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Tourism Malaysia

Kampua Mee ??? from Intat Restaurant at Taman Indahpura, Kulaijaya.

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Tourism Malaysia

Full Varieties of Chinese Traditional Kueh and Snacks – MIn Corner ??? at Tmn Tun Aminah, Skudai

If you are the Chinese Traditional kueh lover, you shouldn’t miss this Ming Corner – ??? (N1.52204 E103.66411) located at Jalan Pahlawan 2, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah. The shop provide full varieties of kueh start from 11am till 8pm everyday except Monday.

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The dining area is air-conditioning that where you can enjoy your snacks in a comfy and clean area. The shop was packed with customers during our visit. According to the owner, the peak hour is between 3-6pm everyday where most of the customers having their tea break here…

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There is a long cabinet that arrange all kind of kuehs on the right side once you step into the shop…you can find almost 80-90% of the available kuehs in Southern Malaysia in this shop.

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We tried some of the kuehs and the snacks from the shop, I wish I can try all of it, but I only have one stomach…

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So we chose some of the popular kuehs (above) and…

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Some of the snacks (above)…which I cannot remember the name of it.

Not all the kuehs sell here are perfect, some of them were taste above average and some were not…maybe it because of the regular customers taste which are different from us…but the prices are very reasonable. Beside the Dong Hong Trading ???? which I blogged before, this will be the next shop worth the visit if you are staying around Skudai area.

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Feel the Vietnam! At Saigon Cafe, Taman Gaya

Xin cha?o buô?i tô?i !

Are you a Vi?t Nam Cuisine lover? If yes, now you can enjoy the Vietnamese dishes in Taman Gaya of Ulu Tiram, Johor Bahru. The restaurant named Saigon Cafe (N1.56275 E103.80035) which located along Jalan Sasa 1, Taman Gaya.

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It has a simple and comfort setup in the cafe and serve varieties of Vietnam dishes. The cafe is operating by a couple where the owner is local and his wife is originally from Vietnam.

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I heard about the popular Vietnam beef noodle long time ago and till now only has the chance to try it out, I’m excited!

The lady boss took our order in a politely way…
Our the order below…
*  Cao l?u ??? (Vietnamese rice noodle)
*  Pho (Vietnam beef/chicken soup noodle)
*  Bánh mì (French Loaf with braised pork)
*  Cà phê nâu ?á (Vietnamese Coffee)

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Cao l?u is a regional Vietnamese dish made with noodles, pork, and greens and is only found in the town of H?i An, in the Quang Nam Province of central Vietnam. Its unique taste is rumoured to be contributed by the water from an undisclosed ancient Cham well just outside of the town.

The Cao l?u ??? (Vietnamese rice noodle) was served in cold, that was the First surprise! It had an unique taste and we felt the crunchy-ness while in our mouth. It has peanuts, bean sprout, green vege, fried bean curd, rice noodles and others ingredients.

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Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup consisting of broth, linguine-shaped rice noodles, a few herbs, and meat. It is a popular street food in Vietnam and the specialty of a number of restaurant chains around the world. Pho is primarily served with either beef or chicken. The Hanoi and Saigon styles of pho differ by noodle width, sweetness of broth, and choice of herbs.

We had a the ‘Beef’ Pho, the broth cooked with few type of spices which produced a special taste of it and the beef was tender and succulent. The Vietnamese soup noodle might not suit everyone taste bud because of the different feeling of beef soup compare with local version. For me, I like it!

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Bánh mì is a Vietnamese term for all kinds of bread. Bread, or more specifically the baguette, was introduced by the French during its colonial period. The bread most commonly found in Vietnam is a single serving baguette, therefore the term bánh mì is synonymous with this type of bread. The bánh mì is usually more airy than its western counterpart, so as a result, has a thinner crust.

Their ‘homemade’ French loaf was tender and nice! It provided the different texture once you bite on it, the tasty braised pork went well with the fresh vegetables and the loaf. We love this “Bánh mì” very much!

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Vietnamese iced coffee, also known as Ca phe da or cafe da (Vietnamese: cà phê ?á, literally “ice coffee”) is a traditional Vietnamese coffee recipe. At its simplest, Ca phe da is made with finely ground Vietnamese-grown dark roast coffee individually brewed with a small metal French drip filter (cà phê phin) into a cup containing about a quarter to a half as much sweetened condensed milk, stirred and poured over ice.

As usual, we will order the Vietnamese coffee when visit a Vietnamese restaurant. We had a hot and black coffee that day. The coffee was thick with a pure perfect aroma and everyone of us like it! The only disadvantage was…you have to be ‘patient’ while it dripping drop-by-drop…:)

Overall the meals were “th?m ngon!” (“Delicious” in Vietnamese). The services was good with the polite staffs, the prices are reasonable. There are still many dishes that we cannot finish by one visit, that means we have to come back for few more times to enjoy the Delicious Vietnamese Cuisine from Saigon Cafe!

Tôi s? ???c tr? l?i!
 (“i will be come back” in Vietnamese)

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Categories
Wonderful Malaysia

Traveling with kids in Malaysia

Traveling to Southeast Asia with children is not particularly advertised. However, most holidays in region are perfectly suitable for children. Always check beforehand to determine if a certain organized trip is age appropriate. Visitors of Wonderful Malaysia often ask the question if it is possible – and if it is wise – to travel to Malaysia with small children. Looking only at all fun attractions in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, it is clear that the answer is ‘Yes’. However, as parents, you do need to take certain things into account that you do not have to think about in non-tropical countries. Malaysia is a fantastic country for children. There is an enormous variation and so there is always something to do. The kids will not get bored that easily in this country.

Great things to do in Kuala Lumpur

Berjaya Times Square Theme Park

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In every city in Malaysia, there are a few big shopping malls and because they also serve as a social meeting point for the locals (also kids), you will often find many fun attractions within the malls. Each mall has a cinema and a big bowling alley. For example, the Berjaya Times Square mall has a bowling alley – Ampang Superbowl – with a whopping 48 lanes. However, the shopping mall is mainly – world – famous due to the indoor Berjaya Times Square Theme Park, where a roller coaster with loops thunders past the railings of the balconies of the various levels.

Sunway Lagoon

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Next to the big Sunway Pyramid Mall – which is quite a distance from the Kuala Lumpur city center – lays the enormous aqua theme park called Sunway Lagoon, very popular amongst the locals and lots of fun as a day trip away from the big city.

Genting Highlands Theme Park

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One of the biggest (and most hectic) kids’ paradise in Malaysia is about an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur. Genting Highlands is an entertainment city with many attractions (including numerous casinos) and with a huge kids’ theme park. A big advantage of this theme park is the coolness of the highlands; a possible disadvantage are the crowds. We had never seen so many families with kids in one place. The theme is currently closed for renovations and expected to open in 2016 as the world’s first Twentieth Century Fox Theme Park.

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

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Within the beautiful Lake Gardens, the biggest park in Kuala Lumpur, you can find the popular KL Bird Park. Here you can see thousands of birds. Children will have a great time, and they will learn a lot about all the bird species you can see here too. Especially popular is the World’s Largest Free-flight Walk-in Aviary; where you can see birds flying around you or even have birds sitting on your shoulder.

KLCC Aquarium

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Another popular attraction for kids is the KLCC Aquarium. Here you can see thousands of fish species, many species can also be found in the seas surrounding Malaysia. This great attraction is located right in the center of Kuala Lumpur, nearby the huge Suria KLCC shopping mall.

KidZania

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If you are traveling with young children and are looking for a fun day out in Kuala Lumpur, you should consider KidZania; an indoor family educational and entertainment center which offers an interactive learning and entertainment experience for kids in a kid-sized city to deliver the first-of-its-kind edutainment fun. The KidZania experience is about real-life experiences, empowering, inspiring and educating kids through role-play. It is located near a nice shopping mall, so you can combine this with some nice shopping afterwards.

Adventure trips with kids

Apart from the big cities, you also have many beautiful attractions which are equally pleasant for children and adults.

There is enough to do on the Malaysian peninsula. Visiting the beautiful National Park Taman Negara is absolutely a highlight of your trip; though you will spot few big animals, there are lots of smaller ones, birds and insects. The longboat trip to the nature reserve on its own will be liked by the children. The highlands are also great as a change (it is a lot cooler and you can go for lovely walks). Especially popular are the Cameron Highlands, where your kids can also visit one of many tea plantations.

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The islands of Langkawi and Penang can also be visited with children, usually visiting these islands is an excellent finale of a tour organized by the travel agency.

At the Oriental Village at Langkawi Island there is an enormous cable car – Panorama Langkawi – which takes you to the top of the mountain to see the beautiful panoramic view of the island. Langkawi has numerous other great attractions that your kids will love.

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Penang has a tropical fruit farm and a beautiful butterfly garden. There are quite a few nice temples and numerous other sights. The night market in the small coastal town Batu Feringghi is also great fun for kids.

If you want to visit the best dive and snorkel islands during the dry season – April until October, then you should travel to east coast islands like Perhentian, Redang, Kapas or Tioman. You can snorkel, swim and even dive together with the children. Besides many beautiful fish species, there is a big chance you can swim with huge turtles (especially abundant in the seas around Perhentian Island).

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Kuala Gandah is a small village just a few hours away from the capital Kuala Lumpur, where you will find an elephant sanctuary. You can feed and wash the elephants, which is yet another great experience for the kids (please do not ride on the back of elephants as they weren’t built for that). Also nearby Kuala Lumpur is the small village of Kuala Selangor. Here you can visit the firefly park (in the evenings) and witness millions of fireflies (lightning bugs) once it is dark.

In Borneo you can for example easily discover the jungle (basic level). You will choose an easy to reach and accessible nature park instead of the really hard core jungle trips. A visit to one of the traditional indigenous people will also be memorable for the kids. In the northeast of Borneo (close to Sandakan) you can also visit Sepilok, the orangutan reserve.

There are also various other attractions, such as the humongous Gomantong bat cave, Turtle Island where you can observe turtles and the amazing Kinabatangan river (3 to 4 hours’ drive from Sandakan); where you can see elephants, orangutans, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles and many other kinds of animals and birds. A true adventure for children!

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If your kids love theme parks, you should consider a visit to Johor Bahru in the south of Malaysia near Singapore. Here you have Legoland Malaysia; with over 40 rides, shows and attractions. Highlight is Miniland; where over 30 million bricks of lego where used to recreate numerous Asian landmarks.

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All in all there is so much to do with children on tour through Malaysia. Apart from all these huge attractions, there are often also small activities which will be of extra fun for the kids. The locals are always very nice and sweet with children. They will often be spoiled and will get far more attention than they need.

A beautiful description of a proud parent with children

Our kids traveled with us for a couple of months, they spent a long time in airplanes and buses but still were easy to handle. Most travelers are surprised when they realize that you can still go backpacking once you have kids. Our kids talk to everybody and get a lot of attention in return. Observing things with the kids gives you another view on the country, because they will notice completely different things than you. Children’s simplicity … A new world opens up. And if they cry from time to time…it doesn’t matter. Give them some attention and they are fine again. For years our kids have behaved so well on the plane. It is the biggest experience in their lives. And why do you travel….because as parents, you enjoy it. You want something more than Center Parcs, European beaches or similar. And kids like everything…So, you travel because as an adult you like it, you are doing it for yourself. In the process, you try and make it fun for the children too and you organize some activities that they really like. So, people with kids, keep flying!!!! Everyone has been young and has cried before. No reason to miss out on these great adventures…

Malaysia is a safe country

Malaysia is an exceptionally safe country, but rule of thumb is not to do or undertake any crazy things (the ones that you would also avoid in your own country). Driving in Malaysia is safe too, highways are often in excellent conditions. Roads in local towns might force you to drive slowly. Self-drives are particularly popular at the peninsula.

Protect yourself and your children

You should always be well prepared (for example during day trips): take enough water, enough DEET to protect yourself against mosquitoes, Dengue does occur a lot and it is not pleasant (read: life threatening!). If your family doctor advises malaria treatment, then go ahead with it. Only in a few regions in Malaysia there is a risk of Malaria. If you do not like Malaria treatment for your children (for example because they are too young for it), just avoid those areas.

It is also important that you and your children are well informed in advance regarding the tropical regions. Apart from the vital protection, you should also carry sun screen wherever you go. Adults usually get sunburn within the hour, children are often a lot more sensitive. You can buy sun screen in Malaysia too.

Visit Malaysia 2014

2014 will be an important year for Malaysia, as it has been branded ‘Visit Malaysia 2014‘. During this year there will be many events to celebrate Malaysia’s tourism achievements and potential. Many events are also great for kids, so if you are planning a trip to this wonderful country, make sure you do so in 2014.

Have fun in Malaysia.

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Tourism Malaysia

Kim Long Curry Fish Head ?????? along Jalan Kuning, Taman Pelangi

In Taman Pelangi, there’s a popular Clay pot curry fish head restaurant which is packed with peoples most of the time, the place mentioned is Kim Long Curry Fish Head Restaurant ?????? (N1.48279 E103.77546). The restaurant is located along Jalan Kuning of Tmn Pelangi which is opposite the Kim Kopitiam. This is the second outlet where the First outlet is located at Jalan Wong Ah Fook in Johor Bahru town.

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The reason we chose this outlet is because the restaurant operate from afternoon till night and with better environment, despite the majority reviews said the first outlet is taste much more better than this…

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The restaurant has 2 dining area, indoor and outdoor. But the outdoor are just merely 2-3 tables along the corridor…we picked the corridor table.

The clay pot curry fish head serve in small, medium and large sizes depends on request from customer. We ordered a small size for 2 persons.

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Once the lid lifted from the clay pot, the nice curry aroma was wafted around as usual. The other ingredients served together in the clay pot was young lady fingers and cowpea.

The flavorful curry fish head was slightly different from the one we had in Cedar Point, the level of the lemak (coconut milk) was much more lower and the curry powder taste more stronger, and spicy too! I felt the curry more oily, but it kept the heat very well till we finished… the fish was fresh, tender and moist. We enjoyed the nice curry on a raining evening…such a perfect timing for us!

There are a few popular and famous curry fish head around JB, I still haven’t try all of them yet, despite the positive and negative reviews online, I’ll still visit all of them in the coming future because I love ‘curry’…Kim Long is another version of the Curry Fish Head originally from Johor Bahru, maybe you will like it. Try it out!