Tuesday, 18 March 2025

AYUTTHAYA Day Trip│Exploring Ayutthaya!

Ayutthaya!

We picked you up again after disembarking from the train at Ayutthaya Station exactly an hour after departing from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal station.

First order of business was to get our return tickets back to Bangkok. The 'very helpful' young man at the ticketing counter informed us that for some miraculous reason all second-class tickets back to Bangkok have been sold. Believe it or not, it's been sold out for the foreseeable future!

Our first destination of the day was Wat Mahathat. We took a tuk-tuk for what we felt was a merciless price of THB150 (approximately USD5/EUR4/MYR20).

No matter. We were determined to make the most of our day trip here. We soon arrived at Wat Mahathat is located in front of the Grand Palace to the east, next to Pa Than Bridge. The temple is believed to be one of Ayutthaya's oldest temples, possibly built by King Boromaraja I (1370-88).

Wat Phra Mahathat, Thailand, was a royal temple of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. It is one of the oldest and most significant temples in the history of Ayutthaya as it housed the Buddha's holy relic. 

The temple was quite a sight to behold in real life since we've only ever seen photos of it. We took tons of our own photo then walked along Naresuan Road, headed to the next temple.

Wat Ratchaburana is one of the most popular temples here and the first striking image is at the main gate, where the prang is framed by the entrance to the royal vihara building.

The central tower (prang) is one of the best preserved in Ayutthaya and housed some of the greatest treasures uncovered in the city. It was here that archaeologists discovered three levels in a crypt within the tower.

Although a little smaller this temple ruin had a charm of its own, was better preserved. More photos were taken, of course.

All done with the exploration of both temple ruins we took a stroll back along Naresuan Road to a local delicacy. Pa Lek Boat Noodles came highly recommended so we thought we would give it a try.

We gave their diminutive menu a quick scan and ordered:

  • 2 bowls of the Glass Noodle Soup with Beef
  • 2 bowls of the Thin Rice Noodle Soup with Pork 
  • 1 bowl of the Dried Pork Noodles
  • 1 bowl of Egg Noodle Soup with Beef
  • 1 Coca-Cola 
  • 1 Strawberry Fanta 
  • 1 Chrysanthemum Tea

for a grand total of THB174 (approximately USD5/EUR5/MYR23). 

Stay tuned for the next video of our adventures on a 'normal' train back to Bangkok!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

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AYUTTHAYA Day Trip│Bangkok to Ayutthaya!

State Railway of Thailand!

Today is the day we make a day trip to the capital of the Kingdom of Siam.

We arose at six in the morning and got ready within the hour to head down to the lobby where a Grab car had been booked in advance. Our destination this morning is the Bangkok train station (Hua Lamphong). 

We left the Airbnb at 6:45am and arrived at the station half an hour later for a fare of THB258 (approximately USD8/EUR7/MYR34). We made our way to the ticketing counter hoping to catch the 8:30am express train to Ayutthaya. Turned out the train would only depart at 9:30am and not as earlier thought.

We then walked over to the information counter and were advised to catch the 8:45am train from the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal station (formerly the Bang Sue Grand Station) instead. We then hailed another Grab car for a fare of THB146 (approximately USD4/EUR4/MYR19) that picked us up at 7:25am. The ride also incurred a toll fee of THB50 (approximately USD2/EUR1/MYR7) that avoided the notorious Bangkok traffic.

Fifteen minutes later we arrived at the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal station and made our way to the ticketing counter here. We managed to get two second class tickets for THB241 each (approximately USD7/EUR7/MYR32) departing at 8:45am from Departure Gate B.

With time to spare we walked to the food court nearby and checked out the options. We settled on a sandwich and bun for THB55 (approximately USD2/EUR2/MYR7) from the Baked By Bees Stall. Right beside it was the Bangsue Coffee stall where we got Iced Thai Tea and hot Caramel Macchiato for THB105 (approximately USD3/EUR3/MYR14).

After breakfast we made our way to Departure Gate B and were allowed to board at 8:25am. We walked past the turnstile and took an escalator up to the platform level.

The train to Ayutthaya was definitely an old and quaint model, and we loved its rustic charm. We got on board Car No. 2 and made our way to seats 35 and 36. The train departed precisely at 8:45am, the train stopped briefly at Don Mueng airport fifteen minutes later, and Rangsit station ten minutes after that before continuing on its journey.

We arrived at Ayutthaya Station at 9:45am. Stay tuned for the next video as we explore several temples and have boat noodles for lunch!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

๐Ÿ“ Location:
Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station
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Monday, 17 March 2025

BANGKOK Day 3 │ Platinum Fashion Mall • Pratunam Market!

Prathunam!

I woke up at half past six and continued work on our video for the next few hours. I let Cat have her beauty sleep and hit the showers at half past nine.

An hour later we went down to the lobby and were in town to catch the 10:00am shuttle to Gateway Ekkamai. Five minutes later we arrived and made our way up to the Ekkamai BTS station. 

We then caught a train headed to Khu Khot. We disembarked eight stops later at Rachathewi and then walked the kilometre or so to Platinum Fashion Mall.

Here we walked across the footbridge to the other side of Phetchaburi Road then got down to the surface level and exited. We eventually ended up at the beauty mall and after asking around made our way up to the third floor. After strolling a short distance we found what we were looking for: a nail salon! We spent an hour or so as I had a pedicure while Cat did her nails for a total of THB1,480 (approximately USD44/EUR40/MYR196).

By the time we were done it was lunchtime so we headed back to the fashion mall and up to the fifth floor where Platinum Food Floor was located.

The place was filled to the brim, and we were fortunate to find an empty table. I went to get a cash card with a prepaid value of THB500 (approximately USD15/EUR14/MYR66). 

I then got a Tom Yam Kung with Rice and Omelette for THB110 (approximately USD3/EUR3/MYR15). Then it was Cat's turn to get her Crispy Pork with Rice and Soup for THB85 (approximately USD2/EUR2/MYR11). A round of drinks came to THB134 (approximately USD4/EUR4/MYR18) and the icing on the cake was Cat's Mango Sticky Rice for THB100 (approximately USD3/EUR3/MYR13).

After lunch we continued browsing and in that time Cat got three pairs of 3-quarter pants for THB200 each (approximately USD6/EUR6/MYR26).

Done with the fashion mall we walked next door to the beauty mall and was immediately drawn to the scent of Lemongrass emanating from the Herb Care store. We went a little nuts and got various products with the Lemongrass scent for a grand total of THB2,150 (approximately USD64/EUR59/MYR284).

Cat then walked into the Eve And Boy store and got several toiletry items for THB285 (approximately USD8/EUR8/MYR38). Then from Roaa Beauty Cat got two bottles of medicated balm for THB95 (approximately USD3/EUR3/MYR13). We then asked for directions to Pratunam Market, and after navigating back across to the fashion mall then down to Soi Petchaburi we finally made our way to the sprawling Prathunam market area. 

We spent some time browsing and Cat got a couple of blouses for THB300 (approximately USD9/EUR8/MYR40). Done with the whole Prathunam shopping experience we walked the kilometre or so back to the Rachathewi BTS station. Eight stops and twenty minutes later we were back at the Ekkamai BTS station.

We disembarked then got down to the first floor where we got several packets of cut fruit from the same stall as yesterday for THB125 (approximately USD4/EUR3/MYR17). 

We caught another shuttle ride and were back at Tierra Residences by 4:20pm. We walked to the front desk and asked for our unit to be cleaned, as well as for a change of bedsheets and pillowcases, which cost us THB500 (approximately USD15/EUR14/MYR66)

Stay tuned as we take a train north to visit the capital of the Kingdom of Siam!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

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Sunday, 16 March 2025

BANGKOK Day 2 │ Chatuchak Weekend Market!

Night Market!

We picked you up again making our way down to the lobby of Tierra Residences hoping to catch a shuttle ride to the Gateway Ekkamai.

The shuttle departed promptly at 4:00pm and we arrived at Gateway Ekkamai five minutes later. We rode an escalator up to the first floor and made our way into the Ekkamai BTS station. 

We caught a train headed to Mo Chit BTS station at a quarter past four, and fifteen stops and thirty minutes we had arrived. We disembarked then exited and stopped to get our bearings.

After a quick check with Google Maps we found the entrance to the night market.

"The Chatuchak Weekend Market, on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok, is the largest market in Thailand. Also known as JJ Market, it has more than 15,000 stalls and 11,505 vendors, divided into 27 sections."

Cat got a hat for THB199 (approximately USD6/EUR5/MYR26); two casual dresses for THB200 each (approximately USD6/EUR5/MYR26); finally Cat got a tote bag for Brendan for THB150 (approximately USD5/EUR4/MYR20).

After an hour of shopping we decided to have an early dinner although it was just 6:00pm since we skipped lunch, and after checking out several boisterous stalls we decided on the orange clad group. We ordered the:

  • Tom Yam Goong
  • Roasted Pork 
  • Large Omelette
  • 2 bottled water 

for a total of THB800 (approximately USD24/EUR21/MYR106). To be honest the taste was just so-so, and the stall was nothing more than a hyped-up commercialized tourist trap. We enjoyed our breakfast at Fortune Town and enjoyed even more our dinner last night at Thai Pad Kitchen.

After dinner we went in search of fruit juices and got a large plastic glass of watermelon for THB60 (approximately USD2/EUR2/MYR8).

Cat then got another tote bag for Brendan for THB100 (approximately USD3/EUR3/MYR13); then a Slipknot and a Nirvana tank top for Brendan as well for THB200 each (approximately USD6/EUR5/MYR26).

We then made our way back to the Mo Chit BTS station. Fifteen stops later we disembarked once again at the Ekkamai BTS station. 

We got down to the ground and got several packets of cut fruits for THB150 (approximately USD5/EUR4/MYR20). We were knackered from the day's gallivanting, so we hailed a Grab car back to Tierra Residences. 

The first car bailed out on us; the second car picked us up at 8:00pm for a fare of THB77 (approximately USD2/EUR2/MYR10). 

Stay tuned as our shopping continues at Thailand's largest clothing market.

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

๐Ÿ“ Location:
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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)

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Saturday, 15 March 2025

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 เธ„เธฃัเธงเน„เธ—เธœัเธ” (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)

๐Ÿ“ Location:
เธ„เธฃัเธงเน„เธ—เธœัเธ” padthai - https://maps.app.goo.gl/pUberRMLGBpZwYJN7

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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)

๐Ÿ“ Location:

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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)

๐Ÿ“ Location:
KLIA Express Transit Station @ KLIA
Kuala Lumpur International Airport - https://maps.app.goo.gl/pDCevJLK4PNEfeq39
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Sunday, 9 March 2025

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)

๐Ÿ“ Location:
Baba Low’s @ Tranquerah - https://maps.app.goo.gl/nUNx6rRNeaytmiTn8
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Saturday, 8 March 2025

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)

๐Ÿ“ Location:
Kocik Heritage Nyonya Restaurant

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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)
 
๐Ÿ“ Location:
Mei Sin Cafe ๆ–ฐ็พŽๆ˜Ÿ่Œถ้คๅฎค - https://maps.app.goo.gl/vnq7PofZ8tQ8o2J66
Teck Ann Chinese Medicine - https://maps.app.goo.gl/dwj1MvQwfabyUQfQ7
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Friday, 7 March 2025

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)

๐Ÿ“ Location:
Kedai Gunting Rambut Nathan - https://maps.app.goo.gl/xwKxGbzbcz7bbUej6
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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)

๐Ÿ“ Location:
Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit

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