD23/EUR20) in cash he was too was off for the day.  All major works were done for the day, and we heaved a sigh of relief.

Stay tuned for our next video as we head out for an early dinner of flour-dipped seafood!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

MS RESTHOUSE - https://maps.app.goo.gl/BiKzwqqxG7ZtuJ1y6

Lim Sian Tian - https://maps.app.goo.gl/4kvZXShVMfFectb48

Kedai Makan Ezan - https://maps.app.goo.gl/MNsuwRnQxUSv2G4Q9

Elektrik KT Soon Heng - https://maps.app.goo.gl/V9dtxcEbRxX9kmyG6