JULY 22, IPOH (2D/1N) TRIP ON ZACBOY

This blog is not so much of our ride to Ipoh. I had forgotten to blog about it upon our return but I seriously wanted to write about it, more so because of the hotel that we stayed in when we were there. Most of the time, Rocker57 will booked us at Heritage Hotel, but this time as we will be meeting his biking 'kakis' in the evening, so we decided to stay at the same hotel where these bikers used to stay - Ritz Garden Hotel, a frisbee/ boomerang throw away from the police station! Psst...if you wish to stay here, stay at the new block...check below to find out why. We were unfortunately placed at the older block which again, will be our first and last time.
I met for the first time Rocker57's biking mates - Mervyn, Kumar and Karuna. Meryn rides a tracker (similar to a dirt /mountain bike but this has dual purpose, both on the road & mountain). Kumar vrooms on a Vulcan (NOooo...not the one from Star Trek...this is a motorbike, duh!!) while Karuna speeds on a Kawasaki Versys. I don't fancy this bike because it is naked!! (NOooo...not literally obviously), but because it doesn't have a fairing...ahem, fairing I've learned is the covering that embodies the bike... I love bikes with fairing...makes them looked 'dressed' and has the "you complete me' look :)   FYI, I also do not fancy the tracker....looks like a toy, to me!! Doesn't give me the Vroooooom power look.
We met at 6pm for dinner, gathered at the lobby (Rocker57, Mervyn, Kumar & I) while we waited for local biker Karuna to join us. We decided to eat at the famous LOU WONG chicken & beansprout restaurant which was a mere 15 mins walk from the hotel. It's actually ten minutes, but because of my short stretch (you do know that I'm vertically challenged, don't you?) all the guys had to back tracked just so I could stay intact with the group!! Hehehehe....chivalry is still ALIVE!!!

Bowl of noodles, chicken & beansprout

I like Ipoh beans sprouts. They look just like me!! Short, crunchy & succulent!! (the former is akin to me, the rest...well, you'll have to kill & cook me first to find out if I'm crunchy & succulent!). The chicken was steamed cooked just right with a generous splash of soy sauce, a few good sprinkle of pulverized pepper, a few dashes of sesame oil & dressed with spring onions & slice red chilli for decor. The noodle soup is simple yet tasty to the last drop. The noodles are smooth, soft yet springy to the bite. It is rumoured that the spring waters in Ipoh makes the beansprouts and noodles tastier than others. Hmmmm....and the gals in Ipoh have great complexion too, haven't you noticed already??? If not, please go check them out!!! Don't say I didn't tell you, ya.

After dinner, we adjourned to Euro pub (same owner with Ritz Gdn) for a pint each. Then, we went back to the new Ritz Garden apartment block for our second pint. It was here that I saw the stark difference, the old vs the new. The new block has a pool with a bar, a snooker table & a miniature cinema!! Yes, a cinema that can seat about 30 pax, I think. Cool isn't it? I thought it is and even took pix for you as proof, hehehehe...

Pool table. Cinema door is btwn posters in the middle!

Who would have thought a hotel in Ipoh to incorporate this inside its hotel. Genius. To enter? Simple, just scan your room card & it is FREE!!!

I also took a pix of the gang for this blog. And yes, I had permission to post it. Until the next blog, stay happy and live life full!

From  Left : Mervyn, Karuna, Rocker57 & Kumar

               

Ritz Gdn Cinema!!

PENANG & CAMERON HIGHLANDS (PART 4)

Up and about early in the morning. At 6am, breakfast wasn't ready to be served, but the hotel staff gave us bread, coffee & cereals. As we were ready to leave, the mee goreng was served. We had a small serving (shared), it was tasty. Unfortunately, we were already stuffed with bread, jam & butter.
We took an 'uncharted route' home. We heard that a lot of bikers used this trek that leads to Raub, Pahang. Head towards Tanah Rata then turn left at the Shell petrol station. And you are off to a long and quiet road towards Kpg Kolok ( I think). This stretch is very secluded, long and scarily lonely. It is half hour or so before one can see any vehicle...sort of reminded me of my drive from Davenport to Bicheno in Tasmania earlier this year. I like the ride, so quiet you can hear yourself think. It was secondary jungle/rain forest all the way. And then, all of a sudden...I saw this :

Awesome....clouds beneath me

To stand there to witness it..priceless

 It was surreal to witness this awesome panoramic view. Never thought I could sight something so beautiful here in Peninsular Malaysia. We stopped for a while to soak in the sight, the fresh air and the dead silence of the place except for the insects' noises. It was enchanting! Despite the long, scary & lonely ride, this site makes the entire trip worth every Ringgit! 
And then, we continued the journey. It seems to me like we'll not see civilization for a long time yet...it was almost an hour of ride and all of a sudden....I see palm trees...ahhh!! YAAAAY!!! Alas, it was a short lived YAY!...Another 20mins of ride alongside oil palm plantation before we reach a kampong/village!! Phew! My heart started to beat again, finally!! All along the long stretch, I could only pray that ZacBoy doesn't get a nail or fail on us, else....
And then....OMG, another 26km to Raub!!(If I remember correctly) Boy, makes one wonder, "hey, when can I really, really reach home?". We stopped at the famous curry fish head restaurant in Raub for our 2nd breakfast. We had 2 plain roti canai and two black coffee. 
Raub brings back special memories to Rocker57 and I. Rocker57 was to have been transferred here end of 1984. It was also a decision for us to get 'hitched' so that we can live legitimately as hubby & wife (back in those days, tongues will wag if couples lived together without being married). So, Raub sealed our fate...and the rest they say is history.....
Incidentally, if you must know (for I know....curiosity kills the cat...now, don't go on a suicide act, please don't!!....) I will tell you, I will tell you and bare all....After we got registered, we weren't transferred. There was a resignation and Rocker7 was asked to remain status quo in Seremban! Now, that resignation saved our day and changed the course of our history. Or else...perhaps, I would have made Raub my home....who knows....who knows.....NAH!!! I don't think sooooo.....ehhehehehhe...                                 

PENANG & CAMERON HIGHLANDS (PART 3)

6.15am, we were up & about getting ready to leave for Cameron Highlands, our 2nd trip in 12 months but on two different bikes. Since the hotel did not provide breakfast & we were early birds, we decided to stop at the first mamak we sighted - Pelita (very popular mamak in northern Malaysia and has since spread their wings to Klang Valley). Here's me at the wee hours of the morning in Penang with the green mean machine.

ZacBoy & I outside Pelita Restaurant

Two roti telor and two black coffees later, we are off on the road again. We exited after Ipoh (Simpang Pulai toll exit) as this is the new route to Cameron Highlands. The roads are wider and less winding. The air was fresh and clean. We passed by the aborigines settlement, vegetation enclave and some small villages along the way up. The scene was captivating, what with the rainforest as backdrop....back to nature. Along the way, we saw aborigines set up stalls to sell their crops - petai, durian, chempedak & bamboo shoots.
We then checked into Rosa Pasadena hotel. A hotel we were staying for the very first and most likely the last time. Anyways, we actually stopped at our favourite joint at GOOD TASTE (grd floor of Hotel Titiwangsa at Brinchang) to have our cuppa, lunch & our favourite tarts. Again we ordered strawberry, blueberry cheese and pineapple tarts. We concur that the latter is the best taste of all eventhough all are mouth-watering tasty. And please do order the garlic bread. It is rich with butter and garlic toasted just right. I ate to the last crumb!! For info on this outlet, check out previous blog for contact number. The business must be good as the owner now has 2 foreign helpers. Way to go, GOOD TASTE!
We rested as we couldn't go for a ride to Tanah Rata for it had started to rain. We sat at a coffee shop nearby our hotel to watch the world in front of us go by. When the rain subsided, we decided to have an early dinner. Where else but the Ole Smokehouse, of course!!  

Time stood still here- old smokehouse

SmokeHouse garden               

 

 

 

    It was as if time stood still here since the colonial days. It brought back memories of how the English used to live back then by just wondering into each room which has different settings. I took a handful of pictures but not enough space to place them all here, sadly.
We were ushered to be seated here at the lobby/lounge (picture below) and took our time to place our order as we were 45 mins ahead of their opening time! At the Smokehouse, patrons will be seated at the dinning table only when food is ready to be served. Meantime, you are free to wonder around their premises to snapped some photos or just to while away one's time or get a cuppa or drinks while waiting. Some house guests were seen reading. The Smokehouse is lit with warm white lights which apparently are good for the eyes particularly when reading as it doesn't emit a strong glare which is said to be bad for reading. This I heard from a few of my expats clients ;)

Lounge/waiting area@Smoke House

Rocker57 ordered Chicken ala King while I had grilled Salmon and we shared the Caesar Salad.    

Caesar Salad comes FRESH!

Our meal came with soft tasty buns and lightly salted butter.  
Incidentally, I forgot to mentioned that we visited GOOD TASTE again at 4pm for tea and also for the free WIFI. Hence the early dinner was seriously a BAD choice as I was not able to finish my fish and had to eat very very very slowly to savor each bite as well as not to waste food.
Too excited to try the HUGE salmon, I forgot to take a picture of my meal until Rocker57's food arrived and he reminded me of my blog....hmmmm...senior (in age) bloggers like me can really be forgetful. Particularly when it comes to FOOD...I'm lost in the world of taste, smell & self indulgence.

Rocker57's Chicken ala King

Generous serving of Grilled Salmon

The generous serving of Salmon was worth its price of RM58. The fish was fresh, juicy & sweet. The chips were fried just nice and the veggies were lightly salted and blanched. Hence it retains its sweetness and crunchiness. Rocker57 thoroughly relish his meal. He cleaned the entire plate except for some rice which was tasty but again too full to finish it due to the short break between tea and dinner. By the way mealtimes are B : 7.30-11am. L: 11.30am -2.30pm and D : 6.30-9.30pm but teas are served all day.

Next, remember to catch my final blog for this trip on our adventurous trek home on a new 'uncharted' road home....

PENANG & CAMERON HIGHLANDS (PART 2)

Lorong Selamat Char Kueh Teow

 Ahhhh...Sttttrrreettchh....after a good nap, Rocker57 and I went in search for lunch. Not sure where the locals eat but the popular tourist eateries are at Gurney Drive, Lorong Selamat, Lorong Baru - Off Jalan Macalister (Along the stretch of road just outside Sunway Hotel) and perhaps Lorong Swatow. Not forgetting the base of Kek Lok Si for the famous Penang Assam Laksa. I chose Lorong Selamat because it was nearby our hotel and I do know for sure they serve lunch. While Gurney Drive, & Lorong Baru opens only at night, not sure of Swatow, though.
The hawker that sells the famous Char Kueh Teow has since moved from the roadside into Heng Huat coffee shop. YES, she still has her signature red chef cap on and yes, she's still grouchy. She still uses the traditional charcoal to cook her delicious Char Kueh Teow. Please note that she still serve it with THREE(3) big prawns! The one shown here is complimentary from Rocker57, so please don't ask her how come yours has 3 and mine 6, OK? 
Seriously, I don't blame her for being grouchy. What with cooking under the scorching sun, non stop frying and the heat of the charcoal can really get to one's nerves. I guess the better the business, the grouchier she is....hehehe, my guess...my bad. Perhaps, she is a nice lady but the entire time I was there, she did not smile. Come to think of it, I've never seen her smile and I have frequent her stall more than 10 times if you must know ;)

The price of this plate - RM7.50! Pricey, for a such a small serving but good to the very last bite. The prawns are succulent, the bean sprouts cooked just right (still crunchy) and the Kueh Teow has the right texture and a hint of charcoal-cooked aroma...splendid. Haven't been to the Sisters at Macalister for many years, not sure if the price is the same. If it is, then the Sisters are cheaper because a sprinkle of crabmeat adorns the top of the pile while this one in Lorong Selamat does not have it. The former would be value for money, in this instance if you were to ask me.

Ice Kacang in Heng Huat

We had Ice Kacang to quench our thirst. For RM3.50 per bowl, personally, it IS again over-priced. Apart from the ice cream, the Ice Kacang tastes a lot of syrup, coloring & Gula Melaka (aka coconut sugar). I still prefer the one that was nearer to where this Char Kueh Teow lady used to cook. The Ice Kacang there is tastier and has more stuff inside like chincau, chendol, attap chee, etc. Then again, one man's meat is another man's poison, so don't take my word for it, ya.
We went to Plaza Gurney for dinner as we wanted to eat at Chili's. It was a 7 minutes ride from our hotel but would have been faster if not for the one-way streets in Penang. Unfortunately, the mall is not superbike-friendly. We couldn't enter via the motorbike parking as the pathway was too narrow to enter. We had no alternative but to enter from the car entrance and find our way to park at the bikers section. If the CCTV captured our act, hey....you left us no choice OK...we don't mind paying but your premises is NOT superbike friendly OK! In any case, at the bikers parking lot, there were lots of slimy, gluey yellowish thing that looks like it will drop from the ceiling anytime soon. So we had to park somewhere where there were none...limited spaces as expected. In any case, the gluey thing stayed stucked...thank gawd!!
To end the day, we failed to eat at Chili's as waiting period for a seat was over half an hour. So we ended at Paddington's Pancake as Rocker wanted to eat the pancakes. Strangely, we ended with salad and a small serving of Oreo pancakes served with ice cream. Later, we found out that we ordered dessert instead of main meal....hehehe...but we were satiated as we were quite full...as one grows older...I guess the stomach shrinks, as we tend to eat lesser....hmmmm...then how come I'm not losing weight??? Then again, that's another story to be told...perhaps later on??? Let's see how...
Catch my next blog on what we ate in Cameron Highlands, ya. See ya!

PENANG & CAMERON HIGHLANDS (Part 1)

On 11 Aug, ZacBoy, Rocker57 & I embarked on our first long distance journey to Penang & Cameron Highlands on a 3 days & 2 nights trip.
We started at 7am. Stopped for breakfast at the R&R in Tapah. We made an impromptu stop at Ipoh. Rocker57 wanted me to savor the popular Ipoh curry mee (the one a stone's throw away from the police station). By ten, we were in Ipoh but couldn't locate the place, so Rocker57 inevitably had to ask his staff to guide us there as she had brought him there on few occasions. We had to wait almost 10mins before we could place our orders and another half hour for our food to arrive. By the way, in case you are there, they will come to the table to take order, so don't place your order at the entrance where cooking is done. The cooks (3 of them focusing on each's specialty) will not have time to entertain you. Was it worth the wait, well...the place was full to the brim, with streams of people waiting in line to be seated...you tell me, is the food good?
I had expected a bowl of curry noodle (mine - mee hoon aka vermicelli) to be full of curry with santan. Alas and behold, it was totally not to be!! See pix to know how my curry mee hoon looks like in this outlet. 

Ipoh Curry Mee Hoon

The curry was light with no trace of santan. With loads of Ipoh crunchy bean sprouts, a twig of mint leaves and a squeeze of calamansi/lime juice for the sour flavor and a portion of curry oil, VIOLA - that's my curry noodle! To me, the end effect was nothing to shout about. BUUUUT....the condiments and the dipping sauce compliments the entire noodle set! Which in the end, was truly worth the wait!
A bowl of mixed roasted pork meat, BBQ pork meat, deep fried pig's skin which was stewed to make it soft and chewy and another dose of Ipoh famous bean sprouts/taugeh and some mixture of sauce in the content makes the main dish so delectable. My personal favourite was the dipping sauce.

Main dish - roasted & BBQ pork & pig skin hidden beneath.     

My personal fav - the dipping sauce.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The sauce was awesome. lots of condiments with the most palatable taste being the garlic and chopped Chinese parsley which I don't normally eat but as a 'package' it was very tasty. Despite having breakfast an hour earlier, I cleaned my share without much fuss at all. I was the brunt of the joke as prior to that, I told Rocker57 that we should share as I was still quite full but oh no...I had to had a bowl of noodles to my name. No worries, servings are small. We shared, hence so many bowls but if you order individually, the meats are served on top of the noodle, so perhaps then the taste would be different. That would be on my list the next time I go there again.
Satiated to the brim, we started for Penang. The entire trip was pleasant as weather was good. Found our hotel which was at the tail end of Gurney drive and walking distance to Lorongg Swatow (another popular eatery place), we gladly checked into Royal Hotel Penang, a four star hotel. The room is comfy and clean and pleasant service from the staff. 

comfy beds but soft pillows

study table aka our biking wardrobe!

Ample parking lots for bikes but unfortunately none allocated for big bikes. However, we managed to park along side the other bikes but out of the 'confine' area. A refreshing change to the hot & humid weather while we were traveling so we each took our well deserved shower & a short nap to re-energize ourselves. At 2.30pm, we left the hotel in search of Penang food. Read my next blog on what we ate for lunch & dinner :)

Nice bathroom with amenities

If you happen to stay at Royal Hotel Penang and forgot some items, fret not. They have cotton buds, shower cap, disposable comb, shampoo, body lotion and foam bath not forgetting the ever useful sewing kit just in case u 'pop out' a button after being a glutton in Penang...hahehehehaheahhee. And hey, guess what? Rocker57 forgot his tooth brush...and YES, you have guessed it, it was ready packed together with toothpaste....simple thoughts like these makes our stay so pleasant....Aaahhhh...

CRUISING ON ZACBOY

Rocker57 and I rode ZacBoy to Sepang & Port Dickson (beaches) to check out accommodations for my former classmates overnight reunion in December. We started about 7.25am. Just like last week, it started to drizzle as we approached Putrajaya exit from ELITE highway, yet the sun was shinning brightly. We stopped at the Dengkil petrol station to wait out the rain. Lo and behold, we met Wana, the female rider we got acquainted with a week ago from the Penang bikers expedition convoy, what a coincidence! She shared that her bike won the 'naked bike' category. We felt happy for her. Wana was on a ride to Melaka with 10 other female riders from Klang Valley. When the rain subsided, we each went on our way.

Pit Stop at Dengkil to shelter from rain

We took an uncharted route from KLIA to check out Palm Tree Resort, Sepang. We were unsure of its location, so we just cruise along. We came across small townships along the way, some of which I used to ply during my rep-ing days. We stopped at Sg Pelek for breakfast. A decade has passed, yet the place remains unchanged except for a few new buildings. At breakfast, we noticed the laid back life they enjoyed and envied their simple and stress-free lifestyle unlike urbanites. We also observed several senior citizens sipping their cuppa while reading the daily papers. It dawn onto us, how the 'china-dolls' could easily fool these folks with their beauty and sweet talking charms. Despite numerous reports in the daily papers yet its quite rampant in small villages / townships. It's truly sad yet a reality. These con ladies woo their way into their simple life, 'suck dry' these innocent folks of their life savings then move on to their next victim without remorse or empathy. Where are their conscience?
Next, we passed Sepang township, weave through some kampong roads to reach Palm Tree Resort which will officially open its doors on 7 July. It has been operating for over a year now. Check out the two pictures I've chosen.

View from lobby to entrance

Accommodations on stilts - just like Avillion(initiator)

Having stayed a couple of times in Avilion, Port Dickson; the first resort with the 'accommodation on stilts' concept (in west Malaysia that I'm aware of i.e) apart from the one in Sipadan, to me Palm Tree was just another resort with perhaps added facilities but my mindset - followers!! When I checked out the pricing, well it certainly ain't no followers but in pole position ( motogp term when one is in leading position at start of race). 
For an overnight stay for a bunch of 'teenage-wanna-be' former schoolmates who's main intention is to catch up on lost time & revive our friendship, frankly, this isn't worth its salt BUT apt for newly weds or family outings.Incidentally, the premises also facilitates company events - similarly Avilion & also The Legend water chalet Resort, Lukut).
With the fine weather, we rode 30mins into Port Dickson to check out other resorts, hotels & apartments. Then, we headed to Seremban for brunch. Easy bike parking {where we can view our bike from the restaurant} - Quinn Beef Noodle at Kemayan Square was our choice. After a bowl of beef noodle each, a bowl of beef ball to share and a glass of sugarless soya bean each, we were ready for home.
Just before heading home, we detoured to NKVE Mac Donalds for orange juice, apple pie and ice cream. We thoroughly enjoyed the ride, the sights and the food. Not forgetting, most importantly our companionship!! Oh, what a ride that was....

New Baby - ZACBOY!!

Maiden ride on ZacBoy

ZacBoy was 'born' on 23 June 2011. On the road price is RM85,100!! (Psst, come closer - don't let Rocker57 know about this: at that price I could have bought 2 units of Proton Sagas 1.3 or even Hyundai Alto!! And that seats 10 people, this mean machine only seats 2. MEN!! )
ZacBoy's 'mechanical dad' is KAWASAKI model Z1000SX. Noticed that we have gotten from Kawa-babe (650cc) to ZacBoy (1000cc)? Rocker57's toys are getting meaner, bigger and faster!! But seriously - I relish the adrenaline is gives me even-though riding pillion. It's simply awesome & exhilarating!! Between you and me - many a times, I wish Rocker57 would ram it above 170-200kph!! Afterall, a mean machine should be mean, right? NO??!!. Go VROOOOOM POWER!!! Guess, I'm just too wild!! Moniker - 'chili padi' or birdeye chili - that's ME.

Now U know Y I X ride this? Feet X touching ground!

Now with ZacBoy, I get better view as I'm seated higher as opposed to just seeing Rocker57's helmet when I rode Kawa-babe...heeheehe. Now I can see all those hunks better ;P YAY!! One setback is that the back section is higher now so I get wet easily as seats are smaller & raised higher than ER-6f. Bah...I was soaking wet on the way to S'ban to visit mom-in-law  :(
The maiden ride on 26 June was excruciating!! The butt, of course!! Wet & uncomfortable plus such a loooong ride for what used to take us about 30mins, now it takes twice the time. Still breaking into the bike before we can put it to normal use, we could only travel between 70-90kph until we hit 1000km. It's sad to see the bike strolling the road with kapchai's (110cc bikes) speeding ahead of you - sigh!! Rocker57's now "actively" riding to break the 1K limit, then....hmmm....eh, where's ZacBoy?!?!? (Wakaaka kakakaka..*choke*) When I say actively, I really mean actively!! Zooom! Gone to break the barrier! His mind's constantly thinking where to go to quickly max out the 'hindrance" :)

New clothes for 'baby shower'

 

My new attire befits the machine ya? Check out my new AlpineStar jacket & gloves with PUMA bike shoes (all purchased in S'pore during our recent visit for sole purpose to 'dress' me appropriately). Went around Malaysia's key apparel shops - couldn't find any my size (jacket/shoes/glove)!! What u can't see is the protective knee pads I was wearing. It is better to be 'over-dressed' in this case as all the items donned are solely for the purpose for protection and not to make a fashion statement! FYI, my previous black AlpineStar jacket was for male (also from Spore because they didn't have stock for ladies items back then). This Stella range is solely for women! Why I say that? That's because they even have padding for the two aaaheeems!! BOOBs!! Now men...U wouldn't dare wear it, now would u??? I guess not!
Mind you, with our humid and hot weather, I rather choose to ride as light as possible BUT we must always be prepared for the inevitable and things beyond our control - accidents!! So, I 'gracefully' don the entire biking 'wardrobe' for each ride. Better to be safe than sorry!
To all superbikers out there - YO, RIDE FAST, BUT RIDE SAFE!!!