[Trip] [Guide] Where to Shop in Langkawi

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I believe many people won't leave Langkawi without bringing back luggage of duty free goods. Chocolates, alcohols, cigarette, perfumes etc etc..  

However, many will ask, where should I shop to get the best bargain. There are many duty free shops around Langkawi offering different variety of goods like The Zon, Warisan, Coco Valley, Saga to name a few bigger ones. Each shop offers different bargain for different product. You may also find duty free shops at the jetty or the airport but prices will be higher compared to the town.

I will break down the location according to product categories.

CHOCOLATES

Due to the duty free status, you may find chocolates in Langkawi selling almost half of the price you will find in mainland for most of the products. Prices for chocolates are rather competitive with price variance between 20cents to RM2.00 between shops. Hot selling brands like Ferrero Rocher, Hersheys, Lindt etc are priced very similar. If you are staying in Kuah, you might want to pay a visit to Saga Shopping Centre which I find their chocolates are the cheapest among all other shops in Kuah. It is located slightly off from the main road which will be harder to find. Just beware with the expiry dates as cheaper chocolates often expiring soon. If you plan to keep for a longer period, I suggest to buy from higher priced shops which normally carries newer batches of stocks.

Saga Shopping Centre

Address: Jalan Pandak Mayah 5, Kuah. (Off Jalan Penarak)

Operation Hours: 10am to 10pm

Other shops like Coco Valley and The Zon offers competitive prices as well. If you are staying at Pantai Cenang, then this two will be your main choice of place to shop. Located just next to the Underwater World Langkawi.

HARD LIQUOR

Hard liquor is also one of the favourite item to bring back after the trip. However, Malaysian custom only allows 1L of hard liquor per person regardless of days of stay for domestic flights. This includes luggage and hand carry. Meaning to say, every one is only allowed for one litre (or 1 bottle, arguable) of hard liquor. Any more than that is subject to tax or inspection. If you are lucky with the checks (during peak period) then you might able to get through with two or more. A side note, both custom and police will check on the luggage for any attempt of "smuggling" hard liquor.

During my stay, I find Warisan Duty Free sells the cheapest hard liquor among the others. You might want to drop by the Warisan Duty Free located in Pantai Cenang (also next to Underwater world) during your visit to grab a bottle or two. There is another Warisan located in Kuah town but Pantai Cenang has better offer.

WINE

I have zero knowledge of wines hence will skip to comment.

BEER

Beer is dirt cheap in Langkawi. I drank beer more than water during my stay in Langkawi (thanks to the cold rainy weather). Basically you will find beer priced almost the same, if not cheaper than soft drinks in Langkawi. Therefore, drink all you may. Do remember to bring some on your way back too.

PERFUMES

There is a shop in Kuah town known as Cote De Perfume selling lots of variety of perfumes. However, I'm not in knowledge of the prices of perfumes hence I reserve my comments on the pricing.

CIGARETTES

Not a fan of smoking, hence no comment.

SPORTSWEAR

Cheap but off seasoned or old stocks. I didn't buy any during my visit.

CAMERAS, PHONES, GADGETS

Not recommended as the price difference is not that great and some times even more expensive than main land as some of the products are not taxable.

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[Trip] [Guide] What and Where to Eat in Langkawi

Back to main post: Langkawi Field Trip 2013

Food is always one of the things that one will look forward during a trip (well, at least for me). Even though Langkawi is not known as a food heaven, but you will definitely able to find a few nice place for food.

Tripadvisor has one of the most complete listing of restaurants with review from people around the world. I managed to try a few of them during my short stay and will share them separately in other posts. To view the listing of restaurants from Tripadvisor kindly click --> Restaurants in Langkawi

Even thou Langkawi may be a small island, you are still able to find a variety of food here ranges from local cuisine, European cuisine, fast food, Japanese cuisine, Thai cuisine and also fine dining.

There are a few restaurants/stalls/shops that I been to during my stay which I will recommend/not recommend as per listing below:-

RECOMMENDS
La Chocolatine - Pantai Cenang (Pastries, desserts and coffee)
Scarborough Fish & Chips - Tanjung Rhu (Fish & Chips)
Privilege Restaurant & Bar - Pantai Kok (Fine dining)
Restaurant Wan Thai - Kuah Town (Thai food)

REMAIN NEUTRAL
The Loaf - Pantai Kok (Bakery)
Artisan Pizza - Kuah Town (Pizza)
Nasi Kandar Tomato - Pantai Cenang

There are a few more restaurants that I wished to try but unfortunately there's just little space I can fill with my stomach during my short stay. Please click into the links of the restaurants above to know more.

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[Trip] [Guide] How To Get Around In Langkawi

Back to main post: Langkawi Field Trip 2013

Due to the lack of public transport on the island, getting around in Langkawi will be quite an issue, and depends on where you stay for the availability. For frequent travels around the island, a car rental is definitely recommended. If you just plan to stay in your resort throughout your whole trip, then you might just need to hire a taxi during the transfer from the jetty or the air port.

TAXI

Taxi on the island generally ranges from RM5 to RM30, depends on the distance and time and is widely available due to the busy tourist industry. Surcharge might apply if you hire a taxi after 10pm. A trip from the airport to Kuah town will cost around RM30 onwards. Travel from Pantai Cenang to Kuah town will cost you around RM25. Be sure to ask for the price before you get on the taxi.

CAR/VAN RENTAL

Car rental is the most economic way to travel around the island especially when you are in a big group. Most of the car rental companies are available at Kuah Jetty and the airport. Price ranges from as low as RM50/day to RM300/day or more, depending on the car type as well as the season. The car rental charges usually cost double during peak season like public holiday. Be sure to know how to bargain for a cheaper fare. 

You may try your luck at Kuah Jetty as the competition there is higher compared to airport and other towns. Just beware of unlicensed operator where there is no insurance coverage for any mishaps occurred during your renting period. Legit car rental companies have to insure their car for their businesses and hence higher price.

During low season, you will see many operators competing each other near the jetty entrance near the taxi pickup/KFC to get customer and that is when you can negotiate for a better deal. Try offer them your budget price and let them match it for you. Nego for cheaper price if you plan to hire more days, and also to ask them pick up their car from your hotel during the end of the rental instead of you delivering the car back to them. This will save you taxi cost to travel back to your hotel.

During my stay, it was low season and I'm able to get a Proton Wira (Auto transmission) for RM140 for three days (72hours). They calculate based on 24 hours blocks, which means, if you rent on 5pm, then your end time will be the next day 5pm. Every extra hour is charged depending on their rate. You may also try to rent a car from the airport when you touch down from your flight but price will be higher than jetty as there is less competitors. Just try asking first before deciding to take a cab.

BIKE RENTAL

Besides renting a car, you may also opt for a cheaper alternative like bikes especially when you travel in single or pairs. I'm not aware of the rental charges for bikes as I don't own a license to ride one. You will be able to see bike renting shops around Kuah and Pantai Cenang area.

Back to main post: Langkawi Field Trip 2013

[Trip] [Guide] Langkawi Field Trip 2013

Langkawi has changed much since I last stepped foot there about 10 years ago. I just been to Langkawi for a 4D3N trip in August recently and would like to share some tips and guides for travelers around Langkawi Island.

The tips and guides will be broken down into several post due to the length but with the main guide and links listed as below (click to view):-

HOW TO GET TO LANGKAWI

- Ferry - From Penang or Kedah

- Flight - Air Asia / Berjaya Air / Malindo Air
 

WHAT TO DO IN LANGKAWI

- Sight visit

- Shopping

- Eat and Drink

- Spa

- Water sport

- Island hopping

WHERE TO STAY IN LANGKAWI

- Kuah (budget to mid range)

- Pantai Cenang/Pantai Tengah (budget to high range)

- Tanjung Rhu (mostly high range)

- Pantai Kok (mostly high range)

 

WHAT AND WHERE TO EAT IN LANGKAWI

- Kuah

- Pantai Cenang/Pantai Tengah

- Tanjung Rhu

- Pantai Kok
 

PLACES TO VISIT IN LANGKAWI

- Kuah

- Pantai Cenang/Pantai Tengah

- Tanjung Rhu

- Pantai Kok
 

HOW TO GET AROUND IN LANGKAWI

- Taxi

- Car/Bike rental
 

WHERE TO SHOP IN LANGKAWI (TIPS INCLUDED)

- Kuah

- Pantai Cenang

Putrajaya Series

Abandoned my blog for quite some time, busy with life and new job. Many stories and photos are piling up to be shared. Today I will share a series of photoshoot done in Putrajaya.

It is not hard to take pictures of Putrajaya given that so many examples available online and as long as you know when and where to go. However, it depends heavily on your luck for a nice weather to shoot on. I have been there twice but only get some satisfactory shots. The first time was a test out for the location but the weather didn't turn out good for me. The second visit was phenomenal with magnificent sunset and colours for the sky.

Do enjoy the photos below.

 

and my personal favourite..

Broken finally..

My Tamron 17-50mm finally broke down after an event shooting last week due to excessive turning of the zoom barrel. After servicing me for more than a year in all extreme and harsh conditions, it finally gives its way and decided to burn a hole in my wallet.

Nevertheless, I sent it to repair at the service center which cost me RM350. Hopefully when I get it back it will be as good as new and I will use it more carefully in future. =(

[Review] Bel Pasto, Aman Puri

In my previous post for Bel Pasto, Kepong Baru I mentioned that they have another branch at Aman Puri before the opening of the Kepong Baru branch and I have never been there. So, this time I paid a visit to the Aman Puri branch instead to try out the menu there and to see whether it is better than the Kepong Baru branch as claimed.

It is located at the shop lot opposite the Shell petrol station and McDonald's at Aman Puri, next to a corner restaurant. The exterior and interior have similar design as of Kepong Baru's branch but it is narrower in comparison to the later.

This time I came with my family instead and we are able to order more off the menu. We tried from starters to pasta, main dishes as well as pizzas. For starters we ordered the soup of the day followed by garlic bread. 

 The soup of the day appears to be chicken soup and it is different from what we usually drank. The chicken soup is more like what we will cook according to the recipe for chicken soup, that is a blend of celery, potatoes and carrot cubes as well as cubes of chicken meat with chicken stock. Well, nothing much to shout out about the soup. Very original taste of the chicken soup recipe, which to be honest, similar to what I will usually prepare at home as well.

The garlic bread is served with a good layer of garlic butter on one side. It is served in 5 pieces for a plate, just nice for a family of five. Also nothing much to shout out about the garlic bread and it is good as starters while waiting for the dishes.

We ordered a few types of pasta including macaroni, penne and lasagne. As described previously, the tomato sauce is prepared by themselves using fresh tomato. The presentation is also plain and simple unlike the fancy decorations that you found in other Italian restaurants.

Then here comes one the lamb shank. We noticed it has a chef's recommendation icon there and decided to give it a try. Their lamb shank is served with salad and tomato rice, which is slightly different from other restaurants that has different side dishes to accompany it. The lamb shank has a very heavy taste and I don't think many will like it. The usual gamey smell when having mutton is strong in this dish and have to be eaten together with the rice in order to minimise it.

On the other hand, the pizza is worth trying. The pizza we order has four different types of toppings but we opt the beef for other ingredients which is mushroom and tomato. The pizza is called a Pizza Quatro, which explains of having four different toppings. The crust is very nice with soft and chewy texture, accompanied by nice wheat aroma. The pizza is a good try.

Last but not least will be the Tiramisu. The Tiramisu definitely worth trying for every visit. As described in my previous post, the Tiramisu is prepared using the original recipe that uses lady finger biscuits dipped in thick coffee and layered with mascarpone cheese. It will not disappoint.

I guess I have wrapped up for both branches and already have a rough idea on which to order for my next visit if I fancy for any Italian food nearby. Read up about the Kepong branch from this link: http://gavincty.blogspot.com/2012/10/review-bel-pasto-kepong.html

[Review] Haji Musa Ikan Bakar - Crystal Bay, Melaka

Dear visitors,

I have moved my posts about food and travel to my new blog with renewed look as below:
[FOOD] 20140711 Haji Musa Ikan Bakar @ Crystal Bay, Melaka

Feel free to pay a visit and also to read about my latest experience at
Travel Foodie

Thank you

Last edited: 06 July 2015

[Review] Bel Pasto Kepong

Bel Pasto, A fine meal everytime!

Bel Pasto, Kepong branch is opened for quite some time already and it is until recently I paid them a visit on a Friday evening for dinner. It is rare to see an Italian restaurant operate in a place like Kepong, and it is even ran by real Italians themselves. The first outlet is located at Aman Puri, which is also nearby Kepong. The Kepong outlet is located at a shop lot behind Carrefour Kepong alongside with many steamboat buffet restaurants like QQ buffet steamboat and BBQ. It is a humble and cozy restaurant with not much exterior design, which makes it a bit hard to notice if you are not reading the signboards one by one. Even thou the exterior of the restaurant is just a plain glass panel and a lunch promo panel, the interior is decorated like a typical Italian restaurant with paintings on the wall and square-patterned table cloths on wooden tables. I went early and there's only one table with customers while others were empty.

I've always heard good comments about the branch in Aman Puri but I guess I will give it a try for the Kepong branch, which some claimed, not as good as the Aman Puri branch. We ordered pasta only for this time, skipping the pizza and other main course first just to try out. Chicken Bolognese and Chicken Lasagne were our choice because I'm a fan of tomato sauce and I couldn't take beef.  Besides that, we also ordered their signature Tiramisu as dessert to compliment the meal. Drinks were just normal peach ice tea and ice blended Cappuccino.

Chicken Bolognese - RM9.90

The restaurant is operated by real Italians, meaning to say, I would be getting a more closer taste of authentic Italian cuisine (I suppose?) than other Italian chain restaurants in the shopping mall. As you can see in the picture, there's no fancy decorations on the plate, just pasta. The look may not be appealing, but how about the taste? The first bite of it you definitely will be able to taste the tomato from the sauce. The tomato sauce is different from what we usually taste outside or even different from the pasta sauce that we cooked at home. The reason is because the pasta sauce served in other restaurants or in our house are usually canned/bottled tomato puree that is processed in the factory and then further cooked into pasta sauce, which have a very vibrant red colour and strong sourish smell.

Simple pasta

The tomato sauce used in their pasta is obviously cooked from fresh tomatoes due to the distinctive colour and smell of local tomatoes. I knew because I cooked my own red sauce at home too and that flavour is very similar to what I prepared at home. Local tomatoes are more to orange colour than red and the flavour is not as rich as imported red tomatoes. It is a waste that they did not use imported red tomatoes as the ingredient for the sauce but at least you know they prepared it themselves instead of using pre-cooked cans of tomato puree, which might have artificial flavours and preservatives.

Enough talk about the sauce and move on to the pasta and the other ingredients. The pasta is very soft, in fact I would considered the softest spaghetti I had when compared to other restaurants I visited. To be honest, I prefer my spaghetti to be more chewy instead. Perhaps I should notify the waitress next time. Anyway, the pasta was well seasoned and the sauce is cooked with minced chicken meat and black pepper.

Chicken Lasagne - RM11.90

The next dish will be Chicken Lasagne, prepared directly in an oval bowl baked in the oven. The tomato sauce used is similar, or I would say same as the one in the Chicken Bolognese but with slightly stronger flavour. The aroma from the Mozzarella cheese definitely makes me drool over it and the portion is just nice for one person. Other than that, nothing much to shout about the Lasagne.

Tiramisu - RM8.90

The Tiramisu is actually what we really looking forward for in this meal. The waitress will ask whether to serve it before or after meal when ordering. The picture may not be able to tell you the portion but I can rest assure that this is a portion for two. Just take your typical cheese cake from Secret Recipe, and times two. That's the portion for the Tiramisu that they served and definitely worth the price of RM8.90.

They make the Tiramisu according to real Italian recipe, i.e. by using Ladies finger biscuits, dipped into rich coffe and then covered with thick layers of mascarpone cheese and lastly decorated by generous amount of coffee powder and chocolate syrup. This is the real Tiramisu recipe and not some fake Tiramisu cake that is made of cream and cake that usually found in cake shops. I enjoyed having it and I felt like I could help myself for another piece. In fact, some people even claimed that it is better than the overrated Alexis Tiramisu that charge a bomb for its Tiramisu cake, but well, taste and preference is very subjective.

Overall, the dining experience here is pretty pleasant. I would like to visit here again next time to try their starters, pizza as well as the main courses before I give a conclusion about this place. The pasta did not really make a great impression on me but the Tiramisu did. I wouldn't mind to drop by after dinner to have a piece of Tiramisu with a cup of Cappuccino for dessert or supper. Perhaps I should also pay the Aman Puri branch a visit to compare the quality to see whether it is better or equal like some people claimed.

Update: Aman Puri branch visit
Their blog for menu: http://belpastoitalianrestaurant.blogspot.com/

Mini Food Blog

It has been awhile since I last updated this blog. Because most of the time I have been note taking and blogging using my phone instead and seldom online using PC.

Anyway, I have created a mini food blog through Evernote app and shared it with the public.

Everything is done and processed using my phone, give a hit at the side column or the link below!

https://www.evernote.com/pub/farscope/Minifoodblog

积极

积极，这个词，令我想起以前小学六年级时班主任交给我的两个字。
当年，老师印了一些词语，交给我们几个人，一人负责一个词。
我们的任务就是回家把它们上色，然后贴在班上的墙壁，作为勉励之用。

当年的我并不知道 “积极” 的含义，只知道是一些勉励词语。
回到家拿着那张印了 “积极” 两个字的白纸，问了妈妈 “积极是什么意识？”

妈妈含含糊糊的回答了，我也不清不楚的应了几声。
大概是说什么目标啊、努力啊、进取啊…就这样，手拿着颜色笔地把那个词给上色然后交给老师了。
“积极” 两个字，就这样贴在班里的墙壁上，直到我离开为止。

就这样一年一年的过去了，对于这两个字当然有更深的了解，也对我的人生有一定的影响。
很多时候，这 “积极” 的态度帮我度过了不少难关。
即使有时只有一个人，只要咬紧牙关，积极地面对，没有东西是做不了的。

然而这两个字，随着我开始工作后慢慢地消失了,我变得消极了。
每天日复一日的工作，也不知道自己在做什么，慢慢的失去自我，变得消极了。
对任何事也提不起劲，也不想去做。
有些东西明明很想去做，但是却找不到那股推动力，宁愿坐在那儿发呆，无所事事的过日子。

有时候东西开头了，却只有三分钟热度，就不了了之。
非常不喜欢这样的我。
当人长大了，责任大了，想得多了，顾虑也多了，自然的就会失去了年轻的魄力。
看着电视里的人能做他们想做的事，心里无比的羡慕，常问自己，人家可以，为何我不可？

现实往往就是如此，事与愿违。
我们看到的，都是那些能做到，有条件做到，还有有机会做到的人。
事实是很多人，想做也没办法做。
有人说，你要的人生就掌握在自己的手中，就看你敢不敢跨出第一步，积极地面对你理想的人生。

我能做到吗？我想，时时刻刻都想。
除非我能排除我所有的顾虑，不然梦想依然还是梦想。
我不能自私，我必须以大局为重。
看来，“积极” 还是留给找工吧……

Fast August

Updates slowed down a lot lately with only 4 entries last month. Been busying on other stuffs instead. August will be a very fast and happening month with many holidays around. Already been to a few places last weekend and might be posting about it if I have to time and idea to write about.

Just a blink of an eye and we are almost at the mid of August already and with the Raya holiday week around the corner and Merdeka Day following, August is definitely a fast month.

[Review] Levain Boulangerie & Patisserie

Was browsing my Lightroom's old album and found out that I missed out one album to share here. It was taken 4 months ago during my visit to Levain Boulangerie & Patisserie with a group of friends. It is a famous bakery, well known for its pastries and bread with their signature stone oven.

It is located at Jalan Delima, nearby Prince Court Medical Center, Wisma Technip and Off Jalan Bukit Bintang. The bakery is renovated from a Bungalow/Mansion into a bakery, serving fresh breads and special pastries. We went on a Sunday noon, where the whole place is crowded with people and many bread were sold out as well.

View Larger Map

We managed to secure a table outside and choose some breads to try. Basically after you secured a table, you need to remember the table if you wish to order beverages or other meals like pasta. After you chose your pastries and breads, proceed to the cashier to order your beverages if you want, and then tell them cashier the table number so that the waitress can serve to your table later. The attached picture below show the ordering instruction written on a black board.

Since it was 4 months ago, I couldn't really remember the names of the bread that we took and the price associated with it. I will try to recall some of it, nevertheless, pictures will be provided.

 Maple Toast

Turkey Ham & Egg

Turkey Ham Croissant

The interior design follows some English cottage style with some plants outside the compound. There's basically three main sections including compound outside, the ground floor inside and the first floor upstairs with modified rooms that are quite small thou.

U may find a lot of decorations that are based on cottage or farmer home style around the bakery especially first floor. The price is on the high side, definitely not an everyday tea time location for people like me which is not from the higher income group. However, if you have a sudden crave of good bread or pastries, this is definitely one of the place you can come for a casual tea time break.

[Review] Plan b, Paradigm Mall

Paradigm Mall is a new mall located at Kelana Jaya and it is the new attraction for that area recently. Knowing there are many restaurants within the new mall, my colleagues and I decided to drop by for a meal on a casual weekend. We ended up at Plan b to try because other restaurants like Fish & Co., Nando's and Italiannies can be found at many other places and this seems new to us.

Plan b basically serves western dishes along with some local delicacies. Burgers, sandwiches and pastas are the main ones that you can find in their menu. Their menu is a very unique one where it's like a pile of papers bind on a piece of wood with a catchy slogan of "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade".

We were served with plain water while reading the menu. The water comes in the form of a bottle, similar to the acid bottle we used back in the school days for experiment purposes. It feels like we are drinking a big bottle of medicine, but of course in smaller glasses.

I ordered a Chicken Burger for myself and my girl ordered Pasta Aglio Olio. Within the menu, I noticed they used a lot of nuts in their dishes and drinks as well. Presence of nuts is also felt within my Chocolate Milkshake, dunno is it me or they really blend some nuts within.

The pasta is rather simple with proper seasoning. Nothing much to shout about with a price tag of RM15++.

The Chicken Burger on the other hand comes with more than just the burger itself. It is served along side with a bowl of salad with lettuce and nuts, and a serving of fried chips of yam, sweet potato and tapioca I suppose. The burger's portion is quite big with a thick piece of grilled chicken breast with mashed avocado toppings on it and fresh lettuce under the patty. The patty was grilled just nice, well cooked enough for the thickness but not overcooked until the meat is dry. The avocado paste compliments the patty well and best to eat together. However, I'm not sure what is the piece of cracker or what ever name you call it located on top of the avocado paste. Maybe I'm not used to western cuisine and has no idea on how to eat it. All these sums up to a price tag of RM24++.

 

Overall, it was a good experience dining there. Probably due to the environment and the company. The restaurant is decorated with some vintage items, partly antique, partly natural with modern feel and cozy furniture. 

Not much review is done in this post thou cause my main purpose of visit is for gathering instead of a proper dining intention. Perhaps would drop by again in the future for a better one.

It is worth mentioning that all the pictures above are taken with my Galaxy S3 instead of my DSLR. Looks like my phone can replace my camera for some photo shooting provided with good light source is available for shooting.

[Trip] Sekinchan Drop By

Went to Sekinchan for a day trip last month. It was not our intention initially to visit Sekinchan. We just drop by Sekinchan during our visit to Kuala Selangor. We were just in time for the harvesting of the paddy field, hence we decided to drop by for some photos before heading back home. I believe there is a lot of pictures of Sekinchan in the web, most of them are heavily edited. I will just share my shots without much editing besides exposure and white balance.

On the way back, we saw this truck carrying harvested crops and just quickly took a photo of it and it ended a bit out of my expectations where it gives a very different mode and feel of it.