Cleffairy's Blog, page 137

Wings of KKB Bird Race

Tourists often mistaken Kuala Kubu Bharu (KKB) as a sleepy and boringtown in Selangor, but the town located 70 km from the capital of Kuala Lumpur reveals a history that is both enriching and charming and makes a very suitable destination for an educational R&R with your loved ones. When we set foot in the Kuala Kubu Bharu (KKB) quite some time ago in earlier of the year with the Sahabat Media, we have been given the opportunity to not only experience some bird watching activities but also the Bird Race.

The historic city were planted with high-value specialty trees like mahagony and tembusu and the tropical rain forest have been home to plants and animals.

 

It is quite a sight, to be able to observe of the participants as the event progresses.

We had the chance to see live events for participants of the Open Category, universities / colleges and Photography and subsequently transported to locations ‘checkpoint’ Bird Race event.



There is a busy and an observatory on the view through the trees to scout and identify species of birds.

Among the categories contested during the last year’s bird watching activities were Schools and Open category, but this year the two categories have been added to boost the program, these categories are Category universities / colleges and Photography and Mini Explorace for primary and secondary school students have enlivened the event.

As in previous years,the students observed birds around the city of Kuala Kubu Bharu (KKB) and for the open category, universities / colleges and Photography are participants need to move to ten checkpoint, starting at KKB City, Millennium Park, Water Pool hot, Hulu Tamu, Recreational Forest Education, kedondong River and ends at Resorts World Genting.

It is interesting to note that there are participants from Japan and Indonesia as well.

The event requires participants to identify the name of the bird, use the leaves to make a flute calling birds, organize ‘puzzle’ where they have to find the pieces of the puzzle in the surrounding area in advance and more.

At the end of the Bird race, there opening ceremony and Gala Dinner hosted by Wings of KKB 2014 MDHS at Awana Genting. The ceremony was enlivened by a traditional Malay dance and poetry recital. There, the result was also announced.

Apart from being able to join the Wings of KKB Bird Race activities, Sahabat Media was also given the opportunity to visit the Bee Farm and Strawberry Park.While at Strawberry Park, us Sahabat Media are also excited to see the heart-shaped strawberries. Besides strawberries, there are also various types of flowers such as Lavender, Rose, Chrysanthemum and more. This trip to Hulu Selangor and up to Genting is definitely and interesting one, and yours truly think these sort of things are rather refreshing if you are looking for something worthwhile to do with your families.

For more information on the Wings of KKB program, hop over to www.mdhs.gov.my, or http://wingsofkkb.blogspot.com.

Cuti Cuti 1Malaysia in Negeri Sembilan with Sahabat Media

Following our previous trip, Negeri Sembilan, a state known for its Adat Pepatih became the next destination for the Cuti Cuti 1Malaysia Sahabat Media, Visit Malaysia 2014  program. Here’s sharing the recap of the 3D2N trip to Negeri Sembilan. Sahabat Media entourage arrived Klana Resort Seremban.

 

The resort is located within the park, surrounded by trees greenery. Nestled calmly in the heart of Seremban,  Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, Klana Resort is the epitome of a classic business-resort styled hotel amidst a sprawling green landscape, it is the perfect getaway. The resort offers a variety of incredible conveniences for a travelers, be it for business or leisure. Klana Resort Seremban is also famous as one of the best team building location. Here we had a chance to try some team building activities such as flying fox and abseiling. Forces that oversees the program team building here pretty experienced and trained.

While enjoying refreshments, a press conference was held. Then we had lunch in Xinjiang Restaurant, a Chinese restaurant in Klana Resort Seremban. If you are a Muslim, no worries about eating there because the restaurant is certified halal and the chef, Chef Ho Tui Kit is experienced in Chinese Muslim cuisine. The menu should be tried is deep fried cod fish with Thai Sauce, braised shark fin soup with crab meat, chicken with dried chilli and cashew nuts and many more. Klana Resort Seremban also offers a Japanese restaurant, Yuri Japanese Restaurant too.



Klana Resort Seremban has also taken the initiative to introduce Klana Steamed Nasi Lemak. Steamed nasi lemak special is the specialty of Shura, Celebrity Master Chef.

In evening, traditional games competitions as konda-Kondi, pull the stork nut and coconut bowling was held at the Istana Seri Menanti. Some of those players who never play konda life-Kondi.

By dinner, we all were treated to Negeri Sembilan Traditional Food in the ‘Makan Bersilo’.

 

Our accommodation. Guest Room Features individually controlled air-conditioning, separate shower and bath as well as private balconies in every rooms here in Klana Resort.

For reservation and room bookings:

Klana Resort Seremban

PT 4388, Jalan Penghulu Cantik, Taman Tasik Seremban,

70100 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus.

Tel:(606) 766 7888 Fax: (606) 766 7999

Website: http://www.klanaresort.com.my/

 

 

On the second day,  as early as eight o’clock in the morning, we were all taken to the Seri Menanti Resort. For golf enthusiasts, you can try to play here because the fields are quite challenging. According to Mr. Ibrahim, who hails from Kuala Lumpur, the golf course is quite challenging because it is hilly and narrow.

Sahabat Media also get to see a Majlis Berendoi where the event aims to celebrate the birth of a baby. Islam encourages shaving a baby up so that all  all the dirt that comes out of the uterus can be removed and thus allowing new hair to grow healthily. There was also berzanji and marhaban during the Majlis Berendoi.

Last but not least, Sahabat Media were brought to Starfresh Agro Park. It is a place that has a restaurant, livestock, spa and much more in the same place.Starfresh Agro Park has farm animals and a restaurant be be rest assured, cleanliness is tip top here and no odors or animal feathers flying around. Starfresh Agropark was built in 1985 but at that time there were only fruit plantations . In 2009, it was developed into one of the agro-tourism attraction.

Here in Starfresh Agropark, Chinese Muslims, steamboat, Thai Cuisine and Western cuisine can be found too. Most vegetables that is used in the dishes are harvested from the farm at the back of the restaurant. There are various herbs like cat whiskers, an elephant’s trunk and various other herbs over here. Besides the restaurant, there are also other attractions such as paintball, spa, dorm halls, fruit orchards, livestock areas, and more.

Interested to visit? Here is the information on it:

StarFresh Agro Park

Lot 2599, 12KM Jalan Seremban,

Kuala Pilah,

70400 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.

Tel: 606-6794288

Fax: 606-6782628

Website: http://www.starfresh.com.my

Our 3D2N trip ended too soon and Sahabat Media journey in Negeri Sembilan ends here.

Baba Nyonya Cultural Performance in Melaka Nyonya Village

Remember I posted about Authentic Peranakan Food at Melaka Nyonya Village? Well, there’s more than just delicious food there in Melaka Nyonya Village. There was cultural performance too that night when we dined there. Here’s sharing a video of a traditional dance performed that night.

Apart from the dance, we Sahabat Media enjoyed some Baba Nyonya fashion show too.

We were shown what young and elder Nyonyas usually wear, the Baba’s outfits, as well as a narration of a mock Baba and Nyonya mock wedding. It was very interesting, I assure you, and if you’d like to experience great food and get a glimpse of the Peranakan culture, you may consider hopping over to Melaka Nyonya Village.

But do take note. Melaka Nyonya Village does not have JAKIM halal cert, but it is PORK FREE and it was promised that their dishes does not contain MSG.

For bookings of table and tickets for the cultural performances do refer to the information below:

Melaka Nyonya Village

178 Jalan Parameswara, 75000 Melaka

Tel: 606-6306999

Fax: 606-6306977

Email: info@babanyonyamelaka.com

Website: http://babanyonyamelaka.com

The trip to Melaka was made possible by MMode, Santai Travel and Malaysia Tourism.

My First Cooking Competition: Philips Cooking Challenge 2014

Quite some time ago, someone challenged me to a competition. Not writing competition, mind you, but a cooking competition. In public, no less. Now, I’m a competitive person and I like competing healthily with others. Win or lose, it still gives me quite a satisfaction. But cooking in public? That’s a different story altogether. I’m not really a people person and I hate to be in the crowd, but I said ‘Bring it on!’ nevertheless.

And so the briefing came for the competition. It was organized by Philips in Empire Subang Shopping Gallery and you are supposed to use their star product, Philips Airfryer along with other Philips products to cook. Sounds easy? No. It’s not as straight forward as that. During the competition, bloggers will be paired up with a Fitness First Instructor finalists and will have to draw out the theme ingredients for the competition.

Oh boy. I had no idea what I have put myself in to. That only means that you can’t prepare or practice to cook your recipe beforehand and everything had to be impromptu. I was quite nervous, to be honest. What more I have never owned an airfryer before what more cook using one.

Here’s sharing with you the experience that day.

My husband and son was there to give me moral support, so thank God for that. I would have drop dead if they did not. :’(

Ingredients were prepared and us participants were given a glimpse of our ingredients.

The basic ingredients are there. Cooking oil, herb and spices, salt, pepper etc

Fresh vegetables and fruits are provided too, much to my relief.

All things Philips for contestants to use during the competition.  I won’t be blogging much about the products here. But if you’d like more information on Philips products and ongoing promotion, please hop over to  https://www.facebook.com/PhilipsHomeLiving.my.

What we’re to really use to cook our main dish is this; Philips Airfryer and Philips Induction Cooker.

I took a look at the Airfyer for a few minutes and nearly cried. I had no idea how this works! But luckily for me, the judge of the day. Chef Zam had a quick demo on how to use it and I managed to learn how to use it in no time.

I was paired up with a nice lady known as Sherryl, and drew out the ingredient. We got ‘Salmon’ as our main and I nearly died on the spot. I was quite jinxed. Of all the things! Fish! Yours truly do not eat fish, what more cook one regularly at home. But luckily for me, my lovely partner is familiar with the ingredient and we managed to cook up an edible dish out of it.

This is what Sherryl and I managed to dish out. Airfried Mediterranean Salmon on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes with a side of refreshing citrus salad. We decided to go all healthy and only use salt and pepper to bring out the natural goodness of the salmon fillet. The salad was constructed by tossing diced zucchini, diced capsicums, sliced cherry tomatoes and orange slices. It was then drizzled with lemon juice and olive oil dressings. We did not win, but bagged a consolation prize for it though. So at the end of the day, I was still a happy girl.

Below is what other participants managed to dish out;

Prawn with Pumpkin Paste by Ruth of Perut Besi and partner.

Airfried Quiche

Airfried Salmon

Tiramisu cake

Butter cake

Airfried Chicken with Salad

Sweet Sour Chicken on Potato Basket

Garden Fried Chicken

And last but not least, the winner, two kinds of Airfried Chicken.

Participating in a cooking competition is really new experience for me. I’m so grateful that it turned out okay and even managed to bag a consolation prize of Kitchen Machine worth Rm1.5k.

I’ll give it a spin soon and will tell you what I manage to cook with my new toy, buy in the meantime, please allow me to thank you everyone who made this possible…especially hubby who took all the trouble to be there for me tho already nearly KO from work the night before, friends for their well wishes and prayers, my partner for being adventurous, friends who gave me tips on handling fish in the worst case scenario that I got jinxed and draw fish(which I did. Lol) Ruth for all her ‘gambatte’ gestures throughout the competition and last but not least, Sidney Kan for having enough faith in me to not poison everyone present.

Picture Credit to Blogger Ayu Rafikah.

Third Day Lunch Buffet at Bayou Lagoon Park Resort

Remember I mentioned in my previous post that Bayou Lagoon Park Resort is not just your average water park resort and they do cater for seminar and team building needs? Well, throughout our 3D2N stay there we were served meals that is usually served for those who booked for their seminar/event/meeting lunch buffet.

Check out what we had for lunch during our third day there:

Mixed mushroom dish in oyster sauce. I’m a huge fan of all things mushroom, so I find this dish very appealing. The mushrooms absorbs the oyster flavours very well and tasted rather meaty.

Fu Yong Eggs was a tad rubbery and lacks salt this time around, but still, the minced ingredients in it provides natural flavours.

Buttered fish. Not a fan of fish, but took a bite of it after my friend Emily and husband complained about it and pulled a face. Why? Fish was hard and dry. It was overcooked.

Japanese tofu with veggies was perfect. Love this dish very much.

Sliced crabstick rolls was adeptly fried. My son loves this so much that he took a refill of this in his platter when he was done with the first.

Kung Po squid slices, did not manage to try this

Prawns in spicy soy sauce was superb and my favourite that day. The prawn was so succulent and juicy and the sauce? The sauce is addictive. I could have this with my plain rice over and over, there is no doubt about that.

Lemon chicken was all right. A tad too sweet to my liking but everyone else loves it.

Sweet corn and minced chicken soup was all right too.Savoury and not overwhelmingly sweet and the creaminess is just to my liking. No complaints here.

Salad and ulam counter was available too

Fresh garden salad for you to assemble your own salad

Sliced capsicums if you wish to add them to your salad.

Potato salad was OK. This time around they used fried wedges instead of boiled potatoes and I think I prefer this more than the boiled version.

Kerabu tauge. Again I did not sample this and avoid it like a plague as I have intolerance towards bean sprouts.

Cream puffs is available for dessert. Son loves this but I gave it a miss.

Moist chocolate cake was sinfully delicious.

But the Butter Cake won my heart instead. I just love the sliced roasted almond on top.

Angel cake. No comment. Did not sample this either.

Bread pudding is tasted all right, but rather wobbly in texture.

Jelly pudding was pretty refreshing.

Kuih ketayap. This roll of traditional nyonya kuih was filled generously with sweet shaved coconut filling. Quite nice but I only had one.

Pulut inti was lovely and I wished I had more rooms in my tummy for it.

Saw a refreshing fruit cocktail at the beverage counter, so I took some and wash down my meal with it.

Overall, the food prepared that day was satisfying. There is rooms for improvements but still, what they served make quite a good luncheon for seminars and whatnot.

Should you want to book their hall for catering services for whatever functions and events, do make enquiries to:

Bayou Lagoon Park Resort Sdn. Bhd.

Amari Villa, Bayou Lagoon Park Resort,

Jalan Wakaf Utama,

75450 Bukit Katil,

Melaka.

Tel: 06-233 0888

Fax: 06-253 3876

Email : reserve@bayoulagoon.com.my

website : www.bayoulagoon.com.my

GPS Coordinates

2 14′ 32.67″ N    102 18′ 23.28″ E

Bayou Lagoon Park Resort Sdn. Bhd.

Amari Villa, Bayou Lagoon Park Resort,

Jalan Wakaf Utama,

75450 Bukit Katil,

Melaka.

Tel: 06-233 0888

Fax: 06-253 3876

Email : reserve@bayoulagoon.com.my

website : www.bayoulagoon.com.my

GPS Coordinates

2 14′ 32.67″ N    102 18′ 23.28″ E

The trip to Melaka was made possible by MMode, Santai Travel and Malaysia Tourism. Our accommodation and meals during the stay in Melaka was sponsored by Bayou Lagoon Park Resort.

The Settlement Hotel

Being an author, novelist and blogger, I always need a conductive place for an inspiration. Yes. I’m a hopeless romantic and like I said in my previous posts, I’m a pleasure loving person. I appreciate leisurely and beautiful things. They make me feel inspired. There is this one place in Melaka that is just perfect for a writing retreat.

It’s The Settlement Hotel, a dream-like boutique hotel that will fire up your imagination, especially if you are writing a romance or a fantasy novel. Everything here is picturesque. Check out the pictures below. You’ll see what I mean;

The courtyard. I could easily imagine myself laying on the grass while reading a good novel, or simply sit here relaxing.

The beautifully serene garden is definitely a sight for sore eyes.

Fancy an afternoon siesta outdoor? No problem. There is an antique bed for you lay on for a little while.

This table is definitely perfect for a leisurely meeting or gatherings

My favourite corner in The Settlement Hotel is this. I have no idea why but the arrangement is just so mysterious. This corner is like a bit of a cozy mystery page came to life, with a lazy chair being placed in front of a huge antique mirror and a door to another room behind it. Definitely gives your imagination a little run.

There is a small swimming pool located in the garden. To be honest it is not big enough for a swimmer like me, but I guess it will do if you just wanna laze around and not do any rigorous swimming. There’s spa and a library too over here, one thing a bookworm like me could appreciate.

Standing proudly against a backdrop of unpretentious everyday-life Melaka, The Settlement Hotel boasts a 45-room residence block and 4 villas spread elegantly over a total built-up area of 35,000 square feet of garden and lawn. Much of the original building structure was retained to become “The Residences”, while 5 traditional Malay villas were constructed nearby.

My family and I managed to get a little glimpse of luxury in this Junior Villa. The Junior Villa with lawn view is equipped with free in-room high-speed Internet access,

individually-controlled air-conditioning, LCD TV with cable and satellite channels. Lovely, don’t you think?

The bed definitely will send you to dreamland once you lay on it. It comes with feather duvets and down pillows. There is also an in-room safe for you to put all your valuables in it. My favourite part in most hotel; bathtub with separate tub and shower, for me spend some intimate time with my husband and a fully stocked minibar

with complimentary tea/ coffee making facilities in case we news some caffeine fix.

Yes. This place is a perfect writing retreat for me. Secluded enough with plenty of inspiring objects around. This is one place I definitely wouldn’t mind going again.

Interested to spend your vacation here? Check out the room rates here; http://www.thesettlementhotel.com

The Settlement Hotel Melaka

No. 63, Jalan Ujong Pasir

World UNESCO Heritage City Melaka

75050 Malacca

Malaysia

GPS Coordinates:

Latitude: 2.187534

Longitude: 102.268407

For general enquiries and reservations:

Call: +60 (06) 292-1133

Email: enquiry@thesettlementhotel.com

School Holiday Fun with Pak Nil on Star Cruise Libra

It’s now September and there is two school holidays coming up. One in mid September and another one in November. I don’t really have huge plans for the one in September as it is too short, but the November is way too long to not plan anything for it. And fortunately for me, this comes into the mail earlier. an invitation toSchool Holiday Fun with Pak Nil on Star Cruise Libra.

What could be better than a blast of a time with both my husband and son on Star Cruise Libra with Pak Nil? I don’t think anything could beat that!

Want to join me? Here’s some info on the cruise package:

Sailing route: Penang-Krabi-Phuket-Penang

Duration: 3 nights

Price per pax: RM1499/pax

Departure date: 30th Nov2014.

For further details check out:

Malaysian Harmony Tour 

Email : muslim@mysharmony.com

Tel: 03-21429266

Fax : 03-21489767

Or please contact Rozana at 012 626 4032

Malaysian Harmony Office address:

No 21, Jalan Tong Shin, 50200 Kuala Lumpur

Eco Tree Hotel, Melaka

I’m a hopeless romantic. If I were on vacation, I will always opt to stay in a quiet hotel that is away from the bustling city, but if you are on a business trip or one who prefers to stay in a hotel where it is convenient to move about while you are in Melaka, I would definitely recommend the Eco Tree Hotel.

Eco Tree Hotel is fairly new. And from the outside, it doesn’t look like much. But don’t judge a book by it’s cover. The place is actually not bad.

It is located in the midsts of the busy Melaka Town. Public transport and eateries are easily available here in Eco Tree Hotel. Food stalls and whatnot are just stone throw away. Now, let’s check out the room, shall we? This one is a Duplex pentsuite.

As usual, the basics are there. The rooms are equipped with entertainment units like TV and WiFi connections.

The toilet is ensuite and is squeaky clean.

Living area in the Duplex Penthouse Suite room.

Comfortable bed is located upstairs.

But being a romantic and pleasure lover, I love their swimming pool the most. Will you just look at that? The swimming pool is uniquely designed to cater R&R activities and with some sunscreen and a good novel, I could laze here in my husband’s arms whole day over a glass of orange juice. Yes. That’s what you call paradise.

For bookings and inquiries:

1, Jalan Melaka Raya 9,

Taman Melaka Raya,

75000 Melaka, Malaysia.

Telephone:+606 – 292 1888

Fax:+606 – 281 9991

E-mail: reservation@ecotreehotel.com

Website: http://ecotreehotel.com

The trip to Melaka was made possible by MMode, Santai Travel and Malaysia Tourism. Our accommodation and meals during the stay in Melaka was sponsored by Bayou Lagoon Park Resort.

Romantic Poolside Dinner at Bayou Lagoon Park Resort

After a really long day trekking around Melaka Town on foot, finally it is time for a break. It was time for dinner back in the resort and following our experience in Bayou Lagoon Park Resort, I have to say that I’m really impressed with what the resort had to offer.

Our host has gone all out as far as to open the water park at night for a private dinner and teambuilding activities. I suppose if you have such request, eg: team building activities at night in the water park, you could forward it to the resort for further discussion.

Anyway, here is sharing with you the romantic and lovely night with husband and Sahabat Media friends during our stay in Bayou Lagoon Park Resort:

Our table was dimly lit with candlelights

We opt to sit just beside the pool. It was so relaxing

There was no specific theme for the food that night. Here is part of the delicacy that’s served for dinner that night.

Our small platter of appetizer. A mix and match of everything from the buffet spread: Stuffed tofu, sliced chicken ham, surimi salad and a side of cucumber slices and tomatoes. These make a good starter for us.

I was famished so I took a bit of everything: Roasted chicken, roasted potatoes with garlic, stuffed surimi salad and cucumber slices. The roasted chicken was juicy and moist, no complaints on the potatoes this time around and the stuffed surimis was adeptly fried and the sauce complimented it was. The sliced cucumber adds a refreshing touch to the palate.

On husband’s plate: Roasted chicken slices, stir fried broccoli, sotong goreng kunyit and ayam masak merah. His comment? He loves the roasted chicken. Stir fried broccoli was mediocre, the sotong goreng kunyit was fresh but a tad chewy while the ayam masak merah was lovely and to die for.

But what won my heart that night was this, the lovely Kuih Cara Berlauk, a savoury Malay traditional kuih made from flour batter mixed with tumeric powder and cooked in special shaped pan, topped with minced meat from leftover rendangs and sliced chillies. These are perfectly done and absolutely delicious.

There was water play and Karaoke session that night too and husband sang ‘It’s Now Or Never by Elvis Presley’, but won’t be posting any photos on it here cuz I’ve already kept stuff away to avoid the water splashes.

Here is the details should you want to have some splashy or romantic fun in Bayou Lagoon Park Resort:

Bayou Lagoon Park Resort Sdn. Bhd.

Amari Villa, Bayou Lagoon Park Resort,

Jalan Wakaf Utama,

75450 Bukit Katil,

Melaka.

Tel: 06-233 0888

Fax: 06-253 3876

Email : reserve@bayoulagoon.com.my

website : www.bayoulagoon.com.my

GPS Coordinates

2 14′ 32.67″ N    102 18′ 23.28″ E

Bayou Lagoon Park Resort Sdn. Bhd.

Amari Villa, Bayou Lagoon Park Resort,

Jalan Wakaf Utama,

75450 Bukit Katil,

Melaka.

Tel: 06-233 0888

Fax: 06-253 3876

Email : reserve@bayoulagoon.com.my

website : www.bayoulagoon.com.my

GPS Coordinates

2 14′ 32.67″ N    102 18′ 23.28″ E

The trip to Melaka was made possible by MMode, Santai Travel and Malaysia Tourism. Our accommodation and meals during the stay in Melaka was sponsored by Bayou Lagoon Park Resort.

Hang Tuah Centre

I’ve talked about riding on the Menara Taming Sari with husband and son along with our Sahabat Media friends in the preview post, and you would noticed that I mentioned that the tower was named after the weapon of Melaccan’s legendary warrior Hang Tuah. Hang Tuah is an object of mystery. Much is to be learned about him and here is just where you can learn about Hang Tuah.

Known locally as Perkampungan Hang Tuah, this centre is fairly new and just opened to public.

The Hang Tuah Centre.

Five legendary Malaccan warriors; Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat, Hang Lekir, Hang Lekiu, Hang Kasturi are depicted here in the centre’s wall.

Re-imagining of Hang Tuah in statue

Here in the centre you could learn about the people who lived in the Malay Sultanate era and how they go about in daily lives.

Clothes worn during Hang Tuah’s time

Kris exhibit.

This centre is located at about 8 km from Melaka Sentral or 10-12 minutes drive. You can take the Panorama Bus, Metered taxi or the blue taxi.

Admission to Hang Tuah Center are RM5 for Adult and RM3 for Children

The trip to Melaka was made possible by MMode, Santai Travel and Malaysia Tourism.