Category: Places

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Kwai Chai Hong in KL Chinatown

Travel back in time to the 1960s golden era of KL Chinatown at this lane – Lorong Panggung in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Lorong Panggung, is also famously known as Kwai Chai Hong, which is directly translated as “Ghost Lane” or “Little Demon Alley” in English from Cantonese. 

How to get there

Since it’s in the heart of KL, it is convenient to get to Kwai Chai Hong via public transport.

If you’re riding the LRT or MRT, get off at Pasar Seni station. Walk towards MRT Exit – Pintu A towards Jalan Panggung. Kwai Chai Hong is behind the row of shophouses along Jalan Panggung. 

If you’re riding the KL Monorail, get off at Maharajalela station. Walk towards Jalan Petaling. Kwai Chai Hong is about 10mins walk from the Station.

If you’re driving, there’s ample parking nearby. There’s Joy Full Parking and DY Parking, which are just next to the Pasar Seni MRT.

Kwai Chai Hong

Under Project Kwai Chai Hong, 10 shophouses – six fronting Jalan Petaling and another four units along Lorong Panggung – were restored.

Next to the entrance of Kwai Chai Hong is Pandan Republic. You can grab an ice cream on the go and sweetly tour Kwai Chai Hong. 

You’ll be greeted by a red bridge and arch that sports the Mandarin characters of “Kwai Chai Hong”. Spot strings of red lanterns and the Bunn Choon Restoran (since 1893) signage above.

The guardrails or safety rails of the bridge are colourfully painted in red. Along the left side of the bridge, you’ll be greeted by the sign, 红桥 Hong Qiao which is the name of the bridge. On the bridge, you’ll find a mural of a loving couple sitting on the bridge.

Inside the lane are few murals depicting the daily activities of early Chinese settlers in the area during the 1960s. 

You’ll find yourself at the back of a few restaurants. Directly after the bridge, you’re at the back of Da Bao.

Next to Da Bao is a mural of a man sharpening a knife and a Tiger Beer advertisement above him.

There is another door with a sign above brightly shining in red, Restoran Bunn Choon. Next to the door is a mural of a girl looking out a window and 2 little boys squatting and playing. These show the simple life back in the past.

Just after the bridge on the left is a red street lamp and a mural of an elderly uncle playing the erhu – a traditional Chinese string instrument with only two strings. There is a bench in front, where you can sit a take some pics with the uncle.

Towards the other end of the lane, you’ll be greeted by a bright red, Japanese-looking arch. 

At the end is the red (mockup) store of DayOne DayOne Noodle.

Above is a full wall mural of shop lots in the past. Funnily, you’ll see a mural of the kung fu landlady from Stephen Chow’s Kung Fu Hustle. 

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HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng in Perak

Looking for a scenic spot to visit outside of Ipoh? About 30 minutes drive from Ipoh town is HOGA, Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng. When in Gopeng, it is a recommended place to visit, whether you’re on the way to Ipoh or from Ipoh to Kuala Lumpur.

HOGA@Gaharu Tea Valley, Gopeng is Malaysia’s first and largest organic plantation of Gaharu or Agarwood – an endangered species.

How to get there

Address: Jalan Sungai Itek, 31600 Gopeng, Perak

Operating hours:

Monday
9:15 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:15 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:15 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:15 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday
9:15 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:15 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:15 AM – 6:00 PM

As it’s outside of town, it is recommended to drive, Grab, or hire a van service. 

Since there were 15 of us in a group, we went in a hired van. We continued our journey for the day from Qing Xin Ling Leisure and Cultural Village to Gaharu Tea Valley. It was a 18 km or about 30 minutes ride.

HOGA, Gaharu Tea Valley

At the base level is the registration counter, assembly area, cafe, and souvenir shop.

There is a shuttle van ride up the hill to 3 featured attractions: viewing stage and hilltop cafe, hugging park, and lover’s park. The van ride costs RM10.00 for adults and RM5.00 for children.

Every 15 minutes, there’ll be a van to shuttle passengers to the next stop. The whole tour experience took about 45 minutes. 

The van took us to the first stop at the top: Viewing Stage and Hilltop Cafe.

At the Viewing Stage and Hilltop Cafe, you get to experience a beautiful panaromic view of the tea valley. See 300 acres with 200,000 of Gaharu Agarwood produced Aquilaria trees.

Then the second stop down was the Tree Hugging Park. There were painted animal-themed trees and trees with motivational quotes and signs. You can hug the trees to destress.

Finally, the third stop down was the Lover’s Park. A colourful staircase takes you down to the central attraction – lover’s tree. See if you can spot 2 trees hugging in love with one another.

Below is a YouTube video about my experience at HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley. Appreciate your support by liking the video and subscribing to my YouTube channel.

Gaharu Tea Valley Cafe

The cafe is back on the ground level where the assembly area and ticket counter are. 

The cafe serves meals and snacks. The chef’s recommendations for meals are Gaharu Platter, Keropok Lekor with Gaharu Sauce & Cheese, Gaharu Chicken & Mushroom Sauce Ramen, and Gaharu Tea Spaghettu with Brown Chicken Chop. Then, the recommended snacks and beverages are Gaharu Waffle, Gaharu Tea Egg, Gaharu Ice-cream, and HOGA Fruit Tea.

I had the Gaharu Ice-Cream Cup. Have a taste of Gaharu ice-cream filled with koko crunch and chocolate dips.

YouTube

During our 3D2N trip in Ipoh, HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley was one of the 10 places we visited in 1 day. Watch YouTube Short below.

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Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village in Ipoh

Looking for a scenic spot to visit just outside of Ipoh? Just 6 km or about 12 minutes drive from Ipoh town is Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village, which is just behind Mirror Lake Ipoh.

It is a natural area combining culture and art displays with recreational activities such as hiking, biking, and more.

How to get there

Address: 22A, Persiaran Pinggir Rapat 5a, Taman Saikat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak

Operating hours:

Monday
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday
Closed

As it’s outside of town, it is recommended to drive, Grab, or hire a van service.

Since there were 15 of us in a group, we went in a hired van. This is a continuation of our trip in Ipoh from GoChin Tambun Pomelo Agro Farm to Qing Xin Ling. You can scroll below to watch on YouTube about the 10 places we visited in 1 day.

Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village

Entry into the village is not free and comes with a fee. You can buy the entrance pass at the entrance. Refer to the image below for the entrance pass rates.

After buying the tickets, you’ve full access to the village. So, here are 6 reasons why Qing Xin Ling was and is worth the visit.

1. Enjoy animals around

There are many tortoises and fishes in the ponds. There are many geese and ducklings around the small lakes too. You can feed and take photos of the animals.

2. Ride a free trishaw

Yes, you read that right! It is free to cycle and ride the trishaw(s).

There are bicycles and trishaws placed around, which you can ride as a couple or in a group of 4 around the village. Enjoy views of the lake, mountain, and cultural buildings while on the ride.

3. Snap insta lake photos

The lake with the mountain as the backdrop, makes for good instagram shots. You may also want to take panoramic shots of the lake from the cultural houses around the lake.

4. Snap more insta photos

There are lots of signs, cultural artifacts, antique cars, and instagrammable props which you can snap photos of and with.

5. Visit cultural houses

There are olden day kampung houses of the three main races in Malaysia. Lots of antiques and vintage collections in the small houses. 

6. Walk up Memory Lane

Memory lane is an upper area you can walk up to which is quite a nice and shady walk through a narrow walkway slightly uphill. On the lower side you will find different cultures ornaments and on the upper part you need to hike to see more antique ornaments.

All in all, the whole self-tour lasted about an hour.

YouTube

Below is a full brief experience of my tour in Qing Xin Ling. Watch YouTube below.

During our 3D2N trip in Ipoh, Qing Xin Ling was one of the 10 places we visited in 1 day. Watch YouTube below.

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GoChin Tambun Pomelo Agro Farm in Ipoh

Looking for some activities to do outside of Ipoh town? Why not visit a Pomelo farm in Tambun? There’s GoChin Tambun Pomelo Agro Farm. 

How to get there

Address: 158258A, Jalan Ampang Tambun, 31400, Ipoh, Perak Tambun, 31400 Ipoh, Perak

Operating hours:

Monday
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

As it’s outside of town, it is recommended to drive, Grab, or hire a van service. Since there were 15 of us in a group, we went in a hired van.

Continuing our journey for the day, it was a 20 minutes ride from Restoran Choong Kee “Pokok Besar” to GoChin Tambun Pomelo Agro Farm. Scroll below to watch a YouTube Short about how we visited 10 places in a day in Ipoh (with this pomelo farm included).

GoChin Tambun Pomelo Agro Farm

At the front of the farm is the shop selling pomelos and fruits. You’ll notice the entrance to the shop and farm with the GBBS Gerai Buah Buahan Segar signboard.

Entrance to the farm is free. You can just walk-in and do a self-tour of the farm. The paths in the farm are properly routed and easy to follow. 

Pomelos can be are easily spotted on trees. Towards the end of the farm, you can also see some guavas growing.

You can buy some pomelos from the shop to eat at home or at the shop itself. We bought 1 pomelo and shared among ourselves.

Watch YouTube below to explore the pomelo farm.

YouTube

During our 3D2N trip in Ipoh, GoChin Tambun Pomelo Agro Farm was one of the 10 places we visited in 1 day. Watch YouTube Short below.

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Funtasy House Trick Art in Ipoh

Question: “So, what did you do for your holidays in Ipoh?” Answer: “Eat.”

Besides eating and on a food-only trip, there are also other (fun) things to do in Ipoh. You can take photos with the murals at the Mural Art’s Lane, visit temples, explore Kellie’s Castle, tour museums, etc.

For some fun, family activity, there’s Funtasy House Trick Art. It is an attraction featuring more than 20 illusionistic rooms and artworks for trick photo sessions. 

How to get there

Address: 16, Jalan Market, 30000 Ipoh, Perak

Operating hours:

Monday
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Getting around Ipoh is fairly simple; either you take the bus, take a taxi, Grab, or walk. If you’re driving, there are lots of parking lots nearby to park your cars. Even though the parking lots are nearby, you may have to walk a fair distance to the location. 

After breakfast at Ming Court, the van chauffeured us to Funtasy House. Hence, we’re back at the Concubine Lane area.

Funtasy House Trick Art

As the name goes, it is a mix of fun and fantasy. The arts play a trick on the camera lenses. 

This modern art museum is not hard to miss with it’s colorful pink, blue, and green colored sign.

It is a ticketed entry, hence you’ve to pay to enter. Tickets cost RM15 per person for Malaysian adults between 13 to 59 years old. Then, for Malaysian senior citizens, aged 60 and above, are charged RM10 per entry.

It’s a fun place to be with family and friends. 

There’s food-related, cultural, sci-fi, and fantasy-themed wall illusions. On the floor, there are markings telling you where to stand exactly and to snap the photos. On the walls, are sample photos of how the illusions will look like on camera.

YouTube

During our 3D2N trip in Ipoh, Funtasy House was one of the 10 places we visited in 1 day. Watch YouTube Short below.

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Mural Art’s Lane in Ipoh

Like Penang, one of Ipoh’s attractions is the Mural Art’s Lane. See Penang Street Art: Murals and Sculptures.

Besides eating only after eating (eventually), take a walk through this lane and explore a part of Ipoh.

How to get there

Getting around Ipoh is fairly simple; either you take the bus, take a taxi, Grab, drive, or walk. If you’re driving, there are lots of parking spaces around. 

Continuing our journey for the day, we walked from Plan B to the Mural Art’s Lane. We crossed the Jalan Sultan Iskandar Bridge over the Kinta River to get to the other side of town.

Mural Art’s Lane

The paintings were painted on old, heritage buildings. The paintings highlight the many cultures and life of Malaysia: lion dance, children skipping rope, family art, etc.

The Mural Art’s Lane is located at the back lane between Jalan Sultan Iskandar and Jalan Masjid. Search “Mural Art’s Lane” on Google Maps or use Masjid Panglima Kinta as the landmark. 

Murals can also be found around Jalan Market that area.

YouTube

During our 3D2N trip in Ipoh, Mural Art’s Lane was one of the 7 places we visited in 1 day. Watch YouTube Shorts below.

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Concubine Lane in Ipoh

After buying more than one Lou Poh Pheng (Wife’s Biscuit) from Sin Weng Fai Peanut Candy Shop, ended up at Concubine Lane in Ipoh.

Anyway, Concubine Lane is a notable street (at least according to Google Maps) – not to be missed in Ipoh.

How to get there

Getting around Ipoh is fairly simple; either you take the bus, take a taxi, Grab, or walk.

We walked from Taman Jubilee to Concubine Lane that side. We crossed the Jalan Sultan Iskandar Bridge over the Kinta River to get to the other side of town.

Concubine Lane

This is a narrow lane of at most 100 meters with both sides having shops. There are a few eateries, craft works shops, souvenir shops, and stalls selling all sorts of things in this narrow lane.

Historically, Concubine Lane was popularly known as “The Second Wife Lane” or in Chinese as Yee Lai Hong or in English as “The Mistress Lane” which existed since 1908. This area of shop houses was a centre for opium smokers, gamblers and prostitutes owned by tycoons or millionaire miners around Ipoh. The lanes were later renamed with various names such as Err Nai Xiang (Concubine Lane), Da Nai Xiang (Wife Lane) and San Nai Xiang (Market Lane). Believed by many, it can be said that this place was home to concubines and mistresses of Chinese tycoons. Present day, it has a variety of food outlets, gifts and souvenir shops

YouTube

During our 3D2N trip in Ipoh, Concubine Lane was one of the 7 places we visited in 1 day. Watch YouTube Short below.

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Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection

Experience Kuala Lumpur’s energy and rich culture at Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection. 

Also known as STRIPES, it is located in the heart of the Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia’s business district. Stay right in Kuala Lumpur’s business and social hub, near some of the city’s top restaurants, art galleries, shops and legendary landmarks. It is also near to the Stesen Monorel Medan Tuanku, Dang Wangi LRT Station on the Kelana Jaya line, and Bukit Nanas Monorail Station.

KL Tower is 2.3 km from Hotel Stripes. It is also 2.9 km to Petronas Twin Towers and Suria KLCC, while Aquaria KLCC is 2.6 km from the hotel. Kuala Lumpur International Airport is 68.3 km away.

Booking.com

Accommodations

Stylish urban accommodations in Kuala Lumpur for individual, family, or group stays:

  • Stripes Suite : 1 Bedroom Suite, 1 King, Sofa bed
  • Executive Studio : Larger Studio, 1 King, Sofa bed
  • Studio : Studio, 1 King, Sofa bed
  • Executive Deluxe Room : Guest room, 1 King, Sofa bed
  • Deluxe Twin : Guest room, 2 Twin/Single Bed(s)
  • Deluxe King : Guest room, 1 King
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Dining @ Brasserie 25

Enjoy food and drinks offered at Hotel Stripes.

Brasserie 25 exudes a rustic charm. With its red brick arcades, mid-century copper sputnik chandeliers and dark wood floors, this restaurant and bar located on level 1 provides a dramatic yet relaxed vibe.

Throwback to 2018, when we had afternoon tea with cakes, macaroons, and tarts at Brasserie 25.

Then, back again in 2020, when we had a Bao-Tea-Ful (meal) at Brasserie 25.

“All it takes to fall in love is a single bite of our bao, made fresh and stuffed with only the best ingredients.”

The baos had different fillings, from lamb rendang to roast duck to salted egg butter prawn to braised beef brisket to with ice cream.

You can choose the bao to go with cendol, bubur cha cha, or red bean soup.

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Seaside Staycation at Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort

Honeymoon? Anniversary? Family staycation not too far from Kuala Lumpur City Center? Located along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and Sepang’s 22 kilometer shore is a secluded tropical hideaway – Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort.

Located 90 minutes from the cosmopolitan buzz of Kuala Lumpur city, and only 40 minutes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort is easily accessible and hassle-free.

Settle into the perfect beachside staycation with gorgeous sunset and celebrate in style with your special someone and enjoy VIP treatment with perks to set the mood.

Booking.com

Photos shared are throwback to my 2016 holiday in Avani (short for Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort).

Avani

Avani has a mainland beachfront setting with lush gardens and a palm structure built on stilts which extends over warm shallow waters. The overwater palm features 315 contemporary Polynesian-inspired guest rooms and villas, all with a sea view.

We were welcomed by the Avani-hut building. From the balcony of the main building, you’ve an overview of the resort and the branch straight down.

The resort’s over water palm features 315 rooms and one, two and three bedroom villas for couples, families and friends. Well designed space with essential comforts ease you into a totally relaxing stay. Fresh and contemporary, warm natural tones are splashed with colorful artwork, cushions, throws and flowers. Sleep well in a comfy bed. Drink in views of open water and stunning sunsets from your private balcony or terrace. 

Click image to book a room at Avani
Booking.com

Two-Bedroom Villa

Travelling as a family, we stayed in the two-bedroom villa. The villa was located on a palm. The villa can accommodate 5 adults or 3 adults with 2 children or 2 adults and 3 children.

The master bedroom had a king size bed, walk-in wardrobe, and LCD television. The master bathroom had marble flooring with sunken bathtub and a separate shower.

Click here to book a two-bedroom villa

The second bedroom had twin beds.

There was an extra “room” which had a sofa bed and could be used as a work or study room.

The lounge area was spacious with an LCD television in the lounge. In addition to the television, the villa also had high-speed internet access, individually controlled air conditioning, ceiling fans, mini fridge, and a personal safe.

Click image to book a room

The villa had a large private terrace with panoramic sea view. 

click here to book a room and enjoy a sunset view

Sepoi-Sepoi

For dinner, we tasted authentic dishes and chilled at Sepoi-Sepoi.

Bila-Bila

Next day’s breakfast was a breakfast buffet at Bila-Bila. It is located at the Club House, directly ahead upon the Avani entrance.

Meaning ‘anytime’ in Malay, Bila-Bila is open from early to late with a range to suit every appetite. Dining room or open deck, local or international, buffet or à la carte. Anything goes at Bila-bila. If only all Sepang restaurants were this relaxed.

Bila-Bila overlooked the infinity pool and the sea.

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These 5 Unique Bookstores in Malaysia Bring You to New Worlds!

library photo

Looking for some quiet time, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life? Check out these 5 unique bookstores in Malaysia that you absolutely must visit!

1. Tsutaya Books

Image source: @bukitjalil.tsutayabooks

Location: Level 2 Orange Zone, Pavilion Bukit Jalil, Persiaran Jalil Utama, Bandar Bukit Jalil, 57000 KL

Operating hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm

Tsutaya Books is one of Japan’s best and most beautiful bookstores, and it opened its doors to the Southeast Asian market, with Malaysia as its first destination.

Located in Pavilion Bukit Jalil, it houses an extensive range of books, a cafe, specialized merchandise, curated gifts, fine writing stationery and more – to put it simply, it’s a book lover’s wonderland. Head over to Tsutaya and sign up for an enlightening experience.

2. Lit Books

Image source: @mylitbooks

Location: P-1-11 Tropicana Avenue, 12, Persiaran Tropicana, 47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 1pm – 7pm

Owned by a Malaysian couple who are ex-journalists, Lit Books is an indie bookstore in Petaling Jaya that aims to instill love for reading in both adults and children with their carefully curated collection of books and cute merchandise that you can add to your cart.

Specializing in English literary titles, this bookstore boasts fiction and non-fiction books, classics, new releases and contemporary reads for all ages. The bookstore also has its own cafe, allowing you to browse or relax to your heart’s content.

3. Silverfish Books

Image source: @silverfishbooks

Location: 63, Lorong Maarof, Bangsar, 59000 KL (Bangsar Village II)

Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 10am – 7pm

This bookstore is home to a variety of Malay and Indonesian novels, with a collection of fiction and non-fiction books written by local authors.

With rave reviews from visitors, this is your go-to place to find hidden gems – rummage through their bargain bin or the antique bookshelf in the back of the shop, and you might find something worth keeping.

4. BookXcess Pudu Jail @ Lalaport

Image source: @bookxcess

Location: L1-13A & 13B, Level 1, Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur

Operating hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm

Bookxcess’ latest store opened its doors at Lalaport Bukit Bintang, with a unique twist. Inspired by the former Pudu Jail, this bookstore repurposes elements of the penitentiary with an unconventionally eerie touch.

As you enter the bookstore, you will be greeted by an eccentric arch made out of repurposed materials from the former Pudu Jail, as well as a large collection of discounted books in many different categories, allowing you to save on your new reads with prices slashes ranging from 50% to 80% off year-round, plus free shipping with a minimum spend of RM59.90 if you buy from their website.

5. The Ink Library Cafe

Image source: @inklibrarycafe

Location: EcoWorld Gallery@Eco Grandeur, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor

Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11am – 10pm

Last but not least (and let us cheat here), the Ink Library Cafe is more of a book cafe. Either way, this sanctuary for book lovers boasts ceiling-high bookshelves and a gorgeous interior, with its iconic bicycle welcoming you as you enter.

Located in EcoWorld Gallery @ Eco Grandeur, this container cafe carries indie magazines from the US and UK, a selection of fiction and coffee-table books in English, Chinese and Malay. Albeit the drive out from the city centre, enjoying a cup of coffee or a taste of their delicious dishes while admiring the sunset view makes it a trip worth your time.

Originally published on IQI Global.

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