Lake Toba Berastagi Medan Itinerary: 3-Night, 4-Day Adventure Lake Toba was our very first overseas trip together. Thirty-five years later, as we flipped through old photographs, a thought struck us: why not revisit this journey and see how much has changed? Could we rediscover the magic of Lake Toba, Berastagi, and Medan, and notice what …
Shah Alam Community Forest, located in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, is a hidden gem for hikers looking to escape the city and immerse themselves in nature. The forest’s most popular attractions are Mirror Lake and Sapu Tangan Hill, offering a mix of serene waterscapes and challenging climbs. Even hiking just to these two destinations is …
Experience Bhutan through culture, landscapes, and daily life Bhutan had been on our list for a long time. Over six days, we moved between valleys, towns, and mountain passes, visiting dzongs, temples, and villages, and hiking to places that can only be reached on foot. The journey unfolded gradually, shaped by long drives, quiet walks, …
Bentong isn’t a name that rings bells for everyone, but for food lovers in Malaysia, it’s quietly legendary. Nestled just a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, this medium-sized town in Pahang has a charm that goes beyond its quiet streets. Its bustling hawker stalls, old-school kopitiams, and local flavors make it the perfect weekend escape …
From Racehorses to Retail. Exploring Asia’s First Stable Market in Ipoh Ever wondered what happens to a historic horse stable when the racing world slows down? Well, Ipoh has given us one of the coolest answers imaginable. Forget your typical modern malls. I spent an entire morning wandering through the Ipoh Stables Market, also known …
Bukit Mertajam is a mid-sized town, located less than an hour from Penang Island. Because of that, many visitors, even locals, tend to skip it and head straight to Penang Island instead. However, we’ve discovered that some unique local dishes can only be found in Bukit Mertajam, and it also offers several hiking trails, which …
During our recent trip to Seremban, we stayed for two nights and enjoyed local food that is truly unique. But eating wasn’t the only thing we did. We also made time to explore 6 places to visit in Seremban that are worth checking out. In this article, we’ll list these places to visit in Seremban …
What to eat in Seremban? In this article, we will share our colorful three-day food adventure in Seremban, sampling everything from local street food, confectionery, and desserts to the famous Seremban Siew Pow. Please join us on this culinary hunt as we discover these delicious treats and give our genuine, unbiased feedback on each. Seremban …
We’re a small team of three who just returned from Lukla to Kathmandu after completing the Everest Base Camp trek. October is usually known for its clear skies and ideal trekking weather, but this year turned out differently. We were met with heavy rain and snow throughout the journey. Thankfully, the Nepal side wasn’t hit …
This is our Everest Base Camp Trek Part 3, the conclusion of our unforgettable adventure! Recap of the previous two parts Just a quick recap: we began our journey from Lukla, and upon reaching Dingboche (4,410m), our team decided to split. My brother Ka Kui and my friend Bernard continued their ascent toward Everest Base …
This is the Everest Base Camp Trek Part 2 of our mini EBC series. Here is the summary of Part 1. In Part 1, we arrived in Kathmandu late at night and took an early morning flight to Lukla the next day, which made us a day ahead of schedule. From there, we began our …
This is the story of our three-man team daring to take on the adventure of a lifetime, the trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC)! We’re a group of senior hikers, with the eldest being my brother, aged 73, from Hong Kong, and the other two of us are Malaysians, both in our early 60s. If …
We just came back from Sitiawan last week after spending three nights there. During the trip, we not only explored the nearby places but also made a point to try as much Sitiawan food as possible. A few days ago, I shared an article about the places we visited, and this time I want to …
Sitiawan is just an hour from Ipoh, my hometown. However, after more than 50 years of living in Malaysia, I realized that I had never truly explored Sitiawan and its surroundings. Ironically, I’ve journeyed as far as Antarctica (you can check out that story on my blog), but somehow overlooked this little corner of Perak. …
Step off the plane in New Zealand and you’ll feel it immediately: the crisp air, wide-open skies, and the promise of adventure everywhere. Most first-time visitors rush to the South Island, and it’s easy to see why, with its dramatic peaks and glaciers. But for those of us lucky enough to explore the North Island …
We took a break from our routine life in Malaysia recently to spend three weeks on the North Island, New Zealand, visiting our son and his family. On one of the days, we took a short trip from Auckland to explore Piha Beach, one of New Zealand’s most iconic stretches of coastline, and the nearby …
A Day Trip to Muriwai Beach During our short stay in Auckland, we took a day trip to Muriwai Beach on New Zealand's North Island. Our main purpose was to visit the famous gannet colony. Muriwai is home to one of the few mainland gannet colonies in the world. Each year, thousands of gannets migrate …
Let me ask you: what does the picture of a perfect hill resort look like in your mind? Is it a place where you can enjoy cool, refreshing weather and serenity far from the city's noise and stress? Perhaps it includes a cozy restaurant, a comfortable room, a swimming pool, a playground for the kids, …
My impression of Kedah has always been vague. When I was a child, my teacher often told us that Kedah is the ‘rice bowl ' of Malaysia. But I had never actually visited the state after growing up. This time, I came to Alor Setar, the capital of Kedah, filled with both excitement and curiosity. …
This is the second article I have written about our trip to Perlis and Kedah. In this article, we will focus on the places to visit in Perlis, the smallest state of Malaysia. We have also written a separate article about places to eat in Perlis and Kedah, which is available alongside this one, providing …
During our recent trip to North Peninsula Malaysia, we didn’t just travel around to enjoy the beautiful scenery. We also ate our way through restaurants in Kedah and Perlis. From quiet coffee shops to bustling food courts, we tried local favorites that ranged from spicy Malay stews to smoky Chinese noodles. This blog post is …
Have you ever stumbled upon a place that quietly steals your heart? That’s what happened when we visited Sungai Lembing. Tucked away just under an hour from Kuantan, this little town surprised us with its peaceful charm, misty hills, and rich history. We spent two leisurely days in this quiet town, climbing hills to catch …
What are the best restaurants and cafes in Kuantan? These questions often cross my mind because I’ve never been there until recently. It’s almost embarrassing not to take the time to visit and explore Kuantan’s renowned food scene after living in Malaysia for decades! Last month, we finally took our five-day trip to Kuantan. Along …
In the pursuit of visiting as many places in Malaysia as possible, our most recent trip brought us to the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Yes, we stayed in the Kuantan/Sungai Lembing area for five nights, exploring while enjoying the famous local food. This article focuses on the things to do in Kuantan and briefly …
I always wonder how a waterfall could produce rainbows. The connection seemed mysterious, almost magical. After trekking for over an hour through dense rainforest to reach the Lembing Rainbow Waterfall, I finally understood. Before us stood one of Malaysia's most spectacular waterfalls, its 450-foot cascade thundering down just as the sun hit at the perfect angle, …
Bukit Gasing is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Kuala Lumpur. Ever since I became hooked on hiking, I've visited the Bukit Gasing hiking trails countless times over the past six to seven years. During these frequent hikes, I've grown familiar with its various trails and hidden paths, a great place for nature …
What to see in Melaka besides things happening around Jonker Street? When Melaka is mentioned as a tourist spot in Malaysia, it is often labeled as a place brimming with local specialty foods, vibrant street markets, and a rich history shaped by the settlements of various European countries over the past few centuries. While many …
Melaka River Cruise stands out as the most popular must-do activity in Melaka, along with visiting the Jonker Street night market. We did not want to miss it and hopped on the boat last week twice, both during the day and at night. As we did not want to miss the opportunity to marvel at …
I recently spent a few days in Malacca, trying out the restaurants and food stalls recommended by local friends. This "Where to eat in Melaka" list below is organized chronologically based on our visits. We strive to provide as much unbiased and objective information as possible. Melaka is a historical city that has earned UNESCO …
Have you ever thought about visiting Muar? Muar is the fourth-largest city in the state of Johor and was declared a Royal Town by the Sultan of Johor. Known as Bandar Maharani, it is a historical town with many significant buildings and sites. However, what attracts us the most is its famous street food. Muar …
Kenyir Lake of Malaysia has long been on my travel list. When there were a few free days during the Chinese New Year, we finally seized the moment and embarked on our long-awaited journey to Kenyir Lake. Some basic information about Kenyir Lake Nestled in the state of Terengganu, Kenyir Lake is a breathtaking marvel …
Each year, on the 15th day of the Chinese New Year celebrations, Singkawang in West Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo) bursts into life with the vibrant Cap Go Meh Festival. With the rich influence of Chinese culture, this spectacular event features an enchanting display of tatung rituals, vibrant float parades, and dragon dance performances. These performances aim …
This travel story will list all the attractions in Kuala Terengganu and the Terenggnau food we tried. Kuala Terengganu might not typically be the first choice for holidaymakers in Malaysia, especially among international travelers. However, a trip to Malaysia wouldn’t be complete without exploring the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Even for those of us …
Bukit Kiara is one of the top two hiking destinations in Kuala Lumpur. There are many trails and interesting spots to stop by during the hikes. However, there are different entrances and complicated trail networks. Therefore, I am writing this detailed guide so you can clearly understand what Bukit Kiara offers. This article is organized …
Thean Hou Temple is one of the most renowned Chinese temples in Kuala Lumpur. I've had the pleasure of visiting it several times, with my last visit being around six years ago. With Chinese New Year just three weeks away, I knew they'd be putting up decorations for the celebration, so I decided to drive …
There is so much to see in Ipoh! I lived there for more than 15 years during my formative years and attended both primary and secondary schools there. Many places are familiar to me, but I recently discovered some entirely new spots during my visit. I spent two wonderful days in Ipoh recently, and in …
Kampar is our hometown—a small town in Perak known for its diverse range of unique foods. Whenever we return, we always take the opportunity to visit the stalls and restaurants intertwined with countless memories and emotions. While it may be true that not everyone will appreciate the food herein Kampar, many types are unique and …
Kampar is a historical town known for its unique cuisine, traditional way of life, and laid-back charm. Whenever I return to Kampar, I feel lightyears away from city life. My pace slows down, my heart feels lighter, and I let the day unfold naturally. Kampar is close to my heart. It is where I've lived …
I can barely remember what Hat Yai was like when I was there in my twenties—about four decades ago. I have a vague recollection of Hat Yai, and I am certain that if I recall, it has changed so much that it is now entirely different from what it was years ago.. So, when my …
We recently had a wonderful trip to Hat Yai, Thailand. Hat Yai is renowned for its food, and we took this opportunity to try as many restaurants in Hat Yai as possible. This article will focus on the food and restaurants we visited, while we plan to write a separate article about the activities and …
We have heard about Ninh Binh in Vietnam for a long time. Many of our friends have recommended not to miss Ninh Binh if we ever visit Vietnam. So, after joining a group tour to Hanoi, we decided to extend our visit and have an overnight stay in Ninh Binh. After lunch, we left Hanoi …