Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Food Hunt along MRT Line

Many people might find it a bit tiresome of driving and waiting for a carpark in order to get a good place to fill up empty tummy.

With the Sungai Buloh – Kajang Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) line in operation, both locals and tourists alike can have opportunity to spend less time for going on a food adventure.

Here’s a list of food gems that you can find along the MRT line; think Nasi Kandar, Dim Sum, Satay and more.

Along the 51km journey with a total of 31 stations, selected special dishes will be covered for this food hunting trip! Just take it as exercise if you need to walk to reach your desired locations.

Apart from food hunting, some of the routes covered include tourist spots, historical and cultural hubs, shopping paradise. It is time for you to plan ahead and spend your free time with like-minded friends or family members.

Surian Station

Hameediyah

After serving nasi kandar in Penang for more than a century, the legendary Hameediyah has now set its foot in Sunway Nexis, Kota Damansara, which is just a short walk away from the Surian MRT Station.

Operating since 1907, this famous nasi kandar is run by its 6th and 7th generation now, with all the recipes coming from their ancestors, bringing the herbs and spices over from Penang.

Highly recommended dishes include chicken kapitan, chicken curry, mutton curries, beef rendang, fish and sotong curry, all guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. Top them with some vegetables and eggs as well.

Unit A-GF-01, Sunway Nexis
Jalan PJU 5/8, Kota Damansara
Tel: 03-6151 7766
Business hours: Mon (10am – 10pm), Tue – Sun (11am – 10pm)

Tips: Surian MRT Station is located in Dataran Sunway, Kota Damansara. Dataran Sunway is developing township located in Kota Damansara, Selangor. Notable landmarks located within the area are Sunway Giza Shopping Mall.

Phileo Damansara Station

Skippy Pizza (Non-halal)

Chicken or beef pizza is easily found anywhere. However, “Skippy Pizza” offers pork dishes where it serves a wide variety of pork pizzas and more.

“Skipping Kangaroo” is the theme for the restaurant, with Australian influence on its pizza recipes.

*Disclaimer: This eatery not halal-certified

Phileo Damansara I, 107 Block D, Jalan 16/11, Seksyen 16, 46350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 10pm (Monday to Sunday)
Contact: 0192509347
http://www.skippyspizza.com/

Tips: Phileo Damansara MRT Station, located at Section 16 near to Eastin Hotel Phileo Damansara, a modern township nestled within PJ and Kuala Lumpur.

Muzium Negara Station

Commuters can get access to NU Sentral shopping centre via the linkway connecting to the MRT station and dine at one of the most famous halal Chinese restaurants called Dolly Dim Sum.

Dolly Dim Sum is a modern interpretation of a classic Chinese tea house, specialising in modern authentic dim sum. Top picks include Siew Mai Dumpling, Roasted BBQ Bun, Glutinous Rice Parcel “Loh Mai Gai”, Spicy Szechuan Dumpling, Egg Custard Bun, BBQ Chicken Cheong Fun, Chewy Meat Croquette, to name a few.

You will be surprised by the unique dining experience encompassing quality of ingredients, heartfelt service and an impeccable dining ambiance.

Address: LG.43, NU Sentral, No. 201 Jalan Tun Sambathan, 50470 Kuala Lumpur.
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Monday to Sunday)
Contact: 012-301 8161
http://dollydimsum.com/

Tips: Muzium Negara MRT Station, underground station located near to National Museum and connected to KL Sentral Main Terminal by a covered pedestrian walkway. KL Sentral is a main public transport hub for Kuala Lumpur. NU Sentral is linked with KL Sentral Main Terminal.

Pasar Seni Station

Cafe Old Market Square

Formerly known as Sin Seng Nam Kopitiam, it takes about a 10-minute walk from Pasar Seni Station to dine in this newly restored cafe, which has transformed to what it is today since it was taken over by its new owner in 2014.

Located at an incredibly well-preserved heritage building, Cafe Old Market Square will definitely bring old memories back to life as it did 80 years ago. Artwork and old photos of Kuala Lumpur adorn the walls of the cafe with the top floor of the building being turned into a gallery space that showcases old Kuala Lumpur.

Among the signature dishes are Hainanese coffee, half-boiled eggs, toasted bread with kaya and margarine. You still can see the dishes are served in old fashioned kopitiam cups and saucers.

Address: 2, Medan Pasar, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 7am – 6pm (Monday to Saturday), Closed on Sunday
Contact: +60 16-964 9509
https://www.cafeoldmarketsquare.com/

Merchant’s Lane

When it comes to Instagrammable cafes in KL, no doubt Merchant’s Lane is on top of our list. What’s the best way to explain East Meets West? Merchant’s Lane. Tucked in off Chinatown, Merchant’s Lane has a strong Asian vibe with rattan chairs and rustic walls. Every corner screams picture-perfect. The entrance is a bit discreet so have fun hunting down Merchant’s Lane.

Address: No, 150 Jalan Petaling. Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 10.30pm, Closed on Wednesday
Contact: +603-2022 1736
https://www.facebook.com/merchantslane

Tips: Pasar Seni MRT Station situated in Pasar Seni (Central Market), a few minutes away from Petaling Street (Chinatown). Central Market is now a landmark for Malaysian culture and heritage.

Merdeka Station

VCR Cafe

It takes about a 11-minute walk from Merdeka station to VCR cafe, which is located just next to Swiss Garden Residence along Jalan Galloway. VCR cafe is easily recognised for its all-black exterior, where old architecture meets the modern twist.

It is well-frequented by coffee drinkers and brunch lovers for its perfectly brewed coffee. VCR is an ideal place for breakfast, lunch, brunch or even dinner! Guests can also complement their choice of caffeine with delicious homemade cakes and pastries.

Some of the other must-try food include French toash, consisting of berries compote, mocha sauce, chocolate biscuit crumble, pumpkin seed, and a scoop of espresso ice cream while the fluffy potato waffle is a savoury delight of mushrooms, chervil, and perfectly poached eggs. Other favourate menu include soft shell crab burger and Scandinavian breakfast.

Address: 2, Jalan Galloway, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 8.30am – 11pm (Monday – Sunday)
Contact: +603-2110 2330
https://vcr.my/

Tips: Merdeka MRT Station situated in proposed Merdeka PNB 118, the tallest building in Malaysia, to build next to Stadium Merdeka in Jalan Hang Jebat, Kuala Lumpur.

Bukit Bintang Station

Feeka Coffee Roasters

It is housed in an old heritage shop lot in Changkat Bukit Bintang while bearing some contemporary elements. Feeka is inspired by the Swedish social philosophy, “fika”, which means to take a break.

Apart from serving specialty coffee, Feeka is a charming little café that offers a wide range of food choices such as Sweedish Meatballs, Spicy Ragu Pasta, Roasted Vege Burger, Chinken Banh Mi and etc. It is the perfect spot for you to spend your time with your loved ones or close friends.

Address: 19, Jalan Mesui, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 8am – 11pm (Monday – Sunday)
Contact: +603-2110 4599
www.facebook.com/feekacoffeeroasters

Restaurant Wong Ah Wah, Jalan Alor

One of the most famous spots for food is Jalan Alor, just a 15-minute walk from the station.

Jalan Alor is famous for its wide variety of street food and many foreigners or travelers will flock into this area for food hunting, especially dining night time.

The street is packed with different types of stir fried dishes ranging from seafood, Thai food, Vietnamese food and Chinese variety. One of the highly recommended restaurants is Restaurant Wong Ah Wah. Some of the popular dishes include fried oyster egg, chicken wings and roast pork dark noodles.

*Disclaimer: This eatery not halal-certified/Muslim-owned but halal ingredients are used.

Address: 16, Jalan Alor, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Opening Hours: 5.30pm to 12am
Contact: +603-2144 2463

Tips: The station is named after Bukit Bintang district, a shopping hub in Kuala Lumpur. The area has long been Kuala Lumpur’s most prominent retail belt that is home to many landmark shopping centres, al-fresco cafés, swanky bars, night markets, as well as hawker-type eateries. This area is popular among tourists and locals, especially among the youths. Some of the famous shopping malls include Pavillion shopping mall, Berjaya Times Squares, Fahrenheit 88 and Lot 10 shopping mall.

Cochrane Station

Peel Road Nasi Lemak

Have you ever tried mixed-rice style nasi lemak? With choices like sotong, lucheon meat, chicken rendang and a number of stir fried vegetables, it allows you to scoop your own dishes and be as creative as you wish.

This stall is located right at Peel Road and it is within walking distance from Cochrane station. With the development of the MyTown Shopping Mall and IKEA, this area has gone through massive transformation in recent years. The stall is open for dinner daily and you can see huge crowd from 6pm onwards.

*Disclaimer: This eatery not halal-certified

Address: 96, Jalan Peel, 50400 Kuala Lumpur.
Opening Hours: 4pm – 8pm daily

Tips: The IKEA furniture store and MyTown Shopping Mall are in its vicinity. Sunway Velocity is connected with this station as well.

Taman Connaught Station

Night Market Taman Connaught

With the construction of new Taman Connaught MRT, you can now get to your favourite Taman Connaught night market easily. The night market is around 2km long, and opens every Wednesday. with over 700 stalls selling everything from street food and flowers to cuddly toys, books and clothes. Some of the famous snacks here are fried chicken, smelly tofu, pancakes, dim sum, sausage, to name a few. Just remember to bring some tissue!

Tips: Taman Connaught MRT Station located right in front of Cheras Sentral, a retail outlet that offers a huge variety of products and services.

Stadium Kajang Station

Medan Satay Kajang

Kajang is known as the ‘Satay Town’ since the 1960s and is famous among tourists and locals alike. Medan Satay Kajang is located within close distance to the Stadium Kajang MRT.

Sate Kajang Haji Samurai said to be one of the best. You can spend your time eating a variety of satay as supper while chatting with friends. Some of the favourite satay meat including rabbit, tripe, fish apart from classic choices like beef and chicken. Don’t forget to combine it with heavenly thick peanut sauce (kuah kacang) and nasi impit! This is one satay-eating experience you wouldn’t want to miss!

Address: Medan Sate Kajang, Gerai No. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 7 Jalan Kelab, 43000 Kajang, Selangor Darul Ehsan.
Opening Hours: 10.30am – 12:30am (Monday to Thursday), 4pm – 1am (Friday), 10.30am – 1am (Saturday Sunday)
Contact: +6013-330 3269
https://satekajang.com.my/

Categories
Malaysia Travel Guide

Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur

Bangsar is a high-income suburban area which is also a popular for its restaurants, watering holes and clubs. The area is frequented by many of Kuala Lumpur’s expatriate community. Midvalley, which is linked directly to Bangsar via an overpass, is a relatively new development which has become very popular for shopping, thanks to the perpetually packed MidValley Megamall and its higher-end extension called The Gardens. Besides shopping, the two malls and surrounding areas also offer plenty of eating options.

Shopping

Although there are three malls in Bangsar, the area still offers more of a neighbourhood shopping experience. Midvalley, on the other hand, is all about mall shopping and attracts the masses, especially during weekends.

Bangsar Shopping Centre, Jalan Maarof – Better known as BSC, this mini shopping centre is a favourite among expats and the locals staying around the Bangsar Damansara Heights neighbourhood. Plenty of cafes restaurants – a good spot to meet up with friends. BSC also features speciality stores plus the Cold Storage Supermarket.

Bangsar Village, Jalan Ara – This is another favourite with those staying around Bangsar Damansara Heights neighbourhood. Bangsar Village 2 is linked to the original Bangsar Village by a covered pedestrian bridge.

Mid Valley Megamall – This really is “mega” with over 430 shops crammed into what claims to be one of South-East Asia’s largest shopping malls. Anchor tenants include big department stores and hypermarkets such as Malaysian arm of AEON Japan called Jusco, local store Metrojaya and French hypermarket Carrefour. If you need to change money, the lower ground floor has several money changers. The Megamall is connected to the upmarket The Gardens at Mid Valley. (KTM Komuter: Mid-Valley)

The Gardens at Mid Valley – This mall is anchored by a high-end shopping gallery (anchor tenants include Isetan, Robinson’s and Market Place), two landmark office towers, five-star Gardens Residences and five-star Gardens Hotel. The mall is linked to the Abdullah Hukum LRT station. (KTM Komuter: Mid-Valley)

Eating Drinking

Bangsar has been a restaurant district for quite some time, thanks to the high expatriate numbers. Midvalley with its malls also offer an amazing array of food choices.

Bangsar has long been one of the busiest places in KL past midnight and the action is around centred on Jalan Telawi and its side streets. Midvalley has a few pubs and coffee places.

Getting There

Although there is a Bangsar station on the Kelana Jaya light rail transit line, it is situated along Jalan Bangsar and not near the restaurant and drinking area of Bangsar Baru. From the station, you’ll have to catch buses RapidKL No U87 to get you to Bangsar Baru. This bus also goes past MidValley.

The easiest way to get to Midvalley is to catch a KTM Komuter train to Midvalley station. The station is linked to the Mall via a covered walkway with escalators. The other alternative is to catch an LRT to Bangsar station and transfer onto a Midvalley free shuttle bus (which runs every half hour) or RapidKL bus No U87/U85/B105/B110 (which runs every 30-60 minutes during off-peak hours).

Another way to travel to Bangsar is by Taxi. There is an abundance of them in Kuala Lumpur and most of them will not hesitate to bring you over to Bangsar. The fares will vary depending on where you are coming from and should not cost more than RM10.00 to RM15.00 from the center of town.

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

A Weekend At The Budding Bentong

Snuggled behind the mountainous shadows of Genting Highland and Bukit Tinggi is the small town of Bentong. Although there is not much sightseeing to do in the town itself, there is plenty of adventure waiting for you to embark on, such as the Chamang Waterfall and Dusun Eco’s outdoor activities. Yet, Bentong is still worth a short visit for its ample food choices available in every nook and cranny in town. Whether you are up for some spice-tingling fish head curry, or the sweet kisses of homemade ice cream, Bentong is the place to be.

Duration: Overnight trip

Suitable for: Families

Recommended itinerary:

Day One:

11AM-1PM

FOON LOCK RESTAURANT

84, Kg Bukit Tinggi, 28750 Bentong, Pahang.

Take the exit point of Janda Baik to go to Foon Lock.

(Tel.: +6 09 233 0170/+6 012 955 3832; Kampung Bukit Tinggi; RM20-RM30 per pax; Time: 10.30AM-10PM)

What: A sought-after restaurant in quiet Kampung Bukit Tinggi that serves yummy Chinese stir fried dishes to fill the tummy.

Why: Your tummy must be growling by the time you cross the borders into Pahang. Have a hearty meal here before proceeding down the Karak Highway and onto your weekend escapade.

Must-try: Tin kai noodles, steamed chicken with wolfberries, ginger and Chinese wine.

1PM-6PM

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES @ DUSUN ECO RESORT

(Tel.: +6 03 2070 8720/+6 03 2070 1110; http://www.dusuneco.com; Bentong; Time: 9AM-7PM)

What: A training and recreational village with its very own fruit plantation and facilities for exciting outdoor activities.

Why: From rock climbing to abseiling, obstacle courses to paintball shooting, from swimming to jungle trekking –  Dusun Eco has a bunch of outdoor activities to spend away your day. There is even a fruit plantation where you can have a teatime break and munch on freshly plucked fruits.

*Get in touch with Dusun Eco Resort for exhaustive information on activities and pricings.

6PM onwards

THE RAUB

53,Jalan Loke Yew, 28700 Bentong, Pahang

Beside the Bentong General Hospital

(Tel. +6 09 223 3551; Jalan Loke Yew; RM40 per 4 pax; Time: 6AM-8PM)

What: One of the famous restaurants in town serving the neighbouring town, Raub’s popular fish head curry. Why: After a day of action at the paintball field, you must be shaking with hunger by the time you reach Bentong town. This restaurant has the perfect dishes cooked up in the kitchen to fill you to the brim so you can have a good night’s rest.

Must-try: Fish head curry.

*Please make bookings at least an hour before visiting to secure seats.

Day Two:

9AM-12PM

CHAMANG WATERFALL

(http://www.happyyen.webs.com; Bentong; Around RM180 per group (2-8pax); Time: Anytime)

What: Also known as ‘Lover’s Falls’, Chamang is hidden deep within Chamang Village, and is a local favourite for picnicking during a short day’s getaway. Why: Start your day with a refreshing dip in Chamang’s cooling waters, and even have a picnic spread on the rocks with the soothing rush of the currents.

*Visit Yen’s website for more rates and itineraries available.

12PM-2PM

PHOON/LEONG YEW COFFEESHOP

Across the street from the central market building.

Jalan Chui Yin;

What: Located across the street from the central market’s building, they serve one of the best wan tan mee in town. The place is usually packed with locals who have just finished their day’s shopping at the market nearby. Why: After a morning’s worth of fun at Chamang Waterfall, come back to Bentong town for a bowl of slurpy goodness before exiting the small town back to civilisation in KL. Must-try: Wan tan mee.

KOW PO COFFEESHOP

2 Bentong Heights, 28700 Bentong

The coffeeshop is on the main Jalan Loke Yew and is opposite the Bentong central bus station

(Tel.: +6 09 222 1258; Jalan Loke Yew; RM2 per scoop; Time: 10.30AM-7PM)

What: A local’s favourite dessert spot serving preservative-free ice cream, cendol and ais kacang. Why: What better way to finish off your trip, as well as to cool yourself down during midday with a nice bowl of ice cream?

Must-try: Homemade ice cream, ais kacang drenched in coconut milk and palm sugar.
Optional:

LENTANG FOREST RECREATION PARK

(Bentong; Adult/Child: Free; Time: Anytime)

What: Another forest reserve, where visitors can set up camp for a night in nature’s bosom, or spend a few hours of peace and quiet among the green trees and running waters. Why: If going through an obstacle course seems too strenuous for your holiday, how about skipping Dusun Eco’s outdoor activities and head to Lentang instead for a peace of mind?

BENTONG SUNDAY MARKET

(Jalan Pasar; Time: 7AM-12PM)

What: A Chinese-oriented Sunday Market, selling all the ingredients, such as baby bok choi, mak choi, black-skinned chicken, bean curd and more, to cook up a sumptuous meal. Why: If you must, you can load up the trunk with a week’s worth of food supplies to go home with here. It’s also a good opportunity for photography enthusiasts to snap some portrait and candid shots.

Where to stay:

SELESA RESORT

(Tel.: +6 03 4042 6033; http://www.selesa.com.my; Bukit Tinggi; RM139nett-RM199nett; 3-star rating)

What: Built on the misty slopes of Bukit Tinggi, the resort is just a 40-minute drive from KL, and a 20-minute drive from Genting Highlands. Equipped with the best facilities, it’s a suitable accommodation to make your weekend getaway all the more comfortable.

Why: It’s still a long journey ahead along the Karak Highway to Bentong, and this resort is a strategic place to rest in before going down the road to your destination.

DUSUN ECO RESORT

(Tel.: +6 03 2070 8720/+6 03 2070 1110; http://www.dusuneco.com; Bentong; RM59 (4 pax per chalet))

What: A training and recreational village with its very own fruit plantation, obstacle course, paintball field, swimming pool and more facilities for any outdoor activities of your choice.

Why: Clean and tidy chalets with a list of outdoor activities for your disposal. Another decent place to overnight in before heading down the road to Bentong.

HOTEL KRISTAL

(Tel.: +6 09 223 2118; Bentong; From RM84nett; 1-star rating)

What: A 47-room hotel located right smacked in the middle of Bentong town with food and beverage amenities just at the doorstep.

Why: If you choose to overnight in Bentong town instead of in the folds of nature, this is your best bet with everything you need to keep your trip fulfilled.

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