Satay celup @ Restaurant Ban Lee Siang, Jalan Ong Kim Wee

For our first night dinner, we decided to have satay celup. Hubby has decided to drive there after looking at the map, which was a perfectly wise decision. We were tired and the road towards Restaurant Ban Lee Siang from our hotel seems “far”.

We managed to get a parking spot at the housing area facing the row of shops where the restaurant is located. Strangely, the same restaurant name has two different shops next to each other. With exactly the same name, the only difference is the design and the waiters’ and waitresses’ dress code. We had no idea if the food tasted the same. We decided on the one located on the left side of the main street.

 

Upon entering the shop, we were asked to choose a place. We were then told that it is self-service, where we will pick the ingredients that we want from the fridge. Each stick cost 60 sen. We were also asked if we wanted bread, which we then ordered a plate. We also ordered two glasses of ice water (later on added another glass). The stove was heated up and we then placed in (or celup) the ingredients in the stove of satay sauce. The ingredients are ready to be eaten once it is boiled. Occasionally, the waiter will come over to stir the stove, to prevent its bottom from being burnt. At the end, we had 19 sticks. Including the one plate of bread (which cost 60 sen) and three glasses of water, the total cost is RM12.90. Wow, this was a cheap and satisfying meal. Worth trying.

 

 

Mee Suah @ Restaurant Pin Pin Hiong, Lorong Hang Jebat

 

The shop is easily spotted from the huge Yellow Orang Utan wall right in front of this corner lot shop. It is just the other corner of San Shu Gong. Restaurant Pin Pin Hiong is famous for its mee suah though it does serve other dishes like fried rice, fried mixed vegetable and oyster omelet. Given that we were relatively full, we merely ordered a medium size mee suah and two cans of 100 plus. The restaurant seems to be managed by family members and each dish is being cooked one after another, and thus, the service is rather slow. Our food only came after 15 to 20 minutes (we were there during their lunch hours). How did the mee suah tasted like? Well, I supposed it is normal, but the difference is there is not much seasoning. Therefore, after the meal, we don’t exactly feel thirsty at all. The medium bowl of mee suah and the two cans of 100 plus cost RM9.60. I think one should also try their oyster omelet too, which we didn’t because hubby has not much liking for it.

The man who takes order has speaking and hearing disability. However, he tries his best to converse, even with a foreigner. In describing the ingredients of the food, the man made such an effort to bring in the raw ingredients to show it to the foreigner. We were amazed by his effort and determination to work despite his disability.

 

I am not totally sure of its opening hours. But, be sure to wait if you want to have your meal there during lunch hours.

Medela Freestyle Breastpump with 2-phase expression from Parenthood Expo 2013

There are plentiful of breastpumps in the market. However, after a throughout study (i.e. reading comments over the internet), I have decided on Medela Freestyle Breastpump. IT is the world’s smallest double electric breastpump. This breastpump is known to be convenient and mobile for working mums. Sadly, the breastpump itself cost RM2,299. I have even asked around and surveyed online, the best price I could get via forum and only with a month warranty is RM1,599. Walking around malls, I found that its best market price seems to be at around RM1,899.

 

There are few motherhood/ parenthood/ baby expos in town – notably are the ones in Midvalley and the upcoming one in KLCC convention centre. Well, I never really had intention to go to the recent Parenthood Expo 2013, but after hearing a comment from a friend who went – saying that there were good deals here and there – and even hubby’s colleague who purposely took leave to attend the expo, I made up my mind to go. We have a list of items to buy already but we weren’t sure which are the items that we should buy first. So, we actually walked around the three halls in the expo – more of surveying rather with the intention to buy.

 

We only saw two booths selling Medela items in the expo. The first one was rather tiny booth. It was a re-seller while the latter is the main distributor in Malaysia. We stopped by to listen and its staff, named Nurul, actually demonstrated the use of the breastpump to us and explained the functions of the pump. With the price of RM1,788, besides the Medela Freestyle Breastpump with 2-phase expression, it also comes with a Beaba Quick Termometer, Medela Purelan Nipple Cream and Medela Disposable Bra Pads (30 pieces). Besides that, we asked about its warranty, which Nurul said it will start on the day of delivery. She mentioned that the warranty can be sent together with the baby’s birth certificate, and this is the usual procedure for them during events. Hubby wasn’t assured of this and re-asked about this condition, including looking into the warranty card. The warranty card states that warranty starts when the pump is sold and thus, hubby wanted a reassurance. He had Nurul stated on the warranty card. We then made the payment first before collecting the items. At the counter, hubby pretended and re-asked the cashier about the warranty, which she repeated that it begins on the day of delivery. After payment was made, an additional free gift, a portable placemat was given. We then collected the items. However, we weren’t show the items one by one. Therefore, we stood a ide to check on the items. After feeling satisfied with the items, we left the booth.

 

 

Well, price wise, it is definitely worth it. From the website littlewhiz.com, I found that the same items (excluding the Medela Disposable Bra Pads and portable placemat) is going at RM1,999. Hope it will be really in good use when our baby arrives. Just wondering how many times I would need to pump in order to recuperate the cost of the pump……

 

Meanwhile, not sure we will be in the Baby’s Expo in the coming Aug 10 to 12 in KLCC convention centre. If so, the bigger items that we need to get are the baby cots and strollers. While the diapers and some other accessories seem to be cheap for many, we are not too sure if we were to purchase at this point of time. Anyway, I don’t feel comfortable having to choose smaller items even like maternity bra in a cramp area and in a rush mode. The place becomes worse when parents push in the strollers and block the ways. Some even have their buying trolleys push into the halls, which made the place more jammed up.

Durian Cendol and Ice White Coffee @ San Shu Gong, Lorong Hang Jebat

Our original itinerary is to taste cendol at Jonker88 (which was estimated to close at 2pm). However, since San Shu Gong is located directly opposite of Kedai Kopi Chung Wah, we decided to stop at San Shu Gong for the cendol and said famous ice coffee. San Shu Gong is one of the nicest and commercialized building in the Jonker Street itself. There is a little café in the building called Lao Qian Ice Café and another portion of the sells snacks and stuff.

The café is self-service. We made an order of durian cendol and its ice cold coffee. Each cost RM5.80, which seems relatively pricey. They were served about 10 minutes later. Well, the durian cendol appears very commercialized while it does not taste as good. I think that was a bad choice. However, its ice white coffee is worth trying. It was really genuine coffee.

 

After having our drinks, we bought a packet of snack and two packs of uncooked noodle back home. It all costs RM11.10.

I believe the opening hours of 10am to 10pm are rather true. If that is the case, I think this should be the last spot to go to after visiting the famous foodie places in Jonker Street. At least, it does not close too early and one can have late evening drink there. However, be warned that the caffeine effect from the coffee is strong. We can’t take a short nap despite feeling tired in the noon because of the coffee.

Enfa Mama A+ from Pasaraya Megaherbs & Food Sdn Bhd, Taman Megah, Petaling Jaya

After selecting Enfa Mama A+ as the milk of choice (it has two flavours that are vanilla and chocolate), of course, there is some hunting to do – getting the best price. The retail price stated at its 900g tin is RM 59.

 

On our first buy, which is made is Carrefour Midvalley, it was at RM53.90. After surveying some other places, we noticed that the price was never below RM53.90. It was one morning when I was attending my Cool Clay class and went into Pasaraya Megaherbs & Food that I found that its price was at that time RM53.50. In the mini mart that is operated by a Chinese family (I think), there are actually a lot of brands of milk for both mummies and toddlers. I guess they are offered at affordable, if not cheap, pricing.

So, I decided to bring hubby on a Sunday night, which is few days later. We were glad to find that the price has been further reduced to RM51.90 (from its “said” original price of RM55.90 – as stated in the cancelled price tag). After close to three weeks, we returned for an additional tin. It was still at RM51.90. When the man key in the price, it was first stated at RM53.50 (and not the said mark up price of RM 55.90) and it was then adjusted to RM51.90. This implies that it’s fixed price at Pasaraya Megaherbs & Food is at RM53.50.

 

Payments can also be made via credit card. I guess we will frequent this mart for milk in the future.

Chicken rice ball @ Kedai Kopi Chung Wah, Jalan Hang Jebat

On our visit to Malacca, our first stop was at Kedai Kopi Chung Wah, Jalan Hang Jebat. It serves chicken rice ball. This is the more recognized chicken rice ball shop despite some shops surrounding it does sell chicken rice ball. It is strategically located, and I bet one can’t miss it especially one is commuting with a car (since the road around there is mostly on a one way street). Customers actually have to queue out of the shop before proceeding to a seat (Well, not many people will know this procedure if they have not visited the shop). Once seated, they will come over to take orders. We went for 2 persons’ portion chicken breast meat. It was then served in 10 minutes. The waitress also brought the plates of rice balls. Each plate contains five rice balls. We only took one plate as we were going to try other food in that area.

After tasting the chicken and rice ball, I felt the chicken is really smooth. On the other hand, the rice balls is just average. I, personally, didn’t really like the texture of the rice after it is being rolled as a ball. The price of the lunch together with a glass of barley ice is RM10.60.

On service wise, I considered them average. At times, I find the man rude and did not really want to entertain us because we ordered a small portion.

The opening time of 7.30am to 3.00pm could be true, as this is one of the shops around the area that open in the early hours.

One night stay at Courtyard @ Heeren Boutique Hotel, Jalan Tun Cheng Lock – Malacca

I was down to two top choices of accommodation when it came to planning for a two days one night trip to Malacca. It was either Courtyard @ Heeren Boutique Hotel or Hotel Puri. At last, I choose the former because the latter has not replied my emailing (at all). For the former, it charges RM200 nett for a superior room (queen bed). The latter offers at a lower rate of RM160 (excluding service and tax fee) or RM185.60 for their superior double room. Both are located at the same road, Jalan Tun Cheng Lock.

The email replies given by Courtyard @ Heeren Boutique Hotel was almost immediate. Besides enquiring about a queen size bed, I also asked them about parking facilities. They replied that there is car park facility at the back of their hotel with a CCTV camera. I decided on the day itself to go with them. Initially, I was asked to pay either by giving them my credit card details or through paypal. I replied if I could pay on the spot as it wasn’t safe to give credit card details (that include security details) and we do not have a paypal account. Given that I provided my phone number in the email, they called me immediately and told me that I could make payment by banking in directly to their Public Bank account, which I did after that. I, so, my room reservation was confirmed via an email. I was told to bring the print out of the email reply when I checked in.

On the day we arrived in Malacca, we actually walked pass the hotel to check where their parking is. The receptionist told us that their staff will lead us to the parking lot. The staff is very nice. Hubby drove his car and waited right in front of the hotel when it was close to 2pm (check in time). I went into the reception, which was a very nice reception area, and waited for the staff to come. We were then led to the car park. Given that it was a one-way street, we had to get into one big round to arrive at their car park (otherwise, it is quite near). The car park is just a normal roadside car park with some spots reserved for the hotel. Indeed, there was a cctv camera facing the area. We were led to the reception through its back door. The place was secured with tagging system. Well, just like what we experienced in Amadae Resort in Bali, it is really unbelievable that from its external look, there could be such a nice view in the hotel itself.

One of the views in the hotel

Our room

At the reception, I was asked to fill up a form and my official receipt was given to me. There isn’t need for any further room deposit just as the other hotels that we have visited so far asked for. Then, we were led to our room, which was the second room from the reception area on the ground floor. Well, it was quite a cosy room, I would say. It provided the basics such as television (however, without astro channels), hair dryer and safe deposit. I personally like it because it is clean (except that we found out that the blanket was slightly stained just before we checked out). The place is serene except if there are people running/ talking/ shouting around at the corridor. One disadvantage of staying on the ground floor of the hotel is that we could actually listen to footsteps from the above floor at night. I also liked the way they have taken the initiative to decorate their hotel. It was really a baba and nyonya “feel”. In addition to that, we can access to their free wifi service from our room.

On the location wise, it is quite strategic to the Jonker Walk. On price wise, it is slightly more expensive than other smaller hotels in the area (which I can’t make an apple to apple comparison because I have not stayed there). Their RM200 nett includes breakfast for two at their café, which is located in front/ opposite of their boutique hotel. They also provided one of the local newspaper on the next morning. This breakfast is important especially if you are awake early (and you don’t have your own transport) because there isn’t much to eat before 11am.

Well, this place is worth staying if you wish for a relaxing holiday especially after walking quite a distance in the town. I personally enjoyed the stay there and this could be my future top choice.

Planning for a 2 days 1 night trip to Malacca, the historical city in Malaysia

This was the first time planning a trip. Well, when I was still in school, my parents planned trips for me and I haven’t really got a chance of going on trips with friends because I wasn’t allowed at that time. Then, when I entered adulthood, my boyfriend aka my hubby plans for trip for me. So, this was a new venture for me since I was free and still on a career break. In addition, this could be our babymoon trip. I don’t think there’s anymore chance for me to travel before the arrival of our baby (though we have booked the airplane to Singapore in September, sadly).

So, we decided to go to Malacca since we have not been there together before. It would be a foodie trip while getting some sightseeing in the historical city. It started with searching the forum and getting to know what other people say about the food and accommodation. From those posting, I got to learn about the quality of food, the crowd and also the importance of knowing the operation hours of the hawkers. I jotted down the names of the well known hawkers and some quality hotels. Then, I googled on the particular hawkers and hotels in order to get a clearer picture and comments about them. I also saved some of the pictures of the hawkers to get. The process took quite long –almost a day and that includes booking a hotel room.

And, the itinerary that I have come out with is as follow:

Malacca itinerary

 

Monday, July 23

Depart from home 9.30am

Estimated arrival time 11.30am

Brunch

 

Chung Wah Chicken rice ball

18, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

Open Daily: 7:30 am to 3:00 pm

Baba Durian Cendol, Gula Sago Melaka and Nyonya Assam Laksa

Jonker 88 (next to Taman Warisan Dunia Jonker Walk)

88 Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka

Open Daily (Except Thursday): 7:30 am to 2:00 pm

Durian cendol and icy white coffee

San Shu Gong

33, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

Open Daily: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Mee suah

Pin Pin Hiong

Melaka 786, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka

Tah Pau:

The largest pineapple tart in Malaysia

LW Nyonya Pineapple Tarts House

86, Jalan Tokong (Jonker Walk) 75200 Melaka

Check in Hotel, after 2pm

Courtyard @ Heeren

Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock  75200 Melaka
06-2810088

Places to visit:

Hard Rock Cafe Melaka Rock Shop

Opening Hours: Daily, 11:00 – 20:00
Address: 23 Lorong Hang Jebat 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum

48, 50 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Melaka

606-283 1273

The Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum is closed on Sundays and public holidays.

The visiting time is 10 am to 12:30 pm, and 2 pm to 4:30 pm.

Admission charges for Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum – RM8.00 for Adults

Attractions at Baba Nyonga Heritage Museum:

• The Stadthuys (check out little stalls)

Jalan Kota, Melaka

• Dutch Square (The fountain and clock tower)

Jalan Gereja, Melaka

** Clock Tower cendol Stall – Opposite the Clock Tower, Jln Laksamana (Open 10am – 6pm)

• Christ Church Melaka (trishaw rides)

Jalan Gereja, Melaka

• St Francis Xavier Church

Jalan Laksamana, Melaka

• The Maritime Museum

Jalan Quayside, 75000 Malacca (located just ahead of the Stadthuys)

9.00 am – 6.00 pm
(Closed on Tuesday)

• Melaka River Cruise

Jalan Graha Maju
Tel : 06-2814322/23
Operation Time
Daily 9:00 am to 11:00pm
RM 10 Adult

• Jonker Walk (tah pau pineapple tart)

Dinner

Satay Celup

Restoran Ban Lee Siang Satay Celup @ Jalan Ong Kim Wee

45E, Jalan Ong Kim Wee, Melaka

5.30pm – 12.30am
Closed On Tuesday

Round 2: Naan and Tandoori Chicken

Bonani Restaurant

346 Taman Melaka Raya, Malacca, 75000.
(Next to Malacca Club and 7-eleven)

Tel: 06-282 0340

Opening Hours: 11:30am-2:30pm, 6pm-10:30pm Monday to Sunday

Places to visit (at night):

Menara Taming Sari (360 degree viewing tower)

Jalan Merdeka Banda Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia.

10.00 am to 10.00 pm – Daily

Mykad holder – RM10

Tuesday, July 24

Breakfast

Popiah, curry laksa and cendol

** Poh Piah Lwee (near hotel)
14 Off Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock,
Jalan Kubu,
75300 Malacca
Tel: 06 282 7175
Business hour 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
Closed Mondays

 

Or/ And

 

** Nyonya Laksa, Mee Siam, Cendol and pineapple tart (near hotel)

Donald & Lily’s Corner

Off Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (Behind of No 31, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (Heeren Street))

Off days: Mondays.
Operating hours: 9.30am to 4pm.

Lunch

Kedai Satay Xiang Ji (Pork satay) – can tah pau
50, Jalan Portugis, Melaka.
Very near to Jonker Street, opposite SRJK Pay Teck
GPS : N2 11.980 E102 14.801
Open from 12pm to 5.30pm

Or

Beef noodle

Restaurant Sup Lembu Tangkak

Jalan Merdeka, Taman Melaka Raya, Melaka (** Near to the two shopping complexes area)

Or, another branch: 8C, Jalan Laksamana Cheng Ho, 75000, Melaka (Business hour: 8:30am – 5pm)

Coconut Shake Klebang and Nasi Lemak bungkus (before go home)

Klebang Original Coconut Shake
Along Jalan Klebang Besar (next to Caltex Petrol Station)
Opens: 12.30pm-6.30pm daily (Friday: 2pm-6.30pm)

Dessert (can tah pau):

Mille Crepe

Nadeje Patisserie Café

G-23 & 25, Jln PM4,
Plaza Mahkota,
75000 Melaka.

Closed on Monday

Durian tart

Tart Tart Bakery

45 Lorong Hang Jebat

06- 282 1181

Operations Hours: Thursday to Tuesday From 10am to 6pm

Places to visit:

Dataran Pahlawan MegaMall

F3-96, Hatten Square,
Jalan Merdeka, Bandar Hilir,
75000 Melaka.

Open from 10am to 10pm

Mahkota Parade Shopping Mall

Lot B02, Mahkota Parade
Part of Lot PT 487 & 489 Jalan Merdeka
Malacca,75000

Open from 10am to 10pm

Beach view (from Klebang Besar – Coconut Milkshake)

Optional

 

Bak Chang, Nyonya Cendol & Kuih

East & West Rendezvos
60, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka
Tel: 016-634 6283 (Grace Tan)

 

Dim Sum – juicy pork bun (if want, only on Monday upon arrival)

Yong Moh Coffee Stall

32, Jalan Tukang Emas,
75200, Melaka.

Off days: Tuesdays.
Operating hours: 5am till late noon.

Wantan mee (at night only) – average

Kedai Makanan Dan Minuman Hong Sheng

Jalan Bukit Cina, Kampung Bukit Cina,

75100 Malacca

About 9pm to 11pm

Nyonya food – nyonya acar, sambal sotong with petai, telur cincalok, otak-otak (abit pricy)

Spice Cottage

171, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka

Tel: 06-283 5040

Popiah with pork @ Jalan Bunga Raya

126 Jalan Bunga Raya, (In front of Madam King’s Departmental Store)

75100 Melaka

Operating hours:
Monday – Saturday: 1:30 – 8pm

Sunday: 1:30 – 5:30pm

Naan and Tandoori (Not able to make it)

Pak Putra Tandoori & Naan
Jalan Laksamana 4,
75200, Melaka.
Tel: 012-601 5876
Opens: Tuesday to Sunday (6pm-2am)

Heng Hainanese Chicken Rice Balls (alternative)
536 Jalan Melaka Raya,
75000, Melaka,
Malaysia
Tel:- 06-2836607

Seafood village @ Portuguese Settlement (see sunset)

–          J&J Corner Seafood Restaurant

Perkampungan Portuguese (after Melaka Raya) – too far

Jees Only One Mango Juice (Famous Mango Ice)

In Portuguese Settlement

Roast duck

Kedai Makanan Melo
154D, Jalan Bunga Raya Pantai,
75100 Melaka

Tel: 606-2849331

…………………THE END…………………………

After planning the itinerary, I went into my gps to search each of the location. Given that they are quite famous places, most of them are in the “POI” (Places of Interest). With that, we could begin our journey!

However, after returning home on the second day, which is today – I found out that:

–          Yet again, information on the internet cannot be relied totally. This is especially on the operation hours of the stalls. [So, NOTE that some of the timings that are shown in the above itinerary is WRONG!]

–          Most stalls at Jonker Street open after 11am; so there is practically lack of choice for early breakfast and thus we missed a lot of opportunities

Also, we have not been following the itinerary exactly because:

–          The weather is too hot for us to be out there walking on the street. We rather be in the air conditioned mall.

–          Hubby and I were not feeling too well. I actually fell sick the day before we departed while hubby had slight diarrhea on the day we arrived and gotten worse the next day.

–          The walking distances seem to be very far compared to the distances in the maps.

Of course, I felt disappointed as I was the one who came up with the itinerary after some research. Nevertheless, some commentaries will be given on the places that we visited in the next few posts. Stay tuned!

RM25 voucher from Clarins’ accumulation points and Clarins 400ml toning lotion

After close to a year being a Clarins’ member, I have accumulated some points that enable me to redeem some cash voucher. Despite spending quite some sum especially on skin spa, I only managed to get RM25 voucher. I really have no idea how many points that I actually gotten to achieve this RM25 voucher. As mentioned before, the Clarins’ membership total accumulation points is not too transparent. The most that we can see is the accumulation point from the current purchase.

 

According to their description on gift redemption points, I was probably in Tier 1 where 7,500 points will enable RM 100 redemption voucher. Given that my redemption voucher is only RM25, the points that were redeemed were probably 1,875. This would mean that I spent at least RM188 on products or RM375 on treatment. As far as I am concerned, I have definitely spend more than that. So, it remains ambiguous to me. Even when I picked the voucher up from the beautician, Mandy, she failed to explain to me on this. Also, the voucher can only be collected from the outlet where we registered as member, as per their membership description. This makes it inflexible for me given that I no longer work near the Curve and thus, I had to make a special trip to the outlet despite being in the One Utama’s outlet recently for a skin spa.

Upon receiving the voucher, I immediately use it to purchase its toning lotion. They have come out with a 400ml bottle, which cost RM142 [which is currently cheaper than the price sold on Strawberry.net]. This is definitely cost saving compared to their 200ml bottle that cost RM90. With the RM25 voucher, I only paid RM117 for the toning lotion. At the same time, I accumulated an additional 1,420 points instead of 1,170 points. Well, after some calculations by Mandy, I was told that I need to spend about RM500 by October to get an RMX value of voucher again. I guess there’s low likelihood that my spending will go up to RM500 by October. So, the points could be burnt.

Trying out at Ice Bowl, SS2/67

Ice Bowl has been existent for some months but we never got a chance to drop by since we are quite addicted to Isenbin. It was one fine Sunday night that we gave it a try. The order was made at the counter. Hubby ordered green bean ice (he actually mistaken it as green tea ice) while I ordered red tea. I told the staff upfront that I wanted it to be less sweet and she said “ok”.

 

We were then given the “beeping ufo”, exactly similar to the one in Snowflake. Therefore, we had to take our orders from their counter despite them having not much business and their staff lazing around the counter. My first taste on the red tea – “it was TOO sweet.” This was despite me telling them upfront. I asked them to add on more ice to the tea so that I could dilute the sweetness. Hubby’s green bean ice was average. We were slightly disappointed.

Well, the prices are as per the general trend. They also offer some light snacks and also wireless internet. Will we return?  – Only if we don’t have any other choice. Moreover, dessert houses are blossoming in SS2.