Have Perut Will Travel...

BTH Day 2 │ Guided Tour Ends • Harbour Bay • Pasir Gudang to TBS!

2026-10-11T08:45:00.000+08:00

Full Final Episode — The Batam Whirlwind

Our 24 hour guided tour of Batam unfolded like a fast, colourful reel — a tight, satisfying getaway packed with flavour, mishaps, laughter, and the kind of moments that only happen when office mates travel together.

Mr. Ong Bakery — Morning Treats

The bakery stop was a quick, cheerful reset — staff buzzing with early morning energy, shelves filling fast, smiles everywhere. Cat and Tasha went straight for the colourful pastries, Sunil hovered over the savoury buns, and we drifted through rows of soft rolls, layered cakes, and golden puffs that looked fresh enough to still be warm.

The whole place felt homely and calm, the perfect pause before the day kicked into gear. We left with a box of Bika Ambon for IDR70,000 (≈ MYR16 / USD4 / EUR3) and a Banana Cake for IDR90,000 (≈ MYR20 / USD5 / EUR4) — small, sweet boosts to start the morning right.

Masjid Cheng Hoo

After Mr. Ong Bakery, we headed to Masjid Cheng Hoo, its vibrant reds, greens, and golds glowing under the Batam sky. We wandered through the courtyard, soaked in the Chinese Islamic architecture, and snapped a bright group photo that instantly became a favourite.

Pink Beach & Dean Snack Batam

Next was Pink Beach, quiet and lifeless despite the entrance fee — a flat stop we abandoned almost immediately.

Pak Syakir rescued the morning with Dean Snack Batam, a cheerful detour bursting with colour and energy. We grabbed powdered Ginger Tea and instant drink mixes for IDR445,000 (≈ MYR101/USD25/EUR22).

Then came the hiccup: on the sloped driveway, we accidentally opened the wrong minivan door. It snapped shut sharply, and the other driver reprimanded us harshly, refusing to accept our apologies. A sharp jolt in an otherwise fun stop.

Harbour Bay Ferry Terminal

Our 24 hour tour wrapped up at Harbour Bay Ferry Terminal, bringing the adventure full circle. With an hour to spare, we settled into Kopi Kenangan, ordering a Jumbo Iced Kopi Mantan and Iced Avocado Milk for IDR96,000 (≈ MYR22/USD5/EUR5).

While I guarded the luggage, the womenfolk went shopping. Cat scored IDR534,900 (≈ MYR121/USD30/EUR26) worth of Watson’s goodies. At eleven, we breezed through security and Immigration without incident.

Dolphin Fast Ferry — Homeward Bound

Our 11:30am Dolphin Fast Ferry boarded smoothly, departing at 11:33am. The crossing was calm, and we arrived at 2:15pm MY time. Immigration was quick, and Rajan arranged a 6 seater Grab to Pasir Gudang Bus Terminal for RM18.00 (≈ USD4/EUR4).

We bade farewell to Syaiful as he continued toward Larkin and Melaka. At Pasir Gudang, some prayed while others grabbed lunch at the lone food stall.

LA Holidays — Chaos on Wheels

Our LA Holidays bus arrived at 3:45pm, and the disaster began instantly. Travelling as a party of eleven meant every misstep hit eleven times harder.

The driver declared he was unwell and would dump us onto another bus at Larkin. We waited until nearly 5pm before departing again. The replacement driver arrived furious, venting his frustrations directly at passengers — a masterclass in terrible service.

At 8pm, at Tangkak Lay By, he barked no eating on the bus. The irony? He chain smoked every half hour for the entire seven hour ride, turning the bus into his personal smoking lounge. The stench and inconsideration were unbelievable.

TBS — The Whirlwind Finale

We reached TBS at 10:45pm, finally ending the gruelling ride. After quick goodbyes, we grabbed a RM20.00 (≈ USD5/EUR4) ride home.

During that quiet drive, we replayed the entire adventure — from the dawn ferry of the previous episode, to Pak Syakir’s warm guidance, to Masjid Cheng Hoo’s colours, Pink Beach’s flop, Dean Snack’s energy, Harbour Bay’s calm, Kopi Kenangan’s chill, the Watson’s haul, the smooth ferry home, and the smoky chaos of LA Holidays.

Despite the bumps, we both had an awesome time with my office mates, and honestly, we were sad it ended so quickly. A fast, flavourful, wonderfully balanced whirlwind — one we’ll gladly repeat next year!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Grand TW Batam Center Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/CAbtEwQWUCbLP3Kz9

Mr. Ong Bakery - https://maps.app.goo.gl/WLAzeE9xLCMEtLeD9

Masjid Cheng Hoo - https://maps.app.goo.gl/XMia1TQH1Bdwo6xJ8

Dean Snack Batam - https://maps.app.goo.gl/UuYXyVJKCo2SGJHq9

Harbour Bay Ferry Terminal - https://maps.app.goo.gl/jNdbM2Zz8dPRdz159

Pasir Gudang Ferry Terminal - https://maps.app.goo.gl/WbVgEPiyaDmjei428

Pasir Gudang Bus Terminal - https://maps.app.goo.gl/VKdMajpJfrHFRmoaA

Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) - https://maps.app.goo.gl/d9gNWNoDcEdUUPnc7

Havironia Music - https://maps.app.goo.gl/pCjoAhuspFpp3GHb6

BTH Day 1 │ Guided Tour Begins • Grand TW Batam • Love Seafood!

2026-10-10T11:20:00.000+08:00

Guided Tour Begins

We picked you up again after collecting all twelve boarding passes from the Dolphin Fast Ferry office with Pak Syakri. I rejoined the group as he pulled up in his comfortable white Toyota HiAce Commuter — cool air conditioning, cushioned seats, and plenty of space for all of us. With everyone settled, our guided tour officially began.

Our first stop was Masjid Raja Hamidah, greeting us at 11:50am like a calm, golden anchor at the edge of Tanjung Uma. Its soft cream façade shimmered under the midday sun, domes glowing with honeyed warmth. After a group photo, Cat returned her abaya and we picked up three fridge magnets for IDR45,000 (≈ MYR14 / USD3 / EUR3) before heading off.

Sweet Stop at Alia Layer Cake

Next was Alia Layer Cake, wrapped in a warm, buttery glow. Rows of lapis legit stood behind the glass counter, each one a tiny Batam masterpiece of caramel, honey and amber layers. Fresh trays emerged from the kitchen, releasing that unmistakable aroma of spices and melted butter. We sampled a few flavours and left with one kilogram of their original lapis for IDR320,000 (≈ MYR98 / USD20 / EUR19).

70 Fahrenheit Koffie Batam

We continued to 70 Fahrenheit Koffie Batam, stepping into a cool pocket of café culture — wood toned interiors, soft lighting, and the hum of espresso machines. Baristas pulled rich, velvety shots while shelves of beans lined the walls. Before leaving, we grabbed their promo: buy four packets of Kopi Betina, get two free for IDR800,000 (≈ MYR245 / USD50 / EUR47), shared evenly with Sunil.

Lunch at Garuda Restaurant Batam Center

Pak Syakri then took us to Garuda Restaurant Batam Center for a Padang feast. The signature beef rendang was dark, glossy and tender, surrounded by vegetables, sambal, crispy sides and fragrant rice. Our hearty lunch came to IDR1,730,300 (≈ MYR391 / USD96 / EUR85).

Checking In at Grand TW Batam Center

We checked in at Grand TW Batam Center Hotel & Convention, practical and friendly. Our Twin Deluxe room was simple, clean and spacious, with strong air conditioning and comfy beds. For RM91 (≈ USD22 / EUR20) a night, it was excellent value. Most of us were settled within half an hour.

Grand Batam Mall

At 3:30pm, we regrouped and returned to the HiAce. Two thirds of the delegation were dropped at Grand Batam Mall, greeted by bright lights, cool air conditioning and that unmistakable weekend buzz — Batam’s modern heartbeat in full swing.

My Indothai Spa & Massage Batam

Pak Syakri then took Tasha, Sunil, Cat and me to My Indothai Spa & Massage Batam, a quiet sanctuary of warm lighting, Thai Indo décor and soothing lemongrass mint aroma. Cat and Tasha enjoyed a two hour full body massage for IDR340,000 (≈ MYR77 / USD19 / EUR17) each. Sunil and I opted for two hour foot reflexology with head and shoulder massage for IDR300,000 (≈ MYR68 / USD17 / EUR15).

Love Seafood Batam Center

By 6:30pm, we reunited with the rest at Love Seafood Batam Center for a grand finale dinner. The table filled with Mini Buffet Ranjungan, Steam Boat Besar, Kakap Steam Thai, Bawal Bakar and a parade of seafood dishes that took over the evening. It was abundance, warmth and flavour — Batam showing off at its best.

We returned to the hotel knackered and filled, ending the night on a perfect note.

Stay tuned for the next video for the continuation of our guided tour and our return trip to Kuala Lumpur!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Harbour Bay Ferry Terminal - https://maps.app.goo.gl/jNdbM2Zz8dPRdz159

Masjid Raja Hamidah - https://share.google/Pi3BnZvV5i5yiT3ej

Alya Layer Cakes - https://maps.app.goo.gl/JGq3DSTrbQt7N6Yp7

70 Fahrenheit Koffie Batam - https://maps.app.goo.gl/mQHZQvW27npLVVSm9

Garuda Restaurant - https://maps.app.goo.gl/HG6pcaSbJm7aQnHw5

Grand TW Batam Center Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/CAbtEwQWUCbLP3Kz9

My Indothai Spa & Massage - https://maps.app.goo.gl/zP11GEnBTNcf3yS9A

Love Seafood Batam Centre - https://maps.app.goo.gl/dwoeUqZugExpihfo8

BTH Day 1 │ BTS to Pasir Gudang • Harbour Bay • Batam!

2026-10-10T00:15:00.000+08:00

Away Day Excursion Begins

Tonight marks the start of our away day adventure to Batam, Indonesia, joining my officemates for a quick cross border escape. Cat and I left home at 10:00pm, the neighbourhood already quiet and dim, and hailed a Grab car straight to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS). The ride cost RM33.00 (≈ USD8 / EUR7) — smooth, quick, and familiar, bringing us to the bright, modern terminal in Bandar Tasik Selatan where the night’s journey truly begins.

At TBS, we met the full crew — Hafazil, Suzianah, Arif, Adrianna, Tasha, Tan, Rajan, Wong, Syaiful and Sunil. I handed out all twelve tickets for Super Nice Express, priced from RM55 (≈ USD12 / EUR11) for the 11:45pm departure to Pasir Gudang. Reviews praised the comfy VIP seats and good fares, though punctuality and onboard amenities were said to vary. We scanned our tickets at Gate G13, waited at Platform B7, and boarded once the delayed bus finally arrived. At 12:22am, we pulled out of TBS for the overnight ride south.

Dawn in Pasir Gudang

The journey was quiet and uneventful, and we reached Pasir Gudang at 5:20am. After a short discussion, we walked to Lepak Corner PG Bistro for breakfast while my Muslim colleagues performed dawn prayers at a nearby mosque.

Pasir Gudang Ferry Terminal

We then booked several Grab cars to the Pasir Gudang Ferry Terminal for our 8:30am Dolphin Fast Ferry, which required us to be there ninety minutes earlier. Rajan, Wong and I were picked up first at 7:00am, arriving by 7:15am. After enquiries at the Dolphin counter, we printed our boarding passes at the self serve kiosks. The rest arrived soon after, and by 7:30am everyone had their passes. At 7:50am, Immigration opened and we cleared the checkpoint before boarding.

Crossing to Harbour Bay

The ferry slipped out under a soft morning haze, the straits glowing like brushed silver. The one hour and thirty minute crossing felt breezy yet cinematic — cranes fading behind us, barges drifting past, fishing boats carving confident lines across the water. Midway through, Batam’s coastline rose from the horizon, Harbour Bay’s jetty sharpening into view as the sea shifted from steel grey to tropical blue.

We docked at 10:22am, and because Cat felt a little seasick, we were allowed to disembark ahead of the rest. We regrouped with our colleagues and headed to the Immigration autogates, only to be redirected to manual counters when none of our passports were approved.

The All Indonesia App Lesson

Cat called out just in time — an Immigration officer spotted the tiny step we’d missed in the All Indonesia app. After receiving the QR code, we had to tap “apply visa on arrival” and select the non payment option. One quick fix later, the autogates turned green. A sharp save, and a solid lesson learnt.

Boarding Passes for the Return

After scanning our QR codes at Customs — and navigating past the laid back security checkpoint — we regrouped for a quick potty break. I called Pak Syakri, our driver, who met us shortly after. Instead of leaving the terminal, he suggested we collect tomorrow’s return trip boarding passes immediately to avoid long queues.

I gathered all twelve passports and followed him upstairs to the Dolphin office, where we collected each boarding pass. A surcharge had increased, and Pak Syakri helped settle the IDR360,000 (≈ MYR110 / USD7 / EUR6) due — later graciously absorbed by our tour operator Pak Wandy. Bless you.

Ready for Batam

Back on the ground floor, Pak Syakri headed out to get his van. After a short wait, he pulled up in his comfortable 14 seater Toyota HiAce Commuter, helped us load our luggage, and we settled into our ride — Batam now properly under our feet.

Stay tuned for the next video as our guided tour of Batam begins!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Havironia Music - https://maps.app.goo.gl/pCjoAhuspFpp3GHb6

Pasir Gudang Bus Terminal - https://maps.app.goo.gl/VKdMajpJfrHFRmoaA

Pasir Gudang Ferry Terminal - https://maps.app.goo.gl/WbVgEPiyaDmjei428

Harbour Bay Ferry Terminal - https://maps.app.goo.gl/jNdbM2Zz8dPRdz159

Kuala Selangor │ Auntie Foo Cafe • Driving Home!

2026-10-04T09:56:00.000+08:00

The End of Our 24 Hour Sojourn in Kuala Selangor

We woke at 9:00am, taking in one last peaceful glimpse of the river from our delightful room — that soft morning shimmer that makes you linger before saying goodbye. After a quick sweep of the room, we headed downstairs. The checkout was smooth and effortless, and we collected our RM100.00 deposit (≈ USD25/EUR22) before stepping into the warm Kuala Selangor morning.

BiBi waited patiently outside. We loaded our grey goblins into the boot, closed it with that familiar soft thud, and set off for breakfast at Auntie Foo Café.

Breakfast at Auntie Foo Café

Auntie Foo sat quietly in the old town near Pasir Penambang, right at the foot of Bukit Melawati. The café is known for its frozen Gula Melaka cendol, a sherbet style treat of coconut milk and palm sugar — but with our sugar levels in mind, we skipped it this time.

Travellers often stop here before heading to Sky Mirror, Bukit Melawati, or the firefly jetties, picking up maps, booking tours, or browsing souvenirs inside the charming 1935 heritage building.

We settled in for comfort food: Breakfast Set, Kaya Butter Toast with Half Boiled Eggs, Layered Coffee Latte, and Iced Milk Tea — all for RM31.30 (≈ USD8/EUR7).

Leaving Kuala Selangor

We stepped out just as the town eased into its slow weekend rhythm. Warm air, quiet streets, and a lingering coastal breeze made the walk back to BiBi feel unhurried.

Driving out of town, we passed rows of old shophouses, sleepy neighbourhoods, and long stretches of palm oil estates. Traffic was light, families heading out for brunch, and by the time we reached the LATAR entrance, the sun had climbed high enough to brighten the entire highway.

LATAR was wide, open, and effortless — a smooth late morning glide as the scenery shifted from rural greens to the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur.

Approaching Kuala Lumpur

KL’s skyline appeared slowly on the horizon — faint at first, then sharpening into full view. Traffic picked up but stayed in that relaxed Sunday rhythm. We exited toward Jalan Kuching, slipping into the city centre as the roads grew busier but never stressful.

BiBi, however, was wearing every kilometre of the weekend. We headed to Ajie Carwash in Kampung Baru, where a wash with water wax cost RM22.00 (≈ USD5/EUR5) and restored her shine.

Home Sweet Home

A short drive later, Menara City One came into view — the familiar marker that KL’s energy had fully returned. A slow Sunday morning, a smooth highway, and an easy roll back into our home sweet home.

Stay tuned — next up, an Indonesian island south of Singapore, complete with a return bus ride and a ferry crossing. The adventure should be an interesting one!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Hotel Le-Shore - https://maps.app.goo.gl/gvE3vRqrkRwYFBEZA

Auntie Foo Cafe - https://maps.app.goo.gl/wxY2Nxpk4JPn3nan6

Havironia Music - https://maps.app.goo.gl/pCjoAhuspFpp3GHb6

Kuala Selangor │ Ah Yu Seafood Again • Night Stroll • 3 Temples!

2026-10-03T18:07:00.000+08:00

Sunset on the Selangor River

Evening settled softly over Kuala Selangor as we picked you up again for dinner. Before heading out, we set up the DJI Action 4 on the balcony to capture a timelapse of the river’s nightly transformation.

Golden hour arrived first — boats slicing across shimmering water, eagles sweeping through an amber sky. Then the sun dropped into a glowing egg yolk ball, painting the river in molten gold as families on the docks scrambled for photos. By blue hour, the sky deepened into royal blue and the riverbank lit up: seafood shops glowing warm, streetlights flickering awake, and tour boats preparing for firefly runs. The river slowed, the lights shimmered, and night settled in with a calm, gentle glow.

The Dinner Hunt

Half an hour later, we stepped out for dinner and strolled toward River View Seafood, the same spot we visited back in November 2022. We hoped for a repeat of that sunset backed meal — but the restaurant was packed to the rafters, with a long waitlist spilling out the entrance.

Jeti Seafood and Yu Jia Ren Seafood were no different — every riverside seat taken, every table buzzing with weekend diners. The waterfront was alive, loud, and overflowing.

Ah Yu Seafood — The Backup Feast

We doubled back and explored Jalan Bagan Sungai Yu, heading north, only to find ourselves in a quiet residential stretch. So we looped back and landed at Ah Yu Seafood, our reliable fallback.

After some deliberation, our “simple” dinner turned into a feast:

Fried Meehoon with 1kg Mud Crab
Deep Fried Cuttlefish
Two Ambra Juices

Backlit by the last glow of sunset, the meal came to RM146.70 (≈ USD36/EUR32) — a handsome price for a hearty riverside dinner.

Night Errands

Determined to walk off the feast, we stepped into the warm Kuala Selangor night.

First stop: 99 Speedmart, where we picked up beverages for RM15.20 (≈ USD4/EUR3). Next: You Hock Trading, an old school sundry shop where we grabbed several packets of prawn crisps for RM38.00 (≈ USD9/EUR8).

We crossed the street, returned to Le Shore, dropped off our little haul, and stepped back out to begin our proper night stroll.

Pasir Penambang Night Walk

The air carried a familiar mix of river breeze and faint seawater. Streetlights cast soft yellow pools along Jalan Pasir Penambang, and the occasional motorcycle hummed past before fading into the quiet.

We walked south with the river on our right — invisible in the darkness but alive in sound: gentle water movement, distant boat engines, and the soft clinking of fishing gear. Most shophouses were shuttered, but a few late night stalls glowed warm, sending out the smell of grilled seafood and noodles.

Riverside Temples

Soon the night thickened with incense. The first temple appeared: Qi Jian Xian Shi Fo Zu Gu Miao, once a small wooden house before 1983, expanded in 2008 with community support. Inside, Chinese folk, Buddhist, and Taoist traditions blended — the Seven Sword Immortals, Buddha, and Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva. A staircase led to a man made cave on the upper floor, cool stone walls and a peaceful prayer space overlooking the river and, on clear days, the open sea.

Further along stood the larger, more ornate Wan Fo Shih Temple, its golden Buddhas shimmering under warm lights, faint chanting echoing from within. Just beyond it, the Monkey God Temple burst with colour and energy — statues of Sun Wukong glowing under bright spotlights, worshippers lighting incense, sandalwood drifting into the night.

Back to Le Shore

After taking in the cluster of temples, we turned back north. The town had finally settled into its late night calm — empty roads, distant fishing boats, palm trees rustling softly along the riverbank.

Le Shore Hotel appeared with its familiar modern glow, lobby lights reflecting off the Selangor River in gentle ripples. A peaceful end to a simple, charming night walk through Pasir Penambang.

Stay tuned — next up, breakfast at a quaint old café before our drive home!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Hotel Le-Shore - https://maps.app.goo.gl/gvE3vRqrkRwYFBEZA

Ah Yu Restaurant - https://maps.app.goo.gl/xMyVWFktH2uQHHxM8

Kuala Selangor │ Ah Yu Seafood • Hotel Le-Shore!

2026-10-03T09:29:00.000+08:00

Spur of the Moment Trip!

It began with a craving — the kind that Manila planted in us after that glorious seafood feast at Orang Bucket BGC. By 10:00am, we left Menara City One, the streets around Masjid India still quiet as the city slowly woke. We loaded our solitary non yellow submarine into BiBi and headed toward Jalan Kuching, bound for Kuala Selangor… or so we thought.

A Guitar Detour

Before hitting the highway, we made a necessary detour to Jovis Music. My Telecaster needed a pickguard replacement, while the newly acquired second hand Les Paul needed a full setup and intonation. Only Jack, our trusted master luthier, could give them the proper touch. With both guitars safely handed over, we resumed our westward drive.

LATAR — The Road Opens Up

Traffic was light, letting us reach the LATAR Highway quickly. Once on LATAR, the drive turned smooth and peaceful. Long straight stretches, wide green views, small towns in the distance, and the soft morning sun glowing across everything — it was the perfect backdrop for a spontaneous roadtrip.

Hotel Le Shore and a Riverside Feast

We arrived at Hotel Le Shore, our stay for the night, but check in was still four hours away. After registering and paying the RM100.00 deposit (≈ USD25/EUR22), we moved BiBi to a more secure parking space since we wouldn’t be driving again until tomorrow.

Then we walked over to Ah Yu Seafood, where we found a superb table overlooking the Selangor River. From their extensive pork and lard free menu, we ordered Ikan Bawal Tambak in Tomyam gravy, Chicken in Red Wine, Bitter Gourd scrambled eggs, and a jug of Longan. With hours still to spare, Cat added Coconut Water, while I enjoyed a pot of hot Chinese Tea. The feast came to RM153.50 (≈ USD38/EUR33). I later returned to BiBi to retrieve our tablets so we could relax by the river as the afternoon drifted by.

A Breezy Balcony Siesta

At 1:45pm, we walked back to Le Shore. The tiny front desk had only one sofa, already occupied, so we were directed to the first floor balcony. It turned out to be perfect — breezy, quiet, and overlooking the river. We sat half asleep as the Selangor River moved slowly past, wide and calm, with wooden fishing boats gliding to and from the old jetty.

Across the banks, the stilt houses and docks of Pasir Penambang went through their gentle daytime rhythm. Birds skimmed the water, mangroves rustled, and the humid air carried a mix of salty estuary breeze and the savoury scent of nearby seafood shops. It was a simple, peaceful river scene that made the whole afternoon feel suspended.

Premium King Check In

After the breezy siesta, we headed down to BiBi to collect our grey goblins. At 2:30pm, as promised, we were allowed to check in. We splurged on the Premium King room for RM243.71 (≈ USD60/EUR52) — a small indulgence for a riverfront stay.

Room Review — Premium King at Le Shore

The room was clean, comfortable, and straightforward, but the highlight was the tiny balcony. Despite its size, it opened up to a sweeping view of the Selangor River — fishing boats drifting by, the hum of Pasir Penambang across the water, and a steady river breeze that made the whole space feel alive. A small balcony with a big, beautiful view.

We settled in, rested up, and prepared for another round of seafood by the river as the sun began its slow descent.

Stay tuned — the evening glow is next!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Havironia Music - https://maps.app.goo.gl/pCjoAhuspFpp3GHb6

Hotel Le-Shore - https://maps.app.goo.gl/gvE3vRqrkRwYFBEZA

Ah Yu Restaurant - https://maps.app.goo.gl/xMyVWFktH2uQHHxM8

MNL Day 6 │ MNL to KUL • MH807 • Going Home!

2026-08-31T08:09:00.000+08:00

Leaving on a Jet Plane

All good things must come to an end. After six exhilarating days in Manila, we woke at 7:00am, tied up the last bits of packing, and stepped out of our cosy One Uptown Residence studio at 8:10am. Access key returned, yellow submarines in tow, we hopped into a 6 seater Grab for PHP481.01 (≈ MYR31/USD8/EUR7) to NAIA Terminal 1.

A Strange Welcome at NAIA

At the Departure Hall entrance, a lady unexpectedly stopped only us, asking to check our flight tickets while everyone else walked straight in. Odd, brief, and gone as quickly as it appeared.

The Waiting Game

Inside, we were told MH807 check in at Counter 14 wouldn’t open for another half hour. Amid the crowd, eagle eyed Cat spotted two empty seats and we settled in for some people watching before heading to Counters 14–19.

Check In and Security

At 10:20am, we reached the front, collected our boarding passes, and watched our yellow submarines glide down the conveyor belt. Security followed — surprisingly smoother than KLIA check in.

Immigration and Caffe Xpress

Twenty minutes later, Immigration. The officer noticed my fresh tattoo and, in true Manila fashion, turned out to know Troy from Inkvictus. Five minutes later we were stamped out. With over an hour to spare, we settled at Caffe Xpress for an Iced Caramel Macchiato, Iced Mango, and two Egg Sandwiches for PHP900 (≈ MYR58/USD14/EUR12).

Souvenir Run

While I edited videos, Cat returned from the shops with two pairs of couple t shirts — one for us, one for Brendan and Benita — totalling PHP1,196 (≈ MYR77/USD19/EUR17).

Gate 1 and Departure

We reached Gate 1 at 11:45am. A delay in the turnaround flight pushed boarding to 12:40pm. Group 2 boarded at 12:50pm, doors closed at 1:05pm, pushback at 1:20pm, and takeoff at 1:45pm.

MH807 — Four Hours Across the Afternoon Sky

A calm, uneventful Monday flight. Soft light through the windows, steady skies over the South China Sea, quiet passengers drifting between naps and movies. The cabin settled into that peaceful mid afternoon rhythm until we descended into KL. Touchdown at 5:00pm MYT, disembarkation at 5:15pm, then the familiar long KLIA corridor to the automatic Immigration gates.

KLIA to KL Sentral

MyBorderPass made re entry effortless. Yellow submarines collected at Carousel B, then straight to the KLIA Express. Luck was on our side — the 5:25pm train was already waiting. A seamless stroll from baggage claim to boarding.

Thirty three minutes later, we arrived at KL Sentral. Brendan picked us up at 6:15pm, and twenty minutes later we were home.

Manila — Six Glorious Days

Manila gave us food, rain, malls, tattoos, walks, warmth, and endless charm. Our only regret: missing the Intramuros tour thanks to Habagat. Everything else? Pure magic.

Home Again

Steps for the day: 2,749. Door to door, just nine hours from One Uptown Residence to Menara City One — smooth, simple, satisfying.

No trips planned till November… but adventures have a way of appearing out of nowhere. Stay tuned!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

One Uptown Residence BGC - https://maps.app.goo.gl/8uFP2hgS9eTR3P6E9

NAIA Terminal 1 - https://maps.app.goo.gl/oywsbSPUoAPzLA6h8

KLIA - https://maps.app.goo.gl/KpE3cv5veHT3TRDQ6

KL City Air Terminal - https://maps.app.goo.gl/LVzxRCdME4Zkeddu6

Havironia Music - https://goo.gl/maps/swtNfVmjFK4FgRsf8

MNL Day 5 │ Jollibee • Inkvictus • SM Makati • Fely J's

2026-08-30T11:34:00.000+08:00

Sampaguita — The Ink Day Begins

Today was the day I finally got inked in Manila. But before any needle touched skin, we headed out for brunch. We left the Airbnb at 11:30am, stepping out of One Uptown Residence and walking along 36th Street, crossing 9th Avenue, riding an escalator up, then moving across the footbridge to the opposite side of 36th. A left turn onto 11th Avenue, a stroll north, a crossing at 38th Street, and finally a right turn brought us onto 39th Street.

Jollibee — Brunch Before the Ink

A short walk later, Jollibee BGC appeared. For our first Jollibee meal in the Philippines, we ordered single Chickenjoy with spaghetti and fizzy drinks for PHP484 (≈ MYR31/USD8/EUR7). Just then, heavy rain began — no surprise with PAGASA’s orange alerts all morning. We sheltered inside for over an hour until it was time for my tattoo appointment next door at Inkvictus Tattoo.

Inkvictus Tattoo — The Art Comes to Life

At 12:55pm, we left Jollibee and walked over. Troy was ready, launching straight into his prep ritual: cleaning his station, laying out needles and inks, refining the sketch, and printing the stencil. Once he affixed it to my left wrist, the Sampaguita, Bahay Kubo, and rising sun framed in a postage stamp looked stunning.

The inking took a little over an hour and a half. The machine hummed steadily as Troy outlined each petal, beam, and border with confident strokes. Shading came next — soft gradients, feathered motions, and delicate detailing that gave depth to the Sampaguita and texture to the Bahay Kubo. The studio’s ambiance added to the moment: warm lighting, mellow music, the scent of disinfectant, the buzz of machines, and rain tapping gently outside.

The Walk Back — A Cool, Quiet Late Afternoon

Troy finished at 3:00pm. After a testimonial video and settling the remaining payment, we stepped out into a city freshly washed clean. The rain had stopped completely, leaving cool air and glistening streets. We retraced our steps back to One Uptown Residence, enjoying the calm, softened sounds of late afternoon BGC.

SM Makati — Fridge Magnet Hunting Begins

After dropping off my camera gear, we headed down and hailed a Grab to SM Makati for PHP165.83 (≈ MYR11/USD3/EUR2). Picked up at 4:00pm, we arrived thirty minutes later. Our first mission: fridge magnets. We found Kultura on the second floor and left with PHP4,677 (≈ MYR301/USD75/EUR65) worth of souvenirs.

Mall Traverse — SM Makati to Glorietta to The Landmark

We walked the full length of SM Makati, pausing at the main foyer where Thailand Week was in full swing — colourful stalls, Thai snacks, lively music. Then we continued through the entire stretch of Glorietta, eventually reaching The Landmark.

Greenbelt — A Calm Break Before Uptown Mall

We exited and crossed the footbridge into Greenbelt 3, rode an escalator down, and caught a glimpse of the serene Greenbelt Chapel. From there, we hailed a Grab to Uptown Mall for PHP197.76 (≈ MYR13/USD3/EUR3).

Uptown Mall — The Last Supper in Manila

Picked up at 5:30pm, we arrived twenty minutes later. We headed into The Marketplace and bought PHP1,560 (≈ MYR101/USD25/EUR22) worth of dried mangoes. Dinner was on Level 1 — the same floor where we ate on our first night. Instead of El Corazon, we chose Fely J’s for our farewell meal. We splurged on Fried Lemongrass Chicken, Sapa De Misua, Tilapia with Sweet Plum Sauce, two steamed rice, and a San Miguel Pale Pilsen for PHP2,053.30 (≈ MYR133/USD33/EUR28).

A Melancholy Finale

We caught a final glimpse of the Dancing Fountain, its colours shimmering softly — a gentle goodbye. The walk back to One Uptown Residence felt calm, cool, and a little bittersweet. Back in the apartment, the melancholy deepened as we began packing up, each item tucked away marking the end of another moment in Manila.

Steps count: 7,657 for the day.

Be sure to catch our next video as we make our way to NAIA Airport for the return flight to Kuala Lumpur!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

One Uptown Residence BGC - https://maps.app.goo.gl/8uFP2hgS9eTR3P6E9

Inkvictus - https://maps.app.goo.gl/djeG3A6UTcGNrBnEA

SM Makati - https://maps.app.goo.gl/FwBXrimzyCtgCXNj8

Fely J's Kitchen - https://maps.app.goo.gl/W2ahPEoes4FCTYnz8

MNL Day 4 │ Walkabout Again • Orange Bucket!

2026-08-29T18:04:00.000+08:00

Another Walkabout — After the Storm

We had picked you up again after returning from SM Makati, spending the entire afternoon watching the heavy downpour from the comfort of our studio apartment, grateful to be warm and dry while Habagat drenched the city. By six in the evening, the rain eased into a light drizzle, just gentle enough to pull us back outdoors.

We stepped out onto 8th Avenue, turned left onto 35th Street, then walked across the junction and turned right onto 9th Avenue, continuing south along the same stretch. The streets were cool, washed clean, and quietly alive — the kind of evening stroll that felt slow, easy, and deserved.

Southbound Stroll — BGC After Rain

At 32nd Street, we walked across and continued along 9th Avenue, the drizzle now barely noticeable. The pavements glistened under soft lighting, cars moved gently, and the whole neighbourhood carried that calm, freshly washed charm. We eventually reached 25th Street, turned left, walked past the sleek Finance Centre, then turned left again onto 11th Avenue.

Bonifacio High Street — Evening Glow

We continued north until we reached Lane O, which led us into Bonifacio High Street. The open air boulevard was its usual blend of modern calm — landscaped pockets, wide pedestrian lanes, warm lighting, and a relaxed mix of strollers and window shoppers. We walked across 7th Avenue and continued onto the opposite side, taking a few photos of the freshly washed streets before heading back across and continuing north along 7th Avenue.

Soon enough, we spotted an Adidas store. True to form, we walked in “just to look”… and walked out with a white pair of Trefoil basketball shorts for PHP3,420 (≈ MYR221/USD55/EUR47).

Track 30th — The Yellow Tunnel

All done with Adidas, we turned right onto 30th Street and entered Track 30th, strolling through its small, leafy paths still damp from the earlier storm. As we approached 32nd Street, a long stretch of bright yellow scaffolding lined the road — tall, geometric, and glowing under the streetlights like a bold stage backdrop against the softened evening tones.

We walked past it, crossed 32nd Street, and continued by Turf BGC, where a few players were already back on the glistening pitch. Just then, I pulled Cat toward her surprise dinner destination — The Orange Bucket.

Dinner at The Orange Bucket — A Cajun Feast

We asked for the smallest set, and the staff recommended the Big Bang Seafood Bucket — perfect for first timers. The classic variant came loaded with a big crab, shrimp, mussels, scallops, marble potatoes, and corn, all drenched in their rich, spicy Big Bang Sauce, a buttery Cajun mix that smelled incredible. Extra sauce and a Lemon Butter Dip made it even more indulgent.

The dining experience was warm and lively — bright lights, friendly staff, and that unmistakable Cajun aroma filling the room. It was a fun, hands on feast, messy in the best way.

Together with a Coca Cola and a San Miguel Lite, dinner came to PHP2,524.90 (≈ MYR163/USD41/EUR35). Cat thoroughly enjoyed her seafood surprise.

The Walk Home — Ending on a High Note

Glad we had earned our feast with a long walkabout, we continued north along 9th Avenue, then turned into the lane beside One Uptown Residence, followed by a right turn onto 8th Avenue, bringing us back home to our cosy studio.

Steps count: 13,062 for the day.

Stay Tuned

Catch our next video for my appointment with Troy of Inkvictus — where I finally get my sampaguita, bahay kubo, and rising sun from the Philippine flag, all framed within a postage stamp on my left wrist. The excitement was real!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

One Uptown Residence BGC - https://maps.app.goo.gl/8uFP2hgS9eTR3P6E9

Bonifacio High Street - https://maps.app.goo.gl/5sEhW3jNPgh3iFi97

adidas Two Parkade Taguig - https://maps.app.goo.gl/V9NGk7X9NmTP9TmJ9

The Orange Bucket BGC - https://maps.app.goo.gl/4UqhpcRG5hGzLzgy5

MNL Day 4 │ Red Alert • Greenbelt Chapel • Glorietta!

2026-08-29T09:24:00.000+08:00

Habagat Morning — Manila on Alert

Metro Manila was under a heavy rainfall outlook thanks to the southwest monsoon, Habagat. PAGASA warned of 50–100 mm of rain and colour coded yellow, orange, red advisories that could change within minutes. As first time visitors, it helped us understand why the city moved quickly whenever the skies darkened.

Setting Out Despite the Storm

Did that dampen our adventurising spirit? Not at all. We were ready by 8:30am and out the door an hour later. From the lobby of One Uptown Residence, we hailed a Grab to Greenbelt Chapel for PHP285.31 (≈ MYR18/USD5/EUR4), arriving at 9:45am.

Greenbelt Chapel — Gerald’s First Stop

Our buddy Gerald had planned today’s “trinity”: Greenbelt Chapel → Glorietta → The Landmark. Greenbelt Chapel was unlike anything we’d seen — a serene, modern sanctuary wrapped in lush greenery right in the middle of Makati’s bustle. Peaceful, grounding, and beautifully designed, it felt like a quiet pause from the city’s rhythm.

After prayers, we left at 10:20am in search of brunch.

Mall Hopping in Makati

We walked through Greenbelt 3, crossed the footbridge into The Landmark, took a quick potty break, then continued into Glorietta Mall before finally reaching SM Makati — our fourth, fifth, and sixth mall in Manila in one smooth stroll.

Brunch at Mary Grace Café

A short walk brought us to Mary Grace Café, where we enjoyed Eggs Benedict, Eggs Royale, an Ensaymada, and a caramel latte. Brunch total: PHP1,640.46 (≈ MYR106/USD26/EUR23).

Just as we were finishing, PAGASA issued a Red Alert. We asked the cashier, who assured us it was simply a warning for very heavy rain — nothing locals considered alarming.

SM Makati Detour — The Elusive Hat

Before heading to Glorietta, we checked SM Makati for the elusive Levi’s large sized denim bucket hat, but once again came up empty handed.

Exploring Glorietta

We spent time window shopping across all three floors, browsed a guitar store hoping for something with P90 pickups (none suitable), and squeezed in another quick potty break before the mall’s flow led us to JD Sports.

JD Sports — Biggest Haul Yet

Here we picked up a sky blue collared Originals jersey plus his and hers pink collared Originals jerseys for PHP10,100 (≈ MYR653/USD162/EUR149).

We then doubled back toward Mary Grace and slipped into SM Makati, where Cat found a summer shirt and two pairs of shorts for PHP2,197 (≈ MYR142/USD35/EUR31).

Habagat’s Tail End at SM Makati

With the Red Alert still lingering, we headed to the SM Makati lobby — just in time to witness the tail end of a Habagat storm. Sheets of rain swept sideways, the wind howled, and the city outside blurred into grey.

Heading Home to Dry Comfort

We booked a Grab for PHP299.73 (≈ MYR19/USD5/EUR4), got picked up at 1:20pm, and arrived at One Uptown Residence twenty five minutes later.

Back in our studio, we chilled and watched the heavy downpour from the comfort of the dry — grateful to be indoors as the storm spent its final strength.

Stay Tuned

Catch our next video as we head out on a night walkabout once the skies clear — a breezy, thoroughly enjoyable evening you won’t want to miss!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

One Uptown Residence BGC - https://maps.app.goo.gl/8uFP2hgS9eTR3P6E9

Sto. Nino de Paz Greenbelt Chapel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/a3PLQ2Z3iVdFZMuKA

The Landmark Makati - https://maps.app.goo.gl/YtRwqqgCm2yaWHtv8

Glorietta Mall - https://maps.app.goo.gl/5ToP3ZubCd1Uep927

SM Makati - https://maps.app.goo.gl/89vRWvxYYbeyX1DZA

Mary Grace Cafe - https://maps.app.goo.gl/qAdYS7xVZmyyVZqb6

MNL Day 3 │ SM City North EDSA • Uptown Mall!

2026-08-28T12:48:00.000+08:00

Our First SM Mall — SM City North EDSA

We kicked off this brand new episode by leaving Liwasang Bonifacio behind and hailing a Grab for PHP735.42 (≈ MYR48/USD12/EUR10). The car arrived at 12:45 p.m., and after a smooth, steady drive north — a welcome contrast to Lawton’s chaos — we reached SM City North EDSA at 1:30 p.m.. It was our first ever SM mall, the first of 36 scattered across Metro Manila, and the perfect place to continue our hunt for the elusive large Levi’s denim bucket hat.

Parfois — Cat’s First Big Find

Before anything else, we made a quick potty stop. Then a storefront caught Cat’s eye: Parfois. After some gentle persuasion, she walked out with one tote bag and two sling bags for PHP6,095 (≈ MYR394/USD98/EUR85) — a solid start to our SM adventure.

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf — A Quick Refresh

To recharge, we ducked into Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for an Iced Spanish Latte and an Iced Sunrise, totalling PHP390 (≈ MYR25/USD6/EUR5). A sweet, cooling pause before diving deeper into the mall.

Levi’s — The Elusive Bucket Hat

Refreshed, we began exploring SM North. Google Maps insisted Levi’s was on Level 3, but after wandering the corridors, we found it on Level 2 instead. They had the denim bucket hats — just not in Large (60cm). The quest continues.

We resumed our window shopping, soaking in the cosy, rainy Friday vibe. SM North felt like a city within a city: bright lights, wide corridors, families strolling, students lingering, and the comforting hum of a mall sheltering everyone from the storm outside.

A Stormy Return to BGC — One Last Errand

By 3:00 p.m., we wrapped up and hailed a Grab to Uptown Mall BGC for PHP488.22 (≈ MYR32/USD8/EUR7). The car arrived in five minutes — just as the morning’s rain escalated into a full blown thunderstorm. Traffic crawled, wipers fought the downpour, and the ride stretched into 75 minutes.

At Uptown Mall, we headed to The Marketplace for bottled water. Thanks to the Uptown Mall Link we discovered last night, we reached One Uptown Residence completely dry.

The Deck — Typhoon Winds and Drenched Shoes

With a typhoon approaching, we rested for a few hours before hunger struck at 9:30 p.m. Using the same Uptown Mall Link, we rode escalators up to The Deck, the open air fourth floor with a chapel and several eateries. But the typhoon had soaked everything — tables, chairs, floors. We doubled back, and our shoes got absolutely drenched.

Fei Fei — A Late Night Fix

We tried Pho Hoa, but they were overwhelmed and completely overlooked us. So we settled on Fei Fei, known for casual Chinese comfort food. Unfortunately, it was almost closing time, and most dishes were unavailable. We both ordered Rice with HK BBQ Roasted Meat Asado, and our late dinner came to PHP779.93 (≈ MYR50/USD13/EUR11).

Foot Locker — And Once Again, the Uptown Mall Link Saves Us

After dinner, we checked Foot Locker for replacement shoes, but the prices were too steep. We returned home using — once again — the Uptown Mall Link, our storm night lifesaver.

Final Thoughts — A Hopeful Tomorrow

Our step count ended at 8,591. Tomorrow, we’re hoping for clear skies as we explore places recommended by my good buddy Gerald — especially a chapel that truly spoke to our hearts.

Be sure to catch the video to see how we got on there!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

SM City North EDSA - https://maps.app.goo.gl/J1J73FvDnYsz7rcB8

Uptown Mall - https://maps.app.goo.gl/XUzf74H6mG1HGjZ19

One Uptown Residence BGC - https://maps.app.goo.gl/8uFP2hgS9eTR3P6E9

MNL Day 3 │ Binondo • Sincerity • Eng Bee Tin!

2026-08-28T10:15:00.000+08:00

Binondo — Venturing Out of Our Comfort Zone

We kicked off this brand new episode by stepping out of our comfort zone. After clocking 12,000 steps yesterday and finally getting to bed past midnight, we allowed ourselves a slow morning. I woke at 8:15 a.m., and by 9:30 we were in the shower, shaking off the last bit of fatigue. Forty five minutes later, we headed down to the lobby of One Uptown Residence, only to be greeted by a heavy downpour. Still, at 10:30 a.m., we hailed a Grab to Binondo for PHP443.93 (≈ MYR28/USD8/EUR7) — rain or no rain, Chinatown awaited.

The Drive Into the Real Manila

The 45 minute ride was unexpectedly enjoyable. Leaving BGC’s polished, master planned streets behind, Manila slowly revealed its raw, lived in layers. The scenery shifted from glass towers to tight roads, heritage façades, jeepneys, vendors, and everyday bustle. By the time we reached Quintin Paredes Street, we were deep in Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown — a dense, historic maze that felt worlds away from BGC.

Binondo — 400 Years of Culture

Founded in 1594 as a settlement for Chinese migrants who had converted to Catholicism, Binondo remains a thriving Filipino Chinese commercial hub. Even after more than four centuries, the neighbourhood is packed with shops, eateries, and businesses that reflect its layered heritage. Walking through it, we felt how deeply rooted and important this district still is.

Sincerity Café & Restaurant — A Mixed First Stop

We arrived at 11:15 a.m. and headed straight to Sincerity Café & Restaurant, a Binondo institution that began in 1956 as a small Uy family noodle shop. Its old school charm blended nicely with the neighbourhood’s energy. We ordered their signature Fried Chicken, an Oyster Cake, Kikiam (Loh Bak), and drinks, totalling PHP770 (≈ MYR50/USD12/EUR11) — cash only.

The Kikiam was overly oily and didn’t sit well with us. The Fried Chicken was good, and the Oyster Cake suited Cat’s taste. But the experience was dampened by the staff’s dark, surly demeanour, making us feel distinctly unwelcome. It was enough to decide we wouldn’t return.

Eng Bee Tin — Binondo’s Sweet Spot

A short stroll brought us to Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli, the iconic hopia and tikoy haven. Shelves overflowed with flavours, textures, and colours — a paradise for first timers. Sampling the options made it clear why locals and tourists keep coming back. Our basket of treats came to PHP392 (≈ MYR25/USD6/EUR5), again cash only. A clear pattern: Binondo runs on cash.

Lost, Wind Blown, and Smoked Out

We attempted to visit Binondo Church, but Google Maps led us astray. Several confusing turns later, we found ourselves across Jones Bridge, battling winds strong enough to flip our umbrellas inside out. To add insult, a couple smoking on the bridge blew smoke directly into our faces — and later, despite knowing we were annoyed, remained completely remorseless.

Liwasang Bonifacio — A Sketchy Pause

Our detour continued until we reached Liwasang Bonifacio, where we snapped photos of Andrés Bonifacio, founder of the Katipunan. Presumably, Bonifacio Global City carries his name in honour of his legacy.

But the square felt sketchy — congested, neglected, and filled with transient crowds. It was the kind of environment where pickpockets could easily blend in. We stayed alert and didn’t linger.

A Rain Soaked Escape to SM City North EDSA

Relief washed over us when we finally hailed another Grab. The ride to SM City North EDSA, our third Manila mall, cost PHP735.42 (≈ MYR48/USD12/EUR10). Our mission: continue the never ending hunt for the large sized Levi’s denim bucket hat.

Be sure to catch the video to see how we got on there!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

One Uptown Residence BGC - https://maps.app.goo.gl/8uFP2hgS9eTR3P6E9

Sincerity Restaurant - https://maps.app.goo.gl/eCyTzq7zskR231rQ6

Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli - https://maps.app.goo.gl/PbX7RWu25Ke3ncRs8

Liwasang Bonifacio - https://maps.app.goo.gl/9PP4LsB7DAm7qeMe6

MNL Day 2 │ Night Walkabout • Bonifacio High Street • Manam!

2026-08-27T18:46:00.000+08:00

Setting Out Into BGC After Dark

Fresh from our romp at Venice Grand Canal Mall, we picked you up again and settled into the Grab ride back to One Uptown Residence. Along 9th Avenue, a massive Bench store caught our eye — bright, bold, and impossible to ignore. So at a quarter to seven, after a quick breather at the studio apartment, we stepped out determined to retrace our steps and check it out.

We walked out onto 8th Avenue, turned left onto 35th Street, then right to head south along 9th Avenue, the city easing into its evening glow.

Crossing 32nd Street — And a Moment of Drama

At 32nd Street, we crossed to the opposite side of 9th Avenue. Along the way, we paused to admire Shangri La at the Fort — Manila’s ultimate vertical city.

Sixty one storeys of luxury rooms, Horizon Homes, an 8,000 sqm sports club, a kids’ Adventure Zone, a retail arcade, and seven standout dining spots, all wrapped in a striking sliding volume façade linked directly to High Street.

Then came an unexpected moment: Cat was struck in the face by the ponytail of a careless jogger, who didn’t even offer a hint of remorse. I briefly considered pursuing her for an apology, but chose to move on — the night had better things in store.

Inside Bench’s Flagship Store

We reached the massive Bench flagship store and explored all three floors. Our haul:

mini umbrella (same one from Uptown yesterday)

two t shirts for Cat
Hair Cream
Handmade Soap
Knitted Collared Shirt
Denim Jacket with Mandarin Collar

The last two items were for Brendan, obviously. Total damage: PHP3,990 (≈ MYR260/USD64/EUR55).

Into Bonifacio High Street — BGC’s Open Air Heartbeat

Stepping out of Bench, we slipped through an alley that opened into Bonifacio High Street — BGC’s open air heartbeat. A long, lively stretch of shops, cafés, and landscaped pockets where Manila feels polished, walkable, and effortlessly modern.

After weaving past restaurants and storefronts (plus a quick potty break), we found ourselves at Manam. Not too hungry, we ordered:

medium Asim Sarap Fried Chicken with Sinigang Gravy
San Miguel Pale
Ube & Sago Shake

All for PHP806.92 (≈ MYR53/USD13/EUR11) — a light, flavourful late evening treat.

Walking Off the Calories — Heading North

Determined to walk off dinner, we headed north along 9th Avenue. At 32nd Street, we crossed over again and continued north, the city humming softly as BGC settled into its nighttime rhythm.

Exploring the Uptown Mall Link

At 36th Street, instead of heading straight home, we decided to explore the Uptown Mall Link — a sleek, sheltered walkway connecting One Uptown Residence directly to Uptown Mall. Cool, quiet, and weather proof, it’s the perfect shortcut between home and convenience.

One Last Loop Before Calling It a Night

We rode the escalator into the basement walkway and made our way to The Marketplace looking for bottled water. The checkout counters were packed, so we doubled back, exited onto 36th Street, and made one final left turn into One Uptown Residence.

Steps Count & What’s Next

Total steps for the day: 12,014. A solid night walkabout.

Up next: Binondo — Manila’s Chinatown. A district bursting with centuries old shophouses, red lantern streets, gold trimmed temples, and family run eateries serving everything from old school lumpia to legendary hopia. Chaotic, historic, and irresistibly alive — a fusion of Filipino and Chinese cultures over 400 years strong.

Stay tuned as we dive into this iconic district!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

One Uptown Residence BGC - https://maps.app.goo.gl/8uFP2hgS9eTR3P6E9

Bench Flagship Store - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ytngzD6BRNLoL2bL9

Manam High Street - https://maps.app.goo.gl/tvZ16RNpfPdtc1jL9

Bonifacio High Street - https://maps.app.goo.gl/msSfEmngWtUB2LzA6

MNL Day 2 │Venice Grand Canal • Mesa!

2026-08-27T13:33:00.000+08:00

Chilling in Venice Grand Canal

Right after my consultation with AD and Troy at Inkvictus Tattoo, we picked you up again and hopped into a Grab bound for Venice Grand Canal. The ride came to PHP169.95 (≈ MYR11/USD3/EUR2) — quick, smooth, and just enough time to reset before stepping into Manila’s playful slice of Italy.

The moment we arrived, the vibe shifted. Pastel façades, arched bridges, and that bright turquoise canal pulled us straight into a themed postcard. Venice Grand Canal isn’t just a mall; it’s a mood — colourful, theatrical, and perfect for slow wandering.

A Snappier Look at Venice Grand Canal Mall

Venice Grand Canal feels like a compact, cinematic escape. The canal is the star, with gondoliers in striped shirts gliding guests through the water, creating a scene that’s endlessly photogenic. Cafés and restaurants line the edges, offering plenty of spots to sit back, sip something cold, and watch the “Venetian” world drift by.

The architecture adds to the charm — faux Italian balconies, bridges, and pastel storefronts that make every corner feel like a set piece. Small boutiques and lifestyle shops dot the walkways, perfect for light browsing rather than full retail marathons. The atmosphere shifts throughout the day, from breezy calm in the morning to lively crowds and weekend performances later on.

It’s a place built for vibes: strolling, snacking, taking photos, and soaking in a playful escape right in Taguig.

Lunch at Mesa

By two in the afternoon, hunger finally caught up with us — and remembering AD’s recommendations, we headed to Mesa. We ordered Kare kare Beef and Tripe, Sisig Tinapa, two bottled waters, a shared Halo Halo, and half a bowl of steamed rice. A hearty, flavour packed spread that came to PHP1,160 (≈ MYR76/USD19/EUR16).

Truth be told, the Sisig Tinapa didn’t sit well with me. The garlic, onions, and smoked fish combo overwhelmed my palate almost instantly, and that bowl of steamed rice became my quick rescue. Still, sampling local cuisine is part of the adventure — priceless in its own way.

With lunch done, we wandered back into the mall, browsing the indoor outlets and checking out a few stores.

A Final Stop Before Heading Home

Our last mission was a quick sweep through the Levi’s store in search of the elusive denim bucket hat — but no luck this round. Before calling it a day, we made a final pit stop at The Marketplace, grabbing pastries for PHP289.75 (≈ MYR19/USD5/EUR4) to enjoy later.

Then came our ride home: a Grab for PHP279.89 (≈ MYR18/USD5/EUR4) back to One Uptown Residence.

Back at One Uptown — And Gearing Up for a Night Walkabout

We were picked up at a quarter past four and reached the studio apartment about half an hour later, pastries in hand and feet finally getting a break after a full day of canals, food, and browsing.

But the day wasn’t over.

Stay tuned for the next video, where we head out on our first walkabout. The night stroll from One Uptown Residence to Bonifacio High Street was a genuine eye opener — lights, crowds, architecture, and that unmistakable BGC buzz that hits differently after dark.

We can’t wait to share it with you!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Inkvictus BGC - https://maps.app.goo.gl/XTZ89go1VEwrP5P58

Venice Grand Canal Mall - https://maps.app.goo.gl/NthxzHmTpom4pbq16

One Uptown Residence BGC - https://maps.app.goo.gl/8uFP2hgS9eTR3P6E9

MNL Day 2 │ Mitsukoshi • Inkvictus Tattoo!

2026-08-27T10:21:00.000+08:00

A Slow Manila Morning

It’s our second day in Manila, and I was already up by six, easing into the quiet of our One Uptown studio. While the city outside was still stretching awake, I dove into editing our Phuket footage — the backlog nagging at me, the timeline filling up. But I kept reminding myself: we’re here to travel, not to stress over uploads. Manila deserves our attention more than Premiere Pro.

By 10:30am, we finally stepped out of the apartment and crossed over to Mitsukoshi Mall, only to find it wouldn’t open for another half hour. A tiny hiccup, but it gave the morning a nice, unhurried rhythm.

Brunch at Key Coffee

With time to burn (and hunger creeping in), we slipped into Key Coffee and turned the wait into brunch. We ordered:

Banana Walnut Oat Bowl
Horje San Truffle Egg Katsu Sando
Sagada Honey Lavender Latte
Matcha Ichigo Latte

A fragrant, Japanese leaning spread that hit all the right notes. The bill came to PHP1,116.50 (≈ MYR73/USD18/EUR16) — a gentle start to the day.

A Quick Spin Through Mitsukoshi

By the time we finished eating, Mitsukoshi had opened. We browsed its compact layout and picked up:

Daiso provisions — PHP1,226 (≈ MYR80/USD20/EUR17)
Footcare products from Mitsukoshi Beauty — PHP807 (≈ MYR53/USD13/EUR11)

Truth be told, Mitsukoshi was tiny — charming but limited. Apart from Nitori, there wasn’t much to explore. Then a sudden perut churn hit, sending us speed walking back to the apartment.

Once everything was… sorted, we reemerged and hailed a Grab to our next stop: Inkvictus Tattoo, fare PHP109.18 (≈ MYR7/USD2/EUR2).

Inkvictus Tattoo — Meeting AD and Troy

At Inkvictus, AD welcomed us warmly and introduced us to Troy, the artist. While Troy began sketching, we chatted with AD — a seafarer who had travelled to Malaysia and absolutely missed our Twisties Chipster. He recommended a few local dishes and eateries we should try later.

Meanwhile, Troy quietly worked his magic. I had originally wanted a simple Sampaguita framed in a postage stamp to commemorate this Manila trip. But in just ten minutes, he produced a sketch that blew me away:

A Sampaguita, a beautifully detailed Bahay Kubo, and a stylised rising sun inspired by the Philippine flag — all framed within a postage stamp. Culture, heritage, symbolism, all fused into one stunning design.

I booked my tattoo appointment for Sunday at 1:00pm, the day before we fly home — my usual ritual.

Off to Venice Grand Canal

With everything settled at Inkvictus, we hailed another Grab to our second mall of the day: Venice Grand Canal. The fare came to PHP169.95 (≈ MYR11/USD3/EUR2).

A new vibe, a new location, and a whole new chapter waiting.

Catch the next video to see what happened once we arrived!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

One Uptown Residence BGC - https://maps.app.goo.gl/8uFP2hgS9eTR3P6E9

Key Coffee Kissaten BGC - https://maps.app.goo.gl/rECSBXUusAq2c2Ap8

Inkvictus BGC - https://maps.app.goo.gl/XTZ89go1VEwrP5P58

MNL Day 1 │ One Uptown • El Corazon • Uptown Mall!

2026-08-26T14:39:00.000+08:00

Welcome to Manila

We began our Manila adventure with a smooth 6 seater Grab ride from the airport to Taguig for PHP174.07 (≈ MYR10/USD3/EUR2). Traffic was heavy, and the 10 kilometre journey took almost an hour, but it gave us a gentle first look at this huge city — a historic capital at the centre of a massive metropolitan region.

Checking In at One Uptown Residence

We reached One Uptown Residence at 3:30pm and completed a quick contactless check in, with a short registration stop at the office next door. Our home for two nights was a cosy studio on the 16th floor, right along 8th Avenue in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). With Uptown Mall, The Mind Museum, and Mitsukoshi BGC all within walking distance, the location was perfect. At RM231.44 (≈ USD58/EUR49) a night, it was great value.

Exploring Our Little Gem in BGC

Inside the unit, we saw why guests called it a gem. It was clean, modern, and thoughtfully designed, with a functional kitchen and strong air conditioning. The building’s facilities were another highlight — especially the beautiful outdoor pool. Everything felt fresh, convenient, and well maintained.

A Tattoo Plan Takes a Turn

After settling in, we took a Grab to Artside Tattoo for PHP174.07 (≈ MYR15/USD4/EUR3). I had planned a Sampaguita framed in a postage stamp to mark our Manila trip. But on the way, Instagram showed me the exact design already tattooed on someone else just a week earlier. The disappointment hit hard, and by the time we arrived at 4:45pm, a voice inside told me to turn back.

Still, the visit wasn’t wasted. We got a close look at a typical Manila suburb — simple streets, friendly locals, and the everyday rhythm of life far from BGC’s shiny towers.

Back to BGC and Out for Dinner

A Grab ride back for PHP158.62 (≈ MYR10/USD3/EUR2) brought us home to freshen up. By 6pm, we headed out again and chose the easiest dinner option: Uptown Mall, just steps away.

Dinner at El Corazon

Sharing Cat’s tiny umbrella, we braved the drizzle and rode the escalator up to a row of eateries. El Corazon, serving Filipino Hispano cuisine, caught our eye. We ordered:

Paella Valenciana
Campeador
San Mig Light
Mango Shake
Minatamis na Saging (a desser?)

Our first Filipino meal came to PHP2,031.52 (≈ MYR133/USD33/EUR28).

Mid meal, the Uptown Mall Dancing Fountain exploded into a fire and light show — water jets, colours, and bursts of flame synced to music. Running every 30 minutes from 6–9pm, it turned dinner into a lively spectacle.

A Pricey Cable and Retail Therapy

Inside the mall, we searched for a Micro USB cable for the Lumix GX9. After several stores, Huawei finally had one — at a shocking PHP800 (≈ MYR52/USD13/EUR11). We paid, feeling thoroughly cheated.

Thankfully, BENCH/ lifted our spirits. We bought a small umbrella and two shirts for Brendan for PHP1,198 (≈ MYR78/USD19/EUR17). From a tiny tee shop in 1987 to 600+ stores today, BENCH/ is a true Filipino lifestyle empire.

Ending the Night

After more browsing, we walked back to our apartment. Steps for the day: 7,077.

Tomorrow, we visit another tattoo shop — and this time the design will be uniquely mine. A Sampaguita, the rising sun from the Philippine flag, and the iconic Bahay Kubo all combined into one beautiful sketch. We would book a Sunday appointment, and we could hardly wait!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

NAIA Terminal 1 - https://maps.app.goo.gl/oywsbSPUoAPzLA6h8

One Uptown Residence BGC - https://maps.app.goo.gl/8uFP2hgS9eTR3P6E9

Uptown Mall BGC - https://maps.app.goo.gl/8uFP2hgS9eTR3P6E9

MNL Day 1 │ KLIA to MNL • MH704 • A New Country!

2026-08-26T05:25:00.000+08:00

Before Dawn: The Excitement Begins

The anticipation was already alive when we woke at 4:45am. Visiting a new country always brings that electric mix of curiosity and exhilaration, and today it filled the entire apartment. With most packing done the night before, we settled a few small details before leaving home at 5:30am.

Down at the parking level, Din, our neighbour from one floor below, was ready with his minivan. Ten minutes later, we arrived at KL Sentral’s Air Terminal, waiting for Malaysia Airlines’ counters to open at 6:00am. By 6:20am, our yellow submarines were submitted for security screening — the first official step of this new adventure.

KLIA Express to Terminal 1

We watched our luggage disappear down the conveyor belt, then crossed over to the KLIA Express turnstiles. For a discounted fare of RM35 (≈ USD9/EUR8), the ride remains unbeatable — smooth, quiet, and reliably on time. We boarded the 6:20am train and arrived at KLIA Terminal 1 thirty three minutes later. Our flight, MH704, was scheduled to depart from Gate G4 at 10:10am.

Starbucks Ritual Before Departure

Up at the Departure Hall, we breezed past the first security checkpoint and sailed through Immigration using MyBorderPass. As usual, we parked ourselves at Starbucks, ordering:

Tuna Sandwich
Chicken Teriyaki Sandwich
Iced Matcha Latte
Iced Caramel Macchiato

for RM74.85 (≈ USD19/EUR16). At 7:05am, MH704 wasn’t yet on the FIDS, so we settled in. After breakfast, I opened my laptop to begin crafting the narrative for this trip while Cat fed scrolled her IG.

Gate G4 — The Gauntlet

Two hours later, we headed to Gate G4. Security here was its usual tense, surly affair, but we got through and reached the waiting area at 9:15am. Being in Group 2, we boarded at 9:37am. Since it would be a four hour flight, I took one last strategic potty break onboard before takeoff.

Four Hours Over Cloudy Skies & Kalimantan’s Wildfires

Pushback was at 10:07am, and MH704 took off twenty five minutes later. The flight was calm inside but visually dramatic outside. Near Kalimantan, thick clouds and haze from ongoing wildfires created a surreal, smoky landscape. Sunlight pierced through in thin golden streaks, turning the sky into layered shades of grey and amber. The cabin stayed peaceful — quiet passengers, soft engine hum, and a cinematic view through the windows.

We touched down at 1:55pm Philippines time, conveniently the same time zone as Malaysia.

Immigration, Customs & Our First Habagat

We disembarked five minutes later, took a quick potty break, and headed to Immigration. Thanks to our eGOVph eVisa and QR codes, we breezed through without questions. Customs was equally smooth.

By 2:40pm, we collected our yellow submarines and hailed a 6 seater Grab for PHP174.07 (≈ MYR10/USD3/EUR2), expressway fees included. Stepping outside, we were greeted by our first experience of Manila’s Habagat — warm winds, heavy humidity, and fast moving monsoon clouds. A dramatic, tropical welcome to our sixth ASEAN country.

Stay tuned for the next video as our Grab car takes us to One Uptown Residence, BGC!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Havironia Music - https://goo.gl/maps/swtNfVmjFK4FgRsf8

KL City Air Terminal - https://maps.app.goo.gl/LVzxRCdME4Zkeddu6

KLIA - https://maps.app.goo.gl/KpE3cv5veHT3TRDQ6

NAIA Terminal 1 - https://maps.app.goo.gl/oywsbSPUoAPzLA6h8

AOR Day 12 │ Grand Alora to City One • Another Dawn Drive!

2026-08-22T06:43:00.000+08:00

Early Start & Smooth Checkout

We’re going home — back to Kuala Lumpur for a good few days. Awake since 6:00am, we had little packing left to do since most of it was settled the night before. Even our entire Makro haul from Hat Yai was already safely stored in BiBi.

At 6:45am, we left the room that had been our home for twelve days. Check out at the front desk was quick and easy — a signature, a smile — and I headed down to the basement to bring BiBi up to the lobby, where Cat waited with our yellow submarines. We loaded them into the boot and began the journey south.

Southbound at Sunrise

We departed Grand Alora Hotel at 7:00am. The sky was bright, the roads around the hotel quiet, and traffic leaving Alor Setar was light. We slipped into a calm, steady pace as we joined the highway, the morning air cool and the horizon clear.

Breakfast at Gunung Semanggol

By 8:30am, we reached Gunung Semanggol R&R Southbound. The stop felt peaceful — cool air, weekend travellers, and a gentle morning buzz. We stretched our legs and enjoyed a simple breakfast of Nasi Lemak packets, Iced Nescafe, and Iced Milk Tea for RM11.50 (≈ USD3/EUR2).

Before getting back into BiBi, we picked up six curry puffs from a nearby stall for RM12.00 (≈ USD/EUR3) — a little treat for later in the drive.

Smooth Rhythm Down the Highway

Back on the road, the drive stayed easy. The sun was gentle, and the scenery shifted between small towns, green stretches, and long straight highway sections. Traffic remained light, and we kept a relaxed, steady rhythm all the way south.

Quick Stop at Ladang Bikam

At 10:30am, we made a short potty break at Ladang Bikam Lay by Southbound. It was an in and out stop — stretch, restroom, and back on the highway without delay.

Final Stretch Into Kuala Lumpur

As we approached Kuala Lumpur, traffic grew busier but stayed manageable. Familiar landmarks appeared, signalling the end of the long northern run. By late morning, we were rolling into Menara City One Condominium, completing a smooth, well timed journey with just two easy pitstops along the way.

Closing Chapter & A New Adventure Ahead

Thus ended our twelve days in Alor Setar, beautifully sandwiched around a lively weekend escapade to Hat Yai. A mix of work, travel, food, and long drives — all wrapped up in one satisfying northern chapter.

And now, the excitement builds.

Next, we’ll be visiting our sixth ASEAN country — a brand new destination, a brand new adventure. The exhilaration of stepping into unfamiliar streets, tasting new flavours, and discovering a new culture is already buzzing in our veins.

Stay tuned for the next series of videos as we explore a new country with fresh eyes and full hearts!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Grand Alora Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/qGrn4YxvbCC5C1U28

Havironia Music - https://goo.gl/maps/swtNfVmjFK4FgRsf8

HDY Day 3 │ Lee Mansion to Grand Alora • Sadao Checkpoint • Bukit Kayu Hitam!

2026-08-16T08:43:00.000+08:00

Bright Start & Smooth Checkout

It was time for another border crossing. We were up bright and early at a quarter to eight, the kind of lazy Sunday morning where everything feels slower and softer. Most of the packing was done the night before, so after a quick shower we checked out of Kien’s cosy unit an hour later, ready for the road.

Easy Drive Out of Hat Yai

The self checkout was effortless, and five minutes later we began our drive toward Sadao Immigration. Hat Yai was already awake but unhurried — shutters lifting slowly, breakfast stalls steaming, motorbikes drifting by without weekday urgency. As we left the city, shophouses gave way to rubber trees and quiet villages, all moving at a relaxed Sunday pace.

Punthai Pit Stop

Half an hour in, we stopped at a PTT station for breakfast at Punthai Coffee. The place was calm, with only a few travellers passing through. We ordered:

Iced Milk Green Tea
Iced Caramel Coffee
Ham & Cheese Sandwich
Tuna Sandwich

All for THB265 (≈ MYR33/USD8/EUR7). After stretching our legs and a quick restroom break, we resumed our drive at 8:45am.

Rainy Cruise Toward Sadao

The remainder of the drive carried that gentle Sunday calm. Rubber plantations cast soft shadows, villages stirred slowly, and the soundtrack was just the hum of BiBi and distant motorbikes. The weather shifted playfully — soft rain, then heavier bursts, then clear skies again — leaving glistening patches on the highway.

Sadao Immigration & A Wrong Turn

By late morning, we reached the Sadao Immigration Complex. Immigration was smooth: TM2 and TM3 handed over, stamps done. Customs was equally straightforward with the Temporary Import Permit.

But before reaching Bukit Kayu Hitam CIQ, we made a classic border crossing mistake — keeping left instead of right at the final fork. A quick loop back fixed everything.

Bukit Kayu Hitam — The Sticky Part

Malaysian Immigration was a breeze. Customs, however, was where things got interesting. Our four Makro boxes drew immediate attention. A customs officer inspected every single item — snacks, sauces, toiletries, drinks — the full Hat Yai bounty laid bare. Thorough, not tense, just the kind of scrutiny that comes with a haul big enough to stock a small shop.

Cleared & Southbound

We finally got a clean bill of health and were on our way by a quarter to ten. Both complexes were busy but organised, with clear hand signals and smooth lanes. Once past Customs, the road opened up again and we continued south without delays.

Rainy Fields & Familiar Roads

The drive toward Alor Setar was peaceful. Light traffic, shifting rain, wide green fields, and small towns appearing occasionally. Even with the weather changing, the journey stayed calm and open.

Arrival in Alor Setar

As we reached the outskirts, the rain softened. Familiar shops and neighbourhoods welcomed us back. At 11:50am MY time, we arrived at Grand Alora Hotel, ending another smooth northern crossing.

Parting Gift & What’s Next

Before signing off, we shared a full showcase of our Hat Yai haul — every box from Makro, every bag from Big C, every snack and find from Odean and beyond. A colourful farewell to our northern shopping spree.

There’ll be no filming during our stay in Alor Setar as I’ll be on relief duty at the branch.

Stay tuned for the final video of our northern adventures as we drive back to Kuala Lumpur this coming weekend!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Lee Mansion - https://maps.app.goo.gl/YwERzVnV7sSpQmid7

Sadao Border Checkpoint - https://maps.app.goo.gl/hA46wpkAqFwEwTwP7

Bukit Kayu Hitam ICQS - https://maps.app.goo.gl/dh68woS15JTVwccj6

Grand Alora Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/qGrn4YxvbCC5C1U28

HDY Day 2 │ Robinson's • In Waii Massage • Odean!

2026-08-15T21:31:00.000+08:00

Laundry Done, Robinson’s Next

We emerged at 6pm, fresh from completing two loads of laundry, and hailed a Grab to Robinson’s for THB105 (≈ MYR13/USD3/EUR3). A cool EV picked us up, gliding us there by 6:10pm. We browsed the ground floor briefly before heading upstairs for a proper wander.

Skechers Swap & Baoji Bonus

Truth be told, my white Skechers were giving me trouble — not true Slip-Ins, and lacking the usual cushioning. So I finally upgraded to Skechers running Slip-Ins for THB2,443 (≈ MYR304/USD74/EUR64). The difference was instant; I wore them out of the store and boxed the old pair immediately.

Cat picked up her own pair of Baoji sneakers for THB895 (≈ MYR111/USD27/EUR24) — comfy, clean, and perfect for Hat Yai strolls.

Tops Price Check

We headed down to Tops for a quick browse, but the Madam Heng herbal soap remained pricier than the ones we’d bought at Makro earlier. A good reminder that morning shopping pays off.

In Waii Redemption Massage

Done with Robinson’s, we crossed Thumnoonvithi Road into In Waii Health Massage for a relaxing 1.5 hour foot massage at THB500 (≈ MYR62/USD15/EUR14) each. New, clean, bright — and miles better than last night’s fiasco.

Last Night’s Scam Recap

At Yerboh Aoratai, we’d enjoyed a solid one hour massage for THB200 (≈ MYR25/USD6/EUR5) each. But at payment time, they insisted on charging in Ringgit. Instead of THB400 (≈ MYR49/USD12/EUR10) total, they demanded RM60 (≈ THB488/USD15/EUR13). A shameless, avoid at-all-costs con.

Tonight’s massage felt like redemption.

Odean Finale & Night Market Stroll

We stepped out at 8:45pm, invigorated, and walked into Odean for our final mini spree — snacks and toiletries for THB1,010 (≈ MYR126/USD31/EUR27).

With bags in hand, we strolled along Saneha Nusorn Road toward the Lee Gardens Night Market, then turned east onto Prachatipat Road and north onto Sangchan Road, enjoying Hat Yai’s lively evening rhythm.

Charmpoon Dinner & Tuk Tuk Ride

We eventually reached Duangchan Road, where Charmpoon Restaurant (ร้านประชาชื่น Prachachuen Shop?) caught our eye. We ordered:

Minced Meat with Fried Egg & Rice
Crispy Meat with Fried Egg & Rice
Iced Green Tea
Iced Thai Tea
Mixed Shaved Ice
Longan Shaved Ice

All for THB360 (≈ MYR45/USD11/EUR10) — simple, comforting, perfect.

With dinner done, we booked a tuk tuk for THB140 (≈ MYR17/USD4/EUR4) back to Lee Mansion. Pricey, but the breezy night ride made it worth it.

Border Crossing Teaser — The Sticky Return

Stay tuned for the next video, where we drive back across the border to Alor Setar. Our massive Hat Yai haul didn’t go unnoticed — at Bukit Kayu Hitam ICQS, BiBi’s fully loaded boot invited a closer look, making the crossing a little sticky. But all was well in the end, and the road home awaited!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Lee Mansion - https://maps.app.goo.gl/YwERzVnV7sSpQmid7

Robinson Hat Yai - https://maps.app.goo.gl/KSvWb5UNNdoGPNAJ6

Odean Shopping Mall - https://maps.app.goo.gl/C6RfP6yzN6sc59ps5

Lee Garden Night Market - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZtMbuXmfeMmSTSCN8

ร้านประชาชื่น - https://maps.app.goo.gl/9gjWw75XNqE3EjYg7

HDY Day 2 │ Makro • Big C • Central Festival!

2026-08-15T08:48:00.000+08:00

Hat Yai Shopping Spree Begins

By 7:15am we were already shaking off sleep and sliding into shopping mode, stepping out into a crisp Hat Yai morning that promised bargains and sensory overload. BiBi waited in the basement parking, rested and ready, and the drive out felt like the start of a mission. We reached Makro at 8:00am and instantly became two overgrown kids in a candy store, spending an hour filling our trolley with snacks, sauces, drinks, and household essentials worth THB3,451 (≈ MYR429/USD105/EUR91), topped off with a free tote bag at checkout. Breakfast at Makro’s tiny food court wrapped the outing neatly — simple rice dishes and iced drinks for THB190 (≈ MYR24/USD6/EUR5), humble, hearty, and unmistakably Thai.

The Long Held Dream, Finally Within Reach

For years, every Thailand trip meant flying in, shopping cautiously, and tip‑toeing around luggage limits — the yellow submarines could only hold a handful of snacks, a couple of bottles, maybe a bag of chips squeezed into a corner. That bittersweet “if only we had our own car” feeling followed us home each time. Now, finally in Thailand with BiBi, Part One of the dream — driving her across the border — was achieved, and Part Two was underway: filling her to the brim with all the Thai provisions we used to admire but couldn’t bring back. No more weight limits, no more “cannot fit”, no more hand‑carry restrictions; with BiBi, the sky was the limit.

Packing Up & Heading Back

We collected empty boxes from the gift counter and packed our haul into three full boxes, keeping a fourth as spare. Everything went into BiBi before we drove back to Lee Mansion.

A Border Lesson Learned

In hindsight our neat packing turned out to be unwise — Malaysian Customs at Bukit Kayu Hitam suspected we were buying in bulk for resale. In truth, everything was for personal use. Lesson learnt: next time, we’ll pack everything in Makro’s transparent bags for easy inspection.

A Helpful Reroute to Big C Extra

At 10:30am, after a quick break, we placed Makro air fresheners in BiBi and grabbed a THB94 (≈ MYR12/USD3/EUR2) ride. Our driver, Kulthana, suggested Big C Extra — bigger, better, more variety. We agreed, and she was absolutely right.

Mr DIY Warm Up & Big C Extra Haul

We grabbed a car phone holder for BiBi at Mr DIY, then dove into Big C Extra. Makro is bulk focused and industrial. Big C Extra is bright, curated, and built for browsing. We emerged at 11:45am with THB2,289 (≈ MYR285/USD70/EUR60) worth of provisions. No luck finding Adidas Vibes perfume.

Grab back to Lee Mansion: THB83 (≈ MYR10/USD3/EUR2).

Reloading BiBi & Off to Central Festival

Back at Lee Mansion, we packed the Big C haul into our fourth bag, then hopped into another Grab — THB79 (≈ MYR9/USD2/EUR2) — heading to Central Festival. We arrived at 12:45pm, ready for lunch.

Lunch at The Steak & More

The lower ground floor was packed, so we rode up several levels and settled at The Steak & More. Our feast:

Pork Steak with Seafood Mayo + Somtam
Spicy Pork Steak + German Smoked Pork Sausage + Black Pepper & Joew sauce + cheezy fries
Free flow Coca Cola & Fanta

Total: THB526 (≈ MYR65/USD16/EUR14).

Mall Wanderings & Price Checks

We browsed Central, SuperSport, Adidas and Skechers while searching for Music Avenue, only to find it had closed. Brendan eyed Vans at SuperSport, but they didn’t have his size. At Tops, Madam Heng soap was pricier than the half dozen we grabbed earlier at Makro.

Snacks, Grab Ride & Another Reload

Outside Tops, Cat spotted her favourite snack — five packets for THB250 (≈ MYR30/USD8/EUR7). We caught a THB75 (≈ MYR9/USD2/EUR2) ride back to Lee Mansion and immediately stowed even more of our haul into BiBi.

Up Next

Stay tuned for the next video as we head out in the evening back to Thumnoonvithi Road — this time for a proper foot massage from a reputable establishment!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Lee Mansion - https://maps.app.goo.gl/YwERzVnV7sSpQmid7

Makro Hat Yai - https://maps.app.goo.gl/pMJGh5PBNra2PzYUA

Big C Extra Hatyai 2 - https://maps.app.goo.gl/SAupRMyQ4K5mhh2W9

Central Hatyai - https://maps.app.goo.gl/8hRzcup8eqjC88JK9

HDY Day 1 │ Grand Alora to Lee Mansion • Lee Gardens • Foot Massage Scam!

2026-08-14T13:34:00.000+08:00

Off to Hat Yai!

It was day three of my AKPK Alor Setar relief stint when the northern urge finally won — I took half‑day leave, wrapped up my morning advisory work, and returned to Grand Alora with Hat Yai firmly in my sights. After a quick refresh, Cat and I slipped into BiBi and headed south toward Changlun, only to be met by a punishing curtain of torrential rain that turned the highway into a blur of spray, lorries, and overworked wipers. Despite the chaos, our excitement never wavered; with Thai insurance and immigration documents waiting at the agency, nothing — not even a storm — was going to stop our first‑ever border crossing.

Ghanimi Agency & Malaysian Exit

We reached Ghanimi Agency at 2:30pm, still damp from the drive. For RM114 (≈ USD28/EUR24) they prepared all our cross border documents quickly and clearly. Fifteen minutes later, we exited Malaysia at Bukit Kayu Hitam without leaving BiBi — passports scanned, stamped, and waved through.

Sadao Immigration & Customs

Across the short stretch into Thailand, the Sadao Border Checkpoint was its usual bottleneck. Cat had to alight while I stayed in BiBi inching forward. Twenty odd minutes later, I got stamped in by a stern officer — quick glance, hard stamp, no smiles.

At Customs, I stepped out with our folder — Thai insurance, third party coverage, BiBi’s registration, and all agency paperwork. Checks done, signatures made, and we were cleared.

Forms & TIP

We received the essential forms:

TM2 — BiBi’s vehicle details.
TM3 — passenger list. A friendly officer issued BiBi’s Temporary Import Permit (TIP) — her official pass to roam Thai roads.

Cool Afternoon Drive to Hat Yai

We rolled out of Sadao into a cool, post rain afternoon. Countryside stretched wide: rubber trees, green fields, buffalo grazing, kids cycling along village roads. Small towns drifted by with shophouses, motorbikes, and the scent of street food. The muted sky made the drive calm and cinematic.

A little over an hour later, we reached Hat Yai and checked into our Airbnb at almost 4pm Thailand time.

Our Stay at Lee Mansion

Our home for two nights was a quaint apartment in Lee Mansion, Rayjindee Soi 3. At RM233.36 (≈ USD57/EUR49) a night, it was great value — clean, quiet, comfortable bed, strong air conditioning, friendly staff, quick check in, a small balcony, and free parking. Close to everywhere via short Grab rides, yet peaceful at night.

Late Lunch: Pad Kra Pow

We walked out for a very late lunch at a humble Pad Kra Pow stall. Two plates plus iced water came to THB120 (≈ MYR15/USD4/EUR3) — simple, hearty, perfect.

Evening at Lee Gardens Plaza

At 7:30pm, we Grabbed to Lee Gardens Plaza for THB93 (≈ MYR12/USD3/EUR2) — nostalgic territory, as we stayed here on our first Hat Yai trip nearly twenty years ago.

Night Market & Foot Massage

Dropped off at Centara Hotel, we wandered through the night market and down Saneha Nusorn Road, noticeably busier than before. Penangites were everywhere — their Hokkien unmistakable.

Across Thumnoonvithi Road, we entered Yerboh Aoratai for a foot massage. The massage was excellent at THB200 (≈ MYR25/USD6/EUR5) each — but the con ruined it. They demanded payment in Ringgit and charged RM60 (≈ THB488/USD15/EUR13) instead of THB400. Avoid this dishonest establishment.

Odean Shopping Spree

At 9pm, we found Robinson closed, so we doubled back to Odean and picked up bodywash, Vitamilk, and munchies. Total: THB319 (≈ MYR40/USD10/EUR8).

Final Stop: Logan Café

Before heading back, we grabbed an Iced Milk Tea at Logan Café for THB60 (≈ MYR8/USD2/EUR2), then took a Grab home for THB77 (≈ MYR10/USD2/EUR2).

Tomorrow: The Dream Continues

Driving BiBi into Thailand has been a dream years in the making — and today, we finally made it real. Tomorrow comes Part Two: filling her up with provisions from a Thai hypermarket.

Catch our next video as we wake early for our long awaited date with Makro!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Grand Alora Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/qGrn4YxvbCC5C1U28

Bukit Kayu Hitam ICQS - https://maps.app.goo.gl/dh68woS15JTVwccj6

Sadao Border Checkpoint - https://maps.app.goo.gl/hA46wpkAqFwEwTwP7

Lee Mansion - https://maps.app.goo.gl/YwERzVnV7sSpQmid7

AOR Day 1 │ City One to Grand Alora • Dawn Drive • Another Work Trip!

2026-08-11T05:46:00.000+08:00

Back on the Road Again

We’re back — barely fifteen hours after returning from Phuket, and already the next adventure was calling. Brendan was back at work and couldn’t join us, so the dawn drive to Alor Setar would be just the two of us.

Duty Calls Once More

I was up at 4:00am, sorting the last bits of packing. Cat woke an hour later, and by 5:45am we stepped out of our home, yellow submarines in tow, ready for another northern stint.

Rolling Out at Dawn

We loaded our luggage into BiBi and left Menara City One at 6:00am. Kuala Lumpur was quiet, the sky slowly brightening as we slipped out of the city and onto the highway. Trees, small towns, and long stretches of open road carried us north under a rising sun.

A Quiet Pause at Simpang Pulai

At 8:00am, we reached the Petronas station at Simpang Pulai. A half hour break let us stretch, grab snacks, and use the restroom. The station was calm, with only a few travellers around. BiBi got her full tank — and we continued north.

The Long, Easy Stretch North

The road after Simpang Pulai was classic northern highway: long, straight, and peaceful. Clear weather made the drive smooth, with green fields and small towns passing by like slow moving postcards.

Arrival at AKPK Alor Setar

By late morning, we reached AKPK Alor Setar. I headed inside to settle paperwork before reporting for duty tomorrow. Once done, we crossed the street to give BiBi her well earned wash — RM12.00 (≈ USD3/EUR3).

Hotel, Laundry, and Resetting for the Week

We drove to Grand Alora Hotel, our home for the next twelve days. Check in was still hours away, so we left our yellow submarines at the front desk and walked to a nearby laundromat to finish our laundry.

Lunch at Dede Moda

With the machines running, we headed to Dede Moda for lunch:

Minced Meat & Shrimp Fried Egg with Rice
Sweet & Sour Fish Fillet with Rice
Coca Cola with Ice Cream
Iced Soy Milk

A wholesome RM35.40 (≈ USD9/EUR8) meal. Cat dashed back mid order to move our clothes to the dryer. Laundry total: RM12.00 (≈ USD3/EUR3).

Provisions and Check In

After lunch, Cat collected the laundry while I settled the bill. We picked up provisions at 99 Speedmart for RM28.05 (≈ USD7/EUR6), then returned to Grand Alora to wait in the lobby. At 3:00pm, we checked in, unpacked, showered, and settled in for a quiet afternoon.

Dinner at Lotus’s Mergong

At 7:45pm, we walked across to Lotus’s Mergong. Dinner at the food court was simple and comforting:

Mee Rojak
Fried Mihun
Drinks

All for RM21.30 (≈ USD5/EUR4).

Stocking Up and a Quick Fix

We headed upstairs for more provisions (RM53.90 ≈ USD13/EUR11) before stopping at G Master Gadget, where Cat’s screen protector was replaced for RM54.00 (≈ USD13/EUR11).

Winding Down Before the Big Week Ahead

We walked back to Grand Alora, ready to settle in. There’ll be no filming this week as I spend my days on relief duty at AKPK — work that helps Malaysians regain financial stability through counselling, budgeting guidance, and debt management plans. It’s meaningful, human work, and it fills the days quickly.

And then, the real adventure begins.

Because for the first time ever, we’ll be driving across the border into Thailand. No flights, no buses — just BiBi, the open road, and a brand new northern frontier waiting for us.

Stay tuned — our first border crossing drive is going to be unforgettable!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Havironia Music - https://goo.gl/maps/swtNfVmjFK4FgRsf8

Grand Alora Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/qGrn4YxvbCC5C1U28

Dede Moda - https://maps.app.goo.gl/pCsX3yxoNxMGPLnGA

Food Court Lotus's - https://maps.app.goo.gl/hgk9443A21nErM8t8

HKT Day 4 │ Phuket to KLIA • MH787 • Going Home!

2026-08-10T06:19:00.000+08:00

Leaving on a Jet Plane

We were up at 5:30am, the sky still dark and the studio apartment quiet except for the soft shuffle of last minute packing. After a quick sweep — checking corners, unplugging chargers, making sure nothing was left behind — we stepped out at 6:15am. Downstairs, Mr. Chainasak was already waiting. Brendan handled checkout and collected the deposit, we loaded our bags, and with the cool morning air still lingering, the journey was officially underway.

Early Airport Run

We reached the airport at 7:20am, paid THB800 (≈ MYR100/USD24/EUR21), and headed straight for the Malaysia Airlines counters at B9–B12. They opened at 7:30am, and our yellow submarines disappeared down the conveyor belt before we submitted to the usual security ritual.

Immigration in Record Time

The Immigration automated gates were fully operational, so we breezed through. By the time security was done, it was only 8:00am — rare efficiency for Phuket.

Breakfast at Aroi

With time to spare before Gate 11 opened at 9:30am, we detoured to Aroi for breakfast:

Club Sandwich
Egg Noodles with Chinese BBQ Meat
1 Iced Thai Coffee
2 Iced Thai Tea All for THB1,101.10 (≈ MYR137/USD34/EUR29) — premium airport pricing.

Our First and Last Visit to Aroi

After some time enjoying our meal, we were abruptly asked to settle the bill and vacate the table, even though we weren’t done with our drinks. With plenty of empty tables around, the dismissal felt unnecessary. We agreed: this was the first and last time we’d spend our hard earned money at Aroi.

Gate Change and Boarding Drama

Around then, Malaysia Airlines notified us that our gate had changed from 11 to 15. We moved on, found seats, and waited until boarding began at 10:00am. During boarding, a couple of queue jumpers tried to slip ahead, but we stepped in and sent them back to their rightful place.

The Back Row Perspective

Boarding in Phuket was a free for all, unlike airports that organise passengers by groups. Due to an oversight, I’d forgotten to secure our seats, so we ended up in Row 26. Not ideal, but it gave us a different perspective for our take off and landing footage.

Pushback, Touchdown, and the Long Walk

MH787 pushed back at 10:30am and took off fifteen minutes later. The flight was smooth and uneventful. We touched down at 12:00pm (MY time), disembarked ten minutes later, and walked the long corridor to the escalator leading to the Immigration automatic gates.

Back on Home Soil

With MyBorderPass, returning to Malaysia was a breeze. We collected our yellow submarines from Carousel B, stepped into the Arrival Halls, and rode the elevator down to the KLIA Express station.

Phuket Recap

Phuket gave us a colourful, compact escape: heritage walks, temple visits, Big Buddha views, cashew and honey stops, shopping at Jungceylon, Patong sunsets, foot massages, Brendan’s tattoo session, and neon lit night strolls along Rat Uthit. Short, packed, refreshing — a trip that felt complete.

The Journey Continues

Knackered as we were from the constant travel — the flights, the walks, the early mornings — it was the kind of exhaustion we wouldn’t trade for the world. Stay tuned for the next video, because tomorrow before dawn we’ll be on the road again, heading north as I begin my second relief stint at the Alor Setar branch!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Patong Heritage - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ubJF8KUVz66mTVZr5

Phuket International Airport - https://maps.app.goo.gl/cvEyfMLVv8sS3geZ8

KLIA - https://maps.app.goo.gl/KpE3cv5veHT3TRDQ6

KL City Air Terminal - https://maps.app.goo.gl/LVzxRCdME4Zkeddu6

Havironia Music - https://maps.app.goo.gl/VaMbgpguY7mawN1p9

HKT Day 3│ Jungceylon • Sunset over Patong • Baan Thai!

2026-08-09T12:27:00.000+08:00

The Search Begins

Our day kicked off at Facetime in Jungceylon, hoping to find my missing sai sin. No luck. We drifted into Adidas Originals, where a white collared jersey, shorts, nine pairs of socks, and Cat’s cute pink handbag brought our total to THB6,880 + THB1,190. We met Brendan at NaRaYa and grabbed makeup and toiletry pouches for THB600.

Lunch at Food Bazaar

Down at Jungceylon’s lower ground floor, Food Bazaar delivered a hearty spread — Pad Khra Pow, stewed meat leg rice, basil chicken, crispy meat, mango sticky rice, and a parade of iced drinks — all for THB932.

Robinson’s, Big C, and Luggage Reality

We walked over to Big C, stopping briefly at Robinson’s. Cat eyed a few things but skipped them; our luggage space was already stretched thin.

Levi’s, Skechers, and a Sweet Discount

Back inside Jungceylon, a quick break led us to Levi’s for the elusive bucket hat. No luck again. But Skechers tempted us with sales: Cat’s yellow sneakers, my dark brown work shoes, and a base cap that unlocked a 30% discount — THB3,918.60 in total.

The Walk Back to Patong Heritage

We made the familiar walk back — neon lights flickering, tuk tuks buzzing, grills smoking, tourists drifting in the heat. At Brendan’s room, his half empty yellow submarine swallowed both our new shoes, saving us from buying extra luggage. We retreated to our cool studio to escape the searing afternoon.

Brendan’s Tattoo Session

Off camera, Brendan headed to Seed Tattoo for his piece with Rucky — Harry Houdini hanging upside down, inspired by a My Chemical Romance album cover.

Sunset Mission

At 5:45pm, we checked on Brendan’s tattoo, set up a timelapse camera, then continued to Patong Beach. A small Chang and a Coke made our seaside loungers just THB240. We filmed the sunset as the sky melted into gold.

Beach Closure

An hour later, a beach officer politely asked us to leave — no beachgoers after sunset, likely tied to recent enforcement against foreigners sleeping on the beach. We’d already captured our timelapse, so we packed up.

Solara Massage & Final Dinner

At Solara Massage, Brendan and I chose the Neck, Shoulder & Foot Massage, while Cat enjoyed the Aroma Massage — THB900 each for ninety minutes of bliss. Hunger struck, so we headed to Baan Thai Restaurant for omelettes, creamy tom yum, noodles, and brown sugar milk teas. Our final Phuket dinner: THB815.

The Last Walk

We took one final, slightly melancholic stroll across Rat Uthit Song Roi Pi Road, letting Patong’s night sounds settle into memory as we made our way back to Patong Heritage — the quiet acceptance that the trip was ending with every step.

Stay tuned for the next video as Mr. Chainasak picks us up at the crack of dawn for our return flight to Kuala Lumpur!

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Patong Heritage - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ubJF8KUVz66mTVZr5

Jungceylon - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ubggZnzCeR8qmVKaA

Seed Tattoo Studio - https://maps.app.goo.gl/k142fDXxLZMidwCb9

Patong Beach - https://maps.app.goo.gl/S4YGgMqY62RNG1du8

Solara Massage - https://maps.app.goo.gl/i4GzSA1BAGTGAL8w7