[Travel/ Food Guide] Itinerary to Cameron Highlands, Pahang (金马伦高原，彭亨).

Sharing its border with Perak, Cameron Highlands remains as one of the top tourist destinations in Malaysia for offering a cooling getaway. It is especially popular amongst families with young kids as the place has got many activities to partake with breath-taking natural views. But the place is also infamous for its congested traffic and long-winding road. It is inconvenient to explore Cameron Highlands if you are not driving but the place has undergone some transformations in recent years, with new shopping mall and more eateries being introduced. The core businesses remain unchanged though, it is still the place to source for some of the freshest local produce in the entire country.  

1) Water Cress Valley 西洋菜谷

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Address: Lot UT/KF/F160, Batu 44, Jalan Besar Tringkap, 39100, Cameron Highlands, Pahang.

Business Hours: 11 am to 9 pm. Closed on Wednesdays.

Contact Number: 05- 496 1296

Water Cress Valley Facebook Page

[Year 2022] Food Hunting- of Must-Eats @ Langkawi (兰卡威), Kedah (吉打).

Langkawi is always the go-to place when Malaysians need a short, domestic get-away but the tourist destination has gone through a lot when the pandemic hits; many places are closed but of course, some managed to stay competitive and survived. There's also a spate of new eateries have entered the market... offering more choices to visitors. But generally, the economic activities at Langkawi are quite slow and the tourism activities are still in the midst of catching up to pre-pandemic. Nevertheless, there are still a lot to do and a lot of eat at Langkawi.

1) Scarborough Fish N Chips Restaurant

Pork-Free

Service Charge: Yes 10%

Government Tax: No

Address: Lot 1388, Jalan Tanjung Rhu, Mukim Air Hangat, 07100, Langkawi, Kedah.

Business Hours: 10 am to 10 pm. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: 04- 959 4667

Musion Mansion @ Hutton Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

** Update as at April 2022: Musion Mansion has ceased its business operations since then**

At the far end of a no-through road- Lorong Popus is a hidden restaurant Musion Mansion; the place has been attracting a lot of attention through social media channels lately due to its location and its quaint decor. Though officially the address is at Hutton Lane but the entrance is via Lorong Popus and there is no signage to indicate the entrance (refer to the last photo). The indoor setting is somewhat classy and there are some tables outside for those who prefer an outdoorsy ambiance. The restaurant offers a Western menu with some Pasta and meat dishes; the Afternoon Tea Set is also very popular. As far as alcohols are concerned, the beverage menu is fairly big and offers good options. We did not get to try their main menu or other items but only the Afternoon Tea Set... which was very disappointing, in terms of both food quality and service. 

Crumbles & Cream @ Iconic Hotel, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

While there is no shortage for dessert spots in Icon City, Bukit Mertajam but the in-house restaurant of Iconic Hotel- Crumbles & Cream should not be forsaken. With a name like Crumbles & Cream, one would assume that the place rolls out a dessert-focused menu... though that is not completely wrong, the place does have an interesting savory-main menu. Flip the menu open and the first page is good enough to give you toothache... with a vast selection of sweet treats, Afternoon Tea promotions and colorful cakes on the display fridge. But as you going through the menu carefully, you will notice the mains are equally attractive. The place has undergone a major refurbishment lately and since its reopening, the place has been under the limelight due to its chic, feminine interior decor.

Many Thanks to Iconic Hotel for hosting us.

[Travel/ Food Guide] Itinerary to London (伦敦), England (英国) 2017).

The capital of England and UK- London is one of the world's most populated cities, the people within the Greater London speaks more than 300 types of languages and it is a great melting pot for cultures. The city has a lot to offer, not only in terms of tourist spots but shopping, entertainment as food & beverages as well. The international food scene is very exciting here but the classic British cuisine is worth-exploring either. The public transportation system is very convenient and tourist-friendly, simply purchase a Tourist Oyster Card and recharge, you will be able to go around without hassle. The daily usage is capped at £6.60 for Zone 1 and Zone 2, which would be more than good enough to explore most tourist attractions. More information can be found here.

Malaysians traveling to United Kingdom need not to apply for Visa (3 months on arrival) and Malaysia Airlines offers direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to London daily. The Airbus (A380) was spacious and we strongly recommend you to pay more to get to the upper deck. It's less-noisy and the washrooms are shared by less people. Despite the long-haul flight, we had a comfortable 13-hour journey. The leg space is huge and the in-flight entertainment is extensive, there will be 2 meals served during the journey but unfortunately, we did not enjoy the food. But the overall experience was okay, good service from the crew. For your bench-marking, we bought our air tickets at promotional rates (from Penang to London)... a little less than RM 2,500. You may now get good prices from Qatar Airways too, soon to be flying out from Penang International Airport.

Hwajing Travel & Tours (华京旅游) offers Royal Afternoon Tea to Travelers on Star Cruise Libra

Cruise holidays can be a definition of luxury- be surrounded by sparkling waters, hugged by the warm sunlight and offered the chance to explore new port-cities everyday; the experience of ocean cruise can be an extremely memorable one. For a short and luxurious getaway with the family, do consider taking a 4 Day 3 Night cruise from Penang to Krabi and Phuket (Thailand). There are many ways to make your money spent worth-while; explore the in-cruise activities such as Karaoke, Gym, Movie Theater, Massage Pool, Swimming Pool, Bar, Restaurants and even mini Golf Center. Regardless of your age, there are something suitable for you. The 10-storey high Star Cruises Libra houses 718 rooms and could accommodate up to 1,436 passengers. Passengers will also be pampered to unlimited-refillable buffet treat in its in-cruise restaurants... with one operating 24 hours a day! 

The on-board price for per passenger starts from Rm 1,200 onwards (excluding taxes and applicable charges). Exclusively for Hwajing Travel & Tours' customers, any booking (on Star Cruises Libra's 4 Day 3 Night Cruise to Krabi-Phuket) with the travel agency shall entitle to a Royal Afternoon Tea treat on Star Cruises Libra.

Many Thanks to Hwajing Travel & Tours and Star Cruises for hosting us. 

Birds Nest Secret (燕之密) @ Icon City, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Bird's Nest... a prized Chinese delicacy that symbolizes wealth and social status, can now be enjoyed in the form of modern desserts in the newly opened Birds Nest Secret, Icon City. It is also believed to carry medicinal effects and does wonders to the skin... making it extremely popular amongst the ladies whom seek for flawless skin or to preserve their age. Birds Nest Secret is a cafe that specializes in offering bird's nest... more so in the form of sweet treats. Both the interior and exterior decor are swanky and modern, presented in shades of sparkling gold and a touch of wood; popular seats are often taken up during peak hours, if a table with picturesque background concerns you, do make your reservation early. The selection is wide but comes with hefty price tags. Given the taxing price rates, we are not too sure if this is a place that we'd like to make a visit... more for novelty experience.

[Year 2016] Food Hunting- of Cafes/ Must-Eats @ Ipoh, Perak.

The fast-changing food scene at Ipoh is especially attractive for foodies like us, especially with more and more exciting cafes mushrooming in the district. On our 2 Day 1 Night trip this year, we have managed to visit a good mix of both cafes and classic local eats. 

1) Nam Chau Coffee Shop (南洲白咖啡)

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Address: 54, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000, Ipoh, Perak.

Business Hours: 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. Closed om Wednesdays.

De Sweet Love Cafe @ Lembah Permai, Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

No gimmicks needed here... just skills and flavors. De Sweet Love Cafe is one of the newly joined tenants at Lembah Permai (Permai Village), Tanjung Bungah; unlike those hipstery cafes in town, De Sweet Love Cafe takes on a different approach. The cafe is not hipstery decorated nor with elegant English setting but a cozy and comfortable setting indifferent to a cafe in the neighborhood. So what can one expect to see in such a cafe? Fresh, home-made pastries and cakes. Step in the cafe and you will be welcomed with a huge front counter that is cramped with myriad of home-made Cakes and pastries; no, not the usual flavors that you can see but expect to see some real exotic ones. 

Métisser Pâtisserie & Tea Room @ Ropewalk Piazza, Georgetown, Penang.

In the midst of caffeine-dominant era, Metisser Patisserie is taking the unconventional way to run a cafe; instead of serving caffeinated Coffee, they have decided to go all out to serve premium quality Tea. The art of high tea is not just about indulgence and tea-drinking but spending some quality time in a relaxed space with classy and sophisticated setting. The entire experience comes in a package and should be inseparable. The interior decor is simple... not the usual cottage style or with a romantic touch. White color is heavily used... perhaps to portray a clean and sincere image but we like the overall tone; it was certainly a very relaxing and comfortable space for a quiet Afternoon Tea session. Patrons can take their choice of the assortment of dainty handcrafted desserts, traditional bakes with a cup of carefully selected Tea. 

Afternoon Tea Set @ Macalister Mansion, Penang.

Prepare to pour and pick up those dainty savories and sweets while relaxing yourself in a refined cozy ambiance. Macalister Mansion, a luxury colonial mansion in the bustling heart of Georgetown; has turned into an iconic boutique hotel in Penang since it first swung the doors opened 3 years back. The English Mansion has a comfortable space dedicated to serve a range of delicate sweet, savory and the downright tasty; one can opt to go for their Afternoon Tea Set or simply pick their preferred choices at the display fridge. Furnished with sophisticated Western artworks and elements, that sets an elegant tone to the patrons. It may be the perfect spot for Afternoon Tea if the place is not fully occupied, it may be a little cramped otherwise. The timeless Afternoon Tea Set comprises of beautifully crafted Quiches and Bagels served on a wooden tray, accompanied with mouth-watering sweet treats and a fine-selection of TWG Tea.

Crispy Chocolate Fondue Doughnut and Tiramisu Lolipop

Tea Spa House (森林茶坊) @ Cherok Tokun Hill, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Enjoy quality Chinese Tea amidst of serene greenery at the foot of Cherok Tokun Hill, Bukit Mertajam. The Tea Spa House was initially set up to provide a rest stop for hikers but it was popularized by the locals for its simple, healthy and inexpensive light snacks. No fanciful interior decor, unnecessary frills, embellishments... just a few simple rattan chairs and wooden tables. All you can hear is the chirping sound from birds, erratic sound from bugs, wind whistles through the leaves. This is definitely one of the few places worth checking out- as close to the nature as you can get. To find Tea Spa House, drive along Jalan Kulim until you reach the entrance to the foot of Cherok Tokun Hill, Bukit Mertajam. Keep driving up until the second car park, Tea Spa House should be few minute-walk away and to the right of the car park. 

Herbal Eggs (Rm 1.40/ each)

Sweet Potatoes (Rm 2.20)

Green Tea Kuaci (Rm 3.50)

Hainanese Afternoon Tea (Kong Thai Lai Coffee House) @ Hutton Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

Many would drive past this old rustic Coffee House along Hutton Lane, not knowing its one of the Coffee Houses frequently visited by the Millionaires and Billionaires in Penang. Step in Kong Thai Lai and you will be enveloped in a time portal, instantly teleporting you back to those older days. The Coffee House is beautifully preserved; guests seemed to enjoy their cup of Joe quietly reading newspaper while some happily discussed on the current issues happening in the country. Time appears to be slowed down in that space. One of the few places that is still preserving the unique Penang-retro vibe. Kong Thai Lai Coffee House is a stone's throw distance away from the multi-storey car park along Hutton Lane, opposite to Eden Restaurant.

Coffea Coffee @ Automall, Karpal Singh Drive, Georgetown, Penang.

The folks in KL should not be new to Coffea Coffee, the Korean-franchised Cafe has finally landed at Automall, Penang. The lure of this cafe is its wonderful assortment of light meals- home-made Quiches, Scones, Cakes and Sandwiches. It does not serve main, only Pastries, Cakes and Desserts. Coffea Coffee has its own blend of Coffee Beans and has since received quite a few number of awards according to their website. The location is strategic, it took the prominent spot of Automall, allowing it to place tables for their al-fresco dining area. It would be a great moment to enjoy the sea-breeze and their range of luscious Cakes while watching the world goes by. For the interior decor, Coffea Coffee uses wood to impart the homey and soothing feel to the space; with coffee tables neatly tucked. Interesting range of Pastry Cakes, cozy ambiance, energetic and lively service crew... one of the few cafes that I would love to revisit again in the near future.

Afternoon Tea @ Farquhar Mansion, Farquhar Street, Georgetown, Penang.

The new posh fine-dining establishment along Farquhar Street rolls out a new Afternoon Tea set recently. The Afternoon Tea set is priced at Rm 98++ for two or Rm 138++ for three respectively. Diners will be served with a traditional three-tier English Afternoon Tea stand filled with both home-made savories and sweets. Not only does Farquhar Mansion strive to score well in taste, food quality but it seeks to please your visual sense and the entire dining experience as well.  A tea cart will be pushed by the well-trained server and diners get to choose their preferred tea as well as to listen to the server's erudite explanation. 

Afternoon Tea Set:

Price: Rm 98++ for Two/ Rm 138++ for Three.

Availability: 3 pm to 5 pm (Last Call at 4 pm). Daily, except on Mondays. Limited to 10 sets daily and at least one-day in advance reservation is required.

Many Thanks to Farquhar Mansion for hosting us.

Yun Shui Ge Tea House (云水阁) @ Macalister Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Who would have thought that there is a cozy, unpretentious and humble tea house nestled within the quiet political party's mansion- Gerakan Service Center at Macalister Road. I would not be able to locate the place had I not looked into their Facebook page. No, there is no signage in front of the building so navigate your way until the end of the building and you will see Yun Shui Ge Tea House tucked nicely behind the building. The concept of Yun Shui Ge Tea House is simple- to provide a clean and comfortable environment (though the seats could be more comfortable) for customers to enjoy their range of luscious home-cooked dishes. Healthy and vegetarian dishes are available upon request. 

Rasa Deli @ Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, Batu Ferringhi, Penang.

It has been a while since Rasa Deli (of Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa) rolled out its Cronuts, the fresh, crispy yet flaky sweet treat has since attracted many dessert lovers to come forth and a try. Nestled within the resort, Rasa Deli is a kiosk located a stone's throw away from Spice Market and it offers quite an extensive range of sandwiches, cakes, pastries, and cookies at very affordable prices. If you are visiting Rasa Deli for their Cronuts, it should be noted that the Cronuts are only available from 3pm to 4pm daily. The sweet treats at Rasa Deli are only available for takeaways but should you wish to dine-in, you may purchase the desserts at the kiosk first and make your way to Spice Market. The friendly and eloquent staff there will attend to you promptly. 

The Films Cafe @ Armenian Street, Georgetown, Penang.

** The Films Cafe has since ceased its operations.**

The Films Cafe is one of the latest themed cafes to burst on the Penang scene. As the name might have indicated, the cafe uses "films" as the theme; the cafe, of course, is being decorated in accordance to that theme. You will find yourself in a quaint place with camera toys and filming tools adorning the walls. The newly opened cafe does not have much to offer currently, there were only four types of cakes available in which you may have your preview at the refrigerated cake counter, as well as a few types of healthy fruit juices. Prices are certainly a little more expensive than other cafes and finding a parking can be a real headache at this touristy place. I would not make a special trip to there again but if you are in the vicinity, the cafe can be a pleasant place to rest your feet. The Films Cafe is located a stone's throw away from the famous mural paint at Armenian Street and can be found right next to Armenian House. 

TWG (The Wellness Group) Tea Salon & Boutique @ Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang.

A great news for tea lovers and afternoon tea devotees, a well-renowned international brand TWG by The Wellness Group has finally set foot in Gurney Paragon Mall Penang. Many were excited with the opening of TWG and the place was throng with crowd during the Chinese New Year holiday. Relentless queue can still be spotted now during weekends, as so, you might want to avoid peak hours should you plan to visit during a weekend. While you are waiting, do pick your orders from the standing menu right in front of the place as you might take some time to consider what to order from the myriad choices of tea available. 

The branch here is obviously smaller in size as compared to others, hence, it might not be too accommodating for larger groups. However, the elegant and sophisticated English grandeur setting makes it a charming spot to spend some quality time with your loved ones, as well as to enjoy their range of luscious desserts and to have a cup of fine-quality tea. TWG Tea Salon & Boutique Gurney Paragon's branch is located on ground floor, right beside Godiva Chocolate and opposite to the mall's concierge. 

Budan's Brew Coffeebar @ Argus Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

*Relocated to Pulau Tikus*

Budan's Brew Coffeebar is definitely a delightful addition to Penang's cafe scene- cozy ambiance with relaxed vibe; freshly brewed coffee with simple but delectable snacks/ food and friendly staff. Step into the cafe and you will be greeted by the strong but comforting wind, as though the cafe is equipped with a natural air-conditioner but beware, one may easily fall asleep in the cafe! Their menu is simple but earnest with a couple of Breakfast/ Brunch choices and daily fresh bakes. While their ambiance does impress me but what gets me excited were the wallet-friendly price tags, especially with the soft-opening promotion. I do see this place a charming spot to enjoy their range of lovely snacks and breakfast set, as well as to have a cup of their carefully brewed coffee. It can be a little tricky to find this place, from Farquhar Street moving towards Penang Road, turn into Love Lane and make a left turn to the first junction (into Argus Lane); you should be able to find this place somewhere in the middle of those heritage houses.