New Gear Day: DJI Action 5 Pro!

New Gear Day

In the week after we returned from Melaka, we added a brand new camera to our kit. It felt like a small upgrade at first, but things got exciting very fast.

A Tempting Announcement

The day before, we received an email from DJI about their new Action 5 Pro. It promised clearer images, better low light performance, and quality close to professional cameras. That was all we needed to hear.

We quickly messaged our trusted camera guy, CM from Altech Camera, who confirmed that the DJI Action 5 Pro was in stock. We made an appointment to pick it up the next day.

Heading Out Despite Feeling Unwell

We left our condo at eleven in the morning. One of us was feeling quite unwell, so instead of walking, we took a Grab car to Berjaya Times Square for RM11.00 (≈ USD/EUR2).

Before our appointment, we tried visiting Klinik Mediviron on the 7th floor, but it was closed for the weekend. While waiting for 11:30, we passed the time as Cat threaded her eyebrows at a salon on the 5th floor.

Picking Up the DJI Action 5 Pro

At appointment time, we walked over to Altech Camera and were warmly greeted. After a quick check, we paid for the camera and adjusted a few settings right away. With the new DJI Action 5 Pro mounted on a chest harness, we headed out to give it a real world test.

Monorail and a Doctor Visit

We walked to Imbi Monorail Station and took the train to KL Sentral for RM2.70 (≈ USD0.60/EUR0.50). Once there, we went straight to Poliklinik NU Sentral on the Concourse level, where we quickly saw a doctor for a bad sore throat, body aches, and a mild fever.

After getting medication, we stopped by UNIQLO to run a small errand.

Comfort Food for Lunch

With a sore throat, we chose something warm and gentle for lunch at Homie Recipe. We ordered:

• Fishball Pan Mee Soup
• Seaweed Noodle Soup
• Hot Soya Barley
• Cold Herbal Tea

Lunch came to RM36.80 (≈ USD8/EUR7).

Last Stops Before Heading Home

After lunch, we visited Mr DIY, then went downstairs to Don Don Donki for a few groceries. We ended the outing by picking up a bag of pastries from Sam’s Groceria for dinner.

A final Grab ride home cost RM11.00 (≈ USD2/EUR2).

First Impressions

After nearly nine months using the DJI Action 4, we could say with confidence that the DJI Action 5 Pro showed real promise. We were especially excited to test it at night.

The next day, under clear blue skies, we mounted both the Action 5 Pro and Action 4 on tripods and did a simple side by side test. No complicated tests—just real footage and real results.

With that, we let the footage speak for itself.

Stay tuned as we tested the new Super Night feature in a foreign land. 😜

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

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

Altech Camera - https://maps.app.goo.gl/C759vFfHuRVrDfYd8

Imbi Monorail station - https://maps.app.goo.gl/akwB6bSPioN4pmMc7

KL Sentral Monorail station - https://maps.app.goo.gl/RLQjs4EhdKwZfgtR6

Poliklinik NU Sentral - https://maps.app.goo.gl/F7nixjB6Ze488Npx7

UNIQLO NU Sentral - https://maps.app.goo.gl/dZUisotvjMVQFb597

Homie Recipe - https://maps.app.goo.gl/XkQ7hGHr1rPUekU17

MR.DIY PLUS - https://maps.app.goo.gl/KUme3up3oNu93jfCA

Don Don DONKI - https://maps.app.goo.gl/e1jyyFvMXpQRcZ2R8

MKZ Day 4 │ MELAKA to KL: OBR Ayer Keroh

Going Home from Melaka

We woke up at half past eight and slowly got ourselves ready for the drive home. After loading our bags into BiBi, we returned the keycard to the mailbox and officially checked out at a quarter past nine.

Breakfast on the Road

We left Melaka shortly after and drove past Air Keroh before deciding to stop for breakfast at the Overhead Bridge Rest Area. We kept things simple with plain nasi lemak and a round of drinks. Breakfast came to RM13.90 (≈ USD/EUR3).

After a quick bathroom break, we were back on the road by a quarter past ten.

Avoiding Traffic

Traffic on the North–South Expressway was starting to build up, so we adjusted our route. We stayed on the highway for another half hour before exiting at Port Dickson. From there, we continued along Seremban’s Middle Ring Road and reached the Setul Toll Plaza, which marked the start of the LEKAS Highway.

The drive along LEKAS was smooth and calm. After another forty five minutes, we exited at the South Kajang Toll Plaza and made our way home.

Back in Kuala Lumpur

We arrived home at a quarter to one in the afternoon, relaxed and glad to have avoided the heavier traffic.

Stay tuned as we left Kuala Lumpur on a jet plane about two weeks later—heading to a capital city known for its iconic mosques, rich culture, busy markets, modern city life, and delicious food.

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

The Apple Melaka - https://maps.app.goo.gl/5Y3auog3wjK4NPFH8

Air Keroh Toll Plaza - https://maps.app.goo.gl/darv7bqfAsYcSSga7

Port Dickson Toll Plaza - https://maps.app.goo.gl/VvCUoUndtrQCCENHA

Setul Toll Plaza - https://maps.app.goo.gl/7aQwxh2GYzav5DDY6

South Kajang Toll Plaza - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ipd6jH2ZwaCLnepw9

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

MKZ Day 3 │ LU YEH YEN Again!

Old Favourite in Melaka

It was our last night in Melaka, and we already knew where we wanted to go. A video we made two years ago had sparked a lot of interest, so we felt it was time to return to this familiar place once more.

Evening Walk to Dinner

We left the homestay at a quarter past six in the evening and did what had become our usual walk. We headed west along Lorong Haji Bachee, then crossed Jalan Bendahara onto Jalan Bunga Raya Pantai. From there, we continued south for a few hundred metres.

Our destination, Lu Yeh Yen, sat quietly on the left side of the street. Nothing about the place had changed, and that was part of its charm.

Dinner at Lu Yeh Yen

We took a short look at the small and simple menu before placing our order. We chose:

• Ginger & Onion Fried Meat
• Lemon Chicken
• Salted Vegetable Soup
• Plain Omelette
• 2 Iced Chinese Teas

Our dinner came to RM50.00 (≈ USD11 / EUR10). By Kuala Lumpur standards, it felt like an absolute bargain.

Packing Up

After a satisfying meal, we made the short walk back to the homestay. The rest of the evening was spent packing our bags and winding down, knowing that we would be driving back to Kuala Lumpur the next day.

It was a comforting way to end our time in Melaka, with good food and familiar streets one last time.

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

The Apple Melaka - https://maps.app.goo.gl/5Y3auog3wjK4NPFH8

Restaurant Lu Yeh Yen - https://maps.app.goo.gl/sFTpjwu8X8kr7cuy8

MKZ Day 3 │ Epic MELAKA Walkabout!

Lazy Sunday in Melaka

With nothing planned, we allowed ourselves to sleep in and woke up around nine in the morning. Brendan’s second performance went well, even though we did not watch it in person. We hoped that someone had recorded it and shared it online.

Breakfast Indoors

Brendan and his bandmates were heading back to Kuala Lumpur that day, while we were only checking out of the homestay the next morning. A heavy downpour ruined our plans to go out for breakfast, so we decided to order food in instead.

An hour later, a Grab rider arrived with our crispy chicken and scrambled egg sandwich breakfast meal, which felt comforting on a rainy morning.

Taking Advantage of the Cool Weather

By noon, the sky was still overcast, but the rain had eased. We took the chance to head out for a walk, enjoying the cooler weather.

We left The Apple Residences and walked west along Lorong Haji Bachee, crossed Jalan Bendahara, and continued onto Jalan Bunga Raya Pantai. From there, we crossed Jalan Munshi Abdullah and rejoined Jalan Bendahara.

Through Historic Streets

Our walk took us past Little India, after which we continued south along Jalan Laksamana. The road was closed to traffic, creating a pleasant car free zone, and eventually led us to The Stadthuys.

We continued along Jalan Kota until we reached A Famosa. After taking the usual photos, we carried on along Jalan Kota, turned onto Jalan Parameswara, and then left onto Jalan Chan Koon Cheng.

A Simple Lunch Stop

We walked past St Francis Primary School, followed Lorong Chan Koon Cheng, continued onto Lorong Bukit Cina, and reached Jalan Bukit Cina. Along the way, we spotted a small and unassuming food stall and decided to stop for lunch.

We ordered:

• Mee hoon laksa
• Wantan mee
• Two sugar free iced teas

Lunch came to RM18.00 (≈ USD/EUR4), which felt more than fair.

Five Kilometres Well Spent

After lunch, we completed the final part of our walk along Jalan Bukit Cina and crossed Jalan Munshi Abdullah once more. With that, our relaxed five kilometre walk came to an end.

It had been a calm, cool, and satisfying Sunday.

Stay tuned for our next video as we headed out for dinner at one of our old favourite food courts.

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

The Apple Melaka - https://maps.app.goo.gl/5Y3auog3wjK4NPFH8

The Stadthuys - https://maps.app.goo.gl/pvQmgPZvkUWSUWS49

A Famosa - https://maps.app.goo.gl/g9zRp4DgfFRstdRM9

LAKSA - https://maps.app.goo.gl/hd6TK7FS2C3K34iW8

MKZ Day 2 │ Day Trip to MUAR: Mee Bandung Abu Bakar Hanipah • Muar Street Art

Muar Day Trip

We woke up early, determined to finally feature Johor on our channel. After getting ready, we hopped into BiBi at 8:30 in the morning and began our drive south.

Arrival in Bandar Maharani

Once we left Melaka, traffic thinned out. Within an hour, we arrived in the royal town of Muar, also known as Bandar Maharani. It felt calm and welcoming right away.

Muar sat at the mouth of the Muar River and carried a long and rich history. As we drove around, we could feel that this was an old town with stories to tell, yet still very much alive today.

Breakfast in Town

Since it was our first visit, we took a short drive around before parking near Mee Bandung Abu Bakar Hanipah. Naturally, this became our breakfast stop.

We ordered:

• 2 bowls of Mee Bandung with beef
• 1 iced lime drink
• 1 hot coffee

Breakfast came to RM19.20 (≈ USD/EUR4), which felt incredibly affordable and satisfying.

Exploring on Foot

At ten in the morning, we began exploring Muar on foot. Our walk soon led us to Muar Street Art, where colourful murals lined a quiet lane. We spent some time enjoying the artwork before continuing along Jalan Sayang.

We turned onto Jalan Maharani, walked west, and eventually reached the Muar Maharani Bus Terminal. Inside the food court, we found seats by the river and rested for a while with drinks, enjoying the slow pace of the town.

Sea Breeze at Tanjung Ketapang

After that break, we returned to BiBi and made a short drive to Tanjung Ketapang. The sea breeze was refreshing, and the open space gave us a moment to slow down and take it all in.

First Impressions

By early afternoon, we began our drive back to Melaka. Along the way, we talked about our impressions of Muar. It was a small town full of charm, rich in history, and easy to imagine living in. We even agreed it might rank among our top places to retire someday.

A Milestone Reached

With this visit, we realised something special. We had now featured all 13 states of Malaysia on our channel. As the late Sudirman once sang, “To Know Malaysia Is To Love Malaysia.” We felt proud and content reaching this milestone.

Stay tuned for our next video as we went out under the blazing sun in search of light refreshments.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

The Apple Melaka - https://maps.app.goo.gl/5Y3auog3wjK4NPFH8

Restoran Mee Bandung Abu Bakar Hanipah

- https://maps.app.goo.gl/bRJn9a3Kw8dazHXw6

Muar Street Art - https://maps.app.goo.gl/CiMVp8rYxH1LbSju9

Muar - Maharani Bus Terminal - https://maps.app.goo.gl/VWaehjMruyBJeqRR9

Tanjung Ketapang Muar - https://maps.app.goo.gl/YpNfRsvGJU9RqXWP9

MKZ Day 1 │ River Walk: To The Stadthuys and Back!

Melaka River Walk at Dusk

We met you again at six in the evening as we left the homestay for a gentle walk by the Melaka River. The air was cooler, and the light was perfect for an evening stroll.

From the Streets to the River

We walked west along Lorong Haji Bachee, crossed Jalan Bendahara, and continued onto Jalan Bunga Raya Pantai. Feeling a little hungry, we stopped by Seri Sahabat for a light snack. After a round of drinks and some toasted bread, we felt ready to begin our walk properly.

At the Ruins of Ermida de Rosario, we joined the Melaka River Walk and began strolling along the water.

Walking Through History

We passed The Shore Hotel & Residences, followed by Panggung Bangsawan Melaka, a historic performance venue. As we continued, we crossed several well known bridges, including Jambatan Pasar, Jambatan Kampung Jawa, and Jambatan Chan Koon Cheng, each with its own story and charm.

We exited the river walk near The Stadthuys and paused to take photos and enjoy the atmosphere. We sat for a while and took in the car free zone, where streets such as Jalan Istana, Jalan Mahkamah, Jalan Gereja, Lorong Gereja, and Jalan Laksamana were free of traffic. It felt calm and allowed the historic heart of Melaka to truly shine.

A Different Route Back

We then resumed our walk in the opposite direction. Instead of following the river again, we chose to walk along Jalan Laksamana, then turned onto Jalan Bunga Raya heading north. We crossed Jalan Munshi Abdullah and continued up Jalan Bendahara.

We stopped at a KK Mart to buy drinking water, but the cashier was too busy to serve us. Just nearby, Bendahara Choice Shop saved the day, and we finally got what we needed.

Simple Dinner, Happy Ending

Our walk eventually brought us to Wong Kok Food Court, where we had a simple and comforting dinner:

• White Radish Soup with Rice
• Watercress Soup with Rice
• 2 Glasses of Herbal Tea

Dinner cost only RM23.00 (≈ USD/EUR5), which felt like an absolute win.

From there, it was just a short and easy walk back to The Apple Residences.

Stay tuned for our next video as we went on a day trip to Muar, a charming town in the neighbouring state of Johor.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

The Apple Melaka - https://maps.app.goo.gl/5Y3auog3wjK4NPFH8

Ruins of Ermida de Rosario - https://maps.app.goo.gl/N8FU6WfiUt7qru5L9

Melaka River Walk - https://maps.app.goo.gl/UD61EbEx4iatCM9RA

The Stadthuys - https://maps.app.goo.gl/vcg5otYQydWNNo8a9

Bendahara Choice Shop - https://maps.app.goo.gl/nggWsf3ziAU9oRps8

Wong Kok Food Court 88 - https://maps.app.goo.gl/dNJ3nWbY77eVLk6d7

MKZ Day 1 │ KL to Melaka: Dataran Pahlawan

Melaka, At Last

One month after our epic trip to Kota Kinabalu, we felt the travel itch again. This time, we planned a short and easy getaway to Melaka, our spiritual hometown. It was hard to believe a whole year had passed since our last visit, so we were excited to return to this cosy and familiar city.

Different Plans, Same Destination

Brendan was also heading to Melaka, but for a very different reason. His screamo band, Sauriel, My Beloved, was set to perform there for the second time. He drove separately to meet his bandmates, which meant this trip became a quiet couples’ getaway for us.

The Drive South

We hopped into BiBi and left our condo at nine in the morning. The drive was smooth and relaxed. About an hour and a half later, we passed the Air Keroh Toll Plaza and officially arrived in Melaka. Our first stop was Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall, where we parked in the basement.

Brunch in the Mall

Feeling hungry, we decided to have brunch at Black Canyon inside the mall. It was our first time there, so we took some time to look through the menu before ordering:

• Pad Kra Pao set
• Pad Kra Mao set
• Iced Black Coffee
• Thai Iced Tea

Both sets came with a mini tom yam soup. Our meal came to RM57.80 (≈ USD15/EUR12), which felt very reasonable for a mall location.

A Relaxing Start

To slowly ease into the trip, we treated ourselves to a foot massage at Shu Xin Reflexology. We both chose the 90 minute foot and shoulder massage. The total cost was only RM138.00, and it left us feeling refreshed and ready for the rest of the stay.

By the time we were done, it was almost time to check into our homestay.

What’s Next

Our Melaka adventure was just beginning.

Stay tuned for our next video as we checked into The Apple Residences and continued our time in this beloved city.

Important note: We retracted our previous recommendation of Nestcove Home Management, as we did not support hosts who held on to security deposits longer than necessary. 7 days is a bit much?

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

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

Sungai Besi Toll Plaza [southbound]

- https://maps.app.goo.gl/ijCDiUvHXDPmvxHW7

Air Keroh Toll Plaza - https://maps.app.goo.gl/darv7bqfAsYcSSga7

Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall

- https://maps.app.goo.gl/wNH3DWf6StugGCYe6

Black Canyon Dataran Pahlawan - https://maps.app.goo.gl/fyh4JwaM8R5gxt6F8

NEW GEAR DAY: SONY ZV-E10II... Out of the Box!

New Gear Day at KL Sentral

One week after we returned from Kota Kinabalu, we added a new camera to our collection. This time, it was the Sony ZV E10 II. It was a big change for us, as we were very used to the Micro Four Thirds system that we knew and loved. Because of that, we knew this new camera would take some time to get used to.

First Outing with the New Camera

To start learning the camera, we decided to bring the Sony ZV E10 II along while running a few errands at KL Sentral, especially around NU Sentral.

We walked to Jalan TAR and planned to take a free GOKL bus. After waiting for a very long time, we changed plans and boarded RapidKL bus #173 instead. The bus ride to Masjid Jamek LRT station cost RM1.00 (≈ USD/EUR0.20). From there, we took a train to KL Sentral for RM1.50 (≈ USD/EUR0.30).

Lunch and a Small Lesson

By then, it was almost lunchtime. We headed to Quizinn by Rasa @ NU Sentral and chose Japanese food. We ordered katsu curry rice and fried salmon rice, which came to RM39.00 (≈ USD/EUR8). It was a simple and satisfying meal.

After lunch, we walked toward Sephora to begin a small shopping run. Along the way, a security guard stopped us and warned that filming with a “big camera” was not allowed. We pointed out that the Sony ZV E10 II was actually quite small. He smiled, waved us on, and said nothing more.

Still, we did not want to push our luck. We kept the Sony camera away and switched to our tiny DJI Action 4 instead.

Shopping and Coffee Break

We continued with our errands and stopped by Uniqlo and Decathlon. After that, we took a break and had drinks at Starbucks, enjoying a short rest before heading home.

Final Test on the Way Back

Once we exited NU Sentral, we brought out the Sony ZV E10 II again to continue testing it. We took the Monorail to Medan Tuanku for RM3.00 (≈ USD/EUR0.60), then walked the short distance back home.

First Impressions

Our first impression of the Sony ZV E10 II was clear. It did not replace our DJI Pocket 2 or DJI Action 4, but with more time and practice, it showed real promise. We felt it could eventually give our Lumix GX9 some healthy competition.

What did you think of the Sony ZV E10 II?

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

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

Sarah Hughes @ Globe Sdn Bhd - https://maps.app.goo.gl/6ZPdmkMRZyELUsct5

LRT Masjid Jamek - https://maps.app.goo.gl/coJCxcA5EUasCcie9

LRT KL Sentral - https://maps.app.goo.gl/wPHaWRQkwryn7kRU7

Nu Sentral - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rppv3ZPBypxhmaHm6

KL Sentral Monorail - https://maps.app.goo.gl/75Z5EhUbNfN6E5PZA

Medan Tuanku Monorail - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ozgYi1waTQVvmZUQ6

BKI Day 8 │ Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur: MH2621

Flying Home from Sabah

We woke up at seven in the morning and got ready for the journey home. Soon after, we hailed a six seater Grab car to the airport for RM17.00 (≈ USD/EUR4).

Goodbye, Kota Kinabalu

It was hard to believe that seven full days in Sabah had already passed. This trip opened our eyes to how much the state had to offer. We knew we would need better planning next time, because there was still so much more to see.

Our Grab car picked us up at 8:00am and dropped us at Pillar 2 of Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Along the way, we chatted with our driver, Meddy, who shared helpful tips about places around the city and nearby attractions.

Early at the Airport

Our flight MH2621 was scheduled to depart at 11:30am, but we arrived early as usual. The airport was not busy, and after a short wait we checked in, dropped off our luggage, and collected our boarding passes.

Half an hour later, we cleared security and immigration without any trouble. With about an hour before boarding, we sat down at Oldtown White Coffee and had drinks while waiting.

A Special Purchase

While we waited, Cat browsed a jewellery shop and chose a set of pearls from Adiba Ayu. The bracelet, necklace, and earrings cost RM198.00 (≈ USD45/EUR41) and made a lovely wedding anniversary gift.

Time to Fly

Boarding began at 11:00am. Since we were in Group 6, we boarded at around 11:15am. The plane pushed back at 11:33am and took off at 11:45am after a short taxi.

The flight took about two and a half hours and was mostly smooth. Despite heavy rain in Kuala Lumpur, we landed safely at 2:10pm.

Back on the Ground

We disembarked at 2:30pm and headed to Carousel K to collect our luggage. Because of the rain, our bags arrived later than usual, showing up around 3:00pm.

The lift to the KLIA Express was crowded, so we took the escalator instead. Using the same tickets we had bought earlier, we boarded the train at 3:20pm and reached KL Sentral half an hour later.

Home at Last

From KL Sentral, we took a six seater Grab car home for RM43.00 (≈ USD10/EUR9). Door to door, the journey from The Shore Suites to our condo took just over eight hours, which felt very reasonable.

Until Next Time

That marked the end of our Sabah adventure, fondly known as “The Land Below the Wind.” We left with full hearts, tired bodies, and many great memories.

Sabah, we hoped to see you again very soon.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA)

- https://maps.app.goo.gl/SSxEGcEUG2Pi46Jm6

Arrivals, KLIA Terminal - https://maps.app.goo.gl/kTaLjXLNju3VFXJd9

KLIA Express  Transit Station @ KLIA

- https://maps.app.goo.gl/ANYF6CtbznL3FQGb7

KL Sentral Arrival Hall - https://maps.app.goo.gl/uvWpxMUJZCWCc8sH7

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

BKI Day 7 │ WELCOME Seafood: Last Night in Kota Kinabalu

Diarrhea in Kota Kinabalu

We picked you up with a story we did not expect to tell. In our last video, we mentioned that we had dinner at Restoran Mohideen before going to bed. What came next was not part of the plan at all.

A Very Rough Day

The next morning, Brendan and we woke up to a terrible bout of diarrhea. It was bad enough that both of us spent the entire day indoors at the homestay. Cat became our hero, running errands, buying medicine, getting food, and taking care of us while we rested.

By the following day, we felt much better but were still weak. We stayed in almost the whole day, only going out briefly for an early dinner.

Early Dinner at Welcome Seafood

At 5:30pm, we booked a Grab car to Welcome Seafood for RM6.00 (≈ USD1 / EUR1). The restaurant was very close to our homestay at Asia City Complex.

Since Brendan was still not feeling strong, it was just the two of us for dinner. After waiting a while, we were seated around 6:00pm. The restaurant stretched across several shophouses and was divided into sections A, B, and C, all serving the same dishes.

There was no printed menu, so we ordered from the large signboard outside and chose:

• Ikan Batu (Stone Snapper Fish) fried in thick soy sauce
• Fried Sotong (Squid)
• Lala (White Clams) Soup
• Fried Baby Kailan (Chinese Broccoli)

Our final dinner in Kota Kinabalu came to RM111.30 (≈ USD24 / EUR22).

Sadly, due to lingering weakness, we accidentally deleted footage of this amazing meal that was filmed on the Lumix GX9. Some memories, it seemed, would remain only in our minds.

One Last Takeaway Run

After dinner, we walked a few doors down to Borenos Fried Chicken and bought a 2 piece chicken set to take away for Brendan. We then decided to walk back to the homestay, which was just under a kilometre away.

Along the way, we stopped at Supreme Multi Cuisine Restaurant to take away a hot Nescafe before continuing the walk.

Packing Up

About ten minutes later, we arrived back at The Shore Suites. We began packing and resting, knowing that the next day was another early start.

Tomorrow, we were flying home.

Sometimes travel adventures were not about sunsets and scenery—but about surviving food poisoning and laughing about it later.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

The Shore Suites Kota Kinabalu - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kq3N32rcA7eZZhFT7

Welcome Seafood Restaurant - https://maps.app.goo.gl/pzeWwvTdgEiYGukp9

Borenos Fried Chicken - https://maps.app.goo.gl/vFEVo7dKC5Azqo9E8

Supreme Multi Cuisine Restaurant - https://maps.app.goo.gl/kzt6DnNE5zzo5XzY9

BKI Day 5 │ HOMESTAY: The Shore Suites Kota Kinabalu

The Shore Suites in Kota Kinabalu

We met you again as we drove back from Kundasang to Kota Kinabalu, ready to change scenery for the next part of our stay.

Choosing the Right Location

While planning our time in the city, we were drawn to one of the oldest and liveliest parts of Kota Kinabalu. This area was home to the Filipino Market and many other places of interest. The Shore Suites sat right in the middle of it all, right in the thick of the action.

We had spent our first two nights at Riverson Soho, so we decided the final three nights should be spent here instead.

Early Arrival and Small Errands

We drove to The Shore Suites and parked at Level 1. Since we were about two hours early, we took the lift down to the lobby and headed out to look for a laundromat. The one we found was much farther than expected, so we decided to do laundry later.

We then asked a kind lady at a goldsmith shop for directions and were guided to KK Plaza, where we found an ATM to top up our cash. During this time, we stayed in touch with Sarah from ZHI, our host. She kindly offered to let us store our luggage at her unit while the cleaning was being completed.

Returning the Rental Car

With our luggage safely stored, we contacted Tona, our rental car provider, to arrange the return. Since he was some distance away, we agreed to meet nearby. We walked to a Starbucks in Kota Warisan, ordered drinks, and waited there until he arrived. Tona collected the car keys at 2:15pm.

Checking In

At a quarter to three, we walked back to The Shore Suites and headed up to the unit to get settled. The stay cost RM270.27 (≈ USD68/EUR58) per night, which we felt was fair given the excellent location and easy access to many attractions.

Laundry Run and a Quiet Night

At 4:15pm, we booked a Grab car for RM14.00 (≈ USD4/EUR3) to take our large bag of accumulated laundry. After that, we took another Grab back for RM6.00 (≈ USD2/EUR1).

Later that evening, we had dinner off camera at Restoran Mohideen before turning in for the night.

As it turned out, there would be no video from us the following day, as both Brendan and we were laid up with a bad case of the runs. Sometimes, travel had its surprises.

Still, The Shore Suites proved to be a very convenient base for our time in Kota Kinabalu.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

The Shore Suites Kota Kinabalu - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kq3N32rcA7eZZhFT7

KK Plaza - https://maps.app.goo.gl/yxLK22hTiegnRdJF6

Starbucks Warisan Square - https://maps.app.goo.gl/6JAJCvrfbcqQ9cZB6

Guntur Tatu - https://maps.app.goo.gl/cnhWttEPHMFM7Yyq6

BKI Day 5 │ Kundasang to Kota Kinabalu: LGD Cafe

Driving Back to Kota Kinabalu

We woke up at half past eight and took our time getting ready for the journey back down from the highlands. By a quarter past nine, we checked out of Ayana Holiday Resort, loaded our bags into the rental car, and began the drive back to Kota Kinabalu.

Brunch with a View

After about an hour on the road, we stopped at a small coffee shop in Kampung Kelawat called LGD Cafe. The place served simple local food, and we were happy to slow down for an early brunch surrounded by greenery.

We ordered:

• A strip of grilled pork belly
• A bowl of soup
• 3 plates of rice
• A round of drinks

Our brunch came to RM59.00 (≈ USD13/EUR12). Eating local grilled meat in the fresh mountain air felt special and unhurried.

Back on the Road

At 11:15am, we got back into the car and continued our drive. We made a short stop at a Petronas station along Jalan Tuaran to refuel, then carried on toward the city.

About an hour later, we arrived back in Kota Kinabalu and headed straight to our homestay, ready to settle in once more after our time in the clouds.

Stay tuned for our next video as we checked into The Shore Suites for the next chapter of our Sabah adventure.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Ayana Holiday Resort - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Mua6sAc2McYfQvmC7

LGD Cafe - https://maps.app.goo.gl/TwUc92gXs9GvJ3d96

ZHI The Shore Suites - https://maps.app.goo.gl/s4K24jUdHCAZ5NAv9

BKI Day 4 │ BRENDAN's Birthday: August Kitchen • Desa Dairy Farm

Brendan’s Birthday in the Highlands

We woke up around nine with no fixed plans for the day, other than exploring Kundasang town properly. It was a special morning because it was Brendan’s birthday, and we were on the lookout for a nice place to celebrate—ideally with views of the valley below.

Birthday Breakfast with a View

We drove out and set our sights on August Kitchen. Since it was still only ten in the morning, we could order only from the breakfast menu. Even so, it felt like a good way to start the day. We ordered:

• 3 Scrambled Brekkie
• Passion Paradise drink
• Avocado Milk drink
• August Coffee
• Signature Cheesecake

Brendan’s birthday breakfast came to RM124.00 (≈ USD28/EUR25). We took our time, enjoyed the cool air, and eased into the day.

Exploring Kundasang Town

After breakfast, we continued our drive toward Pekan Kundasang and parked at the viewpoint. We spent some time there taking photos and capturing footage of the surrounding landscape, soaking in the mountain views.

From there, Cat suggested we visit Desa Dairy Farm, which was just a short drive away.

A Stop at Desa Dairy Farm

We hopped back into the rental car and drove up a steep road. About four kilometres later, we arrived at the farm and paid an entrance fee of RM5.00 each (≈ USD/EUR1).

We walked around, enjoyed the scenery, and even had the chance to feed a Friesian calf. It was a simple but lovely experience and added a gentle highlight to Brendan’s birthday.

A Quiet Afternoon

About an hour later, we returned to the resort. Unfortunately, forgetting to take medication earlier resulted in a heavy headache, so we spent the entire afternoon indoors resting and taking it easy.

Ending the Day Gently

In the evening, we walked next door once again to Lily Cottage & Kitchen for dinner. It was calm, familiar, and exactly what we needed after a long but meaningful day.

All in all, it was a relaxed birthday in the clouds—simple, scenic, and memorable in its own quiet way.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Ayana Holiday Resort, Kundasang

- https://maps.app.goo.gl/Mua6sAc2McYfQvmC7

August Kitchen - https://maps.app.goo.gl/EY7McJKTrUQ7TkUc7

Pekan Kundasang - https://maps.app.goo.gl/DLJmwyzKuqzLxuNp8

Desa Dairy Farm - https://maps.app.goo.gl/fjcKXUEDiV9uVLYr6

BKI Day 3 │ LILY Cottage & Restaurant: Local Sabahan Cuisine!

Sabahan Cuisine in the Clouds

We met you again after a short nap and realised it was already six in the evening. We did not feel like driving, so we decided to keep things simple and walked next door to Lily Cottage & Kitchen for an early dinner.

Dining with a View

We were immediately drawn to the terrace, which offered a wide and beautiful view of the valley below. Despite the cold air, we chose to dine outdoors, enjoying the rare feeling of having dinner surrounded by clouds.

A Taste of Sabah

After looking through the menu, we noticed a signature local offering called K’Dusun Favourite – The Farmer’s Choice. Cat and we decided to go for Set A “Kampungku” (My Village), which was meant for two people and included:

• Brown rice
• Local vegetables
• Chicken turmeric
• Fried fish (Ikan Basung)
• Soup
• Fruits
• Sabah tea for two

Brendan chose something different and ordered:

• Queen Burger with double meat, cheese, egg, and fries
• Coca Cola

One of us also added a hot Nescafe to take away.

Dinner at Sunset

Our dinner in the clouds came to RM84.00 (≈ USD18/EUR16), which felt like an absolute bargain. The food was hearty, the flavours were local and comforting, and the sunset view made the experience even more special.

With full stomachs and an early start planned for the next day, we headed back to the resort and turned in for the night.

Stay tuned for our next video as we headed out to explore Kundasang town the following morning.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Lily Cottage & Kitchen - https://maps.app.goo.gl/XF27qqqbesyjyFht6

BKI Day 3 │ AYANA Holiday Resort Kundasang

Resort in the Clouds

When we planned our Sabah trip, we knew we had to spend time in the highlands of Kundasang. This mountain town sat high in the Crocker Range, close to Kinabalu National Park, and was famous for its cool weather, vegetable markets, and sweeping views of Mount Kinabalu. At nearly 1,900 metres above sea level, it was the highest settlement in Malaysia and often called the New Zealand of Borneo because of its rolling green landscape.

Finding the Right Stay

As we searched for accommodation, we noticed that many hotels and homestays in Kundasang were badly overpriced. Then a colleague mentioned a resort she had stayed at before that was reasonably priced. After checking it out, we booked Ayana Holiday Resort, reserving two rooms for two nights.

Early Check In Surprise

After lunch, we drove over to the resort, expecting to wait until the official 2:00pm check in time. To our pleasant surprise, the front desk allowed us to check in about half an hour early. We registered, collected our room keys, and headed straight to our rooms.

Simple Rooms, Incredible Views

The rooms were small and modest, with nothing fancy about them. Still, the moment we stepped onto our private balcony, everything else faded away. The cool air, the quiet surroundings, and the wide open views more than made up for the simplicity of the rooms. This was exactly what we had hoped for when choosing to stay up in the hills.

First Impressions

The resort felt calm and peaceful, far from the heat and noise of the city. It immediately justified our decision to stay here, and we felt happy knowing we had chosen value and atmosphere over overpriced luxury.

Stay tuned for our next video as we headed out to explore Kundasang town.

Epilogue

Early the next morning, one of us woke up at five to capture a time lapse of dawn breaking over the valley from the balcony, then went back to sleep. Later, we took a slow walk around the resort, enjoying the silence and cool air, and filmed the surroundings to show just how soothing the place felt.

As evening fell, we captured another time lapse of dusk settling gently over the resort. It was the perfect setting to pause, breathe, and truly appreciate being quite literally in the clouds.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Ayana Holiday Resort, Kundasang - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Mua6sAc2McYfQvmC7

BKI Day 3 │ Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang: BW Bus Restaurant

Drive to Kundasang

We woke up at seven and got ready for the day. We planned to go out for breakfast, and we also needed to do laundry. So we walked across the road to Ariba Maju for breakfast, which was right next to the Spin ’n Clean laundromat. It was a practical start to the morning.

Our Rental Car

The night before, a friend delivered our rental car off camera. For RM100.00 per day (≈ USD23/EUR21), we rented a small Proton Saga FLX to get us to and from Kundasang. It was simple, but perfect for a short mountain trip.

By 8:45am, with our stomachs full and laundry done, we walked back to the homestay to pack. We checked out at 10:00am, loaded our bags into the rental car, and began our drive to Kundasang.

Sadly, we forgot to bring the car mount for the DJI Action 4, so there was no hyper lapse footage of the drive. Still, the journey took about two hours and was scenic and calm.

A Quirky Lunch Stop

We had booked two rooms for two nights at Ayana Holiday Resort, but since check in was still a couple of hours away, we decided to stop for lunch first.

We chose a very unusual place called BW Bus Restaurant. According to their page, it was a Sabahan owned restaurant that turned old buses into a modern dining café. The restaurant sat between the Ranau and Kundasang highways and truly stood out.

We paid an entrance fee of RM5.00 each (≈ USD1/EUR1), which could be used to offset our food bill later.

Lunch in a Bus

After a quick look at the menu, we ordered:

• Crispy Chicken Burger
• Homemade Beef Burger
• Ham and Cheese Toast
• 2 Iced Lemon Teas
• Iced Latte

After subtracting our RM15.00 entrance fee, our first meal in Kundasang came to RM89.00 (≈ USD20/EUR18). It was fun, different, and surprisingly enjoyable.

Onward to the Clouds

With lunch done, we got back into the rental car and continued our drive, this time heading the other way toward our resort.

Stay tuned for our next video as we checked into a resort in the clouds and began our Kundasang adventure!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

The Klagan @ Riverson Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/m8Q3wjapphY1A8Y77

Bw Bus Restaurant - https://maps.app.goo.gl/RQNY1jDCGJC1T6SY6

BKI Day 2 │ GUNTUR Tattoo: A Coven of Extraordinary Artists!

New Body Art in Kota Kinabalu

On our way back to the homestay from IMAGO Mall, we happened to walk past a tattoo studio called Guntur Tattoo. We had already been thinking about getting a tattoo to mark a meaningful milestone, and this unexpected find felt like the right moment.

An Unplanned Decision

Guntur Tattoo, whose name meant “thunder”, was located on the ground floor of Riverson Walk, just a short stroll from where we were staying. We stepped inside and looked through the designs on display. One cherry blossom piece immediately caught our attention, and it felt perfect—both to celebrate a birthday year and to cover some old scars on the elbow.

We made an unplanned appointment on the spot with Victor, scheduling the session to begin half an hour later. Since Brendan’s birthday was also coming up, we decided to make it extra special by treating him to a swords and roses tattoo on his right upper arm.

Ink Time

We went back upstairs briefly to change, then returned to the studio to begin. Victor worked slowly and carefully, taking almost two hours to complete his piece. At the same time, Darren worked on Brendan’s tattoo, which took a little over two and a half hours to finish.

When everything was done, we were absolutely delighted with the results. We were already looking forward to peeling off the protective second skin in a week and properly seeing the finished work.

Epilogue: One Session Became Two

Three days later, right after returning from Kundasang, we found ourselves back at Guntur Tattoo. After checking into The Shore Suites, we rested briefly before heading out again to Riverson Soho. Cat headed off to the laundromat, while we returned to the studio for another round.

This time, Brendan added a second piece: the words “Fe₃O₄: Break” placed just below his sternum. Meanwhile, we chose to add coloured highlights to existing Mandarin character tattoos on the left arm. These characters represented the names of Cat, Brendan, our daughter Bethany, and oneself, written in Mandarin.

Brendan’s new tattoo was done by Thirdy, while Neil worked on the colour highlights. The session took about two hours for one piece, and slightly longer for the other.

Completely Worth It

We walked out feeling over the moon. What began as a casual walk back from a mall turned into a deeply meaningful and memorable experience.

We were chuffed to bits with our new body art and could not have planned it better—even if we tried!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

The Klagan @ Riverson Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/m8Q3wjapphY1A8Y77

Guntur Tatu - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Vni9uMbFnUTHPa84A

BKI Day 2 │ IMAGO Mall: Food Court • Cultural Dance

IMAGO Mall Morning

We slept in and only left the homestay after ten in the morning. We took a short stroll around the area before deciding to head over to Imago Shopping Mall.

Brunch at the Food Court

Feeling hungry, we searched online and found that Imago had a food court on the second floor. Known simply as Imago Food Court, it offered many different stalls and cuisines. We took our time browsing before choosing a Sabahan food stall called De’Beef House.

We ordered:

• Sizzling Kam Heong Beef with Rice
• Mee Hoon Beef Soup
• Yellow Noodle Curry Soup
• Hot Coffee
• Iced Lemon Tea
• Iced Tea

Our satisfying brunch came to RM54.50 (≈ USD12/EUR11).

Errands and Missed Finds

After eating, we continued our walkabout and stopped by the DJI outlet, hoping to see the DJI Pocket 3. Unfortunately, it was out of stock.

We then ran a few errands around the mall, which included:

• Hair conditioner from Watsons
• A pair of low cut sneakers on sale from Vans for Brendan
• A small messenger bag from F.O.S.
• Slippers, a hairband and a stationery pouch from Mr DIY

A Cultural Surprise

Just as we were about to leave, a traditional Sabahan dance performance began at the ground floor foyer. We were lucky to catch it and managed to record the performance, which beautifully captured the spirit and culture of Sabah.

Heading Back

After that pleasant surprise, we made our way back to the homestay—though not before taking a very interesting detour.

Stay tuned for our next video as Brendan and we picked up new body art in Kota Kinabalu!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

The Klagan @ Riverson Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/m8Q3wjapphY1A8Y77

Imago Shopping Mall - https://maps.app.goo.gl/v7B126RrJvA7eP5F8

Imago Food Court - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Td1mBDG1LYeiunkdA

BKI Day 1 │ Anjung Senja: Tanjung Emas Lot 13

Dinner by the Coast

After settling into our homestay, we waited about an hour before heading out for dinner. The only meal we had earlier was the food on the plane, so we were more than ready to eat.

A Walk Along the Waterfront

We took a relaxed evening stroll along Jalan Coastal, part of Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, also known as the Kota Kinabalu Coastal Highway. This long road ran by the sea and was built on reclaimed land in the 1990s as part of the city’s coastal development. The walk itself already felt like a treat.

About ten minutes later, we arrived at Anjung Senja, a lively area lined with seafood stalls by the water.

Choosing Our Dinner

After browsing the stalls, we chose stall number 13, Tanjung Emas. We sat down just in time to catch the sunset and ordered a generous spread:

• Grilled Ikan Belais (streaked spinefoot)
• Buttered Udang Galah (lobster)
• 1 bowl of chicken tomyam
• 1 plate of rumpai laut (local seaweed)
• 1 plate of large kerang (clams)
• 2 omelettes
• 3 plates of white rice
• 1 hot coffee
• 2 iced honey lemon

Our first dinner in Kota Kinabalu came to RM170.00 (≈ USD26/EUR24). It was a little on the pricey side, but the food was delicious, and the view of the sun setting over the sea made it feel worth every ringgit.

A Gentle End to the Day

After dinner, we took a slow walk back to the homestay and stopped by a mini mart along the way to pick up some supplies.

With nothing planned for the next day, we were happy to simply take things as they came.

Stay tuned to see what we got up to next in Kota Kinabalu.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

The Klagan @ Riverson Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/m8Q3wjapphY1A8Y77

Anjung Senja - https://maps.app.goo.gl/znTHhDqdWHW3ALvMA

Tanjung Emas Lot 13 - https://maps.app.goo.gl/oNUzjua5nXdr3vSy8

BKI Day 1 │ HOMESTAY: Riverson Soho Kota Kinabalu

We Arrived in Kota Kinabalu

We finally stepped out of Kota Kinabalu International Airport, excited to begin our first Sabah adventure. We hailed a six seater Grab car at 3:15pm for RM32.00 (≈ USD7 / EUR6) and headed to our homestay about six kilometres away.

A Small Mix Up

Along the way, we realised we had chosen the wrong Klagan Hotel. After a brief moment of confusion, we booked another six seater Grab car for RM18.00 (≈ USD/EUR4) and made our way to Klagan Hotel @ Riverson instead.

The building was well located, with many eateries and entertainment spots nearby, which immediately felt like a good choice for our stay.

Checking In

We went up to the seventh floor and checked into our homestay. The unit cost RM247.75 per night (≈ USD53/EUR49) and was hosted by Luqman, who was responsive and helpful throughout.

The apartment had two bedrooms, a living area, a fully equipped kitchen, and two bathrooms. It also came with air conditioning, free Wi Fi, free parking, and round the clock security. From the balcony, we enjoyed city views, and the building even had a swimming pool, gym, and a small convenience store. Everything we needed was right there.

First Impressions

The unit was clean, comfortable, and very practical for our needs. We felt settled almost immediately and were happy with the value for money. Rather than talk too much about it, we decided to let the footage do the storytelling.

With our bags unpacked and our base secured, we were officially ready to explore Sabah.

Stay tuned for our next video as we headed out for our first dinner in Kota Kinabalu!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA)

- https://maps.app.goo.gl/SSxEGcEUG2Pi46Jm6

The Klagan @ Riverson Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/m8Q3wjapphY1A8Y77

BKI Day 1 │ Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu: MH2646

Kota Kinabalu, Here We Come!

Among the last few Malaysian states left for us to feature, we were especially excited about Sabah. This was our very first visit, and we could hardly wait to experience it for ourselves.

A Great Deal in the Air

We bought our return flight tickets to Kota Kinabalu during a recent MATTA Fair and were thrilled with the price. Each ticket cost RM410.64 (≈ USD94/EUR81), which felt like a real bargain for such a far flung destination.

An Early Start

Because it was Kuala Lumpur Car Free Day, many roads near our home were closed. To avoid any trouble, we booked a six seater Grab car a day in advance. The driver arrived earlier than scheduled, so we headed down to the lobby ahead of time.

The Grab ride to KL Sentral cost RM39.00 (≈ USD9/EUR8), and we arrived at a quarter to seven. Even though our flight was still five hours away, we were allowed to check in early for MH2646.

Train to the Airport

After checking in our luggage and collecting our boarding passes, we made our way to the KLIA Express. We had bought our tickets online earlier and enjoyed a RM10 discount per ticket, paying RM40.00 each (≈ USD9/EUR8).

The train left KL Sentral at 7:00am and arrived at KLIA thirty minutes later.

Breakfast at KLIA

Once at the departures level, we stopped for breakfast at Costa Coffee. We ordered:

• 2 Chicken Puffs
• Tuna Croissant
• Chocolate Muffin
• Caramel Corton
• Iced Lemon Tea
• Strawberry Iced Tea

With service charge and SST included, breakfast came to RM116.35 (≈ USD26/EUR24).

Time to Fly

Two hours later, we checked the flight information screens to find our gate, as our boarding passes did not yet show one. Gate A4 was our departure point. We passed through security smoothly and waited as boarding preparations began.

The gate opened an hour before departure, but boarding was delayed slightly due to extended cabin cleaning. We finally boarded at 11:30am.

The plane pushed back at 11:50am, taxied for a while, and took off at around 12:15pm.

Touchdown in Sabah

The flight took about two and a half hours and was mostly uneventful. We landed at 2:30pm, disembarked shortly after, and headed to Carousel C to collect our luggage.

Just like that, we had arrived in Kota Kinabalu.

Sabah at last—our adventure had officially begun.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

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

KL Sentral [Departure Hall | KL City Air Terminal]

- https://maps.app.goo.gl/GHYtnN3MLnga3SqW7

KLIA Express  Transit Station @ KLIA

- https://maps.app.goo.gl/ANYF6CtbznL3FQGb7

KLIA Departure - https://maps.app.goo.gl/cua1xkrSFQHy5ULTA

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA)

- https://maps.app.goo.gl/SSxEGcEUG2Pi46Jm6

A Life Update...

A Scary Morning (and a Huge Relief)

We had an appointment with a neurologist this morning. We promised “more on that later,” and… this was later.

We left our condo at eight, quietly, with that heavy feeling in our chest that came from not knowing what we were about to hear. We walked to the bus stop opposite Jakel Mall. Ten minutes later, we boarded Rapid KL bus #250 to Setapak. By 8:40am, we were at Columbia Asia Hospital, registering, sitting down, and trying to act normal.

But we weren’t normal. Not inside.

We waited for our appointment with Dr Tan Wee Yong, and the waiting felt endless—because for two weeks, we had been living inside a question mark.

What Started It All

It began as a tingling in the right arm—like that sharp “funny bone” feeling when you knock your elbow the wrong way. At first, I tried to brush it off. It was easy to tell ourselves it was nothing.

Then it wasn’t.

The tingling became numbness—starting at the pinky and ring finger, then spreading down the right side of the body, all the way to the little toe. I noticed the right leg felt off. Simple things—like moving a trouser leg properly—suddenly felt clumsy, uncoordinated, wrong. That quiet fear started creeping in: What if this is serious?

And then came the moment that truly shook me.

I was showering, and only the left side of the body felt the warmth of the water.

That was the moment my stomach dropped.

Two Weeks of Uncertainty

This started two weeks ago, on 12 July 2024. We went to a GP nearby. She listened, looked concerned, and said words that instantly made everything feel real: she worried it could be a mild stroke. She referred us to a neurologist. An MRI was done.

And then… we waited.

Work commitments meant we could not see the specialist right away, so we carried on with life while our mind kept circling the same fears. We smiled in front of people. We did our tasks. We kept moving. But in quiet moments, the worries got loud.

Every day we asked ourselves: What if we waited too long? What if this changes everything?

The Appointment We Needed

Sitting there today, waiting to be called in, we were trying to prepare for anything. We braced ourselves for bad news because uncertainty had already worn us down.

And then—finally—we got the words we had been desperate to hear.

After going through the results, Dr Tan gave us encouraging news. He prescribed medication for hypertension, diabetes, and neuropathic pain, and he expected a full recovery.

We cannot describe the release we felt in that moment. Two weeks of fear didn’t vanish instantly, but it loosened its grip. We could breathe again.

The Wake Up Call We Didn’t Want—but Needed

Dr Tan’s advice was clear, and it hit us in the most honest way:

• Watch what we eat
• Begin cardio exercises
• Lose weight over time
• And maybe the hardest instruction of all: take it easy

It was a relief—but it was also a reminder.

We loved our adventures, our walking days, our food hunts, our “let’s just go” moments. But today made one thing painfully clear: nothing—absolutely nothing—should stand in the way of our health.

So yes, we might need to tone down the gallivanting. Or at least cut the sugar, watch the calories, and stop treating rest like a luxury. Because we wanted many more trips, many more videos, many more mornings where we woke up excited instead of afraid.

Grateful, Grounded, and Moving Forward

We walked out of that hospital feeling lighter than we had in weeks. Not because everything was “perfect,” but because we finally had clarity—and a path forward.

We were grateful for good medical care. Grateful for answers. Grateful for the chance to change direction before it was too late.

And most of all, we were grateful that we were still here—together—making plans again.

Stay tuned for our next destination, “The Land Beneath the Winds,” next month. But this time, we would be travelling with a new promise to ourselves: we would put health first, every single day.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

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

Columbia Asia Hospital - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ovjjUPQ2Zk4HEF3W8

BATU BURUK Gang Reunion!

Batu Buruk Gang Reunites

One week after our trip to Kuala Terengganu, we were given something even more precious than another getaway. Our good friend Vinodh invited us to a small reunion with mates from our former high school. The gathering was set at SOULed OUT in Sri Hartamas and knowing it would be a long and meaningful night, we booked a room nearby at The Signature Hotel.

Just the Two of Us This Time

Brendan was busy that weekend, helping friends run an open day booth at Multimedia University in Cyberjaya, so it was just the two of us heading out. In a quiet way, it felt fitting—this reunion was about reconnecting with a chapter of life that belonged to a much earlier time.

Lunch, Coffee, and Anticipation

We drove to Sri Hartamas around lunchtime and had lunch at Nasi Kandar Pelita, then followed it up with drinks at Starbucks as we waited for check in time. It was relaxed, unhurried, and filled with anticipation. We knew the evening ahead would be special.

In the afternoon, we made the short drive to The Signature Hotel and checked in. We settled into the room, took a short break, and got ready for the night ahead.

Old Friends, Same Laughter

At six in the evening, we said goodbye to Cat and walked the short distance to SOULed OUT. We were supposed to meet Vinodh, Krishenjit (Kris), Deva, and Soh. At the very last minute, Kris fell ill with Influenza B and had to sit this one out, which was disappointing—but we promised to make up for it soon.

Vinodh was already there when we arrived. Deva joined us not long after, and Soh completed the group about half an hour later. Just like that, decades melted away.

Six Hours of Memories

We spent the next six hours catching up on old times—starting with mojitos, then sharing a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label, alongside plate after plate of finger food. Conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter, stories, and moments that only old friends could understand.

Our thoughts drifted back to Kuala Terengganu, where we all grew up. Life felt simpler back then. We remembered riding bicycles everywhere, tennis practice every evening at the school courts, and football matches whenever we could find the time. Football, to us, often meant kicking a tennis ball around the basketball court, with Soh and one of us usually serving as goalkeepers.

And of course, there were the games on the beach at Batu Buruk, the place that gave our group its name. Running on sand drained your energy faster than you expected, but we never cared. We were young, free, and always together.

Nostalgia Hits Hard

As we talked, we felt a deep, quiet ache. Nostalgia had a way of doing that. It reminded us how beautiful the past was—and how far away it now felt. The mix of pride, joy, and longing sat heavy in the air as we shared memories that shaped who we had become.

Ending the Night Gently

After finishing the bottle of whisky, we ended the night with a pint of Heineken, then took a short walk to Nasi Lemak Burung Hantu Hartamas for supper. Sitting there, tired but happy, we made plans to meet again next month—this time at Soh’s place along Jalan Imbi, with Kris joining us too.

We said our goodbyes as Soh and Vinodh headed back toward the car park. Deva and we walked across the street to The Signature Hotel, filled with gratitude for a night that reminded us of who we once were.

Morning Goodbyes

The next morning, we met Deva again briefly after breakfast at the rooftop café. Soon after, we packed up our things and checked out at ten.

Until We Meet Again

That reunion was more than just a night out. It was a reminder that no matter how much life changed, some bonds stayed strong. We planned to gather again in July, before taking a short break and resuming our adventures in August—when we would finally visit Sabah for the first time.

Some journeys took us to new places. Others took us gently back home.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

The Signature Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/unGH1G7GkF7LWbqFA

SOULed OUT Kuala Lumpur - https://maps.app.goo.gl/MybVvfusw32K137y7

Nasi Lemak Burung Hantu Hartamas

- https://maps.app.goo.gl/LFzZ2s45AQzrevPw8