Friday 24 November 2017

Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm

Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm

1, Lot 3707 Jalan Jati 2
Gohtong Jaya
69000 Genting Highlands
Pahang Darul Makmur

Hours
0900 - 1830 daily

The Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm or the Taman Santai Strawberi Genting is less than 10-minute walk from Hotel Seri Malaysia Genting. It is right opposite the Gohtong Sports Centre where some visitors park their cars.

  There is strawberry picking here but I am not sure about the rate. You can also buy packed strawberry for similar price if you buy from AEON. Most people come here to take photos as the farm also showcases flowers and plants. You can buy some of the plants as well.

Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm

Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm

Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm

Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm

It is not a particularly big farm but they'll make you walk the entire farm and if you buy an ice cream from the cafe and walk towards the exit, you'll either finish your ice cream first or the ice cream will melt away before you reach exit.

  Recommended to visit if you're already in Gohtong Jaya and have about
an hour to kill.

Thursday 23 November 2017

Hotel Seri Malaysia Genting Highland


Hotel Seri Malaysia Genting Highland

Hotel Seri Malaysia Genting Highland

11 Jalan Jati Satu
Gohtong Jaya
69000 Genting Highlands
Pahang Darul Makmur

(+603) 6100 2525


Booking
Booked directly from their website. It was a mistake. Room rate was not competitive and it can be troublesome to cancel or modify booking. Only phone number provided and you may only contact them during working hours. When I phoned the hotel, staff was not familiar with the process and could not advise accordingly.

Location
Good. About 5 minutes drive to Genting Highland Premium Outlet. Plenty of shops and attractions nearby. 20 - 30 minutes drive to Genting hilltop. 

Rate
Poor compared to state of the room. We booked four rooms. Three were in level 1 and all were stinky with either cigarette or dirty water smell. Hot shower available but old style- you gotta adjust it. One room had no fridge and my room had a "waterfall feature"- the toilet bowl water kept running. Only the one in level 3 was acceptable.

Dining
Breakfast buffet inclusive. Fair choices and acceptable taste. 

Service
Average. Staff was fairly helpful.

Overall 2 <3<3 of 5

Hotel Seri Malaysia Genting Highland

They provided towels and a prayer mat. The towels were thin and sad. No bath mat or kain lap kaki either. I saw an extra pillow in the cupboard but the cupboard was so smelly I dare not touch anything. 

Hotel Seri Malaysia Genting Highland

Hotel Seri Malaysia Genting Highland

Hotel Seri Malaysia Genting Highland

To avoid burn, switch on the cold shower first. Then, *very* carefully twist the handle for hot water bit by bit.

Hotel Seri Malaysia Genting Highland
View (back facing rooms)

Recommended for one night if you are not too fussy. Avoid the rooms on level 1. Oh, don't use the iron in the common area either. One of us got her tops wooly(?).




Friday 17 November 2017

Genting Highland Premium Outlet & Awana SkyWay


Genting Highland Premium Outlet

Genting Highland Premium Outlet

69000 Genting Highland
Pahang Darul Makmur


Hours
1000 - 2200 daily

Parking Rates
Weekdays: RM5 per day
Weekends: RM8 per day


I don't have a lot of photos of GHPO because on both visits, I was too busy shopping. Finding the place should be no trouble. There are sufficient signs and once you arrived, there should be plenty of indoor parking spots available. Even on weekends.

  GHPO is located just after Gohtong Jaya so you don't have to drive all the way up to Genting. If your main objective is to shop, you can opt to stay at one of the hotels or homestays in Gohtong Jaya. I think the drive from Gohtong Jaya is shorter compared to downhill drive from Genting top.

Genting Highland Premium Outlet

Genting Highland Premium Outlet


  There are a lot of popular premium brands in GHPO and their deals are pretty good as well. Restaurants and cafes are plenty; aside from the food court, they have a whole street just for eateries. I saw a playground for kids at the Low Street (food & beverages area). Prayer room and wheelchair are also available. There's a masjid just down the road anyway. Exit the roundabout, go straight instead of taking the u-turn to GHPO. The mosque is at the end of the road.


***

Awana SkyWay Lower Station

Next to the premium outlet is the Awana SkyWay station, connected at High Street. I couldn't find the parking (if any) at the station so your only option may be to park at GHPO. From the station, you can get to Chin Swee Temple and go further up to SkyAvenue.

Awana Skyway

Awana Skyway

Awana Skyway

One-way ticket for standard gondola is only RM8 per adult. Return tickets are valid for 72 hours from date purchased. Tickets can be purchased from the self-service kiosks and counters.

  Visitors will have to go through metal detector. One carry-on baggage is allowed. The security check isn't as strict as at airport but the usual dangerous and sharp items are not allowed. So check the notice board. Wheelchair and cane aren't allowed in the glass floor gondola (RM40 per pax).

Awana Skyway Station

I took the SkyWay on Sunday morning so the crowd wasn't too big. I imagine it might get quite busy on Saturdays and school holidays. Fret not, you can pay extra for express passes.

Awana Skyway

So yeah. If you go shopping up in SkyAvenue and plan to return via cable car, consider the baggage limit :) Even if you don't want to go up to the hilltop shopping mall (why not? There are Sephora and Uniqlo and Burger & Lobster up there!) there are shops and eateries in the Awana SkyWay Lower Station that might interest you to hop over the road.

  You can find Kenny Roger's, bak kut teh restaurant, shops selling local/Asian snacks, Family Mart (try their cheesecake ice cream if you haven't), a gadget (and other trinkets) shop, bakery and many more on the station side. 

  Oh, Thai Odyssey is over on this side as well :) I mean, all those shopping walking, right?






Thursday 9 November 2017

KhunThai, Teluk Kumbar


KhunThai Teluk Kumbar

KhunThai

1052 Mukim 9 Pasir Belanda
Teluk Kumbar
11920 Bayan Lepas
Pulau Pinang

(+60)4 625 1155

Hours
1100 - midnight daily


Such a short and sweet name to remember. If you're a Thai cuisine fan in Penang, come over to KhunThai Authentic Thai Restaurant in Teluk Kumbar. It is about 20 minutes drive from Penang Airport. Use Waze or Google Map to help you. Once you're in the area, there is a signboard you can't miss. Ample parking available but careful not to hit/step on some of the dogs roaming nearby.

KhunThai Teluk Kumbar

This restaurant has seaview option but if you come in small party, you may have to compromise about roof. The tables under the roof are big round ones while the smaller ones are outside. Of course, it is a non-issue if you come at non-peak hours. We got the whole big table for the two of us.


KhunThai Teluk Kumbar

KhunThai Teluk Kumbar

The staff were friendly and helpful. Be sure to ask them if you need clarification on things like price and portion size.

  I went there for lunch and there were about 3 or 4 other tables occupied but service took some time. It wasn't a really long wait mind you, but I can imagine they *might* get slow on busy days. 

Taste
Good and portion was generous

Price
Fair. RM67 for 2 pax

Ambiance
Thai hut-like feel. A bit dated but good enough to bring guests

If you want somewhere with aircond, try Siriwan


KhunThai Teluk Kumbar
Thai Style Salted Egg Prawn (small) RM27


KhunThai Teluk Kumbar
Kailan Oyster Sauce (small) RM10

We also tried their Green Curry Chicken, also small portion at RM21. It looks ugly, the chicken was cut in a way I don't favour (I'm fussy) and a little oily but it was also delicious. I love everything we ordered! Obviously I didn't eat the kailan but the kuah was tasty. And seriously their portion was generous. We thought 3 small dishes of lauks are just enough for the two of us. Boy, we had to skip dinner.

  Highly recommended especially on lazy weekends and if you don't mind a bit of waiting. The food was good and pretty worth it. While waiting, just go to the beach and have a swing or two.


KhunThai Teluk Kumbar


Thursday 2 November 2017

Stardorm Ipoh Homestay

Stardorm Ipoh

Stardorm Homestay
Menara Majestic
Jalan Dato Tahwil Azar
30300 Ipoh
Perak Darul Ridzuan


FOR a double birthday celebration in October, we headed to Ipoh and stayed for one night in this unique homestay. The place has three bedroom and it can cater up to 10 pax. Two parking spots and a couple sets of keys and pass cards are provided.

  The interior decor was exactly like in the photos provided. Star Wars would appreciate this. WiFi, HyppTV and game are available for the guests.

Booking
Easy via Airbnb. Payment done using the same site. The host provided us with details of the homestay and check-in & check-out instructions a few days before our visit

Location
Strategic location in Ipoh town. Popular eateries and attractions such as Gerbang Malam are within walking distance

Rate
Fair. Less than RM450 per night for 7 pax

Dining
Not applicable

Service
Friendly and helpful host. 

Overall 4 <3<3<3<3 of 5


The homestay is also well-equipped with a small kitchen and two bathrooms. Stove, kettle, fridge and iron are among the appliances available. Although guests are required to bring their own towel, shower gel and shampoo are provided.

Stardorm Ipoh Homestay
Master bedroom with view & ensuite shower

Stardorm Ipoh Homestay

Stardorm Ipoh Homestay

Stardorm Ipoh Homestay

Stardorm Ipoh Homestay


The sheets were clean although the pillows could have been more comfortable. All the rooms and living area have air-conditions and fans.

  If it isn't too hot outside, guests can sit in the balcony to enjoy the town view.

Stardorm Ipoh Homestay

Stardorm Ipoh Homestay


Security in Menara Majestic was satisfactory. Guests need access card to get into the parking,  work the elevator and to access each level. 

  Swimming pool and gym facilities are available in the building. At the top, there is a small rooftop garden and skybridge.

Stardorm Ipoh Homestay

Stardorm Ipoh Homestay

I'd recommend this place even if you have no Star Wars fan among you. As it is a homestay, you'll have to keep it clean and tidy. The hosts are reachable via phone should you need assistance during your stay.



Thursday 26 October 2017

Gaharu Tea Valley, Gopeng

Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng

Gaharu Tea Valley
Jalan Sungai Itek
31600 Gopeng
Perak Darul Ridzuan

Hours
0900 - 1800 daily

So I said gaharu and gaharu is agarwood. What is HOGA then?

  Well, HOGA stands for holistic gaharu. What's so holistic about a bunch of trees? They are the special 12-in-1 super hybrid agarwood tree, claimed to be the superior among its kind.

  Visitors can enjoy the offerings at HOGA Deli or shop at the HOGA mart. I decided to delay my main reason for coming here and took the van tour first. 


Van Tour Tickets
 RM10/adult
 RM5/child

Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng
Free gaharu tea sachet!


Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng

The HOGA van tour ride will take you to three spots. First stop was the viewing stage, followed by the Hugging Park and lastly the Lovers Park. Along the way, your van driver who is also your guide will tell you about the plantation and its precious trees.

  Did you know that agarwood tree can only 'grow' if they got 'hurt'?

  If a tree didn't get damaged, it will grow to be a normal tree. To produce the black resin thingy, it will have to be wounded naturally or artificially(?) and get fungal infection. 

  That's just some of the things I learnt during the tour. Cringe.

Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng

Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng


Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng
Viewing Stage
Our first stop after the driver/guide introduced us to the plantation and agarwood trees, was this building. He said it is still in "construction" and is meant to house a restaurant. He dropped us and told us that we can take any van to get to the next stop once we're done here.

  On the ground level, there were many plastic chairs placed in front of a screen showing video presentation. The toilets are on this level in case you need to go :)

Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng

Most people headed straight to the first floor where they could take photos with some 3D drawing. You know, one of those trick eye paintings. 

Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng

Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng


I was more interested in the gorgeous view. There was a swiftlet nest building in the area and I could hear their song. View of green trees and swiftlet song soundtrack... it was just peaceful and tranquillising.

Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng

Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng

We took the same van to our next stop, the Hugging Park. 

  The name is suggestive no? Only instead of your loved ones, you hug trees. It is said that hugging these gaharu trees brings good luck. Who doesn't need some good luck, right?

  And even if you don't believe in such things as luck, you might still want to hug these trees or at least take photos with them. The trees were painted with cute animals but watch out, some of them might still be wet.

Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng

Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng

Gaharu Tea Valley, Gopeng

Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng

Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng

From Hugging Park, the tour continued through more agarwood trees and backtracked by a fish pond opposite the Hugging Park. The audio tour in the van we took said the fish pond helped to control bugs so they won't have to use pesticide in the plantation.

Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng

Last stop, the Lovers Park. We stopped at a hut that looks like a bus stop and took the stairs down to the park. The main attraction of this park is a huge tree but for kids, it was the fish pond. Remember to buy fish food at the ticket counter if you plan to feed the fish.

Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng

Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng
Not a very popular love lock

Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng
Fish Pond

Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng
Nope. Not haunted. I asked the tree.
Back to the main building, I headed straight to the HOGA Mart. The souvenir shop sold everything gaharu from essential oil, tea, soup to cookies and even noodles.

Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng

Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng

I bought tea sachets and their special tea for myself. For mom, I got a packet of nougat. Not too sweet, I liked the nougat. The price may be on the high side but where else can you get stuff made of gaharu, right? At my request, the cashier dabbed a little gaharu essential oil on my wrist. Not my cup of tea because the smell was too strong but if you're looking for concentrated gaharu oil, you can find it here.

  Next, I went to their deli and *finally* got myself... 

Gaharu Ice Cream

It was okay. Tasted like tea-flavour ice cream. 

I won't say you should go out of the way to visit Gaharu Tea Valley but if you're in Gopeng or on the way to Ipoh and you have time to spare, do drop by. The view was more than worth it for me.


Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng