Hiong Kong Restaurant @ Pudu Plaza

Today I'm going to introduce a very special place in the middle of KL city, the infamous Hiong Kong Restaurant. I didn't this place existed but according to my sister, this shop has be around for very very long time, and most of the KL boy will know it.

This Hiong Kong Restaurant is basically hidden in the basement of the Pudu Plaza, and I'm pretty sure majority of the Gen Y will never step foot inside this Pudu Plaza, that's why it remains a hidden gem. Is it any good? Well, it's not a place that you can just walk in and order your food, but you must pre-book your table and your dishes. For our case, we pre-booked months back in order to get our taste of the food in this place else they won't serve you! I've been told that the Chef here last time serve for some 5-star Restaurant and now he own this place serving a limited local area. Wow? Yea, wow. Let's find out what they've got.


If you are new to this place, I bet you wouldn't be able to find it, because it's located inside the Entertainment and F&B Zone! So look out for this entrance, left side is the CDs shop, and right side selling steamboat. Nostalgic right =)


As you walk till the end, you will see this. My first time seeing this, I shouted, WHAT'S THIS? A restaurant that need months of pre-booked and it's located beside the entertainment shop with a waist level wooden partition around the corridor of basement in a nearly abandoned shopping mall??? Sorry I kill the surprises for you guys reading it, but it's unbelievable...


This looks more like a proper restaurant, but it's not. The surrounding is weird and first time I'm seated in such place for a special lunch. However, if you pay a little attention, you will notice most of the patrons there are rich people. Designer bag, branded shirts and etc. It's not for the normal folks I think. Because it's expensive? Let's find out.

Audi Q5 2.0TFSI Quattro S-Line

My last post show that I'm hunting for a SUV for the family with the growing needs, so finally I managed to settle that before the Chinese New Year. The choice is obvious, an used Audi Q5 2.0TFSI Quattro S-Line. Earlier I thought a 5 years old Audi Q5 will need a minimum of RM200k to settle, but then I noticed that's actually for non-registered imported vehicle price. Local registered car can be found in the region of RM150k, so immediately I started my hunting mode. And this is what I got.


A perfect SUV for the family, Audi Q5 2.0TFSI Quattro S-Line. In comparison for the same price, you probably can get a new SUV from Japanese brand, but then being myself like to always weight in best value for money, means not to follow the majority, I think owning a RM350k SUV for more than half of its price is a no brainer. I just can't bear the idea of losing half of its value in 5 years time. I always love Audi since young, and its a brand that gives a long last impression in my head as my dad always told me, Audi is for rich people only. Really? LOL


Audi Q5 is first introduced in Y2008, and it mark as the second SUV introduce by Audi after the Q7 brother. The design of Audi Q5 is so long lasting and it is in the same form since Y2008, only to have minor facelift in Y2012. Until today, its replacement is still not launch, only rumours concept car started surfacing in the web. That's 9 years in the market, and it is still much sought after SUV in the market. A design that's 9 years old but still well receive by the market, awesome achievement. It signifies a perfect design that the designer just run out of idea to improvise?

Plan to Upgrade Family Car into SUV

With new family member joining in, space becomes the number 1 consideration and that's why I'm looking for upgrade of my wife's faithful Civic to a bigger space car, like SUV. Lots of friends told me that Civic is big enough already, but it's amazing how many luggage you will be carrying when travelling outstation with baby in tow. Stretching my budget a bit into RM200,000 and see what I can get now.

Toyota Rush - RM86,000
Mitsubishi ASX - RM115,000
Suzuki Grand Vitara - RM121,000
Hyundai Tuscon - RM133,000
Kia Sportage - RM136,000
Mazda CX5 - RM137,000
Nissan X-Trail - RM145,000
Subaru XV - RM146,000
Honda CRV - RM146,000
Ford Kuga - RM156,000
Inokom Santa Fe - RM157,000
Chevrolet Captiva - RM161,000
Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 - RM179,000
Subaru Outback - RM179,000
Subaru Forester - RM199,800

Alternatively, these cars are in consideration as well due to the bigger space.
Nissan Grand Livina - RM87,000
Peugeot 3008 - RM154,000

Seems to be lots of choices in the market now, but I'm trying to limit my choice to European/US made only, as they have better built in terms of safety and quality ride. That automatically crossed out almost all the cars in the market, leaving only the following:

Ford Kuga
Chevrolet Captiva
Volkswagen Tiguan
Peugeot 3008

Unfortunately, European/US cars are not favor in Malaysia, therefore their resale value is very bad. That open up the question of, why not find some used / imported / recond car from europe made brand? So what we can get for a budget of RM200,000?

Ford Kuga is relatively new in the market, so there is no used unit available.
However, being Ford, they are always hungry for sales, so look out for discounts from them. Discount can range over RM10,000 from Ford most of the time for this car price.

Y2010 Audi Q5 is in the range of RM200,000. For a new car that's selling in RM300,00 region, you basically save up to RM25,000 depreciation a year, quite a bargain to consider.

Y2010 Toyota Harrier 2.4 in the range of RM160,000. Not selling new in Malaysia, but quite a good bargain as well, and it rides very well. However, drawback is this model is already very old and doesn't looks that appealing anymore. New Harrier is expensive as well.

Y2010 Peugeot 3008 surprisingly only selling at range of RM70,000. Considering a new car of RM154,000, it basically depreciated over RM21,000 per year. A real bargain if you don't mind a used unit.

Y2010 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 is in the range of RM135,000. Note that this is 2.0 model, where market selling for over RM240,000. That make it has depreciated over RM26,250 per year. Another good bargain to look at.

Y2010 Land Rover Freelander 2 is in the range of RM140,000. New car is selling at RM270,000. That makes it depreciated at RM32,500 per year.

Lots of bargain in the European / US section, but the important question is, will it continue to depreciate at the same rate? If yes then not worth buying it. If no, then worth every cents. Getting a high quality car at much lower price. Of course there will be maintenance involved for older cars, but at a discount of over RM20,000 every year in depreciation, I would be able to overhaul the entire car at that amount already.

I'm still hunting, will update again =) Stay tuned.

Ahza Burger House @ Bintulu, Sarawak

This round sharing a burger outlet again in Bintulu, Sarawak. It's called Ahza Burger House. Interesting about this place is that the owner makes their own patty instead of those frozen food. Hey, sounds very much like Burger Lab in Kuala Lumpur. Interesting, but is it any good? Let's see


Ahza Burger House operating from a home in Taman Tinggi. Stall located at the main door of the house, blocked by gate, and a few tables with romantic light setup, hehe.


This is the menu, all patties are home made except hot dog i suppose. Price is affordable although still more expensive than normal Ramly stall. I pick the Oozy Burger that cost RM11.00. Most expensive is always best eh, haha...

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus 32GB Gold

My earlier loyal comrade HTC One M7 has finally reached its shelf life, and it's dying on me. Normally I will use a smart phone for a duration of 2 years to follow the Telco contract, but I couldn't wait till December this round. The battery life of HTC One M7 can only manage to hold up for 3 hours max, and I will need a replacement fast. That means I will need to buy a new smartphone at retail price, or find options available in the market.

As usual, I survey and analyse the available package, and drawn conclusion to Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus 32GB model that's just launched days ago. Sharing my decision here, might help your case to decide.

With my experience in iPhone 4 and HTC One in both iOS and Android environment, I've expose to both sides and each has own advantages of another. I don't mind to use either iOS or Android for my next smartphone, so decision relies on the package and also the smartphone model & features from both system. Tiles style from Microsoft never attracts me, so dropping it in this sharing.

For iOS, it's pretty straight forward. iPhone 6 or iPhone 6+ only, small or big screen. Coming from a small screen user, I'm dying to move into big screen wagon, and I would only consider iPhone 6+ if I were to take iOS. 16GB is too small, so 64GB is the next size up retailing at RM3,550, that's super expensive! Worth it or not very much depending on individuals, but I would compare to flagship from Android to decide.

For Android, there are multiple brands available, such as Samsung, LG, Sony, Asus, HTC, Lenovo, Xiaomi, Oppo, and etc. Lesson learned from my experience with HTC is, don't buy brand that's not proven by the popularity. There is a reason they are not popular among phone user, and this will impact badly in your overall experience. I will explain later. So either you pick the flagship from the big brand such as Samsung, or get the flagship from the China big brand like Xiaomi. My wife basically ban me from getting the Xiaomi, as she knows me to well, that I always heart for the glamorous thing, and she is right. 

So looking at Samsung, the earlier flagship is only Samsung Galaxy Note 4, which I don't feel excited at all. Their Samsung Galaxy S6 model is too small, but I love the Edge design that they implemented. It looks cool and super neat but then the size is small and I hope for the big screen. Of course they cover all sides, and they have the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge available, but then it's an old model. So the timing is just right that Samsung is preparing to launch the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus. Hey, both are big screen model, and it's new model. 

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus 32GB @ RM3,099


Samsung Galaxy Note 5 32GB @ RM2,699

I've been asking myself the question hundred times, Note5 or Edge+ as RM400 is not really a big factor for me to decide, but more to if I want practicality (stylus for production) or style (curvy screen). Obviously you know what's my choice, but my decision is made only when I'm holding the actual phones to compare. Curved screen is just the latest tech in the mobile world, and I love latest tech. Productivity is attractive features, but I will then choose to do it on laptop if need to. As I survived without productivity all these while and I'm fine. 

Why not the iPhone 6 Plus someone will ask. Simple, it's the old model, and if I wait for the new model to launch by 9th September 2015, it will take easily weeks for it to reach our shores. Further, I doubt anything interesting from Apple that will be the deal breaker will be announce, so I'm not too interested to wait. It's RM200 more, less exciting, simple. 

Back to the earlier question why not the not-popular brand? First of all, their product might got problem, such as HTC got battery overheating issue, and their battery life performance drop like nobody business. You won't know it until it happened, by then it's too late as you already locked in a 2 years contract with Telco. Secondly, accessories problem. Because it's not popular, you cannot find anyone selling accessories! My nice HTC One is still using the RM15 ciplak black rubber casing, just because I couldn't find any others to replace it. I've been finding the transparent rubber casing for my HTC One past 2 years, just couldn't find it. 

Choosing what to buy is part of the fun, and I enjoy the process very much.

Now some photos for your enjoyment =)

*pardon the screen protector, just temporary measure while I can find the proper curved tempered glass =P

IRONMAN

Ultimate challenge, I'm committed.

Ironman 70.3 = 1.9km Swimming, 90km Cycling, 21km Running
Ironman = 3.8km Swimming, 180km Cycling, 42km Running

Best Fried Noodles @ Bintulu, Sarawak

Today I'm posing a special food post that's located so far away from my home, and it's worth my time to blog about it. There is no sign board, no names and this old couple operate from their home, I supposingly. You would just have to refer to my location coordination down there to find out where exactly is the shop, but we are talking about Bintulu, Sarawak here.


This is how the shop looks like, run down, no class, but promise you that this is the hidden gem in places like these, one of the best Fried Noodles they have in this shop.


Old and basic settings, dirty drain run along side of the house, and it's not a pretty side. There are even funny smells and occasion rats or cockroaches are not surprising sight.

Cycling in the Concrete Jungle?

After conquering the full marathon of 42.195km on foot, time to look forward for new challenges. Completing a Triathlon is always my ultimate aim, and on the way there, I will need to pick up Swimming and Cycling. Next I'm looking to pick up cycling so did some search about cycling in the concrete jungle for route and club. Came across this site which is quite informative to share.

cyclingkl.blogspot.com

First look seems to be an initiative by the local community but then it seems to be supported by the government, not sure but it's definitely a useful site.

This map is downloaded from cyclingkl.blogspot.com and it's pretty informative for KL route.

Time to hunt for a bike, will keep you guys updated on my progress.

New Desktop Computer before GST?

I've been always a computer guy, so when it comes to computer, I always hand-pick my own components and build it myself. It's pretty simple, and my current rig is set-up since Y2008,

This is my current rig specifications:

Mainboard ASUS P5K-PL

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3.0GHz 775BC 1333FSB 6MB L2

Kingston PC800 DDR2 2GB

2TB WD 3.5" 7200rpm 64MB SATA3

500GB WD 3.5" 7200rpm 16MB SATA2

XFX GF 9600GT (650MHz) 512MB DDR3 256bit

22" Samsung 2232BW 2ms 3000:1 (A+D)

Liteon 20x SATA DVD-RW Combo

EMAG ATX Casing

Cooler Master Extreme 460W

Logitech Internet Pro Keyboard & Optical Mouse

Edifier E3100 RMS 8Wx2+12W 2:1 (5" Woofer)

It is now Y2015, this machine has been running for almost 7 years now, and there are some problems.

1. Y2014 the mainboard dead, and I have to find a replacement for it. Problem is, there is no mainboard in the market then that supported the Intel Core 2 Duo socket, big problem. I hunt for so long and finally manage to find the Asrock G41C-GS that's selling for a premium price of RM229. I paid for it still, as it's' much more expensive for me to fork out cash to setup a new system.

2. Then this month, the Power Supply Unit (PSU) went down as well, but PSU is easy peasy. I managed to find the exact same unit to replace it at RM129. Other than that, it's all running well.

With 2 incidents within a year, it shows that the system is aging fast and might not able to support me for longer time, so I search out for new system to gauge the budget and price. And this is what I gathered.

Gigabyte GA-H61M-WW = RM189.00

Intel Core i5-4440 Quad Core 3.1GHz 6MB = RM614.00

Kingston HX316C10FB Fury PC1600 8GB DDR3 = RM239.00

Sapphire R7 240 2GB DDR3 128bit = RM249.00

SSD Kingston V300 120GB 450MB/450MB = RM199.00

Silverstone Essential 500W = RM169.00

Liteon DVD-RW SATA = RM59.00

Cooler Master K350 = RM149.00

AOC E2450SWD 23.6" 2ms D/W = RM469.00

Total = RM2,346.00
*note: keyboard, speakers and additioanl HDD is missing, so add what's needed.

This is a pretty decent machine to cover most basic gaming needs and definitely can last another 7 years if taken care of. However, I formatted my old rig and installed Windows 7 and it's running fine again, so don't see the point of upgrading it, so postpone my desire. Since I've done the research, so share it here for anyone that's interested to build a new rig before the GST =)

Cyberjaya Putrajaya Perdana Twincity Marathon 2014

I've been really busy and lots are happening past few months. I need to continue running as part of my life goal to build a healthy balance lifestyle. Registered myself for the Cyberjaya Putrajaya Perdana Twincity Marathon 2014 for 21km run on 21st December 2014. First step to reboot my life, push towards full marathon event in Y2015!



For those interested, this event is still open for registration, do sign up for run. Not many full marathon event in calendar, so let's go.

Staggering Numbers of Social, Digital & Mobile User in Malaysia

Saw something interesting online, thought of sharing it for my readers.
Internet penetration in Malaysia is astounding, think the only people not on internet is probably orang asli living on the mountain. That's not long until Maxis/Digi/Celcom/TM go get them to subscribe to the internet LOL.

Garmin Fenix2

It has been a busy year, and me being me, I'm playing with more and more toys as when my pocket allows =)

This round I got myself something that I wanted for long long time, a Multisport Training GPS Watch. There are lots of model out there, crowned by the famous Garmin Forerunner 910XT that's launched way back in 2010, that's 4 years ago! Being in digital world, 4 years is a long long time ago. The design is a bit dated and I never like to buy old gadget. I waited and waited, finally Garmin decided to launch a new product! Excited.

That's the Garmin Fenix2! For the first time, Garmin is listening to customers, that we wanted something not hideous, stylish that still pack the punch of all functionality for a truly Triathlon capable watch.


This is the Garmin Fenix2, I bought the bundle pack that comes complete with the Garmin HRM-Run Premium Monitor. Don't mistaken this HRM monitor from the older one which is non-premium type. Somehow I heard the strap and quality is much better. I got this unit directly from My GPS Talk, the official appointed distributor for Garmin in Malaysia. I missed the first batch order, ended up in 2nd batch and waited for few weeks to collect mine! For those asking me what I bought, tada!


Unboxing is always exciting, This is a performance bundle package that includes the HRM unit and I paid the full retail price for it at RM1,550! I'm not surprise that the price might be cheaper now, so scout around for the best deal. Now you know why I dream of this gadget for so long, hold up by the price tag. Probably one of the most expensive sports gear that I've ever bought! But I think it's worth it considering what it can do. Let's find out.

Ben's @ Bangsar Shopping Centre, KL

My parents came to KL again, and we always cracking head trying to introduce some interesting foods for them as they are food lovers also like me =P This time round, my sister recommended Ben's located in Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC). Do not confuse BSC with the Bangsar Village though, BSC is the smaller mall located right at the top of the hill along Jalan Maarof. Let's see what they've got.


This is the Ben's entrance, pardon the blue hue on the wall, that's the glass colour fronting the restaurant, and it's located at the corner on level 3.


A quick shot of the restaurant from the outside, very nice and cozy setup, love it.

Breakfast @ Delicious, Midvalley

Lazy morning, decided to catch a brunch in Midvalley and drop by Delicious for a relax one. I think lots of people don't know that Delicious do serve breakfast set, as most normally come to Delicious only during Lunch / Dinner. Yes they serve breakfast, but any good? Let's see.



Good thing I love about breakfast in Delicious is that, plenty of seats and no need to queue unlike some famous breakfast outlet. Want to eat breakfast also stress...


Got myself a cold drinks to kick the mind up, and waited for my food.

Bubur Goreng Restaurant @ Klang

This round my family visited the special Bubur Goreng Restaurant in Taman Berkeley at Klang, attracted by the special dish as the restaurant name imply, Fried Porridge, that's very special. Off we go and Klang is quite far from KL basically, is it worth the travel? Let's find out.


Bubur Goreng Restaurant, hidden within dark streets of the Taman Berkeley in Klang. It's located just nearby the Federal Highway before turning into Hokkien Association. Nothing around, so parking is aplenty.


The usual Klang restaurant with nostalgic flooring and simply table chair setup. Non air-condition so it's slighly warm on hot day.

Penang White Curry Noodle by My Kuali

Been very busy recently, so just posting a random thought. I've heard lots of noise on the new instant noodle in the market, as you can guess, the Penang White Curry Noddle by My Kuali. So I've been hunting to try it out, but major supermarket always run out of stocks. I found it in one of the chinese medicine store in OUG.



I bought a pack of 4 for RM7.60, and it's basically one of the most expensive instant noodle in the market, not comparing with other imported variance though. How it taste like? It's pretty good, the noodles are ok, not soggy, the soup is creamy due to coconut milk, but it taste good. I don't like it though, with my comments following:

1. The noodles are normal, nothing special.
2. The soup base is too thick, and you really got to add more water but then it got wash out the taste. This is due to the creaminess from the coconut milk. I've not tried to exclude that, maybe someone should try and comment.
3. It's way to spicy. I'm tomyam lover but this is different. I nearly fall sick eating a pack in the first time. Subsequently I drink lots of water to clear up the heat.
4. The flavour is too strong, too much ajinomoto is the word?

It's good not doubt, but I think twice before trying on 2nd pack, in fact almost few months since I tried it, and I still don't dare to buy another pack. The reason why we eat instant noodle is to get fast meal and something to go around quick lifestyle. If I want something too strong flavour, I would've eaten outside.

This is purely personal taste bud preference, and my favorites remain with the below.

1. Thai Tom Yam Instant Noodle by PAMA
One of the best noodle and tomyam noodles in the market and remain my favourite. The springy noodle that don't get soggy, spicy and sour soup base is awesome. Only the portion is a little small, but good for a quick hit of tomyam crush.



2. Vegetarian Flavour Instant Noodle by Wei Wei A-Series
One of my favourite, very nice noodles but can get soggy if cook too long, and awesome soup base. The portion is big and it got my vote of the best normal soup base instant noodle. A little pricy is the trade off.


3. Mi Goreng Perisa Asli by Indomie
If fancy something dry, nothing beat the Indomie, they are the king of mi goreng instant noodle and it remain the best, enough said.



What you guys think? Do share your thoughts =)

Asics Gel-Nimbus 15

As promised, I've been looking for a new pair of running shoe since I decided to join another full marathon this year. My 3 year old Asics has been serving me very well, and only recently it started to show sign of old age, the shoe sole started to come off, so my wife helped to send it for stitching. It's still wearable but it feels loose and weird wrap because of the stitching.

I search for new model in Asics that suit my feet type, and I quickly catch the opportunity to get a pair when I'm visiting Singapore last month. Singapore always sell Asics cheaper than Malaysia, else you wait for special discount on older model and it might make sense.

Preparation for Second 42km in Penang Bridge International Marathon 2014

It's been 3 years since my first 42km full marathon run at Penang Bridge, and I've decided to do another 42km full marathon this year. As usual, aim is to get fitter, have more energy and lead a healthier lifestyle. The upcoming Penang Bridge International Marathon 2014 will be held on 16th November 2014. That gives me a total of 7 months / 30 weeks to train.

My last experience taught me to prepare myself better this time. I studied and created a training chart for myself, stretching over 30 weeks duration to prepare myself for this run. Eventually the plan will push me into maximum of 64km in the peak week before tapering down in 3 weeks in approaching the big event.

To further prepare myself, I've registered myself also for a 21km in BSN Putrajaya Night Marathon 2014 which is to be held in 11th October 2014. Funny that SC Kuala Lumpur International Marathon 2014 is held the next day on 12th October 2014. That's totally no fun, and they will be fighting for participants, as I doubt many will actually run both events considering it's only few hours away. Here is the registration link for BSN Putrajaya Night Marathon 2014 - http://www.bsnpnm.com/



While I also already registered for the Penang Bridge International Marathon 2014, and interesting to note that this year will be the 1st year we will run on the newly open 2nd Penang Bridge! I'm not sure what to expect but it's exciting to be part of the history =) Here is the link to PBIM 2014 - http://www.penangmarathon.gov.my/portal/



Good things are I've already got most of the gears needed for a full marathon, so nothing much I will need to prepare / buy. I will definitely need a new pair of running shoes as the old Asics should be retire after 3 years. I'm also looking for a gadget to help track my heart rate and record my training. Been searching around and should update you all once I decided on what to get =)

Home Town Steamboat @ Sri Petaling

I'm staying nearby Sri Petaling and foodies would know that steamboat is famous in the area. Recently there is this steamboat restaurant that has been opening up aggressively around Klang Valley, so we decided to check it out.


Home Town Steamboat Restaurant, as of I'm writing now, they already have 8 outlets around the Klang Valley. That's very fast, considering they only open up their first Setapak branch in Year 2006. It looks a little empty because we went very early on weekdays, but assure you that it's packed on weekends, so you are reminded to make online booking to avoid waiting time.


Part of the interior, very clean and colourful decoration although most of the label does not mean anything.


As we leave, the shop is pretty empty, but they do have lots of tables and chairs, ensure that you will seated no matter the crowds.

Loam Mit Thai Seafood Restaurant @ Bandar Baharu

With my mum's village located nearby Penang, we always make our trips back there and at the same time find seafood while on the way. For those food lovers, they would know that there are lots of awesome seafood restaurant along the route from Ipoh to Penang as it's close to lots of fishing village, and today I will introduce you one of the shop that I think it is awesome.

I bring you to the ulu kampung place named Loam Mit Thai Seafood Restaurant.


The Loam Mit Thai Seafood Restaurant located in no where =P

Hey, this is not exactly what you expect? This is exactly what you should look for if you want to find some real fresh seafood in fishing village, that's how most of them looks like. If it's pretty, then it's probably commercialized to rip tourist off. These are what we can neighborhood restaurant, where if they charge expensive, they probably will close shop as they rely on locals to support them as well.