Year: 2013

Sarawak+Brunei Road Trip (18-25/11/2013) – Part 6

Posted on By sweet surrender 4 Comments on Sarawak+Brunei Road Trip (18-25/11/2013) – Part 6

Last day of of 2013. I figured I should update something. Better continue with the road trip post. The longer it is, the more details I forget.


It’s already evening when we arrived Bintulu. It is 650 kilometers from Kuching and the fourth largest town in Sarawak. You can fly or drive here.

Since no hotel was booked in advance, we later found out that all the hotels with star rating were fully booked! We ended up at a very old 3-star hotel, the only hotel with still many rooms available. I won’t tell you where, it was a rather scary experience to some of us even before we check-in into the room. I had deleted all the photos related to this hotel and I didn’t even dare to view the actual size of the photos. My roommate and I had to request for change of room some more. We’re the lucky one to get the “jackpot” room. The story will come some other day. One very unforgettable experience indeed.


After check-in, we went to had dinner. I have no idea of the shop’s name, totally don’t remember. However, it’s located in one of the commercial area where Tune Hotel is located. First time I heard of kambing penyet (left). Our friend recommended it, so I ordered it. Not bad really but too bad didn’t have a very good appetite. While another travel mate of mine ordered ayam penyet (right). Was really tired that night, didn’t really bother much, all we wanted was to get our rest as soon as we could. Love the sambal belacan (the condiment that came with the dish)! It’s good and very spicy! Well… Bintulu is known for its belacan, it should be good!

The next morning, we packed our stuff to prepare to move to a new hotel. No choice, had to check-out by hook or by crook due to various things happened that night to some of our travel mates. While waiting for the rest to tell us where to move, we went to the town center for a walk.

You definitely will not miss this Tua Pek Kong Temple in the middle of the town.



The market at Bintulu Esplanade. You can find many local handicrafts there.


The fish and vegetable market (Pasar Utama Bintulu) is just around the corner.


We went up to the food court for brunch. While looking out to the river, we saw eagle! First time! I’ve never seen one in Malaysia.


TADA! The umai from Mukah. Brought it all the way to Bintulu. Was too tired to eat last night. My second time eating this. Now… Looking at it just makes me salivate. It’s raw fish meat and it’s “cooked” using lots of salt and lime juice. Means, you’re not eating raw fish. This whole thing cost RM12 if I’m not mistaken.

After that, we decided to go to Tanjong Batu.

Left: This is another landmark of Bintulu called the Council Negeri Monument. Bintulu is where the first Sarawak Legislative Council took place on 8th September 1867.

Right: New World Suites where you can stay when you are here but it was fully booked when we were there. Else we would be staying here rather than the haunted one hahaha… The shopping centre is there too. If only we stayed here…


This is the view we all looked forward to.


We went to Pantai Temasya Bintulu.


Bintulu is a major industrial centre. Faraway out in the distant, that’s one of the LNG plants.

After that, it was time for us to check-in our new hotel. We stayed at Parkcity Everly Hotel. Way better than the hotel we stayed on the first night!


I love the shower gel. So sweet, the smell of raspberry. Love the packaging of the toiletries too. Too bad, because of fully booked hotels in Bintulu and this hotel was packed too, we ended up in smoking room. This is when my nightmare began, not because of the supernatural thing but because of thirdhand smoke.


After check-in, we headed to Bintulu Resident Office for the flag off of Cats Rangers and to create awareness of Visit Sarawak Year 2014.


Done with the event, we went back to our hotel and strolled the Bintulu Waterfront Promenade (the convergence of Kemena River and the South China Sea) just behind the Parkcity Everly Hotel waiting for sunset. This hotel isn’t bad just too bad no place to easily get food or do some shopping.


Since Bintulu is an industrial centre, there’s a lot of vessels going through the area. You’ll meet many expats there too. Lots of Koreans and I was surprised to hear Bahasa Malaysia spoken by Koreans to their Malaysian friends. I’m impressed!


A very relaxing place to be but we didn’t bother to wait for the sunset anymore. Too tired, started to feel weak also.

For your information, SuperStar Aquarius is now stopping in Bintulu. Bintulu is one of the three stops for Star Cruises’ first ever 4D/3N cruise off the western coastline of Borneo.

The rest of the evening, my room mate and I just spent it in the room. No appetite to eat. Wasted our final night in Bintulu just like that…

Check-out the next morning and went for breakfast before going to Miri. Sorry again… I’m such a bad travel blogger hahaha… Was feeling so unwell and didn’t bother where we went for breakfast. I ordered mee jawa(right), it tasted like sweet mee curry -.-” Don’t remember the price anymore. Brain was too weak to remember anything. One of my travel mates ordered nasi goreng pattaya (left).

Goodbye to Bintulu… Off to Miri…

Happy 2014!

Bintulu, Food Porn, Going Places, Land of the Hornbills - Sarawak

Reflections 2011, 2012 & 2013

Posted on By sweet surrender 3 Comments on Reflections 2011, 2012 & 2013

It’s the time of the year when people start to reflect on what they’ve done throughout the year and set new resolutions for the new year.

I never set any resolution until early 2011 before heading to Adelaide, only one. What’s more… Never reflect until now. The one single resolution was never achieved. At the end of 2011, I didn’t reflect on what I’ve done throughout the year. I was too busy that time preparing for 3-week student exchange in Busan, Korea, that required me to fly off on 31st December 2011 and getting approval to extend my study along with my visa before I flew off.


Before heading to the trip, I went to friend’s house for Christmas BBQ and I got to know many new friends which led to something in 2012. I was still trying to sink into the fact that I’m finally in Adelaide and dreading the fact that I would be going home some time in June 2012, it was already December 2011! At the same time, I had been tru’ a bit of ups and downs mostly in my personal life but with great friends around, it wasn’t a big deal. So 2011 went by peacefully.


In 2012, I was granted a new visa to stay till March 2013. It was great news! One year wasn’t even enough to experience the awesome life in Adelaide. My first 3 weeks of 2012 was spent in Busan. First quarter of 2012 had quite a bit of ups and downs too in my personal life. Still, I’m thankful to be there in Adelaide and even Busan for the once in a lifetime experience.


The second quarter was amazing! Everything seemed to turn out as planned. I achieved my resolution, the one and only resolution I had, thinking that I would be able to extend my stay and even embarked on a whole new life. However, the good times didn’t last, it ended with a snap of fingers in November. I tried very hard to accept it, to stay positive and to forgive. Most friends had left either for good or went home for holiday because they had finished their studies and it’s also summer holiday. I was rather miserable as I didn’t really have anyone to share my sorrow with. So lonely. Worst, I almost made homeless but I’m sure my guardian angel was there to take care of me and a friend showed up at the right time offered me to stay at her place until March 2013.


Due to the unfortunate event, I decided to take the opportunity to go on a trip to Kangaroo Island by signing up to join a special tour for uni students few weeks later since I’ve never been there and there won’t be any chance anymore because my stay was going to end very soon. At the same time to clear my mind for a bit. Let’s just say that the tour offer came in time.


Also, I booked my December trip to Christchurch despite the expensive fare. If the dream didn’t end, I don’t think I would have step foot to Kangaroo Island or even Christchurch. I had the same travel mate for both trips. Fate I guess… If not for her, I don’t think I would go to Christchurch because she had already booked her trip earlier and she was traveling solo. Due to that, I figured that I must grabbed the chance to go even though the flight ticket was very expensive (still cheaper than flying from Malaysia) because I didn’t really dare to go solo.


I didn’t have time to reflect on 2012 too because I was busy preparing for my NZ travel plan and graduation ceremony was before Christmas. I kept myself busy with Christmas activities in church too. By the time I got back from NZ, it’s already January 2013 and I was busy planning my family trip to Adelaide and Melbourne in February 2013. Finally, in March 2013, it’s official that I had to bid farewell to Adelaide indefinitely.

It seemed like everything happened for a reason and opportunities came at the right time. I’m a very blessed girl even with that hiccups along the way!


Now, 2013 is ending, it’s time to reflect about the year. I won’t say it’s a bad year, instead it’s a year with quite a number of surprises. My resolution is still the same but I didn’t achieve it. However, it’s a year of traveling for me. Been traveling every few months since December 2012 on and off within and outside Malaysia. I’m thankful for such opportunities given. Not everyone gets such chances. I guess the traveling will stop for now. I don’t know when will my next trip be either self-funded or sponsored.

I guess in 2014, I need to start sorting out my personal and also professional life after leaving everything behind for almost 2 years living my dream and been “enjoying” since I came home in March. To be frank, I’m still floating around trying to find where to stand.

On the other note, it’s been 9 years since he left without saying goodbye. Life moves on but what he had taught me will never be forgotten. For he had taught me to look at life in a different perspective, be open and accept differences, and instill patience in me. Hopefully, some day, someone who are able to handle this difficult me as capable as him and accept me for who I am will come. May the long wait and failures in between will open up a better future.

Haven’t been writing such thing for ages. Anyway, I’m sure I’ll be back on track sooner or later. Not sure will have new post(s) coming before 2014 or not. In case there’s none, then I’ll take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy new year!

Heart Matters

Joy to the World of Balloons at Boulevard

Posted on By sweet surrender 4 Comments on Joy to the World of Balloons at Boulevard

Busy, busy, busy, need to get some work done before January if possible. That’s why update is so slow this time. This post is going to be a quick one.

Just going to share with you the mini balloons exhibition at Boulevard Shopping Mall in Kuching. It’s ending real soon. Started on 21st Dec and will end on 30 Dec. Not free entry, have to pay but it’s for charity purpose. Only RM2/adult and RM1/child.

These are basically almost all of the exhibits. Didn’t bring my camera, used my phone, and it was low in battery so couldn’t take proper photos of them.









Hope you enjoy the colourful balloons!

I guess I won’t have any update in this blog until Christmas. Wish you all a very Merry Christmas. However, there will be some random updates in my twitter or in my FB page. Wonder will my FB page hit 150 Likes by 2014?

Hope you have a wonderful holiday season with your loved ones!

Public Events, Uniquely Kuching

Isthmus Christmas in the Garden @ BCCK

Posted on By sweet surrender 2 Comments on Isthmus Christmas in the Garden @ BCCK

Finally got to go to BCCK food tasting last night. This video is the lighting of the Christmas tree at BCCK. Just a short one, couldn’t take any longer as my camera was running out of battery. Thought it would be enough for the night so I didn’t charge but who knows… Just one video and low battery warning kept blinking already -.-


Left: The overview of Isthmus Christmas in the Garden.

Right: Caroling by the staff of BCCK.


Left: The tree up-close. Too high, can’t fit into my camera.

Right: Another highlight of the night was the buffet dinner. This is the Silver Cocktail stand where you can find Cologne Potato Salad, Prawn Kataifi Cocktail, Caesar Salad with Sesame Seed & Spicy Chicken floss, Smoked Salmon Rose, and Grapes, Cheddar Cheese & Cherry Tomato Skewer.

Here’s the rate in case you’re wondering:

  • Pre-Christmas Buffet Dinner on the 23 December 2013 (RM80++/person)
  • Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner on the 24 December 2013 (RM90++/person)
  • Christmas Day Brunch on the 25th December 2013 (RM65++/person)
  • Christmas Day Buffet Dinner on the 25th December 2013(RM80++/person)

BCCK has pledged that for every paying adult enjoying their special Isthmus Christmas Buffet this year, RM 5.00 will be donated to the Sarawak Cheshire Home. These proceeds will be given after the “Isthmus Christmas in the Garden” promotions ends on the 28 December 2013.


Part of the dessert corner, Fruits Skewer & Chocolate Fountain, and some other desserts.

Individual Hot Selections:

Left: Chicken Jambalaya

Right: Roast Duck on Mantau with Oriental Sauce

Carving station:

Roast Turkey with Roast Potato, Roasted Eggplant, Caramelized Pumpkin & Carrot Vichy.


Left: Roast Beef, the beef was a little too chewy for my liking but it was good.

Right: Salmon Coulibiac, this is overall our favourite. Very filling too! Underneath Salmon Coulibiac is the roast beef I mentioned just now.

The sauces available were Black Pepper Sauce, Mushroom Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, Capers Butter Sauce and Dijon Mustard.

More desserts:

Left: I’m not sure what’s this, it’s so cute! Not too sweet too. Tasted like orange.

Right: Christmas Yule Log.


Left: Christmas Fruit Cake.

Right: Cheesecake but not sure what type. Couldn’t go into my stomach anymore. So full! How I wish I was able to taste it.

Some food that I tried:

Chicken Jambalaya, Roast Duck on Mantau with Oriental Sauce, Roasted Eggplant, Caramelized Pumpkin, Carrot Vichy, roast turkey with cranberry sauce, Smoked Salmon Rose, and Grapes, Cheddar Cheese & Cherry Tomato Skewer. At first I thought the grape was olive! A bit disappointed hahah…

The turkey was very tender and juicy while Chicken Jambalaya and Roast Duck on Mantau with Oriental Sauce were a bit too sweet for me. The roasted vegetables were awesome! Smoked Salmon Rose wasn’t bad too.


Left: The Prawn Kataifi Cocktail looks nice in presentation but I’ve got nothing much to say about the taste.

Right: Haven’t do this for a long time!! The food is yummier or I’m yummier? *LOL*

By the time I finished the above, there’s only little space left for dessert.

Based on feedback from others, BCCK serves very tasty buffet with good quality control. Since this is my first time joining the food tasting session here, my experience last night was above my expectations. Two thumbs up from me.

For more information on BCCK’s “Isthmus Christmas in the Garden”, visit BCCK’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BCCK.Sarawak or call 082-392 988 for more information and restaurant reservations.

Food Porn, Public Events, Uniquely Kuching

Sarawak+Brunei Road Trip (18-25/11/2013) – Part 5

Posted on By sweet surrender 4 Comments on Sarawak+Brunei Road Trip (18-25/11/2013) – Part 5

Gonna do a quick post. Feeling a bit lazy these days ;p

The road to Mukah was extremely bumpy. Very torturing -.-”

You get to see some pink, purple, and white flowers growing wild along the way. It’s called the bamboo orchid.





Not only that, you can see many different types of modern longhouses too.


Welcome to Mukah! You’ll definitely see Kingwood Hotel Mukah once you enter Mukah. Located next to the sea. Don’t expect blue sea, you don’t get it here due to Sarawak’s geographical conditions. We called it teh-c-peng *LOL*

Mukah is different from other towns/cities in Sarawak, as the population is predominantly the Melanaus, hence the nickname The Melanau Heartland. Melanau language is the medium of communication here. However, Malay, Sarawak Malay, Iban, Mandarin Chinese, Hokkien, and English are spoken too. Mukah is the main sago producing area of Sarawak.

Source: Wikipdedia


Developments along the way.


The Setia Raja Mosque in Mukah.


Left: An old chimney from a sago factory.

Right: We headed to the market.


The Cats Rangers were there to conduct giveaway activities with the locals. You can find sago worm at the market aside from the local produce. They’re so fat! In fact I was supposed to eat them alive which Jian bought at Sibu but at the end I didn’t and he left it by accident in Bintulu *LOL* Even if he didn’t leave it in Bintulu, I won’t be able to eat it also because I was feeling a little bit sick already in Bintulu. He bought umai (a spicy salad of raw marinated fish with shallots, lime juice and chillies) in Mukah. Will show how it looks like in the next post.


After the activity, we went to lunch. This is another landmark, the clock tower in Mukah.


Had our lunch at Nawab Cafe, can’t get the address online. Well… Mukah town isn’t that big anyway, it’s located at the row of shops opposite Hotel Sarina (67 Jalan Orang Kaya Setia Raja).

Left: Mee Goreng (RM3.80), yum! I’m not really a fan of mee goreng actually but this one is delicious. I love it! If they provided lime, it would taste even nicer.

Right: Fried beehoon ordered by one of my travel mates, no idea of the price. Looked not bad but I don’t know how it tasted.


Continuing our journey… No idea what’s this.


Can you see the rainbow? It rained when we were in Mukah so we didn’t get to explore the place much. It’s just a pit stop.


Bintulu… Almost there…

Food Porn, Going Places, Land of the Hornbills - Sarawak, Mukah