Kuantan Fishing again.... April 2014 trip

Here I came again to Kuantan for fishing trip, after my last trip in February. Indeed it was a last minute call by my colleague, and without much hesitation I agree to join him for this trip. It was only 2 of us. Our plan was departing from KL early in the morning and going back on the same day.

A day before, we made a call to the boatman to check on the recent catch and to our disappointment, it wasn't a good catch these few days. We still insist to go ahead with our plan, as the saying goes "a worst day of fishing is better than a good day at work". We didn't expect much from the trip, setting our expectation as low as we could.

We reached too early in Kuantan, hence we stopped by at the 24-hours McDonald to have our breakfast and resting an hour before meeting with the boatman. Even though I'm tired due to my journey to Pontian during the weekend, but I guess fishing is more fun though.

While we leaving the shores all the way to get our bait, the sea was calm as it raining heavily the night before according to the boatman. It was totally different from my last trip, where there wasn't any choppy wave around. Weather just nice for us. Once we got enough with our bait, we move on to our first fishing spot.

The whole morning we get none of it. No fish takes our bait at all. In our heart, we start doubting whether we make the right choice to come or not. We keep trying and trying but seriously, no fish at all no matter how hard we tried. We changed few fishing spots but the result still the same.

All change once it is lunch time. Guess the fish over here also start feels hungry!!! The boatman yelled once he saw his rod bent like nobody business. It turn out to be ang ko li (parrot fish) with decent size. It's the changing point of our fishing trip, lady luck start smiling on us. One after another, we shouted as rod start bending here and there. The spot is famous for parrot fish. All in all, we got 4 parrot fish at this spot and numbers of grouper as well.

We continue to few other spots and most of the time by then is groupers. Anyhow, we prefer to have grouper due to some reasons. At the same time, we also found some new spot and the boatman has marked with it. Coincidentally, we were waiting a commercial ship to pass by our spot, we start throwing our bait. Immediately there was response underneath and hence again we were spending some time to get the fishes.

The above photo courtesy of our boatman. While we taking shower, the boatman help us to divide the fishes as well as taking the photo. By the time we came back, it is ready to be thrown into our ice box.

Overall, we were satisfied with the result, with the frenzy we had for ang ko li. There was a point where I had to jump to the seat to fight with the ang ko li, but luck wasn't there as the line was tangled with other rods. Haizz..........

As usual, we ending our trip with a nice dinner and brought some fishes to the same restaurant before we heading back to KL. My colleague already start planning with the boatman for the next trip in May. Not sure whether I able to join again in the next trip.

6th Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon 2014

Location: Precinct 2, Putrajaya
Official Website: http://www.myballoonfiesta.com/

It's been a while since my last visit to the hot air balloon here. Today I'm bringing my daughter for her to see for the first time in her life the hot air balloon. By the time we reached Precinct 2, it's almost 7.30am. As expected, we couldn't get into the flying area anymore. We only can watch it from the outer area with the remaining crowds.

We were lucky to see the first balloon to start flying when reached there. The rest of the balloonists still preparing for the flight. There are new balloon that available comparing with my last visit. However, the total balloon available doesn't change much compare my last visit.

Willy the first to go up the sky.

One thing that I noticed is for this year event, there are more balloon from Taiwan. It is pretty impressive with their design like heart-shape, cool graphic design etc that could easily relate to Taiwan. Was hoping that Malaysia has something similar that could promote Malaysia in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia Year 2014, and not the conventional balloon with the mosaic color look alike.

Another balloon that caught my attention is the one that carrying the word "UNICEF". Instantly my mind remind me of Barcelona FC.... haha. The tag is written with "FLYING HIGH WITH KID.COM". Feel proud and this is one of the most effective way to pass the message across.

Once all balloons on air, we were wandering around the area. We went to the tethered area and here we could easily take photos especially with my daughter. I saw the queue was long, where people trying to get the chance to fly the balloon... Not soon later, we saw three patrol officer riding horse and we grab this chance to take a closer look and snap photo. Daughter was pretty scare of this animal... hahahaha.....

Below is remaining photos taken during today's event. Hopefully this could be getting better and better each year. For tonight event, there is a firework display but too bad, there is another dinner appointment need to attend.

Kuantan Fishing

This is my second fishing trip to Kuantan within a month (as well as my second trip for this year). After the hoo-haa the previous trip, my colleague had boasted the catch the last trip to other anglers in Penang. What's more, we booked for 2 days trip as the Penang entourage travelling all the way here to Kuantan. Everything perfectly, boatman helped to book a homestay and making sure all of us comfortably settling in.

The night before the fishing trip started, we went to buy some live prawn. Everything turn from good to bad. We were told that the wind quite strong for the past few days (though we did call before the trip). Live prawn only has limited stock. We went for a nice dinner and went back to the homestay waiting for next day, hoping wind will slow down.

First day, went out to sea and it is really choppy. Luckily I didn't ask the boatman to get some sea-sick pills for me. The rest of them didn't take at all. Not long after the trip, first one get down. Not able to fishing anymore. By late noon, another down. Left with 2 of us fishing. We caught few barracudas almost 10kg each. It only takes the live bait, "tamban". The sea was too choppy which we couldn't stay too long. We went to other places but not many that we caught, too choppy and limited places to go. Few others fishes caught up like parrot fish.

Anchorman helped us to book a massage, and they help us to put the fish in their fridge. At night, another nice feast we had, follow by reflexology. It suck big time for the reflexology.... Lol..... The boatman helped us as well to get live prawn, and told us it was more than the previous day. We were delighted, winds going down a little bit. This put a smile to all of us.

The next day, we went out as usual. Boatman told us that today we could go out further. The first stop would be to get some live bait, tamban again. Then we proceed to a hot spot, catching coral trout especially. Not long after laying our bait, parrot fish came up. We were told that the spot has many types of fishes. Soon it was my turn with coral trout. Everyone excited, hoping more to come. Fished quite long over this spot, we caught few 3 coral trouts and few parrot fishes in total before changing to next spot.

After the spot, it was not a very fruitful spot. We only able to get some little fishes or no fishes at all. Though the waves not as strong as the previous day, the fish wasn't anywhere to spot. We decided to go for some little fished like "cencaru" to make it for the day. When we were busy looking for the small little fish, suddenly one of us shouted as the rod bending. Immediately he pulled it up, fighting with the fish and eventually a grouper emerge from the sea, about 8kg of it. Everyone clapping hand. After a while, we were heading back to the shore.

Before heading back to KL, we had our dinner with coral trout as the main course. Damn nice. During the chat, suddenly the team discussing about the next trip.... March maybe???

Kuantan Fishing ..... First trip for 2014

Everyone is very excited for the trip. Countless call made to the boatman checking whether we could go out to the sea. It is the ebek season opening. We decided to make a day trip to Kuantan, departing early in the morning and back late at night. This is the second time I made the day trip to Kuantan for fishing. Furthermore, still in the mood of CNY but we don't want to miss the chance to have a good catch.

By the time we reached the meeting point, we were late already and hence we departed late by almost an hour. Without further wasting time, boatman brought us to get some bait and heading towards the ebek spot. Not long after we lay our bait, there was sound where my reel being pulled. Immediately I strike it out, and hence the fighting game begun.

Fight and fight, 10 minutes... 20 minutes and some more... from far away, we saw silver size moving on the surface from far away... we shouted it was ebek.... but still it's far away. We reel again and again, reel in 3 times but the fish pull out further out. That's the activities we do fighting with the fish, moving around the boat and keep going on for 2 hours before we able to land it up. It was mantra ray. Aiksss..... had we known earlier on, we would cut the line and continue to search for other fishes as that was the prime time for fishing. It was the first mantra ray and such the big size catch, and consumed up all my energies. All of us on the boat helped to pull up the ray during the period, all relief when it was up.

Right after that, I tried jigging. Immediately it struck. Well, the anchorman saw I don't have any energy to pull up the fish and came to help me out. It was cobia. At the same time, my brother in law hit with yellow lip ebek. Fighting and fighting, both fish landed. Both was more than 10kg.

I was knocked down already by then. Boatman continue to bring us to few spots. Others landed few more, notably shark, cobia again and parrot fish. Came back ashore about 6pm.

At night, we went to the same restaurant that we always had, plus took some our catch to try it out before heading back to KL. Anchorman helped us to get some ice to fill up our ice box, a very helpful and friendly guy. By the time I reached home, it was about 2am already. Still need to clean some of the fishing gear, and worst of all tomorrow need to work.

Grandvalira Ski Resort

Location: C/ Prat de la Creu, 59-65 | Escala C, Planta 5, Andorra la Vella AD500, Andorra
Contact: +376 891 800
Website: http://www.grandvalira.com/
Operation: I would think to check on the official website, as depends on the condition, especially the snow.

I did complete my task earlier than expected, and was "rewarded" with a trip to ski resort. Since the client invited to have a visit to the ski resort, why not as I just love to visit places that I never been before. According to Tripadvisor, this is #1 attractions in Andorra.

We reached the ticket counter, and after a short while I was given with a ticket to enter the resort. There was an event recently, a major ski event. We were using the cable car going up the hill.

On the way up, manage to snap few photos. There are lot of accommodation available, the nearest to the resort. However, this is a bit far from the town. Nevertheless, Andorra is just a small country, so if one has their own transportation, this wouldn't be an issue. I love the accommodation over here as it is facing the snowy hill.

If I were to visit Andorra on my own, I would prefer to stay here as well enjoying the breathtaking scenery.

Once we reached the top, there is a shop that allows you engage in the activity that you would like. Be it renting the equipment or even enroll in the skiing school. The one that attracted me most was the school teaching the little kid. I mean this is pretty new for myself as there is none ski resort back in Malaysia.

Not sure why the skis all over the place outside the shop, but who cares?

I guess this slope is meant for the advance skier, pretty steep. Couldn't see anyone trying on this slope while I was there. However, according to the client, the area here has lot of place where one can ski. So it's pretty easy for everyone to enjoying their ski activities here.

This slope for normal users. Not that steep compared with the previous photo. Though been visited few ski resort before, I never try any of them. Looks tempting to try once in future.

After walking around the resort, it was time to relax and have a place to sit down. There is a place set up for the visitor to hang around. Open air, you could buy drinks and engage in some activities to get some gifts. It's pretty cool, the place is looking after the slope and enjoying people skiing around the places. On top of that, the panorama view is awesome.

No need to worry if the phone runs out of battery, this place also provides the cable for one to charging their phone. Hence could constantly keep in touch with everyone, and most likely to take photos and shares with friends without worry battery runs out. I didn't try it out, not sure it still could work under the freezing temperature.

If too cold, the kiosk also provided heater. However, today's the weather extremely perfect. In fact, I found it little warm as no cloud today and direct sunlight. We spent some time here chit chatting before going downhill and back to hotel.

Without my client, I don't think I could enjoy this place and more importantly the view. Just hope that I could come back to this little town during winter time and back to the resort once more.

Strolling around Andorra City

Yes, I'm back in Andorra for yet another business trip again. This time for the review of the project scope and I'm alone here. And what, today is Valentine's Day which I'm celebrating alone, walking alone down the street and most likely end up shopping alone in this tax-free country. The client once again booked for me the same hotel that I stayed last time, Hotel Plaza Andorra.

Though it was a long journey and lonely, I've decided to visit the town by foot since it's accessible by foot. Weather still cold though it's already mid-Feb. Came across this unique "clock" in the town, and beneath it was stream with crystal clear water. And I could still feels the Christmas mood around the city.

Across the stream, it is this outstanding colorful building next to Mr Frost. Though little gloomy, the color of the building really standout. The shop was selling some camera equipment. The road in front is vehicle-free street, hence just take my own sweet steps looking around and enjoying the scenery over here. Not much vehicle anyway, since it was week day. Usually the town will be packed with tourist especially in summer when a lot of people travelling between France and Spain using their own transport. This would be their so called pit stop to buy cigarette, alcohol or perfume. Much more cheaper compare with other town in Europe.

As walking around, suddenly it start snowing. I love that especially I comes from a country which either hot season or rainy season. I always love to come to four seasons countries enjoying their weather. At least from the fashion perspective, it's not dull.

From the architecture perspective, I admire and likes to see the building here. Example this restaurant which is unique on its own with the rock wall. There are few similar design, maybe due to the mountainous surrounding here. I'm still looking for a shopping center which I could shop my souvenir for family member.

At the town center, it's so beautiful with the mountain as backdrop. During the peak of the winter, this city could turn into white city which my client told me that is really beautiful. Every year they could spend their white Christmas here. I was hoping then that this meeting could be done in December but I know it's almost impossible due to the fact of the festive season and most of them were taking leave at that time. But hopefully I could return here to experience the white Christmas.

Nam Seng Chopboard

GPS Coordinate: N2°11.8466′ E102°14.9048′

Ever wondering how the chopboard (aka cutting board or whateva you call it) at our kitchen comes from or how it was process? Well, the other objective that we came to Malacca is to buy the board. But why all the way to Malacca where this can be easily purchased in other places?

Well, I came across the shop while I was on my business trip to Malacca, and it so happened that I passed by this shop. Since I'm planning to get one, and my sister also the same, so I suggested to come here and buy. I always believe that the board made in the old fashion way would always last longer. I does take a while for us to find this shop, as I've forgotten the road leading to this shop.

We were greeted by the owner which is an elderly man. He is very friendly, and explaining to us the way he make the chopboard, the wood he selected etc. When we entered the shop, it was full with the wood. It needs to be cut into pieces before the smoothen process take place. There will be lot of dust when smoothen the board surface. The residue will be collected and sell to those shop making joss sticks.

The elderly man also thought us how to take care of the chopboard, how to clean and dry it in order to avoid of getting fungus. Besides that, he also recommend us to buy other product from the wood. He told us that the wood would produce some kind of aroma that prevent the mosquito from coming.

Overall, it's an new experience for us and thanks to the elderly man for the knowledge sharing with us.

Toast 'n' Toast Kopitiam

Location: 245, Jalan Melaka Raya 1, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka
Tel: 06-292 1139
GPS Coordinate: N2°14.3927′ E102°15.6081′

Right after the noodle at Hing Loong Restoran, we were heading to our next stop, Toast 'n' Toast Kopitiam. What a morning without a coffee though !!! From outlook, it does looks like the old town coffee shop. Not many customers around, maybe it's too late for breakfast or too early for lunch.

All of us ordered the same, black coffee. We do likes this, as the taste is very strong, those typical coffee.

We also ordered some specialty, Banana Toast. When the food was served, we find it kind special. It blends well with the kaya. Slightly sweet for our taste.

The next one is sardine with egg, if I remember it correctly. Nothing much special, especially myself can't bite anymore as it was really full. I just wanna enjoying my cup of coffee. Don't want to waste food, my brother in law forcefully taken the food. It is a nice and simple concept, and more importantly the food is nice.

The decoration inside the shop kinda attract my attention. I likes the idea of having outstanding color, and "antique" feels inside. Those old photos was displayed and some storyline regarding the  Hainanese etnic group.

Hing Loong Restoran

Location: No. 11-J, Jalan Bachang, Melaka
Tel: 06-284-2529
GPS Coordinate: N2°12.5768′ E102°14.5520′

We decided to come to Melaka to try the food over here. However, we don't want to try those typical food that usually the outsider will frequent. We appreciate if we could try more towards the local foods available in Melaka. Hence, we did some research in the internet before embarking our journey to Melaka. It will be a day trip from KL downwards to Melaka.

The first stop is this restaurant known as Hing Loong Restoran. This is sort of our breakfast as we made an early trip to Malacca, though this is short holiday for us. Together with my sister and brother in law, I drove the car down.

Without hesitate, my favorite noodle would be beef noodle. I still believe that this is the best meat to eat (my humble opinion**). When it was served, it really disappoint my expectation. Even though I'm small eater usually during morning time, but amazingly I could finish the whole bowl.

Serene was ordering pork noodle. I didn't try on that, but according to Serene it was tasty as well. All of us feels satisfy with the noodle and feels worth the effort and journey to come all the way to taste the noodle.

Surprisingly this shop never been mentioned by my friends from Melaka, not sure whether they even know the existence of this shop or try the noodle themselves. Definitely for us, we will come back and try the next round when visiting Melaka again.

3 days trip in Barcelona

This is my first trip to Barcelona, extending the business trip from Andorra. Here I am in Barcelona with another colleague, sight seeing the famous town with limited time. We supposely spent 4 days over here, but due to last minute changes in our business schedule, we have shorten the trip by 1 day.

Day 1:
Restoran Euskal --> Las Ramblas --> Barcelona Cathedral
First day, when we reached Barcelona from Andorra, it was almost 2pm. Once we able to find the hotel we booked, we came to Euskal Restaurant to have lunch. I didn't eat a lot for my breakfast, hence it was hungry at that time. After that, we continue to visit Las Ramblas and to the gothic area. Since it getting dark early, we decided to visit cathedral.

It is recommended to stay somewhere near to Las Ramblas. For me, I think this is the tourist spot, and one easily can find the food around here as well as the public transportation. The hotel we stayed also near to the bus station where we will heading to airport later on. More importantly, if stay here for long period, it is advisable to purchase Barcelona Tourist Card to enjoy the public transportation ride as well as discount on some of the entrance to tourist spot.

Day 2:
Casa Batlló --> Casa Milà --> La Sagrada Família --> Camp Nou Stadium --> Magic Fountain of Montjuïc --> El Choquito
We started early on our second day here. Using the Barcelona Card we purchased, we travelled using the metro. We headed to Casa Batlló and enjoy discount from the card. Using metro is very convenient, just get a map from the station and you shall know where to head to. A visit to Barcelona is incomplete without going to La Sagrada Familia. At night, we enjoyed the magic fountain. Remember to check the schedule from the internet.

Day 3:
Park Güell --> Airport
We went to the park early in the day. Weather was not that promising, cloudy. Though we have checked from internet that it is far from the metro, we decided to use metro anyway. When we reached the park, we found out that it was not that far anyway. Maybe we used to the distance already. Once came out from the metro, just ask the friendly people around and they will definitely guide you to the park.

We did cut out some of the places we wanted to go due to the change of plan. Hopefully I'm able to cover the other places when I come here again. Also, it would be good to purchase earlier some ticket like Sagrada Familia.

It seems that my visit to Barcelona was incomplete. Why??!!! Because I'm not able to watch football match here. Barcelona FC was having away match during the weekeend. Aiksss...... Maybe this is another reason that I should be coming back here again to visit this beautiful city.