Penang..Batu Feringgi
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!
Port Dickson
The last time we were here was during our honeymoon. Yeap exactly 14 years ago. Any changes? Minimal I would say. More resorts and hotels have popped up to cater to the growing number of Singaporeans visiting. The place is still laidback. The only so-called mall that we visited was Giant which had just opened. Port Dickson was basically a place to rest and relax,unwind and rewind.
We had wanted to try the Grand Lexis Resort initially having heard so much about it from fellow friends but it was fully booked reason being it was the school holidays. The next best option for a water villa was Avillion Port Dickson. The exact same place we stayed for our honeymoon.At that time it had just been opened and there were parts of it that weren’t ready yet. Now it was fully transformed with a private beach, amenities and such. There was even a mini zoo also known as the petting zoo for kids. It was indeed a nice place to stay with breathtaking views of the straits of Malacca.
We took a 2 bedroom villa this time round as my mum and best friend tagged along. There were 2 king sized beds in the respective rooms and a queen lounge bed outside. It was sufficient for the 8 of us. There was even a mini kitchenette. 2 balconies too! One in the master bedroom and the other at the common living room.
One of the priveledges of our stay was the free access to the Avillion Riau Club lounge. A new addition to the resort. There was afternoon tea and evening cocktails served for guests. I loved the decor of the place as it reminded me of Miami Vice.
On our first night there we stumbled upon a cosy tomyam place, Barakat Tomyam Seafood was what it was called where we had our dinner. Just mere minutes from Avillion. Their speciality was of course tomyam. Cheap and reasonable. Food was good though served in small amounts. Eventhough it was enough to last us through the night we still had cup noodles for back ups. Heh.
We didn’t really venture out to the town. Our agenda here was just to have a relaxing time, let the kids hit the pool and beach. Basically santai. Breakfast spread was good the next morning. With roti canai as top on the list. Other than that there was the usual amaerican breakfast dishes.
I really love their private beach. So quiet and peaceful. No need to jostle with the crowd for a lounge chair. The place was ours.
The mini petting zoo was a hit with the kids and adults alike. Though not really a fan of pets I was contented to just be the camerawoman. Whtever the pets you name it they have it. They even have roosters and hens! Huge turtles too. All live as one big happy family in the same compund.
Did I state that we’re able to see ‘live’ the low and high tide of the sea? It was indeed remarkable. During low tide people would go down and look for remis and other shellfish or venture out. Like what these 2 did.
There were also millions of hermit crabs too! Well if you can see them in the picture that is. Whole families of tiny baby crabs scuttling around like ants from where we stood of course in the villa. I was too chicken to go down.
And when it was high tide the seawater went really high but it was great for fishing and crabbing which we did not have the time to do. Bummer.
On our last night we had seafood BBQ at a newly opened place at Kampung Gelam Port Dickson. It was not exactly at a typical kampung though. There were several stalls well actually 2 huge ones,the only ones which were opened that night which sold fresh seafood. Enjoyed our dinner very much. Everything was cooked to perfection. Best part? It was darn cheap.
Overall.. my take on Port Dickson? A great place to unwind. Till then wait up for the continuation of our holiday to the next state…
Hitched
And so my baby sister, my one and only sister finally got hitched on the 25th of Nov 2011. It was a such a beautiful and memorable affair given the fact that we painstakingly planned it nearly a year ago with blood,sweat and tears. Hahaha yes I know I’m exaggerating. It was indeed fun planning it all. I am so blessed that my sister entrusted me with the task of planning her BIG DAY. It all went well I’m glad.
Most importantly my sister and her husband are happy.
I wish her eternal and everlasting love in her marriage to Faisal. May they be blessed soon with little Shameens or little Faisals. Have a great married life you guys! I love both of you!!
An extraodinary Gastronomical Experience
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!
Flickr Photos
|
