Friday, 21 September 2018: Our running group gathering (Kota Kemuning Pacers Club) chose to have dinner at Muar Station Kota Kemuning. This dinner is the first time for a few of us trying Shell Out concept. As you can see in the pictures, the seafood are spread out on the table and you eat with your hands. But first, the waitress lay a layer of plastic on the table. Good and easy for the workers to clean up after the meal, right? No washing required.
It was an interesting experience and bonding for all of us. Eating with your hands are definitely messy, but the food taste better. It has been the custom of the Malay people to use the right hand for food, and sharing the dishes just adds on to the togetherness of everyone. Try guessing what is the role of the left hand?
It cost about RM26 per person and on the menu was Black peppers Crab, Butter Prawns, Shells in Sambal Sauce, Fried Squid, Broccoli and Cauliflower.
Taste wise, a bit heavy for my tongue. The Sambal kerang was definitely spicy and rich. Butter prawn is also rich and creamy. The crab is coated in BBQ sauce.
Cycling to my work place, about 10km from my house.
Fighting against the adrenaline of heavier traffic, I got used to it eventually. My usual routes is either via Seri Muda or Kesas then Hicom. I find that Kesas more appealing if going to work, coming back route I would prefer Seri Muda way.
Not many would cycle to work, due to hot weather and the tendancy to sweat. For that reason, I have a backpack with extra set of clothes for me to shower in the office. Depending on your work schedules and availability of shower in the office, it would be best to talk to your colleagues and boss about your intention to cycle and shower on the office facility.
Among other things that I observed with my cycling to work, the Bangladeshi workers are those who cycle daily and I learn from them. As in which route to take to avoid heavy traffic , potholes etc. I do admire their determination but that is the only option they have besides walking or taking the factory bus. But one thing though, they are very lacking in safety gears. Sometimes when I drive at night, I could see them cycling home without any reflective suit, blinkers or head lamp. To add that on, they wore dark coloured clothes. Sometimes I could see that they wear compulsory safetu shirt that has reflective vest seen on to it. Bravo to the employers who did that to ensure safety of their workers.
Discovering Rural Tourism.
17 September 2018: I once heard that people say, head out from the city to the rural for a break and to reconnect among each other and the community (since city folks get too busy to even notice their neighbours).
It was a day after Malaysia Day, when we had a replacement holiday on Monday. I woke up early (by the thought of my cycling group making a trip to Jenjarom today and me trying to resist the temptations to go for another round with them, since I did about 70km the day before), my kids were up early and I say, let's go to the beach.
Since I have been to Morib few months back, I kinda knew what to expect, so we decided to go there again.
We quickly pack up and I made Eu Jin drive the usual routes which we cycle to Jenjarom. He has been missing out a lot on cycling and running, maybe this trip can be a good intro to him on the usual routes that we take. Besides, seeing cyclists on the roads will cheer him up a little, hopefully he can quickly recover and able to hold the hand bar with both hands.
Our first stop was Jenjarom, hoping to get some packed food for lunch. We settled with some pao and lo mai kai and head to Pantai Kelenang instead of Morib. We wanted to try a new place.
It started raining when we got there. We waited for about 20 minutes before the rain stopped. The kids were so excited to get out and have fun. The wind was still blowing strongly. We tried to pitch the tent but it collapsed soon and I say, we will do without it in this strong wind.
The kite was flying high thanks to the wind. Kay Lee was so excited being able to fly a kite at last.
Ample of parking space near the beach
Toilet usage is free of charge, with shower, squat and sit toilet. Cleanliness is acceptable, nothing luxury
Pasar Nelayan Pantai Kelanang, a local fishermen's market.
After Pantai Kelenang, we made our way to the nearby local fish market about 2km away. We manage to get a fresh "Ikan Gelama", about 3kg in weigh, at about RM20/kg. If you plan to get some seafood directly from the fishermen, be sure to come early at about 7 am. Even better, give Mr. Shukor (019-3515718) a call before you come, just to check if the fishermen did head out to the sea the night before.
J.U.G.R.A
Our next stop is Bukit Jugra. I had always wanted to check out this place. It is a popular spot and end destination for cyclist wanting to cover a longer mileage, to cycle from Kota Kemuning to Jugra Hill. This famous signboard that spells Jugra, is also a popular spot for Paragliding. We saw a group of paragliders sitting around the view point, perhaps waiting for the wind to slow down before making their flight. Beware of the monkeys seen loitering around, apparently they are good a snatching food and personal items.
View from above Jugra Hill
A lighthouse at Jugra Hill
After Jugra, we head to Tanjung Sepat for a feel of the old chinese villages. We drove around the town along narrow streets in search of a place to eat, or perhaps a good coffee shop or something touristy. We googled for what to do in Tanjung Sepat and found the Lovers Bridge.
A local product shop displaying an array of photo worthy antiques for tourists to take pictures and promote their shop
Lovers Bridge at Tanjung Sepat. Take a walk and fall in love
Narrow lanes in between houses and shops in Tanjung Sepat, a thing that the city folks love, to walk in and immerse oneself in the local village setting
A stall selling local fruit of Langsat, cheap compare to what we see in the city. Very sweet too.
One of the must try Milo Ice Cream
Main version of Coffee Ice Cream
This is the shop that sells Coffee Ice Cream at RM4.50/cup
Wishing tree at a nearby house of worship
Take a selfie with the 12 Chinese zodiacs..which zodiac do you belong to?
This trip was very fruitful as we discovered 3 places in a day. It added the fun when the trip.was very impromptu and unplanned. We take in whatever that comes next and surely created some sweet memories as keep sake. Will be back here again with my bike soon.
14 September 2018: For the past 2 months, this super guy was grounded from doing sports due to a fracture in his elbow from a fall and had to stay home. While busy finding ways to relieve the itchiness caused by the cast, he contracted chicken pox. What are the odds? but he managed to stay put and recovered from them both. Salute him for being so disciplined not to scratch the chicken pox and for going through this at this age. We were thinking of buying a lottery number but had no idea how.
I am above the clouds!
11 September 2018: I achieved another milestone in my cycling journey. After completing RHB Shimano Lekas Highway Ride 2018 ride for 78km, I was tempted to give a ride with my riding group to Carey Island. An estimated distance was 75km but it turned out more.
As usual, our gathering place at Restaurant BR Maju Kota Kemuning.
We roll off at 7.10am and took our usual routes towards Rimbayu bridge and Kampung Seri Cheeding.
View from the bridge overlooking SKVE
With me was Eric Koo, Terrance Wong, Cyril Hoe, Mr. Choy and CS Boon.
This time around I make it a point to stop for photographs and paid more attention to the surroundings, sights and scenes and manage to spot a sight of the tea plantation by BOH.
We were going a steady speed of between 25km/hour to 28 km/hour. The road at Jalan Aman, Kampung Seri Cheeding was newly paved so the surface was smooth and easy to ride.
Upon reaching Jenjarom junction, instead of stopping for food at our usual spot, we made a right turn onto Jalan Klang Banting. Hence the adrenaline of big and heavy vehicles passing by us. The road surface was rough with sand and rocks.
We made a stop at the petrol station to buy some bread, in case we got hungry before our next meal.
We entered the island through the bridge of Jalan Pulau Carey. There are 2 seafood restaurants that serves lunch and dinner (Kang Guan and Kuala Langat Seafood Restaurant). The ride in the middle of the island along this straight road was very pleasant with minimal vehicle. We made a pit stop at Mah Meri Cultural Village .
Several carvings were on display. The people of the center were busy preparing for an event, which I was able to see some of the aboriginal girls dressed up in their traditional costumes.
We continued our ride for another 9km or so until we come to the end of the road. There were some construction works going on, the sea awaits, with view of several ships afar. There were sightings of monkeys and eagle sitting high on a tree.
The sun was already high. We grab a bite and took a drink before heading back to Jenjarom for our late breakfast.
After eating and refueling, I refill my bottle with a glass of water, thinking it would be enough, I was wrong.
The next 25km back was awesomely grueling. I could feel lactic acid building up in my knees and thighs, pacing slowly below 20km/hour. We made a stop at BOH plantation and Eric gave me some spray, which helps with a few more stretches to loosen up the leg muscles. I headed straight home, clean up and went for lunch. I couldn't take a nap, my body was flat but my mind was clear. It was not until about 5pm I could sleep for an hour or so without my younger kid clinging on to me.
To many more awesome rides to come. Cycling can be addictive so ride with caution, both body and heart. Here is a video to 'wash your eyes'.
Here is my version of Korean BBQ Pork. For best taste, marinate the meat overnight .
Meat: Pork Belly, soy bean paste (Chinese version as it is much cheaper than original Korean brands)
Marinate (self estimation only) :
Sesame oil
Salt
Sugar
Oyster sauce
Fish sauce
Chinese wine
Steps: slice the pork belly thinly. Marinate in sauces overnight.
Grill the meat over low fire. No oil needed as pork belly has a lot of fat to cook.
Slice garlic thinly.
Cook some rice.
Prepare the salad leaves .
When all is done, take a piece of salad leave and wrap some rice. Put a slice of pork, some soy bean paste, fresh garlic and kimchi if available. Wrap it up and shove it into the mouth. Best part is to try and chew it all in! Enjoy! Pair it with soju or beer.
1. Excuse: The weather in Malaysia is so hot.
Solution: pack a spare set of clothes and shower when you reach the office
2. Excuse: the traffic is too heavy
Solution: that is exactly why one should cycle, to avoid the jam
3. Excuse: it is too dangerous and risky of getting into an accident
Solution: all transportation methods has ts risk, it is how we should manage and prevent it. Always keep to the left and make yourself visible by wearing bright coloured clothes or reflective straps. When cycling at night, always have blinker and head lights on. Not forgetting the helmet. Reflective vest are highly recommended for night cycling.
4. Excuse: how to go pass the round about?
Solution: when reaching a round about, look back for any approaching cars, raise your right hands indicating that you are entering the round about, taking the 12 or 3 o clock exit. When you are sure that the cars behind you sees you, cycle with confidence and slightly increase your speed. When approaching the exit, lift your left hand to indicate that you are exiting.
5. Excuse: There is no bicycle lanes in Malaysia
Solution: not entirely true, in Shah Alam, certain parts of the city has designated cycling lanes that is painted in blue. That said, more cyclist on the road will send good indications to the government to build roads that takes into account the cycling community.
6. Excuse: I need to send my kids around / I am carrying heavy weight item. Solution: there is no solution for this but to drive then. Unless cycling a trishaw does not seem weird.
