It's Time to Explore Pahang!!

“A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in.” – Robert Orben.

There is no doubt that in Malaysia itself contains countless travel gems. Every state offers wonderful and magnificent experience in terms of picturesque scenery, mouth-watering cuisines, unique culture and challenging activities. Some of Malaysia’s well-known destinations are also geographically her smallest states and cities: Penang, Kelantan, Malacca, Langkawi Island …the list goes on.

Well, let’s turn the spotlight away from these mainstream hotspots. Instead, we’ll shed some light on Peninsular Malaysia’s biggest state, Pahang. The state occupies the basin of the Pahang River, and a stretch of the east coast as far south as Endau. Pahang is a criminally underrated travel gem filled with lush rainforest reserves, pristine beaches and soaring mountain ranges.

Here’s a list of exhilarating things to enjoy in Pahang to experience the best of this underrated travel destination.

1. Abang Strawberry

Who doesn’t love strawberry, right? The best food that we can represent Pahang especially Cameron Highland is strawberry. Did you know that we can have strawberry other than eating it raw? This café known as Abang Café serves strawberry in other dishes such as Sambal Strawberry and Strawberry Jam. You can have your breakfast with nasi lemak strawberry in the morning and its famous steamboat during the night. This kind of unique dishes only have in Cameron Highland. Not to mention that its colourful Nasi Lemak also good for your social media’s updates.

 Specialty: Strawberry-based Food

Restaurant Name: 200 Seeds Cafe (Abang Strawberry)

Operating Hours: 8.00 am- 8.00 pm

Contact Number: 019-4781700

Location: Abang Strawberry, 27 Jalan Taman Sedia, 39000 Tanah Rata, Cameron                     Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia.

Website / Social Media  : https://www.abangstrawberry.com/ (Website)

                                          : https://www.facebook.com/abangstrawberryCafe/ (200                                                Seeds Café by Abang Strawberry)

2. Lavender Garden Cameron Highlands

Cameron Lavender Garden is a lavender-themed agricultural and shopping complex situated in between Tringkap and Kuala Terla, Brinchang. This tourism spot has become a popular attraction among the tourists who love nature and flowers. The beautiful lavender field becomes the main attraction here as people can enjoy the various flowers and they can even pluck it too. Inspired by European countryside scenery, there are various colourful statues and objects on display. Visitors also can explore the large flower nursery, strawberry farms, shopping arcade and mini market located near the exit of the garden.

Location: 59, Taman Tringkap, 39100 Brinchang, Pahang.

Operating Hours: Mon – Thur (9.00 am- 6.00 pm)

                                Fri – Sun (9.00 am-7.00pm)

Contact Number: 05-496 1208

Entrance fee: RM 8/entrance

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cameronlavendergarden/

3. BOH Tea Centre

BOH Tea Centre located in Brinchang, Cameron Highlands is a popular tourism spot among the tourists in recent years. Sungai Palas BOH Tea Plantation is quite difficult to reach, but certainly worth a visit when you can enjoy the greenery view along the way before reaching the main location. After climbing up some staircases to reach BOH Sungai Palas Tea Garden, there is a nice building perched on a hill that offers a panoramic view of the lush greenery view of the tea garden below you. Apart from a huge tea plantation, there are cafés, galleries, a tea factory and souvenir shops that you can visit.

Location: Brinchang, 39100 Brinchang, Pahang.

Operating Hours: Mon (Closed except for school& public holidays)

                                Tue – Sun (8.30 am-4.30pm)

Contact Number: 05 – 496 2096

Website / Social Media : https://bohtea.com/ (Website)

                                         : https://www.facebook.com/BohTeaMalaysia/ (Facebook)

4. Rose Valley Cameron Highlands

Have you been wanting to enjoy cool weather in our summer-like country? Cameron Highlands will be a great choice for you. Cameron serves as a famous eco-tourism spot and chilling place for many Malaysians due to its cool weather. This Rose Valley would be one of your check-in points when travelling to Cameron. You can see over 450 different species of roses, flowers, plants and cacti on display along a pretty garden walk with European-inspired landscapes and monuments. They are so beautiful! Let’s pack your luggage and get ready to go!

Location: No.148, Kampung Tringkap, 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang

Operating Hours: Mon – Thurs (8.30 am – 6.30 pm)

                                Fri – Sun (8.30 am-7.00pm)

Contact Number: 012-364 3208

Entrance fee: RM5.00 for adults

     RM2.00 for children

Website / Social Media : https://www.cameronhighland.net/rose-valley.htm                                                       (Website)

                                         : https://www.facebook.com/rosecentrecameron/                                                            (Facebook)

5. Bukit Panorama, Sungai Lembing

Just as its name, Bukit Panorama serves as a great panorama for those who like to take beautiful photos especially on breath-taking scenes. Bukit Panorama is a hill located in Sungai Lembing located 30km from Kuantan, it is around 271m tall, offers a panorama view of the area. It is recommended to reach early in the morning to watch the awesome scene of sunrise or sunset in the evening from a high altitude.

Grab your cameras and let’s go cuti!

Location: Bukit Panorama, 26200 Sungai Lembing, Pahang

6. Valley Agro Park

 

Good news for those who are tired and burdened with the city life that wants to take a rest in a natural environment. To enjoy the fresh air and a less digitised place, Valley Agro Park is a great place for you! Its concept is like a mini resort, with accommodation provided and its own restaurant. You can either choose to stay here for a few days, enjoy and chill with the relaxing tempo here as well as a series of light activities provided. You can also enjoy a meal in a relaxing and refreshing environment. This place is suitable for families to have a chance to boost or promote the parent-child relationship. So, what are you waiting for? The details are listed as below and don’t miss the chance!

Location: Jalan Sin, Lurah Bilut, 27600 Bentong, Pahang

Operating Hours: Mon - Sun (11.30 am – 10.00 pm)

                                Tue (Closed)

Contact Number: 019-228 9152

Entrance fee: Depending on room size

Website / Social Media : https://www.valleyagropark.com/  (Website)

 : https://www.facebook.com/valleyagropark/  (Facebook)

Now you know the countless places in Pahang that you might have never seen or even heard of before. So don't waste your time and plan your next trip to Pahang as soon as possible to experience this gemstone of a place with conserved nature and beautiful farms and gardens and feel the tranquility that cannot be found anywhere else in Malaysia. Stay safe! 

Hidden Gems in Kelantan & Terengganu

The east coast of Malaysia is recognized for being far more conservative than the west coast and the central region, however this does not stop tourists from visiting states like Kelantan and Terengganu to capture and experience a glimpse of the captivating local culture. The east coast states are well-known for their preserved nature and unique food which cannot be found anywhere else in Malaysia. So if you are looking for some local dishes that are not only attractive to the eyes but also scrumptious to the mouth, we've got you covered! Here are some of the best things to try in Kelantan and Terengganu!

Must visit places in Kelantan  

 

1. Kopitiam Kita

Kelantan is known for its various kind of foods that you can choose from with its very cheap yet affordable price. No one can resist the temptation of Kelantan local foods such. In Kopitiam Kita, you can have various kind of Kelantan local foods that you are craving for from Nasi Kerabu to other cuisine such as Roti Titap and Nasi Air Dingin. Kopitiam Kita is known with its special Roti Titap that serves with half boiled eggs and its special homemade ‘kaya’ sauce. This is a to-die-for dish that makes you to have it for more than one serving.

Restaurant Name: Kopitiam Kita
Location: 4357-A Taman Desa Jaya, Jalan Pengkalan Chepa, 15400 Kota Bharu, Malaysia.
Operating Hours: Mon – Fri (6.30 am – 2.00 pm)

                                 Sat – Sun (6.00 am – 2.00 pm)
Contact Number: 019 - 9810888
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/KopitiamKitaRotiTitab/

               (Kopitiam Kita Roti Titap EST 2010)

 

2.  Mee Celup Abe Kie 

This is the famous cuisine in Kelantan especially in Rantau Panjang and Pasir Mas. You can choose you preferences from vermicelli, noodle or flat rice noodle that serve with its special beef soup. You also can add other special dishes into you bowl by choosing its special menu that contains half boiled egg and other special ingredients. There will be a long que in front of the restaurant every day and this proves that their ‘mee celup’ is famous to other people even from outside Kelantan.

Price: RM 3.50 per bowl

Restaurant Name: Mee Celup Abe Kie

Location: Kampung Tasek Berangan, 17000 Pasir Mas, Kelantan.

Operating Hours: Daily (12.00 am- 6.00 pm)

Contact Number: 019-908 9711

Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/meecelupabekie/

                         (Kedai mee celup abe kie_botak) 

Must visit places in Terengganu

 

1. Redang Island

Calling all beach lovers! If you are looking to go to a peaceful place and enjoy the sandy beaches and clear waters, Redang Island must be your next getaway destination. Located in Kuala Terengganu, Redang Island is a renowned place for diving, snorkelling and enjoying beautiful ocean view from the beach. This beautiful island is a protected marine area to conserve the ecosystem and biodiversity of flora and fauna in Malaysia, so make sure you come here to experience the exquisite environment which is different from any other place in the world.

2. Turtle Alley

If you are around Terengganu, this is an amazing place to drop by on your visit. Turtle Alley, located in the middle of Kuala Terengganu’s Chinatown, is a beautiful alley which showcases the importance of conservation of turtles through art. The alley features the arts of turtle mosaic which aims to increase awareness on the need to save turtles. Be sure to drop by and get your hands on some beautiful mosaic art to support their goal.

 

Now you know some of the best and exclusive places to visit next time when you step foot on the Malaysian East Coast. So pack your luggage and head out to Kelantan and Terengganu and travel like a local to experience the hidden gems in Kelantan and Terengganu.

Must Visit Places in Melaka and Johor

Planning for a local trip soon in Malaysia and don't know where to go? Why not travel to Melaka and experience the exquisite culture of the locals? Or travel south a little to Johor to see the unique features of Johor's arts and cuisines? Everybody knows about the famous chicken rice balls and satay celup in Melaka as well as the numerous shopping malls that is renowned in Johor. But in this blog, we are going to introduce you to some of the hidden gems that cannot be missed during your trip to Melaka and Johor. Let's get started!

The Hidden Gems of Melaka  

1. Putu Piring

    Putu Piring, a must try in Melaka. Putu Piring is a food that filled with ‘gula melaka’ and serve with shredded coconut flake. Imagine the gula melaka melts in your mouth with the coconut flake triggering your taste buds. You will never get tired of eating Putu Piring and will forever repeat it again. Once you get the taste, you will not forget it. Wonder where it is? Get yourself moving to Putu Piring Melaka at 252, Jalan Tengkera and grab yourself a Putu Piring at RM1.30 per piece. Make your time because the stall only opens in the afternoon from 1.00pm to 6.00pm. 

 

2. Asian Seafood Cuisine

    Craving for Asian style of seafood cuisine with affordable price? This Chinese restaurant offers great Chinese dishes with really cheap prices. Cockles (siham), Saltwater clam (lala), Okra (lady fingers), Kangkung (local vegetables), you name it. You can come and eat all you can with much cheaper price that other restaurant. It is one of the secrets of Melaka only for us to reveal to you to visit. Quick, get your fingertips on Google Maps, type in Restoran Hock Chin and you are set to go! This restaurant operates only in the evening from 6.00pm to 12.00 am. It is surely a great place to rest and enjoy your supper after a day long of visiting Melaka. One of the recommended dishes is the saltwater clam, also known as lala. It is served boiled or stir fry chilli. For boiled lala, a special sauce is prepared to allow you fully experience the great taste of the dish. Besides lala, the stall also serves steamed okra, sotong, and si bao (四宝) which consists of bean sprout, fishball, tofu and pineapple slices. Prepare to get spice up by the cuisine!!

       The Hidden Gems of Johor

1. G. Cheong Fun Restaurant

Chee Cheong Fun aka steamed rice roll originated from Guangdong Province in southern China. Due to local culture and taste, every Chee Cheong Fun tastes slightly different in every state. G Cheong Fun Restaurant serves different kinds of chee cheong fun with various sauces and Hakka yong tau foo style side dishes.

G Cheong Fun has Teluk Intan style Chee Cheong Fun which is rare in southern Malaysia. There are 4 types of dressing sauces - aromatic oil with light soy sauce, sweet savoury sauce, spicy savoury sauce, and curry sauce. Personally, I like to douse the chee cheong fun in the Kampar style curry sauce which is mildly sweet spicy savoury. 

Price: RM 5 / Teluk Intan Chee Cheong Fun

Location: 👉 G. Cheong Fun Restaurant (Skudai)

176, Jalan Pahlawan 2, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia.

    👉 G. Cheong Fun Restaurant (Johor Jaya)

No.19, Jalan Dedap 19, Johor Jaya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.

Operating Hours: 7.00 am - 4.00 pm

Contact Number: 011-10662739 (Johor Jaya Outlet)

Official Website / Social media: https://www.facebook.com/MingjiiJJ/ (Johor Jaya Outlet Official FB)

 

2. Permas Rojak

I’m pretty sure that nobody can resist a simple, yet flavourful bowl of rojak right? In Johor Bahru, you can have rojak with a variety of tropical fruits and crunchy deep-fried dough sticks. 

The fruits and dough are coated with their thick decadent sauce consisting of ground peanuts and lemon juice, making it very appetizing and refreshing with a hint of nutty richness.   

This combination produces a mild explosion of crunch and refreshing bite of succulent fruits. There is a ‘rojak’ of textures - soft and crispy, tender and crunchy, juicy and biscuit dry.

Price: RM 7.00 per pack

Location: In front of Pasaraya Cinwa Sdn Bhd, 8, 10 & 12, Jalan Permas 4/3, Permas Jaya, 81750, Johor Bahru, Johor.

Operating Hours: Saturday & Sunday (afternoon) 

 

3. W.W Laksa House 

 Around 42 years history, W.W Laksa House serves authentic Johor Laksa with rich coconut milk flavoured spiced soup at decent prices. The laksa bowl is loaded with various fritters (fried soya bean skin, tau pok, fried fish cake slices, fried vegetarian balls), bean sprouts, grated dry basil leaves and fresh cockles.

Besides its signature laksa, you can also find the traditional Kelantan Nasi Kerabu  (Khao Jam) here. Originally a rice dish from Thailand, Khao Jam means "mixed rice" in Thai. Less commonly found in Thailand nowadays, Khao Jam is now more associated with Kelantan. The green rice is cooked with 15 vegies essences and served with freshly prepared Keropok (Seafood Crackers), fish floss, coconut floss, ginger flower, lemon grass, cucumber, daun kesong and salted egg. 

The restaurant claims that they are a place where there is no pork, no lard but there is no HALAL certificate in sight.

Price: RM 7 / Khao Jam, RM 7 / Laksa (Normal), RM 8 / Laksa (Big)

Location: 36A & 36A1, Jalan Kolam Air, Taman Kolam Air, 80100, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.

Operating Hours: 8.30 am-3.00 pm

Contact number: 016-776 7695 

 

 4. Loving sister mural 

The Loving Sisters mural was painted on the wall of a four-storey building in Muar. The murals portrayed two young local girls, 7-year-old Nur Najwa and her 3-year-old sister, Nur Najiyah Amani. The mural was completed on 17th July 2016. In fact, it was painted by a Russian muralist, Julia Volchkova in just 12 days and has made it to The Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) as the “Largest Portrait Mural” in the country.

You might expect historical or cultural paintings around Johor, but this is definitely one of a kind. It certainly reminds you of the importance of family members, sometimes your sibling(s) is/are all you need in life. 

Location: Loving Sisters-1986, Jalan Arab, Pekan Muar, 84000, Muar, Johor.

 

5. Rock Beach Tanjung Balau

Featuring the natural rock formations which are believed to exist since 275 million years ago during the Permian period, the geological heritage site known as the Rocks Beach located in Tanjung Balau is truly a hidden gem of Malaysia. The beauty of the beach stands out prominently during low tide season. Wake up early and head to this place as the first rays of the morning stream up from the horizon. You'll be amazed by the wonderful view of rays of the morning stream up from the horizon, spreading yellowish lights over the deep blue sky.

Location: Tanjung Balau, 82200 Benut, Johor.

 

So now you know where to go in Melaka for a hearty snack or meal after exploring the historical sites there. You should have also realized that Johor has much more to offer than just shopping malls and outlets. There are countless of places yet to be explored in Melaka and Johor so make sure you add these places to your next getaway and go for an adventure! Stay safe!

 

Kedah Through The Lens

One of the most prominent states to go for vacations is Kedah. Hosting a perfect balance between technology and nature, Kedah has plenty of hidden treasures especially in terms of ecotourism and recreational locations, suitable for tourists who wish to indulge in the beauty of nature found in Malaysia. Here are some of the locations which cannot be missed the next time you travel to Kedah.

1. Kilim Geoforest Park 

        The Kilim Geoforest Park is a true visual treat for nature lovers. Located about 20 minutes away from Kuah Town, at the east-side of Langkawi, the wide cast of mangroves and coastal karst is a must see sight for everyone. The Kilim Geoforest Park is mostly known for its breathtaking ecological landscape which features gigantic limestone rocks and sprawling mangroves so make sure you do not miss it if you visit Kedah.

 

2.  Langkawi Sky Bridge

If you’re not acrophobic, you must come to this place! The Langkawi Sky Bridge is a curved pedestrian bridge suspended at an altitude of 2170 ft above sea level at the peak of Gunung Mat Cincang. It can be accessed by taking the Langkawi Cable Car ride. Enjoy the magnificent view of Langkawi island from the cable car and a pleasing sight of the sea beside it. You can even see places all the way to Thailand on a clear day so this is a must visit spot in Kedah.

3. Pantai Cenang Langkawi

Pantai Cenang is one of the most popular getaway places in Langkawi Island, boasting a wide variety of eateries and souvenir shops over the stretch of a white sandy beach. The beach is only 10 minutes away from the Langkawi International Airport which has made it a hugely popular vacation spot for tourists. Take advantage of an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in exciting water sports such as jet-skiing and parasailing in this destination. So what are you waiting for? Pack you belongings and head to Pantai Cenang right away!

        4. Underwater World Langkawi

The Underwater World Langkawi (UWL) is one of the largest marines and freshwater aquaria in Asia. Featuring an enormous 15-meter long walk-through tunnel, visitors can see the unique sea creatures up close and personal such as Giant Green Turtle. The aquaria is split into several sections which includes sub-antarctic, temperate, freshwater, coral section and such. You can see so many uncommon species of animals such as rockhopper penguings, harbour seals, sharks and so on in this huge structure. So if you're a fan of animals, this is a must visit destination on your next vacation to Kedah.  

5. Warung Rumpun Mambu, Persisiran Pantai

 Do you love visiting the beach with your family or even by yourself? Is It even nicer if you could have a bowl of hot and steamy Mee Udang or Mee Sup Tulang by the beach while enjoying the breeze? Having nice food while enjoying the stunning view is always the perfect way to wind down and Persisiran Pantai is one of the best places to do so. Located in Tajung Dawai, Warung Rumpun Mambu offers delicious mee udang with fresh prawns which visitors can enjoy while sitting by the beach which is an exquisite experience. A definite must not miss on our list!

         

So what are you waiting for? Pack your things and head over to Kedah to have a fantastic time with your family and friends during this holiday season! Kedah has a lot more tourist destinations to offer but these are definitely the must not miss destinations during your travel to the northern state. Just visit these places once, and you will definitely thank us! Stay safe!