Cameron Highlands Family Trip

Yeah! I had a short holiday during Labor's Day, my family and I decided to go on a short vacation at Cameron Highlands. It is a great place for a family trip, cause you do not need to rush here and there for tour. We enjoy most of our time at our apartment, spacious place, nice scenery and also cold weather. Yes, I really need to get away from the heat. Penang is too hot. So, today I would like to share with you the lovely apartment that we stayed over for 3 days 2 nights and also some food for steamboat that can save your cost. 

I booked the Nova Highlands Resort and Residence 2 bed rooms apartment trough booking.com which provides good information about it. First of all, I like the location because it's actually very close to Kea Farm (which is consider the highest area of Cameron Highlands). So, we get to enjoy really cool weather, even without switching on the fan. I am so in love with this cozy place. Let's take a look. 

There are all the utensils that you need (except knife) & also refrigerator, microwave, hot water jug in the kitchen. 

Spacious hallway, 2 bedrooms on the left.

There's a balcony at the living room with a beautiful hillside view. 

The living room turns to be our dinning area too. Spot the little red cooking pot! 

Talking about food. I have some tips to save cost which is to prepare our own dinner. Everyone knows Cameron produce a lot of fresh leafy vegetables, corns, potatoes. But we need some proteins too, So, before departing to Cameron, I bought a polystyrene box (the white color one) to keep all the fresh food items. Here goes the checklist for your family trip: 

1. Ice in polystyrene box

2. White toast, egg, cheese for breakfast 

3. Bacon (get it at Aeon Shopping Mall: quite impressed with the good quality) 

4. Minced meat, fish, meatball, fishball, seafood tofu

5. Fresh Mushroom (jin zhen gu, oyster mushroom). 

6. Instant noodles

7. Paste & seasoning : Miso, salt, soy sauce, sambal, garlic oil.

8. Electrical pot that can be used to stir-fry, bake & steamboat. (I known it as a magic pot)

Then, the first thing you need to do before arriving your apartment is to shop for fresh vegetables. 4 packets of different kind of vegetables for RM10. (after negotiating) Damn cheap! We bought cabbage, sweet corns, sweet potatoes & kai lan. Dada, see!

Steamboat feast!

Western breakfast

I believe Cameron is a favorite spot of Malaysian cause on the 1st of May, we were caught in the traffic jam for 3 hours. Yes. Very horrible jam! Luckily we went there the day before and visited couple of places early in the morning. Look at the sun rise from our balcony. It's beautiful. :)

Live in the sunshine and breathe the wild air- Wonderful Getaway. Maybe you can pay a visit there one day. 

* (Updates for my stay during 3-5 August 2018) I am actually quite sad that the room is not well maintain. The comforter and wall is stained, kettle and hair dryer not functioning, sink leaking. But, the staffs are helpful. Overall, the location is still great, walking distance to Kea Farm, short distance to Boh Sg Palah Plantation & Mossy Forest.

Love, 

Yvonne

Louvre Veggie Vegetarian Restaurant

Are you a vegetarian? Or sometimes, you feel like not eating meat? This is the place I would recommend, Louvre Veggie Restaurant 頤豐苑.  It's easy to find the location at Butterworth. I have been there for quite some time, and still there are lots of dishes on the menu waiting for me to explore. You will realize that vegetarian food can be much tastier than meats. Below are some of the dishes that I highly recommend. I personally do not like to have lots of fake vegan food in my dish, and Louvre Veggie Restaurant mainly serves fresh vegetables cuisine. 

If you are coming with your family members, I would recommend to have rice and dishes. I forget the name of dish on the left but it really tastes good. It looks appealing and tastes even better. And also do try on their tea sets, the tea sets are mostly flower tea. I love flower tea cause it won't make you feel awake at night but make you feel relax and sleep even well. My grandma loves it too. :) 

This is my recent favorite- Claypot Laksa. It is spicy hot, with green chilly paddy ( I love it!) and the clay-pot keeps warm of the food even after some time. The smell of peppermint and asam is incredibly good, it definitely increases your appetite. Not to forget the smooth laksa noodles together with chinese cabbage and pineapple. I personally think that this Claypot Laksa (without fish) is much better than the usual Penang laksa. I think that anyone that is allergic to prawn or fish can definitely try this out to fix your craving. 

Next up is this Mango Snowflake. As you know, Penang weather is super duper hot, we need a bowl of ice to chill us. There's lot of flavor to choose from, but I think Mango is the best match for snowflake. The smooth and soft icy texture of the snow flakes wins all, and also the "pop balls" (I don't know what to call it, LOL), but it gives a pop when you melt it in mouth . The brilliant yellow color matches perfectly well with the watermelon bowl too. 

One more dish  that I would suggest is 滑蛋河粉. The egg- gravy is delicious, and you won't feel thirsty after that, meaning to say not much of MSG added. There are a lot of mushrooms in this dish, the chewy texture of mushroom will lighten up this big plate of hua dan hor. Yummy ! 

The only cons of this restaurant is that it does not have a lot of seats, thus I always pay my visit during non- peak hours. It has 4 big round tables for family/ company dinner setting, and another 4 small tables for 2 -4 seating. The ambiance is good, with air-conditioned, soft music, and no extra serving tax.   

Please feel free to pay them a visit at No. 23, Villa Tanjung, Jalan Villa Tanjung, Jalan P.Patto, Jalan Raja Uda, Butterworth, Malaysia.  Call this no: 012-4403122 to make reservations.

Enjoy your meal. Eat right, eat healthy, eat vege! 

Love, 

Yvonne

Chinese New Year at Home

After 3 years, I am finally home for reunion lunch and celebrate Chinese New Year. Throughout this festive seasons, I get to EAT & EAT & EAT, SHOP & SHOP & SHOP! It has been a great horse year, which I have gone through transition periods of adapting the hot weather and also start working. I hope that Goat Year will be even better, full of gratitude, prosperity and happiness.  I would like to mark and share about the wonderful traditions and beautiful moments of my family celebrating Chinese New Year. 

Every CNY, my brothers and I will bake our own Cornflake cookies and this year we even made "REBEN Bia".Reben Bia is the first bottle on the left photo which has ribbon shape, "bia" basically means biscuit. The difficulty of making this biscuit is that you really need to control the heat very well when you deep- fried it. I like that everything during this festive season is red in color, even the calendars. 

Every "nian chu yi", first day of CNY, mummy will cook us a dessert  "hua kai fu gui" for breakfast, blessing us sweet days for the whole year.

We traveled back to Kelantan every CNY. Papa and mama will kneel down to gave "angpow" to my grandma. Look at the beautiful smiles of my parents and ahma. Papa mama will gain for forgiveness and wish ahma stay healthy and happy. I am touched by the actions of my parents. A simple action of kneeling down open up your heart and letting go your ego.

Every year, even though I am not at home, I will still get angpows from my parents and relatives. This year, I am grateful to get not only angpow from papa but also the blessings of my parents. Parents are always the one that worry you the most, I feel it. I eventually get older but I feel like I am always their baby girl.

How can we miss out this, the most popular item for CNY- Steamboat !! We dine out at Zi Wei Yuan Steamboat at Raja Uda, this was my first time here. We had fried fish steamboat, and added on with other ingredients. The soup was so good with milky and sour taste, but slightly a bit salty. The traditional way of using charcoal to heat up the big wok of steamboat is interesting. We have less time for each other, as everyone has their own study and work; but whenever we gather in a round table, there is so much joy and laughter. 

"Bai ti gong" is the most lively event throughout CNY. I took a nap before going to ahma house, cause I know we will be staying late till around 2am. You need to listen up to this, I seriously think that BM lang must had a prosperous horse year, cause there are around 10 fireworks and a lot of red crackers just around Sri Rambai area. We pray to the Heaven God and make offerings to ensure "fu gui ping an", prosperity and peace. 

Today is the last day of CNY also known "chap goh meh" , "yuan xiao jie". There are still fireworks going on, but I choose to take a rest and spend some time for myself. I visited temple early this morning, did prayer to improve my luck in this goat year and also be a vegetarian today. I took a afternoon nap, washed my clothes, and blogged in my little room. P.S , I like migu so much- the pink bun on the right. yummy ! 

Once again, gong xi fa cai! Happy Chinese New Year! I wish each and everyone of us stay healthy and happy throughout the year of meh meh. 

Love, 

Yvonne

My Favourite Quote

Hi, everyone. I am glad to share with you the news that I am now full- time employed as a nutritionist. Should I cheer or should I not. Haha... Yes, I am still in the transition state, trying my best to adapt every changes from college girl to a young lady.  But, I am truly grateful throughout this transition, I have a bunch of super nice and friendly colleagues. They treat me well, so not too much of worry. 

You must be questioning, what is my job scope as a nutritionist. Basically, I provide nutrition consultation to customers, plan their meals and diets for diseases or even weight loss, and also conduct health talk. *Yes, I have successful weight loss case!* So, if you are interested in any of those, please don't hesitate to contact me by leaving a comment below. Hehe.

all right reserved: yvonne

There are some good and bad time.However, time by time, I remind myself my favourite quote, 
"You can Do It! "  

You can either face or flee from the fear. And I choose to face it.
No matter how the result would be, at least I think I can do it, and I DO IT with all my best. 

P.S. Guess what, I am trained to draw blood and I did it. Don't play play. LOL.

Hope everyone is doing good. :)
Happy Monday. Tataz. 

Bali Family Trip - Day 3 & 4

Halo people. Selamat Hari Raya!  I am supposed to finish up Bali Family Trip post by June but ya, I was too tired after work and have no time to finish it up. Finally, there is a short break for me to take a breath. 

It was slow and easy on both day 3 & 4 . We started the day visiting Tampak Empul Siring, but it was too crowded due to a ceremony going on at that time. After visiting all the temples at day 2, we have less interest in temples. Let's skip that, we then visit the 

#1 Oka Agriculture Bali 

It is a little farm area, very much commercialized. We got to see cocoa and coffee trees. The good thing is we got to try 6 cups of drinks for free different flavor of cocoa, coffee and tea. 

Of course, I look forward to try Coffee Luwak; unfortunately my tastes buds didn't feel anything special. Each small cup of coffee luwak charges IRP 50,000= ~ RM15. No harm gives it a try but ya it's pricey.

#2 Volcano Mount Batur

We went to Mount Batur at noon, so it was striking hot. We just stopped by and walked along the sidewalk. Be ware there are a lot of sellers selling all kinds of souvenir. Based on my personal experience, they tend to be rude and try their best to persuade you to buy it. If you prefer to have an undisturbed environment to enjoy the view, I think that having buffet lunch at the restaurants will be great. Overall, Mount Batur is on the check list of Bali, I don't think I will revisit the place again. 

#3 Tellagang Paddy Field 

A very lovely little paddy place with layers and layers of paddy. There are lots of restaurants (designed in huts) facing the paddy, you can enjoy your meal while looking at the greenery. We just stopped by and relax. 

Lunch @ Nuri's Warung: Pork Rib with Rice

Yes. It's the famous pork rib, I LOVE the ribs. See how beautiful the color of the ribs, shinny brown, nicely grilled. And the sauce is spicy, sweet, salty.. Very flavorful. Must give it a try! 

#5 Shopping at Arts Market Ubud 

There are lots of arts and crafts at Arts Market Ubud, located at the central of Ubud. From scarves, hats, bags,shirts, statues.... etc.... Remember to bargain! If you are unsatisfied with the price, just say thank you and leave the stall. When you act like leaving the stall,  they might agree with the bargain price. LOL. Start bargain with 70% discount price. Good luck and happy shopping! 

We spent our last day at Bali strolling around central of Ubud, took some photos, bought some souvenirs. Bali is a beautiful island with rich culture and traditions. It was a wonderful trip spent with my family members. It's great to have all of us united again! Hope you guys have a pleasure trip at Bali too. 

Tataz. 

Bali Family Trip - Day 2

Last night at Ida Hotel, we had a great relaxing time at the small Jacuzzi pool. We started our brand new day by checking out from Ida Hotel. At 9:30 am, we started our journey to Tanah Lot. From Kuta to Tanah Lot, it took us around 1 hour and 30 minutes. So, plan your time wisely. 

Photography Copyright @Kai Yik Yeu & Kai Zhe Yeu 

Day 2- Temple Day  

#1 Tanah Lot 

Tanah Lot is one of the top attraction of Bali, a must visit place. We visited early in the morning to avoid the crowd. However, we did not manage to walk closer to it due to high tide. Tanah Lot has a bigger area, so take your time to stroll around and enjoy the beautiful scenery. I enjoy the wave hitting on the rocks, where the temple is located at. 

Prayer items look cute in a small folded banana leave. 

#2 Taman Ayun 

It took another 1 hour to arrive at Taman Ayun. As comparison with Tanah Lot, I like Taman Ayun more. There are less tourists here. The place is tranquil and has beautiful architecture. There is also a small art painting exhibition gallery on the side of it. 

Walk till the end of the temple to get this view. 

Lunch @ Small Warung: Mee Soto & White Rice

To save budget, we had our lunch at a small warung near by Taman Ayun. The stall is clean and prepared by 2 Malay Ladies. The mee soto tasted good, it has clear chicken soup with some special noodles. I like it along with the spicy sambal. Bali sambal is YUM YUM! Not to forget about Tea Botol, which is something local and similar to teh 'o'. A drink that quench your thirst. 

#3 Pura Ulun Danu Bratan 

The temple that I look forward the most. It is a water temple located at Lake Bratan. First of all, the weather was cool and windy!!! Next, the dreamy view of the mountains and clouds is awesome. I love this place. You can then take out your IRP 50, 000 to compare this beautiful place. 

Check in at Desak Putu Putra Hidden 

** SUPER HIGHLY RECOMMEND **

The best place to stay at UBUD with the SUPERB CHEAP price. 

I would say the only bad side of  Desak Putu Putra Hidden is there are a lot of mosquitoes. BUT, the staffs are super friendly and helpful and they provide us electric mosquitoes mat. 

PROS: 

1. 6 rooms only, private balcony for every room, quiet & relaxing place 

2. Modern design, spacious, bath tub 

3. Lovely garden, water flow fountain, swimming pool 

4. Delicious breakfast served to your room (feel royalty, LOL) 

5. 10 minutes walk to Ubud central

6. No extra charge for extra person in the room 

7. Electric kettle provided upon request 

8. New place, open at January 2014

9. Last but not least, SUPER helpful staffs !!!

I <3 Desak Putu Putra Hidden. 

Walking through a long walk into the hidden place !

In the evening, before the sun goes down, we walked to Ubud Central to have our dinner. There are restaurants and bakery shop along the road. Restaurant has 10% service charge. We had our dinner which I think was westernized but it was not that bad. 

Bread life has delicious bread.  

As we walked around Ubud Central, there was a procession going on.
A great chance to have a look at Bali culture and their beautiful traditional clothes. 

Stay tune for Day 3&4. 

Tataz.