2D1N Hotel Jen Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La.

Big shoutout to Tourism Malaysia for making this staycation happen. I know you a bit blur now why I said that heh. 

Because Tourism Malaysia came out with a Stimulus Package alongside MATTA and Shopee - where they are sponsoring RM100 per person (discount) for any tour package purchased on Shopee that is in line with MATTA. 

Needless to say, Holiday Tours has a few packages lined up and one of them was a 2D1N staycation at Hotel Jen Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La! 

The selling price for the 2D1N Hotel Jen is RM115 per person for the 2D1N package, so with the RM100 discount voucher on Shopee, we actually only paid RM15 for a hotel staycation. 

Every account is only entitled to 1 RM100 discount voucher, and there were like 12 of us so we needed 12 people to buy and utilize these vouchers on Shopee - so we reached out to friends (haha) to help us out (only if they did not plan to use them) and finally, we managed to get all the vouchers and wala - it was staycation time! Heh. 

You can try this link (click with your phone app) and see if the package is still there - because I am quite sure the Hotel Jen's package is fully booked/purchased. But there are many other packages that you can use this RM100 voucher on. 

You can only enjoy this voucher thing via Shopee App - if I am not wrong. 

We emailed the Reservations Team days prior to the check-in and requested for all rooms to be on the same floor and if possible, to have multiple connecting rooms - and to have early check-ins. 

We were informed that early check-ins were not possible due to the high occupancy rate that week so that was a bummer that we had to only check in at 3PM - but being us, we went to the hotel early anyways, at like about 1245PM. 

We decided to try request for early check-in (again) and it worked! We managed to check into 2 rooms first and then by 2PM, all our rooms were ready! So, that works! Heh. Perseverance is key :)

This is the package that we purchased. 

It is inclusive of:-

> daily buffet breakfast

> entrance ticket to 3D Trick Art Museum

Oh, and we paid an extra RM10 per room for the weekend surcharge. 

Now, about the stay and the room and the breakfast. 

The staff was friendly and helpful. It was such a pleasant check-in experience with them. The lobby is nice and clean, even the hallway to the rooms. There were lots of sanitizers in the hotel so very convenient to wash your hands every 5 steps. Heh. 

The room (Deluxe Room with King bed) was quite spacious - and I love that they have an extra lounge chair by their giant window (which I love so much!).

Overall, clean room with a clean bathroom so I think I will give it a 4 out of 5 stars. 

The missing 1-star because of its location heh. I think it is a great hotel for those who prefer to explore the city and do some cafe hopping and for businessmen for sure. But for families with children, it is not very ideal - just because there were not many things to do in (around) the hotel. 

No beach and the pool are very basic. Also, cos Covid so no swimming for all of us so bleh. 

Only 2 rooms were connected - my grandma's and ours. So our room was the party/supper-room. Yes, we tapau food from Green House - like curry mee and tailok mee and steamed chicken. Heh. 

So here's a fun hack. 

Do you know that you can call the hotel and request bowls and cutleries from the restaurant and they will bring it to your room? We requested 5 bowls and cutleries and they delivered. 

Like legit super nice good quality bowls that they use in the restaurant okay - not those plastic bowls. 

That is why we could enjoy our curry mee and yee sang kai chok. Heh. 

So now you know ok. 

Here's a short video of the room :)

Till next staycation, bye now. 

Mamu Maggi Goreng at Old Winston Coffee Garden, Penang.

This is the best Maggi Goreng in the world okay - based on my opinion (and most of those who have tasted it) heh. 

If I already up-ed your expectations, then too bad. Hah. Because when I crave maggi goreng, this is my to-go place. I mean like - we (our gang) will purposely plan for lunch together at this place when most of us are on leave. Good thing my office super near to their current location. 

They have switched places a few times but always around the same area - KDU College Georgetown area. The previous place they were at, the packing costs RM6 per entry and that also you can still see many people dining there. The parking fee is not charged by them by the way. 

I think most people usually park further and walk to their old place. 

Now, they are stationed at the Old Winston Coffee Garden (used to be a famous dim sum place in the AM) and the parking is RM2 per entry (also not by them). 

So, they are famous for their Maggi Goreng and Nasi Goreng. I only always just order their Maggi Goreng Telur Atas - another comfort food of mine. 

By the time I finished an entire plate, I would be so full and satisfied. 

The only minus thing about that place is, it gets so so hot. They have fans but the heat under that zinc roof is insane. I would sweat buckets and my behinds would get wet. People probably think I peed on my own. Kid you not. 

Ask anyone who has eaten there before and they will tell you how hot it can get over there. 

Then again, we tried to tapau back but it just didn't taste as nice. 

You just gotta eat it there and experience the whole heat la I guess. Hah. 

So, please go try it okay! 

He says: Classic! Something you couldn't find elsewhere. Didn't like it at first but became a personal favorite!

She says: This is not the typical maggi goreng you get at nasi kandar stall. This one is basah and sedap. There are some vegetables in it and it's spicy and super yummy. If you don't like your maggi goreng to be basah, then you will probably not like this one. You can choose to add ayam goreng and sosej also if you want. 

Till next makan, bye now. 

3D2N Shangri La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Penang.

This is another supposed-to-be-posted-one-year-ago but here I am - never too late is the way to go hah. 

For Adrian's 30th birthday last year, I decided to surprise him with a few surprises but the one that I was looking forward to the most was this staycation. If you watch this video, you would know how he reacted when he found out that his birthday present was a 2-night staycation at Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa. 

Why this hotel you ask?

Because it's one of the 5-star hotels that Adrian really likes (though he never stays before) but he really loves the wooden feel that this hotel has. Knowing him, he would never pay to stay at any 5-star hotel unless it's a really good deal - same with me also actually but I not so extreme la. Heh. 

That time last year, Rasa Sayang had these FB live sessions where they give out promo codes for their rooms if you book with them directly and so, it was just the right time! 

You have to stay a minimum of 2 nights to enjoy these discounts (Facebook Weekday Offer) and I paid a total of RM420 for 2 nights - so that makes it RM210 for a Garden Wing Deluxe Garden View Room - which was acceptable (I think) for me. Hah.

That price included daily breakfast for 2 adults, early check-in at 12PM, and late check-out at 4PM. It was these conditions that they were shouting so loud about. 

I also sent them emails to request these (below) and that is also because their website asked if we would like these items so we of course said yes. 

Baby bottle sterilizer

Baby bottle warmer

Baby high chair

Baby playpen

Baby toilet seat

Needless to say, we did not get any of the above. They did not even update us if they have these or not to be sent to our room. They just continued being silent about it. I think if you don't have these items, you should not list them as optional for people to choose from, or if you are out of it, you should at least inform us. 

Good thing I emailed them again about 1 babycot before the trip starts. 

This was actually the second red flag. 

The first being - that we had to wait in the lobby for few hours even though we were told that we could check-in at 12PM - instead of 3PM. We reached the hotel at about 1PM and the receptionist looked lost and cold (he probably had a bad day or something because he was anything but friendly). He walked into the back office for like the 40th time before he could tell us when exactly we could check-in. 

We also reminded him that we were told that we can check-in by 12PM and it was already close to 2PM by the time we talked to him and all. The only thing he could tell us was, the rooms all not ready so we had to wait. Oh man. 

I understand that they may be under-staffed but do not tell people that they can come and check-in by 12PM. My 2 kids were going crazy by the time they called us. It was such a bad way to start the staycation. 

So, that's the first red flag okay. 

We decided to be positive and put all that behind us and just enjoy the weekend. 

It was not too long after we checked into the room, that Adrian realized the rooms were dusty (bed frames, side tables, main table, and chairs) and even Adrian (who usually is very very cincai kind of person) was highly disappointed. 

Their pillows had a funny smell and we did not dare to open up the sheets. 

The grass outside our balcony/patio was long and really messy and dirty. 

It was already affecting Adrian and he is usually the super-not-OCD-kind. We cleaned some common areas on our own. 

Their buffet breakfast is two thumbs up though. I did not go for any breakfast because I didn't feel like to so I stayed in the room with Sofia instead and slept in. 

But according to Adrian and his mom, it was pretty good. They have quite many choices. 

So, I guess in the overalls of it all, it is safe to say that we will not be doing any staycations at Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa - unless the deal is super good - like RM100 per night or something hah. 

If you ask Adrian, he will probably give you a worse review. Heh. 

Here's a quick room tour of the room. Sorry, no photos this time. Heh.

 Till next staycation, bye now. 

Project Can by Haru Hari at Lebuh Gelugor, Penang.

Don't think you will miss seeing this newly launched cafe when you drive along the forever-busy-Jalan Masjid Negeri. This Project Can Cafe is on your left if you are driving towards the Penang Bridge and in the evening, it is even more obvious because the outdoor fairy lights would be switched on. 

The place is very cozy with giant trees providing so much shade and a homey-nice-warm-feeling. 

We woke up one Sunday morning and decided to try this place for breakfast. Partly because they have such a big outdoor area so I was not that paranoid about bringing my kids to eat and play. 

We were 30-minutes earlier than their official opening time, so we waited outside and look-see the surroundings. 

FYI - do not park your car on the pavement along with the cafe with yellow lines because we were told by the workers there that policemen have given many love letters to people who parked there (one of them is my SIL: Jaryn! Hah). Policemen would come up to 5-times in a day. 

We ordered 4 mains for 5 adults and 4 kids - finished everything because we were hungry and also because it was good - yummy good and portion big good. 

Their drinks were okay-okay (in our opinion) but food-wise, good lah. 

TIRAMISU - RM20

THE BIRD NEST - RM25

Deep fried shredded potatoes & leek, katsuobushi (beef bacon or ham) & mixed veggie pancakes. 

CAN BREAKKIE - RM25

Beef bacon, Heinz baked beans, McCain hashbrown, chicken ham, chicken sausage, mushroom, mesclun (green salad), tomato, sliced artisan sourdough and scramble kampung eggs. 

Overall:-

> Tiramisu cake is surprisingly very yummy and I don't even like tiramisu in general. 

> Can Brekkie is also surprisingly bigger than we expected and also yummy (portion for 2 persons)

> The Bird Nest is also very yummy and it tasted like a different version of okonomiyaki. 

For sure, we will come again to try their other food items. Also, you may want to call them to make reservations - especially on the weekends because they don't have a lot of tables so if you do not want to walk away disappointed, do call up first!

Till next makan, bye now. 

We Bought a New Stroller from Ergobaby!

Before this, I never knew Ergobaby had other babies related products other than their famous Ergobaby baby carriers - which are the most important baby items for us to date. It is a lifesaver when your baby becomes cranky (whether at home or outside). Put them on with a baby carrier and they almost immediately calm down and goes to sleep. 

I remembered going through a lot of reviews back and forth when deciding which brand to get for baby carriers but ended up with Ergobaby although they are slightly more expensive than other brands. I was more comfortable with getting a genuine one (even though had to pay more) because I did not want to go through any "accidents" due to faulty/lousier materials. I was not gonna take any risks, to be honest. 

When this brand was mentioned for stroller suggestions, I was a little surprised! So, I spent an entire day doing more research and watching videos, and comparing strollers.

I don't know how most people do its comparison when it comes to strollers (or car seats and whatnot), but for me, every stroller that caught my attention - I compared them with Babyzen Yoyo+ and I try to get one that is closest to Babyzen Yoyo+ (if possible) but with the price around RM1,000. 

I saw a video where this lady was doing a comparison between a Babyzen Yoyo+ (exactly like our previous one) and an Ergobaby Metro+ Compact City Stroller 2020. She mentioned that she has tried quite many different types of strollers and these two are her top favorites (I think!). 

At the end of her video, she said that she actually prefers the Ergobaby Metro+ Compact City Stroller 2020 because she finds it easier to use and handle. 

She lives in Hong Kong and she uses the stroller with her baby everyday to everywhere. Very similar to my situation. Not that I am based in Hong Kong. But I need to use the stroller every day with Sofia and no, I cannot carry her in and out every day because hello, she is already at the 10KG mark (she is not overweight please), and my back is gonna break if I do it every day. Heh. 

So, when she said she preferred the Ergobaby to the Babyzen, I was very interested to find out more. To cut the long story short, I finally texted Adrian and told him that we would go for the Ergobaby and he texted GoodealBB and reserved one unit. 

Here is another read on the comparison between Babyzen Yoyo+ and Ergobaby Metro Compact City Stroller 2020 - if you are interested. 

We went to the shop to collect it the next day and now, I am happily enjoying it. 

The back wheels are bigger than the front wheels so it really feels very steady and super nice to push around. Also, it's a bonus that the black color and material make it so chic and pretty please. I am a sucker for pretty things - no surprises here. 

In all honesty, I would have chosen red but the shop only has black - so black it is. Luckily the black very nice indeed. 

When folded, it is slightly smaller than the current one though a bit heavier, heavier is good cos it is a lot steadier. 

Here's a video of how to open and close it by Adrian and like any other strollers, you need to practice to make it a smooth thing to do. So yeah, that is our take on our current stroller (hopefully the last one so no need to buy another one). 

Till next time, bye now. 

Jiashi Restaurant (Relocated from Song River Cafe) at Gurney Drive, Penang.

If you are a true Penangite, you would have known or have eaten at this famous breakfast/lunch place at Song River Cafe by Gurney Drive, Penang.

Don't worry - not too late for you to go try it to be a true Penangite - because I found out about it not too long ago also ni so still got time for you to be self-declared a true Penangite. Heh. 

They do not serve dim sum - in case you are wondering. They serve Chinese food meant for breakfast and lunch. Closed for dinners (if I am not wrong). 

I thought that it was a bit too noisy from where we were seating (the front of the shop) as could hear cars drove by and dust etc. Not very bagus. 

The previous place the front side was quite covered so can hardly hear any like engines of cars driving by and definitely not much dust flying everywhere. 

BITTER GOURD WITH EGG - RM9.80

He says: It's alright. A bit too much egg and no bitter gourd.

She says: It should be called fried egg with bitter gourd. I mean seriously, those thin-sliced bitter gourd is like so few la, please. Disappointing. 

FRESH FISH BEEHOON (THICK) SOUP - RM9.80

He says: Not my type of food and not much taste also the soup. 

She says: Can find better beehoon soup outside. Nothing special. 

FRIED OYSTER NOODLE - RM10.30

He says: So-so only - but got a lot of baby oysters. 

She says: Quite generous with the baby oysters in my opinion. This is a one-person portion by the way. 

BRAISED FISH HEAD WITH YAM - RM34.40

He says: Not nice and don't like this one. Tastes better ones outside. 

She says: This is my parents' favorite. An okay dish for me. 

EGGPLANT BEANCURD - RM15.50

He says: Tofu is soft like my pillow and the stir-fried eggplants tasted so appetizing.

She says: Family's alltime favorite! The tofu is soft and the way the diced eggplant is cooked, it is absolutely yummy. 

FRIED BELACAN CHICKEN - RM15.50

He says: Normal je. 

She says: Nice when it's hot, taste like any usual belacan chicken.

FRIED GLASS NOODLES (WET) - RM9.80

He says: Love this one - will order this again next time.

She says: Not too bad, but I think they used to taste better. 

SHRIMP DATES - RM11.40

He says: Typical fried stuff - okay okay only. 

She says: Don't order this. Hah. Cannot tase or see any shrimp inside. Macam a lot of flour. 

Total price for 6-adults: RM177.10

When they were still at the Song River Cafe (not too far away from current location), their food tasted so much better and I remembered that we would always leave the place feeling really full and satisfied. 

This time, we left the place full (because over-ordered again heh), but we were not satisfied, and most of our food came in 1-person's portion (but 2 bowls because separated into 2 tables), but to be billed at RM177 is a bit nonsense. 

We didn't even order anything seafood. 

The price is definitely hiked up after they moved to this new place. 

We used to love having breakfast at Song River Cafe but now, with the food quality drop and pric increased, I don't think we would be coming back anytime soon. 

Time to try other place for breakfast. 

Till next makan, bye now.  

2D1N Lone Pine Boutique Hotel by the Beach, Penang.

This is a few-years-overdue-post and I decided to talk about it here because we (Adrian and I) remembered loving this hotel so much. 

Actually not so much of the entire hotel in itself because let's be honest, there is nothing to shout about their swimming pool and buffet breakfast. 

In fact, their buffet breakfast happens to be one of the worst hotel buffet breakfasts we have ever had. Their porridge was cold despite being in the pot that keeps food hot, their pancakes and waffles are soft and soggy and cold and there was a big long trail of ants entering one of their buffet items and no one did anything until I brought it up with one of their waitresses. 

It was a huge disappointment. I mean, they can do a lot better, please. I do hope got no such problems now anymore. 

Still, we love Lone Pine Hotel because of its newly renovated rooms (back in Sept 2019). We didn't have high expectations but because there were some promos going on at that time, we decided to book a room for one night to celebrate our third wedding anniversary, and then my family decided to book the same room, but their Deluxe Seafacing Room was upgraded to Premier Seafacing Room that could sleep up to 4 adults (ngam ngam for them). 

Deluxe Seafacing Room (2 adults and 1 baby): RM350

Premier Seafacing Room (4-adults): RM365

With one of the rooms being upgraded, that also means we could not have connecting rooms or be on the same floor. In fact, we were at a separate building. Heh. 

I wished we had stayed for 2-nights instead of 1, to be honest, but I hope more that we get to go stay again someday. Heh. 

Too bad their swimming pool is so boring and with 2-kids now, we would prefer to go to hotels with more "happening" pools. Heh. 

Here are some photos we took during that staycation.

Okay, so when Adrian and I walked into the room, our first impression was, "Wow!". The room is spacious and modern-looking and one of the things we love most is the bathtub on the balcony, with a daybed, a table, and 2 chairs. It is so perfect for chilling. 

The other thing is the bathroom - huge and practical and the lighting is so on-point, please. They use a sliding door to separate the room from the bathroom which is so genius because it makes the entire room feels even much bigger. 

The King-sized bed felt like it was super King or something. 

Okay, now you can watch this quick video of a very brief room tour. Heh. 

Till next staycation, bye now.