a mum's diary

The drive to Penang was I would say a rather LONG and TIRING one (yes even passengers feel the exhaustion) but one that opens one’s eyes to nature and its surroundings. There was no shortcut to Penang unless you take the plane that is. It was a neverending drive. After conquering tunnels and steep corners and turns, we finally saw the bridge. The beautiful bridge that seperates Penang from mainland Malaysia.

Main aim to Penang? To get to the legendary most talked about Hard Rock Hotel, fill our tummies and relax! No shopping too this leg of the trip. Well not too much shopping. Why I say so? Because during the duration of our stay we did not even venture out into the city. Just thinking about the infamous traffic jam makes me sick. So our stay throughout was just atop Batu Feringgi which I’ve since dubbed as the O.C slash Miami of Malaysia because of the tall and beautiful apartments facing the sea. All modern and chic apartments mind you. Names too were super canggih. There was Miami Green,Mar Vista,Island Resort just to name a few.

So Hard Rock Hotel did not disappoint. The facade itself was breathtaking. Staff? Excellent service from the bellboy right up to the managers. There was never a time you do not see a smile on their faces. Ok so back to the facade. Truly modern and a fantastic view of the sea. Even have their own private beach.

We were whisked to the  Kings Club Lounge for our check in as we booked a club room for 2 nights.

Service was prompt and within minutes we were ushered to our rooms. Like any other Hard Rock Hotel, every room comes with its own balcony. Ours overlooked the pool and the beach. I did not know why I did not take any pictures of the room! Too excited I guess. The only picture that I took was this. A cosy part of the room. My favourite part of the room. A so called lepak place.

We hit the pool soon after. The kids and the grown up men frolick in the water while me and mum just took in the sights.

I love the deco on our floor. Very chic and classy. Feels like home.

And there is also a photo kind of booth where you can take wacky pictures of yourself like these people did. Yes all on the floor’s landing.

Nasi Kandar was what we had for dinner. A must or so I’ve heard if you come to Penang. Although it wasn’t the place that friends have recommended but it was good nevertheless. Fingers and hands still smell of curry the day after. That is a sign of a well made curry right?

We then went to the Feringgi Night Market. Reminds me of Petaling Street in KL? Loads of fake goods and touristy souveniors. I am widely surprised that it’s sold freely here. The house of Vuitton and Chanel will die of a heart attack if they ever come here. Haha.

Breakfast was at the Starz Diner. It was named exactly like the one in Bali. Food wise? Bali has a more extensive range. It was also bigger. Quite a disappointment actually. Was hoping for more traditional Malaysian fare.

After breakfast we dropped the younger kids off at the Kids club and the older ones at Taboo (teen club) and off we went hunting for the perfect spa place. Pampered myself with a manicure,pedicure and a foot reflexology. My second time in my life doing the foot reflex and it sure ain’t the last. Too shiok! 

More swimfest then after before dinner plus pool activities with the friendly Hard Rock Hotel staff. Spot ili dancing?

We had dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe on our last night courtesy of Mr Zahrin Ali our BFF. Food was heavenly and fantastic. Thank you so much Zahrin!

Pre dinner activity..Let’s colour!

And so this concludes the second leg of our holiday. Till we meet again Penang!

While we were at the Fullerton Bay, we seized the opportunity to try every dish that they had. I must say they were truly not a letdown. It was gastronomical to the very last bite. Every flavor just explodes on your palette and makes you wanting more.

We had our annivasary dinner in the room. I ordered the steak and the mister had the lamb shank. We both shared the appetiser which was onion soup. Mind you this was no ordinary onion soup. There was no hint of that pungent onion smell. It was rather well like any ordinary soup but with flavors that will blow your mind.

Did I not mention that there were cheese in the soup? Totally delicious especially when dipped with hot piping bread rolls which of course comes with it.

I wanted my steak to be well done but the chef suggested it to be medium well because if it’s too well done it’ll be too hard for me to consume. The chef’s suggestion did not disappoint. The steak came in perfection. Every bite was so juicy and the meat so tender. It was the first time that I really took my time to enjoy my steak.

The mister’s lamb shank or lamb chop as I called it did not disappoint as well. It was perfectly cooked. With ratatouille on the side it was the most perfect main dish.

It was the best in room fine dining experience both me and the husband had ever had.

All these went perfectly well with our bubbly ‘champagne’ for the night.

And who could ever forget about dessert? Banana split ice cream made specially by the kind people of Fullerton Bay. Mind you banana split is not even on the menu. They whipped up just for us for this special day.

There were several sweet treats given to us and the kids too. We were being spoilt rotten!

What more could I ask for except for a luxurious night alone with the man that I truly love and adore. My one true soulmate whom I have loved for 16 years (courting plus marriage). It has been a whirlwind journey but yet we have proven that love conquers all.

The night at the Anderson Suite at the Fullerton Bay was indeed magical. From the upgraded room to the tip top personalised service given by the hotel crew to us. We could not have been more pampered!

Here’s to many more magical years together Mr Malik Bin Hassan. I will be waiting to grow old and wrinkled with you…

Forgotten uploaded pictures to be updated and its wayyy past raya. I have been busy yes I have what with the father in law in hospital, the son racing against time for his PSLE, the endless housework (which I dare not and shall not complain), the many many tasks to do pre sister’s wedding and plus the occasional ‘M’ syndrome.

The last few visitings were mostly to friends homes. It kind of wrapped up the whole raya thingy as in thats the end and now you have to lose all the fats gained as most of these houses were all about eating! And it’s REALLY good food which you cannot attempt to even say no to.

First up was to Rozza and Jai’s new palace. Lovely place they had. Love the smell and feeling of a brand new house.

Thanks for welcoming us to your new abode guys!

Rendang Ayam, satay goreng, lontong and Shepard’s Pie await us at Norfa and Bai’s on our next raya visiting. Had multiple servings of Norfa’s awesome pie. Too delicious especially when it’s piping hot!

Few nights later it was Sharinna and Shahid’s place. This time it was home-made pizza done by chef Shahid and baked pasta. Totally delicious! Love love love the home-made pizza.

Oh and in between we had some guests over our place too!

We’re priveledged too to get invited to 2 housewarming cum raya open houses. The first was at my cousin’s place in Punggol. Thank you Rina and Faisal for the invite. Lovely home you have there and I love your desserts!

The second housewarming cum raya open house was at Sabrina and abang Kassim’s abode. Lovely spread of food. The usual kecohrable people. Camwhoring all the way. Thank you Sab for the delicious and the abundance of yummy food!

And last but not least an invite from my favourite chum mummy Annie! Thank you for inviting us to your first ever rumah terbuka ya!

Overall it was indeed a great Eid. We the husband and I are indeed fortunate to have such wonderful friends and family rallying around us. Here’s praying that we’ll get to see Eid next year insya-ALLAH