Penang 5D4N Getaway: Part 2 - Spice Garden, Helena's Cafe, Living Room Cafe Bar & Gallery

Kicked start our 2nd day bright and early! Since we didn't took breakfast in the hotel, we went out searching for some food first. Stopped for roti prata along one of the shop houses, about 3 minutes walk away. 

Mr Lin with his roti prata :)

Started raining heavily so we went back to the hotel to hide awhile from the rain.

First plan of the day was Tropical Spice Garden (which was listed #1 attraction on TripAdvisor). It's quite a distance from Georgetown, so we need to take Bus 101 from Komtar Bus Terminal (10 minutes walk from Hotel). The whole journey will take about an hour half to reach so you can enjoy the scenery along the way (or sleep).

You will be able to recognize the garden as many cars will park outside. You can just ask the bus driver to drop you right in front of the entrance.

At the Tropical Spice Garden

Each person cost RM35 (inclusive of entrance fee & guided tour). I strongly recommend guided tour as the guides are knowledgeable and you really can learn a few new things. 

The Tropical Spice Garden
Lone Crag Villa, Lot 595 Mukim 2, 
Jalan Teluk Bahang, 
11100 Penang, Malaysia

It's about 1 hour tour and after that we make our way back to Batu Ferringhi for lunch. Initial plan was to eat at The Living Room Cafe and Gallery. However, they're closed for the day so we dropped by Helena's Cafe (right beside only). 

They served mainly Indian cuisine, of course satay and penang food are also available. 

 

Our lunch, satay, Tandoori chicken and fries. 

The curry for the Tandoori chicken is homemade and awesome! I super like. Thick and fragrant. The satay comes with big chunks of chicken, unlike those in Singapore. Small pieces of meat with lots of fats. Ohh, it's actually ranked #5 on TripAdvisor. :) Not too bad, reasonably priced, will be back for other food too! :)

Helena's Cafe
43B Jalan Batu Ferrenghi | opp Yahong Gallery, 
Batu Ferringhi, 
Penang Island, Malaysia 

Took Bus 101 back to Georgetown as the rain keeps coming. Took a break before we leave for the Living Room Cafe again. Do take note that the traffic is quite bad in the evening time, so our bus ride was longer as compared to morning. 

We were quite lucky that we do not need to wait too long for a seat. That's the good thing about traveling as couples! *YAY!* 

Cosy atmosphere, and the furniture used are some old sewing machines and tables are craved straight from the wood. There's a live band that night, but I'm not too sure whether they're always there or happened to be performing that night. 

 Satay again! :) The sauce is slightly more watery.

Our sumptuous dinner :)

We ordered a stirred fried mixed vegetables and a thai-styled fried dory fish. The fish is quite similar to the normal Fish 'N' Chips, but it's the sauce that really make it very appetizing! :) We spent about RM49.90 for this meal. I would say it's slightly more expensive compared to the street food, and rest assured that freshness is guaranteed! 

Just so you know, The Living Room cafe is ranked #1 on TripAdvisor! :):):)

This is definitely my favorite shot at the cafe. 

The lighting just blend nicely with our smiles! *LOVE!*

The Living Room Cafe & Gallery

43 C Batu Ferringhi, 

Batu Ferringhi, 

Penang Island 11100, Malaysia

After dinner, you can continue walking towards the Holiday Inn Hotel, and right in front is the Batu Ferringhi Night Market. It's similar to our Singapore Pasar Malum, selling clothes and "branded" bags, etc.

Bus-ed back to our hotel, and we called it a day. Slow day, but it was definitely interesting because we sort of asked our way through the bus route and also getting all confused because the arrival time on the bus app is not quite accurate. *LOL!*

I guess that's what make budget traveling so adventurous.You don't know whether this bus you're taking is correct until maybe the bus driver make a turn and went into some wulu place. Of course, safety is number one, so make sure you're traveling with someone you can trust. 

I know I can count on my boy to bring me back safely. :):):)

Penang 5D4N Getaway: Part 1 - Arrival

:) This was a last minute trip as Mr. Lin needs to clear his leave before embarking on another new job. Initial plan was to drive up to Port Dickson and laze around at the beach side. But we decided to change to Penang as we heard lots of good feedback from friends. 

We got our air tickets from Jetstar Asia during their Friday Frenzy Sale. Return trip cost us $226.44 for 2 pax with checked in baggage. Definitely cheap cheap! :)

It was an evening flight, departing 6:55pm and arriving around 8:20pm. So we can't plan much for the 1st night. 

 On board flight, waiting for the plane to take off! :) 

PS: It's been a long time since we our last trip together, just the both of us. So we're very excited!

Upon arrival, we found an airport taxi which cost us RM44.70 to get to Georgetown. It's about 20 minutes drive from the airport (depending on traffic) to our hotel stay at Sunway Hotel Georgetown, which was just newly renovated

I definitely recommend this hotel because of it's location and also there's a night market just outside the hotel. The night market has one of the best street food there. :)

After settling in with our stomach crumbling, we made our way down to the street market. 

Lots of local food there, Chee Cheong Fan, Wan Tan Mee, Poh Piah, Fried Carrot Cake, etc

 Something light first, egg pancake. Nothing fancy, taste so-so

The poh piah has different fillings as compared to Singapore's. Here the auntie add mashed tofu together with the normal poh piah must haves. The overall taste is good, soft tofu and crunchy peanuts together!

Most of the shops and malls are closing so we didn't explore much. Right after the supper, we turned in for the night as we wanted to kick start early the next day! 

Spice Garden on the list! :)

[Contest] Win a FREE Family Trip to Korea this Winter!

:) This is my first time sharing information on a contest on my blog. 

I super excited about it because the prize is definitely going to get you jumping around!

Proudly organized by the Korea Tourism Organization "Win a Family Trip to Korea" for you, you and you to participate.

Tons of activities waiting for you to do during the winter season! I, myself can't wait to get back to Korea just to roll on the snow, get my butt freeze off! :)

I MISS THOSE WINTERS DAYS WHEN I WAS IN KOREA!

Get you really excited about it?
 It's just a simple step away from taking part in this contest!

All you need to do is to SHARE this information on any social media platform!

TEMPTING! So why are you waiting for? Get it going, and you might be the lucky one! 

GOOD LUCK! :)

For more information, please refer to the official website.

Also, you can refer to my Korea post early this year, where I get to kick start the new year! :)

:) Part & parcel of life

I believe decision making is part and parcel of life. Whether or not you make the correct choice will sort of path your life along the way.

Wrong choice, and you need to prepare to pay for it. It's alright though, because everyone makes mistakes. You just need to wake up, and step-by-step, make it right again.

I guess the road down is not gonna be easy. But what's waiting in front is definitely worth going through this pain once and for all.

Yes, the future is worth this pain.

One Altitude Bar

:) 2 months back, the Strawbellies group decided to have another outing. Usually our outing is to drink and of course good food. 

Our choice: 1-Altitude at 1 Raffles Place.

Heard lots of good review about the place, especially about the roof top bar. It's the world's highest al fresco bar, which serves unique cocktails and beer. The choices are quite a long list and of course, to go with the drinks, they also serve both light savory and sweet food. 

Skyline view from 1-Altitude roof top bar

Expect this kind of view to greet you once you stepped onto one of the highest roof top bar. :) That's the Marina Bay Sands. It's just opposite of us, yet when you're right on top, MBS seems so small. :)

Beautiful landscape view

 My housepour: Moscato with our pizza to fill our stomach! :)

 It's been a long time since we dressed up to go out :)

Watching the sunset while sipping a drink is pure relaxation :)

:) The early birds

One drink is definitely not enough, so we ordered buckets instead! *Laughs!*

:) There's lots of security officers at the rooftop bar to look out for any weird behaviors people. You never know how one behave after drinking nonstop. They will also look out for any changes in weather especially lightning and rain.

Should there be rain, we will be ushered down to the indoor bar, where you can play those simulated golf game or just sit around and watched soccer. Cosy place, and you still get to see the night view.

Opening Hours:

Friday, Saturday & Eve of PH:
6 - 9pm: $25 nett (inclusive of 1 standard housepour)
9 till closing: $30 nett (inclusive of 1 standard housepour)

May is the running Month~

I'm always so behind schedule, it's already going to be end June and here I am updating on May stuff!

-.-" I shall blame it to my spoiled 1-month old Asus Laptop!

:) Anyway, it was a super packed weekends for the month of May. 

1. Saturday 11th May 2013: Nike She Runs 5km
2. Saturday 25th May 2013: Home Team NS Real Run 10km
3. Friday 31st May 2013: Adidas Sundown Marathon 10km

1 year ago, we joined the Nike BFF run together at the Sentosa. 1 year later, we 6 girls came back together again and this time round the run is held at Garden by the Bay! :) 

 

 

Before the run, all looking fresh and excited! :)

Run experience was not too bad only. Reason being there was too many runners but the route was quite small and very crowded. For those aiming to be the first runner, you have to be at the very front line to avoid the huge crowd. 

 :) A final shot of the girls (aftermath)

The following week I joined the Home Team NS Real Run 10km. It was a last minute registration as I didn't know that this year the run is held so early. Also, instead at the usual Changi Exhibition Hall, the race is held at Sentosa instead. I would say this location is much more convenient and accessible. 

Bad experience since the start of the race. -___-"

Not much photo for this run since I'm alone, just a shot of my medal! :)

About 1km into the run, someone knocked my iPhone onto the road. So the story is that phone was ringing and I forgot to turn on the silent mode. Thus, when I took out from my pocket, this GUY (out of nowhere) running so near to me and knocked my phone down. *ANGRY!* The phone slide across the road and bounce once. When I picked up, all the corners of the back are badly scratched! You have no idea how much I want to straggle that guy! 

I was expecting the route this year to be slightly easier as compared to the one at Changi. I'm so wrong! The up and down the trail run is what I didn't expect and was totally a killer! And there was 2 parts for the sandy path before the last 1km from the finishing point. *DEAD!* 

Finally reached the ending point, and it was time to collect the bag home. Unfortunately, the baggage trucks are still not here and we had to wait at least 20 minutes before we were told that the collection point have changed to another place. And what awaits us at the collection point was a truck filled with messed up bags! All the bags are over the place and they need to call number by number in order to give out the bags. Can you imagine it's like you're playing lucky draw and see whether your number will be called. 

I queued for almost 1 hours before I got my bag. Terrible experience this year! :( Seriously make me consider whether to join again next year!

Following Friday was the Adidas Sundown Marathon. Last year I was caught in the heavy rain during my 21km rain, thus this year I decided to stick to 10km. Partly also because the race was divided into 2 days, and 10km & 21km is on a Friday night. A working day, and I still have to do a 21km run with not much rest? Don't think I'll be able to come back!

 

QW, BL (doing 10km), JY, SS & WN (doing 21km) ^_^

The race village are all sheltered (based on last year experience) and thus, we are able to find a place to rest before our flag off time. 21km starts first before the 10km. 

We managed to took a instant photo before race, looking all fresh! :)

Managed to completed the run in under 01:10:00, not too bad, but shall work harder to get it under 01:05:00 next round! :) I supposed it's due to the cooling weather too, and I didn't have to keep stopping at the water points. 

Proud of our medal! :)

Plan was to go for midnight supper after the race, but in the end we're quite tired and almost going into sleep mode. :) HOME SWEET HOME and it's a whole day of nua-ing at home on Sunday! :)

Sort of summarize the Month of May! 

Shall update you guys again on the rooftop bar, One Altitude on the next post! :) The view is magnificent! :):):)

Short & Sweet :)

:) We got our medal! :)

:) National Vertical Marathon 2013! We conquered 41 + 3 levels down to the finishing point! 

This is the 2nd year we joined the race and thus, we sort of know what to expect but it really is tedious to go against gravity! -.-" Like the title, short and sweet because we can complete the whole race within 20 minutes. 

But I'm not sure about others, going horizontal seems to be easier for me than vertically! ^_^!!! Nevertheless, I make it up in time, faster than last year timing too! :):):) 

This is the first warm-up for my Mount KK trip. We'll be going to Malaysia to have a short hike up at the end of the month before the actual trip! :) 

Hopefully the ride up Mount Kinabalu will be smooth and easy on me!

Packed Saturday! ^_^

Sunny Saturday, sunglasses is a MUST! :)

:) Mr decided to drive out for our weekly Saturday date! 

Picked me up slightly later because he missed the exit and went all the way to NTU. -__-" I guess can't blame him too much since I usually drive myself home and he, on the other hand, will be busy with his iPhone. 

Anyway, first stop was to get some food for a late brunch. I came across this cafe: Department of Caffeine from Instagram and decided to give it a try. 

1-page menu

We did not make any reservations and tried our luck with walk-in. It was quite crowded partly due to a birthday party celebration which took up most of the seats. 

So we had to wait, and in the end, we were only left with the bar seats facing the road, aka beside the main door. Limited varieties on your menu, but enough to be spoil for choice. Usually when it's my first time to a cafe, I couldn't make up my mind on what to order. It's like you wanna try something new, but also want to eat something simple and see whether it's up to the standard. *LOL!*

We ordered a starter, a main & a cup of Mocha since Mr. is not feeling too well that day.

Starter: Soba noodles, wakame & herb salad, $12 (regular)

Very refreshing and the soba are just nicely cooked. Simple, yet easy on your taste buds. *Like!* Portion is quite big, so would recommend to share this if you're planning to order another main for yourself. :)

Main: From the Kitchen: D.O.C Breakfast Platter, $18

The picture said it all: Scrambled eggs & bacon with the meatloaf on toasted brioche, served with tomato confit & cheese bocconcini. 

Ok, so I'm supposed to comment on the brioche, but my 1st bite was the tomato and it was so soft and juicy. HAHAHA! Scrambled eggs are quite normal, tasted like just another sandwich. Not too bad, but have tasted better. :) 

Definitely going back to try out other main courses. ^^

I'm not a caffeine addict / lover, just occasionally have the urge to have a cuppa. :)

*Caffeine will eat my iron away! NOOOOO!*

Coffee art is quite standard, not sure was it because the place was crowded and the art done is simple to cater to everyone. I have seen some 3D art works and definitely wanna go see them! I know I would not want to drink and destroy all the art work! *LAUGHS!*

:) Enjoying his breakfast platter, and always on the lookout for the Summon Auntie! *LOL!*

Department of Caffeine

Address: 15 Duxton Road, Singapore 089481

Telephone: 6223 3426 (remember to make a reservation!)

Opening Hours: 10:30 am - 7:30 pm

After the quick brunch, we went to collect some stuff near Central, and we had no choice but to pass the ERP which cost $2!!! *OMG!* Seriously, driving in Singapore is not CHEAP! For the sake of convenient? No, I would still prefer public transport. *_*

2nd part of the day: Garden by the Bay to visit the Tulipmania! ^_^!

While on our way, the magnificent Singapore Flyer

The iconic Super trees at GBTB

The trip was supposed to be see all the tulips bloom, but the day before, they changed all the buds so most of them were not fully open yet. Quite wasted as I wanted to see a whole field of tulips. 

Some random photos of the flowers........

:) Weather is good, and inside the dome is quite cooling. 

The Holland-themed pavilion with lots of wooden clogs hanging around :)

We managed to clear both domes within 2 hours, before rushing down to Kallang for the Nike She Runs 2013.

Here's a preview, will upload more in the next post! :)

And also, more on the Taiwan trip, which is super long overdue! -______-"