TENANT GUIDE (BEFORE YOU MOVE IN)

Looking for property to rent? Where to rent? How do I do it? 


I am no expert but having been in the real estate industry as a Senior Real Estate negotiator for 4+ years now, I do have some tips to share on real estate. There will be a series on Landlord guide, Tenant guide, or relevant information on real estate in Malaysia. Follow me on my blog if you want to know more. Feel free to leave your comments if you need me to respond to your queries. I'll try my level best to answer your queries.


(Note : All contents shared are my personal observations & experiences,  without prejudice to my rights).

Check list before you move in:

Considerations & questions you need to ask yourself :

• LOCATION ? Where would you like to rent? Near your workplace, college or near amenities like eateries, public transportation, school for children, etc. Think of the costs incurred if you live too far away from your work place/college - fuel, tolls & parking, etc.
• FACILITIES? Does the condo/house have facilities that meet your expectations? Eg, gym, swimming pool or nursery. If it is within a golf course, is rental inclusive of golf membership? If not, what is the membership fee like and how do you go about applying for it? For house, is it gated and guarded community? How much do you need to pay for the services? Does it have enough rooms for all your family members including one for the maid? Will the owner install air-conditioner/ washer/fridge? Any extra rental cost incurred if you ask for a new washer/fridge?
• AMBIENCE ? Is the place quiet? Is it near a busy street or opposite a playground? Is your condo unit just above the swimming pool? Can you put up with the noise?
• FACING DIRECTION? Does it face West where the afternoon sun shines into the master bedroom which will make it warm in the evening? Does the main entrance match your fung shui direction?
• SECURITY ? Does the unit has grilles? For condo - special access card to your level only? Does it have CCTV? Parking bays brightly lit? Surveillance TV at parking lots. Is the house installed with alarm system? Does it have an autogate? Will you install an autogate?
• NO. OF PARKING BAYS? How many parking bays allocated? If you need more, how do you go about getting the extra bay? Is it on permanent rental basis or adhoc? Parking bays for visitors - any restriction on duration? FYI, some condo's near colleges allow visitors' parking from 7am to midnight only. Thereafter, the vehicle would be clamped. 
• REPAIRS ? Is the unit move-in condition or does it need to be repaired. If so, when and duration of repair works needed?  
• RENTAL ? How do you make your remittance? Directly to landlord's bank or will landlord come to collect it on monthly basis? Will you get a receipt for each remittance? If not, ask landlord or agent, how to proof receipt of payment? I had a case whereby the tenant did not have a record for remittance and the landlord being a busy man did not track the rental payments. Now, landlord is deferring refund of deposits as he needs tenant to proof his remittance which was done by his late wife. Case is still pending. It is best to get some sort of assurance of remittance, even an email should suffice.
• DOWNPAYMENT & DEPOSITS? How much do you need to pay before you can move in? Can you pay the earnest deposit first and pay the balance on the day you move in? Always get a receipt of acknowledgement on payment made. People cannot remember after a few months. Safeguard yourself and your money!!
• MOVING IN? How soon can you move in?
• CLEANLINESS? Do ensure landlord cleans the place thoroughly before you move in. Else charge the landlord for having to clean the place on their behalf. When you leave, leave the place in the condition you move in or else some landlords will charge you for cleaning the place after you.
• METER READING? Do ensure you read the latest water & electricity meter reading to avoid disputes later on. Ensure landlord or agent sign the acknowledgement to avoid misunderstanding later on. Also, do make sure you get a copy of the latest bills paid-to-date.
• TENANCY AGREEMENT? It is best to draw up the tenancy agreement to safeguard yourself.

That's all I can think of for now. Until the next sharing....

HAPPY RENTING!! Cheeeers!!!

Lee Koon, Wok & Pan & Nadeje, Seremban & Melaka : 27 July 2012

Slightly past 8am, my daughter and I were off the door heading to Seremban. On the bike? No way Jose! In my new baby, of course. Just to test my baby on cruise & fast mode, also on a "jalan jalan cari makan" expedition. (literally, walk walk find food - well, you get the drift). First stop in Seremban is Lee Koon eatery in Jalan Zaaba (previously known as Hose Road).

Executive Chef of Lee Koon

If you find A&W & see King George V school, you are on the right track, drive straight along the one-way street. The eatery is about a 'javelin throw' ( must sync with the concurrent Olympics, right?!?!) away from the town's fire brigade.  Along both sides of the road, you will find rows of car accessories shops. If you sighted 7th Day Adventist church on your right (at a junction, you can't miss it), slow down to look for the eatery. ( located further down on the left).

Home made mee (yellow noodle), fish paste & variants

I originally had the picture of the outlet but I guessed I must have deleted it accidentally. Anyway, even if you dislike mee (or yellow noodle) you MUST try this. It doesn't leave an after taste of 'kan sui' or alkaline on your mouth. Furthermore, it is home made, not commercially available like other eateries. The noodle was served with a mixture of light & dark soya sauce, lard, braised minced pork & garnished with chopped spring onion. Simple yet tasty to the last strand! 
Next, the fish balls & paste are springy, meaty, a tad salty but not too salty and lots of fish paste as opposed to flour. Very generous with the fish meat, I must say. Soup is light and tasty. We lapped up the entire 2 sets of noodle and fishball soup & two cups of coffee. It set us back RM12 something. It was about 10.15am by the time we finished, sated & happy. First visit for my daughter and 5-6th time for me.
Next we visited my mom-in-law then headed to Melaka. Still full from the sumptuous breakfast, we went shopping. We only felt hungry by almost 3pm. So, we headed to Wok & Pan in Jalan PM4, Plaza Mahkota. The commercial area next to Mahkota Parade.

Interior of Wok & Pan

It was closing hour but was glad that they accommodated us. They open for lunch then takes a break from 3 to about 6 pm and reopens for dinner. I think it is 6pm as the schedule was vandalised.  I've been here on numerous occasions to closed shutters but was really lucky this time ~ at the nick of time. Gosh, guess my daughter brought me luck :)  
I ordered their signature dish ~ Honey BBQ pork ribs while my daughter tried their pork burger. Service was quick & efficient! After placing our order & I bought some parking coupons from them to be placed in the car parked a block away. By the time I returned after snapping some pictures of Wok & Pan's signage, VIOLA! Food was already served! My daughter was also amazed at the speed food was served. Or was it the fact that my short stumpy legs were slow? Hehehhee....Either way, it was fast. Period. Food verdict?
The pork burger was quite big in size and had just the right serving of fries & salad. The burger is topped with fresh sliced bombay onions, slices of cucumber & tomato, egg & lettuce & special sauce. The pork burger has chopped vegy inside and other ingredients which I didn't bother to check further because my OINK OINK is beckoning me to savour it. It seems to say "bite me, bite me pluzzzz". Afraid to embarrass my daughter with my drooling...I quickly went back to my plate. Overall, the pork burger is OK but I couldn't get a distinctive flavour but I do get a mix blast of flavours. Need to try it again next time to know exactly how it taste.... (lame excuse to eat there again...what did you expect from a glutton like me, eat and be merry ~~~ always!)

Pork Burger. Note: tomato sauce placed by hungry patron - my daughter!!

Midway through the meal. She ate everything except the bun!

 I heard so much of the Honey BBQ pork ribs, obviously my expectations was high. Boy was I NOT disappointed. The ribs were well marinated & grilled. The meat was succulent, soft and just melts in your mouth! No effort needed to tear away the meat from the ribs, simply superb! Best part of it, no porky smell! My daughter who is not an oink oink fan also admitted it was delicious!
I for one who always like to 'flood' my food with gravy decided (very rarely) to chow down my ribs as is and it was splendid bite on bite. The soft bone was so well cooked, you don't have to gnaw but just a few bites and it turns into bite size and easily swallowed! The serving size is just right and I will definitely go back for more as they have a wide spread of pasta, soup, lasagne & many others. We both had ice lemon tea. Our bill came to RM47. The ribs was RM23 but to me, worth every sen! 

The most tasty & succulent pork ribs I've eaten so far.

Notice how clean the rib is? Effortless.

Wok and Pan will be moving to a bigger premise come early September. Check them out! You will NOT regret your visit.

Walk across the road and abracadabra.....my favourite mille crepe cake, Nadeje! (Wok & Pan and Nadeje faces each other! For now until W&P moves to Melaka Raya 23) It has become an addiction to me. I seem to MUST visit Nadeje each time I'm in town! But this time it's good excuse because I'm bringing my daughter to let her try it fresh. The last time, I bought a whole cake but the choice of flavour was not to her liking. This time, she chose double chocolate mille crepe cake & a cup of cafe mocha. ( We shared as we just had lunch like 5 minutes ago! DUH!) And we ain't no monster that can chow down food anytime, OK???...We have limited capacity but could be extended if need be...now, that is the difference...Wakakakakaka.

Spoilt for choice!!!

Double Choc Nadeje Mille Crepe Cake - Heavenly!!

Superb cup of Cafe Mocha. Thick & Aromatic!

My daughter gave me a 'thumbs up' for both the cake & the coffee. Incidentally, apart from Rocker57, she is our other addict! Coffee addict, obviously! Hehehe...guess it does run in the family. Like they say, 'the apple doesn't fall far from the apple tree'.
Well, well, well....am glad my daughter had a great time shopping & on eating spree with me. And I, cherish the bonding and time spent together just me and my daughter....priceless! By the way, Nadeje has a redemption card. After every 10 stamps, you get a free slice of 'cake of the day'. Incidentally, the outlet in Dataran Pahlawan has moved to Mahkota Parade, near KFC :)    (hope my source gave the correct info)

If you have had experience at Wok & Pan or Nadeje, feel free to ink your comments. Or if you have other good eateries to recommend, also pen me a line or two, I will go check it out too. 

Apology for the orientation, you'll need to 'work at it'

I wrote two blogs on real estate recently & found that I had more readers when I wrote on my biking / eating expeditions....hehehehe...guess people do love to eat, huh? In any case, I will still share on real estate periodically in between my "binge" escapades. 

Stay tuned. Till my next blog... Stay healthy and happy!

LANDLORD GUIDE (Checklist during & end of tenancy)

Do you own any property? Have you rented your property? How did you do it? 


I am no expert but having been in the real estate industry as a Senior Real Estate negotiator for 4+ years now, I do have some tips to share on real estate. There will be a series on Landlord guide, Tenant guide, or relevant information on real estate in Malaysia. Follow me on my blog if you want to know more. Feel free to leave your comments if you need me to respond to your queries. I'll try my level best to answer your queries.


(Note : All contents shared are my personal observations & experiences,  without prejudice to my rights).

Check list during & post tenancy:

• When tenants move in:
• Go through the inventory list thoroughly and make sure tenant acknowledges on the copy. Ideally, have two copies, one each for landlord and tenant.
• Do a meter reading for water & electricity, record it and have tenant acknowledged it.
• Normally, two access cards (condo) are given. {depending on condo, if extra is needed, tenant to use tenancy agreement to apply for the extra card & to pay for the card. Most times, the money is refundable}. Two sets of main entrance keys, 1 set of room & mailbox keys. Do indicate in the inventory list all the above items as well to indicate parking bay lot number for easy reference. 
• Advice tenant the condo's management contact number (if condo/apartment), guardhouse number as well as local emergency /amenities contact numbers (if expat).
• Show the tenant all facilities available. Eg the Gym, swimming pool, etc 

• Periodically check on the following : 
• Rental ~ timely payment made. If you allow precedent for delay, it will happen again & again. Rental payments in standard tenancy agreement is on/before the 7th day from effective date. To ensure no delay, it is advisable to include landlord's banking details in tenancy agreement to avoid tenant saying not aware, no/lost information, etc. Both tenant & landlord should have a copy each of the agreement, stamping fee borne by tenant.
• Utilities paid up-to-date, check on all utility bills. Do ensure previous tenant has paid all bills and new tenant start afresh. Hence, advisable to do meter reading on the day new tenant moves in. I had an incident whereby landlord did not do this. Tenant moved out & left a whooping RM3,000 unpaid electricity bill. Bill was not paid since they moved in!! Subsequently, tenant could not be traced as they have changed their mobile number and no cross reference to trace tenant.
• Drop by unit to check cleanliness and furnishings are well maintained. A standard 7 day notification is expected, either in writing or verbal as pre-agreed between tenant & landlord.
• Drop by to ensure unit is also not sub-let. Quite common amongst students. (cost sharing reduces their expenses)
• Do act promptly should any electrical equipment/item is faulty or needs to be changed. This is to avoid any chance for tenant to delay rental payment.
• If you know your neighbours, do a cross check on your tenant to ensure that no illegal activities are carried out at your premises.
• You MUST ensure that your expat tenant has a valid passport or you may be considered as hoarding an illegal immigrant! Ewwww....

• If you intend to sell the unit while tenancy is still in place :
• Make your intent clear to your tenant from the start if you have decided to sell your unit. Best to inform them in writing in case they turn around and say that they weren't aware of your intent.
• If you do engage an agent, do ensure that your tenant is aware of your appointed agent. The agent to make viewing appointments at the convenience of your tenant so as not to inconvenient your tenant. 
• Do inform your potential buyer the duration of the tenancy as some buyers may buy for their own stay and may want to move in immediately once bank has released the loan. Once that is established, make sure it is included in the terms and conditions in the Sales & Purchase Agreement (SPA) to avoid disputes later on.
• Ensure that you include the clause in the tenancy agreement & the SPA that the unit is sold together with the tenancy agreement, or else your tenant will be left without a roof over their head & may in turn sue you for it. Also, very important if buyer is an investor. They particularly would want the tenancy agreement to be inclusive so as not to loose out on immediate revenue.
• Do make it a habit in getting tenancy agreements done. Without one, you may end up having to pay more when you have to evict your tenant if they refuse to move out especially when it is verbal agreement and no contract has been established nor any evidence as proof. Many investors would also shy away if there isn't any contract for fear of extra cost to evict the tenant which is often a long battle and to do it legally would also be costly.

• If you are renting it fully furnished or partially furnished, do be aware that:
• All rentals are considered as revenue/income in Malaysia, hence it is taxable.
• If you rent it partial/fully furnish, the entire rental sum is taxable. However, to avoid higher taxation, you can choose to separate rental & furnishing ( the latter as expenditure/cost). To know more how taxation works, I suggest you speak to your accountant.

• Termination of tenancy agreement :
• The agency I represent has a standard tenancy agreement that states that there should be no termination within the first 12 months & two months written notifications thereafter from either party. For the first 12 months, should either party terminated before the 1 year period, the affected party will be paid the difference in sum equal to the number of months balance in the agreement. Example, if a tenant who stayed for 9 months but chose to end the agreement will have to pay the landlord the balance 3 months 'lost' rental. Likewise, vice versa.

• End of tenancy agreement :
• DO NOT allow your tenant to utilize the security deposit to offset balance two months of rental. Why? Because it is called a security deposit for a reason, DUH!! The deposit acts as a security for the landlord in the event there is any damages that occurred during the duration of the tenancy. The amount will be used to pay for such damages. 
• Do ensure that the clause is added in the tenancy agreement to act as a safety net in the event the unexpected do happen. At most times, a two week period is given for you to return the deposit once everything is considered to be in acceptable condition. Similarly the utility deposit.

• Ensure all electrical appliances/items are in working condition before tenants move out :
• Do ensure that all broken/ spoilt items are replaced. Use the inventory list as cross reference. Use the security & utility deposits to pay for any broken/spoilt or damage items. 

• MUST ensure there is a tenancy agreement :
• This is to avoid any misrepresentation or disputes later on. Also, get it stamped to legalise the document. In the event of dispute and if it is taken to court, the agreement is legal. Or else, it cannot be submitted to court as evidence.

• All utility bills to be paid-to-date :
• Prior to refunding tenant the utility deposit, do ensure that all bills are paid to-date to avoid any disputes later on. Do ask for original bill & payment receipts as proof.
• Once you have refunded the tenant the utility & security deposit, ensure that they acknowledge receipt, lest they request for it again.

Well, hope both the articles are of help and you like the sharing. Please feel free to share amongst your friends for caring IS sharing. Until the next article....

Stay positive, Stay HAPPY and confident always!

Happy LANDLORDING!!!

LANDLORD guide (Checklist before renting)

Do you own any property? Have you rented your property? How did you do it? 


I am no expert but having been in the real estate industry as a Senior Real Estate negotiator for 4+ years now, I do have some tips to share on real estate. There will be a series on Landlord guide, Tenant guide, or relevant information on real estate in Malaysia. Follow me on my blog if you want to know more. Feel free to leave your comments if you need me to respond to your queries. I'll try my level best to answer your queries.


(Note : All contents shared are my personal observations & experiences,  without prejudice to my rights).

Check list before renting:

• Do survey on market rental rates on the property prior to renting it out. 
• Why? So that you do not out-priced or under-value your asset that is going on rent. 
• If you out-price yourself, then it will take a longer time for it to be tenanted unless the renovation, design & furnishing can justify the higher rental. 
• Should your rental be too low/lower, when you do decide to sell it, your property will generate lower demand as the yield may not be attractive enough for investors.

• Decide if you want to use an agency to manage the rental for you or to do it by yourself? 
• If you decide to go on your own, do ensure you can allocate time to show potential tenants. Also, be knowledgeable about market demand, available amenities that could potentially seal the deal eg. near school/universities, bus/rail station, mall, etc.
• If you do engage an agent, the agency fee is 1 month's rental and 6% GST (government sales tax). Preferably, if it is a furnished unit, to engage an exclusive agent (i.e. sole agent) to focus fully on the unit. That way, only the agent is accountable for any damages or lost of items. If you give it to too many agents, you wouldn't know who is accountable or who to blame. Although the chances to rent it out is higher if your spread it to many agents (afterall it IS a number game) but the type of tenant you want may not be of the right quality. Some agents are merely interested in their reward.
• Do 'interview' the agent to ensure he/she is familiar with the location or building (condo/apartment). Ask where are their area of focus. Ask how, what & where will they market it. Ask what will they do when they found potential tenants. Ask when does their responsibility ends just so you know their level of service.

• Are you renting it fully furnished, partially furnished or unfurnished? Note ~ rental prices differs accordingly.
• If you are renting to students, it is best to keep things simple and inexpensive as they will not (most of them) take care of the items. Local tenants would prefer basic unit as they will bring their own stuff. Foreign students would prefer furnished condos as they would rather not buy anything since their stay is short. Between 1-4 years depending on their course. Air-conditioners (ACs) should be optional unless otherwise requested. Then rental can be adjusted. Most students would prefer a unit with fridge & washer as they mostly cook their own meals and wash their own clothes.
• The more essential items you put in for the tenant's convenience, the higher the rental you can ask for.
• Be prepared to incur some cost to refurbish damage/worn out items due to wear and tear as well as damages not forgetting the occasional new coat of paint as well.

• Decide what kind of tenants you are looking for : family/ working adults / students / corporate/ expats?
• Corporate clients are prompt paymasters as the company will bank in directly into your account. Likewise most expats, family and working adults. Students tend to be tardy but they will pay eventually for fear of eviction due to non payment. Normally, lower income group can be testy so do be wary.

• Type of furnishing depends a lot on what type of tenants you want to rent your property to:
• students ~ basic needs & inexpensive furnishing
• Expats / corporate clients ~ good to high end furnishing. Oven is a must as they cook & bake in ovens unlike Asians. Likewise ACs. Some might even request for hot water taps for dish washing due to hygiene purposes. Otherwise, buy them a dishwasher!
• Family ~ with small kids, preferably no glass tables or easy to break items. Study tables & chairs essential for family/corporate & expats tenants. Safety is top priority for family with young children particularly condos or houses with gardens & patios on top floors or with a swimming pool.

• Do ensure you screen your tenants or get an exclusive agent to handle the screening for you :
• this is to avoid bad paymaster. Sometimes from your screening, you can 'smell' if they will be good tenants or not.
• ensure that they are working at what they say they are working at. Cross check and get references to substantiate it. Get proof/evidence such as offer letter, work permits/visa, etc.
• Check validity of passports & visas.

• Unit to be rented to be clean & liveable condition for viewing:
• simply put, "do unto others what you want others to do unto you!" If you are a hoarder, then you do what most people would do when they rent their unit out. And note...you need to change your bad habits...ever heard of recycling? You get to earn something in return, so why hoard???! 

• Allocate Timing for viewing appointments
• Try to allocate ample time for viewing and negotiation between appointments. Half hour to 45 mins is a good gap. That is if you are doing it yourself.
• Not advisable to have few potential tenants to view all at once.
• If you are there when your agent brings the client, try not to negotiate anything. Leave it to the agent to do his/her job. It gives you room for negotiation else you may kill the deal or make promises you may regret later.

• Do secure earnest deposit/advance rental, security deposits and utility deposits before allowing tenants to move in :
• standard practice in Malaysia is 1 month advance rental, 2 months security deposit & half month utility deposit (the latter two refundable at the end of tenancy)

• Ensure all electrical appliances/items are in working condition :
• ACs to be serviced, unit thoroughly clean a day or two before tenant moves in. Broken/ spoilt items to be replaced

• MUST ensure there is a tenancy agreement :
• This is to avoid any misrepresentation or disputes later on. Also, get it stamped to legalise the document. In the event of dispute and if it is taken to court, the agreement is legal. Or else, it cannot be submitted to court as evidence.
• All utility bills to be paid-to-date :
• This is to avoid dispute with new tenant. Also ensure meter readings are carried out for water and electricity.

Finally, you see the serious side of me! ( Seriously!! I can read minds) Hah! When I work I am serious else your clients or bosses will think you are NUTS!. Plus this is serious matter, correct? But, I always inject a little humour in all that I do. Why take life so seriously? This way, I put my clients/friends at ease and more willing to share their concerns, likes & dislikes.

So, drop me a line if you have something I have omitted to mention or wait for the next blog to know if I have answered your burning question. Oh...don't let it burn..it might be 3rd degree burn and then BOOM....your brain is fried!!! hahaha...oops, bad joke. Ok, Ok...I hear you. Apology for lame joke.

Till the next Landlord guide...let me guide myself to bed to recollect more information to share... ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzz.

Shark meat at Jiann Chyi, Sekinchan 22 July, 2012

Largest congregation for a day's ride I've ever experienced. 20 bikers, 85% from Klang with only Alex, Ravi & Rocker57 not from there. Consisting of a mixture of bikes, bikers & 4 ladies. As usual, pretty disorganised but somehow we managed to get where we want to go...still amazes me who was actually leading the group up until now.

We gathered at a petrol station somewhere in Klang for late comers who apparently was having breakfast while we were waiting for them!! Well, time keeping is NOT the forte for bikers, I've learnt thus far from the many rides and also learn to live with it else I'll get agitated over something I have no control over....whatever for...Chill, chill.

Lost track of time due to chaotic planning. Someone mentioned that we were going for Wan Tan Mee for breakfast. After much riding into an unknown area to Rocker57 and I, we arrived at Shin Lok coffee shop in Taman Kenari, Jeram! Apparently, this coffee shop specialises in Pow/Pao/Pau "dumpling" and Yam puffs or Woo Kok. Unfortunately for us, they will not be ready until about 11ish & we have to place orders so that we can collect it on our way back. We decided not to as we weren't sure whether we will be heading home the same route as Alex, Ravi and us planned to leave earlier as I have a prior engagement.
After a lengthy breakfast, we were brought to the beach in Pantai Remis about a km from the shop we had breakfast. Incidentally, Shin Lok is along the main road, you can't miss it because the Taman Kenari Signboard is just in front of the shop and there is a small village mosque next to the shop.

Shin Lok Coffee shop, corner lot just as you enter Tmn Kenari

Pantai Remis, not much of a view...rocky & road conditions bad.

After a group picture (using Vincent's camera), we adjourned to Sekinchan. We passed Kuala Selangor on the way there. Along the way, we passed by many small villages and towns. We arrived at Sekinchan at 11+am and headed straight to Jiann Chyi for lunch!! We were split into two groups. The RELA bikers & klang bikers ate in another restaurant while Vincent & wife, Alex, Ravi, Tong & his brother & brother-in-law & Ah Yat ate with us at Jiann Chyi. Specialty is baby shark meat!

My 3rd time eating this exotic delicacy, the other two occasions in Kepong. We had it in two versions, cooked in spicy curry sauce and deep fried. The former tasted much better. The latter was bland & a bit over fried.

Claypot "tong shat fish"

Deep fried baby shark

Fried shrimp & spicy curry baby shark meat.

The meat was soft & tasty just like any fish except that the skin of the shark is thicker & fatter in texture, ahhh more collagen, right?. Bones are a bit like stingray, transparent, longish - edible if cooked thoroughly, if not, inedible but minimal bones except for the main spine. The fried shrimp was tasty, sweet and cooked just right. We all had our own bottle of 'home-made' kedondong drink, 1 vegy & 5 dishes plus rice and drinks only set us back RM14.70 each!

I'll forever remember Sekinchan. I had a bad case of bone stuck in my throat when I was in my early 20's. I stopped eating fish for over a decade before eating fish again in my 30's. Sekinchan repeated history! Bone not from the shark but the 'tong shat'! Please don't ask me what fish. To me, all fish look alike!! Anyway, following an age old Chinese tradition of swallowing rice did the trick after numerous attempts!! But hey, I DID not put a bowl atop my head and hitting it repeatedly with a pair of chopsticks, OK?!?! I ain't that traditional & 'dumb' OK? LOL.

Then, we headed to another beach just a short ride from the restaurant.

We hung around the beach area (all in shaded places!!) in various groups ~ lazing and chatting for over an hour. The cool breeze and nice weather was condusive. Before we departed, we took a group photo. 

Prior to that, the bikers knowing that I too love to ride was recommending me various bikes that they think I can ride on despite of my vertically challenged situation. But....I finally found my match...YES in Sekinchan beach...TA-DAAAAAaaaa....Vrooooom Vrooom.

Haha...finally found my bike, miniature M1 racing bike. VA VA Voom!!! Nah, fun for spins around the beach but my search continues....

Until my next blog...Stay focus, stay positive & stay happy ALWAYS!!! 

p.s - I will not eat baby shark meat anymore because it is cruel to eat shark's fin soup, what more baby sharks!!! FYI, I've abstained from eating suckling pigs many many years ago after 2-3 attempts when the dish gained popularity. I find it cruel and eating baby shark is just as cruel. So, NO MORE baby shark meat!!! YAY!!!!

Quinn Beef Noodle & Seremban Siew Pow, 21 July 2012

By 8am, Rocker57 and I were out of the door heading for Seremban (approx 70km from USJ where we live). Two key objectives for this trip : 

• to visit my 88yr old mom-in-law (our bi-weekly routine, sometimes thrice in 2 months.)
• to take pictures of 'Yau Yee Mai Fun' (cuttle fish vermicelli) the restaurant i.e. Mee Sek where the food is served. (Note :  In that particular blog, I'd not uploaded any photos.  I'd promised to upload the pictures as soon as I got hold of them.) Do refer to  Sotong Mee Hoon & Tg Sepat
• We planned to drop by Mee Sek, snap a couple of pictures & then proceed to Choy Kee in Jalan Rahang for their delicious "loong char siew" (literally translated as burned BBQ meat). The Chinese BBQ meat is similar to Kebab but only more moist & sweeter in taste. It is pork meat in most cases. Normally, it is served with a dark yet lightly sweetened sauce to complement the meat. As for the "Loong Char Siew", well...that would be a story left to be told on my next blog :)

When we reached Mee Sek, we decided to eat our breakfast there instead as there were only a handful of people there. Janet, the proprietress was elated & willingly posed for me when I told her I'm blogging on her food. Pictures taken & posted immediately after I reached home. To know more, follow the blog post mentioned above.

After visiting my MIL, we headed to do some shopping. Shopping you say? Yes! Bikers can shop too you know, provided if you have installed panniers heheheee.... GOTCHA!! It was only 11.30am but we decided to do early lunch as we just have to have Seremban beef noodle. The one that we particularly like i.e. King's Beef noodle is closed for good. To know more, see Seremban Kings Beef Noodle

We'll settle for second best, Quinn! Sibling of the owner of Seremban King's Beef noodle. Located at Jalan Toman 6, Kemayan Square, Seremban.

The name says it all.

To get there, from PLUS highway, exit Seremban toll. If you are from KL, after the toll turn left, then turn right at second traffic light (landmark Regent Restaurant on the left & KPJ hospital on the right). Turn left on the first left turn (that is Kemayan Square). Go straight in till end of road, then turn right. At the next junction, you'll find Quinn located at the corner of the said junction. For GPS fans here is the cordinates : 

Kemayan Square

wikimapia.org/8956353/Kemayan-Square - Translate this pageShare

Kemayan Square. World / Malaysia / Negeri Sembilan / Seremban Coordinates: 2°43'8"N 101°55'23"E 

For me, I am still very much an in-built 'mental' GPS! Anyways, we ordered two of each, our favourite "Ngow kon fun" (literally dry liver meat noodle) & a glass of hot tea each not forgetting a bowl of beef ball soup.

How it looks before mixing

 While I was taking the photo for my blog, Rocker57 was already tucking into his! But he was kind enough to remind me to also show one that has been mixed, so here goes :

The noodle used differs from those in Klang Valley. It is similar to the texture of noodles found in Penang Laksa. The gravy is dark & starchy. Garnished with peanuts, sliced fermented vegetable, Chinese parsley and topped with a sprinkle of spring onions and of course not forgetting my favourite beef tenderloin. Simple yet yummylicious. Perhaps, to others it would be an acquired taste but for the locals, this is the kind of staple Serembanites grew up with. The beef balls were meaty, springy & beefy! The soup is light with a slight tinge of beef broth. If you like beef innards, you can order that too.

During lunch, Rocker57 received a call from his colleague that they wanted to buy Seremban's famous Siew Pow (literally translated it would meant burnt dumpling!). But in reality it is baked dumpling with BBQ Char Siew, green peas, shallots & etc as fillings. So, back to where to get the best Siew Pow... We met them at Regent Restaurant & soon guided them to Rasah New Village. Eh? Rasah New Village? Isn't the Siew Pow shop just along the highway??? hmmmm...well, Yes & No. The one prominently seen along the PLUS highway (if from KL; on the right just before Seremban exit) is Empayar Seremban Siew Pow and of course many more stalls here and there even in Klang Valley. But in my personal opinion and my late father in law, the one that is best is still : ta-daaaaa

My humble opinion...best Siew Pow in Seremban is here!!

The dumpling skin is much thinner and has more fillings. Mind you, my late father-in-law can tell the difference just by tasting it on the initial bite! Likewise, the Hakka mee ( tell you more next time), he can know from which stall the Hakka Mee is from! Now, Tasti East and Kek Mei Siew Pow apparently are siblings (from feedback & hearsay), they split after the demise of their mother (matriarch that started the Seremban Siew Pow craze). The latter's dumpling skin is thicker and has lesser fillings. I personally feel that Tasti East Siew Pow is value for money while Kek Mei Siew Pow is more on consuming flour due to the thickness of the skin. I've recommended many to buy from Tasti East & many concur with my choice after they themselves have eaten numerous siew pows.

Apart from chicken and pork siew pow, they also sell various Chinese delicacies example kaya puffs, portugese tarts & many many more. After taking some photos for my blog, we showed Rocker57's colleagues the way to Port Dickson while we headed home.

Eh! Eh! You must be thinking I'd forgotten the direction to Tasti East....hehehe....I DID not! Well, easiest access is via PLUS (for tourists), from KL please take the Port Dickson exit. Turn left at the traffic light after exiting the toll. Do not go up the ramp but take the slip road just alongside the ramp. Follow the traffic flow until you arrive at a round about. At the round about, take a 11 o'clock turn, Tasti East is a corner shop clearly visible at the roundabout. You can't missed it! The HUGE signboard is a clear giveaway. As for GPS fans...well, sometimes...it is good to rely on your brain matter. Moreover, I think my direction given is simple and clear. No? Then leave me a comment, I'll respond to you :))

Till my next eating expedition....stay happy and carry on reading my blog ya. Thanks for your support! Afterall, you have nothing to loose but get good info on where to eat :))

Vrroooom vrooom power!!!

Eating spree ~1 day trip to Singapore; 19 July 2012

Left Subang at 6.30am en-route for Singapore. This time, we drove instead of riding as weather has been quite unpredictable lately. We arrived at Ayer Hitam for breakfast at 8.15am. Rocker57 took me to an outlet that sells the best "pao/pau/pow" (chinese dumplings) in Ayer Hitam. The outlet has had press releases & came highly recommended by Rocker57's colleague. Welcome to Tang Chuan Coffee Shop....

Tang Chuan coffee shop

 To locate Tang Chuan, from PLUS highway exit to Ayer Hitam/Kluang/Batu Pahat. After the toll, take a left turn at the traffic light. Go straight, if you pass KFC, then you are on the right track. The shop is located after the first traffic light (second shop on your left). From toll to shop is about 1-2km. If you pass the post office, then you have surpassed the shop and is on your way to Batu Pahat!!!

They only have 1 menu! Big Pao (dumpling), lor-mai kai (steamed glutinous rice cooked with chicken, pork & Chinese sausages) 2-3 types of pao and few assorted dimsum. We ordered the big Pao, a 'choy'/vegy pao and steam pork ribs cooked in bean paste sauce & two cups of black coffee NEAT!

Big Pao on left, vegy pao with red dot & pork ribs in red.

My personal opinion? The big pao was a disappointment. As in the size! It was a tad bigger than normal pao(see picture)...haiz what a bummer!! The pork ribs was a let down. Those served across Malaysia is light brown in color but this was reddish! Taste wise, a 3.5 over 10, bony and not fleshy. Taste wise for the big pao was mediocre, no WOW no WAH...just a hmmmm effect. The vegy pao fillings were chunky and coarse. Taste wise, passable. Coffee OK. For that, we paid under RM7. Will I come back again? NO. Why not you visit and make your own judgement? And then tell me about it?

The Pao when opened

We proceeded from Ayer Hitam to Johor Baru taxi stand, approx 45mins drive. A quick fill of the immigration form, and we were off to Singapore for RM15 cab fare per person. Arrived at Shenton Way, Singapore around 11am. We ate an early lunch just across SGX center, Jewel coffee. We ordered two sandwiches (BLT & Chicken), Americano coffee & fresh orange juice which costed us SGD27-80.

two types of sandwiches, juice & coffee for two persons.

I enjoyed the meal. It was simple, filling & healthy. By the way, the coffee is for the 'addict'. While eating, we observed that the pace in Singapore was ease, unlike KL where people are often seen rushing!!! Girls were swinging their handbags...try doing that in Malaysia & you will be going to the police station shortly to report of snatch thief! One feel safe in S'pore, reported as one of the safest places in the world. We left for M'sia immediately after lunch. Cab fare from Bee San St (Bugis area) to JB taxi stand is SGD10 per head.

We were in JB by 12.30pm, so we decided against staying overnight. We headed to Johor Premium Outlet (JPO) to check out this much publicized shopping 'haven' for premium products at attractive discounted rates. Upon arrival, it started pouring cats & dogs. Firstly, the venue of JPO is isolated with no amenities nearby. We had trouble locating the place & got there by chance just when we were about to give up trying. The place is huge but lack proper shelter, too much of an open space concept. Air-conditioners available only in retail outlets. To get around the whole area, be prepared to get some water 'showers' here & there! 

JPO Directory

The selection of the premium outlets are a handful; with limited choices of things to sell. Prices even at discounted rates are beyond reach even for average income earners. In my opinion, located at the southern part of Malaysia, it can only attract Singaporeans & the rich Indonesians. Local affluent class will not travel all the way down just for some discounts, I think they would rather wait till SALE time :)     Based on my guesstimate, JPO will become a white elephant in 2-3 years if nothing is done to draw more visitors apart from tourists & those I mentioned. More needs to be done to sustain & prolong the business.

As always, we paused for Hi-Tea. What else but ride & eat or drive & eat! Yes! Glutton to the MAX! (You think I don't know what you are thinking? Hehehe...) Guilty as charged! Nice cosy western restaurant named George & Dragon. Hi-Tea comes with a drink, 2 toasts (choice of sandwiches), 2 scones with butter/jam/margarin for RM17++. We ordered a set plus an imported sparkling apple juice. YES! Coffee for the 'addict' - Yes, AGAIN?!?!?! Bill came to RM32. We liked the toasts very much & I relished the imported juice.

Later, we drove into Cheng, Melaka to check out some stuff. A journey we deeply regret as we were caught in the frenzy after office hours traffic jam! We were stuck for almost an hour plus. After a short stay, we headed home via Alor Gajah way, then re-tracked into PLUS highway via Alor Gajah/Tampin exit. We arrived at Taipan, Subang at 9pm. All in all, we have travelled over 700km, visited 3 places & spent about 15 hours on the road! Phew! Dead beat! 

Will we do it again? Why not? We love to eat & we love travelling....what is there not to love when two 'old' love-birds are still very much in love, right? Right ON!!! Check out my next blog on two of the best places to eat and what to pack home from Seremban :)

Until then...stay safe, ride safe and eat well!

Chicken toast & egg & ham toast

Scones & juice