Claypot Porridge @ Selayang

Claypot porridge anyone? We were waiting for son to finish his revision with his friend in Selayang and suppose to pick him up at 11 pm.  After having our dinner at Publika an hour earlier as it was still early, we strolled around the shopping mall. It was almost closing hour, thus we left to Selayang and saw this Shang Hai Porridge recommendation in FB, But we did not intend to have porridge but dessert instead.  However, when we arrived by 10.15 pm, the dessert was sold out so we ended up having porridge!  

This stall has been around about 13 years and we had eaten once before so many donkey years ago. We ordered their 6 flavour which consists of century egg, salty egg, dried oyster, shredded chicken, sliced fish and deep fried intestine, good for 1 person because we were still full from the earlier dinner.  

Their recommendations were fish, paddy frog and 6 flavours porridge.  

You can try and let me know how you find this stall. As for me, it was good though not the best, individual preference.

6 Flavours RM15

Menu

Their Signage

Their Stall

Location:
SHANG HAI PORRIDGE
No: TP15, Tapak Pasar Intan Baiduri,Jalan Intan Baiduri,Sealyang,52100 Kuala Lumpur.
GPS Coordinate : N03' 14' 00.1" E101' 38' 59.0"


Business Hours:  
5pm to 1am (or earlier till sold sout)
Off on Wednesday

Simple Recipe - Indian Style Curry Fish

I have been trying my best to cook this dish numerous times. I believe practise makes perfect. In the beginning it just did not turn out as my late mom in law's cooking. But gradually now my cooking has improved though not as up to mark if to compare with my late mom in law.

As a Penang nyonya, there is no measurement in her cooking, everything "agak-agak" (estimate). So I also have to use her method trial and error.  Thus I do not really use grammage or spoon for measurement of spices that I use but I try put here to ease whoever who wanna try out cooking this dish.

Ingredients
Sliced of Mackerel
20 Okra
2 Big onion quartered
2 Tomato cut wedges
16 tbls Chili Blend (6 small onion, 6 garlic, medium bowl dried chilies)
Spices (1/2 small bowl coriander seed, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp fennel, 2 star anise, 2 cinnamon stick, 4 clove)
1 coconut : 2 medium bowl coconut milk
60g tamarind: 1 medium bowl tamarind juice
Curry leaves

Method
Oil
Chili blend stir till fragrance
Salt (to taste)
Put in Spices stir till fragrance
Curry Leaves
Then add coconut milk to boil
Follow by tamarind juice and salt
Add tomato, big onion & okra
Finally fish

Try the gravy if not enough sour, add tamarind juice

Explore Yunnan Province

No idea of where to go during December, my hubby's business partner has suggested Kunming, capital province of Yunnan. There was a promo travel fair by Golden Destination on 8 August 2015 where the first 8 were entitled to a special rate so there we go the 11 of us booked our full board tour, departing 19 December 2015 for 8 days 7 nights exploring Yunnan province which covered Kunming, Dali, Lijang and Shangri-La/Zhongdian.

I was clueless of where these places in the itinerary and never bother to check on details. The tour leader contacted us a week before departure, informing us the temperature will be between 1 - 10°c.

Lucky I have packed enough thick clothes as we traveled, the further we traveled was actually the higher we were above sea level. And I did not even noticed that we are going to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain! Freezing cold it was -7°c when we were up there, 4506m above sea level!

Well, if you follow tour, you need to wake up early and for this tour, we changed hotel on daily basis but best thing was everything has been arranged for you. We departed from hotel daily between 8 - 9 am. We flew with Air Asia and were relieved that the flight only departed at 1300 hours (meaning no need to wake up early to airport), arriving Kunming at 1655 hours. As we touched down Kunming Airport, the 4th biggest in China after Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhao, a local tour guide, Mr Lew was waiting at the arrival hall. We then boarded a 32 seaters coach to Shilin, for dinner and to our accommodation at Ashima Hotel, 80km from airport!

Ashima hotel was merely 5 minutes away to Stone Forest which we visited on our second day. Stone Forest (Shilin), a well known First wonder of the world. These natural wonder where stalagmites springing up from the ground form a twisted jungle of stone. Then we proceeded to Jiuxiang cave, had a scenic boat ride before we entered the cave. Quite lots of steps to climb up the cave but thank God we took the chairlift down.  In the evening, we were back to Kunming city, visited the Golden Horse & Green (Jade) Rooster Archways, symbol of Kunming city. We drove pass East and West Temple Pagoda. The pagodas were 200 metres apart.  After dinner, we went for Kunming Dynamic Yunnan Show, an optional which cost RMB260/pax.

Stone Forest

Addressing different gender in every place we went was different. In Kunming, Ashima for a girl and Aheige for a boy. We checked into DaGuan Hotel for a night stay.

This was a two way coach itinerary meaning lots of travelling on the road, but I did not really mind as most of the time I could sleep in the coach. There was one itinerary with domestic flight if you do not wish to travel by road.  Next morning which were our 3rd day, we traveled to Dali, 5 hours from Kunming. I really salute our coach driver, in his fifties, the only driver throughout our 8 days 7 nights there.  We suppose to visit Dali Ancient Town upon our arrival before we checked into N Hotel, the hotel that we loved most. But due to our late arrival to Dali, the guide has suggested we moved it to tomorrow.However, some of us still took a cab to visit Dali Ancient Town and did some shopping.

Night View of Dali Ancient Town

The next morning, we took a buggy which our local guide, Nancy suggested as to speed up our coverage of Dali Ancient Town since it was a large area here, with five main streets from south to north and eight main streets from east to west. We were required to pay for the buggy as it was optional RMB15, if I have not mistaken.

We covered Erhai Lake, Xizhou Village with Three Course Tea Perfomance and drove passed the Three Pagoda before heading to Lijang, about 2 hours from Dali.

Black Dragon Pond

Upon reaching Lijang, our local guide, Lian took us to Black Dragon Pond and Lijang Ancient Town before checking into Green Melody Hotel.  Black Dragon Pond is place where its water reflected Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

The next day (5th day), we were all ready to travel up to Yulong Snow Mountain by one of the highest altitude cable car to this wonderful glacier park.  We then visited Ganhaizi (Dry Sea), White River, Yushui Village and Dongba God Garden.

Yulong (Jade Dragon) Snow Mountain

On our 6th day, we bid goodbye to Lijang and proceeded our trip to Zhongdian/Shangrila, a place with Tibetan culture. In Tibetan, Shangri-La means Sun and Moon in heart. Located at a point where Tibet, Sichuan and Yunnan meet.  On the way there, we stopped at Tiger Leaping Gorge, scenic canyon on Jinsha (Gold Sand) River.  We stayed at Gu Shun Yang Shen Hotel, the best thing of this hotel was our bed was provided with heater but their breakfast was the worst.

Next morning on our 7th day, we covered Shangri-La/Zhongdian, visited Songzanlin Monastery, Zang Minority Home Visit and Spinning Prayer Wheel. Songzanlin is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery inYunnan.Done with all these, had our lunch and ready for our 4 hours journey back to Lijang,  

Songzanlin Monastery

Along the way, we stopped a few places and also at the First Bend of the Yangtze River. This river makes a more than 100 degree turn from south to east within a distance of 1 kilometer.  Back to Lijang, one of us asked Lian about Romantic Show of Lijang.  So out of 22 person, 14 wanted to watch this show which cost RMB280 while the other 8 went and checked into Green Melody Hotel. This show took about 1.5 hours, we then went back there to pick them and proceeded to our dinner.  All of them who went for the show had given a thumbs up for the show which worth watching.  After dinner, we went back to our hotel. Most of us then went to Lijang Ancient Town for another round of shopping by walking 15-20 minutes from the hotel.  If walking is not your cup of tea, take a cab, 5 minutes away for 1.6 km.

The next morning on our day 7, we departed from hotel back to Kunming and it was, 7 hours journey back to Kunming.  We had our big bowl  of yummylicious Cross Bridge Rice Noodle for dinner upon reaching Kunming. And then to Zheng Yi Shopping Street.  Since we left Lijang at about 9am, we were not able to go to Kunming Old Street Bird and Flower Market which closed at 6 pm.

Next day, our final day in Kunming before our 5.40 pm flight, we covered another Flower Market and Pearl outlet.  After lunch, we headed to airport.

Flower Market

Overall it was a nice tour with a small 22 pax group of friendly people. The other 11 were 5 couples with 1 couple who brought along their 11 years old son.

The special cuisine served which I liked most were  wild mushrooms steamboat, Cross Bridge Rice Noodle that came with a small bowl of chicken treasure soup and also a Cantonese meal which were all in Kunming.

All the hotels we stayed were accredited with 4* except Ashima, 3* and N Hotel was the one I liked best.

Our group felt that we were all very lucky as throughout the days we were there, only on the last day morning, it showered a while but both places we visited were indoor.  After we boarded our coach, it started to drizzle but it stopped when we wanted to get out from the coach.  Normally China Tour, you could only expect a mandarin speaking guide. Personally I was happy as both our guide from Kunming and Dali could speak fluent English.

If you know mandarin, you can always DIY your tour in China which gave you more ample time and choose the places that really interest you.  As for us, it still better to follow tour. But do bear in mind, China tour normally needs a lot of walking.

According to Kunming local guide, Mr Lew best month to visit will be April/May/September/October but do avoid if there is any chinese festival as road traffic will be very bad.

Nelson Tan Cafe @ Kepong

Nelson Tan Cafe is serving western cuisine with tagline "good food without boundary".

The portion served is quite generous and price is reasonable. A group of five of us (three of us did not have lunch),  all in we ordered 6 items and surprisingly we could finish everything.  However, do note that this is a non-halal restaurant.

Piri-Piri Portugese Spring Chicken RM29.80

Vongole Spaghetti RM22.90

Mexican Peppercorn Lamb Shoulder RM31.50

Spanish Fried Pork Belly with Sausage RM22.90

Besides the above, we also ordered Escargots ala Bourguignonne which is a must try
French style baked snails in garlic herbs butter sauce served with toasts RM18.70 and Pescatore (pasta top with mixed seafood tomato sauce) RM29.50.

Everyone commented they liked the Lamb Shoulder though it was not stated in the menu as 'must try".

The total bill was about RM190 before 6% GST.


Location:
Nelson Tan Cafe & Restaurant
D-G-9, Jalan Metro Perdana 2
Taman Usahawan Kepong
52100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-6241 6118

Opening hour: Mon - Sun, 1200 - 2330 hours

Long Term Parking at KLIA and KLIA2

Long term parking at KLIA is cheaper than KLIA2. 

For long term parking at KLIA, you can do so with a minimum parking period of 4 days at RM144.00 with additional of RM15.00 per day.  The long term parking lots are only available at Block A.

Example if you wish to park for 8 days, the fees will be as follows:

First 4 days RM144
Subsequent 4 days RM60
Total RM204

Is still cheaper comparing you engage airport limo, to and fro, depending where the pick up point.

As for KLIA2, first 3 days will be at RM46 per day. Subsequent days will be RM20 per day. So if you wish to park for 8 days, calculation as follows:

First 3 days RM138
Subsequent 5 days RM100
Total RM238

Eight storey car park at The Gateway, KLIA2 which directly adjoin to Main Terminal, with more than 5,600 parking space and 24 hours fully gated security. Park and fly with a peaceful mind.

To me, parking at airport is convenient if you are travelling in a group and with big or many luggage.  

Mabuhay Boracay

Mabuhay Boracay!  Mabuhay in Tagalog means Welcome/To Life/Live Great/Hello. We went to Boracay on 19 September 2015 for 7 days and it was a marvellous vacation.

I have been checking air ticket fare  since December 2014 till February 2015 and it cost around RM700.00 to Boracay.  In March the rate has started to go up. These rates were without any baggage check in and insurance cover. So finally I have booked our ticket in April 2015 as I have already got my accommodation booked and paid. Since Air Asia has only one direct flight per day to Boracay, I thought the rate will not go further down as is also a school holiday week.

In August 2015, I checked the ticket prices again, a month before our departure date and the air fare has gone down 50% of what I have paid for! I guess it was off peak season.

No worry if you are not buying in advance the land/sea transport from Kalibo airport to Boracay.  As I have read is cheaper if you purchase upon arrival, even if you purchase onboard Air Asia is more expensive.

First time we tried KLIA transit from Putrajaya Sentral, 20 mins away to KLIA2 for RM6.20 one way per pax.  Discount 30% for senior citizen 55 yrs and above. We had our breakfast at food court at level 2 just 30 mins away to departure gate. We departed from KLIA2 at 1030 hours arriving Kalibo at 1435 hours via Air Asia AK608.

The arrival hall at Kalibo airport was a small one. Two custom officers did the passport stamping. Right outside the airport, you could find booth selling data plan 7 days for Php300. Opposite, you could see few booth selling land transfer Php250 land & boat. We got Php900 for return door to door service. We were asked to pay Php2000 in advance for 4 pax. On return only, we paid another Php1600.   We were ushered by our van driver, which van could fit in 11 pax. Thank God, it was clear blue sky as we told last week it was raining.

Kalibo to Caticlan Jetty took about 90 min. Caticlan Jetty sailing to Boracay station 3 was merely 5 mins. We left Kalibo airport about 3 pm,  50 mins down the road, we reached Ibajay, another 10 mins to Nabas, a hilly road.  By 4.30 pm we reached Caticlan.   Along the way, I could see majority motorcyclist were not wearing helmet.  And lots signage with the word Todo Asens, just wonder what it meant.  By 4.55 pm we started sailing in a Bangka (Fit for 40 pax) but it only took us 5 minutes to reach jetty in Boracay. If you were to take an electric car, I was told from jetty in Station 3 to White Beach Station 2 will be Php150 for 4 pax.

We took a tricycle arranged for by Van driver to Boracay Regency hotel, washed our face and off we went to D' Talipapa. Electric car can fit up to 8 pax. Here you will be spoiled by choices with so many fresh live seafood to get from this wet market. For our first night dinner we bought crab, clam and scallop . Out of our 7 nights there, we had 4 nights of fresh seafood at D Talipapa for dinner. We had green lobster, oyster, prawns, squids and fish. The oyster was really fresh even me and mom loved it.

Boracay Regency, the hotel we booked through RCI is under Hennan Group of Resorts, strategically located in the middle of White Beach.  The name Hennan which interestingly caught my attention is combination of the syllable of Henry and Anna.  The chairman of the Group, Henry Chusuey and her lovely wife Anna with the assistance from their children, Alfonso, Karl and Christina have managed their group of resorts well. By end of 2015, Boracay Regency will be renamed to Hennan Regency. With its strategic location at Station 2 White Beach, is just merely 5-10 minutes walk away to Station 1 or Station 2.  This hotel also have few restaurant namely Christina for fine dining, Mesa for Filipino food, Hap Chan serving Chinese, Sea Breeze Cafe for buffet and Lobby Patisserie.

Sunset

In D Talipapa, you could get a packet of 200 gm 7D dried mango manufactured in Cebu for export quality but different shop price varies from Php123 - 150 per packet. However from the beach, there was a lane going to D Talipapa, where you will find a row of shops.  Look for a shop named 7d Mangoes Store.  They are selling at Php120 for the 200g dried mango and Php62 for 100g. Not much difference if you were to get a packet but if you are buying plenty as a souvenir, look for this shop.

You may have your meal along the white beach, D Mall or D Talipapa. The other side of the island will be Bulabog.

We checked out the activities price at boracay adventures a shop opposite craft supermarket and My Boracay Guide, a counter adjacent to Crafts supermarket. Their prices were on the higher side. Along the White beach, there will be agents selling the sea activities at package price, you will get a good price depending on your bargaining power.

This island was my best relaxation place, doing what I want. Waiting to check on daily sunset, everything is so convenient that I could go anywhere i want, be it shopping, massage, hair braid, sea activities or just eat and sleep! 

Lets hope another vacation in Boracay soon!

White Powdery Sandy Beach

Origin Point Therapy

Hubby was having shoulder pain for at least 2 - 3  months on and off, still feeling the pain after consulting doctor and given muscle relax medication.

A colleague of his was having pain on her arm, consulted various doctors be it Western or Chinese and even with injection, still could not recover.  She went to this Origin Point Therapy and was cured after second visit. She recommended my hubby to try.

We then recommended a relative with back pain and he after second visit completely cured.

This is a method of applying deep pressure massage to relax the tension/injury at the origin point ("Yuan Shi Dian").

This Company is doing their part of social responsibility having their employees to volunteer as therapist.  They only provide you up to five times of free service. After which you need to learn or get someone to go with you, learn and apply the pressure  massage on your injury. This Origin Point Therapy service is only open every Tuesday except public holiday from 7 - 9 pm.  Queue number will be given out till 8 pm.

You need to bring your own face tower, wear soft material clothing.

Location:
Tye Cine Color Separations
Lot 1542, Jalan KIP 3
Kepong Industrial Park
Bandar Sri Damansara
52200 Kepong 
Kuala Lumpur

Awesome Prawn Nooodle @ Kepong

Drooling for a bowl of Penang Hokkien Noodle aka Prawn noodle in KL, you no longer need to travel far to Penang. Is just here in Kepong, try Chye Kee.

Besides prawn noodle they also have kway teow ting/fishball noodle and wanton noodle.

A small bowl will be RM5.50 whereas the big bowl is RM6.50. The prawn is bigger than usual prawn noodle we have in other stall.

The prawn noodle soup and sambal was awesome! But the small bowl was not enough for me. Should have order a big bowl!

Look for Allianz or BSN, the small food court is just opposite. Or if you are familiar with Maybank, is just nearby.


Location
Chye Kee
Medan Selera Desa Jaya
MPS/DJ/10
Jalan 53, Desa Jaya
Kepong, Selangor

Opening hours:
Mon till Sat 7.30 - 4.30
Sun 8am - 2pm