Balinese Fish Sambal & Ikan Masak Merah

Back in 2009, I had the pleasure of spending six unforgettable days in Bali. This island, with its rich culture and history, left me spellbound. Years later, when I returned to Indonesia (YOGYAKARTA THE KICKOFF & SURAKARTA HEARTBEAT), my passion for Indonesian cuisine led me to savor a variety of dishes to my heart’s content. While Indonesian cuisine share some similarities with Malaysian Malay cuisine, particularly in the use of sambal - a fiery blend of fresh or red chilies, shallots, garlic, ginger, and tangy tamarind or lime juice - Indonesian sambal has its own unique charm. My sambal recipe also includes terasi (belacan) for an extra layer of depth.

Easy Carrot Yogurt Salad Recipes

The bright orange vegetable - are we talking about carrots? Affordable, packed with nutrients, and perfect for snacking. Carrots bring a wonderful touch to soups, stir-fries, and curries. But nothing beats a simple carrot yogurt salad. They offer a double or triple punch of health benefits, and the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make. Let me share a Turkish version, along with an Indian option - choose one or love both for different occasions. 

Langkawi: A Memorable Island Escape

The next morning (LANGKAWI SKY HIGH) was dedicated to shopping at the duty-free shops. One of those things I am not fond of? Shopping. It felt like an hour of wasted time before finally stepping foot in Underwater World Langkawi. Located in Pantai Cenang, this is one of Malaysia's largest marine and freshwater aquariums, offering a captivating journey through the wonders of the aquatic world. Spanning over six acres, this renowned attraction features a diverse range of marine life, from colorful tropical fish to majestic sea turtles and vibrant corals.

At first glance, it didn't win me over. I doubted its worth and wasn't sure if it was worth paying for. But once inside, ohlalala! The place was spellbinding with its bountiful, beautiful, and vibrant displays. My eyes almost popped out. Underwater World Langkawi proved me wrong and kept me thoroughly occupied. I loved every moment. I could have spent all my time leisurely exploring the strikingly colorful underwater creatures.

Langkawi (Kedah): Sky High and Artistic

Embarking on a road trip to Langkawi with a large group required two coaches. This was my second visit, the first being 25 years ago, leaving me curious about what had changed. Langkawi, a cluster of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, is known for its natural beauty and rich history. It has been a significant trading post influenced by Malay, Thai, and colonial cultures and is steeped in local legends like that of Princess Mahsuri. Now a UNESCO Global Geopark, Langkawi's rainforests, beaches, and wildlife showcase Malaysia's heritage (PERAK STEPPING BACK IN TIME).

We arrived in Kuala Kedah and took a ferry to Langkawi. Once there, we divided into cars and headed to Oriental Village. After a walk from the car park, our first stop was the food court to satisfy our hunger before starting our exploration of the village.

Perak - Authentic Finds

The day to return home arrived, but with plenty of time still on our hands, the adventure continued. We began by joining the line outside Restoran Xin Quan Fang in Taman Jubilee, where anticipation built as we waited a good ten minutes before being seated and another ten before placing our order. The Curry Mee, a local favorite, was the highlight of our morning (PERAK STEPPING BACK IN TIME).

As one of the most sought-after dishes in Ipoh, patience is key. The small but tantalizing bowl of Curry Mee arrived, its fragrant, not-too-spicy broth perfectly soaking up the noodles, seafood, chicken, and pork, all garnished with fresh spring onions. Truly a delight, and nothing complemented it better than a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Perak: Stepping Back in Time

The first half of my day was pretty hectic but incredibly fulfilling (IPOH TEMPLE TREASURES). Despite being roasted under Malaysia's scorching hot weather, I loved every moment of it. After visiting Perak Cave Temple, our next destination was Gunung Lang Recreational Park. I must crown Gunung Lang Recreational Park as one of Ipoh's natural prides, especially for a nature lover like me. Surrounded by mountains and centered around a serene lake, the park offers a picturesque escape (RANAU SABAH ECO-TOURISM).

Ipoh, Perak: Temple Treasures Explored

Our next day began with a return to Ipoh town (PERAK DISCOVERIES) for breakfast. With numerous eateries to choose from, we opted for Paris Restaurant, Famous Mee Hakka, a place I had previously discovered as a must-try. And indeed, it was true. The noodles, a pride of Ipoh, offered in both dry and soupy styles, paired with fish or pork, were delightful. But the highlight? The sambal/chili dip. A powerhouse of flavor, it packed a punch that elevated the entire meal. Oh, how my taste buds rejoiced with this homemade, authentic Chinese spicy dip!

Perak Discoveries

Embarking on a road trip to Perak, my mother’s hometown, felt both sentimental and surreal. While most of my mum’s aunts and uncles are now in heaven and the rest have moved to Kuala Lumpur, I couldn't help but recall my childhood years spent in Ipoh, enjoying school holidays at my grandpa’s kampung house in Kampung Paloh. Though I can't remember my last visit to Ipoh, this trip was all about discovering Perak (KUANTAN SHIVAN TEMPLE. MALACCA TRAIL & KINABALU UNMASKING FOOD). 

Our first stop was lunch at Little House Café in Tapah, an unassuming kopitiam I had already discovered online. We indulged in Black Pepper Chicken Chop and Hainanese Chicken Chop paired with fries, along with Fish Soy and Petai Squid served with rice. The home-style, delicious Halal Malaysian fusion dishes were a delight, with generous portions that left us thoroughly satisfied. Even as a small eater, I managed to finish the Hainanese Chicken Chop.

Shivan Panching & Sri Marathandavar Temples

While exploring sightseeing spots in Kuantan (KUANTAN COASTAL WONDERS) I discovered the Shivan Temple in Gua Charas Panching, which led to an unexpectedly profound journey. We parked at the base of the hill, where the ascent up a steep, uneven stairway tested our resolve. My friends, initially skeptical and grumbling about the difficulty, were reluctantly drawn onward by our determination to reach the temple. The drive to the foothill was equally challenging, with its bumpy, rocky terrain (VARANASI SACRED GANGES, MADURAI SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS, KERALA TEMPLE & KATAGARAMA TEMPLE). 

Kuantan: Coastal Wonders and Tasty Eats

Visiting Kuantan (SULTAN AHMAD SHAH MOSQUE) is incomplete without exploring its stunning beaches, known for their mesmerizing natural beauty. These beaches are a favorite among Malaysians from various regions, especially during weekends, public holidays, and school breaks. They also attract tourists from around the globe.

With the beaches already on my mind, we made our way to one of these scenic spots. I can't pinpoint the exact location, as there were no signboards, but the experience was unforgettable. The blue waters were simply breathtaking, and just gazing at them felt incredibly fulfilling (KUALA PENYU TRANQUIL NATURE & CAPE TOWN NATURAL STUNNER).

Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque: An Unexpected Divine Encounter

I ended up in Kuantan. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, just a drive with no plans whatsoever, going with the flow. Actually, it was to break free from the mundane life and welcome something new. Landing in Kuantan, I checked into Vistana Kuantan (now known as AC Hotel Kuantan). The room was lovely, with nothing to fault. Next, I made a call to meet up with two friends who fetched me from the hotel, and we took a drive around Kuantan town before I chanced upon the Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque (Masjid Negeri, Masjid Sultan Ahmad 1). 

Creamy Cucumber Yogurt Salad Recipe

Keep it uncomplicated in the kitchen, yet bold, tasty, and nutritious. Gone are the days when people spent hours cooking, except for specific occasions or individuals. For the rest of us, we want meals that are easy to put together. Wouldn’t you agree? Especially with takeaways and eating out trending. Yet, nothing comes close to the goodness of home-cooked meals.

Best Saffron Rice - Turkish Style

Saffron strands are among the most expensive spices in the world. Their cost depends on the grading or quality and their country of origin. That said, nothing compares to the premium ones for their stronger aroma, richer flavor, and vibrant color. You only need a pinch or two for a dish like this Turkish-style saffron rice.

Kota Kinabalu, North Borneo: Unmasking Food and Business

During my stay in Kota Kinabalu, I decided to step out of the hotel (RANAU ECO-TOURISM GEMS) in search of breakfast. After walking a bit, I found myself at a humble halal kopitiam that seemed to call out to me. To my surprise, the breakfast spread was more like a lunch buffet, with a tempting array of dishes. I savored, lost in the enjoyment of the food, but I forgot to jot down the name of the place. Classic case of being caught between hunger and the chaos of a wandering mind!

Ranau, Sabah: Eco-Tourism Gems

In Kota Kinabalu, the next day after visiting Kota Belud (KOTA BELUD UNTAMED BEAUTY) I set out to view two sights. The information needed for these visits was still fluid, but it took about two hours before a decision was made to head to Ranau. This serene district, approximately two and a half hours from Kota Kinabalu, is steeped in historical and cultural significance. Established in the late 19th century, Ranau's history is deeply intertwined with the colonial era and World War II.

The Kundasang War Memorial stands as a poignant reminder of the tragic Sandakan Death Marches, honoring the thousands of Australian and British prisoners of war who perished. Culturally, Ranau is a melting pot of indigenous groups, including the Dusun and Kadazan people, whose traditions, languages, and customs enrich the region's cultural tapestry.

Kota Belud: Untamed Beauty, Sun Watching & Fireflies

Between the 1st and 3rd day, I met up with several people in Kota Kinabalu, which served as my base. What and what not, I will let you know after the finale of my so-called looking for new ventures in Sabah. On the 4th day, I decided to include some sightseeing. I arranged and paid for a drive to Kota Belud. This trip was also to explore this part of Sabah and assess its potential for future ventures, which I can't disclose more about (KUALA PENYU TRANQUIL NATURE).

The drive from Kota Kinabalu to Kota Belud takes about 1 ½ hours, and I requested stops along the way for some discoveries. We stopped at Gerai Kelapa Bakar Kak Tini (Lokan Bakar & Puding Kelapa) on Jalan Sulaman Tuaran, Kota Kinabalu. It's famous for Kelapa Bakar, where whole coconuts are roasted to perfection, resulting in tender, smoky coconut flesh and uniquely flavored coconut water. The coconuts, with their hard outer shells, are roasted over charcoal, and once done, the shells are peeled off before serving.