Category Archives: Leisure & Travel

Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery. It’s FREE.

Posted in Leisure & Travel by

This is a cute, family-friendly place that is FREE. I really enjoyed my time there as an adult – with a husband and kid. My eldest was at school because only Melaka had a long weekend holiday. It was a less than 15 minutes drive from Silka Maytower Hotel and we arrived there was early as 10am. This museum is closed on Mondays.

Parking signage for the public needs to be improved. Apart from that, everything else was good. We started our trip on the Ground Floor where the kids zone was. There were a few interactive stations where the kids can learn about spending money, withdrawing cash from the ATM and tracing pictures and stuff. I think some of the adults got way too excited. But it’s alright. Perhaps it’s their inner child coming through for the experience.

The Insta-worthy terowong duit. Husband is snapping photos of ‘old money’

Imagine carrying money in this form a long time ago

You have RM1 million. What would you buy?

Filling in details to withdraw money

The floors above showcased the history of money and banking services in Malaysia. The displays were really informative and pretty to look at. My daughter loved role-playing as bankers, businesswomen and even a robber. Ha ha. I think we spent roughly 90 minutes here by going through the sections at a leisurely pace. However, if it was just me, reading on every single information and absorbing them, I think it would take me perhaps 4 hours. There were so many interesting things to know about the evolving and improving nature of our financial institution.

The museum was air-conditioned. Making it a great place to spend a hot day there. I believe they have a cafe on the ground floor but we had our lunch elsewhere. We saw a few groups of school children coming just as we were about to leave. I thought it was a great activity for them. Thankfully we arrived earlier. If not, we would be competing with them in the kids zone to get our hands on the interactive stations.

I would definitely recommend this place for families with young children and the elderly for a fun day out at Kuala Lumpur.

Money from all around the world

Silka Maytower Kuala Lumpur

Posted in Leisure & Travel, Reviews by

Melaka had a long weekend just before the recent school holidays. So I drafted an itinerary for a short trip to Kuala Lumpur. I specifically chose Silka Maytower due to our planned activities. I booked a Deluxe-Triple Room with breakfast included for a 4D3N stay. The total was RM 726.75 plus taxes. There is parking on-site with a flat rate applied to in house guests. The room was spacious and breakfast options were OK. There wasn’t a lavish spread but it was enough to fuel our day. The hotel is walking distance to India Street, Jakel and SOGO. If you’re willing to walk further, you can reach Petaling Street by foot.

There’s a gym and a swimming pool as well at the hotel. I loved the pool. The depth was just over 1m. It was really clean as well with great aesthetics. I did not get to go to the gym but my husband managed to snap a few photos there. Guests need to tap their access cards to use the elevators. So, I was thrilled when we were given 2 cards. The fridge was functioning and thankfully, there is a hairdryer. I was in near anguish when I thought there were none until my daughter discovered it in the drawers near the beverage counter.

The hairdryer has played an important part of my marital life. I did not own one during my single years because I did not think it was necessary. Everything changed after I got married cause girls just need to dry their hair fast before putting on the hijab. Furthermore, it was only later that I learned that if you blowdry your hair, it makes your hair more silky smooth and protects the scalp from fungal growth that could lead to dandruff.

Anyway, the main objective of the stay was to visit the Bank Negara Museum and KLCC. I was thinking of bringing my daughter around KL on the transit trains. Our hotel is located close to them stations. However, my husband does not seem to be up for it and prefers to travel in his car. So, I’d probably do it with my daughter at another time later. Apart from the two places mentioned earlier, we also made a visit to Zoo Negara. All this I will write about in my next post.

Leo living da loca

Posted in Food and Drinks, Good Things, Places to Eat by

Happy Birthday to myself

I made amends with my dad this year, putting the past behind us. A truce with an older person can sometimes feel monumental, especially when it created an emotional distance between us. Carrying hatred in my heart was tiring. Especially when I was also faced with a similar burden at the workplace. People always seem to think that it’s their right to return the energy to the opposing party, but when they become the receiving end, suddenly everything is toxic. As the 3rd party looking into this matter, I have been called the enabler and too husnuzon by both sides (depending on their narrative).

Putting those thoughts aside, my husband has already started his subspecialty training. Thus, this is one of those birthdays where we will postpone the celebration to another day as he is studying in a different state. Even then, as the type of person who can amuse herself, I got myself good food and a slice of cake.

Initially, I wanted to eat Kacang Pool at Houd Houd Cafe. The opening times were stated as 10 am. Unfortunately, when I went there, it was not yet open. I was so disappointed. So, I drove over to another cafe at Ayer Keroh called Lera a Fusion Cafe. The customer experience with the staff could be better. Thankfully, the food was delicious. I really enjoyed my pesto pasta. So that deserves 4 stars.

Later, I wanted to have a cake from Duchess of Cake. I did not check their IG, and it turns out that they are closed every Wednesday. I let out a deep sigh as I arrived at the store, as I struggled to find parking earlier. Ha ha. Perhaps there’s a silver lining to this experience.

This led me to Secret Recipe. One of the most reliable places to get a delicious slice of cake. This time, I went for the cake with the banana instead of the Indulgence Cake.

Although my husband was away, he gave my daughter strict instructions about when to give my present. I received them promptly in the morning. I have a new pair of baju kurung and a mini massage machine for the neck and shoulders. I am very thankful for the life bestowed upon me by ALLAH. Alhamdulilah.

Jipinhe Scones

Posted in Food and Drinks, Places to Eat, Reviews by

Jipinhe Scones is a small outlet at my nearby mall. I was initially intrigued to try their Hot and Sour Rice Noodles. It is said to taste like the noodles in Chongqing. However, it is said to be spicy, and I am not sure if I can tolerate the heat. Thus, I went with the other set option that has the Tomato Noodle Soup and the scone. I opted for the New Orleans Chicken Thigh scone and a jelly dessert.

Truth be told, I really loved everything I ordered. The tangy tomato flavour was strong and flavourful. The scone’s filling was generous too. I was really full after the meal I shared with my daughter. I was watching over my calories.

I am glad that my daughter agreed to try something new. I am inspired to do this from time to time after watching this movie called The Room. There was a part after the mother and her child managed to escape from their kidnappers and live life. They tried everything together so that they would get to know the things they would like, exploring everything from different foods to new activities, which helped strengthen their bond and filled their lives with joy and discovery. This exploration reminded me that, indeed, that is what we should do as well. While being in a comfort zone makes you feel safe, exploring something different can lead to unexpected experiences that enrich our lives, foster creativity, and broaden our perspectives. Embracing the unknown not only brings about personal growth but also teaches us valuable lessons about adaptability.

My daughter is embarking on a new life experience soon. She will be learning a new skill. InsyaAllah.

Lakeview Terrace Resort, Pengerang

Posted in Leisure & Travel, Places to Eat, Reviews by

After the stay at Kluang, we made our way to Kota Tinggi. On the way there, we stopped at this place for a quick lunch. The food pricing was cheap and most importantly, the dishes were prepared deliciously. It is like one of those everyday places people go to for lunch and have their nasi campur.

The Lakeview Terrace Resort

This resort is located at quite an isolated area. You will need to drive a bit to find a restaurant. I believe that this place was promising when it initially opened. A resort is supposed to have everything to accommodate your stay. Visitors rarely have to leave the place. I saw a reel on it, recorded a year ago. It surely gives off a different vibe as to how it is now. It did made me question what could possibly went wrong. Later, I found my probable answer.

Mr Husband booked two rooms. Each room has a double bed and a single bed. Our Family Room is roughly about RM 180/night before the tax and fees. Yup, the price has dropped tremendously due to it’s service falling short. The rooms were located in front of it’s main attraction, the swimming pool. My husband enjoyed the gym. He was on the treadmill for at least an hour in the evening while watching over the kids swimming in the pool. I was able to get my 10K steps in as well by walking around the area.

Most of the area has been shut off with tapes surrounding the units. The ones open were situated much closer to the pool and cafe. I thought it was a shame that such a beautiful place is quietly becoming out of business. Until I figured out why. I saw a tiger toy on one of the bins and in front of one of the units, that is probably rented out to long term tenants working at Pengerang. I knew that some people use these toys to deter monkeys. Indeed, I saw the monkeys. But they were further away from where the guest were staying.

I suppose before this, wildlife imposed a threat to visitors. By going into the rooms and going through the trash.

Find the monkey

Breakfast was included in the room rates for 3 pax/each. The options were very sad though. The basic cereal and milk for kids were not even there. Only sausages. I felt sorry for the staff though. It was only one lovely lady who had to manage the front desk and also setting up the breakfast buffet. I hope she is paid well and is allowed her time off if she asks for it.

We had lunch at Dee Pondok Desaru cause it looked pretty from the roadside. This place serves the usual lunch dishes. I ordered nasi penyet with ikan keli. I believe the rest ordered the chicken dishes. It was OK for a family lunch. Most of the time we just lounged around in the room and played in the pool. We checked out after a 2 night stay and went back home to Melaka. The road trip was what I needed after a few hectic weeks at the workplace. I ws ready to return to work after my leave. Looking forward to my next long break in December. Insya-Allah.