18th Dec 2008: Kuala Lumpur Trip

This time, we choose to leave Singapore at 5am to avoid the jam. The journey along NS highway was smooth as the traffic was low. It took us about 4.5 hours to reach KL. The first thing we decided to do is to purchase the Coach & skyway ticket at Pasat Rayat for the next day. We proceed to the National mosque and Merdaka square to take a look since they are the key places in KL. You know, the Merdaka square & Federal court resembles so much like the padang and city hall in Singapore. When afternoon comes, we check in to the Times square hotel. The room was spacious with a little kitchen, which is important. Central market are meant for tourist but if the day is hot, you could get in for some cool air. If you visit the chinatown, you should try out the Jin Lian Ji Hokkien noodles. The chilli paste is the best in the world. As a non gambler, i did not loose a lot of money in the Genting casinos. But once a while, it could be entertaining. I consider Colmar Tropicale the worst place to visit in KL. Its small place, RM10/pax applied, steep drive, no french food (if you have been to France) plus its nothing more than a malay village. For the Japanese tea house further up the hill, forget it as well. I recommend spending your time in Genting, which is just nearby. You could get reasonably good groceries in the Chow Kit market. We bought tons of fruit back to Singapore and they were all taste good. This trip was the longest we ever had in Malaysia with our baby along.

18th Dec: National Mosque > Merdaka Square > Times Square > Central Market > Chinatown > KL Tower,
19th Dec: Genting,
20th Dec: Colmar Tropicale > Suria KLCC,
21st Dec: Chow Kit Market > Return to Singapore,

Total Milage: 930 km

06th Dec 2008: Malacca Trip

We decided to make it a day trip since Malacca was known to be a small place. But we were wrong and end up searching for accommodation. Fortunately, we found Garden City Service Apartment. It is further off the city, along Jalan Ujong Pasir but the price is good and the room is just right for a family. Near Jonker walk is the famous Kedai Kopi Chung Wah Chicken rice. We didn't managed to taste it since the queue was too long. I would recommend queuing up from 10.45am for lunch. To satisfy our crave for Malacca chicken rice, we went to Famosa, which still have some seats available. Frankly speaking, the chicken wasn't too fantastic and the portions are small. The museum is a good place to understand more about Malacca, especially Cheng Ho influences. Nobody would leave Malacca without visiting Jonker walk. The night has more to see as there are more roadside stalls setup. Additionally, There are many local delicacies such as wanton noodles, cha kway teow, etc. For the second day, we visited the replica of Flo De La Mar Portuguese vessel and warship. We were more delighted with the ship's air conditioned than what was inside, especially when the weather was hot. The last place we visited was King's well beside San Po Kong temple. The entire journey was great and Melaka is easy to navigate. Just keep mind, if you drive, park your car at one place in the early morning and walk. Searching for carpark can be painful from noon onwards.

Itinerary:
6th Dec: Reach Malacca > Jonker Walk > Christ Church > Museum of history and Ethnography > Jonker Walk,
7th Dec: Flo De La Mar Portuguese vessel and warship > St. John's hill > King's Well > Depart for Singapore.

25th October 2008: Desaru Sungei Ringgit Trip

This was the second time to Sungei Ringgit. It is actually very near to Singapore but due to the road system, we had to travel a big round. The total distance travelled was roughly 300km, about 3 hours drive (plus some traffic jam) from Singapore to Sungei Ringgit and back. After overcoming a short jam at the causeway, we went straight to Ah Lek Ba Kut Teh. Our next destination was the famous fruit farm. Touring the farm takes an hour and finishes off with a fruit meals. There are plenty of fruits that you can buy there but they aren't cheap. Next we proceed further west to reach the famous Desaru beach. The water are not as clean as it use to be but the sand are still good. Our day ended with a seafood meal at Jade Garden Seafood. Price is reasonable but not cheap as I am expecting. Taste is great and I hope to return there again.