New Taste in BDC A1 Kopitiam

I have to admit that almost every Saturday or Sunday I will visit BDC A1 kopitiam for breakfast although it's no where near Desa Wira, Batu Kawa... This is because I have always think that they serve the best Popiah, best Kueh Chap and best & only half cooked egg Cha Kueh (by request) in Kuching. The Kolo Mee is not bad at all. All these food might not be the best for others but it definitely suits my taste buds well.

Me and couple good friends first dined there back in 2007 because Brian's dad sells 'Cha Kueh', fried yam cake there and Brian intoduces half cooked egg Cha Kueh which has became my all time favourite since then.

.:Cha Kueh:.

Yesterday, I went with dad and realized that the Roti Canai stall has changed people. Thank God coz the previous 2 stall operator's Roti Canai sux and a better taste Roti Canai can encourage dad to join me for breakfast in A1 more coz he loves Murtabak. After trying the Sardin Murtabak 'RM4.00' (although dad prefers Lamb Murtabak more, it's not in the menu), it's not bad at all. So I guess, there's good chance that we will be ordering roti canai in A1 in the next trip.

.:Dad enjoying his Lamb Murtabak:.

.:The last few pieces left:.

Last Working Day of The Year

For many of us who are taking leaves until next year... These were how we look on December 23rd right before Christmas holiday. Snap Snap for the memory! :D

.:Jen in her waiting for meeting to start mode:.

.:Belinda letting loose a bit:.

.:Meself:.

.:Cynthia... with pillow & lighter O_o:.

The Poolside Xmas Party

We had a casual office gathering on 17th December with gift exchange at Upper Sanctuary Poolside. Everyone chipped in some money for the food and we came out with some western dishes as shown in the photos below. Overall, it was a relaxing Saturday instead of a Crazy Party. We enjoyed ourselves with little chit chat session off work and some work related matters which was totally unavoided since we all spent most of our times at work. I love little activities like this as it bonds the relationship between colleagues and friends. :)

.:Tuna Casserole:.

.:Fushion Black Pepper Stewed Lamb:.

.:Garden Salad with Cashew Nut:.

.:Cherry Chilled Cheese Cake:.

.:Cyn enjoying the green salad:.

.:Jen eating:.

.:Ping digging the cheese cake:.

.:The Group Photo!:.

.:She got a Shawl:.

.:I got a bikini set:.

.:Belinda's Notebook:.

.:Jen got a bottle of perfume:.

.:Little EJ got a box of chocolate:.

Skype moment with Ba'kelalan

Ba'kelalan is a remote area in the Heart of Borneo where the 'Lun Bawang' a local etnic group stays. The flight to Ba'kelalan is only 3 times a week on a twin otter by MasWing. It is a nice and cool place to visit if you are into the nature and to learn more about the culture of the people there. More about Ba'kelalan, please visit HERE.

I was there back in June and blogged about the place as well http://aliciaks.blogspot.com/2011/06/mama-hen-baby-ducklings.html

UNIMAS, the local university in Sarawak has a project there on tele-centre to help the local communities to be connected to the world. As I made good friends there, I had the first skype session with 2 of the community leaders there. The village head and area chieftain of the village. It was short and sweet but we were all very happy to see each other online. The most memorable question was 'Where are you now?' I guess that was to confirm that I was really in Kuching and not nearby. 

It was indeed a historical moment in life.

.:I definitely wasn't flattering with my pyjama ON:.

Permanent Eyeliner & Laser

Once in a while, I'll do something to my face as Facial Improvement. Not as serious as cosmetic surgery but more to like permanent colours, facial etc. This time, I choosed to do a permanent eyeliner colour so I do not have to bother not using eyeliner ended up looking like I've just cried the night before. I also lasered off the oil pimples block on the left side of my nose which has been bothering me since about 10 years ago...

.;See the oil pimples block on my nose:.

.:After the process I look like Tom Sawyer:.

But it'll be gone after the skin heal in a week time and hopefully I'll not be stubborn to be sun tanning under the sun anymore since my dry skin can't really take direct sun which was causing the freckles and all that. :)

2012’s New Year Resolution

OK this is the time of the year I will be jotting down my resolutions for next year. Looking at my existing resolutions there’s at least a few of the resolutions accomplished. Good enough to do a little celebration for myself.

Let’s look at last year’s resolutions…

MY 2011'S RESOLUTION!

1) Get a MAC Book... Need to start brushing up my illustrator and photoshop skills. (Not accomplished but currently using a notebook with photoshop)

2) Get a Brand New Car. (Accomplished!)

3) Enroll to a Tailoring Class.. who knows you'll be hearing designer brand in 5 years! LOL (This is going to be scrapped OFF as my travelling and working schedule doesn't seem to make this resolution realistic)

4) To reach and maintain below 55Kgs (YES & NO… trying to maintain)

5) To pay all my bills on time... (I've always procastinate!) (YES & NO… trying to maintain)

Anyway, here's what I posted last year... http://aliciaks.blogspot.com/2010/11/december-is-coming.html

SO AS FOR 2012, it will be more relaxed like...

1) Continue to maintain below 55Kg.

2) To continue to pay my bills ON TIME.

3) To cope up with sufficient and consistent savings every month. I am bad in controling my expenditure... It's hard to be a smart shopper when you try to own everything at 1 time. hehehe

4) Over the weekends or free time, always do something that cheer myself up such as a pampering good massage, hairdo,  facial, weekend cookings/bakings, road trip, beaching, planting the greens etc.

I guess, as year passed by my resolutions are getting lesser and lesser. Hmm.. it's not a bad or good thing. Just reminding myself I am pretty satisfied with many things in life.

Xmas Lighting 2011

Hmm... although I'm not Christian, I have been attending Xmas Lighting Ceremony almost every year throughout my working life in hotel industry. I remembered last year was one of the best one with good crowd and an inpromtu opening remarks by YOU KNOW WHO... Overall, it was great! But having to leave the hotel less than 1 month after that to join my current workplace is a little sad coz I still misses the joy of working in a hotel. (Can't blame me, I was working in hotel industries for 7 years...)

My Last Year's Christmas Lighting Ceremony Post

This year, I was a little bit dissapointed maybe not because of the ceremony itself but the people that used to work together with me were all either left the company or not participating in this year's event on 2 December 2011. But anyway, the most important thing was to be able to try and catch up with some good old friends who are still there. :)

.:Xmas Carolers from St Thomas Church:.

.:The Ladies from Sales, Front Desk & Fit & Spa Lounge:.

.:Hotel's Resident Manager with the children lighting up the Xmas Tree:.

.:Me & Amy:.

.:Me & Martina:.

After the ceremony, had a chit chat laid back session with Jerry at Station One, Hills Shopping Mall. We wanted to go to Full House, a lifestyle cafe but it was Full House anyway so we switched to Station One. It was a good evening despite I was down with FLU and Cough... over the weekend..

Stephen's Birthday Dinner @ Blablabla

Had a dinner with Stephen in Blablabla on 1^st December 2011 to celebrate his birthday since I've promised him a month ago. As usual, this is my favourite place to bring people for special occasion because of the nice ambience of the place and not too crowded. 

We only ordered the lambchop with black pepper, Midin Salad and a piece of Strawberry Cheese Cake since I am on DIET as usual.

.:Stephen with Lamb Chop with Black Pepper Sauce RM38:.

The lambchop with blackpepper sauce is more to the sweet side. I guess since it's a chinese fushion cuisine, it will not be what's expected from the normal lambchop with black pepper sauce but I like it cause the taste is just right for my taste buds although I only ate a few little pieces. T_T

.:As if it's my birthday ho.. hehehe RM12:.

I didn't take the photo of the Midin Salad which was RM13 or RM16 if not mistaken because I was too hungry and since the Midin Salad has always been my favourite, I forgotten totally about the photo. It's a mildly boiled midin marinated with olive oil, red onion, lime, pinch of salt, chilli etc.  A little bit like how people marinate raw fish called 'Umai'.

Overall with drinks & papaya + peanut appertizer, the damage done was RM87 which was already expected anyway. For the nice ambience and good food, a little over price is acceptable especially for special occasions.

November is a blissful month

Singapore Trip

I've travelled to Singapore with dad, Ongako, Ah Ing & Siaw Ying to attend Cheng's Ragistration of Marriage.. yes it's REGISTRATION OF MARRIAGE... another one in the family tied the knot. Now it's already 4 out of 7 and only left me, Siaw Ying & Ah Ing.. ahahahahahhaa (Laughing like spongebob)... the married ones don't be too happy coz it also means GAME OVER.. ahahahahhaa (Laughing like spongebob again).

Anyway, it was a good trip overall as we stayed at Chinatown area in Singapore and i managed to do some shopping for the decoration in my apartment. Oh well, the star is my brother and new sister in law, Mrs Ng 'Jaslyn'.

.:The Wedding Couple:.

.:Hahaha cuteness (The ones at the back I mean):.

.:4 shorties.. hehehe:.

.:In Universal Studio:.

.:Pulling my own Pant up:.

So happened that Elephant Parade was going on in Singapore at the time we were there and I love elephants... Lucky! The Elephant Parade is the world’s largest open air art exhibition of decorated elephant statues that seeks to attract public awareness and support for Asian elephant conservation. For more info, log on to: - http://elephantparade.com/ basically it's to aid for the elephant hospital that saves the poor elephants.

.:Papa & Opera Elephant:.

.:Me & a cororful elephant:.

.:Ongako & a black elephant:.

Manukan, Sabah

The week after, I also went to Manukan in Sabah with some collegues & ex-colleagues. It was a day trip as it's just a small island where people can picnic and spend some quality time together. I didn't know that snorkeling can be so much fun. I came back nicely tanned with nice complexion.


The day started at Jesselton Port which is just next to Parkson Suria, KK.  The price for a return speedboat per person is RM24 or slightly more depending on the boatman.

.:Jesselton Port:.

.:In the boat:.

.:The Fee:.

.:Water is so clear you can see the fish:.

.:Ready for snorkeling.. jacket and snorkeling tool can be rented at RM15 from the boatman:.

.:Me & Haliza:.

Besides the trip to Manukan, we did a bit of shopping in KK and got ourselves some T-Shirts and Jen even did something nice to her hair.

.:Got a T-Shirt that has great words:.

.:Jen Permed her hair:.

Wedding in Kuching...

Apart from travelling, I didn't miss one of my best buddy's wedding. Although we seldom meet now & busy with our own career & life, the 2 years of college life together was never forgotten and the bond built was for eternity. 4 of us, Leong, Hsiang, Yen & I... Oh well, Leong is married with 1 daughter, Hsiang just got married & Yen is getting married in January... What the hell, i don't give in to peer pressure. Enjoying my single & workout life! Anyway, I'm so happy for all of them.

.:Mr & Mrs Hii:.

.:Leong, Wifey & daughter:.

Speaking of which, I've been working out hard lately after the eating spree in Bangkok which brought me REGRETNESS... I'm targeting and doing at least 30 minutes workout a day and cutting down on sugar, carbohydrate & oily food which basically cutting down on everything inclusive of skipping dinner replacing it with fiber supplement. hehehe

5 days in Bangkok with Schoolmates

I recently visited Bangkok for the first time with 5 others schoolmates and their spouse. It was a ‘Follow Your Heart’ trip as I was too busy at work and didn’t have much time to browse through places to visit and hotels booking were all through www.AsiaRooms.com. One Quote for Bangkok ‘Heaven of Pork!’

.:The Airline broke my luggage:.

.:Our Taxi:.

The first day we reached Bangkok was already midnight. At the airport, take (Meter Taxi) which is actually airport transfer. For a Toyota Avanza, fit for 5-6 ppl 700baht to Sukhumvit Area.

Since it was late when we reached Unico Express, we just checked in and rest for the next day Chatuchak weekend market adventure on Sunday. I’ve heard from many that Chatuchak is so big you won’t finish walking around it over the weekends and the things are cheap. I couldn't be disagreed more with that statement. I bought some flower bulbs and hope that it will grow and I’ll be the first Tulips & Hyacinth supplier in Sarawak.. Just wait & see…

.:This taste like mini tosai with shredded coconut 10baht:.

.:Pork Leg Rice:.

.:Fried Rice & Sea Food Tomyan:.

.:Coconut Ice-cream:.

.:Pork Satay:.

.:Coffee @ Chatuchak 20baht:.

The 3^rd day, we hired a driver Mr Wistu. The taxi driver from the airport who looks descent and fatherly. We went on a trip to the oldest & most touristy floating market, Damnoen Saduak. The whole day car hiring is 2000baht and it gets expensive when he drop us in one of the boat hiring agent that is about 2km away from the market and we sat on a boat that cost 1000baht per head. I am sure it will be cheaper for travelers who visit the market via bus and hire smaller boat from the market. But it’s ok, we’re tourists anyway and tourists are meant to be slaughtered wherever they go for the benefits of the local communities.

The road trip from Bangkok to the market is about 1hour 45 minutes and the visit to Damnoen Saduak was great but can be better if it’s not raining heavily. We were so hungry that we preferred to eat than to shop and we were eating and shopping all the way. Janet took her time bargaining with the shop owner and we enjoyed watching the both of them. Luckily we had a good boatman who didn’t felt anxious to bring us back to the boat agent place. I think maybe he enjoys some commission as well but we don’t mind at all as long as everyone is happy. :D

.:Crepe with cream and shredded coconut:.

.:Manggo:.

.:Pancake with sweet coconut cream:.

.:Pork Bihun:.

.:Group photo in the boat:.

.:Rice with Pork Sausage and rice cake:.

.:Cooking Coconut Sugar at the Floating Market:.

.:Janet Bargaining:.

.:Old Lady in a Fiber Boat:.

After the floating market, Mr Wistu brought us to the Elephant Riding place about 2km to  3km from the floating market and the fee to ride on an elephant for less than 10 minutes is 400baht per person. It’s a worthwhile experience but I had a slight headache coz the experience of sitting on top on the elephant was like having a car emergency breaking every 5 seconds. Maybe I ate too much at the floating market earlier.

.:On an Elephant:.

We skipped the Rose Garden coz nobody was interested in the cultural sense of Thailand and everybody was worrying about not be able to shop enough. As Crispin was looking for AAA imitation club and country jerseys since Chatuchak Market, we have asked the driver to bring us to a place where we can buy it sacrificing the Rose Garden. He brought us to the shop lots next to the National Stadium and indeed it was not a bad place at all coz there were plenty of cheap jerseys ranging from 100baht to 350baht depending on the quality of the fabrics.

.:Deep Fried Pork.. this is godlike:.

At night, we called Bank the tattoo artist to ink Eric & I. He came at around 7pm and left at midnight because it took a while for us to decide what to ink and I believe he is a holy Buddhist coz he refused to ink spiritual mantra for me which I tried to get a way with from the monk that cost 8000baht to 10000baht which is RM800 – RM1,000… I got mine in my home town where the headhunters used to live at only RM80! But the price from bank was reasonable from 1500baht to 3000baht for small tattoos depending on the design.

.:Before Inked:.

.:In Progress:.

.:After:.

And so that was the end of our 3^rd day in Bangkok without drinking session nor Ping Pong show nor Tiger show… I was really not interested coz I feel disgusted even when I heard the stories.

On the 4^th day, we checked out from Unico Express and had bad experience checking out due to the housekeeping has confused with the 3 rooms minibar and we were unhappy about mineral water in the room which we didn’t consumed and charged. I refused to pay and the receptionist sarcastically said to me ‘Never mind Mem, I will pay for you’ That really got on my nerves as I came from hotel line and I believe that’s a lie and sense of sarcasm for Thailand ‘THE LAND OF SMILE’ fuck that quote. But anyway, we didn’t let small small things spoilt our day and I took note on writing pretty NICE review in trip advisor and Asia rooms when I got to Malaysia.

We check in to H-Residence, a hotel under pre-opening period with nice decoration, nice rooms and good but inexperience staffs who really tried hard to give the best shots. I love this hotel. Although it’s quite hidden, they provide free tuk-tuk service for guests to the BTS train station.

After check-in, we decided to visit the Grand Palace and maybe some temples depending on our strength since we have size S – XXL in the group and everyone was considerate among each other… haha

The Grand Palace’s entrance is 600baht per person and no singlet, tight pant/skinny jean or shorts are allowed. If you happened to be wearing the forbidden clothing, they have the attire to borrow when you walk into the palace. Don’t fall into the trap to rent clothing from the shops outside the Grand Palace.

The Palace itself was beautiful and the architecture was amazing. I feel great when I walked in the palace really besides the heat, everything was cool. We also prayed in the amulet Buddha temple which is inside the Grand Palace Area itself.

.:Amazing architecture:.

.:At building in the palace:.

.:The view of the Grand Palace:.

.:A group photo without Crispin coz he said he had headache:.

.:Another group photo but this time, the full team:.

Right after that, Crispin had a bad headache and he felt like dying so we all have to force ourselves to go back missing the Chinatown. Actually we were very tired too and we just enjoyed blaming him for getting sick. Poor Crispin.. haha

.:Headche... attention seeker.. hahha:.

.:Pork sausage with glutenious rice:.

At night, we went to Chinatown and Crispin was resting in the room coz he was sick. Unfortunately the clothing shops closed at 5pm. However, we get to try the food there and I enjoyed speaking in Teochew dialect with the Thai Chinese in the Chinatown. I like the ice-blended coconut milk with jackfruit & water-chestnut jelly and jelly dessert but not the Poh Piah and the Kueh coz they are all salty flavored. At home, we like it a little bit sweet with some dried shrimps etc. (Nyonya influence of Malaysia).

.:Poh Piah:.

.:Traditional Teochew Steam Radish Rice Cake:.

.:Fruity dessert. I like!:.

We met a Tuk-Tuk driver right next to our eating table and we asked where we can eat fried scorpion and he brought 5 of us in his tuk-tuk to Khao San Road at 100baht. Khao San Road was a cool place which I’ve missed browsing in the internet where all the pubs, bar & night scenes are. There were a lot of tourists at that area. Reminded me a little bit of Bali or Phuket at night.

.:Squeezed in Tuk-Tuk:.

Eric got his hair corn-rolled and I found the insect (no scorpion) and some other porky food…

.:Cornroll done:.

.:The insects:.

.:Oh I love this:.

.:This is like the pork version of Kajang Satay:.

.:I felt really nervous & excited when I tried the grasshopper:.

.:Mini Eggs:.

On the 5^th day and my last day in Bangkok, me Crispin went to search for pharmacy early morning and bought medicine for diarrhea and bought some allergy medicine for Lyvia who complaint here body was itchy & swollen. The pharmacist warned us that the allergy medicine has sleepy and drowsy effect but we decided not to tell her so she won’t psycho felt that she was sleepy and spoiled her plans. (Indirectly, everyone’s plans).

.:Lyvia was complaining about sleepiness & Crispin had to hold his laughing mode:.

We found a Thai Chinese shop at that area and had our porky breakfast there since Lyvia & Effendy was still sleeping. We’ll let them have their Halal food later on since Pork was so irresistible for us.

.:Pork Ribs Noodle:.

.:Prok Dumpling:.

We walked from Siam Paragon to MBK which they have connected bridge for the 4 shopping malls. Since there were no discounts going on in Bangkok, the branded shops were bit too expensive comparing to Kuala Lumpur so I didn’t buy much besides food food food. We left the mall at 4.00pm and I had to packed and leave Bangkok 2 days earlier for work purposes. Damn I missed their clubbing scene that night and more shopping and sight seeing which they claimed to be so good! Damn... haha

.:My last meal in Bangkok was a street minced pork + pork skin with salted & spicy vege rice:.

Bangkok again? Definitely yes coz we missed Ayutthaya due to the flood of the century and there are so many other places that are not that touristy which we didn’t visit.