Reconnect: Journey To The East Coast

I’d planned to visit Dabong and decided September 2025 would be a good time to do it before the monsoon season. Of course I had to get school hols out of the way first. I bumped into an old colleague at a wedding in early August and when I learnt she was based on KB, asked if she’d been to Dabong. She said no and wanted to join me. I told her I would come on 22 September and we agreed two nights in Dabong would be sufficient. Next I got in touch with a couple of lodgings in Dabong to sort out our accommodation.

I’d also asked another colleague who was sending her son for his diploma in end-September if I could get a ride back with her. Subsequently she informed she’d be leaving a day earlier so I browsed for flight tickets and as luck would have it, Firefly was having a promotion. As I was not going to get a ride after all, I decided to stay in the city instead of in Batu Buruk and paid for a bed for two nights.

The bus from TBS to Kuala Krai was so late (by 90 minutes!!!) that we eventually departed at 00:45 on 22 September instead of 23:15 on 21 September. We arrived at Gua Musang R&R at 04:30 and stopped for 30 minutes. I had initially considered taking the bus to Gua Musang and continuing on to Dabong by train but the R&R is outside town and I would have to find my way into town and the train station. Kuala Krai looked to be doable so I bought my ticket to Kuala Krai instead. After thirty minutes, we continued on.  I’d dozed off and woke up just before we entered Kuala Krai. I was the sole passenger to get off and I quickly made my way to the nearest mosque to perform morning prayers. I stayed at the mosque until 08:00 and a few of the female congregators came up to say hi to me. Very friendly folks! They all seemed surprised that I was travelling alone but I told them I was meeting a mate in Dabong.

I left the mosque and went to find breakfast. The theme over there and indeed in the East Coast is rice, rice and more rice even in the morning. Some people actually eat rice with dishes that early in the morning. I can manage nasi lemak and fried rice but that’s about it although I could make some exception when I’m travelling. I bought nasi lemak and had it at another restaurant where I ordered a hot drink. After breakfast, I walked on and when I came onto the Mini Zoo, decided to stop and have a look.

There were some works at the main entrance and I was told to walk up to the other entrance. After paying RM10 for the ticket, I walked up. There were quite a number of animals there and all looked healthy and thriving. I was the sole visitor there but then again, this was on a Monday morning right after school hols. I spent an enjoyable 70 minutes there before continuing on my way. I would highly recommend the mini zoo. I walked on to the train station, detouring briefly to Tangga Krai and a supermarket and pharmacy to buy some bread and mineral water. The train to Dabong was late by 23 minutes and I dozed off briefly during the journey. We had to pass through a few tunnels before reaching Dabong.

My colleague, N, was already waiting for me and we drove to Rose House where we would stay for two nights. After prayers, we drove to Lata Kertas 20 km away. Apart from three men who pulled up to take some photos before leaving, we were the only visitors there. We spent 20 minutes there before driving on to Gunung Stong viewpoint.

Dinner was had at the local market where an eatery was still operating. I must say it was a delicious and satisfying meal. Alhamdulillah. It rained shortly after we reached the guesthouse and it continued on until early evening.

On Tuesday, we went topping find breakfast. N had nasi ke Rabu and I decided to have the same. We returned to our room before leaving for the Cave Complex. A guide by the name of Midi came at 10:10 and brought us into the caves across from the car park. We started off with Gua Gelap so named because it was dark inside (aren’t most caves supposed to be dark though) where we had to first climb then squeeze ourselves between the narrow crevice before crawling through a small opening. This necessitated getting ourselves a bit wet and I do not like getting myself wet unnecessarily and so soon after starting our trek. But needs must so I pushed on. After some twenty minutes, we emerged from the cave and climbed up a hill and walk through a forest to reach the second cave, Gua Keris, so named because of a keris-like formation in it. Then it was on to the third cave, Gua Pagar, where there were a few intriguing formations in the cave which include the stalactites and stalagmites: sea fossils in the cave, seaweed fossil, a small crocodile-like formation, a being on a throne, gigantic shoes… we were waiting for the sunlight to penetrate through a hole in the cave ceiling which takes place between 11:00 to 11:15.

After that, we made our way out of the cave and down. This was when N’s right shoe sold decided to peel off. She soldiered on until we left the caves. After patching up her shoe and thanking Midi, we went to explore Gua Ikan. You don’t need a guide for this cave and it’s nowhere as dark as the other caves but there are bats in there.

We left and went to look for prawn noodles for lunch but alas, the two stalls selling prawn noodles were closed. So we drove back into town and had mee celik instead. Then we returned to our room to rest. Dinner was had at a restaurant very near to the guesthouse. We both had soup or bone broth as some may call it.

On Wednesday, we checked out at around 10:00 and drove towards Wakaf Bharu, stopping en route at Lata Renyuk. We had the place all to ourselves and what a lovely place it was too. All that nature had me feeling famished, so we drove to a nearby restaurant and had prawn noodles for lunch. While waiting, we shared some laksam. Honestly, no one would go hungry or starve in Malaysia as long as you can pay for your meal. After that early lunch, we drove on to Wakaf Bharu, reaching Halo Rooms Hotel just after 14:00. I checked in (there’s a RM50 deposit) and rested.

I’d managed to track down my good mate whom I’d lost contact since we finished our O-Levels equivalent and she agreed to meet. So I waited for her while reading my book (even finished it!). She messaged saying she was running late ans she had to attend a meeting on behalf of the headmaster. She finally arrived after Maghrib and we went out to find dinner and catch up. It was so great to finally meet her again after all this time. Alas, she couldn’t sleep over as her brother was coming to meet her and family so we had to say goodbye at 22:00.

On Thursday morning, I checked out at 07:05 and walked to the bus stop across from Wakaf Bharu school. I waited about ten minutes before the bus came (I was ready to leave if the bus didn’t turn up by 07:25). The fare was only RM1.30 and change was given. I asked the driver to drop me off after the bridge where I could then walk to the bus terminal. I had some forgettable fried rice for breakfast at the bus terminal food court.

The bus arrived at 08:20 and left at 08:33. I was quite impressed. We reached MBKT Bus Termjnal at 12:05 and I waited for my colleague to come. We then drove to a halal Vietnamese restaurant in Kampung Cina and I had dumpling soup for lunch. After lunch, she dropped me off at the hotel and I sat until it was 14:00 and time to check in. I went out for a walk to nearby Pasar Payang in the late afternoon (after getting some keropok lekor from a shop a few doors away from the hotel) and walked up to Pesisir Payang before turning back. Then I went to check Uptown Pulau Warisan and bought a small plastic container of forgettable coconut shake before returning to the hotel.

On Friday, I walked to find nasi dagang but the restaurant was closed so I turned back to the old Pasar Payang and had nasi air for breakfast. After checking that the water boats were not operating today, I then spent a few hours browsing in the new market and without planning to, bought two long maxi dresses. I returned to the hotel to perform prayers and rest before venturing out for dinner. The rain started then and before long turned torrential so I turned back to the nearest mamak and had a forgettable plate of fried kuay teow.

On Saturday, I went out to have breakfast at the old Pasar Payang and had nasi dagang with some keropok lekor this time. Then I went to the jetty and bought ticket for the water taxi. We left at 09:35. The ride lasted 45 minutes and honestly, I didn’t really find it exciting. So that was a waste of RM30. I walked back to the hotel and read my book.

I checked out at noon and had lunch at the halal Vietnamese restaurant. After lunch, I arranged for Grab to the airport. I had deaf lady driver for a change. We reached the airport at 13:30 and I went to perform prayers.  The 15:10 flight took off at 15:00 and we landed at 15:50. Just like the Firefly flight from Senai, we landed again on the tarmac so yeah that meant having to take a bus to the terminal. At least this time the door didn’t take that long to open. Again, we had to take the bus to the terminal. I managed to catch the 16:22 train.

So that was my week-long trip to the East Coast. I can now tick Dabong off my bucket list. And InsyaAllah, I’ll be back in either KB or KT again though maybe not so soon.

Reconnect: Journey To The South

I’ve decided that September 2025 would be a month of exploring local destinations and reconnecting - with relatives, colleagues and old friends. As it turned out, I received four wedding invitations this month and went to three of them to reconnect with old friends and colleagues.

I’d also decided for some months  to pay my aunt a visit. After looking at the calendar and the wedding invites and taking into account the school holidays, 8 September 2025 looked to be a good date to make my way down south. I didn’t call my aunt beforehand to let her know as I wanted to surprise her.

So I boarded the bus to Larkin Sentral and the bus left at 09:32, only a couple of minutes after schedule! I was quite impressed. We stopped somewhere to use the facilities before continuing on. We reached Larkin Sentral at 13:50 and I was lucky to catch the T10 bus to Pasar Pandan (yes, there’s Pandan in Johor too!) where I changed buses for T20. Must say I was impressed that we could use bank cards to pay fares on the local buses.

It rained along the way to Larkin along some stretches of the highway and it started raining again just as we were approaching Plentong. I stayed at the bus stop waiting out the rain and made my way to my aunt’s when it petered off. I didn’t call her ahead as I wanted to surprise her.

When I arrived, an unfamiliar elderly woman was there and I asked if that was my aunt’s house as I was confused. She said yes, and I entered, giving salam. My aunt just woke up for her afternoon nap and she was a but disoriented until she saw it was me. We hugged each other and she demanded to know why I didn’t call her to inform I was coming before catching herself and remembering that her house phone was actually out of order. Oh and the elderly woman was my cousin’s sister-in-law who’d been staying there for a few months.

She quickly busied herself and it wasn't long before I was at the kitchen table, having a cuppa and eating some cakes. She then served me curry noodles that she happened to have. We caught up as best as we could before I performed prayers. After Asar prayers, an elderly neighbour dropped by. She didn’t stay long though.

Later in the afternoon, I went up a small hill and discovered a path. I followed the path before turning back and going up the other way before returning back to my aunt’s. In my absence, my aunt rang her son and daughter and have them come over at night to meet me.

I had booked a room at a budget guesthouse reasoning that if I felt uncomfortable, I would leave the following day. Well, my cousin’s SIL was starting to bother me. She didn’t help my aunt unless asked, she was glued to the TV, she didn’t chip in with the groceries or pay the utility bills and she even wore my aunt’s clothes! I know it’s not my house but I was bothered by this lazy woman. She acted like a VIP guest, my poor aunt did most things, and she would also do something when asked like boiling water and making drinks.

On Tuesday, the elderly neighbour who came the previous afternoon came. My aunt invited her to have breakfast. After breakfast, she joined the lazybones in the living room and next thing I knew, both were dozing away with the TV blaring and the fan on. She must be so familiar with my aunt, she must’ve done this for some time to be comfortable doing so and yet I found it disgusting and disturbing. It looked like a few people are taking my aunt’s generosity and hospitality for granted. I mentioned this to her and she said she liked it when guests dropped by. Yes, sure, but neighbours who drop by almost daily for free meals? Oh and guess what? The elderly neighbour stayed until lunch! Yes, come for one free meal and get another. What a great deal! And she came empty handed. No sense of shame at all!

I’d told my aunt that I needed to leave around noon so we had lunch at 12:30 before performing prayers. My cousin came to send me off despite my protests. Anyway, the rain that started in mid-morning showed no sign of petering off. We made good time despite the lunchtime traffic and rain and arrived in downtown just before 14:00. I then walked to my guesthouse about 25 minutes away. I didn’t let my cousin drop me at the guesthouse for specific reasons.

I arrived at Memory Guesthouse at 14:40 and checked in. After some brief information, I was shown to my room. I waited out the rain before venturing out. Dinner was had at a newly opened restaurant near Pasar Karat. I had mee bandung served in claypot and it was pretty good. I asked what the operating hours were and was told the restaurant opens at 09:00.  Not being in the mood to shop or browse, I turned and walked back to the guesthouse.

On Wednesday, I went out to have breakfast at Raden Cafe nearby. I checked out of the guesthouse at 11:45 and walked to downtown to meet a colleague. To my annoyance, the restaurant where I had dinner and asked twice if it would open today from breakfast was closed. So we had our lunch at another restaurant which to me cost higher than in KL

After lunch, we parted ways and I went to perform prayers at a nearby prayer room built by the city hall.  After prayers, I hurried to City Square to find shelter as it was starting to rain. And boy, did it rain! The mall was crowded by shoppers, travellers and those seeking shelter from the rain. I crossed over to JB Sentral and waited for my 17:00 bus to Senai Airport. My flight had been retimed from 18:40 to 19:20 and it was either kill time in the city or at the airport.

The bus took 55 minutes to reach Senai Airport. My retimed flight arrived only just before 19:00 so we only landed at KLIA at 20:20. And when it did, it took so dang long before the door was opened and we had to take the bus to the terminal. Which all meant that I missed the 20:52 train.

I reached home well after 23:00 in the rain.

High Five At PLR

I was dithering whether to head to the East Coast or stick to the West Coast with my nephew and nieces this year then decided it’s too far to drive to East Coast. I also decided to include their parents (my sister and BIL along). Booking was made - and changed twice because I booked the wrong dates and then niece told me she couldn’t make it to the September dates. Told my sister I included her but didn’t share the destination and told her not to share it with the kids.

Saturday, 16 August 2025

I made my way to sister’s place in the morning. Informed the kids that their parents were also joining the trip and they were overjoyed. We left in two cars. Nephew, niece and I stopped to find a swimming cap for myself before we navigated ourselves out of the city. Saturday mid-morning traffic was heavy as usual. We stopped en route for lunch before continuing on. We arrived at the agreed rendezvous place at 15:10 and waited for the homestay owner to hand over the key and access cards.

In the early evening, we went out to Teluk Senangin. There didn’t seem to be many cars heading there so I was surprised to find many people at the beach. They must’ve either arrived much earlier or were staying there. We stayed for the sunset before driving back. We stopped for dinner before returning to the apartment.

Sunday, 17 August 2025

We drove to the Lumut waterfront at 07:10 and walked along the waterfront. I was dismayed when I saw the litter and did my usual litter-picking. We stayed for over an hour before heading back, stopping for breakfast at a roadside Warung for breakfast. We checked out just after 11:00 and drove to Marina Island. We arrived just ahead of another group of six guests. After checking in and discussing the allocated rooms, and ensuring the bags were all tagged, we sat to wait for the 12:00 boat. We left around 12:10. The sea was a bit rough, a bit surprising when the weather was calm and the day clear.

We arrived about 15 minutes later but sister and family took some time to admire the scenery. We finally made our way to the reception and we had our briefing at the library. We headed for lunch then to the Games Room before returning to the reception to get our keys. Another staff came to show us to our rooms. I had requested for adjoining rooms. We were allocated one lower unit with an upper unit above it and another lower unit at the neighbouring building.

In the late afternoon, we took the resort shuttle to Emerald Bay for a swim. Must say I was surprised at the crowded beach. This was my fifth visit to the resort and the first time the beach was that crowded. The waves were quite high. It was a bit overcast so not much chance of a sunset. Anyway, we let at 18:30 as the kids wanted to go to the pool.

We went for dinner at 20:05. Dinner was semi-buffet, which was new. No complaints as we were still feeling full and as it turned out, could barely finish our dinner. We returned to the Games Room after dinner but I left early to rest.

Monday, 18 August 2025

I went for a morning walk at 07:00 and walked all the way to the Spa Villa. There was a section where the hornbills seemed to congregate and I didn’t realise they could be quite noisy. Nothing bothersome though. I hurried back as it suddenly looked like it was going to rain and just about made it to my room when the skies opened. I took the brolly in the room then went to join my niece and nephew in the gym. We then went for breakfast.

I returned to the room after 10:20 and had a shower. I stayed in reading a book I borrowed from the library. We left for lunch after prayers. We took the shuttle to Chapman’s for lunch.  After lunch, we rested by the beach. I made progress on my novel. We returned to the pool and I went back to the room to continue my reading. I did had a soak in the bath tub.

Dinner tonight was at Uncle Lim’s. We were still full so we only ate the dishes and only my niece had some rice. After dinner, we went to the karaoke room. Unfortunately, there was some problem with the karaoke system and some songs couldn’t be downloaded.

I returned to the room and started packing before hitting the sack.

Tuesday, 19 August 2025

I finished packing and left my bags outside the room before going for breakfast. Sister, BIL and nephew went for morning walk and went for breakfast direct from their walk. We checked out and this time, had to pay some room service charge. Our boat was at 10:30 and we were waiting to board by 10:25. Nephew’s bag was picked up late because he left the room late so we took the second boat - a relief because we were spared sharing the boat with the rude guests from mainland China on the first the boat.

The staff who met and briefed us when we arrived was on the same boat so we spent time chatting with him. We left Marina Island at 11:15 and I was back home by 14:30. And just like that, the long-awaited trip was done.

I had holiday withdrawal for a couple of days. This was possibly my last trip to Pangkor Laut Resort. Well, I’ve had the opportunity and rezeki to visit it five times now, Syukur Alhamdulillah. I will miss visiting it. Still, never say never, eh.

Return To Danang

I had planned to use my last Flypass to visit Da Nang (or Danang) and started booking Ba Na Hills and My Son tickets and accommodation. I actually booked the trip for October then changed it to early August when I read that October could be a wet month. I’d been to Danang before (15 years ago come September!) and made side trips to Hoi An and Hue on that trip so I was not going to visit those towns again.

Tuesday, 5 August 2025

I left home at 05:43 and made my way to the airport, stopping en route to perform morning prayers. My flight was due to depart at 08:35 so I planned to reach KLIA T1  before 07:45. I had already checked in online and wasn’t planning to check in my bag so this was no problem. We took off on time and landed at 10:15. Another flight had landed before us so there was quite a queue at immigration.

After clearing immigration, I emerged into the hot Danang morning. I looked for the bus stop first but saw from the board that the bus was not going to Ba Na Hills. Decided to sell off all my Thai Baht to Dong; the first moneychanger didn’t accept the old Thai notes but the moneychanger next door accepted my combination of old and new Bahts. I also asked where I could take the bus to Ba Na Hills and the lady directed me to the domestic airport just 150 metres away.

Alas, the service to Ba Na Hills was temporarily suspended. A Grab driver approached me and offered to take me there. I stopped to check the fare on Grab fare and after discussing, I went with him. I could take a shared bus to Ba Na Hills at a lower price but it would have to be another day as the bus departs from certain pick-up in the city at 08:30 or 10:00.

We arrived at Ba Na Hills 45 minutes later, the driver drove sedately throughout. No one sped over there. We agreed to meet at 16:30.

I hopped on the bus from the car park to the base of the cable car station and walked up to the station. I shared the gondola with a family from Korea. The ride up took 30 minutes, almost as long as the drive from the airport!

I guess I shouldn't be but I was surprised when I saw the crowds after emerging from the cable car station. I was hoping for a smaller crowd, it being a week day and all but I didn’t factor in the summer crowd. I made my way to the cable car station for the Golden Bridge. This was a much shorter ride. Again, I was greeted with a big crowd at the Golden Bridge even at that time of the day when the sun was beating down. I spent about 25 minutes there before taking the cable car back. After walking around, I headed for Bharat for halal buffet lunch (I included the lunch in my ticket).

After lunch, I messaged Khanh, the Grab driver, to request meeting at 16:00 instead. We had to wait before we were allowed to into the cable car station. Again, I shared the ride with a Korean family. This time, the ride took about 21 minutes. I then hurried down to take the shuttle bus to the car park where I waited for Khanh.

We reached Tam’s Homestay at 16:50 and I checked in. This being Vietnam, you’d be lucky if you have an elevator or lift in your building. I climbed up to my room on the third floor and performed prayers.

After evening prayers, I walked out to find the bus stop from where I would depart for My Son. The Google Maps actually showed alleys which I should take. Not to worry, it’s pretty safe in Vietnam even after dark. I was still felling full from the lunch buffet so I didn’t have dinner. It was a warm evening with hardly any breeze even when I walked along the river. I came back at around 21:00 and rested. There are roadworks around the are I was staying which made me glad that I was wearing covered shoes.

Walked 22,400 steps or 15.8 km today.

Wednesday, 6 August 2025

Woke up early because fajar was early in that part of the world. After my shower and breakfast, I walked Arte Cafe to meet the shuttle bus. I asked the driver if I could sit upfront, he said yes. We went to Rom Coffee shop to meet other passengers. One of the Korean men was late and I was getting annoyed at his tardiness.

We reached My Son at 09:15. I didn’t know I had to exchange my Klook voucher for a physical ticket so I had to turn back to the ticket office but thankfully there was no queue. I joined the other visitors and we walked in past the museum and across the bridge then took a shuttle in. We then had to walk about ten minutes to the temples. There was a performance starting at 09:45 but I decided to explore the temple sites first and only stop for the performance and AC relief after. As it turned out, I arrived for the next performance about ten minutes late (it started at 10:30) but no matter, I just wanted to seek refuge from the sun.

I walked back to the hut to take the shuttle and then stopped at My Son Museum.

We left at 12:00 noon. I dozed off and was surprised when we reached Hoi An an hour later as I didn’t expect the shuttle to make a stop there. Everyone except for me went down and new passengers joined us. We reached Danang 45 minutes later and I walked back to my room.

I went out again at 15:15 and made my way to Bliss Spa for a massage. I paid for the session on Klook when I bought Ba Na Hills and My Son tickets.

After the session, I walked to find a bag shop but couldn’t find it. I then went to Han Market but left empty handed. I returned to my room, stopping en route at Thuc Don Vegetarian Restaurant for dinner. The woman who attends to me was gruff and bordering on rude.

Walked 16,200 steps or  11.1 km today.

Thursday, 7 August 2025

After breakfast this morning, I walked to Con Market about ten minutes away from the homestay. I didn’t buy anything and was just content to soak in the atmosphere. After that, I walked all the way to the seafront. Not where the tourists are but Danang Bay. It was deserted. I spent about thirty minutes there before turning back. I stopped to buy some drink from a street seller and she had her husband out to help translate. Turned out the husband worked in Johor for three years previously (but didn’t have good command of BM, unlike the Bangladeshis or Pakistanis). I stopped at Vinh Trung Plaza and browsed the hypermarket there before returning to my room, stopping en route at Bo De, a vegetarian restaurant very near the homestay, for lunch.

I had planned to stay in this afternoon and of course there would have to be a power outage. It lasted for almost four hours and make for an uncomfortable stay. I could venture out again but wasn’t sure whether it’d be hotter in the room or outside. It actually rained after the power was restored and I only saw the message from the homestay advising of the power outage after the event.

After dinner at another nearby vegetarian restaurant, I ventured out to the Dragon Bridge. I don’t like crossing rivers and walking on bridges but at least it was night and I tried my best not to look down. I couldn’t find the night market as stated in Google Maps and that was probably for the best. I crossed back and headed back to my room.

Walked 20,500 steps or 14.4 km today.

Friday, 8 August 2025

This morning, I walked out to Han Market, stopping en route at a stall selling Banh Mi Chay (vegetarian bun). I bought some dried strawberries and dried vegetables at the market before turning back. I then spent time browsing and booking accommodation for an upcoming trip.

I checked out at 12:10 after performing prayers and walked to the airport. It took me 20 minutes, not a hardship at all. I had the vegetarian bun for lunch before queuing for passport control. And my, what a long slow process it was too. Even then, I still managed to browse the duty free shops and even went to check the prayer room. I didn’t come across any local Muslims when I was there (the halal restaurants are too far and mainly serve Indian food) so I appreciate the effort to have dedicated male and female prayer rooms, each with the ablutions area and a shower stall. I then walked quickly to my gate and joined the queue to board the plane.

We took off on time and landed at 18:15. Alhamdulillah. I hope to visit more cities in Vietnam after this, InsyaAllah.

Catching Arsenal In Singapore

I was excited when I heard The Arsenal were coming to Asia, never mind it was to Singers instead of KL. I actually bought the ticket to the friendly match against AC Milan just before going through security check at KLIA T2 when I was flying out to Nairobi. I only bought the bus ticket after coming back from Chiang Mai and as I’d be leaving early in the morning and taking the late evening bus fr Singers, I booked a room at Times Square as I envisaged I’d arrive before dawn like I did on a previous trip.

I left the hotel at 06:37 on 23 July 2025 and had to wait ages for the monorail train to KL Sentral (the bus actually also departed from Times Square but I didn’t notice it when I bought the ticket, duh me). The bus was supposed to depart at 07:15 but it only arrived at 07:45. I was actually embarrassed by the delay as there was a Japanese mother and her young son also taking the same bus.

We stopped at Yong Peng rest area to use the facilities before continuing on. The immigration process on both sides was such a breeze compared to the slow long queues of the past.

We arrived at Oxley Bizhub at 13:25 and I set off for the National Stadium, stopping en route at Masjid Wak Tanjong to perform prayers.

I went to have late lunch/early dinner first at Kallang Wave Mall then sat and read my book before queuing up to enter the stadium. No water bottle allowed but I managed to smuggle a small bottle in my bag and there’s also a water cooler and I filled up my water bottle.

The match begun just after 19:30. I was surprised to find many empty seats, maybe because it was a week night but there were just too many empty seats. And true enough, the announcer announced there were just over 22,000 spectators. What a pathetic number! And the atmosphere was blergh. Whoever at Arsenal who thought up of and arranged this tour should’ve considered KL or even Jakarta. It’d be a full house and the match more lively and atmosphere more electrifying.

The match, being friendly, was frustrating in the first half. Saka scored the only goal early in the second half.  I left right after the match and didn’t wait for the penalty shootout as I wanted to perform prayers at the space in Kallang Wave Mall and if the mall closed at 22:00, I didn’t have much time left.

After prayers, I walked to Lavender MRT station to wait for the bus back to KL. I was informed by some Indonesian girls that they’d received WhatsApp message from the bus operator informing that the bus would be slightly late.

Well, I only received the WhatsApp after 23:00 informing that we’d be picked up by a Transtar bus which would then bring us to The Plaza at Beach Road for us to change to another bus. The Transtar bus arrived at 23:24 and we arrived at The Plaza ten minutes later. I managed to doze off until we reached Tuas.

After crossing over, we had to change bus yet again. This third bus looked very comfortable and brand new. The driver increased the AC temperature so it didn’t feel like we were travelling in a morgue and I even managed to doze off!

Due to the delays and bus changes, we arrived at Times Square at exactly 06:00 (and I actually thought I’d have to stay awake to wait for morning prayers). After prayers, I went back to bed.

So that was my first trip back to Singers after the pandemic. Please, Arsenal, just come to KL or even Jakarta next time.

Birthday Weekend

I decided to utilise my second Malaysia Airlines Flypass and spend my birthday weekend by revisiting Chiang Mai. I’d been to Chiang Mai twice before with Mummy and Abah joined the second trip too. 

Friday, 4 July 2025

I left home early and made my way to KLIA. Was a bit surprised to find the gate was at the satellite building. I’d decided to carry my bag on board and not check it in so I’d packed quite lightly (except for the thick books). We took off on time and landed at 11:45. After asking for directions, I walked to Door 1 to catch the bus to the city. I’d booked hotel within walking distance from Tha Phae Gate. It took about ten minutes on foot to Budget Stars Hotel and I checked in and was able to go up to my room after ten minutes. I had to pay a deposit of THB300.

I ventured out in mid-afternoon and walked down to Changklan Road then walked up to Charoen Prathet 1 Alley and had halal beef noodles for late lunch.  Then I walked up to Ton Lam Yai Market but it was closed and deserted at that time of day. It started raining shortly after so I sought shelter outside some shops along Tha Phae Road. Thankfully the rain didn’t last long and soon I was strolling down Changklan Road and browsing the stalls that had already been set up. I stopped by a vegan stall at Pha Ploen Market and bought pomelo salad for dinner before returning to my hotel.

Saturday, 5 July 2025

I ventured out at about 10:00 and walked to Ping River. It didn’t impress me much so I turned and walked up Charoen Prathet Road. I came across a restaurant selling fish soup noodles and after checking out my options, had a bowl of fish noodles as my mid-morning meal.

I walked up to Ton Lam Yai Market and browsed the stalls. I found myself buying some dry snacks. There were some fruit sellers outside the market and I ended up buying a kg of mangosteens. I saw lychees too but buying another kg of fruits would be too heavy for me. I then crossed over to Warorot Market and after circling around the market, I bought some pouches as souvenirs. I returned to Charoen Prathet 1 Alley and had khao soi for lunch. On the way back to the hotel, I stopped by a jewellery shop and browsed. Oh dear. And I wasn’t planning to shop!

I ventured out in the afternoon in the drizzle (I borrowed the hotel’s umbrella) and walked to Mae Kha Canal. I then walked along the canal up to where it meets Suriyawong Alley. Then I walked up to Wua Lai Walking Street Saturday Market. I didn’t stay long - by now, the street markets had all started to look similar, selling the same boring things (souvenirs, t-shirts, ceramic things, clothes, repeat, repeat, repeat). I walked to Pha Ploen Market and bought some green noodles from the vegan stall, but not before stopping at the jewellery store and buying a baroque pearl necklace. We'll figure out when we’ll wear it later.

Sunday, 6 July 2025

This morning, I ventured to Charoen Prathet 1 Alley. I wanted to have some wanton noodles, alas, I wasn’t in luck. Upon recommendation, I had pa pa soi instead. After that, I walked along Tha Phae Road to Wat Chiang Man. I spent about twenty minutes there before I walked down to Three Kings Monument, which as the name suggests depicts the purported three founding kings of Chiang Mai. I then walked down to Wat Chediluang Varaviharn but I didn’t go in. Instead, I walked down Rachadamnoen Road on my way to Tha Phae Gate.

I literally stopped in my tracks when I spotted Prang Crocodile Leather shop. I found myself going in and I proceeded to spend at least thirty minutes there (and I wasn’t supposed to shop!!!). I found out that crocodile belly skin is the most expensive part of the whole crocodile. I left with a small pouch case (similar to LV key pouch). Aiyaiyaiyai! Oh, I was told there was a Sunday night market along Rachadamnoen Road. Righttttt. If there’s anything that Chiang Mai has an abundance of its massage places and street markets, the occasional tattoo places, Muay Thai places, weed shops.

Against my better judgement, I went out that evening and walked to Rachadamnoen Road to check out the night market. It seemed like the whole of Chiang Mai and their families were there. The same boring junk sold again. The market seemed endless, it went on and on and even at the side streets. I was getting pretty sick of all these commerce by then so I turned around.

I’d intended to walk again to the vegan stall at Pha Ploen Market to get some dinner but came across a halal restaurant at the corner of Pha Thae Road and Kampangdin Road so I decided to have my dinner there instead. After that, I followed Kampangdin Road back to Loi Kroh Road and back to my hotel.

Monday, 7 July 2025

I stayed in to finish a book I borrowed from the hotel lobby. I left at 10:40 and checked out. I got my deposit back and then arranged for a Bolt car (more economical than Grab). It took less than 15 minutes to reach the airport.

I had checked jn online but the airport staff made a big fuss as my online boarding pass didn’t have ‘binti’ in it. I explained that ‘binti’ means ‘daughter of’ and that it is not part of my name. I reasoned that the airline wouldn’t have checked me in if there’s an error but the machine also wouldn’t recognise the bar code on my online boarding pass so I had to get down and get a physical boarding pass. Moan, groan, mumble, grumble! This time, the machine was able to read the bar code. I went through passport control and waited for my flight back. Only remembered that I wanted to sell off my Baht for Dong but there was no exchange offices at the boarding area.

The flight took off on time and we landed back at sunny KLIA at 16:37. Will I return to Chiang Mai or any part of Thailand? At this stage, I much prefer Vietnam and Indonesia, thank you.

Maal Hijrah Weekend

Just back from a trip to Ipoh and Georgetown. I was last in Ipoh in March 2024 and Georgetown in end-May 2024. I made a booking and got complimentary stay in Ipoh - then I realised that I made an error in my booking. The resort kindly changed my check-in date and still allowed the complimentary stay, Alhamdulillah. (I had to make yet another change to my check-in date and after a few weeks, was informed that the resort agreed to change my check-in date again. Syukur).

We left KL just before noon on Wednesday, 25 June. We stopped for lunch at an R&R before continuing on. After a stop at Greentown to conduct some business, we finally drove to AC Hotel and checked in. Dinner was had at Ipoh Parade diagonally across from the hotel.

We went for a brief morning walk on Thursday morning. It rained earlier that morning. Sister and BIL checked out at around 10:45 and I hitched a ride from them to the city and re-explored the city. I’d been to the city before when the ETS was newly introduced. I was back in my room 3.5 hours later.

On Friday morning, I headed for the railway station after breakfast and rode the 10:55 Komuter train to Butterworth. I stopped for lunch at Penang Road Famous Laksa and joined the queue. Was only tucking into my bowl of laksa after 40 minutes or so. Then I made my way to Berjaya Penang Hotel, stopping en route at Gurney Paragaon and Gurney Plaza. After AC Hotel, Berjaya Penang Hotel was a letdown. It made me wonder how our maintenance fees had been utilised.

On Saturday morning, I walked to Georgetown and had Hokkien noodles before continuing on to the market at Jalan Kuala Kangsar. Alas, the vegetarian wan tan noodle stall was no longer there. I browsed the stalls then went to queue again at Penang Road Famous Laksa. I ordered char kuay teow and oyster omelette this time. Maybe it was just me but I didn’t feel there was anything to shout about. I then headed back to the hotel, the heat was getting to me, but not before getting a couple of vegetarian pau.

It rained early Sunday morning. I left the hotel at 6:35 and waited for the bus no. 101 to the jetty. The bus came after nine minutes (it felt longer than that!) and we arrived at the jetty 14 minutes later. Too late to ride the 07:00 ferry. I rode the 07:30 ferry across then went to find breakfast.

The train was delayed due to some tree which fell on the track. We had to board the train at platform 2 (instead of platform 3) and we finally reached Ipoh at 11:37. Just enough time for me to get down and up the stairs and across to exit the platform and join the queue for the 12:05 ETS back to KL. The train actually left at 12:04.

I think that’s my last stay at Berjaya Penang Hotel.