C.S Travel & Tours (Amudi Express) - Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Sentral

ABBEY: The travel time from Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur is approximately 5 hours. That is per the information printed on our bus tickets from C. S. Travel and Tours (Amudi Express). 

We left Terminal Freesia Bus Terminal (Tanah Rata) at 8:30 in the morning and got to Kuala Lumpur half an hour before lunch. That was fast. Our bus just glided along the zigzag road. Haha. 

Now I know why the hotel receptionist told us that she’s not taking bus to and from Cameron Highlands.

C.S Travel & Tours (Amudi Express) - Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Sentral

WILL: Sorry for not having a photo of the bus itself! I am busy looking for washroom before our travel to KL. The bus terminal's toilet is close and lucky enough, the C.S Travel and Tour ticketing staff assisted me to go the nearest cafe for me to use a washroom. Yes, I need assistance because the cafe is still close.. Haha! +1 for the staff's effort! 

Let's go to the bus. Well, the driver is strict, he called out the man who pushes his feet at the front seat. Yeah! The bus is neat! Love the way he drives, it's like he is rocking me to sleep! 

For your next travel, go for C.S Travel and Tours. 

***

Catch That Bus

(W)https://www.catchthatbus.com

Malindo Air (Kuala Lumpur - Singapore)

ABBEY: Malindo is a Malaysian airline and it is our airline of choice going back to Singapore after a short stint at Kuala Lumpur. The flight is short; only an hour but our plane I think reached Singapore 45 minutes :)

With the minimum travel time, in-flight entertainment is there. I finished two episodes of a television series.

Malindo Air (Kuala Lumpur - Singapore)
Entertainment

Malindo Air (Kuala Lumpur - Singapore)
Seats

WILL: Malindo (Malaysia and Indonesia) Air promotes a very attractive airfare from KL to Singapore. 

For only $43.38 for two pax, we got a seat with reasonable leg room, an in-flight entertainment, but... I expect that there will be a food on board and they only serve us a cup of juice. Sad! Flight for 60minutes and below, they will only offer you a drink. Aww!

Anyways, I had an enjoyable flight! Till we meet again, Malindo Air! 

***

Malindo Air

(W) https://www.malindoair.com

Bello and Bella Boutique Hotel and what to do in Cheras KL Malaysia

ABBEY: We stayed for a day at Bello and Bella Boutique Hotel after coming from Cameron Highlands. It is a 15-20-minute cab ride from KL Sentral. We were warmly welcomed by Yaya as we wait for check-in time. As it is a boutique hotel our room is a compact one; but it has bathtub as well as a skyroof. The bed is soft and the sheets are clean. That is enough for us to have a good sleep. 

There’s a nearby mall (Cheras Leisure Mall) from the hotel and we decided to take a look. We had dinner at Simple Life - Tracy’s Kitchen; a vegetarian restaurant. I got their version of Nasi Lemak with multi-grain rice. I can say that they “tricked” my eyes. It was Nasi Lemak without the chicken :)

We had salted egg tart from Mr. Chizu for dessert. The price is way cheaper than we had in Singapore. It is creamy and the base is a bit crunchy.

Bello and Bella Boutique Hotel

WILL: After our short cold-escape at Cameron Highlands, we went to Cheras to feel the vibe at one of the longest night market in KL. Sadly, we learned that it is only open on a Wednesday night. To alleviate the frustration, we just pigged out at the Cheras Leisure Mall mall just behind our hotel Bello and Bella. 

For dinner we dined at Simple Life Healthy Vegetarian Restaurant. Yes! It is healthy because it is all vegetables. Yes again! It is so delicious! All veggie laksa! How they do that? Taste seemingly surpassed the real laksa without guilt feeling of eating a big bowl of it. 

We roam just outside of Leisure Mall and found Comfort. They are offering a foot reflex. Oh my! We are longing for this for months and we cease it this time! How was it? As usual, it is not good enough for me. Haha! The masseur is not hitting the right spot. The pressure was hard but at the wrong point. Abbey?! As usual, happy and satisfied! Haha! 

After the massage, Abbey ordered coffee, we bought some snacks, and cones of McDonald's ice cream. 

The perfect Salted Egg Tart (which we ate for breakfast), saltines, creaminess and the crispy tart dough.. just nice with my cup of tea. "Bundat" to the max! 

Before I forgot! The Bello and Bella experience was superb. I feel at home into this Boutique Hotel because of their staff Yaya. I felt that she is a sister to me. Weird right? Hehe. The room is space-constrained but still reasonable. Because Abbey and I love sunlight, we opted to stay at their Deluxe Sky View Queen Room. But we do not have enough time to enjoy the cute bathtub and the sky view! Argh! The shampoo/shower gel in one have this aroma that is quite relaxing. No free breakfast but you can go to the lobby and take a unlimited coffee and tea and socialise with other hotel guests. Lovely boutique hotel! Very recommendable!

***

Bello and Bella - Luxury Boutique Hotel Cheras

(W)http://www.bellobellahotel.com.my/home/

(A)19, Jalan Manis 6, Taman Segar, 56100, Cheras Kuala Lumpur

(T)Reservation@bellobellahotel.com.my

Simple Life Healthy Vegetarian Restaurant

(A)L2.24C, Level 2, Cheras Leisure Mall, Jalan Manis 6, Taman Segar, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur56100

Sheraton Petaling Jaya Hotel | Malaysia Luxury Hotel‎

ABBEY: Sheraton Hotel became our home for our 3-day stay at Kuala Lumpur. We arrived before lunch and after a couple of minutes, we got our room already. 

Entering and seeing our private place gave me a feeling of luxury; wide-screen television, a big bed, and toilet and bathtub. We also got the chance to use their gym. It’s clean and I’m able to flex my muscles again after eating delicious food of Malaysia. 

The pool is adjacent to a bar and it is not recommended to swim at night or you want to risk your health from second-hand smoke. That defeats the purpose of dipping into water while enjoying the view of KL from the top. 

Buffet breakfast came with our package. I enjoyed the dumplings, siew mai, beef bacon, nasi lemak and eggs and salmon.

Sheraton Petaling Jaya Hotel | Malaysia Luxury Hotel‎

WILL: We are torn between Sheraton Petaling Jaya and Hilton and of course because Abbey is a proud member of SPG, we decided to book 3D2N at Sheraton PJ! 

Surprised, we found out that there are floors at the hotel dedicated only for SPG members! Flattering! One more thing! Again! We were early checked-in without extra cost. 

What's inside our room? The usual SPG Hotels! A comfy bed and pillow, complimentary bottles of water, coffee, tea. We didn't expect to have a bathtub for the cheapest room they offer. They have unusual huge television and the amazingly fragrant of their bath toiletries. 

For the buffet! Meat is all over. Yup they are HALAL certified. What I have enjoyed at their breakfast? Salmon and baked tomato. Oh the chocolate muffins and their breads! Yummy! Don't forget to have a yogurt for the day! 

You will never have a bad day while staying in Sheraton Petaling Jaya. The staffs not only smile or nod but always greet us a happy day! 

Thanks for sheltering us for 2-Nights at KL! 

Hope to see you again! 

***

Sheraton Petaling Jaya Hotel | Malaysia Luxury Hotel‎
(W) www.sheratonpetalingjaya.com/

(A)Lorong Utara C, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

(T)+60 3-7622 8888

Stone Barn Zinfandel Rose - California 2011

ABBEY: This wine is sweet and alcohol level is within my preference. Good to pair with meat as well as your chips for a midnight snack.

Stone Barn Zinfandel Rose - California 2011

WILL: There'll be a time that you you will miss the taste of wine. Or maybe you are in a celebratory mood or you just like to feel drunk. Haha. 

When Abbey and I went to Fairprice. There's an array of dicounted wines. We do not know what to choose but all we need is with a sweet kick. Gladly, Abbey downloaded and app and helped us to choose what bottle we should go for. Tadannnnn! Stone Barn 2011. A seven year old bottle. 

It is not expensive. It only cost us a SGD18.40. It is enticingly red and the sweetness suited Abbey's taste. Don't wonder if he is the one who finished it up. Haha! 

'Till our next wine drinking session! 

Avillion Cameron Highlands Malaysia

ABBEY: Avillion is a newly-opened hotel at Cameron Highlands and we’re glad they accommodated us for a night stay on a discounted price. 

We got a spacious room with a large bed, a bathtub and the works. I like how soft their pillows are and I got a good night sleep. It also included breakfast for each guest; kway teow, porridge, fried rice, eggs, sausage and toast. 

There are nearby establishments in the hotel like bar, grocery, money changer and restaurant where we ordered our pizza for late night snack. 

The bus terminal going to Kuala Lumpur is a 15-minute walk from the hotel.

Avillion Cameron Highlands Malaysia

WILL: In Cameron Highlands, the famous choices will be Strawberry Park Resort or Heritage Hotel or Copthorne Hotel . I always pick out a new hotel/hostel and because we are lucky and blessed, haha!, we found Avillion Cameron Highlands. 

Avillion is a newly built hotel that runs a 50% off promotion. For only S$82.11, we got a huge room with comfy-clean bed, bathroom with rainfall shower, and separate sink for your utensils. Of course no air condition was provided. The downside, we were placed at the side of a street where too many bars are located. Until 12mn, there are people merrymaking! Even the windows are close, you can still hear the noise. 

With S$82.11, a simple breakfast buffet was provided. Kway teow, porridge, bread and spreads, nasi lemak, fruits and hot drinks. 

The place is recommendable maybe you can ask for a room that is an "inner" room. 

Thanks Avillion for accommodating us for a night!

***

Avillion Cameron Highlands

(W)http://www.avillioncameronhighlands.com

(A)C-3 Jalan Camelia, Tanah Rata, 39000 Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia

(T)+603 2262 0288

(E)resach2@avillionberhad.com

Things to do in Cameron Highlands

ABBEY:

Mossy Forest

Make sure to prepare for climbing flight of steps as you traverse the path of Mossy Forest. Neat boardwalks are in place but wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Nature really provides cure for us. Our tour guide showed us plants to give relief from headache, stomach pains, and even for survival if you become lost in the forest. The loud “music” of cicadas will definitely catch your attention. 

BOH Tea Plantation

Ever wonder how white, brown and black teas were made? Well, they all come from the same plant but different parts were used or only different process is being applied. The tea look like a giant blanket that covers the mountain slopes and land. We also went to their BOH Tea Centre - Sungei Palas where we got to taste the nasi lemak and chendol cheesecakes. The former is not recommended as it is only a hype. But the chendol cheesecake is good for a try. You can sip tea as you enjoy the nature around you.

Cameron Lavender

No tour included this attraction as this is too far from the others. Thus we hired a cab for a round trip. Not that easy to book a taxi on that area; no Grab either. For RMB10, you can take snaps along with flower arrangements and stroll on the nursery. This is the first time I saw a real lavender. They smell so good and relaxing.

Things to do in Cameron Highlands
Cameron Lavender

Things to do in Cameron Highlands
Mossy Forest

Things to do in Cameron Highlands
BOH Tea Centre Sungei Palace
Nasi Lemak Cheesecake

Things to do in Cameron Highlands
Pizarella Menu

Things to do in Cameron Highlands
Restoran Mayflower

WILL: Cameron Highlands is always on my mind whenever you will speak a short travel from Singapore. Why? What could be the reason? Because of their famous tea plantation. 

Before heading to NEM Blockchain Centre at KL  Malaysia, we side trip to one of the cold part of Malaysia.. Cameron Highlands. 

Except for acres and acres of land by BOH Tea Plantation and it's cafe that hyped (not worth it) Nasi Lemak Cheesecake, you can explore the Mossy Forest. No mosquitoes in there but beware of green snakes. When fog is getting through, it feels like an eerie place! In that forest, thanks to our guide from Titiwangsa Tours, we were got educated by the wonders of nature. The real medicine just right inside our forests. 

That is half day tour for only RMB60 each and snack was provided. 

Because I really do love to see the Cameron Lavender. Abbey shelled out RMB80 for our taxi service and RMB10 each for the entrance fee. 

The blooming lavenders produces the natural relaxing scent. The distinctive smell plus the colorful flowers all over us definitely calm us down and appreciated the beauty of nature. 

From morning till evening, we just ate a piece of bread from cafe and from tour. When the supper came, I am sorry to say but we ate at the Restoran Mayflower like a pig. Hahaha! The  hot soup from our steambot soothes our rumbling stomach. And they served a generous amount of vegetable and meat for us to devour. 

Midnight snack, and I am craving for food again. Luckily, one of the famous pizza place is just below Avillion Hotel. We ordered at Pizarella and got a Tonno & Cipolla. Sauce is recognizably different from any pizza place I tried. 

There's so much to see at Cameron Highlands. Please join the tours, it will be too expensive for a taxi. 

Traffic is number one problem in Cameron Highlands. The locals told us that the best time to visit the mountains is on Ramadan season. 

Forget about Bintan and Batam. This is a cheaper way for you to spend a weekend.

***

Titiwangsa Tours

(W)http://www.titiwangsatours.com

Pizarella

(F) https://www.facebook.com/Pizzarella.ch/

BOH Tea Plantation

(W) https://www.bohtea.com/

Cameron Lavender Farm

(F) https://www.facebook.com/cameronlavendergarden/ 

The One Travel & Tours Bus - Singapore to Cameron Highlands

ABBEY: We booked our night-rider Cameron Highland-bound bus at One Travel and Tours Bus (Golden Mile Complex). Be there on time and approach the counter to confirm the bus arrival. They gave us bottled water and then we boarded the bus. 

We’re seated at the upper deck. The bus has nice smell but I’ve seen a small cockroach near my window. 

We stopped at Kuala Lumpur for other passengers to alight and then headed to mountains. :) We reached at 9AM.

The One Travel & Tours Bus - Singapore to Cameron Highlands

WILL: 10mins before your departure is just fine. Do not be like us, we waited there for almost half an hour standing and waiting for the bus to arrive. Print out your ticket, on that the counter will write down your seat designation and hand out your free bottled water. 

At the bus, it is clean. Aha! The seat is reclining and enough space for my legs. I slept peacefully on our journey. I feel comfy and somewhat never bitten by any bugs. Haha! 

SG to Cameron Highlands! What a wonderful trip for only SGD53.455! 

***

The One Travel and Tours Bus

(W) www.theone.travel/

The One Travel and Tours Bus

(W) https://www.easybook.com

(E) enquiry@easibook.com

NEM Blockchain Centre

ABBEY: We visited NEM Blockchain Centre at Kuala Lumpur. It has massive space for hosting 100+ people events, project incubators, boardrooms meetings, teleconferences, and even a nap room when you get tired. 

It also functions as a co-working space for other startup/blockchain enthusiasts. We were also fortunate to meet one of the NEM advisors, then president, Lon Wong. 

Our visit was worth the while as we’re accompanied by NEM Malaysia team; Lance, Shin Tatt, Leroy, Anthony, and Sharmilla. Thanks guys.

WILL: Do you know that NEM is one of the friendliest blockchain community you will ever find? Well, how did I know? They accepted me. Hahaha! I am a volunteer in NEM and we need to learn more about the advocacy of the Foundation and deep dive with the technology itself. And on that, we visited the NEM Blockchain Center located at Kuala Lumpur. 

Got trained technically (still scratching the surface haha) and we witnessed the day in and day out of NEM Tech Team. 

What's inside the NEM Blockchain Center? They have rooms for incubators and startups, Pitching Room, Exchange Room, a cafe, nap area, a 150pax auditorium and conference room. Oh! They have privacy booths too, if you want to take calls or video chat. 

Do you need tech training? Arrange a group of 30pax and they will do it for you FREE! You want to integrate your business into the blockchain? Look for Sir Lance or Leroy and they will help you, don't worry, they will not bill you for consultation fee. 

For people who will be visiting KL, visit NEM Blockchain Center! You will be welcomed with a smile! 

Learn the blockchain. Be part of the future.

***

NEM Blockchain Centre 

(W)https://nem.io

(A)Lot 1.02 Level 1, GLO Damansara, Jalan Damansara 60000 KL, Wilayah Persekutuan Malaysia
(T) +603 8800 8636

Deadpool 2 (2018)

ABBEY: And Wade Wilson is back. Funnier and “gorier”. This man can never shut his mouth. Be ready for all his talkings. He wanted to start a family. Unfortunately he need to go to a great ordeal to get that after pissing off his enemies. There couldn’t have been a friction between him and Cable if it were not for the horizontally-challenged kid with fiery hands. 


The movie has stories of love (yes, love) and hate,  friendship, repentance, forgiveness and hope. Who knows that Deadpool can deliver that? 

Definitely not for kids.

Deadpool 2 (2018) at Shaw Theatres Waterway Punggol

WILL: Abbey dragged me to watch Deadpool 2. Hahaha! Well.. we didn’t waste money on this movie. 

One is sexually intense but this Deadpool 2 is quite more of "love", self-seeking and helping others for betterment of the future world and mutant. Seems a prequel to upcoming collaboration with other mutants. 

Yes! We did not wasted money on this. A good-feel movie. A time to laugh! Watch it!

218 Zhong Xin Centre Hokkien Mee Punggol

ABBEY: We recently got to know that there is food stall at Punggol that serves good Hokkien Mee. For just SGD4, you can have a plate of freshly cooked noodles. 

It is semi-creamy/semi-runny and has a smokey flavor; reminds me of the lomi noodles from Philippines. Now I have more options when I get hungry.

218 Zhong Xin Hokkien Mee Punggol

218 Zhong Xin Hokkien Mee Punggol
Kway Teow

218 Zhong Xin Hokkien Mee Punggol
Hokkien Mee 

WILL: It is nice to know that there are good hawkers around Sengkang and Punggol and it is easy to go because of the bike sharing that we can rent anytime. This time, we went for a cycle to discover the 218 Hokkien Mee. 

The taste somewhat outstands the others. It has a smokey taste and the chili (dedicated for oyster cake) is excitingly complements the noodles we are munching. 

This is a must to check for Punggol residents. Till our next hawker pigging out!

***

218 Zhong Xin Hokkien Mee

(F) https://www.facebook.com/centrehokkienmee/

(H) 8AM to 1030PM

(A) Blk 218 Sumang Walk Punggol

Stir-Fried Chicken With Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

1/4 kilo boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 teaspoons Maggi Savor

1/2 green bell pepper, diced

1/2 red bell pepper, diced

5 cloves of garlic, minced

1 onion, minced 

Salt and Pepper to Taste 

Directions:
In a bowl, marinate the chicken with the Maggi Savor overnight.
Saute the garlic and onion.
Stir fry the chicken for 5 minutes or until it turns white.
Add the bell peppers and saute up to desired crispiness. 
Salt, pepper or splash more Maggi Savor.

Stir-Fried Chicken With Bell Peppers

VERDICT
ABBEY : This is a simple sautéed dish. But don’t be fooled. The flavor is awesome. I didn’t know that bell peppers can bring lots of flavor and make a dish delicious. 

Serve with hot rice and you’re good to go.

Lady M Singapore at South Beach

ABBEY: After checking what Seamless conference offers at Suntec Convention Centre we went to Lady M (South Beach Tower) for a snack. 

We got two slices of cake and two beverages for SGD30. I had Caramel Miroir. It is a sponge cake topped with dark chocolate mousse and caramel. It was sweet and the burnt taste of caramel gives it a distinct after taste. It is perfect for my cup of cappuccino. 

The place is chic and looks elegant; the walls as well as the furnishings are white.

Lady M Singapore at South Beach
Cappuccino and Lemon Ginger Green Tea

Lady M Singapore at South BeachSignature Mille Crepes

Lady M Singapore at South Beach
Caramel Miroir

Lady M Singapore at South Beach
Cake Menu

Lady M Singapore at South Beach
Cake Menu

Lady M Singapore at South Beach
Drinks Menu

WILL: Abbey and I attended the Seamless Event at Suntec City and just few walks at MRT links us at JW Marriot's South Beach Building. 

While Abbey is on the phone with a Singtel's customer care, I am busy checking the net what is the best cafe we can go for a snack. 

Lady M (New York) it is! Sat beside the window pane and we just want to watch the rain and traffic at the street. 

Ordered their famous cake, Signature Mille Crepes  and a teapot of Lemon Ginger Green Tea. The cake outrageously melts in your mouth. Oh my gosh! One of the best cake here in Singapore. The sweetness of every bite is responding perfectly on my tea. 

The ambiance is relaxing. It pushes out Abbey's anxiety (Singtel bill). Haha! 

***

Lady M Singapore at South Beach 

(W)  https://www.ladym.com.sg/

(H) 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

(A) 26 Beach Road, #01-17

(T) +65 6702 6735

Lumpiang Toge (Mung Bean Sprouts Spring Rolls) Recipe

Ingredients:
5 cloves of garlic (minced)
2 onions (minced)
300 grams mung bean sprout
1 carrot (julienned) 
salt and pepper to taste
spring roll wrapper

For Dip:
1/2 cup vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce 
1 onion (minced)
salt and pepper to taste

With enough heated oil, sauté the onions ang garlic. Put in the carrots. After 3 minutes, add in your mung beans for another 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let it cool. Wrap the cooked vegetables with spring roll wrapper. Deep fry until the wrapper turns golden brown.

Serve hot with the dip. 

Lumpiang Toge (Mung Bean Sprouts Spring Rolls)

VERDICT
ABBEY: I don’t know why only this time we did this dish. Maybe because it takes more time to cook than others. 

But it’s worth it. The crunchiness of the wrapper on each bite and putting spicy soy sauce-vinegar mix inside is so satisfying. You can eat this on its own or with rice.