BANGKOK Day 2 │ Rabbit Card • Fortune Town!

Let's Gallivant!

I woke up at seven and spent the next hour working on our videos before hitting the showers.

We then went down to the lobby of Tierra Residences to enquire about their shuttle service to Gateway Ekkamai. It begins at 8:00am until 5:30pm on a half hourly interval every day except Tuesdays. In fact the 9:00am shuttle ride was ready and waiting to leave. We arrived at Gateway Ekkamai five minutes later and made our way up to the Ekkamai BTS station where we made enquiries at the ticketing counter.

In order to be entitled to a Rabbit card we had to produce a copy of our passports. I had a copy saved on my phone, and we were able to purchase 2 cards for THB100 (approximately USD3/EUR3/MYR13) each.

We decided to top-up THB500 (approximately USD15/EUR/14/MYR66) to each card, bringing our total purchase to THB1,200 (approximately USD36/EUR33/MYR159). We then used our Rabbit cards to walk past the turnstiles and head up to the platforms.

Seven stops later we got off at Asok station. We exited then headed down underground to the MRT station. We asked at the ticketing about buying the MRT EMV prepaid card but were told we needed to have a Thai bank account.

We had to settle for a one-way token for THB20 (approximately USD0.60/EUR0.50/MYR3) to the Phra Ram 9 station three stops away. We disembarked and walked into Fortune Town to have brunch.

We strolled along the lower ground and settled on a local Thai restaurant called Yum Na Or Klad where we ordered:

• Fried Rice with Crispy Chili Paste and Chinese Sausage 
• Rice with Basil Chicken and Fried Egg
• a round of Iced Water 

for a grand total of THB285 (approximately USD9/EUR8/MYR38).

We then began our exploration of Fortune Town with the sole intent of getting a messenger styled camera bag. This is to be a continuation of a hunt that began in Jakarta when we almost fell victim to a gang of pickpockets.

After the unfortunate incident I was on the lookout for a bag from the brand Matin. I bought a smaller bag, the Matin Clever 120 many years ago at Hat Yai and was impressed with its quality. Unfortunately Matin was not sold in Malaysia, so we made it a point to look for it in Bangkok. So imagine our delight when we found the specific Matin model, Zest 135 at the World Camera store!

It cost THB2,990 (approximately USD89/EUR82/MYR397) which was an absolute bargain given that an equivalent branded bag would easily cost thrice as much.

We then continued strolling along Fortune Town before making our way back to the Phra Ram MRT station. We bought two MRT tokens from the kiosk for THB20 (approximately USD0.60/EUR0.50/MYR3) each back to the Sukhumvit station.

At the Sukhumvit MRT station we disembarked and exited before making our way up to the surface level then onwards to the Asok BTS station. We caught the train bound for Kheha and got off at the Ekkamai BTS station before entering Gateway Ekkamai. We rode an escalator down to the ground floor and shared a large bowl of Mango Bingsu for THB250 (approximately USD8/EUR7/MYR33) from Sriyan Tearoom.

We then walked out and after several minutes caught the same shuttle ride back to the Airbnb. At the front desk we requested for two extra pillows, and they promised to send it up to the unit.

Stay tuned for the next video as we experience a famous Bangkok night market!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Tierra Residences - https://maps.app.goo.gl/JebgPKkRd2FaFaSy7

Gateway Ekkamai - https://maps.app.goo.gl/CtawQGUvEjm78DDm7

Ekkamai BTS station - https://maps.app.goo.gl/F2pdwXkm8wWZiHFo6

Asok BTS station - https://maps.app.goo.gl/y7FXW8N4ftTgVSE97

Sukhumvit MRT station - https://maps.app.goo.gl/hkUGYsheCjV49Eei7

Phra Ram 9 MRT station - https://maps.app.goo.gl/K2J33xVueMoBrKvK8

Fortune Town - https://maps.app.goo.gl/oCpJmQ1qHQZUVqca6

First meal!

We picked you up again as we left the Airbnb in search of dinner. We enquired from the front desk about local Siamese dishes nearby and she directed us to a row shop lots clustered around the PTT Station about 50 meters away. The area hosted a bevy of eateries as well as a massage parlour and a nail salon, something that Cat will look into in the coming days.

Sure enough we found the place she referred to, and after a stroll along the walkway we settled on a diminutive Pad Thai stall called ครัวไทผัด (translated as Thai Kitchen Pad?).

We checked out their modest menu and settled on:

• Pad Khra Pow
• Pad Thai Rice
• Apple Soda 
• Orange Soda

for a grand total of THB194 (approximately USD6/EUR5/MYR26). Our meal was excellent and very clearly a local dish judging by its flaming spiciness. What a way to start our Bangkok adventures!

After dinner we walked across to the 7-Eleven, an experience not to be missed when in Thailand. We eventually walked out with a bagful of groceries as well as a carton of drinking water for THB370 (approximately USD11/EUR10/MYR49).

We made the short walk back to the Airbnb and began to unpack and settle in. 

Epilogue: Two days later!

After the excursion to Prathunam earlier we initially planned to dine in at the cafe in the lobby. Evening came and we decided to talk a walk around the area surrounding the Airbnb.

We walked out of Tierra Residences at half past six and continued east along Soi Saeng Chan until the intersection with Soi Sukhumvit 42.

Earlier in the day during our shuttle ride to Gateway Ekkamai we noticed a food court at this intersection. Unfortunately, it was not opened in the  evenings, and since we were not feeling particularly adventurous we doubled back alone Soi Saeng Chan.

We walked past Tierra Residences and before along found ourselves at the Rama 4 PTT station. We headed to our new favourite food stall; the Pad Thai Kitchen here and quickly ordered the:

• Fried Pork in Garlic Pepper with Rice
• Pad Thai Rice
• 2 Iced Water

for a modest THB160 (approximately USD5/EUR4/MYR21).

We then walked across to the 7-Eleven and got some provisions of mostly titbits for THB259 (approximately USD8/EUR7/MYR34) before walking back to Tierra Residences.

Be sure to catch the next video as we begin to explore Bangkok properly, as we go in search of a Rabbit card!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Tierra Residences - https://maps.app.goo.gl/JebgPKkRd2FaFaSy7

ครัวไทผัด padthai - https://maps.app.goo.gl/pUberRMLGBpZwYJN7

7-Eleven - https://maps.app.goo.gl/97cvcQ3jnKwLYD2t8

BKK to AIRBNB │ Suvarnabhumi to Tierra Residences!

Home away from Home!

We picked you up again as we disembarked MH774. After a potty break we headed towards the Immigration counters. Ten minutes later we were stamped in and so headed to Carousel 19 to pick up our yellow submarines. Another ten minutes went by before our bags emerged so then we headed out of the airport.

A week ago we had made arrangements with the hosts of our Airbnb for an airport transfer. We were instructed to make our way out of Suvarnabhumi Airport via Gate 7. The driver Sammei would pick us up there for a fixed fare of THB700 (approximately USD21/EUR19/MYR93).

We got to Gate 7 at 6:40pm and Sammei picked us up ten minutes later. The drive took approximately forty minutes, and we arrived at our Airbnb, Tierra Residences at 7:30pm. We paid Sammei the agreed amount with a little something extra.

Conveniently located in the Phra Kanong area between Soi Sukhumvit 40 and 42 it was a quiet and peaceful condo, and it was for this precise reason that we booked our stay here.

It offers a saltwater swimming pool, fitness center, sun terrace, open-air bath, restaurant, bar, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. It also boasts a family-friendly restaurant that serves Chinese, American, Thai, and international cuisines, offering brunch, lunch, dinner, high tea, and cocktails. 

The check-in process was quite straight-forward as we collected the key card to the unit and made our way up to the fifth floor. The unit was well appointed and had everything we needed, complete with bed linen, towels, two flat-screen TVs, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony. A proper desk and work chair meant that I could work on our videos in relative comfort, which was a definite plus.

We continued our review of our unit the following day where we paid a visit to the swimming pool, courtyard, and gym on the ground floor. 

For RM221 a night (approximately USD50/EUR46) we thought it was fair value given its wonderfully comfortable and cosy settings. Not to mention that Jay and his team of hosts are super helpful and very welcoming. Home for the next seven nights we believe Tierra Residence represents an excellent home away from home.

Stay tuned as we take our first stroll in Bangkok!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Suvarnabhumi Airport - https://maps.app.goo.gl/VMLGTBz5fJ4TKraD6

Tierra Residences - https://maps.app.goo.gl/JebgPKkRd2FaFaSy7

KUL to BKK │ KLIA to Suvarnabhumi!

Bangkok!

Indonesia was first in our list of ASEAN countries to visit, and so Thailand is our second destination, starting off with its capital city of Bangkok.

We bought our flight tickets to Jakarta during a recent MATTA fair and got a fairly good deal. Our return tickets cost us approximately RM800.00 each (approximately USD180/EUR166).

Brendan had just commenced the second semester of his post-graduate studies, and he was totally bummed that he could not join us this time around. 

Brendan drove us to KL Sentral's KL City Air Terminal at noon. As always we bought our train tickets online and enjoyed RM10.00 off each ticket, so it only cost us RM40.00 each (approximately USD9/EUR8). 

This is important to note since the only way to gain access to the KL City Air Terminal was with the KLIA Express tickets. We scanned our train tickets at the turnstile and voila! We were in. For now KL City Air Terminal caters to only Malaysia Airlines (MAS), Batik Air and KLM.

We submitted our yellow submarines for a security check before checking it in. Our bags weighed 29kgs in total, well within the allowed total of 40kgs. Learning our costly lesson from a previous overseas trip we made sure to purchase additional luggage allocation for our return trip.

We then exited the KL City Air Terminal and walked across past the KLIA Express turnstiles using the same train tickets. The train soon arrived fifteen minutes later.

The train departed KL Sentral at 12:40pm and arrived in KLIA half an hour later. We rode an elevator up to Level and strolled along the food court here, Food Garden. 

The enclosed environment did not appeal to us, so we continued up to the Departure floor and strolled around for a little while before settling on Nooodles for lunch. Here we ordered the:

• Dim Sum
• Loh Mai Kai
• Spring Rolls
• Iced Tea
• Sour Plum Juice

for a grand total of RM76.50 (approximately USD17/EUR16) that unfortunately attracted a 10% service charge and 5% sales and service tax. For the life of us we did not know what the difference between the two charges were!

MH774 was due to depart at 4:20pm from Gate G4, so with two hours to spare we made our way to the Departure hall. 

We breezed past the Immigration checkpoint vide the new MyBorderPass auto gates  without incident, and by time we emerged it was 2:30pm.

We then decided to while away some time at Dunkin Donuts, seated right in front of Gate G6. We were allowed in at 3:20pm and five minutes later navigated past the final security checkpoint. 

We then took our seats and were finally allowed to board the plane at 3:40pm. The flight was surprisingly not full, and the final group of passengers boarded at 5:00pm. 

There was a delay when a passenger did not turn but had already checked in her luggage. The ground staff took some time locating her bag in the cargo hold before MH774 was cleared for take-off.

The plane finally pushed back at 4:38pm and after some time taxiing onto the runway the plane eventually took off at 4:55pm.

The two-hour flight was largely uneventful, and the plane began its descent at 6:25pm. MH774 touched down at 5:55pm local time.

Kudos to Captain Lim and Chief Steward Shahrul for an excellent flight. We disembarked 10 minutes later and headed to Carousel 19 to collect our luggage.

Welcome to Bangkok!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Havironia Music - https://goo.gl/maps/swtNfVmjFK4FgRsf8

KLIA Ekspres - https://maps.app.goo.gl/aMxKXzeH29zWT1799

KLIA Express Transit Station @ KLIA

- https://maps.app.goo.gl/1AG4CR3HqePKrE3p7

Kuala Lumpur International Airport - https://maps.app.goo.gl/pDCevJLK4PNEfeq39

Suvarnabhumi Airport - https://maps.app.goo.gl/VMLGTBz5fJ4TKraD6

MELAKA Sojourn Ends │ Baba Low's • Baba Charlie

Going Home!

We woke up at half past seven and checked out of the homestay an hour later.

I deposited the unit's access card back in its mailbox then began our drive onto Lorong Haji Bachee then onto Jalan Bendahara before turning right onto Jalan Munshi Abdullah.

A kilometre or so later we turned left onto Jalan Ong Kim Wee and noticed that it bore no evidence of severe floodings that occurred just a day before we came.

We then turned right onto Jalan Tengkera and continued on for half a kilometre before eventually turning right onto Jalan Siantan Seksyen 2 for breakfast.

Our breakfast destination? Baba Low's of course. We both ordered the Nasi Lemak and with a round of drinks it came to RM18.00 (approximately USD EUR).

Cat added five Kuih Pengeram for RM2.50 each (approximately USD/EUR0.50).

Truth be told standards have slipped over the years, taste wise.

We then hopped back into BiBi and drove a short distance to Baba Charlie to see if there were any sweet cakes that struck our fancy.

Sure enough we eventually made away with a bagful for RM53.50 (approximately USD12/EUR11). We then walked across to Lao Gan Bang coffee shop in search of their delicious packets of Nasi Lemak, but we were too late.

We then doubled back to Baba Charlie to get ourselves several packets of Nasi Lemak and Fried Mihun for RM9.00 (approximately USD/EUR2).

We then got back into BiBi and drove along Jalan Siantan Seksyen 2 then continued onto Jalan Kananga 2 headed north before turning right onto Jalan Kampung Lapan.

A kilometre or so later we turned left onto Jalan Tun Perak and stopped at the Petronas station here to refuel.

We then continued our drive to the Air Keroh Toll Plaza before proceeding onto the North South Expressway headed north to Kuala Lumpur. At Senawang we turned off and eventually drove onto the Kajang-Seremban Highway (LEKAS), before finally arriving home at noon.

Stay tuned for our next series of videos as we spend an entire week in Bangkok!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

The Apple Melaka - https://maps.app.goo.gl/wTp3yQufMboCBuUT6

Baba Low’s @ Tranquerah - https://maps.app.goo.gl/nUNx6rRNeaytmiTn8

Baba Charlie Cafe - https://maps.app.goo.gl/HxwDU3MT99VXUqeZ8

Havironia Music - https://goo.gl/maps/swtNfVmjFK4FgRsf8

MELAKA Stroll │ Melaka River • Kocik!

Peranakan Cuisine!

We spent the entire day indoors; in that time I managed to complete a video while Cat completed a load of laundry.

We shared a packet of Roasted Pork Rice before retiring for an afternoon siesta. Fully invigorated we emerged from the homestay at six in the evening headed as always along Lorong Haji Bachee.

We walked across Jalan Bendahara onto Jalan Bunga Raya Pantai and continued onto the banks of the Melaka River. We walked past several notable landmarks including The Shore and various old bridges before emerging at the Dutch or Red Square.

We then walked across the Tan Kim Seng bridge and found ourselves at the Jonker Street Night Market. The large crowds however dissuaded us, so we skirted around the busy night market and walked along Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock instead.

In a little while we arrived at our dinner destination, Kocik Heritage. We were here a while back to celebrate Sa Chap Meh or eve of Chinese New Year, and the proprietress remembered us.

After a quick perusal of their menu we settled on:

• Ikan Cili Garam (Deep Fried Fish with Chili Paste)
• Terung Tempra (Brinjals in Thick Soy Sauce)
• Telur Cincaluk (Omelette in Shrimp Paste)
• Blue Pea Rice 
• 2 Iced Barley Lime

for a grand total of RM132.75 (approximately USD28/EUR30). We were then presented with complimentary desserts of Cendol and Sago Gula Melaka. Thank you Kocik!

All we can say is this is truly Peranakan cuisine!

We settled the bill then continued our stroll northwest along Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock before turning left onto Jalan Kubu.

We made another left turn onto Jalan Tokong and were smack in the middle of the bustling night market. We wanted to avoid the large crowd and so we ducked into an alley before eventually emerging onto Jalan Portugis.

We then turned right onto Jalan Masjid then walked across Jalan Kampung Hulu. We continued on and found ourselves back along the banks of the Melaka river. After a while we walked across the Old Bus Station Bridge, and continued our walkabout on the opposite right back where we started from.

We took a leisurely along the river walk headed generally north before making our way to Seri Sahabat for a round of drinks.

We then walked along Jalan Bunga Raya Pantai before walking across Jalan Bendahara and back onto Lorong Haji Bachee, and back to The Apple.

Stay tuned for our final video in Melaka where we have breakfast at an iconic coffee shop before driving back to Kuala Lumpur!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

The Apple Melaka - https://maps.app.goo.gl/wTp3yQufMboCBuUT6

Melaka River Walk - https://maps.app.goo.gl/VYxDfVtDyh9UeQyB9

Kocik Heritage Nyonya Restaurant

- https://maps.app.goo.gl/YHD6Z4pDgGzmPh1D7

Seri Sahabat - https://maps.app.goo.gl/9iqNpHhReArKu7ET7

MELAKA Breakfast │ Mei Sin Cafe • Teck Ann

Breakfast!

In the days when I used to be posted to the Melaka branch office to perform relief duties I was always put up at the Ramada Plaza Hotel.

Cat would often accompany me on each posting so each morning we would walk over to the coffee shop at the corner of Lorong Bendahara and Jalan Bunga Raya Pantai for breakfast.

Many years had past since then but Mei Sin Cafe remains close to our hearts, and with that in mind we made it a point to have our breakfast here today.

We slept in after the excursions of yesterday evening and woke up at half past eight. We left the homestay an hour later and were at Mei Sin Cafe an hour later.

We had the:

• Toast Bread
• Nasi Lemak 
• Loh Shi Fun
• Iced Milk Tea
• Hot Coffee 

for a grand total of RM16.40 (approximately USD4/EUR3). We then got a bagful of sweet cakes from the stall outside for RM13.90 (approximately USD/EUR3).

We then took a walk across Jalan Munshi Abdullah onto Jalan Bunga Raya to run an errand at our favourite medicine shop, Teck Ann.

Here we got 10 boxes of the Piyan Ping ointment as well as medication for my phlegmy cough that came to RM140.00 (approximately USD32/EUR29). I then had a drink of their famous bitter tea to soothe my itchy throat for RM3.00 a glass (approximately USD0.70/EUR0.60).

We doubled back along Jalan Bunga Raya headed north, where we took away a packet of Roasted Pork Rice to be shared for lunch that cost RM9.00 (approximately USD/EUR2) from a stall at Boon Leong Food Corner. We then walked across Jalan Munshi Abdullah onto Jalan Bunga Raya Pantai.

At Mei Sin Cafe we turned right onto Lorong Bendahara and paid the old Ramada Plaza Hotel a short visit. Now renamed the Dusit Princess everything apart from the signage remained the same, as though frozen in time.

We then continued our stroll along Lorong Bendahara then turned left onto Jalan Bendahara before walking across and making our way back to Lorong Haji Bachee.

We returned to the homestay to spend the entire day indoors, so be sure to catch our next video in the evening as we strolled along the Melaka River Walk then feasted on Peranakan cuisine!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

 

📍 Location:

The Apple Melaka - https://maps.app.goo.gl/wTp3yQufMboCBuUT6

Mei Sin Cafe 新美星茶餐室 - https://maps.app.goo.gl/vnq7PofZ8tQ8o2J66

Teck Ann Chinese Medicine - https://maps.app.goo.gl/dwj1MvQwfabyUQfQ7

Boon Leong Food Corner - https://maps.app.goo.gl/zSLTdBPci4onW2R28

Dusit Princess Melaka - https://maps.app.goo.gl/BYiaDuu9wPDe9qbu9

MELAKA Walkabout│ St Paul's Hill • Melaka River • Fireworks!

Time to exercise!

We left the homestay at seven in the evening and made our way along Lorong Haji Bachee till we reached the main road.

We then walked across Bendahara onto Jalan Bunga Raya Pantai and continued on until we reached Jalan Munshi Abdullah and walked across. We then turned left then continued our walk onto Jalan Bendahara. We continued south until we reached Nathan Barber Shop where I had a haircut for RM15.00 (approximately USD/EUR3). 

We then continued our stroll along Jalan Bendahara and walked across Jalan Temenggong before continuing south along Jalan Laksamana. From this point onwards was a car-free zone and we thoroughly enjoyed our care-free stroll until we reached the Dutch Square, also known as the Red Square.

We spent some time taking a customary photo or two then continued along Jalan Kota until we reached a cluster of food trucks catered to the crowd that had just broken fast.

At the end of the row of food trucks was the A Famosa, also known as the Porta De Santiago ('The Famous'). The remains of this fort is one of the oldest surviving European architectural remains in the whole of Asia.

We walked into A Famosa and up a flight of stairs, and after a leisurely fifteen minutes’ walk we had arrived at the summit. Here we visited the ruins of the church dedicated to Saint Paul the Apostle.

The Church of St Paul is known to be the oldest Catholic Church in Malaysia and is a revered landmark in Southeast Asia. Standing tall at the entrance of the church is a statue of St Francis Xavier in white; his lingering presence here is a testament of the church as his sacred burial ground.

This hill was previously known as Monti Ali Maria or Monty Hill during the Portuguese colonisation.

After a few minutes of exploring the ruins of this 500-year-old church and other artefacts we made our way down the hill. We ended up at Jalan Kota again and doubled back to Jalan Laksamana past the Dutch Square and the row of red shop houses.

We then walked down to the banks of the Melaka river and continued our stroll along this familiar path, past familiar landmarks before ending up at Seri Sahabat for a 'light' dinner of:

• each a Naan bread
• shared Tandoori Chicken
• 2 Iced Lime Tea
• 1 Watermelon Juice 

that came to RM28.60 (approximately USD/EUR6). Cat walked across the street to get five sticks of our favourite Youtiao or Chinese Crullers for RM1.20 a stick (approximately USD/EUR0.30). After dinner we made our way back along Jalan Bunga Raya Pantai before walking across Jalan Bendahara again onto Lorong Haji Bachee.

Here we were treated to a five-minute fireworks display!

We then continued our stroll along Lorong Haji Bachee before walking into the Apple Residence and up to our unit.

Be sure to catch the next video of breakfast at a perennial favourite coffee shop!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

The Apple Melaka - https://maps.app.goo.gl/wTp3yQufMboCBuUT6

Kedai Gunting Rambut Nathan - https://maps.app.goo.gl/xwKxGbzbcz7bbUej6

Dutch Square Melaka - https://maps.app.goo.gl/cFqBkSTNKVC9HFGY7

A Famosa - https://maps.app.goo.gl/dRrWUSb9kFnUCkwS6

St Pauls Hill - https://maps.app.goo.gl/kAEQ1hHS492QRAPj7

Seri Sahabat - https://maps.app.goo.gl/1XK1x8ePu11WacNr9

MELAKA Getaway │ City One to The Apple!

Melaka!

It has been a month since we came back from Indonesia. In that time we were engrossed with the almost daily uploads of our videos from Jakarta and Bandung, with the 21st and final video uploaded last weekend. 

Feeling a little burnt out at work we made a spur of the moment decision to book a two nights' stay at The Apple Residence again, as we did in September last year. Brendan declined our invitation as he had a gig this weekend as well.

If it is one thing we know for certain it is that Melaka always seems to soothe our souls, and our default getaway destination.

The day began with a short drive to the office, where I parked then headed up to the surface level to get sustenance from the one and only stall open during Ramadhan. I got a packet of Nasi Lemak with Dried Squid in Sambal for RM6.50 (approximately USD/EUR1.50) before heading up to the office to begin the day's work. 

I had applied for half a day's leave from work today and arranged for Cat to meet me here during lunch where BiBi was parked. With our luggage already in her boot we began our drive to Melaka.

The drive was uneventful, and we drove past the Air Keroh Toll Plaza at approximately 2:00pm before continuing on to Gathered Cafe & Lounge in Batu Berendam. Alas when we got there we got the distinct impression that it was closed, perhaps for good? 

We then took a short drive for our intended destination of the afternoon, the Wat Phra Jinaraja Siamese temple. 

So here's an interesting story for you: While in Bandung Cat inadvertently dropped her lucky charm and amulet (kept in a sachet) in Pak Yudhi's Bluebird taxi on our way to the Bandung train station. Blissfully unaware she only realised the sachet was missing when we arrived back home. In that time Bluebird's reached out to us with the news that Pak Yudhi found the sachet in his taxi, and arrangements were made to post it back to us. 

Cat has had her lucky charm and amulet since her late teens, in other words it has been with her for more than three decades!

All things said and done we thought it was best to have Cat's lucky charm and amulet blessed again, hence our trip to this temple today. We asked and received blessings from the local monk, then continued our drive to The Apple Residence.

Important Note: We retract our previous recommendation given to this particular host. We do not endorse hosts that hold on to security deposits for longer than necessary.

We settled in and ordered in our late lunch with the Grab food app. Be sure to catch our next video as we went on a stroll up a sacred hill then along the Melaka river, topped off with a fireworks display!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Havironia Music - https://goo.gl/maps/swtNfVmjFK4FgRsf8

Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit

- https://maps.app.goo.gl/1UYb5ZM46aoJmuNz9

Gathered Cafe & Lounge - https://maps.app.goo.gl/DXZij7GtCUKEYEQr7

Wat Phra Jinaraja Temple - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y6gL1jiNwm7ajStp9

The Apple Melaka - https://maps.app.goo.gl/wTp3yQufMboCBuUT6

JAKARTA to KL │ Soekarno-Hatta to KLIA

Going Home!

We awoke at 7:00am and with most of the packing was done we spent the morning lazing about while I continued work with our videos. 

We hit the showers at ten in the morning and checked out of the Airbnb an hour or so later. As usual we then left the unit key and card with the front desk and left word with Sigit our host, then hailed a Bluebird taxi for a fixed fare of IDR28,000 (approximately MYR8/USD2/EUR2) to the BNI City station. 

The taxi dropped us off at the  main entrance to the station at the 1st floor lobby at 11:40am. We then purchased our tickets to the Bandara station at Terminal 1 of the airport. As luck would have it we just missed the last train, with the next one scheduled for 12:35pm an hour away.

The tickets cost us IDR75,000 each (approximately MYR20/USD5/EUR4) so for the next quarter of an hour or so we sat at the lobby. We were only allowed past the turnstiles to Platform 1 a floor down at 12:25pm.

 The train duly arrived at the appointed time, and it gave us a sobering view of daily life in this sprawling metropolis. It took us past the Duri, Rawa Buaya and Batu Ceper stations before finally arriving at the Bandara station at 1:29pm. 

We disembarked and took an escalator up to the Skytrain station where a train took us from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3.

At Terminal 3 we rode an elevator up to the International Departure Halls. We checked in at a temporary counter along Aisle C and because we had purchased additional luggage allocation we avoided paying an unnecessary and expensive penalty. 

We then headed into the International Departure Halls on the left of Terminal 3. Here we navigated past the security and Immigration checkpoints without incident before proceeding to Gate 2 which tuned out to be a considerable walk. 

With a little time to spare till boarding at 2:40pm we decided to have a quick and easy lunch at Starbucks, consisting of:

• Blueberry Muffin 
• Tuna Puff
• Hot Caramel Macchiato 
• Iced Raspberry Candy Milk

that came to IDR213,000 (approximately MYR58/USD13/EUR12).

At 2:45pm we proceeded to Gate 2, after a little while were allowed to board according to our group and since we were in Group 6 we were among the last to board at 3:30pm.

MH720 pushed back at 3:40pm and took off at 3:52pm. The weather was good and half an hour in we were served our meals, I had the Chicken Balado with rice while Cat too had chicken with rice but she forgot what style of cooking.

An hour later the plane began its descent and eventually touched down at 5:30pm Malaysian time.

Kudos to Capt Tarmizi and CS  Kenny Lim for the excellent flight.

MH720 taxied for 20 minutes before docking. We disembarked and navigated past Immigration then headed to Carousel B to collect our luggage before  heading down to the KLIA Express Transit station. 

The train to KL Sentral departed at 7:20pm and we arrived half an hour later. Brendan picked us up at the KLIA Express KL City Air Terminal Arrival doors and we were home by 8:30pm. 

Thank you for joining us on our adventures in Jakarta and Bandung, and see all of you real soon!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Thamrin Executive Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/UgNnAHXTXNUrZWGW7

BNI City (Sudirman Baru) - https://maps.app.goo.gl/b4i1zkk9Pw93Lp1S7

Terminal 3 Soekarno–Hatta International Airport

- https://maps.app.goo.gl/BWSPMdXKQm9F61Kt5

Kuala Lumpur International Airport - https://maps.app.goo.gl/pDCevJLK4PNEfeq39

KLIA Express Transit Station @ KLIA

- https://maps.app.goo.gl/1AG4CR3HqePKrE3p7

KLIA Ekspres - https://maps.app.goo.gl/aMxKXzeH29zWT1799

Havironia Music - https://goo.gl/maps/swtNfVmjFK4FgRsf8

JAKARTA Night Stroll │ Bright Lights, Big City!

Jakarta at Night!

We picked you up again after Indra was done with his masterpiece.

We left the Airbnb at half past six determined to have a meal at Rumah Makan Padang Sederhana. This time they were open so we ordered the:

• Beef Rendang
• Chicken Gulai
• Hard Boiled Egg Gulai
• Sayur Singkong
• Dendeng Balado
• 2 White Rice

for a grand total of IDR163,900 (approximately MYR45/USD10/EUR10). In hindsight this was half what we paid for at Sari Ratu @ Sarinah Mall a day earlier, for more or less the same dishes.

We then began our stroll to experience Friday night lights in Jakarta by heading east along Jalan M. Mashabi that took us past both the West and East Malls of Grand Indonesia. We eventually reached the Bundaran HI roundabout where we continued north onto Jalan M.H. Thamrin past the MRT station.

All throughout the stroll I took photos of the landmarks and bright lights. At the Japanese Embassy we doubled back and retraced our steps but this time on the opposite of the street along Jalan M. Mashabi before continuing onto Jalan H.M. Saleh Ishak.

We then turned left onto Jalan Teluk Betung Boulevard past Thamrin City before turning right and back to the Airbnb.

Cliched as it sounds time sure does fly by when you're having fun. Stay tuned as we catch a taxi then a couple of trains to Soekarno-Hatta's Terminal 3, for tomorrow we are leaving on a jet plane!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Thamrin Executive Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/UgNnAHXTXNUrZWGW7

Rumah Makan Padang Sederhana - https://maps.app.goo.gl/rT6YiCot6MugygWu9

Bundaran HI Roundabout - https://maps.app.goo.gl/aNQYp1PkVuHjiBfL6

INDRA @ Rollover Tattoo │ Garuda vs. Jasmine!

Indra Rollover!

We picked you up again after coming back from our participation in Jakarta's car free Sunday. I hastily got ready to greet a guest to the Airbnb.

Knowing that we would be in Jakarta during the Lunar New Year (known as Imlek here) I reached out to a few tattoo artists in Jakarta. Of all that I contacted Indra's artwork appealed to me the most. Tired of the monotone designs I wanted something fresh and colourful that symbolised Indonesia.

So I negotiated a price with Indra, and after I transferred an initial deposit payment he began work on the design I had shared, of a simple Garuda.

I chose the Garuda, a bird-like deity and national emblem of Indonesia that I thought best represented this nation.

I was blown away by the design he eventually shared with me, and was eager for him to ink his masterpiece on my left arm. 

Indra was in-between premises, so for the moment he made house calls which suited us just fine. What better way to get tattooed then in the comfort of your own space, right?

We made an appointment at 1:00pm today, and knowing Jakarta's gnarly traffic Indra was delayed by an hour. He arrived closer to 2:00pm and began work determining the appropriate size and placement of the design.

He began work at half past two and was done two hours later. To be honest this particular tattoo hurt more then the rest, perhaps the skin in the particular area of the lower arm was thin.

I paid Indra his just rewards with a little extra thrown in and escorted him back down to the lobby, and bade him farewell with a promise to see him again once his new studio is ready.

Such was the captivation with my new tattoo that we completely forgot that we didn't have lunch yet. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fast forward to a few days later.

We picked you up again after coming back from our shopping spree at Thamrin City as well as lunch at Warung Leko. We got back to the Airbnb at two in the afternoon and took a quick shower then waited for Pak Indra to arrive.

Ever since his awesome Garuda I knew I had to get another ink from him before we went back to Kuala Lumpur. I've always wanted a flower to adorn my arms. Even Cat who was never into tattoos and never said a word about my past tattoos was mightily impressed with the detail and artwork.

So as we wandered the streets of Bandung I began thinking of a design for my lower arm and finally decided on my favourite flower, the Jasmine.

I then got in touch with Pak Indra with a suggested design, and what he shared in return well and truly blew my mind. This time I was chomping at the bit for him to begin work on his design of the Jasmine.

We then fixed an appointment for today at 3:00pm. Pak Indra showed up a little later and after discussing the size of the immaculately designed Jasmin he began work on his masterpiece.

Pak Indra was done three hours later. I gladly paid Indra his dues, again with a little extra thrown in and escorted him back down to the lobby.

If you're interested, here's his Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/indra.rollover/.

Be sure to catch our next video as we walked to Rumah Makan Padang Sederhana for another try!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Thamrin Executive Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/UgNnAHXTXNUrZWGW7

JAKARTA Shopping │ Thamrin City!

Frolicking Friday!

I went to sleep before ten, while Cat went to bed an hour later. Needless to say we were invigorated by our good night's sleep, ready for what lay ahead for us today: Thamrin City!

I was up at six this morning and managed to render the first in our series of videos to Indonesia. In that time Cat too woke up and busied herself with laundry.

We got ready soon after and were out the door by nine in the morning. A short walk away was Thamrin City, and the first order of business was breakfast.

We walked into Thamrin City and observed that most stalls were just starting up for the day so it was a good thing that we were going to have breakfast first.

We considered the numerous choices here before deciding on Lawson Coffee. An Iced French Hazelnut Coffee and an Iced Bubble Gum drink together with a couple of Bak Paos came to IDR34,000 (approximately MYR9/USD 2/EUR2).

At ten past ten we walked back in to begin our browsing in earnest.

Our first purchase of the day was from Dewi Ndaru. Cat got a blouse and a cardigan for IDR300,000 (approximately MYR82/USD19/EUR18). 

From Rinjanie we got a matching pair of Awan Sahaja (sky blue) Batik blouse and short sleeved shirt for IDR870,000 (approximately MYR238/USD54/EUR51). 

From Cat's favourite stall Me Batik Collection she got three pairs of blouse for IDR500,000 (approximately MYR137/USD31/EUR30). 

We then continued browsing for a while then I felt cramps developing in my left leg so we asked around and were directed to Level 2 of Block C where Moras Reflexy & Massage was located . We both opted for the one-hour foot & shoulder for IDR70,000 each (approximately MYR19/USD4/EUR4).

We had an awesome session, the masseuse was able work the cramps out of my feet and by the time we were done it was noon. 

We were hungry so we decided to try  Rumah Makan Padang Sederhana. Alas it was closed for Friday prayers! We then headed to our default restaurant, Warung Leko on Level 5 of Grand Indonesia.

Here we ordered the usual:

• Sop Buntut (oxtail soup)
• Sup Asem Asem Iga (beef soup with beans)
• Jamur Enoki Krispy (fried enoki mushrooms)
• 2 White Rice
• 2 Jus Kedondong

for a grand total of IDR354,100 (approximately MYR USD EUR).

After lunch we headed back down to the lower ground floor for some gelato. At Oma Elly Gelateria we got a large and a regular cup for IDR154,000 (approximately MYR42/USD10/EUR9).

We then walked back to Thamrin City and made a beeline for Rinjanie again to get a second matching pair of Terracota (light orange) Batik blouse and short sleeved shirt for the same IDR870,000 (approximately MYR238/USD54/EUR51). 

We exited Thamrin City from the Kopi Kenangan stall outside we got 2 hot Kopi Kenangan Mantan for a total of IDR36,000 (approximately MYR10/USD2/ EUR2).

 

We then walked back to the Airbnb to receive a very special guest at 3:00pm.

Be sure to catch our next video as Pak Indra came a calling bearing a stencil of a Jasmine!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Thamrin Executive Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/UgNnAHXTXNUrZWGW7

Thamrin City - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ifRLrVNRC1EPvdSE9

Rumah Makan Padang Sederhana - https://maps.app.goo.gl/rT6YiCot6MugygWu9

Warung Leko Grand Indonesia - https://maps.app.goo.gl/etAfjJFRjp27RUdt8

JAKARTA Jaunt Pt3 │ Grand Indonesia

More shopping!

We picked you up again as we left Sarinah Mall, and walked to Grand Indonesia via Plaza Indonesia where we entered the West Mall. We went down to Uniqlo at the lower ground floor to look for my favourite shorts in the colour I was looking for (khaki green).

We got it for IDR399,000 (approximately MYR108/USD25/EUR24) then rode an elevator up to Level 3A and found a bone induction Bluetooth earphone on the cheap (I had left my regular earphones behind) from Best Denki for IDR156,900 (approximately MYR42/USD10/EUR9).

Despite scouring the various camera stores here our one true errand remained elusive: a messenger bag for our cameras. Yesterday's brush with the gang of pickpockets taught us a valuable lesson, always keep your equipment in the front, not the back. For now we have to remember to exercise extra caution in crowded places.

We then went to have desserts at Cats favourite French sounding Japanese cake house: Chateraise. Here we chilled out while enjoying:

• Roll Brulé
• Fruits Cake
• Iced Houjicha
• Iced Genmaicha

that came to IDR154,000 (approximately MYR42/USD10/EUR9).

We rested our feet till a quarter to four then walked across to West Mall since Cat wanted to check out Alun Alun Indonesia on the third floor. Cat found a blouse she liked, but despite there being more sales personnel than there were customers no one wanted to serve us. The ones that were actually working were only interested in serving selected customers. Shame on you all!

Never looking back in anger we went down to the first floor where the HMNS perfume stall was located. We made away with:

• 100mL EDP for Her (Unpatched)
• 100mL EDP for Her (Essence of the Sun)
• 100mL EDP for Him (Farhampton)
• 100mL EDP for Him (The Perfection)
• 100mL EDP Unisex (City of Hope)

for  a grand total of IDR1,534,000 (approximately MYR415/USD95/EUR91). 

 We then walked across to the East Mall and down to the Foodhall supermarket to get some cut fruits for IDR98,997 (approximately MYR27/USD6/EUR6) before exiting. We then headed to the Kopi Kenangan stall at Thamrin City to get a Hot regular Kopi Kenangan Mantan  and an Iced jumbo Matcha Latte for IDR64,000 (approximately MYR17/USD4/EUR4).

We then walked over to the Bakmi restaurant to take away a Katsu Sambal Matah and an Ayam Panggang Char both served with their Signature Bakmi Noodles for IDR79,000 (approximately MYR21/USD5/EUR5) before heading back to the Airbnb 

Steps count at the end of our fifth day: 15,101!

Be sure to catch our next video as we kept the best for last: Batik shopping at Thamrin City!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Grand Indonesia Mall - https://maps.app.goo.gl/vkPMoymWC2Uy5nDL8

Thamrin City - https://maps.app.goo.gl/qEqagitM7XRELiyq9

Kopi Kenangan - https://maps.app.goo.gl/xvE2c4cpgfsWBi3b8

Bakmi Thamrin - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Vp1yyJfzBFJurRQQ9

JAKARTA Jaunt Pt2 │ Sarinah Mall

Padang Lunch!

We picked you up again as we hailed another fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR77,000 (approximately MYR21/USD5/EUR5) to Sarinah Mall. We arrived at 12:20pm and walked into Sari Ratu Kitchen to have traditional Padang cuisine which consisted of:

• a plate of Urap (steamed vegetables)
• a plate of Sambal Eggplant
• a cut of Beef Rendang 
• a plate of Ayam Gulai (chicken curry)
• a bowl of Sop Buntut (oxtail soup)
• 2 plates of white rice
• 2 sugar free Iced tea

for  grand total of IDR367,290 (approximately MYR99/USD23/EUR22).

After lunch we headed up a floor to get more of our favourite fragrance from the Carl & Claire perfume stall. We ended up with six 30ML bottles of various fragrances that came  to IDR1,674,000 but since we presented our passports we were eligible to a 5% discount which brought the total down to IDR1,590,300 (approximately MYR430/USD98/EUR94).

We then got 3 bucket hats for each of us from Kamalika Artprints that came to IDR360,000 (approximately MYR97/USD22/EUR21).

We were done with Sarinah Mall, so be sure to catch our next video as we walked to Grand Indonesia!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Sarinah Mall - https://maps.app.goo.gl/YrWc31CXLyQB2pucA

Sari Ratu Sarinah - https://maps.app.goo.gl/TWbVCEFsL43tWXRu6

JAKARTA Jaunt Pt1 │ Plaza Blok M

Terrific Thursday!

We went to sleep at midnight; however I was up by five this morning. The ordeal with the gang of pickpockets at Kota Tua was playing on my mind, so I got up and began work editing our video.

Cat woke up a little later, we took turns in the shower by seven and were out the door an hour later.

We walked out towards Thamrin City along Jalan Teluk Betung Boulevard before turning right headed to Grand Indonesia walking along Jalan H.M. Saleh Ishak. We continued onto Jalan M. Washabi before5l walking across and entering Plaza Indonesia.

We walked into Starbucks and ordered the:

Spicy Tuna Toastie

Double Iced Shaken Caramel Coffee

Strawberry Acai with Lemonade 

Our first breakfast back in Jakarta  came to IDR142,200 (approximately MYR38/USD9/EUR8).

We then exited Plaza Indonesia and walked down to the Bundaran HI MRT station. 

Here we caught a train at 9:26amheaded south to Stasiun MRT Blok M for a fare of IDR8,000 (approximately MYR2/USD0.50/EUR0.50). 

The station was seven stops away and the ride took about fifteen minutes. By the time we arrived there was still fifteen minutes before Plaza Blok M opened so we sat down at a bench and waited.

We walked in and began browsing each floor right up to the top floor. We asked several salons about eyelashes but were told either the artist was not in yet, or it's by appointment only.

We rode an elevator back down and found a stall selling 3 t-shirts for IDR170,000 (approximately MYR46/USD10/EUR10). We then walked over to the Hammer stall and got 2 t-shirts for IDR229,900 (approximately MYR62/USD14/EUR14). All in all we got Brendan five t-shirts to do as he please.

However we did not achieve what we came here to do, so at 11:10am we hailed a fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR46,000 (approximately MYR12/USD3/EUR3) to Bellezza Shopping Arcade.

We arrived fifteen  minutes later and went in search of Kee Indonesia, a local retailer selling camera bags. Ten minutes later we realised that we were on a wild goose chase, since I had misunderstood the location in their Instagram post.

We abandoned our search and hailed another fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR77,000 (approximately MYR21/USD5/EUR5) to Sarinah Mall. 

Be sure to catch our next video as we had lunch at Sari Ratu Kitchen!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Thamrin Executive Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/UgNnAHXTXNUrZWGW7

Stasiun MRT Bundaran HI - https://maps.app.goo.gl/m5dunfF88uuKHbyy9

Stasiun MRT  Blok M - https://maps.app.goo.gl/jv95BLZdtPNkwwdr7

Plaza Blok M - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ybBpBY8BTrQT2dMN7

IMLEK @ Jakarta │ Glodok • Kota Tua

Chinese New Year in Old Jakarta!

We picked you up again after checking back into Sigit's lovely unit at Thamrin Executive Residence. After a quick shower but still dressed in our Imlek outfits we hailed a fixed fare Bluebird taxi at 4:00pm for IDR81,000. 00 (approximately MYR USD EUR) to Gapura Chinatown in Glodok. 

We quite enjoyed the drive which took about an hour as we saw a much different view, a less clean and shiny Jakarta but infinitely interesting all the same. There were times when certain characters walked up to the taxi window. I was tempted to capture footage, but thought against it as we did not know how they would react. 

We were dropped off right underneath the famed archway to Chinatown. We began exploring this area known as Glodok, an urban village of Taman Sari, West Jakarta, Indonesia. Our stroll took us down some very interesting and at times sketchy lanes but we emerged unscathed and exhilarated!

After our stroll around Chinatown we continued due north until we reached Kota Tua. Unfortunately the Action 5's battery depleted as we left Glodok, and we realised it very much later.

At Kota Tua we wandered around taking in the sights while marvelling at the historic buildings, all throughout the time being kept entertained by the numerous street buskers plying their trade along this huge plaza.

We've been told that Kota Tua is one of most popular places to visit in Jakarta. It is ‘Jakarta’s Old Town’. This is an area that mainly consists of Dutch colonial buildings that were built during the 17th century. 

And of course, Kota Tua has some really cool cafes that have been designed in traditional Dutch colonial buildings. The most famous one is called Café Batavia, which we eventually ended up at for an early dinner. After consulting with our waiter Baim we ordered the:

• Sop Buntut (Oxtail Soup)
• Nasi Campur Meneer (Mixed Rice, Dutch Style)
• Terung Telur Balado (Eggplants with Sambal)
• Si Jagur Punch
• 2 x Bir Pletok
• 1 Coca-Cola 

Our Imlek dinner came to IDR739,300 (approximately MYR202/USD47/EUR43), a meal we enjoyed immensely. We're glad to agree with the hype that surrounds Café Batavia!

We then took another walk across Kota Tua's main plaza before making our way to the Jakarta Kota station.

Then something happened...we almost fell victim to a gang of pickpockets! The man in the white hoodies and the woman in the long-sleeved white blouse were the culprit who unzipped my camera backpack. Thankfully Cat was alert and discovered my exposed backpack. 

We arrived at the train station safely and after consulting with a security personnel we were advised to take the Bogor train to Manggarai then switching to another train to Sudirman. 

Midway through the train ride we decided to get off at the Cikini train station and then hailed a fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR46,000 (approximately MYR12/USD3/EUR3) back to Thamrin Executive Residence.

We were relieved to be safely back in familiar surroundings, and vowed to be more cautious. The adrenaline still pumping, we hope to still have a good night's sleep.

Steps count at the end of our fourth day: 11,023!

Be sure to catch our next video as we head out for an unexpected but necessary errand tomorrow!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Thamrin Executive Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/UgNnAHXTXNUrZWGW7

Gapura Chinatown - https://maps.app.goo.gl/cbxxNTznegztZCUt8

Petak Enam - https://maps.app.goo.gl/mBU1vQMczQi6RUGa6

Kota Tua - https://maps.app.goo.gl/cuE4rwrz8XKnac7PA

Taman Fatahillah - https://maps.app.goo.gl/xV8CZ2KHKZL7Us7J9

Café Batavia - https://maps.app.goo.gl/d7dT4ZwGtEkTbk6h6

Jakarta Kota - https://maps.app.goo.gl/3e4Yzagxnaz25i3V6

Stasiun Cikini - https://maps.app.goo.gl/CbmHSKF4PEBX1KUB6