Saturday Stroll │ MyeongDong Topokki

A Craving for Korean Food

Happy National Recovery Plan (NRP) Phase 4, Kuala Lumpur!

Cat had a sudden hankering for Korean cuisine, so we decided to head to MyeongDong Topokki, located inside Selera Street Food Court on the 4th floor of Sunway Putra Mall.

A Small Disappointment

Much to Cat’s disappointment, they were out of her favourite Bibimbap. So she settled for the Bulgogi Chicken Deopbap, while I ordered the same dish — but with Beef instead.

Despite the initial let down, we enjoyed our lunch. The flavours were comforting, and the portions were just right for a mid day meal.

The Damage

Our total came to RM40.30 (≈ USD10/EUR9). A little pricey by our usual standards, but Korean food is still considered a bit of a novelty here, so we didn’t mind paying a little extra for the treat.

A Satisfying Stop

All in all, it was a simple, satisfying lunch — and it certainly hit the spot for Cat’s Korean craving.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

MyeongDong Topokki Sunway Putra Mall - https://goo.gl/maps/38YMc7cWqC1axkkFA

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

I remember... Kuala Terengganu

Happy Birthday Vivi!

Kuala Terengganu. 

I spent all my youth here. My earliest memory as a child was running buck naked along a kampung lane, living in a humble kampung house with no running water. I remember taking baths by a well and depending on an outhouse to do my ‘business.’ Kampung Nesan Empat is a distant memory, a haunting memory that stayed with me.

I also remember living in a house in the general vicinity of Jalan Pejabat dubbed the "ghost" house. I remember being friends with a girl next door called Ah Lan who lived with her elder siblings that were very fond of using (unbeknownst to me at the time) very 'colourful' language. I remember my father being rather 'temperamental' then, and I remember a ten-year-old me running away from home in the dead of night in absolute fear of incurring my father's wrath. "Ghost" house indeed.

I remember living a quite nomadic life, having moved house many times before finally settling down at Kampung Padang (somehow later know as Jalan Air Jernih). This house belonged to my grandparents and was one of the last ‘residential’ houses still standing in the town of Kuala Terengganu until it was sold and torn down more than ten years ago.

18 Kampung Padang, later 18 Jalan Air Jernih (belakang Hotel Warisan)

I remember walking every day to my primary school (Sekolah Rendah Sultan Sulaiman 2) a kilometre away, being bullied by a boy in Standard Six and having my books thrown out of the classroom, strewn all over the branches of a tree. I remember my first crush when I was twelve, her Malay name translated to English says Princess Diana! It was also about the same time that I started wearing underwear.

I remember moving to a house my father bought when I was thirteen in Bukit Payong. In the days before wide and immaculately paved roads and slick highways I felt like I was living in a remote village, disconnected from the world. The house in Bukit Payong was fun, and each school break was spent riding my bicycle all over even ending up in Chendering beach some twenty kilometres away.

I remember going to school took what felt like an eternity, catching the school bus at 10am only to arrive at school three hours later. I guess my parents grew tired of the commute and eventually sold the house. We moved back to the town of Kuala Terengganu and became nomads again moving several times more.

I remember frequenting a stall in Kampung Cina to have my 'ceranang' fix. It was a hole-in-the-wall stall fondly referred to as "Mok Mek Ceranang" that sold ridiculously cheap food and beverages. The stall was located at the back of a store that sold Marvel, DC, and other comic books that I could not afford. What I wouldn't give for another taste of the Auntie’s ceranang (I have no idea how to describe 'ceranang', perhaps you could Google it?).

*Vinodh later reminded me that the name of the ceranang cum comic book shop was Chee Sek!

I remember playing football on the beach, cycling my red racing bike to secondary school (Sekolah Menengah Sultan Sulaiman) several times a day for classes and tennis practice after that. I remember Kris and I cutting class, hiding out at Deva’s house to watch, erm, ‘recreational’ movies on a projector. 

*Kris later reminded me of the packet of Matterhorn cigarettes we used to share at Batu Buruk beach, and in his own words "The thought of Matterhorns still gives me a sick feeling in the stomach!".

I also remember hitting puberty in a bad way and being an absolute prick to my oldest and bestest friend Vinodh. I would like to believe that I have since made amends with him, and that our friendship has stood the test of time.

I remember spending a lot of time in church rehearsing with the church band, preparing for events, and practicing carolling each December. I even remember serving as the church's Youth Council President, imagine that! Christmas time was always a wet affair, with heavy rains and flood waters rising especially around where we lived.

I remember being an awkward teen constantly feeling alone and left out. I remember looking around me in class wondering what I could do to fit in. I sadly have no fond memories of my teenaged years, outside of home and church. I do remember however, being well fed in school for not much money. A hearty lunch at the school canteen would only cost me fifty sen (RM0.50), and with RM10 in my pocket I was king of the world!

I remember moving to Kuala Lumpur in 1986 after completing my SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, equivalent to the "O" Levels) to further my studies, then work. I remember a very dark period in my life when I did not come back to visit the family for five whole years.

After the dark cloud had lifted, I remember eventually coming back to Kuala Terengganu ten years later to begin a new chapter in my life. I joined Southern Bank in June 1996, and a month later I met and fell in love with Cat.

celebrating her 21st birthday

We were married in August 1998 and a year later welcomed Brendan to the world.

Catholic Mission of Kuala Terengganu

1st August 1999... very pregnant!

a week later!

I remember the last few months we spent in Kuala Terengganu before I was transferred to Kuala Lumpur (still with Southern Bank then) to join a newly established department. We made sure to visit all our favourite eateries, and bade farewell to all our dearest friends and family.

leaving Kuala Terengganu in September 2002, never to return

Some years later my parents too relocated to Bentong. After a period of neglect our ancestral home at Kampung Padang was sold off and torn down to make way for a car park. How incredibly cliched.

Cat and I will always look back at our time in Kuala Terengganu with great fondness, and always with a tinge of melancholy. It was here that we met, fell in love, and got married. It was here that our son was born, and it was here that my career took a step in the right direction.

We will soon be back to visit Kuala Terengganu, to where it all began for me, for us. Back to the scene of many ‘crimes,’ back to where my heart never left.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

Saturday Sashay │Running Errands

Starting the Morning at Plaza Damas

Happy National Recovery Plan (NRP) Phase 4, Kuala Lumpur!

We had a few errands to run this fine Saturday morning, so our first stop was Plaza Damas. I went for a much needed haircut, while Cat headed upstairs to tend to the studio apartment that my sister left in our care.

Lunch (and Dinner) Sorted

With the morning errands done, we took care of lunch — and dinner — by packing several packets of our favourite Kelantanese mixed rice (Kak Wok) from Warung Soho. A reliable choice, and always delicious.

A Trip to Jalan Pasar

Next, we made our way to Jalan Pasar, where I stopped by Syarikat Instraco, an audio shop I’ve visited many times over the years. My mission: to find a replacement speaker for one of my old guitar amplifiers.

Long before the Vox Pathfinder 10, the Boss Katana 50 Mk2, or the Orange Crush 35RT, my faithful companion was a modest Dars 30 watt amp. It served me well for many years — until its speaker was blown out by a rather rambunctious Millennial.

A Well Deserved Upgrade

To reward this little workhorse for its years of loyal service, I picked up a Celestion Ten 30 — described as “a 10 inch guitar speaker that combines warm lows with a vocal mid range and an articulate top end.” A fitting upgrade for an amp that has been with me through countless practice sessions and late night jams.

Wrapping Up the Day

With errands completed and the Dars amp ready for revival, we headed home feeling satisfied. A productive Saturday, and a small but meaningful reward for a trusted old friend.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Plaza Damas - https://goo.gl/maps/s2FhtYzrqHchxCdW8

Waldorf Tower - https://goo.gl/maps/DGuBztxciLYQqEiR8

Warung Soho Hartamas - https://g.page/warungsoho?share

Syarikat Instraco (M) Sdn. Bhd. - https://goo.gl/maps/K6vPTFT1HdJLTUQ16

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

DJI Pocket 2 │ Timelapse Take 2

A Quick Evening Experiment

Happy National Recovery Plan (NRP) Phase 4, Kuala Lumpur!

Much like the video itself, this blog post will be short and sweet. This was our second attempt at time lapse photography, and this time we tried to capture the Kuala Lumpur skyline, with KLCC glowing in the distance as the sun slowly set.

We also put on an ND16 filter, just to see how the colours and movement would turn out.

The Result

We liked what we saw — the soft light, the gentle shift from day to dusk, and the calm rhythm of the city. It was simple, but satisfying, and it has definitely encouraged us to try more timelapse sessions at other locations in the future.

What Do You Think?

Do let us know if you enjoy these kinds of videos too. If you do, we’ll happily keep experimenting and sharing more KL sunsets with you.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Home - https://goo.gl/maps/pN3u1fwBWrsV5nfb9

SENTUL Market Hunt

Stocking Up for a Petai Feast

Happy National Recovery Plan (NRP) Phase 4, Kuala Lumpur!

A few days ago, we were at the Bentong morning market and picked up a lovely string of petai (bitter beans). Naturally, we thought it would be perfect to pair it with budu (anchovy sauce) and ikan tenggiri (mackerel) — which meant one thing: a morning market hunt at Sentul Market.

A Busy Deepavali Weekend

We arrived at the market at about 7:15am, and with Deepavali just two days away, Sentul Market was a hive of activity. The crowd was thick, the stalls were buzzing, and the energy was unmistakably festive.

We didn’t dare linger too long. We simply grabbed what we needed and made a quick retreat back to the car. As for social distancing… we’ll let the footage speak for itself.

A Good Haul

In total, we spent RM63.90 (≈ USD16 / EUR14), which we felt was a very good haul indeed — fresh ingredients, good prices, and everything we needed for our petai budu tenggiri meal.

A Simple, Productive Morning

Short, purposeful, and satisfying — just the way a morning market run should be.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Sentul Market - https://goo.gl/maps/z39P2cBxzVZbDqz87

We do what we can to support local businesses, but in the case of Sentul Market we won't be coming back anytime soon, due to the lack of adherence to related SOPs (no one scanned their MySejahtera app, hardly anyone observed social distancing). Maybe it was due to the coming Deepavali but feeling safe and reassured we were not.

DJI Pocket 2 │ Timelapse Test

A Rainy Evening Experiment

Happy National Recovery Plan (NRP) Phase 4, Kuala Lumpur!

This was our first attempt at time lapse photography, and the weather certainly made things interesting. It rained the entire evening into the night, only stopping somewhere in the middle of the first hour. Still, we mounted our DJI Pocket 2 onto a tripod, keyed in the settings, and pressed record.

A Small Mishap

Halfway through the first footage, I had the misfortune of kicking the tripod, which meant we had to restart the entire process. Not the most graceful moment, but part of the learning curve.

A Pleasant Surprise

Despite the low light conditions and the rain earlier, the final result surprised us. We honestly did not expect the DJI Pocket 2 to produce such clear and sharp footage under those circumstances.

More to Come

This little experiment has encouraged us to keep exploring timelapse photography — and to try more locations around Kuala Lumpur in the future.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

Let us know if you like these kinds of video, we'll be sure to do more of it in the future.

BEN Day 2 │ Market Hunt

An Early Start

Happy National Recovery Plan (NRP) Phase 4, Kuala Lumpur!

The next morning, we woke up early and left the hotel at 7:15am. Our destination was the morning market along Jalan Chui Yin, but before diving into the bustle, we decided to try the famous Hooi Kee Wan Ton Noodles at Yuan Kie Kopitiam nearby.

A simple, satisfying breakfast — the perfect start to a market hunt.

Browsing the Morning Market

With breakfast out of the way, we took our time browsing the stalls at the morning market. The atmosphere was lively, the vendors cheerful, and the variety of produce impressive as always.

We ended up with several bagfuls of goodies, including:

• 1 kilogram of fresh ginger
• 1 bag of tau pok (tofu puffs)
• 1 bottle of tauchu paste
• 1 bottle of ginger wine
• 1 string of petai
• 1 bunch of serai (lemongrass)
• An assortment of gao teng kueh (steamed kuih lapis / soft rice flour pudding)

A simple but satisfying haul — exactly what we came for.

Farewell, Bentong

And with that, our short sojourn in Bentong came to an end. It was a meaningful return after so long, filled with family, food, familiar streets, and the comfort of old routines.

Till we meet again, Bentong.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Locations:

Hooi Kee Wan Ton Noodles - https://goo.gl/maps/9vPc1gjiqGETj9Pw6

Yuan Kie Kopitiam - https://goo.gl/maps/zRJUtRHHrkAoq14k9

Bentong Walk - https://goo.gl/maps/egYww7P7Fj8SKugW6

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

BEN Day 1 │ BENTONG Walkabout

Returning After the Long Lockdown

Happy National Recovery Plan (NRP) Phase 4, Kuala Lumpur!

We had not been to Bentong since the first lockdown way back in March 2020, so a visit to see my parents was long overdue. They live on their own and, apart from necessary errands, have kept very much to themselves for almost two years. Thankfully, they are surrounded by a close knit network of neighbours who look out for one another and stay in constant contact.

People often describe my parents as reclusive, but in this case, that very trait served them well during the pandemic. Now that everyone has been vaccinated, they finally allowed us to visit.

A Morning With My Parents

We left Kuala Lumpur at 9:30am and reached Bentong within the hour. We spent the entire morning catching up before sitting down for lunch together. After a lazy, comfortable afternoon, we bade them farewell and drove into town to check in at Hotel Kristal.

An Afternoon Walk Through Bentong

After settling in and taking a short nap, we headed out for our usual Bentong walkabout.

We crossed Jalan Ah Peng, walked northwest past TF Value Mart, then turned onto Jalan Masjid. From there, we continued northeast until we reached the main street, Jalan Loke Yew, and turned left.

We walked past Bentong Gallery, all the way to the intersection with Jalan Padang, before looping back onto Jalan Ah Peng and heading southeast. We crossed the road again and entered Jalan Wayang, then continued along Jalan Chui Yin, passing the Bentong Chinese Town Hall.

At Bentong Walk, several stalls were selling cakes and pastries, and of course, we bought our fair share. We continued southeast along Jalan Chui Yin until we reached the hotel, stored our goodies, and headed straight to Aik Kee for dinner.

Rain, Dessert, and a Little Sadness

After dinner, we wanted to continue our walkabout, but a drizzle quickly turned into a downpour, forcing us back to the hotel.

An hour and a half later, craving dessert, we headed out again. We walked northwest along Jalan Chui Yin, only to find The Hall Coffee Bar fully occupied. We tried First Cup along Jalan Wayang, but it was closed. So we crossed Jalan Ah Peng and continued southeast until we found a place that served desserts only.

It was clear that Bentong Coffee House had been ravaged by the pandemic. As an iconic landmark in Bentong town, we can only hope it survives and finds a way to revive itself.

We had Cendol and Air Batu Campur (ABC) before walking back across Jalan Ah Peng, turning right onto Jalan Chan Siang Sun, and returning to the hotel.

Ending the Night

We turned in early — tomorrow will be our market hunt, and we want to be ready.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Locations:

TF Value-Mart Bentong (Jln Ah Peng) - https://goo.gl/maps/snr66AZz6Dta1dtP9

Bentong Gallery - https://goo.gl/maps/de2zzFvfuUGNAkji7

Bentong Chinese Town Hall - https://goo.gl/maps/QzUq3ro4tbs8zAsF9

Bentong Walk - https://goo.gl/maps/egYww7P7Fj8SKugW6

The Hall Coffee Bar - https://goo.gl/maps/DuyPJPVKexXNJ8bCA

First Cup - https://goo.gl/maps/W1FqaRmCGAmjEWga7

Bentong Coffee House - https://goo.gl/maps/2FudSUr9zVL2kHM59

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

BEN Day 1 │ AIK KEE Bentong

A Must Visit Every Trip

Happy National Recovery Plan (NRP) Phase 4, Kuala Lumpur!

Each time we come to Bentong, we would be remiss if we didn’t have dinner at Aik Kee. Just a short 2 minute walk from Hotel Kristal, Aik Kee sits on the left side of a row of eateries — and we were genuinely glad to see that it survived the pandemic and was once again welcoming dine ins.

Our Usual Favourites

As always, we ordered our tried and true dishes:

• Steamed River Catfish with Soy Sauce
• Kung Pao (Dried Chilli) Squid in a Yam Basket
• Kung Pao (Dried Chilli) Pork
• Large Omelette

A comforting spread, and exactly what we look forward to whenever we’re in town.

The Damage

The entire meal came to RM114.50 (≈ USD28 / EUR24), which we felt was quite reasonable — especially since the catfish alone weighed almost a kilogram.

Our Recommendation

If you’re in Bentong and want to try local seafood and kung pao–style dishes, we highly recommend Aik Kee. Consistent, flavourful, and always satisfying — it remains one of our favourite Bentong staples.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Kedai Makanan & Mee Aik Kee - https://goo.gl/maps/ymTee2yehGKCupSX9

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

BEN Day 1 │ HOTEL KRISTAL Bentong

A Place Filled With Memories

Happy National Recovery Plan (NRP) Phase 4, Kuala Lumpur!

Back in the days when I worked for a bank in Kuala Terengganu, I often performed relief duties at branches along the East Coast — and Bentong was one of the places I was frequently posted to. Because of that, we’ve been coming to this hotel for close to 20 years, although this was our first visit since the pandemic.

A Fresh New Look

In that time, the hotel has undergone a major facelift. It has transformed itself into a chic and contemporary space while still retaining the familiar charm we’ve always loved. If it was our default hotel before, it will be even more so now.

The rooms are spacious, the atmosphere feels refreshed, and the overall experience is better than ever.

Why We Love This Hotel

If we had to list the top three things we love about this hotel, it would be:

1. Location
2. Location
3. Location!

Everything we need is close by — food, shops, the morning market, and all the little conveniences that make a stay comfortable and stress free.

A Special Thanks

A big shout out to Ms Tong for handling our booking and making sure all our small little needs were met. It’s the personal touches that keep us coming back.

Our Verdict

Refreshed, reinvented, and still wonderfully familiar — this hotel remains very highly recommended in our books.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Hotel Kristal - https://goo.gl/maps/n2RTTikuEsChoNRJ9

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

Sunday Walkabout │ PETALING STREET

Setting Out Early

Happy National Recovery Plan (NRP) Phase 4, Kuala Lumpur!

Buoyed by our recent acquisition of the DJI Pocket 2, we woke up early this Sunday morning and decided it was the perfect day for a long walkabout. It had been a while since we last visited Petaling Street, so off we went.

Leaving our condominium, we made our way to Lebuh Ampang, walking past our favourite banana leaf rice spot, Restoran Kader. We crossed Jalan Tun Perak and soon arrived at Medan Pasar.

Through Old Kuala Lumpur

We paused for a moment to admire the Old Market Square Clock Tower, then continued south until we reached Central Market. Kasturi Walk was cordoned off for repair works, so we crossed Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock and turned right into Jalan Hang Lekir, finally arriving at Petaling Street.

The streets were busy — a welcome sign that things were slowly returning to normal.

A Detour to Kwai Chai Hong

Cat suggested we visit a nearby attraction, so we headed south along Petaling Street, then turned left onto Jalan Sultan. At the intersection with Jalan Tun H S Lee, we turned right and walked east along Lorong Panggung until we reached Kwai Chai Hong (鬼仔巷) — literally “Ghost Alley.”

It was crowded, and with many not observing social distancing, we made a quick retreat.

Searching for Lunch

We exited the alley, turned left, and walked east along Jalan Balai Polis before reaching Jalan Panggong, an area filled with cafés and eateries. Not quite in the mood for western food, we continued east along Jalan Sultan, then turned right and walked north along Jalan Tun H S Lee, passing the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple.

We arrived at our lunchtime favourite, Restoran Kiew Yee Baru, just in time — the rain began soon after we sat down. We enjoyed lunch and packed our favourite Curry Chicken for dinner later.

With the rain still falling, we sought shelter at a café simply called “etc.”. Half an hour later, the rain finally eased.

Exploring Kotaraya Complex

We walked back to Petaling Street, then headed east along Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock and crossed over to Kotaraya Complex. It had been many years since our last visit, and the place had transformed into a mini Manila.

We continued walking past the complex, turned right, and headed east along Petaling Street until we reached the Old Market Square Clock Tower again.

The Final Stretch

From there, we walked north to Leboh Ampang, crossed Jalan Tun Perak, and turned left before entering Jalan Melayu. We continued north, then turned right onto Jalan Masjid India and made our way to our favourite hole in the wall mamak stall, Mansion Tea Stall, affectionately known to us as Abang Abu.

We ordered a dozen Roti Canai to enjoy later with the Curry Chicken we had packed earlier.

And just as we were wrapping up our order, the DJI Pocket 2’s battery died — the perfect cue to end both our video and this blog.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Locations:

Jakel Mall Kuala Lumpur - https://goo.gl/maps/fGLQfTpz1XP1HfVY7

Leboh Ampang - https://goo.gl/maps/qW97vzF6UnwEu4iy8

Restoran Kader - https://goo.gl/maps/ukLYLStF2MQ5C2Lx8

Medan Pasar Clock Tower - https://goo.gl/maps/7xwvR1VVPjeYSq8E6

Central Market - https://goo.gl/maps/EfccZZeMgFQ5ApW56

Kasturi Walk - https://goo.gl/maps/J8VhsiU5SnNKFcnk6

Restoran Yusoof Dan Zakhir - https://goo.gl/maps/6fKMVT2EuCaHABf89

Jalan Petaling - https://goo.gl/maps/G5GsdeFVE3gb2g4W9

Kwai Chai Hong (鬼仔巷 - Ghost Alley) - https://g.page/kwaichaihong?share

Sri Maha Mariamman Temple - https://goo.gl/maps/vNrbmjio2MiVWxkJ9

Restoran Kiew Yee Baru - https://goo.gl/maps/pwNCHALSzr9BH3hf8

Cafe ETC - https://goo.gl/maps/2s4DH286WmFgjtDA8

Chinatown - https://g.page/chinatown-kuala-lumpur?share

Kotaraya Complex - https://goo.gl/maps/7JotmzdiLyMNoF2z7

Mansion Tea Stall - https://goo.gl/maps/zstwt3u4w3ejuVsR7

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

TIMES SQUARE Revisit │ DJI Pocket 2!

Finally Making the Leap

Happy National Recovery Plan (NRP) Phase 4, Kuala Lumpur!

This was it — we finally made up our minds to invest in the DJI Pocket 2, hoping it would replace the hefty setup we had been using all this while. The Lumix GX85 mounted on the Zhiyun Crane M2, sitting on the Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod, had produced some amazing footage… but it simply wasn’t practical, especially during holidays.

Our recent trip to Ipoh made it clear: we needed to scale down our gear so we could enjoy our travels without being weighed down by equipment.

The Altech “Super Combo”

We made enquiries at several camera shops, and Altech Camera came out on top. They offered what they called a “super combo” — essentially the DJI Pocket 2 Creator Combo plus a generous collection of accessories: a third party power bank, chest strap, car windscreen holder, and many other goodies too numerous to list. All for just RM200 on top of the Creator Combo price.

A deal too good to pass up.

With the DJI Pocket 2 in hand, we hoped to continue producing content without lugging around heavy gear. And if all goes well (weather permitting), we plan to make a trip to the East Coast, where we hail from, to showcase its many attractions and cuisine.

A Small Hiccup at Lunch

We headed down to the lower ground floor for lunch at Taste of Asia Food Court. It was there that I realised — to my horror — that the Pocket 2 had no memory card inserted, which meant we couldn’t test it immediately.

After lunch, we went back up to Altech Camera to ask for the cheapest memory card available, and Eric was more than happy to help.

First Impressions: Blown Away

With the memory card sorted, we began testing our little pocket dynamite — and we were blown away by how smooth the footage was. We walked around Berjaya Times Square, capturing clips effortlessly, and eventually took away fried chicken from 4Fingers, a firm favourite of our son.

We then hailed a Grab home and marvelled at the steady shots from inside a moving vehicle — something we constantly struggled with using our old setup.

Here’s to Better Content

All in all, the DJI Pocket 2 felt like the right decision. Compact, powerful, and incredibly easy to use — exactly what we needed.

Here’s to better, lighter, and more enjoyable content in the future.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Locations:

Berjaya Times Square - https://goo.gl/maps/CYHemAdaDjcxTDkn6

Altech Camera - https://goo.gl/maps/kcGj7KPJhM9J9KcT6

Taste of Asia Food Court - https://goo.gl/maps/heUUtR5LsXbsanrH6

4Fingers Crispy Chicken @ Berjaya Times Square -

https://goo.gl/maps/HjTBKNYqaNtN9d8S6

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

IPH Day 4 │ Going Home

Packing Up

Happy National Recovery Plan (NRP) Phase 3, Kuala Lumpur!

Day 4 — the very last day of our Ipoh trip. We spent the whole morning packing since we planned to check out by 10am and be back in Kuala Lumpur by lunchtime.

Right on schedule, we checked out and drove out of Ipoh town, but not before stopping by a pottery shop. Thowlee didn’t have the pot we had in mind, so we continued our journey and joined the Southbound North–South Expressway.

Lunch at Sungai Buloh

A couple of hours later, we decided to stop for lunch at the Overhead Bridge Restaurant (Restoran Jejantas) in Sungai Buloh. We settled on a stall selling Nasi Tomato, while our son opted for A&W — no surprises there.

Back in Kuala Lumpur

We reached home at 1pm, hit the showers, and began unpacking. Afterwards, I took Alfie to a car wash in Kampung Baru for a well deserved clean up after the long drive.

Wrapping Up the Ipoh Series

And with that, this marks the final instalment in our series of Ipoh videos.

But don’t go too far — next month, we’ll be presenting our hometown in the East Coast of Malaysia, with all its familiar sights, flavours, and memories.

Stay tuned for the next adventure.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Locations:

The Majestic Condo Ipoh - https://goo.gl/maps/Ya1tCepAPoHeCKTe8

Thowlee Pottery & Floral Sdn Bhd - https://goo.gl/maps/xd7g84Q7HDkhqtT29

RnR Sungai Buloh Southbound - https://goo.gl/maps/cnTgsfjbwKXGXYYD9

Ajie Car Wash - https://goo.gl/maps/tj94wCQjMhXhRSyN

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

IPH Day 3 │ Concubine Lane and Beyond!

The Morning Mural Hunt

Happy National Recovery Plan (NRP) Phase 3, Kuala Lumpur!

Day 3 of our Ipoh trip saw us waking up early once again — this time in search of Ipoh’s finest murals. We left our Airbnb and headed west along Jalan Russell, taking in the quiet morning sights. From there, we walked north along Jalan Raja Musa Aziz for a bit before turning west onto Jalan Masjid, eventually reaching the general vicinity of Mural Art’s Lane.

We spent quite some time admiring the various wall art, marvelling at the artists’ patience, creativity, and dexterity.

Exploring the Three Famous Lanes

After about half an hour, we continued west along Jalan Sultan Iskandar until we reached Ipoh River Front. We crossed over to Jalan Bijeh Timah and entered the first of the three famous lanes:

• Second Concubine Lane — Market Lane (三奶巷)

Further north along Jalan Bijeh Timah, we reached the most famous of the three:

• Concubine Lane — Lorong Panglima (二奶巷) 

Lined with souvenir shops, cafés, fashion outlets, and dessert stalls — though many were closed, permanently or otherwise, we couldn’t tell.

Finally, we visited the least famous lane:

• Wife Lane — Lorong Hale (大奶巷) 

In our opinion, it held the least appeal and seemed to have received the least attention from the local council.

Breakfast at Nam Chau

All that gallivanting worked up a mighty appetite. We went looking for a proper local breakfast and settled on Restoran Nam Chau, the least busy of the eateries in the area.

We enjoyed:

• Kaya with Butter Toast
• Tan Chi (bread and egg sandwich)
• And of course, a tall glass of iced white coffee — the perfect accompaniment.

A Walk to Padang Ipoh

After breakfast, we walked north along Jalan Bandar Timah, then turned left onto Jalan Tun Sambanthan until we reached Padang Ipoh, where we unintentionally disturbed a flock of pigeons.

By then, it was mid morning and the sun was blazing. We made a quick retreat back to our Airbnb. After a refreshing shower, I began editing the previous day’s videos in earnest.

Lunch: Nasi Ganja Delivery

Tired from the morning’s exertions, we decided to order in via GrabFood and finally tried the famous Nasi Ganja Kedai Kopi Yong Suan. Because of the large weekend dine in crowd, the earliest delivery slot was after 2pm — which was perfectly fine with us.

Evening Rain and Dinner Drama

It rained heavily in the evening, and with no fixed plans, we found ourselves walking to Gerbang Malam again. This time, we were determined to give Lou Wong a try.

We found an empty table, but were told we couldn’t sit there because it was meant for four persons. We were asked to sit indoors — and knowing the ventilation would be inadequate, we left.

Their loss is Ong Kee’s gain!

Dessert and Final Purchases

After dinner, we visited Lam Fong Biscuit Shop (南方饼家) and happily walked away with two bags full of confectionery delights.

We then strolled back to our Airbnb, and I began working on the videos shot earlier in the day.

Heading Home Tomorrow

And just like that, our Ipoh adventure was coming to an end.

We will be headed home tomorrow.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Locations:

Mural Art's Lane - https://goo.gl/maps/B8vFHweV1Mq6KVEb9

Ipoh River Front - https://goo.gl/maps/bv51N3pFBqdhNTRn8

Second Concubine Lane (Market Lane 三奶巷)

- https://goo.gl/maps/NSxSTmb5TmaWm8rC8

Concubine Lane (Lorong Panglima 二奶巷) 

- https://goo.gl/maps/p73zPKXpj1bK6dod7

Wife Lane (Lorong Hale 大奶巷) - https://goo.gl/maps/T8swpkPkKSobEZH46

Restoran Nam Chau - https://g.page/namchauwhitecoffee?share

Padang Ipoh - https://goo.gl/maps/SmryHp68gi1MjHw2A

Gerbang Malam Ipoh - https://goo.gl/maps/uHBtx2BoGDXNpMzz6

Ong Kee Restaurant - https://goo.gl/maps/tQ8nPeJYCJR4Tdcp8

Lam Fong Biscuit 南方饼家 - https://goo.gl/maps/tdKj9i3S6q2TZ5mW6

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

IPH Day 2 │ A Gastronomic Tour

The Morning Coffee Quest

Happy National Recovery Plan (NRP) Phase 3, Kuala Lumpur!

Day 2 of our Ipoh trip began early. We were up and about in search of some proper Ipoh white coffee, so we headed to the Little India district, hoping to have breakfast at Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong. Unfortunately, they were not ready to accept dine ins.

Across the street, Nam Heong White Coffee was in the same situation. After two failed attempts, we couldn’t help but suspect that the vaccination rate among adults in Ipoh might still be on the low side.

A Pleasant Surprise

But all was not lost. A very pleasant surprise awaited us at Restoran Makanan Yu Dan Mui (鱼旦妹茶室), where we were finally able to dine in. We were served by a boy and girl team — siblings, perhaps — who impressed us with their friendly service and cheerful attitude. It was a simple breakfast, but a memorable one.

Errands and a Dusty Alfie

After breakfast, we drove to Mydin Mall in Manjoi to pick up some household provisions. From there, we headed to Cyclone Car Wash because Alfie (the car) was looking a little dusty after the previous day’s drive.

A Taiping Detour That Wasn’t

We thought of taking a short trip to Taiping to visit its tranquil lake, but the heavy northbound traffic quickly changed our minds. Instead, we swung back into Ipoh town and decided to try Miker Pizza for lunch.

It turned out to be an excellent choice — delicious, satisfying, and a must try for all pizza lovers. We enjoyed it so much that we ordered a large pizza to go as well.

Afternoon Rest and Evening Walk

Back at our Airbnb, we took a relaxing afternoon nap. As evening approached, we decided to walk to Gerbang Malam Ipoh, where we stumbled upon Ipoh Tuck Kee Restaurant, famous for its noodles. Dinner was excellent, and with our bellies full, we strolled back to the Airbnb.

I then spent the rest of the night editing videos from the past few days — a productive end to a long day.

Tomorrow’s Plan

We’ll be up early tomorrow morning to explore a diverse collection of Ipoh murals.

Please stay tuned for that adventure.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Locations:

Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong - https://goo.gl/maps/PYLhGqeEuCu5QMoB9

Nam Heong White Coffee - https://goo.gl/maps/pYk4zgqca4z3rL9NA

Restoran Makanan Yu Dan Mui - https://g.page/restoran-makanan-yu-dan-mui--986?share

Mydin Mall Manjoi - https://goo.gl/maps/Z9Menby8qMrUtjS66

Cyclone Car Wash - https://goo.gl/maps/ayCf7cG7Jt3fxgW98

Miker Pizza - https://g.page/mikerpizza?share

Ipoh Tuck Kee Restaurant - https://g.page/ipohtuckkee?share

Gerbang Malam Ipoh - https://goo.gl/maps/uHBtx2BoGDXNpMzz6

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

IPH Day 1 │ Airbnb @ THE MAJESTIC Condo Ipoh

From Kellie’s Castle to Ipoh

Happy National Recovery Plan (NRP) Phase 3, Kuala Lumpur!

After our brief visit to Kellie’s Castle, we continued our drive to Ipoh. An hour later, we rolled into town and headed straight for Foh San Restaurant for a well deserved dim sum lunch.

Checking In at The Majestic Tower

With lunch done, we drove a short distance to The Majestic Tower along Jalan Dato Tahwil Azar, just a stone’s throw away from the famous Nasi Ganja at Jalan Yang Kalsom.

This was our Airbnb for the trip, and we’d like to list the top three things we love about it:

1. Location

2. Location

3. Location!

And beyond that, the condo itself was decent, cosy, and comfortable — everything we needed for a pleasant stay in Ipoh.

A Word of Thanks

A special shout out to Donald for his patience and tolerance in handling a grumpy old man. His hospitality made the check in experience smooth and stress free.

Our Verdict

Convenient, comfortable, and perfectly located — this Airbnb is very highly recommended.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

The Majestic Condo Ipoh - https://goo.gl/maps/r4teppK5N1nqomTu7

Airbnb link - https://bit.ly/2YY6uYw

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

IPH Day 1 │ KELLIE's Castle

A Long Awaited Visit

Happy National Recovery Plan (NRP) Phase 3, Kuala Lumpur!

We had heard so much about this mysterious castle, so we pencilled in a stop on our way to Ipoh. About half an hour after leaving the Northbound R&R Tapah, we exited the North–South Expressway at Gopeng, eager to finally see the haunted and much talked about Kellie’s Castle.

Reasonable Fees… Until

The entrance fee was RM2, and parking was another RM2 per vehicle — very reasonable, we thought. That was until we were told there would be a RM50 surcharge if we used a “DSLR” (their term for our little Lumix). Footage shot with mobile phones, however, would incur no charge.

A lose lose situation for content creators. Oh well — we moved on. Don’t look back in anger… we heard her say?

We intend to return one day and do justice to Kellie’s Castle, but only when common sense prevails and the RM50 surcharge is abolished.

Shaky Footage Ahead

Since we had to rely entirely on the iPhone X, we apologise for the mostly shaky footage. Low light, handheld, and hurried — not the best combination.

Until Next Time

Kellie’s Castle remains on our list, and we hope to revisit it properly in the future. For now, this short stopover will have to do.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Kellie's Castle - https://goo.gl/maps/bmbEakTQqxS2YvPz9

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

Making Sense of the National Recovery Plan (NRP)

нello everyone! we are caт and нarold. welcoмe тo oυr blog, creaтed ιn нonoυr oғ oυr devoтιon тo тнe everyday ғood ғor тнe everyday perѕon, aѕ well aѕ тo caтalogυe oυr мeмorιeѕ, lιғe'ѕ evenтѕ, and тravelѕ wнere oυr 'perυт' (тυммy) leadѕ тнe way!

Living under a cloud of confusion for a while, we finally made sense of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) and its various phases in relation to how it directed affected Kuala Lumpur, where we live.

Kuala Lumpur entered Phase 1 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) on 16 August 2021. Among other things this meant that:

• Eateries were ALLOWED to offer dine-in services, and only accept customers who are fully-vaccinated, and asymptomatic.
• Interstate and inter-district travel (based on district borders determined by state governments) is still FORBIDDEN
• Most shops and stores were ALLOWED to operate from 8 AM until 8 PM

It was then announced that effective 10 September 2021 Kuala Lumpur would enter Phase 2 of the NRP. While most restrictions were still in place this essentially meant that inter-district travel (based on district borders determined by state governments) is now ALLOWED. It was this announcement that spurred us to take a trip to Bagan Lalang.

Kuala Lumpur then entered Phase 3 of the NRP on 1 October 2021, and two weeks later finally entered the final phase i.e. Phase 4 of the NRP on 17 October 2021.

In the midst of all this it was announced by the Prime Minister that interstate travel would be allowed from 11 October onwards. With this announcements we soon made plans to visit several places, including our upcoming trips to Ipoh and Bentong.

It is worth noting here that the ability to dine-in, travel across state lines and do basically anything and everything outside the home is a privilege given to those who have been fully vaccinated only.

With this we hope that our blog, and vlog can flourish again.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

Getaway Day 2 │ Going Home

All Good Things…

Happy National Recovery Plan (NRP) Phase 2, Kuala Lumpur!

All good things must come to an end — and with that in mind, we packed up our things with slightly heavy hearts and checked out of Seri Bayu Resort Hotel. It had been a splendid three days and two nights, and we truly hope to return soon.

Brunch and a Bitter Taste

On our way back, we stopped by Restoran Murugayah for brunch. Let’s just say we had the distinct impression that we were fleeced. Oh well — every trip has one of those moments.

Purple to the Rescue

Thankfully, our next stop at Mimi Dragonfruit washed away the bitter taste almost instantly. There’s something about that vibrant purple that always lifts the mood.

What is my fascination with purple, anyway?

Until the Next Adventure

And with that, our Bagan Lalang getaway came to a close. A short escape, a much needed breather, and a reminder of how good it feels to roam again.

More adventures await.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Locations:

Seri Bayu Resort Hotel - https://goo.gl/maps/b9tqcMQiZ7hk9wtQ9

Mimi Dragonfruits - https://goo.gl/maps/zreyA8HkUta68aGP7

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

Getaway Day 2 │ Restoran MING TAI Sungai Pelek

When We Had Almost Given Up

Happy National Recovery Plan (NRP) Phase 2, Kuala Lumpur!

By this point, we had resigned ourselves to the fact that we would not be enjoying good seafood on this trip. Most eateries were still not accepting dine ins, and the few that did had clearly let their standards slip. It felt like the seafood stars simply weren’t aligned for us this time.

A Surprise Phone Call

So imagine our surprise — and delight — when we called Restoran Ming Tai and were told that they were accepting dine ins for the very first time today.

Just like that, our luck turned.

The seafood gods must have been smiling upon us… woohoo!

A Much Needed Win

After the string of disappointments earlier, this little victory felt extra sweet. A proper seafood dinner at last, and at a place ready to welcome diners again.

Sometimes, all it takes is one lucky call to turn the whole day around.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Ming Tai Restaurant - https://goo.gl/maps/HeS9WNfjgVgbF3S68

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

Getaway Day 2 │ Day Stroll @ BAGAN LALANG Beach

A Slow Start to the Day

Happy National Recovery Plan (NRP) Phase 2, Kuala Lumpur!

We woke up quite late this morning, and with most eateries still only allowing takeaways, we checked with the resort’s front desk for nearby options. They suggested trying the seafood stalls along the beach, so we took another leisurely stroll along Bagan Lalang Beach.

When Lunch Lets You Down

Unfortunately, lunch turned out to be a massive disappointment. We had been looking forward to a simple, satisfying seafood meal, but what we got was… well, far from that.

Still, we made a promise to ourselves not to highlight anything negative in our blog or vlog, so we chose not to mention the offending stall by name.

(Send us a private message and we might tell you the name of the fly infested seafood stall serving stale, cold food that you should absolutely avoid!)

Moving On

Not every meal on a trip is a winner — and that’s perfectly fine. The beach was still beautiful, the breeze still calming, and the day still ours to enjoy.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Locations:

Seri Bayu Resort Hotel - https://goo.gl/maps/b9tqcMQiZ7hk9wtQ9

Pantai Bagan Lalang Sepang - https://goo.gl/maps/5TMykaaj7Tpextz96

Medan Selera Bagan Lalang - https://goo.gl/maps/X7vbJgY21PoEDFuP6

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

Getaway Day 1 │ Night Stroll @ BAGAN LALANG Beach

Walking Off the Feast

Happy National Recovery Plan (NRP) Phase 2, Kuala Lumpur!

After all that glorious food we enjoyed at Restoran STK, our pangs of hunger quickly turned into pangs of guilt. With Bagan Lalang Beach just a stone’s throw away from the resort, we had absolutely no excuse not to burn a few calories.

A Much Needed Stroll

So off we went — a slow, breezy walk along the shoreline, letting the sea air undo at least a tiny fraction of the damage we had done at dinner. The beach was calm, the sky softening into evening colours, and the stroll felt like the perfect way to end the day.

Sometimes, all you need is a quiet walk by the sea to feel human again.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Locations:

Seri Bayu Resort Hotel - https://goo.gl/maps/b9tqcMQiZ7hk9wtQ9

Pantai Bagan Lalang Sepang - https://goo.gl/maps/5TMykaaj7Tpextz96

Medan Selera Bagan Lalang - https://goo.gl/maps/X7vbJgY21PoEDFuP6

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

Getaway Day 1 │ Restoran STK Sungai Pelek

Hunger After a Long Nap

Happy National Recovery Plan (NRP) Phase 2, Kuala Lumpur!

After checking into Seri Bayu Resort Hotel, we took a much needed afternoon nap. When we woke up, the hunger pangs hit hard. Bagan Lalang and nearby Sungai Pelek are famous for their seafood restaurants, so we thought finding dinner would be a breeze.

The Seafood That Got Away

Or so we thought.

One phone call after another, we discovered that most seafood restaurants were only offering takeaways. Their staff were either not fully vaccinated yet or still serving out the mandatory 14 day post second dose period. Understandable, but disappointing for two hungry travellers.

A Dine In Option… With a Twist

We were relieved to finally find a restaurant that allowed dine ins — but alas, it did not serve seafood. Still, hunger trumps preference, so we made our way to Sungai Pelek for dinner.

Making the Best of It

It wasn’t the seafood feast we had imagined, but it was a warm, simple meal that filled our bellies after a long day. And in times like these, that was more than enough.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Restaurant STK - https://goo.gl/maps/Boxq5pjd24cuQdLn6

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.

Getaway Day 1 │ SERI BAYU Resort Hotel

Freedom at Last

Happy National Recovery Plan (NRP) Phase 2, Kuala Lumpur!

Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya officially moved into Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan on 10 September, and after a miserable five and a half months locked up in our condo, we finally had the licence to roam again. The feeling of stepping out for a proper trip was indescribable.

Choosing Bagan Lalang

After much consideration, we decided to spend a couple of nights at the Seri Bayu Resort Hotel in Bagan Lalang, and explore what the area — and the nearby town of Sungai Pelek — had to offer. It felt like the perfect place for a quiet, post lockdown retreat.

A Surprisingly Spacious Stay

We booked the Family Suite, which was the cheaper option, but to our surprise it was very spacious. With two bedrooms and two bathrooms (the master bedroom even had an ensuite), we honestly could not have asked for more.

Comfortable, practical, and great value — exactly what we needed after months indoors.

A Beach Retreat Without the Price Shock

For anyone looking for a relaxing stay by the Bagan Lalang beach without paying an exorbitant rate in this area (cough avani cough), look no further than Seri Bayu Beach Resort.

Affordable, convenient, and wonderfully peaceful — very highly recommended.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Seri Bayu Resort Hotel ​- https://goo.gl/maps/U3ZTcdAzw7uJWoPp6

We do what we can to support local businesses, and it's always good to know that everyone here observes all related SOPs, it helps make us feel safer and reassured.