Saturday, 27 September 2025

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)

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Tuesday, 16 September 2025

JHB Day 4 │ R&F Mall to City One!

Going Home

We woke up on our own at 6:40 in the morning and got ready for the day. One by one, Cat and Brendan followed, and we spent about an hour packing our things and preparing to leave.

Checking Out

After one last check of the apartment to make sure nothing was left behind, we headed down to the lobby. We dropped the access cards into the designated mailbox and sent a few photos to Jacie, our host. Once that was done, we walked out, ready to begin the journey home.

Choosing a Better Way Back

We had arranged a six seater Grab car to pick us up at 8:30am for RM35.00. As we had shared earlier, the Aeroline bus back to Kuala Lumpur only left in the evening, which meant reaching home close to midnight.

To avoid that, we searched for another option and found the Causeway Link Express, which left at 10:00am from KSL. Our Grab ride would take us there.

A Calm Start Turns Rushed

The Grab car arrived a little early, and we reached KSL Hotel in just ten minutes. With more than an hour to spare, we decided to wait at the Starbucks inside the hotel. The coffee machine was not working, so we ordered iced and hot drinks along with a few sandwiches. It was a relaxed way to spend the time.

Then, out of nowhere, we received a call from the bus company. They told us the bus was about to leave without us. It turned out the pick up point was not KSL Hotel, but KSL Mall next door.

A Dash We Won’t Forget

Thankfully, it was only a short run over, but we were quite flustered. With the confusion, the rush, and the looks from the driver and passengers, it was not our finest moment. In the hurry, we also forgot to record any footage. Lesson learned—we decided we would stick with Aeroline in the future whenever possible.

The Journey North

About two hours into the ride, the bus stopped at the Tangkak rest area. After a short break, we continued on our way. We arrived at Berjaya Times Square at exactly 3:35 in the afternoon.

From there, we took one last six seater Grab car home. Reaching our doorstep, we finally felt the journey come to a close.

Be sure to catch our next series of videos as we headed back to Batavia to finish some long awaited shopping!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

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Monday, 15 September 2025

JHB Day 3 │ Gardens by the Bay!

Off the Bucket List

If yesterday was about the Merlion and Changi’s waterfalls, then today was all about Gardens by the Bay and Haji Lane. We were excited to finally tick these places off our list.

Rainy Start at Gardens by the Bay

We came out of the Gardens by the Bay MRT station and were greeted by heavy rain. We waited for a while, but when it did not stop, we decided to move on—at least as far as Satay by the Bay. There, we chose to wait for the weather to improve and ordered two iced lemongrass drinks, an orange juice, popiah, and rojak. The food kept us happy as we waited, and the total came to SGD18.90 (≈ MYR58/USD15/EUR13).

Exploring in Full Swing

By half past eleven, the rain had eased into a light drizzle. That was our cue to begin exploring properly. We walked around, enjoyed the views, and took plenty of photos. Before long, we reached the famous domed conservatories and decided to go inside.

We paid SGD46.00 (≈ MYR143/USD36/EUR31) per person to enter both the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest. Walking into the Flower Dome felt like stepping into another world, filled with plants from many parts of the globe, all under one huge glass roof.

Nature and Dinosaurs

After the Flower Dome, we moved on to the Cloud Forest. Surrounded by lush greenery and cool air, we learned about ancient plants that once grew alongside dinosaurs. Brendan especially loved the Jurassic themed experience, which included large dinosaur displays and interactive zones that made everything feel alive.

We spent more than two hours enjoying both conservatories, completely absorbed in the beauty and the stories they told.

On to the Next Stop

When we finally left Gardens by the Bay, we walked toward Marina Bay Sands Hotel. From there, we called a Grab car and headed to our last stop of the day, ready for another adventure.

Be sure to catch our previous video to see what we did next!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

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JHB Day 3 │ Another Day Trip to SIN!

Morning Rush Across the Causeway

We woke up before sunrise and left the Airbnb at five to seven in the morning. Our goal was to reach the Johor Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine complex early. This time, we skipped breakfast and walked to the main entrance of R&F Mall to catch the 7:10am free shuttle bus.

Joining the Daily Commute

Traffic was heavy, and it took almost twenty minutes to reach the Johor Bahru checkpoint. Since it was a normal workday, we experienced the real morning rush of thousands of Malaysians heading to work in Singapore.

We followed the same steps as the day before, except this time we ended up in a random queue. In the end, we boarded bus 170 at 7:45am and arrived at the Woodlands checkpoint, paying SGD1.90 (≈ MYR6/USD2/EUR1). We cleared Singapore immigration by eight.

Breakfast at Causeway Point

After immigration, we went down to the bus terminal. We first thought about taking a Causeway Link bus into town, but they only accepted credit cards. After asking an officer, we were advised to take bus 950 to Causeway Point.

We boarded at half past eight and arrived fifteen minutes later. The first thing we did was look for breakfast. After walking around, we chose Toast Box. We ordered two traditional toast sets, one kaya toast, and a Teh C cold. Breakfast cost us SGD23.80 (≈ MYR73/USD19/EUR16) and was well worth the wait.

MRT to Gardens by the Bay

By a quarter to ten, we were done eating. Cat even made friends with a group of local ladies and posed for photos together. Soon after, we walked to the MRT station and boarded a train at 10:00am heading toward Bayshore.

After eighteen stops and forty five minutes, we arrived at Gardens by the Bay, paying SGD2.33 (≈ MYR7/USD2/EUR2). We spent the next couple of hours exploring and filming these modern sights.

Afternoon in the City

We met you again as we left Gardens by the Bay and walked toward Marina Bay Sands. From the hotel lobby, we called a Grab car to Haji Lane for SGD7.40 (≈ MYR23/USD6/EUR5) and arrived there at exactly two.

We chose Prince Coffee House for lunch and ordered several dishes along with iced Chinese tea and a large bottle of Tiger beer. Lunch came to SGD73.70 (≈ MYR227/USD58/EUR49) and left us completely full.

Heading Back North

Later, we made our way to Bugis station and took the Green Line to City Hall. From there, we switched to the Red Line toward Jurong East. After sixteen stops and fifty minutes, we arrived back at Causeway Point, paying another SGD2.33 (≈ MYR7/USD2/EUR2).

Before leaving, we stopped at Old Chang Kee and bought half a dozen curry puffs. At 4:32pm, we boarded bus 950 back to Woodlands and crossed the border once more. We came out of the Johor Bahru CIQ at 5:10pm and took a short Grab ride back to R&F Mall.

A New Respect for Daily Commuters

We reached home by half past five with a new respect for Malaysians who make this journey every workday. Later that evening, Brendan went out again to buy dinner from Uncle Five Coffee downstairs.

Stay tuned for the next video to find out how we go on at Gardens by the Bay!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

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Sunday, 14 September 2025

JHB Day 2 │ Day Trip to SIN Part 2!

Changi Airport Stopover

We met you again after arriving at Changi Airport, paying a final fare of SGD2.17 (≈ MYR7/USD2/EUR1). Since it was already lunchtime, we walked around for a short while before looking for somewhere nearby to eat. After asking a few people, we were guided to the food court at Terminal 1.

Lunch at Terminal 1

At the food court, we chose Roost, a chicken rice stall that looked inviting. We ordered Yin Yang chicken rice, soya sauce chicken rice, tom yum soup with rice, two Coca Colas, and an iced lemongrass drink. The total came to SGD52.28 (≈ MYR161/USD41/EUR35). The meal was filling and gave us a welcome break after the morning journey.

Waterfalls of Changi

After lunch, we went searching for Changi’s famous waterfalls. We first walked to Terminal 2 to film the digital Wonderfall. Once we were done, we took the Skytrain to Terminal 1 to see the HSBC Rain Vortex, known as the tallest indoor waterfall in the world. With both stops completed, we felt very satisfied.

Heading Back Across the Island

We turned back and made our way to the Changi Airport train station. At 3:00pm, we caught a train to Tanah Merah, then switched to the Green Line heading toward Tuas Link. We got off at City Hall and changed again, this time to the Red Line bound for Jurong East.

By 4:15pm, we arrived back at Causeway Point, paying a total fare of SGD2.43 (≈ MYR8/USD2/EUR2). From there, we boarded the same 950 bus at ten to five, returned to Woodlands Checkpoint, and crossed back into Johor Bahru.

Stay tuned for the previous video to see how everything turned out after that!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

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JHB Day 2 │ Day Trip to SIN Part 1!

Lion City Crossing

We met you again after we made our way through the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine complex. The journey was busy, but we were excited to cross the border once more.

From R&F to the Border

We got off the free shuttle bus from R&F Mall and joined the long flow of commuters heading toward Malaysian immigration. We followed everyone through a long and winding corridor before stopping to choose between Platforms A and B.

We went with Platform B and continued following the crowd until we reached the lane for bus 950. We boarded the bus at 9:20am, paying RM2.10 each. Ten minutes later, we arrived at the Singapore checkpoint.

Clearing Singapore Immigration

At the checkpoint, things took longer than expected. We spent almost an hour trying to complete our Visit Pass application. We tried using our phones and the self service kiosks, but nothing worked at first. In the end, a kind officer stepped in and helped us solve the issue. Thanks to her, we finally cleared Singapore immigration at 10:15am.

We had officially entered our third ASEAN country!

Into Singapore Proper

Next, we queued again for bus 950. After a long wait, we boarded at 10:30am for SGD1.90 and reached Causeway Point fifteen minutes later. From there, we went to the ticket counter and learned that our old EZ Link cards had expired. Seeing their six year lifespan made us realise how long it had been since our last visit.

We bought three new EZ Link cards for SGD10.00 each. Even though each card already had some value, we topped them up with SGD20.00 each at a nearby kiosk to be safe.

Visiting the Merlion

We wanted to see the Merlion, so we asked for directions at the ticket counter. We were told to go to Platform B and take a train to Raffles Place. At eleven, we boarded a Red Line train heading toward Marina South Pier. After seventeen stops, we arrived at Raffles Place about forty five minutes later.

We exited the station and walked a short distance to the Merlion. We spent some time taking photos and enjoying the view before heading back to the station.

Onward to Changi

At half past noon, we boarded a Green Line train toward Pasir Ris. We got off at Tanah Merah and crossed to Platform C, where we caught another train bound for Changi at 1:00pm.

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

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

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JHB Day 2 │ R&F Mall to CIQ and Beyond!

Day Trip Across the Border

We woke up at seven in the morning, ready for a day trip to visit our neighbours down south. By eight, we were out the door and heading to the ground floor. We walked around for a short while before choosing Empire Bistro for breakfast.

Breakfast to Start the Day

At Empire Bistro, we kept things simple and ordered thosai, roti canai, two roti telur cheese, two iced lemon teas, and a hot Nescafe. The total bill came to RM25.10 (≈USD6/EUR5), which felt like great value. After eating, we felt ready to start our journey.

Heading to CIQ

About half an hour later, we looked for ways to reach the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine complex. By chance, we noticed a group of people waiting at a bus stop near the main entrance of R&F Mall. We asked a friendly lady, and she told us they were all waiting for a free shuttle bus to CIQ.

We boarded the bus at a quarter to nine and arrived just five minutes later. Soon after, we made our way across the border.

Back in Johor Bahru

We came out of the same CIQ at five past five in the evening, more than seven hours later. This time, we chose the pedestrian bridge. The 650 metre walk brought us back to R&F Mall without trouble.

Feeling ready for a break, we went for tea at Jubilee Nanyang Coffee. We ordered two kaya and butter toasts, Jubilee’s bolo bun, an iced cincau milk tea, an iced virgin mojito, and an iced tea. The total cost was RM46.35 (≈USD12/EUR10).

Evening at R&F

Before returning to our unit, we stopped by Level 3A to look around. We visited the swimming pool, walked through the landscaped garden, and checked out the gym. After that, we finally went back to the Airbnb to rest.

Dinner After a Long Day

At eight in the evening, we headed out again for dinner. After walking more than fifteen thousand steps earlier in the day, we were very hungry and wanted a proper rice based meal. We chose Pao Xiang Bak Kut Teh and ordered several dishes along with fragrant rice and iced Chinese tea. The total came to RM116.60 (≈USD30/EUR25).

After dinner, we walked around the mall’s main lobby, where a food fair was taking place. We picked up a few items before heading back upstairs. We hoped to sleep early after such a long and full day.

Stay tuned for the next video as we made a return trip back to the Lion City!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

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Saturday, 13 September 2025

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

Home Away from Home

We met you again at Persada Johor International Convention Centre at 6:30pm. After collecting our luggage, we called for a six seater Grab car. The ride to R&F Mall cost us RM11.00 (≈USD3/EUR2) and was short and smooth.

Checking In at R&F

Once we reached the mall, we followed the check in instructions carefully. We walked to Block A3 1, near the Fried Thing restaurant. There, we scanned a QR code to register and collected the access card for our stay.

Our unit was hosted by H&H R&F Homestay, and it became our home for the next three nights. We paid RM241.25 (≈USD62/EUR53) per night. Because it was so close to the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine complex, we felt it offered very good value.

Settling Into the Unit

We found the lift to Block A3 1, tapped our access card, and went up to Level 8. Our unit was 3A. After entering the passcode, we stepped inside and safely put away our yellow submarines. We then took a short walk around the unit to show you the space.

Evening Errands and Dinner

Later, we went back down to the ground floor for a quick meal at Burger King. After that, we stopped by KK Mart to stock up on supplies. We also walked over to Infinity Exchange to buy some Singapore dollars, but it was closed for a dinner break.

While waiting, we headed to Mr DIY to get Brendan a phone charger. We then visited Guardian Pharmacy to pick up a few items. By the time we returned, Infinity Exchange was open again, so we bought SGD300 (≈MYR923/USD237/EUR201) in cash for our trip the next day.

Ending the Day

Our last stop for the night was Uncle Five Coffee, where we ordered drinks to take away. After that, we returned to the homestay, relaxed, and settled in for the night.

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

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

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

Johor Bahru Journey Begins

We woke up before sunrise and made sure we left the house by half past seven. We had planned ahead and booked a six seater Grab car the night before, set to pick us up at eight. This time, Brendan came along with us too, which made the day even more exciting.

Right on time, the car arrived. The fare was higher than usual at RM30.00 (≈USD8/EUR7), but the ride was smooth. Ten minutes later, we reached Corus Hotel with plenty of time to spare before our bus departed.

Breakfast Before the Road Trip

Since we had more than two hours to wait, we decided to have breakfast at Dondang Sayang Coffee House inside the hotel. We enjoyed a relaxed meal that cost RM34.80 (≈USD9/EUR8) per person. It was a good way to start the day and prepare for the long journey ahead.

We felt happy to be heading back to Johor Bahru again, especially with our favourite bus company, Aeroline. Because of the four day weekend for Malaysia Day, we booked our tickets online in advance for RM72.00 (≈USD19/EUR16) each. Our bus was scheduled to leave at 10:30 in the morning.

A Slow Start on the Road

The bus arrived early at 10:00am, but it left later than planned because the food delivery was late. In the end, we departed at 10:37am. Our bus, numbered VBR8808, was meant to reach Persada Johor International Convention Centre about five hours later.

About half an hour into the trip, we passed the Sungai Besi Toll Plaza. From there, traffic became heavier and slower. After two hours, we had only reached Seremban. An hour later, things finally improved near Senawang, and the driver tried to make up for the lost time.

A Much Needed Rest Stop

At 3:10pm, we stopped at the Pagoh rest area for a break. Brendan and we got off the bus first. Since we were not familiar with the place, we walked through several corridors before finding the washrooms. Even so, the short break helped us feel refreshed.

The bus continued its journey at 3:45pm. At around 6:00pm, we passed the Skudai Toll Plaza, and we knew we were almost there.

Arrival in Johor Bahru

We finally arrived at Persada Johor International Convention Centre at 6:30pm. After a long but memorable journey, we were glad to be back in Johor Bahru.

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

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

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Dondang Sayang Coffee House - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Fxh7Z2TGsi5nVwg7A
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Sunday, 7 September 2025

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

One Last Breakfast

We woke up at 6:30am and walked down to Le Blason half an hour later for our complimentary buffet breakfast. When we arrived at seven, Brendan was already eating, just like the day before. We took our time, made several trips to the buffet table, and finished an hour later.

Packing Up and Checking Out

After breakfast, we returned to our room to pack. Once everything was ready, we brought our bags down to Level  2 and loaded them into BiBi. Then we headed up to the lobby, checked out, and left Colmar Tropicale about fifteen minutes later.

Smooth Drive Back

Traffic along the Karak Highway was very smooth, and we reached Kuala Lumpur within an hour. From there, we drove to NU Sentral to visit the Malaysia Airlines office and ask about changing our travel dates for an upcoming trip to Medan.

We managed to move our flights from February to June 2026, with an extra fee of RM183 each (about USD43 / EUR37).

A Quick Food Run

Before heading home, we stopped by some of our favourite spots. At Yamasaki, we bought RM38.40 (about USD9 / EUR8) worth of buns. I then picked up three Fried Chicken Krapow sets from Thai Street Food for RM35.70 (about USD8 / EUR7), while Cat bought half a dozen egg tarts from Milk & Barley for RM36.30 (about USD8 / EUR7).

All of that cost less than our dinner at Colmar Tropicale the night before — funny how that works.

Home Again

We returned to BiBi and drove home, arriving at 11:45am. It felt good to be back after our short but refreshing escape to Bukit Tinggi.

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

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

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Saturday, 6 September 2025

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)

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Friday, 5 September 2025

BT Day 1 │ Colmar Tropicale!

A French Resort in the Hills

Colmar Tropicale called itself a “French” resort, inspired by 16th century Colmar in Alsace. According to their website, the design also borrowed from nearby villages like Riquewihr, Turckheim, and Kaysersberg. The resort had 235 rooms, several restaurants, and spaces for meetings and events.

We picked you up again after breakfast at Leng’s Cafe. The last time we were here was many years ago for my sister Ginny’s wedding, so this visit felt a little nostalgic.

Waiting to Check In

We arrived at 11:00am, parked BiBi, and walked to the hotel lobby. Since our rooms were not ready, we left our bags with the hotel and were asked to return at one.

With time to spare, we wandered along the main street and eventually ended up at Starbucks. We ordered a round of drinks for RM79.10 (about USD19 / EUR16) and spent the next hour and a half relaxing and people watching.

Getting Our Rooms

We returned to the lobby at 12:45pm and completed our registration. Our room keys were finally ready at 2:15pm, and we headed to the Gazania Block. Brendan’s room faced the street, while ours looked out onto a quiet garden.

Each room cost RM207.36 a night (about USD49 / EUR42), including breakfast for two. For us, it felt like good value.

We settled in, took showers, and enjoyed a short nap before heading out again.

Dinner at La Poulet Roti

At seven in the evening, we stepped out for dinner and discovered that La Poulet Roti was actually on the ground floor of our own block. The menu was small, so we chose the Family Feast set, which included:

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

The set cost RM120. With a Café Latte and two Coca Colas added, our total came to RM147 (about USD35 / EUR30) for our first dinner in Bukit Tinggi.

Ending the Day

After dinner, we took a slow walk around the resort to enjoy the lights and cool air. When we were done exploring, we returned to our rooms and called it a night.

Stay tuned as we enjoy the buffet breakfast at Le Blason the next morning.

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

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

Returning to the Road

We came back to Kuala Lumpur yesterday afternoon after a seven day trip along the east coast states of Terengganu and Kelantan. Even though we had barely rested for twenty four hours, we were already packing again. This time we were heading just an hour northeast, and Brendan joined us for the short getaway.

Leaving Home Early

We left our home at eight in the morning and went down to the parking level, where BiBi was still resting after yesterday’s long drive. We loaded our bags, set the GPS, and aimed for Leng’s Cafe in Bukit Tinggi.

The drive was smooth and quiet, which surprised us since it was a public holiday and the start of a three day weekend. In forty five minutes we reached the small hilltop hamlet of Bukit Tinggi.

Breakfast at Leng’s Café

Leng’s Cafe sat on a hill across from The Enclave condo, and it seemed like most of its customers came from there. We looked through the menu and ordered:

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

Since check in at our resort would only be at 3:00pm, we decided to stay longer and added:

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

The total came to RM147 (about USD35 / EUR30). We spent the next hour enjoying the cool air and peaceful view before leaving at 10:30am.

Heading to Colmar Tropicale

Half an hour later we arrived at Colmar Tropicale, the “French” style resort in the hills. Stay tuned as we check in and explore this little slice of Europe in Malaysia.

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

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Thursday, 4 September 2025

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

Leaving Kota Bharu Before Dawn

It was the seventh and final day of our east coast road trip. We woke up before dawn, checked out of the hotel at 6:00am, and loaded our luggage into BiBi. Instead of taking the usual route through Gua Musang, Kuala Lipis, and Raub — a long journey across almost the entire state of Kelantan — we chose a different plan.

We set our course for the Kuala Terengganu Toll Plaza at Kampung Gemuruh, about three hours away. From there, it would be a straight and far more relaxing drive along the highway toward Karak.

The Long Drive Begins

We started driving before sunrise and soon found ourselves on the Kota Bharu–Kuala Terengganu federal route. By a little past eight, we reached the Kuala Terengganu Toll Plaza and stopped for a quick toilet break. We were relieved — the hardest part of the journey was already behind us.

Once the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is completed in 2026, long drives like this will become a thing of the past. Still, recent concerns about cable theft raised by Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd could affect the project’s timeline.

Breakfast and Coffee Stops

Twenty minutes later, we stopped at the Ajil rest area for breakfast:

  • Roti Goyang (each)
  • hot Nescafe
  • Iced Milk Tea


Everything came to RM19 (about USD4/EUR5). We resumed our drive at 9:00am and stopped again at the Paka rest area forty five minutes later because I needed a strong black coffee to stay awake.

At 10:10am, we continued driving and made one more stop at the Gambang rest area to refuel at the Petronas station.

Back in Kuala Lumpur

We reached Kuala Lumpur at 12:15pm — making the total drive just a little over six hours. After navigating city traffic, we arrived at Syed Bistro at 1:00pm and ordered:

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

Since we weren’t planning to go out for dinner, we also added:

  • Regular Cheese Naan
  • Tarik Cheese Naan
  • 2 regular Naan
  • Tandoori Chicken

Everything came to RM72.15 (about USD17/EUR15).

Home at Last

After lunch, we made the short drive back to our condo and arrived at 2:30pm. It felt good to be home after a week on the road.

Stay tuned as we enjoy a laid back forty eight hours in a “French” resort tomorrow.

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
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Wednesday, 3 September 2025

KBR Day 1 │ Branch Visit • Restoran Khas!

An Afternoon Branch Visit

After lunch at the Lobby Café, we headed back to the room. I took a quick shower, changed into office wear, and left the hotel at 3:30pm. I hailed a Grab car for RM7 (about USD2/EUR1) and made my way to the local branch office.

I was welcomed by the branch head and waited until the last customer was served before giving my briefing on the new internal core system scheduled to go live at the end of the year. The session went smoothly, and as always, I appreciated the chance to meet my counterparts here.

When we wrapped up, I said my goodbyes and took another RM7 Grab ride back to the hotel to rest.

Dinner and Laundry

By dinnertime, we didn’t feel adventurous, so we kept things simple and walked to Restoran Khas just outside the hotel on Jalan Sultanah Zainab. Before eating, we dropped a load of laundry at Fafa Laundry 2, only a few doors away.

At Restoran Khas, after six days of east coast flavours, we decided to switch things up and ordered Chinese dishes:

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

The total came to RM62 (about USD15/EUR13). Midway through dinner, I dashed over to move our laundry from the washer to the dryer.

A Rainy End to the Night

After finishing our meal, we returned to Fafa Laundry 2 to collect our clothes. A sudden downpour kept us waiting for a while before we could walk back to the hotel. Once the rain eased, we made our way back and settled in for what we hoped would be an early night.

Looking Ahead

Tomorrow we begin the long ten hour drive back to Kuala Lumpur at the crack of dawn.

Stay tuned as we make our way home.

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:
Hotel ibis Styles Kota Bharu - https://maps.app.goo.gl/AcuVrhsyBPzkMnd88
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KBR Day 1 │ Lim Sian Tian to ibis Styles!

Leaving Kuala Terengganu

We woke up at seven and began our final round of packing before checking out of the rest house. By eight, we were ready to go. We loaded our luggage into BiBi and drove over to the home for one last visit.

Before leaving town, we walked to Abid Corner for breakfast and ordered:

  • Nasi Dagang (both of us)
  • hot Black Coffee
  • Iced Tea

Everything came to a modest RM13 (about USD/EUR3). After breakfast, we returned to the home for a final check to make sure everything was locked and secure.

The Drive North

Satisfied that the home was safe, we began our drive to Kota Bharu at nine. Instead of taking the federal route, we chose the scenic coastal road. The sea breeze and ocean views helped us stay calm despite the slow drivers along the way.

After about three hours, we reached our accommodation for the night: Hotel ibis Styles Kota Bharu. Our Superior Twin Room cost RM246.24 (about USD58 / EUR50). The room itself was modern and comfortable, but we were disappointed by the faint smell of stale cigarette smoke on the entire floor, even though it was supposed to be non smoking.

Lunch at the Hotel

We dropped off our luggage and headed to the hotel restaurant, only to find it closed for a private event. So we tried the Lobby Café instead and ordered:

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

The total came to RM62 (about USD15/EUR13). After lunch, we returned to the room so I could shower and change into office wear.
Looking Ahead

With lunch done and the room sorted, it was time for me to prepare for my branch visit in Kota Bharu.

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

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:
Hotel ibis Styles Kota Bharu - https://maps.app.goo.gl/AcuVrhsyBPzkMnd88
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Tuesday, 2 September 2025

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

A Penultimate Day with a Purpose

It was our fifth and second last day in Kuala Terengganu, and I had an appointment with my colleagues at our branch office later in the morning. We woke up at seven and walked to a small stall near the home that sold rice based breakfast dishes and hot drinks.

We ordered:

  • Nasi Dagang (each)
  • hot Nescafe
  • iced Milk Tea

Our neighbour Ah Tee happened to be there and kindly paid for our meal, so we never found out the exact price. Only later did we learn the stall’s name: Abid Corner.

Getting Ready for Work

We walked back to the home, and I got ready for my branch visit. Tony, a friend of Ah Tee, had arranged for a cleaner to come by to mop the upstairs floor and wipe the windows. I said goodbye to Cat, who stayed behind to wait for him, and drove BiBi to the Central Bank building on Jalan Sultan Mohamad.

The branch head welcomed me, and I spent the next few hours giving a briefing on a new internal core system scheduled to go live at the end of the year. It was a productive session, and I was glad to reconnect with my counterparts here.

Lunch at Pasar Payang

After the meeting, I returned to pick up Cat and we drove to Pasar Kedai Payang, where the food court behind the annexe building offered plenty of choices. At Nasi Dagang Kak Sal, we ordered:

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

Everything came to a modest RM17.50 (about USD/EUR4).

We then visited Salmah’s dried food stall and stocked up on:

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

The total was RM232 (about USD55/EUR47). With our pantry supplies replenished, we drove back to the home to rest while I continued editing our videos.

A Quiet Evening

I wasn’t feeling my best, so we walked back to the rest house at six to start packing. For dinner, we decided to stay in and ordered through Grab. From Kedai Mesup Oren, we chose:

  • Mee Goreng Mamak Ayam
  • Maggi Goreng Kerang
  • Air Batu Campur

The total was RM25.90 (about USD6/EUR5). Our food arrived at 7:30pm, and we enjoyed dinner together in the lounge downstairs before calling it an early night.
Looking Ahead

Tomorrow we check out of the rest house, lock up the home, and begin the long drive up to Kota Bharu.

Stay tuned for the next chapter of our east coast journey!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:
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Monday, 1 September 2025

TGG Day 4 │ A & I Selera!

A Change in Plans

I worked through the afternoon while Cat took a much needed rest. By evening, we were craving authentic Terengganu food, so we decided to head out to Kedai Makan MYM for dinner. Despite our neighbour’s warnings about traffic, we thought we could handle the short two kilometre drive near Istana Maziah.

MYM was first introduced to us by my good buddy Vinodh, and we’ve loved it ever since — especially their Daging Goreng Kunyit with Nasi Lemak. So it was a real disappointment to find the restaurant closed.

Searching for Dinner

With no choice but to move on, we continued along Jalan Tok Lam, turned left onto Jalan Sultan Ismail, then right onto Jalan Sultan Omar. Here we spotted a row of lively eateries. We parked in front of Abang Damak but walked back to A & I Selera, which looked more popular.

After studying the menu, we ordered:

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

The total came to RM62 (about USD15/EUR13) — our first slightly pricey meal since arriving in Kuala Terengganu.

Wrapping Up the Day

Once we finished dinner, we hopped back into BiBi and returned to the home. We spent about an hour tying up loose ends before walking back to the rest house to wind down for the night.

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

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

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

An Unexpected Extension

This was supposed to be our fourth and final day in Kuala Terengganu, and we had planned to drive back to Kuala Lumpur. But a sudden work assignment meant we had to extend our stay by two more nights — and honestly, we didn’t mind at all.

We slept in after the tiring day before and woke up at 9:00am, only to discover that I had been logged out of my Telegram app. I couldn’t log back in, and after checking, I realised my account had been taken over by a number starting with +1 562 — a Los Angeles area code. Not the best way to start the morning.

A Slow Start

We decided not to panic. After showering, we walked to the home and started a load of laundry. Our usual breakfast stall was closed, and Kedai Makan Ezan was closed too, so we continued to Jalan Pejabat and found Warung Pok Long open. Most dishes were already sold out, but we managed to get white rice with fried chicken and sambal. With drinks, breakfast cost a modest RM14 (about USD/EUR3).

The stall also sold Pulut Lepa (Pulut Panggang), a grilled glutinous rice snack wrapped in banana leaves. It turned out to be a local favourite and usually sold out within an hour. Since they had just started grilling, we ordered ten pieces to collect forty five minutes later.

Morning Chores

While waiting, we walked around looking for rope to secure our canopy at the porch. We found what we needed at GNH Plastic, along with a few other items, for RM28 (about USD7/EUR6). Then we returned to the home to continue our chores. I worked on securing my new Telegram account and edited videos, while Cat continued cleaning.

At noon, Ah Seng and his assistant arrived to fix the wall sockets in the small downstairs room where the new aircon had been installed. The job took ten minutes, but he stayed for an hour chatting and sharing stories about our infamous neighbours who had apparently run off to Kuala Lumpur.

A Simple Afternoon

A neighbour advised us not to drive out for lunch because traffic was terrible due to Merdeka celebrations. We weren’t very hungry anyway, so we ate the Pulut Panggang we had ordered earlier.

I continued working on videos throughout the afternoon while Cat took a well deserved rest.

Ending the Day

It was a strange day — part stressful, part productive, part peaceful — but we made the best of it.

Please stay tuned as we head out for dinner at a new favourite restaurant serving authentic local dishes.

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:
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