Cameron Highlands (Pahang) Ultimate Travel Guide

With a few sightseeing spots lined up, our hotel-arranged transport arrived at 11 AM (CAMERON HIGHTLANDS WHAT TO DO). Driven by a friendly local driver, we set off to explore some of Cameron Highlands' must-visit attractions. 

Lavender Garden (Cameron Lavender)

Also known as Cameron Lavender, this vibrant garden is a feast for the senses. The RM20.00 entrance fee (per person) is well worth it for the mesmerizing purple blooms and other colorful flowers. A perfect spot for social media-worthy photos and videos, the garden buzzes with visitors even on weekdays (WHAT TO DO IN PULAU KETAM).

No-Cook Easy Chicken Salad & Salsa: Healthy Recipes

Looking for a quick, healthy, and no-cook meal? We’ve got two easy chicken salad recipes for you - both perfect for repurposing leftover chicken, whether it’s roasted, steamed, or fried. You can even use chicken from a curry. Instead of letting leftovers go to waste, turn them into a delicious, protein-packed dish in minutes (NO-COOK BOILED PEANUT SALAD).

Both recipes are essentially chicken salad, but the first one, with its fresh and zesty twist, can also be considered Chicken Salsa - which is why we’ve given it a name of its own . You can check out the attached YouTube video for a step-by-step guide. The second is a classic Chicken Salad - simple, nutritious, and just as delicious (COCONUT CHICKEN CURRY)

Cameron Highlands Trip: What to Do

A break from the city’s hustle and monotony - off we went to Cameron Highlands. No rush, no pressure, no fixed itinerary, just a leisurely drive (A DAY TRIP TO SEKINCHAN). Being an off-peak season and a weekday, traffic was manageable, making the journey all the more enjoyable. A late brunch along the way, and with anticipation building, we looked forward to the cool, crisp air of Cameron Highlands.

Spicy Eggs Recipe: Resepi Telur Balado Indonesia

Eggs again? Why not! This time, let’s spice things up with Telur Balado, an Indonesian-style spicy egg dish. Think of it as a sambal-infused delight - bold, fiery, and packed with flavor (EGG SAMBAL RECIPE). But of course, Ms. Nava’s twist makes it even better.

The star here is the Balado sauce, a versatile Indonesian sambal that works beyond just eggs (EASIEST EGG FRIED RICE RECIPE). Use it to stir-fry veggies, coat crispy fried fish, or even jazz up poultry. Got more ideas? Go for it (SURAKARTA - INDONESIA'S HEARBEAT TRAVEL).

Xiang Bak Kut Teh – Kota Kemuning (Shah Alam)

On this particular Saturday afternoon, I walked into Xiang Kota Kemuning, a branch of the  Klang Original Xiang Bak Kut Teh, right as they opened at 11:15 AM. As the first customer, I had the freedom to choose my seat. The ambiance, with its classic Chinese design,  made me feel at home - it was exactly the kind of setting you'd expect for an a Bak Kut Teh meal (EASY INSTANT BAK KUT TEH RECIPE).

For those who prefer a visual representation, I’ve captured my experience at Xiang in a video (see below). Don’t forget to subscribe to our Nava’s Zen Channel for more updates. Subscribe Now. But for those who prefer reading, let me share my experience.

No-Cook Boiled Peanut Salad Recipe

Isn’t this such a refreshing, eye-catching, and mouthwatering salad? It absolutely is! The best part? No cooking required - just a handful of simple ingredients and a quick toss, and you have a salad bursting with flavor (MANGO SALAD RECIPE). Boiled peanuts, also known as braised peanuts, add a soft, nutty bite, while fresh tomatoes, cucumber, shallots, and chilies bring in crunch and a refreshing contrast.

Durians Atok (Kampung Jalan Kebun) Shah Alam

Our Sunday food adventure brought us to Durians Atok, tucked away in Kampung Jalan Kebun, Shah Alam. I stumbled upon this eatery while searching for places near Nava’s Zen (just 10 minutes away), and what a discovery it turned out to be. By 11:30 AM, this unassuming spot was already packed, but we managed to grab a table just as someone was leaving.

Salted Fish Sambal Recipe: Sambal Ikan Asin

Sambal Ikan Asin, or salted fish sambal, is a cherished Malaysian classic. This flavorful dish is a staple for those who enjoy rice meals, with salted fish sambal serving as the ideal side or accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Simple yet incredibly rewarding, the recipe calls for just a few pantry-friendly ingredients. While there are numerous variations, the core ingredients remain unchanged (PRAWN SAMBAL RECIPE).

Restoran Kopitiam Number One (Taman Sri Muda) Shah Alam

Recommended by a friend, we decided to visit Restoran Kopitiam Number One, a corner-lot Chinese coffee shop, on a Saturday. Parking was a bit of a challenge; it took a few rounds before we finally found a spot. Arriving around 11:30 a.m., we were greeted by an array of hawker stalls offering a modest yet varied selection of food. As expected of a traditional coffee shop, staples like bread toast with eggs and hot beverages shared the spotlight with other local favorites.

Best Teriyaki Salmon Recipe

Why is this the Best Teriyaki Salmon Recipe, you ask? Well, it’s my very own kitchen invention - a unique fusion of Indian and Japanese flavors. The secret lies in the combination of familiar kitchen staples, which I’m sure you already have on hand.

Here’s the twist: the salmon (TANDOORI SALMON RECIPE) is first fried to crispy, spicy perfection before being topped with a luscious teriyaki sauce. Can you imagine the taste? Think spicy, crispy salmon with a delightful balance of saltiness and tanginess, garnished with the fresh aroma of spring onions (EASY TIPS FOR GROWING SPRING ONIONS) and the satisfying crunch of sesame seeds.

Skin Care: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Oil

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Oil is primarily marketed for body care, though it can also be used as a facial beauty product (LOREAL BRIGHT GLOWING DAY CREAM). I’ve been incorporating this oil into my nightly skincare routine for over three weeks, applying it to my face after cleansing and showering. The product combines key ingredients such as Cocoa Butter, Vitamin E, Natural Rosehip Oil, and Argan Oil, and is formulated to be non-comedogenic, providing 48 hours of moisture.

Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe

Just 8 ingredients to make this Easy Pumpkin Soup! Except for buying the pumpkin, chances are you already have the rest of the ingredients in your pantry? This thick, creamy, and velvety pumpkin soup is perfect for chilly weather and makes a great family dish - even the kids will love it! Serve it as a light dinner on its own, pair it with toast, or sprinkle some croutons for added texture (CHINESE GINSENG CHICKEN SOUP). 

Tips to Boost Your Mental Health: Nature Therapy

Mental health has been a topic of growing awareness, with countless methods explored for improving well-being. From mindfulness techniques to creative practices like mandalas (MENTAL HEALTH & MANDALA BENEFITS), the list is ever-expanding. But have you noticed the rising trend of nature as a powerful mental health booster? It’s more than just a passing fad - nature has become a retreat for urban dwellers seeking solace from the relentless pace of city life.

Best Chicken Soup - Indian Style

What comes to mind when you think of Indian Chicken Soup? Surely, it’s the magical role of spices that add much-loved enhancement, wouldn’t you agree (SIMPLE AND HEARTY LAMB SOUP)? Making soups can be simplified, but if you enjoy grinding and pounding spices, I salute you. 

For the rest of us, like Ms. Nava, no worries! We have the convenience of spice powders, readily available from various brands at shops or grocers. Trust me, these powdered spices are no less flavorful - I’ve been using them for years and love trying different brands.

Easy Veggie Fried Rice: Malaysian Style

No, not your ordinary fried rice. It is the easy and ultimate Malaysian Fried Rice. Why not ordinary? Because potatoes are one of the ingredients, which I believe is not a usual for fried rice? Correct me if I am wrong?

Why Malaysian Fried Rice, must be your next question? Because dried chilli paste, which is a popular ingredient for our Malaysian especially sambal dishes, is the other ingredient. Considering also, how much Malaysians love spiciness in food (QUICK TOM YUM FRIED RICE).  Let alone, we Malaysians love our rice. Anytime meal of the day.  Pretty much it sums up, why this Malaysian Ms, Nava, made a Malaysian version fried rice.

Easy Gardening: Seed Sowing for Beginners

(Updated Version)

Now that we’ve covered the basics of gardening - understanding climate, choosing the right equipment, and identifying soil types - it’s time to dive into seed sowing. But where do we begin? Where do we get the seeds? Good questions (THE BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO GROWING HERBS). 

 

Getting the Seeds

Start with affordable store-bought seeds, or better yet, save seeds from your favorite vegetables while cooking. For instance, seeds from chilies, gourds and cucumbers, can be easily collected. Some leafy vegetable roots can also be replanted, though results may vary - I haven’t had success with this method, but it might work for you (EASY TIPS FOR GROWING SPRING ONIONS).