The Mike's Home

West Coast Park

2015-08-04T01:43:00.001-07:00

04 August 2015

Built entirely on reclaimed land, West Coast Park had its shoreline reduced to allow for further reclamation. Despite this, the park is considerable in size.

The western part of the park with its coaseline is a must for park visitors looking for adventure. A play area provides recreation for different age groups, from toddlers to yound adults. Overnight camping is allowed with a permit.

Cyclists can test their skills with the bicycle obstacle cource, while those keen on exercise may work out at the fitness corners.

The eastern part of the park is quieter and ideal for those wanting a quiet stroll by the pond. Dog lovers can allow their canines to run free at the dog run, located near the Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre.

A permit is required for the use of the barbecue pits and to hold events.

Size
50 hectares

Facilities
- Adventure playground
- Barbecue pits
- Bicycle obstacle course
- Dog run
- Fitness corner
- Marsh garden
- Promenade
- Sand play area

Source
Fun Singapore

Bukit Batok Nature Park

2015-08-04T01:24:00.001-07:00

04 August 2015

Developed on a former quarry site, Bukit Batok Nature Park beckons visitors with panoramic view of a quarry pool and its surrounding landscape. The park is mainly made up of secondary forest and squirrels can be found feeding among the fruit and rubber trees left behind by the park' former inhabitants. The quarry pool and its surrounding habitat is a serene sanctury for both park visitors and wildlife. Bird lovers will appreciate the strawheaded Bulvul's song, a melodious tune that resonates throughout the park.

Size
36 hectares

Source
Fun Singapore

Singapore Botanic Gardens & National Orchid Garden

2015-08-03T21:40:00.002-07:00

15 July 2015: The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a haven for horticulturists, botanists and nature lovers. It has a portion of preserved rain forest that dates back to the founding days of Singapore. The famous National Orchid Garden is one of the biggest drawing cards of the park. It is a popular spot for picnics and walks. On July 4 this year, Singapore Botanic Gardens has been listed UNESCO World Heritage Site after it was inscribed at the 39th session of the World Heritage Committee in Bonn, Germany.

The 156-year-old Singapore attraction joins more than 1,000 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in some 160 countries. It is the third Botanic Gardens to be listed as a World Heritage Site, after Kew Gardens in England and the Padua Gardens in Italy and Singapore's first World Heritage Site.

Size
74 hectares

Opening Hours
Singapore Botanical Gardens
5.00 am to 12 midnight

National Orchid Garden
8.30 am to 7.00 pm daily

Admission
Singapore Botanical Gardens - Free

National Orchid Garden
Adult - $5.00
Students and Senior Citizens above 60 - $1.00
Children under 12 - Free

Source
Fun Singapore & CHANNEL NEWSASIA

Harvest In Cafe

2011-07-26T23:34:00.001-07:00

27 July 2011: When we mention about food, guees everyone will turn their discussion topic to Penang, which is the heaven of food paradise. In today blog, I'm not going do discuss anything on the hawker food but rather recommend a new cafe situated in the heart of George Town, and it is non other than Harvest In Cafe.

This cafe is open for lunch and dinner but you will be surprised that they closed on Sunday and dinner on Tuesday and I guess the reason behind this is this cafe is running by a Christian boss.

Now talk about the food served there, well you can find a wide variety of choices ranging from Western delight to Asian cusine. We had the opportunity to tried out their Spaghetti Bolognaise which turned out to be very nice. Next in our list was the Crispy Fried Chicken & Grilled Chicken and both taste excellent. Apart from the Western dishes, also presented in the menu are some local fried like Fried Rice & Fried Noodle.

For your knowledge, all the prices quoted on the menu are nett price without any government & service tax and their prices are very reasonable (Between RM5-RM15).

Give it a try if you have not been there. But it will be advisable to call up for reservation if you are coming for lunch as normally it will be fully pack with customer from the neighbouring offices.

Address: 10, Irrawady Road, 10050 Penang (behind Burmah Road Gospel Hall)
Tel: 04-226 1718 / 016-408 0687
Business Hours: 11.00am - 3.00pm / 6.00pm - 10.00pm

Trip to Balik Pulau with Rapid Penang

2011-07-07T20:21:00.000-07:00

7 July 2011: Happy George Town World Heritage Day!!!! Today is public holiday in Penang so we took the opportunity to visit Balik Pulau but this time instead of driving we try taking the Rapid Penang bus (# 401) as my daughter love the bus ride.

We took off from home at 10.30am and reached home around 2.30pm. The ride took 1 hour/way with adult fare RM4.00/way and kids FOC.

We had the opportunity to visit the Balik Pulau town and ate our favourite Asam Laksa/Lemak Laksa too. As now is the durian season, so definately we can see many durian stalls all over Balik Pulau.

Let the pictures below bring you throught our journey.

Tasik Melati @ Kangar, Perlis

2011-07-05T02:10:00.001-07:00

6 July 2011: In this quiet neighbourhood of Kangar there is one lovely lake know as Tasik Melati. A nice place to enjoy a morning or evening walk with your family. There are some shady huts around the lake where you can shed yourself away from the typical Malaysian hot weather.

Gua Kelam @ Kaki Bukit Perlis

2011-07-05T02:08:00.001-07:00

6 July 2011: Kaki Bukit is a small town situated right at the far north of Kangar and it is just mearly a few kilometers away from the border town of Wang Kelian. In this small town there is this cave called "Gua Kelam" - a former tin mining cave which it is a well known tourist attraction.

Hiring a local tour guide is a must to Gua Kelam as the experienced guide will explain the history of the cave while exploring the 600 meter long tunnel.

The return journey will take around 40 minutes and you will be amazed with the beauty of the cave and discover how the people carry out the tin mining activities in the olden days.

Surrounding Gua Kelam, there is a nice picnic spot with a river flowing from the cave.

Timah Tasoh Dam @ Perlis

2011-07-05T02:07:00.001-07:00

6 July 2011: Have you heard of Timah Tasoh Dam before? Well, this was my first encounter with the name while making my trip to the land of Perlis Indra Kayangan. Surely you will not miss this place while making your way to either Padang Besar or Kaki Bukit from Kangar.

Best Fruit Juices Store in Penang

2011-07-05T02:05:00.000-07:00

6 July 2011: What would be the first thing that comes to mind when ordering fruit juices? I guess fruits like orange, apple, carrot, pineapple will start to appear in your mind. Would you have thought about other fruits like red dragon fruit, passion fruit, grape, tangerin orange? Let me introduce you to this fruit juice stall situated at Chulia Street and it only operates at night. You can find more than 30 types of fruit juices from their menu and it only ranges between RM1.20 - RM2.00 depending on the type of fruit.

So, next time when you are in George Town remember to drop by this stall to have a glass of your favourite juice.

Stay healthy, think of fruit juice.

Durian Season in Penang

2011-07-05T01:59:00.002-07:00

6 July 2011: Durian season is here in Penang again. Each year between late May to early August is the only time that you can have a taste of the best durians from Balik Pulau which consist of the famous Red Prawn, Ganja, Ho Lo, Raja Kunyit, Bah Ewe, Che Phuey, Ang Jin, Khun Poh, D2 and many many more.

For those durian lovers, don't miss out this golden opportunity as the clock is ticking away. Once you missed it, then you will have to wait for another 12 months before the season returns.

Think of durian, think of Penang.

Kuala Sepetang

2011-07-05T01:59:00.001-07:00

6 July 2011: The earliest rail track in Malaysia was built to connect Kuala Sepatang (also known as Port Weld) to Taiping.

Today, the rail track no longer exist and what is left is just the old KTM signage of Kuala Sepetang.
Kuala Sepetang continues to be a busy fishing village in Perak apart from Lumut & Kuala Gula and this small fishing village is also famous for it Curry Mee.

Before you reach Kuala Sepetang, you will pass by the World Famous Matang Mangrove Conservative Center which is a must visit on your travel itinerary.

Lata Kinjang Waterfall

2011-07-05T01:57:00.001-07:00

5 July 2011: If you are travelling on the North-South highway (north bound) after the Tapah toll, you will see a beautiful waterfall welcoming you at the foot hill of Cameron Highlands. The name of this beautiful waterfall is Lata Kinjang Waterfall.

To access Lata Kinjang Waterfall, you will have to exit from Tapah toll from the South or Gopeng toll from the North and it will take you around 45 mins to arrive at this beautiful picnic spot.

If you are looking for a short weekend get away, this will be a perfect place to relax with your love ones and family while enjoying the cool water flowing down from Cameron Highlands.

A perfect place to distress too!!!

Day Trip to Kangar, Perlis

2011-07-05T01:56:00.001-07:00

5 July 2011: Perlis, the smallest state to the far North in Peninsular Malaysia is situated at the border of Thailand. Majority of the residents in Perlis are Malays but there are Chinese, Indians and Thais as well. This township named Cuping has the nation largest sugarcane plantation.

The Capital of Perlis is Kangar and it is just 10 minutes drive from Kuala Perlis which is one of the main gateways to the famous resort island of Langkawi.

With the completion of the Changlun-Kuala Perlis Highway a few years ago, it has shorthern the travelling time to this beautiful town (just 30 mins from Changlun) compare to previously you will need to travel via Alor Setar using the old trunk road. This new highway will bring you through the beautiful greenary of padi fields of Perlis.

Kuala Perlis, which is a fishing port is famous for its fresh seafood and a visit to Perlis is not complete without a seafood meal.

My story continues with the below photos.

Lye Huat Garden @ Jitra, Kedah

2011-07-05T01:53:00.000-07:00

5 July 2011: It has been many years since my last visit to Lye Huat Garden. I had the opportunity to revisit this place in the recent school holiday. This time I went with my church youth members together with my daughter.

Well, this place has indeed changed a lot - it looks more like a mini zoo with animals ranges from various type of fish, snakes, birds to larger animals like tiger and sun bear.

The entrance fee for adult is RM7 and children is RM5 and this is definitely worth your visit.

So, next time if you are on the way to Bukit Kayu Hitam, why not stop by this place and experience it for yourself.

Helo Helo

2011-03-21T00:42:00.000-07:00

21st March 2011: Well, it has a while since I last updated my blog. So stay tune as there will be more interesting topics to come.

Dim Sum for Breakfast

2010-10-02T22:29:00.000-07:00

2nd Oct 2010: Dim Sum, Tim Sum, however you call it would be one's favourite breakfast amongst the Chinese. A Hongkie tradition made local is definitely a delicacy for many. Ranging a variety from the choiced "Siew Mai", "Har Kau" to "Char Siew Pao", this small shop at Abu Sittee Lane (behind Red Rock Hotel) has it all.

Our morning's breakfast at Siang Hai consists of; siew mai, har kao, sharksfin siew mai, char siew pao, century egg porridge, deep fried carrot cake, prawn chee cheong fun and etc are the favourite few that many would be ordering. Coupled with a pot of tea makes our breakfast wholesome. It's also a common scene amongst the older generation relaxing on a chair, having a pot of tea with few plates of dim sum on the table, glancing through a chinese newspaper, exchanging news with friends around the same table, possibly gossiping about what's in the latest news is as though time has just stopped for that second.

Would we return to this place? Yes, we would. Reasonable in price, freshness and variety would be the pulling factor for customers to return.

All Time Malaysian Favourite_Beef Rendang

2010-10-01T06:28:00.001-07:00

1st Oct 2010: Beef Rendang is always connected with Lemang and vice versa (coconut rice cook inside the bamboo) and it is a very popular dish for Hari Raya. Since cooking is my all time favourite, so I took the challenge to have my very own home cook Beef Rendang. It taste yammy...........that's why it is the all time Malaysian Favourite

Cameron Highlands

2010-09-29T19:29:00.001-07:00

30th Sep 2010: Situated in the state of Pahang is the famous highland resort of Cameron Highlands. This highland resort not only famous for its tourism activities, it is also the key agriculture farming area in Malaysia which more than 50% of the country vegetables are grown here.

Lost World of Tambun @ Ipoh

2010-09-29T19:05:00.001-07:00

30th Sep 2010: On the northern part of Malaysia there are 3 wellknown water theme parks (Sunway Carnival - Sungai Petani, Kedah; Bukit Merah, Perak & Lost World of Tambun in Ipoh Perak). All of these water parks have their own signature attractions but for my family the Lost World of Tambun is listed on the top of our list. Worth a visit if you pass by Ipoh.

Teluk Bahang Fishing Village

2010-09-29T00:26:00.000-07:00

29th Sep 2010: Teluk Bahang Fishing Village is one of the busiest fishing village in Penang where everydays tone of fresh seafoods being unloaded here and transport to all over Penang & rest of the Malaysia.

Thank you to all the fisherman out there for your hard work so we can enjoyed the very best seafood.

Ilyana Cafe @ Teluk Kumbar

2010-09-29T00:16:00.001-07:00

29th sep 2010: For those Mee Udang lover in Penang, I guess Ilyana Cafe in Teluk Kumbar should sound familiar to you. Apart from Mee Udang, Ilyana also served a wide range of Malay Cooking from seafood to chicken from nasi goreng to burung puyu.

Give it a try if you have not been there before.

Sungai Sedim Kedah

2010-09-28T23:52:00.000-07:00

29th Sept 2010: Have you ever heard of Sungai Sedim before? This is a very nice waterfall cum picnic spot situated in the state of Kedah. The journey from Penang will take you estimately 1.5 hours but it is a scenic drive where you will drive pass some small Malay villages along the way.

So next time if you need a place to relax, do visit Sungai Sedim. A place that you will come back again.

Nutmeg & Balik Pulau

2010-09-28T23:05:00.001-07:00

29th Sep 2010: What will appear in your mind when you think of Nutmeg? As for myself when I mention the name Nutmeg it will lead me to Balik Pulau.

Yes, Penang Balik Pulau not only famous for it's DURIAN but Nutmeg also follow closely behind the King of Fruit.

For those who have not seen a nutmeg tree before, remember to drop by Balik Pulau in your next visit to Penang.

Penang's Ferry

2010-09-28T22:47:00.000-07:00

29th Sep 2010: Since the opening of Penang Bridge in the mid'80, a lot of travellers have choose to used the bridge than the Penang ferry to travel between Penang Island and Butterworth.

I still recalled during my childhood time the price for adult is only 40sen but today it is RM1.20 but after more than 20 years it is still the cheapest way to travel to Penang.

Recently I took my daughters for a ride in the evening and it brings back lots of sweet memories as during my childhood my mother will took us to my granny house "The Hero House" in Butterworth on every weekend and for sure me and my sis will challenged each other in counting the most numbers of Jelly Fish.

"Pulau Pinang, Pulau Pinang..sedia bertolak"

Fort Cornwallis

2010-09-28T19:35:00.001-07:00

29th Sep 2010: Been to Fort Cornwallis lately?? If not, I would strongly recommended that you drop by this historical side one of this day to experience yourself the history of Penang. You can also find them on FB "Fort Cornwallis Penang" to get some update on the happenings there.