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Thursday, 6 May 2021

JOVIS Music │ Master Luthier

Lockdown Again

Happy MCO Kuala Lumpur!

All of Kuala Lumpur will be placed under a full Movement Control Order (MCO) for the third time, effective tomorrow, 7 May. With another round of restrictions ahead, we will probably be staying home during the weekends for the next two weeks. This means today’s outing is potentially our last video until the end of the MCO.

Stay safe, everyone.

A Visit to Jovis Music

Before the lockdown begins, we made a stop at Jovis Music, a place we’ve been visiting for a few years now — even more so after “the situation” happened.

Jack, the man behind the shop, is a master luthier. He takes guitar setup and intonation to a whole new level. The difference in how a guitar feels before and after his magic touch is nothing short of astounding.

Our Recommendation

For anyone looking to revitalise their love affair with the guitar, bring your instrument to Jack at Jovis Music. We cannot recommend him enough.

A good luthier is hard to find — and Jack is one of the best.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

πŸ“ Location:

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.

Closed for Good │ CHONG HWA Curry Laksa PV128

The Announcement

Happy MCO Kuala Lumpur!

Well then… it’s official. All of Kuala Lumpur will be placed under a full Movement Control Order (MCO) for the third time, effective tomorrow, 7 May. With dine ins about to be forbidden again, we decided to make the most of our final day of freedom.

A Quick Dash to Setapak

We hopped into the car and drove to Setapak for lunch at our favourite noodle shop, while also running a small errand. It felt like a tiny race against time — one last comforting meal before the shutters come down again.

The Reality of Another Lockdown

We will probably be staying home during the weekends for the next two weeks, so this may very well be our last video until the end of the MCO. And with the way the numbers are trending, we can’t help but worry that the lockdown might be extended beyond the initial two weeks.

Stay Safe

For now, all we can do is stay home, stay cautious, and stay hopeful.

Stay safe, everyone.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

πŸ“ Location:
Chong Hwa Curry Laksa @ PV128 - https://goo.gl/maps/HvKzUkpWrT5egtW48

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, 2 May 2021

Sunday Walkabout │ MASJID INDIA to LEBOH AMPANG

A Shorter Walk This Week

It was Sunday, and we were itching to go on another walkabout — though not as far as last week’s long trek to Dataran Merdeka. With talk swirling about businesses and schools closing under a possible MCO 3.0 for Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley, we knew dine ins might soon be off the table again.

One Last Banana Leaf Fix

So we decided to walk to Lebuh Ampang for our banana leaf rice fix (as featured in our previous video) before the imminent lockdown. The streets were quieter than usual, and the air carried that familiar pre MCO tension — the sense that things were about to change again.

Improving the Viewing Experience

After reviewing last week’s Dataran Merdeka video, we realised some of the clips were a little too short and abrupt. So this time, we made sure to give each clip ample run time, allowing you to soak in the sights, sounds, and rhythm of the city as we experienced it.

Making the Most of the Day

With uncertainty in the air, this simple walk felt meaningful — a small slice of normalcy before restrictions returned. Whatever happens next, we’re glad we captured this moment.

Stay safe, everyone.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

πŸ“ Locations:
LRT Station Masjid Jamek - https://goo.gl/maps/tg3Bn645VN4gsjc58

Sunday Walkabout │ Restoran KADER: Banana Leaf Rice

A Longtime Favourite

Restoran Kader, located in the heart of Lebuh Ampang, has been our go to spot for banana leaf rice for as long as we can remember. It may be reasonably priced, but in terms of flavour and satisfaction, it stands shoulder to shoulder with its more upmarket contemporaries — and in our (admittedly biased) opinion, it leaves the rest far behind.

A Taste That Hasn’t Changed

As mentioned in an older post, I’ve actually been coming here since the 1990s, and remarkably, nothing much has changed. The moment you step inside, the familiar aroma that fills the shop hits you — the same appetising scent that greeted me decades ago. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and every bit as inviting today as it was back then.

Why We Keep Returning

Good food, honest flavours, and consistency — that’s Kader. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t need fancy dΓ©cor or modern gimmicks. The food speaks for itself, and it keeps calling us back.

Some places evolve.
Some places reinvent themselves.
Kader simply stays true to what it does best — and that’s why we love it.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

πŸ“ Location:

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.

Saturday, 1 May 2021

Walkabout │ HARTAMAS Shopping Centre

Happy Labour Day

Happy Labour Day, everyone!

We were out on a casual walkabout around Plaza Damas, enjoying the quiet holiday atmosphere and the slower pace of the morning.

A Visit to Hartamas Shopping Centre

Since we were already nearby, we decided to drop by Hartamas Shopping Centre as well. It was genuinely heartening to see many businesses still holding on and beating the odds after such a challenging period.

Shops were open, lights were on, and there was a sense of cautious optimism in the air. We truly hope the worst is behind us.

Looking Ahead

It was a simple outing, but it felt good — a reminder that even small signs of resilience matter.

Here’s to better days ahead for everyone.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

πŸ“ Locations:
Hartamas Shopping Centre - https://goo.gl/maps/x5PbmyPtLDC1y9ZU9
Times Bookstores - https://goo.gl/maps/KJaeWsDE48wXS6fPA
Mercato Hartamas - https://goo.gl/maps/24LZvDaQBMQZ2cFT6

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.

Walkabout │ PLAZA DAMAS

Happy Labour Day

Happy Labour Day, everyone!

We started the morning bright and early with a drive to Puchong, all for a very practical reason — to pick up a third spare battery for our little Lumix. Having an extra battery always brings peace of mind, especially when we’re shooting for long stretches.

A Place Close to Our Hearts

From Puchong, we headed to Plaza Damas, an area that has always been close to our hearts. My brother in law owns an unoccupied studio apartment nearby, and it has been left in our care. Every now and then, we drop by to check on the unit and give it a little tender loving care — just so it doesn’t feel forgotten.

A Neighbourhood Changed

Walking around Plaza Damas, we couldn’t help noticing how much has changed. The pandemic has left its mark here, and many familiar spots have struggled. Still, we hold on to the hope that, in time, Plaza Damas will pick itself up again.

Looking Forward

It was a simple Labour Day outing — an errand, a visit, and a quiet moment of reflection. But sometimes, that’s all you need to feel connected to a place you care about.

Here’s to better days ahead for everyone.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

πŸ“ Locations:
Hartamas Shopping Centre - https://goo.gl/maps/x5PbmyPtLDC1y9ZU9
Warung Soho Hartamas - https://g.page/warungsoho?share

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.

Saturday, 24 April 2021

Walkabout │ MASJID INDIA to DATARAN MERDEKA

Getting Back Into the Rhythm

It had been more than a year since we last went on a proper walkabout. Before “the situation,” we used to average 5 km a day, walking to Lake Gardens and back as part of our daily routine. Those were simpler times — and we’ve missed them dearly.

So today felt special. It was time to stretch our legs again.

The Route We Almost Forgot

Starting out from home, we walked the entire length of the route to Dataran Merdeka and back. We honestly didn’t realise how scenic the journey was. Perhaps we had forgotten, or perhaps we had never paid enough attention before.

This time, with fresh eyes and a slower pace, we managed to capture most of the sights in and around the places we passed — the old buildings, the quiet corners, the city’s little details that only reveal themselves when you’re on foot.

Rediscovering the City

What began as a simple walk turned into a rediscovery of Kuala Lumpur. After more than a year of limited movement, the familiar streets felt new again. And it reminded us why we love going on walkabouts in the first place.

Sometimes, all you need is a long walk to remember where you are — and how far you’ve come.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

πŸ“ Locations:
Masjid Jamek of Kuala Lumpur - https://goo.gl/maps/dWWWYYMdYD5cLY8MA
Medan Pasar Clock Tower - https://goo.gl/maps/Se7ZEezvCBkmbCCL6
Sultan Abdul Samad Building - https://goo.gl/maps/vjS3eU4YN4NSoFWS8

Permanently Closed │ HAMRO Nepali Restaurant

Stepping Out of Our Comfort Zone

Today, we decided to step out of our comfort zone and try something relatively new. After watching quite a few travel blogs, we began wondering if there were any Nepali restaurants here in Kuala Lumpur. A quick online search later and — presto — we found a whole cluster of Nepali eateries in and around the Medan Pasar area.

A False Start, Then a Pleasant Surprise

Truth be told, we first tried Mandala Restaurant next door, but they declined to be filmed. Their loss became Hamro’s gain.

A Hidden Gem in an Unexpected Place

Hamro Nepali Restaurant was tucked inside Unique Fashion Collection Sdn Bhd, occupying a small corner on the right side of the shop. It was the kind of place you might walk past without noticing — but once you stepped in, the warmth and hospitality made you feel instantly welcome.

A big thank you to Dipendra and Rabitha for having us.

And yes — we meant it when we said we would definitely come again.

A Fond Farewell

Sadly, Hamro Nepali Restaurant has since closed down permanently. It’s always bittersweet when a small, heartfelt place like this disappears, especially one that introduced us to Nepali cuisine with such sincerity.

Update: Dipendra has moved to another premise nearby, and renamed it Mechimakali Restaurant.

Remembering a Lovely First Taste

Trying Nepali food for the first time at Hamro felt like a small adventure, and it remains a memorable chapter in our walkabout journey. Some discoveries stay with you long after the doors have closed.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

πŸ“ Location:
Hamro Nepali Restaurant - https://goo.gl/maps/pdHVwt2Qrouw4Fwa6

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, 18 April 2021

Sunday Walkabout │ SUNGAI WANG Plaza

A Busy Day in Sungei Wang

We were in Sungei Wang Plaza to run a few errands, while our son had an appointment with his usual hair stylist. It was good to see the mall bustling with activity despite the ongoing “situation.” We always try to do our part to support local businesses, but above all, we make sure to stay safe.

It was reassuring to see everyone observing the SOPs. It made the whole experience feel calmer and more comfortable.

AJ Sense Salon — Our Trusted Family Salon

AJ SENSE SALON is a place our family has been visiting for many years, going all the way back to when it was still known as Hair Republic. The rates have always been very reasonable, and the staff are courteous, skilled, and consistent. It’s no wonder we keep coming back.

Update: This salonly has since closed down permanently.

Eye Smart Vision — Our Go To for Glasses

Another favourite of ours is Eye Smart Vision Enterprise, where we’ve been doing our glasses at least once a year. Young and energetic, Jimmy never fails to impress us with his charm and excellent customer service. It’s rare to find someone who makes the whole process feel effortless — and he does it every time.

A Simple, Satisfying Outing

All in all, it was a productive day at Sungei Wang Plaza. Familiar faces, reliable service, and a mall that still feels alive — small things that matter a lot these days.

Stay safe, and support local whenever you can.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

πŸ“ Locations:
Eye Smart Vision Enterprise - https://goo.gl/maps/M9uiu55cUJt6ZDjp7

Sunday Walkabout │ VINH CITY Vietnam Cuisine

Back at Sungei Wang

We were in Sungei Wang Plaza to run a few errands — but more on that in the next blog. Before getting anything done, our stomachs led the way to one of our long time favourites.

A Restaurant We Keep Returning To

Vinh City Vietnam Cuisine has been a firm favourite of ours for many years. The food is comforting, consistent, and always hits the spot. Whenever we’re in the area, it’s almost impossible not to stop by.

Our Recommendation

If you’re ever in Sungei Wang Plaza and craving something warm, flavourful, and satisfying, we definitely recommend giving Vinh City a try.

Sometimes, the best part of running errands is the meal in between.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

πŸ“ Locations:
Vinh City Restoran Vietnam Cuisine - https://goo.gl/maps/JJ5FaZpTXBHV3UWn7

Saturday, 17 April 2021

Weekend Eats │ JOE WONG Bak Kut Teh

The First Weekend of Ramadan

It was the first weekend of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, and we ventured out to see if we could grab a bite to eat. Most eateries were expected to be closed until early evening, so we weren’t sure what we would find.

Our Default Bak Kut Teh Spot

Thankfully, Joe Wong Bak Kut Teh — our default Bak Kut Teh place for many years — was open. This has always been one of our most trusted spots, and we highly recommend it to anyone craving a comforting bowl of herbal goodness.

What Is Bak Kut Teh?

For those unfamiliar with the dish, Bak Kut Teh is a Chinese soup that literally means “meat bone tea.” Despite the name, there is no tea in the soup itself.

At its simplest, it consists of meaty pork ribs simmered for hours in a complex broth of herbs and spices such as star anise, cinnamon, cloves, dang gui, fennel seeds, and garlic. Some versions include offal, mushrooms, choy sum, dried tofu, or fried tofu puffs. Additional Chinese herbs like yu zhu (rhizome of Solomon’s Seal) and ju zhi (buckthorn fruit) may be added to give the broth a sweeter, slightly stronger flavour.

Light and dark soy sauce are used during cooking, and the dish is usually garnished with chopped coriander or green onions, plus a sprinkling of fried shallots. It is almost always enjoyed with rice.

A Simple Meal, A Familiar Comfort

On a quiet Ramadan afternoon, this warm, fragrant bowl of Bak Kut Teh was exactly what we needed. Some traditions never fail to comfort — and Joe Wong remains one of ours.

Stay safe, and enjoy your meals wherever you are.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

πŸ“ Location:

Tuesday, 6 April 2021

Walkabout │ BERJAYA TImes Square

Mission Accomplished

The hunt is over! After searching high and low, we finally got our hands on the Zhiyun Tech CRANE M2 3 Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer — and at an absolute bargain too. Nothing beats the feeling of tracking down the exact gear you’ve been eyeing for ages.

A Big Shout Out

Huge thanks to Altech Camera at Level 6, Berjaya Times Square. They’ve come through for us time and time again, and this was no exception.

Ready for Smoother Shots

With the CRANE M2 in our kit, we’re excited to take our videos to the next level. Here’s to steadier footage and many more walkabouts ahead.

Stay tuned — the adventures continue.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

πŸ“ Locations:

Sunday, 4 April 2021

Walkabout │ PUDU PLAZA

Back to One of KL’s Oldest Malls

Pudu Plaza! 

Spurred on by our first video, we went gimbal hunting to minimise camera shake and improve our footage. It felt fitting to return to Pudu Plaza, one of the oldest shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur — a place that has seen countless trends come and go, yet still holds its own charm.

Our Favourite Camera Spot

Inside the mall sits YL Camera, one of our favourite retailers for cameras and accessories. Over the years, they’ve become a reliable stop whenever we need gear, advice, or just a quick browse to see what’s new.

The Thrill of the Hunt

Armed with curiosity (and a bit of excitement), we explored the shops and compared options, hoping to find the perfect stabiliser for our walkabout adventures. Whether we succeeded or not… well, that’s a story for the next video.

Sometimes, the hunt is half the fun — especially in a place as nostalgic as Pudu Plaza.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

πŸ“ Locations:

1st YouTube Video │ Midnight Rain... We Begin Again!

After a Very Long Break

It had truly been an awfully long while since our last blog. In that time, we experienced the ebb and flow of the pandemic, and it had been one heck of a roller coaster ride. Life changed, routines shifted, and before we knew it, months had passed.

Dreaming of Travel and Vlogging

During that period, we found ourselves watching many travel vloggers online. We were very envious of those who managed to turn travelling into a full time profession, and we quietly dreamed of doing the same one day. Vlogging has long replaced the traditional blog as the main way travellers communicate with their audience, and we felt inspired to give it a try.

Camera Shy Beginnings

To be perfectly honest, we are painfully camera shy. So for now, we will probably start our vlogging attempts without showing our faces or using our voices. Instead, we will focus on the food or the destination, letting the visuals do the talking. A simple caption underneath each clip will be our way of communicating with our viewers.

Making Do With What We Have

We already have several cameras — though not all are ideal for vlogging — and we hope to invest in more suitable equipment in time. But for now, we will simply make do with what we have. Every journey has to start somewhere.

A Rainy First Step

So, what better way to begin our attempt at vlogging than to showcase what was right in front of us?

It was a warm and humid night, and the sudden rain was a very pleasant surprise. We’ve always loved rainy evenings — the cool air, the sound of raindrops, the reflections on the pavement. It felt like the perfect moment to film our very first YouTube video.

This was also our first time shooting in Cinelike D (LOG file) and our first attempt at colour correcting. There is still so much to learn, but at least it was a start.

The Beginning of Something New

It may be a simple video, but it marks the beginning of our vlogging journey. Rain, experiments, mistakes, and all — we’re excited to see where this leads.

Here’s to new beginnings, and to many more videos ahead.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)


Saturday, 8 August 2020

Sekinchan Trip, Day 2

We woke up late the next morning and checked out of The One Boutique Hotel at around 11am. We then headed to Ah Ma House to sample their signature charcoal grilled love letters.


it was another blazing hot day

but we braved the heat anyway

not unlike the swing at my mother's house

goodies in store

in working order?

looks newly refurbished

items from yesteryear

with retro styled furniture that's now back in fashion

the flat screen TV is an eye sore though


We then bade a fond farewell to Sekinchan and drove for about half an hour due south to the next small town of Tanjung Karang. Here we planned to have lunch at another seafood restaurant. Suang Le River Restaurant was chosen (again) solely for its stunning location beside Sungai Tengi and the views it accorded us.


the very deceptive front facade

we were very skeptical at first

then it dawned on us

first whiff of the salty air

my money shot

ahoy there!


Since this is a purely seafood restaurant, we made do with their signature Kung Pao styled fish, Lala (soft clams) in rice wine and some omelettes.


taking our order

another room with a view

unassuming seafood restaurant

as we waited for our dishes to arrive

keeping himself busy

Chinese tea, as always

kung pao styled deboned fish

Cat's favourite lala (soft clams?)

a potent combination

in case Brendan grows tired of seafood

digging in


Again the meal did not come to RM100, another pleasant surprise. The amazing view of Sungai Tengi, however, is priceless!


perched on Sungai Tengi

a quite captivating view

blue skies to soothe the soul

time to say goodbye


We bade farewell to Tanjung Karang and in less that 2 hours were back home, safe and sound. This is trip that will repeat itself in the future, this we are certain of.

Friday, 7 August 2020

Sekinchan Trip, Day 1

It has been a while since we last blogged, 3 months to be precise. What with the end of the EMCO imposed on our condo, and coping with the new normal, planning and making a trip anywhere was the furthest from our minds?

August is a special month for us since it is the month when Brendan was born as well as the month we got married. As is always the case, we usually plan for a trip in the month of August to celebrate these joyous occasions.

We have never been to Sekinchan and have always marvelled at its photos posted on the internet. Barely 2 hours drive away from KL we have always wanted to go but never had the chance. Things would be different this time around.

We left home at about 9.35 am and arrived in Sekinchan exactly 2 hours later. Bearing in mind Brendan has had allergic reactions to seafood in the past, we decided against a seafood restaurant for lunch. With that in mind we ended up at Restoran Hui Siang, a Bak Kut Teh restaurant.


first order of the day

a non-seafood restaurant, a rarity here

SOPs observed!

hard at work

putting the kettle on

your customary utensils

condiments of choice

we are Malaysians, after all

herbal goodness

worth another shot

with extra broth, to boot

time to dig in!


The meal cost us RM40, which is way cheaper than the going rate in KL. With lunch out of the way we then headed to Mango King, a place that we have often read about online.


popular in Sekinchan

you won't miss it

power outage at the time

these were not served at the time

freshly plucked white guava

RM25 per canister, but well worth it

home grown mangoes

take your pick

we got 2 kilograms worth

in hindsight we should have gotten more

not too busy

sweet potatoes as well

don't mind if we do

we got a canister of dried banana fritters

not his 'thing'

wonder that these are?


Mango King apparently had a power outage, and the heat was overbearing. Hoping to cool off, the birthday boy asked for refreshments and after a quick check online we headed to Mamawe CafΓ©.


in the heart of Sekinchan

seeking refuge from the heat

in the shade at last

all manner of refreshments

I was distracted...

waiting for his ABC

Brendan's comfort food

Cat's mango bingsu

while Brendan and I...

both had the air batu campur (ABC) i.e. ice shavings galore

time to put the phone away

and enjoy all that iced goodness


Again, with all the ice shavings ordered the total cost barely came to RM20. A definite perk of living in a small town.

With time to burn till we check into our hotel we headed to the beach coincidentally called Pantai Redang (or Redang Beach). Being a Terengganu lad the word Redang is more easily associated (in my mind anyway) with the island off the coast of Merang in Terengganu.


Redang beach

posing with their 3-ply masks

unlike its namesake in Terengganu

it was a very hot day

very very hot indeed

we were driven into the shade

and continued taking photos

out of the sun

the new normal of sightseeing

face masks and all

checking Mom's handiwork


The extreme heat eventually dissuaded us from spending more time at Pantai Redang, and in a few short minutes we were checking in to The One Boutique Hotel.


fairly new

in full compliance with SOPs

one of the tallest buildings in town

let's get into the shade


We booked two Superior King rooms with a balcony, and yes, that means birthday boy had a room all to himself.


clean and spacious

with its own balcony

adequately equipped

view from the balcony

the new overpass cutting across Sekinchan

along Jalan Balai Polis (and we don't wonder why)

the only other tall building in Sekinchan


The sun was blazing outside, and we took a long afternoon nap, eventually waking up in the evening. When in Sekinchan seafood was inevitable, so armed with antihistamines we made the short drive to Loong Hua Seafood Restaurant.


ample parking for its patrons

but come early or risk not being able to find parking space

along a very narrow lane

we came pretty early

the usual

room with a view

the view can be very distracting

he was having nothing of it


To be honest we chose this restaurant solely for its view of the canal and the surrounding fishing boats, so we were pleasantly surprised by how good the food here was!


a pill before, a pill after

dining on the water

authentic fishing boats

lifeline of the town

never ceases to amaze us

absolutely distracting views

waiting to dig in


Another pleasant surprise was the entire meal of sweet and sour pork (for Brendan), steamed fish, kung pao fried squid, salted vegetable soup and a large omelette cost us less than RM90.


salted vegetable soup

steamed fish

omelette

sweet and sour pork

kung pao squid

and all that for less than RM90?


Thus ends our first day in Sekinchan, as we cast our final glance at the setting sun over the canal.