With almost ten days before Chinese people celebrate the Chinese New Year festival. Have you get ready with your needs; be it cookies, drinks, apparels, home decorations or red packets filled with money?

Cookies usually come along for relatives or friends that visit our house during day of celebration and gift exchange (the term quote from Wikipedia), that is not exchange at all. Well mum have completed the series of cookies for New Year.

Pineapple tarts
The flaky skin of tarts with aroma richness of butter that melts in the mouth.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Chocolate chips cookies

Bunnies everywhere in Malls in celebration of CNY (The Star)

Saturday January 22, 2011

By Oh Ing Yeen
Photos by Low Lay Phon

RABBITS are hopping about the malls this Chinese New Year as it is the Year of the Rabbit.

Incorporating cute bunnies into their theme, many malls are decked with rabbit statues, motifs and some even have rabbits for visitors to see and play with.

While some malls are decorated with a splash of red, others are going for a pink scheme as Valentine’s Day also falls within the lunar new year season.

Say cheese!: Charlie Allen from Swanage, England, taking a photo of his wife Joyce next to one of the huge rabbit statues in front of Sungei Wang Plaza.

Sungei Wang Plaza

Five huge rabbit statues in pink, red, yellow, gold and orange are displayed along the Fiesta Street to welcome shoppers.

The theme is Springtime Expressions. The stage is transformed into a training ground of a wushu academy, with beautifully carved pillars, flags with Chinese characters and a Chinese-styled roof. The flags are akin to those at a wushu academy but with auspicious words on it instead. This is where the wushu performances by the Wushu Federation of Kuala Lumpur will take place,

Along the walkways, red lanterns are hung from frames ornamented with Chinese knots.

Berjaya Times Square

Be greeted by a pair of mystical lions guarding the vermillion entrance gate as you make your way past the classic-arched doorway into the courtyard along the pathway and admire the traditional Chinese architecture.

Themed “A Reunion of Tradition”, the main attraction is the gigantic dinner table at the Courtyard measuring 3m in diameter, showcasing 15 auspicious dishes often served during the lunar new year. Be marvelled at the realistic food replicas, displayed on two rotating tiers.

The railings are decorated with red cloth and majestic-looking lanterns hang from the ceiling.

Sunway Pyramid

Sunway Pyramid brings a sweet nostalgic touch of the 60s with a diversified street market consisting of pushcart and basket peddlers and kiosks selling porridge, yau char kwai, bubble tea, Chinese New Year hampers, decorations, cheongsam, samfu, food, titbits and gifts.

At the stage area, the 4.9m giant Chinese Opera heads are an eye-catching feature. One can also watch the various Chinese Opera performances such as Chinese Opera: Lady White Snake and Chinese Contemporary Dance: The Warlord and the Concubine.

The main highlight is the Fleurs’ Spring Flower Market where a variety of flowers and auspicious plants are available for sale.

Mid Valley Megamall

If you have yet to get your preparation started, make a visit to Mid Valley Megamall’s Chinese Spring Village from now until Feb 6.

The mall has transformed their ground floor into a Chinese Spring Village setting with replicas of traditional building. The whole setting is complimented with blooming cherry blossoms, red lanterns, craft galleries and rows of street vendors and carts offering Chinese New Year must-haves.

In the mood: Delicate paper cuttings, oriental lanterns and well-lit cherry blossom trees enhance the ambience of the Curve’s theme ‘The Joys of Spring’.

The Curve

Themed The Joys of Spring, this year’s Chinese New Year campaign celebrates the popular symbols of spring. Shoppers can look forward to seeing Chinese paper-cuttings throughout the mall incorporating the various Chinese zodiac signs as well as delicate oriental lanterns. The main highlight of these paper-cuttings is the zodiac sign of the Rabbit, which is known in Chinese culture as the wise and affectionate animal. Well-lit cherry blossom trees also add a delightful display of colours to enhance the celebrative ambience.

For more information, contact the Curve’s Customer Care Officers at 03-7710 6868.

1 Utama

Centred on the Chinese word “Hei”, which means double happiness, 1Utama has set an auspicious theme for the Chinese New Year celebrations from Jan 12 to Feb 6.

The shopping centre is dressed in cheery pink, pearl white and gold. Pastel lanterns line the walkways, while fresh flowers, chrysanthemums and peonies provide bursts of cheery bright colours. Have a feel of walking in the air as part of the flooring is decorated with Chinese-style clouds and the Chinese word ‘Hei’.

Tropicana City Mall

Chinese New Year is in full bloom at Tropicana City Mall, adorned with beautiful oriental motifs and peach blossoms around the mall. In line with its peach blossom theme and in conjunction with Valentine’s Day, a pink colour palette is chosen, for a fresh and sweet touch. A peach blossom arch greets shoppers at the entrance and cherry blossom lanterns are hung from the ceiling and along the walkway.

Go down memory lane: Take a walk along the Chinese Village in Cheras Leisure Mall for the nostalgia of the good old days.

Live bunnies are also on display. To usher in the Year of the Rabbit, a line-up of good fortune offerings and exciting events await all at the mall until Feb 20.

Cheras Leisure Mall

Take a walk along the Chinese Village in Cheras Leisure Mall for the nostalgia of the good old days. Six two-storey traditional shophouses are set up, where CNY cookies are sold. Banners with auspicious greetings hang from the ceilings. The link bridge at the mall is also decorated with cherry blossoms, providing many photo opportunities.

Bangsar Shopping Centre

Bangsar Shopping Centre incorporates elements of the Forbidden City and Wuzhen, an ancient water town in China.

The gazebo and bridge with Chinese elements further enhances the traditional Chinese ambience.

Walk further into the mall and you will see a rabbit section with 16 rabbits of the Netherland Dwarf, Holland Lop and Dwarf Hotot breeds.

The exterior of the mall is decked in lanterns to liven up the festive spirit.

Pavilion

Tubby Prosperity Rabbits greet shoppers at the entrance of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur with two 2.4m rabbits at the Bukit Bintang entrance and two 1.2m ones at the Porte Cochere entrance. There are 500 red lanterns throughout the mall and 188 hanging at Spanish Steps. The oriental lion head display by the Kiew brothers feature 12 lion heads and 11 drums display. The giant Lion Head is 10 times larger than average, measuring 2.1m high and 2.7m wide. The different coloured lion heads represent the different clans in Chinese history. In addition, there are peony arrangements throughout the mall.

Kids attraction: (from Left) Lola, Bugs Bunny, Tweety & Slyvester and their carrot house at The Mines.

Take a stroll down the Cherry Blossom Walk especially during the night to admire the decorations and lights.

The Mines

The Mines is bringing the evergreen international cartoon character — Bugs Bunny and his lovely Looney Tunes friends — Tweety and Sylvester in their stylish yet traditional Chinese New Year costumes to spread good luck and celebrate this festive season with shoppers. Themed as “A Prosperity Chinese New Year with Bugs Bunny”, the mall has been transformed into a marvel Bugs Bunny’s carrot house, with eye-catching red lanterns to complement the festive mood. The peak limelight of the decoration is none other than the gigantic carrots, a symbol of good fortune, prosperity and longevity in Chinese culture.

Fahrenheit 88

Red rabbits run amok in Fahrenheit 88. Placed within floral arrangements, the red rabbits are shown in various poses, providing shoppers many photo opportunities. Red and pink diamond-shaped lanterns adorned with tassels hung from the top.

I am here to stress that I and most men against the implementation of women-only coaches by KTM Komuter since April last year.

Reasons to justify my claims are;
1: Low patronage' of women-only coaches by women during 'Peak Hours'.

That is the fact which we should not denied, if you have even experience it. Take aback my experience at KL Sentral, Mid Valley and Bandar Tasik Selatan before, when the komuter approaches what you expect those women commuters? They just rush to all over doors of coaches (regardless of it is women-only coaches). And they are very smart, leaving their 'precious' coach less crowded for their own comfort, while the 1st and 3rd coach was congested with passengers until jostling and door fail closed.

If that's the case, the purpose of women-only coaches has already been defeated. We men are not looking for 'victims' or to harass women.

2: Human rights and freedom of movement falls apart

Having this women-only coaches will definitely suppress our human rights and freedom of movement. How?

Islamic countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE always practice gender inequality between men and women. They have special lanes/paths separating men and women in most aspects (i.e public transport). Putting this concept back to a multi-racial country sounds ridiculed, What is worrying is that there may be separate queues, shops, cinemas and other public space for men and women in the future.

This may also lead one to think that separating women from men is the way to stop sexual harassment.

This is further concreted by introduction of Rapid Lady Bus in December last year.

Now women-only coaches draw flak from men, have a look what men says:

Female-only coaches draw flak from men (The Star)

Thursday January 27, 2011

Oblivious to his surrounding: A man boarding the women’s coach.

WHILE the move to have women-only coaches on KTM Komuter is welcomed by the fairer sex to save them from jostling with men in packed trains, it drew flak from men.

A reader named Kugan commented the move was against the spirit of gender equality, and it was discrimination against men.

He said if one of the three coaches of the train had been reserved for women, they should not be allowed to enter the other coaches.

“Why didn’t this article report that women are also seen in other coaches where men are allowed? So women can go into the general coaches but men cannot enter the ‘women’s coach’, isn’t this a discrimination against men?

“We are talking about public transportation here, shouldn’t the facilities be shared regardless of gender or type of people?” he asked.

He also questioned if the ruling had really improved KTM’s service, adding that auxiliary policemen stationed at the platforms did not have the legal right to ask men to leave the women’s coach.

Another reader, police officer P. Nalusamy, 55, commented that the ruling was a bane for male commuters travelling on the overcrowded trains.

“I understand that it is a good move to protect women, but since the middle coach is reserved for them, why are they still rushing into the two other coaches? The front and back coaches are jam-packed!” he commented.

He said the move had worsened the train service. “We have to bear with overcrowding, waiting under the hot sun for the trains and now female commuters racing with us to use the two remaining coaches,” he added.

Abdus Fauzi, who studies in Sarawak, said his friends were also not aware of the women-only ruling even though they were regular Komuter users.

“I also find that the signage is not practical enough. I can barely make out from afar what the logo means. If someone is rushing, he is definitely going to step into the wrong compartment.

He pointed out that male passengers were limited to two coaches but women could enter all three coaches. “Sometimes, when they need to rush to their destination, the men will just have to be shameless and ride the women-only coach,” he said.

Metzelder says: The move by KTM Komuter is unpractical at all and is leveling a discrimination towards men. I see that the 'only' reasons women can convince to have this is surveys had shown that women constituted 60% of KTM commuters.

And what futher annoying is KTM are waiting for the authorities’ approval to impose a fine on those violating the ruling. No to women-only coaches unless we get 4 coach train in near future.

Obviously Malaysians seldom read the signage and its not attractive to catch eye of people. While there were regular public service announcements at the stations reminding commuters that the middle coach was reserved for women but only in Bahasa, without taking account of English, the international language.

To conclude, we men are not in favor with the move, and gender discrimination have to be stopped. Or KTM Komuter will risk to lose men commuters support in time.

YouTube clip of man hitting, shaking animal incites fury (Malay Mail)

By Faizal Nor Izham

Tuesday January 25, 2011

BARBARIC: In a sequence of screenshots from the clip, a man is seen forcing the dog to stand on its hind legs. He then slaps the animal and it falls

KUALA LUMPUR: Outrage has broken out among Malaysian animal-lovers over a YouTube video allegedly showing a man abusing a puppy after it failed to follow his instructions.

The 15-minute-long-clip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWRtZM2fbAc), which featured the man yelling at the canine in an attempt to make it stand on its hind quarters, has since gone viral after it was posted on social networking site Facebook on Friday.

A Malaysian who posted the clip on Facebook had claimed it was on a pen drive she found at Suria KLCC. She said she then uploaded the video onto her profile page.

The video showed a man grabbing the puppy roughly, hitting it repeatedly on its body and shaking it vigorously. The dog, which appeared to be a poodle, was tossed to the ground and was flung across the room after it was smacked.

The man, speaking Cantonese, is repeatedly heard telling the puppy to "stand still and don't move". In one instance, he is also heard telling the puppy to "diam, diam" (quiet) when it struggled to free itself from his grip.

Yelps could also be heard from the animal as the man hit it repeatedly.

The clip drew horrified comments from Facebook users, who, at Press time, posted more than 1,000 comments.

One user described it as a "shameful act", while another lambasted the man for hitting a defenceless animal.

"This is horrible; watching someone do something like this to a dog," wrote another user.

The clip, posted on YouTube yesterday, also drew similar responses. "Does anyone know him personally? Share his Facebook profile so the world can see who he is," wrote one viewer.

Another, in venting his anger, reckoned the man "may have been a bully victim when he was young, which explains his behaviour".

The clip drew the attention of Singapore's Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. In its Facebook posting, the SPCA said it wasn't yet clear where the abuse occurred but a Malaysian connection was possible as the pen drive was found in the city.

"We alerted our contacts in Malaysia and they are trying to identify the abuser," read the statement.

A spokesman for SPCA Malaysia said they were aware of the incident. "We are investigating it and will issue a statement sometime today."

While SPCA has hit out the alleged abuser, Veterinary Services Department ask the public to provide them with information on the identity of the man featured. The accused is identified as:

His girlfriend named as Doreen Loo was holding the video camera to capture the video.

We still don't know who is the guy in the video, some people said Allan Tan is the guy, but some other said Champ Alan is the guy.

1 - Alan Tan's profile: From Kepong, OUG Green Park and drives Proton Wira NBC 8313.

2 - Champ Alan's profile: Working at Yong Peng Fishball coffee shop Melaka Raya with contact no. 010 2683001.

Hunt explodes for YouTube clip's puppy abuser (Malay Mail)

By Nadia Fernandez

Wednesday January 26, 2011

KUALA LUMPUR: "If you know this man, come forward and give us his details so we can catch him."

This was the call by the Veterinary Services Department to the public to provide them with information on the identity of the man featured in a YouTube clip of a poodle being brutally abused (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWRtZM2fbAc).

Department director Dr Fazilah Aini Abdul Kadir said this morning: "We need concrete evidence on the identity of the person so we can take further action."

"If there is enough evidence, we will charge them in court under Part IV of the Animals Act 1953."

Under the Act, if found guilty, a fine of RM200 or imprisonment of six months, or both, can be imposed.

The department c an be reached at its hotline number 03-88702000; via email at pro@dbs.gov.my; or via text message at DVS HQAduan (Your Complaint) to 15888.

The Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said their investigation unearthed two possible identities of the people involved in the clip.

A spokesman said they received feedback from the public.

"We received hundreds of phone calls, emails and text messages since yesterday, and we thank all those who have passed us information.

"We hope that friends or relatives of the suspect will come forward to confirm the identity of this person and provide the authorities with a statement on any history of animal abuse by the suspect."

Meanwhile, The Paper That Cares was inundated with phone calls from readers expressing their outrage.

An American, who identified herself as Sharon, even rang up all the way from California to offer a reward for the identity of the abuser.

"I read the news on your website and was shocked at the disgusting behaviour of the culprit. I'm willing to offer a cash reward to anyone who comes out in the open and reveals the perpetrator."

Yesterday, The Malay Mail broke the story of the expanding circulation of the video clip and ensuing outrage among animal lovers.

The 15-minute clip, which featured the man physically abusing the dog, went viral after it was posted on social networking site Facebook on Friday.

A Malaysian who posted the clip on Facebook had claimed it was on a pen drive she found at Suria KLCC.

The video showed a man grabbing the dog roughly, hitting it repeatedly on its body and shaking it vigorously in an apparent bid to teach the dog how to stand on its hind legs. The dog, which appeared to be a poodle, was tossed to the ground and flung across the room after it was smacked.

The man, speaking Cantonese, is repeatedly heard telling the puppy to "stand still and don't move".

In one instance, he is also heard telling the puppy to "diam, diam" (quiet) when it struggled to free itself from his grip.

In pictures:


Metzelder says: Indeed a sad story in run up to Chinese New Year festival. The possible sentence is just too light for the abusers (fine of RM200 or imprisonment of six months). I hope all of us public to be alert with any information or leads from Facebook to share with the authority.

Malaysia Airlines cancels flights to Kuching for today
Tuesday, January 11, 2011 1:37 PM GMT +8. Please check this page for regular updates.

Malaysia Airlines has cancelled all flights to and from Kuching today due to the temporary closure of the runway at Kuching International Airport. Other flights to or from other destinations to Kuching are also cancelled.

The only 2 flights that will be operating out of Kuching for today will be:-

Kuching to Kuala Lumpur (MH2515) departing at 2.05pm
Kuching to Kuala Lumpur (MH2597) departing at 8.00pm

The following flights have been cancelled:

Passengers on the affected flights have several options:

> Re-book on the next available flight tomorrow, however this is subject to the re-opening of Kuching airport.

> Change the travel date at no fee (regardless of ticket type) by 18 January 2011.

> Get a full refund depending on the terms and conditions of the fare type. Restricted tickets can be converted to a travel voucher with a 3-month validity.

Malaysia Airlines urges passengers who are booked on our flights to and from Kuching to check the status of their latest flights status or to call the MAS Call Center 1300-88-3000 (within Malaysia) or +603-7843 3000 (outside Malaysia) or visit our ticketing offices before leaving to the airport.

Passengers can also check the flight status on their mobile phone by visiting flymas.mobi

As for the 'lousy' AirAsia their flight details as below:

AirAsia plane skids at Kuching airport (The Star)
By Shaun Ho

KUALA LUMPUR: An AirAsia flight to Kuching skidded off the runway Monday night and landed on the grass verge, leaving four passengers with minor injuries.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said flight AK5218, an Airbus A320, was carrying 124 passengers and six crew members.

Cranes are used to remove the plane off the runway Tuesday

"The plane was landing during a downpour and that is when it skidded," he said Tuesday.

Kong said the plane had landed on soft soil on the edge of the runway. AirAsia and Kuching International Airport staff are working to remove the plane for checks.

As a result of the incident, services at the airport have been was disrupted, with up to 11 flights to the airport affected.

"I expect services at the airport to resume by noon," he said after opening the National Maritime Conference in Kuala Lumpur.

AirAsia Group Chief Executive Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes tweeted: "Working hard to remove aircraft. All passengers are home."

Related stories:

Kuching airport closed temporarily (The Star)

KUCHING: The Kuching International Airport has been closed Tuesday until further notice, a Malaysia Airports Bhd statement said.

This is becaused of an incident Monday night, when an AirAsia aircraft (flight AK5218 from Kuala Lumpur), skidded and veered off the airport's runway 25, when landing at 10.02 during heavy rain.

All passengers were evacuated safely from the aircraft.

Efforts to remove the aircraft Tuesday were hampered by continuous heavy rains.

 An AirAsia flight to Kuching skidded off the runway Monday night and landed on the grass verge, leaving four passengers with minor injuries.

Only one flight was released for departure from the airport, flight MH2505 to Kuala Lumpur.

All AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines flights from the airport have been effected.

Passengers are advised to contact their airline's offices to enquire about their flight status.

The real-time experience by one of the passengers on-board.

ADUN had narrow escape when plane skidded (Sarawak Update)

KUCHING – An Air Asia aircraft that carry 124 passengers that include an ADUN and his wife, skidded from the runway of Kuching International Airport at 10.15 pm last night.

The passengers were panic when they saw smoke billowing from the aircraft engine.

Passengers were screaming and crying in the plane as they waited for the emergency doors to be opened which the air-hostess appeared to be slow in doing it.

Passengers all rushed to the exit doors and flee from the plane.

Four panic passengers, one of them a male were rushed to the Sarawak General Hospital at midnight due to the incident.

All the passengers were drenched to the skin while waiting for help in the runway.

The plane AK2518 made a bad start when it was delayed for one hour at the KLIA. It departed to Kuching at 8.30 pm.

An angry passenger, Ling said the plane from KL was supposed to land at 10 pm at Kuching International Airport but they landed in the grass verge amid pouring rain at the time.

He said the pilot announced that there was drizzling in Kuching 10 minutes before landing and when they were about to land, they saw it was pouring heavily.

A passenger who did not wanted to be identified said their ordeal were not over yet as they got out of the plane as they were forced to wait over an hour at the grass verge in heavy downpour with women and children.

He said he was upset as help seemed to be slow and a bus later arrived. The bus was able to ferry 20 passengers each time with women and children getting on first.

He said a few passengers were too scared to even walk. Some of the passengers who got impatient with waiting walked towards the arrival hall.

Despite seeing vehicles driving towards the plane and trying to wave them down, none bothered to stop.

Snowdon Lawan, Balai Ringin and his wife who were among the passengers lamented at the poor services given at the airport.

A passenger said when they reached the arrival hall at the airport drenched to the skin, there was no towel or hot drinks for them. Most of the passengers, he said were shivering and shaking with cold and fear.

Due to the mishap at the runway, an AirAsia plane from Kota Kinabalu, AK6037 meant to land at 10.25 pm transit to Singapore.

Another from JB AK5840 meant to arrive at 22.05 pm flew to KL. A flight AK6038 leaving to KK at 10.55 pm was cancelled.

Two of MAS flights were also diverted. One was MH2530 arriving from KL at 10.45 pm while MH 2534 from KL expected to arrive at 11.59 were diverted.

A tweet from AirAsia claimed that KIA has been temporarily closed down due to the unfortunate accident.

The latest tweet by @tonyfernandes at 2:18 pm - Good progress on moving plane. Plane should be cleared in 90 mins. We are trying to ensure everyone who wants to go to kuching will go. Good cooperation from MAB and MAS. Thank you

More to come.

Metzelder says: It is a clear reason why you should not choose this budget airline as your preferred airline choice. This incident doesn't cause any causalities but who can guarantee this will not happen again.

Looking back with so many complaints against them, they should really take a chance to restructure them and not just lobbying for new routes from Government.

Secondly based from the article of Sarawak Update, it reflects Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB) is doing a poor job in helping the victims getting out from the airplane and treatment while at arrival hall of so called 'Kuching International Airport'.

I come across a detail report of the past accident happened involving AirAsia.

Its time to check the operations, in detail (WordPress)

These landing mishaps happen far too frequent for this airline. On 19 March 2007, KCH saw flight operation disruptions because of the same problem, by the same airline.

On 9 Nov 2004, AK 106 skidded of the runway during landing at BKI.

Disrupted flight operations took two days to normalise. Disruptions cause a lot money. Especially when an airline’s business is dependent on the minimal turnaround time as one of the KPIs.

KCH, March 2007

Every time these accidents happened, Malaysia Airlines ground handling and engineering are asked to resolve the stranded-aircraft-of-the-runaway. This is because AirAsia has no adequate engineering facility at these airports and the disruptions also adversely affected Malaysia Airlines operations.

Its time for Department of Civil Aviation to go through operations and safety procedures of AirAsia. Too much at stake. Somebody should pay for the losses of business incurred by Malaysia Airlines and Malaysia Airports. Then again AirAsia was reluctant to settle their dues with Malaysia Airports.

Never fly with AirAsia!!

Our capital city, Kuala Lumpur will be boosted with a new tourist attraction with the launch of Kuala Lumpur City Walk, a new tourist hub for Malaysian food and products, is expected to open as soon as next month, after 13 years in the making (never realise that long).


The 450-metre sidewalk is located along a small strip of land that links Jalan P. Ramlee to the connecting road between Jalan Pinang and Jalan Perak. It is surrounded by high-rise office and residential buildings.

There were 50 retail kiosks along the walk and each was between 100 and 300 sq ft in size.

Deputy Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk M. Saravanan visited the walk recently to check the area in place. He also expressed hope that the project is comparable to Bintang Walk which is most happening spots in city

What to check out:
The walk, which featured three themes — Heritage, Contemporary and Future, and would operate from 6am to 3am daily.

There will be selling assortment of local products, souvenir and handicrafts.

> Emporium Grand Cafe The Lounge
Named for its keen attention to detail create an ambience that is influenced by the name and is one of the finest venues that Kuala Lumpur has to offer.

This Lounge and "supper club" idyllic setting for those in search of distinction and quality unsurpassed. Unwind in the extensive lounge with a live Jazz Band in the background and Embracing The Urbanite with cacophony of the Mediterranean crossing all frontiers with taste and verve to match and accompanied by the finest collection of wines and luscious culinary.

In pictures:


Looking for this place, here the map:


Note: This is the first posts of the year, so I keep it short and light for everyone.

Singapore often referred as tiny red dot of South East Asia but with so many attractions, ethnic enclaves, parks and distinctively different atmosphere to explore. Just to name a few, two world-class Integrated Resorts that recently welcomed visitors - Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa (RWS).

The little red dot history started when Singapore's first names can be found in the 3rd century when a Chinese account referred to it as "Pu-luo-chung". Only until the 14th century, when it was given the newer name of Temasek (Sea Town). Singapore's modern-day name was born when a visiting royal prince mistook what a probably a tiger for a lion (lions were not indigenous to the country) that the island was named "Singa Pura" or "Lion City".

Finally time has called for a visit to the republic last weekend. We started our journey by KTMB intercity train (Train no.25 Senandung Sutera) from Seremban. We had sleeper berth for the night journey with fares of RM36.

By 6am, the train reached Johore Bahru Sentral for disembarking passengers and Malaysian Immigration inspection on board. The train proceeded to Woodlands Train Checkpoint for Singapore's CIQ clearance.


The train stopped at Tanjong Pagar station as final stop at around 8am, and we proceed to Tanjong Pagar MRT (first MRT station in Singapore)



Next, we moved to Bugis MRT station where our hostel situated. We booked Footprints Hostel located at Perak Road.


First stop: Chinatown
> Across Chinatown, where heritage and cultural values immerse. One main attraction is The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is a Buddhist temple and museum complex located in the Chinatown district of Singapore. The temple is based on the Tang dynasty architectural style and built to house the tooth relic of the historical Buddha. The whole temple consists of 5-6 level, so take your time.

Admission: Free, but donations are welcomed most.

Chinatown has a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station, called the Chinatown MRT Station, in the middle of Pagoda Street (which is closed to traffic) and serves the vicinity, as well as several public bus routes.

For lunch or whenever you feel need to fill your tummy, do visit Albert Centre Market Food Centre 270 Queen Street, 180270. To read more, click here.

Second stop: VivoCity and Resorts World Sentosa
> Next, we come across to Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), which you can take MRT from Chinatown towards HarbourFront MRT. You will come across VivoCity which is the largest shopping mall in Singapore.

At VivoCity's rooftop, a tall Christmas tree was set up. We proceeded to RWS by Sentosa Express (Monorail) which is same level with VivoCity's rooftop.





Third stop: Merlion Park
On evening, we make a move to City Hall MRT station en route to Merlion Park that is located near Marina Bay, Singapore. We passed through CityLink Mall, an underground mall. Merlion (with the head of a lion and the body of a fish), used as a mascot of Singapore.


Fourth stop: Orchard Road
During the night as in the Christmas month, we went to discover the 'Orchard Road', as I linked it here.

On Sunday, its time to left the "unique" city. Before we leave, we go to shop at vicinity of Bugis, shopping till you drop, name it you will have it. It won't hurt your pocket much!!

In Bugis area (part of city centre), there are handful of shopping malls:
OG Albert Complex, Bugis Street, Iluma and Parco Bugis Junction.

I visited OG and Bugis Street, with crowds flooding the area. Most of malls open by 11am, so time management is important. I advised you to visit the malls after your breakfast and sightseeing around Bugis area.

We left hostel quite early as we are not sure about direction to Golden Mile Complex where we board StarMart Express bus.

I expect  the double dex from StarMart but instead Suasana Edaran  turned up as Suasana Edaran buses that are operated to Singapore are on behalf of Starmart Express as additional buses.

The bus is double decker with the seat configuration of 1-2. Seat pitch is wide with much leg room for taller people and come along with on-board entertainment and seat massage.


Rating: 3.5 out of 5 - I'm satisfied as they kept the whole journey 5 hours and will travel again with them in future.

Accommodation:
This few sites should be helpful for booking a hotel accurately.
> Expedia
> AsiaRooms

This review is all about my 2 days 1 night travel to the Lion City.

For lunch or whenever you feel need to fill your tummy, do visit Albert Centre Market Food Centre 270 Queen Street, 180270.


First one is Angel Horse Teochew Fish Soup. The sweetness and depth of the soup stock is derived from hours of simmering fish bones over a low fire, and not from milk which other stalls use to artificially enhance the flavour of the soup.There's a reason why this stall is so popular, there always seems to be queue. The Sliced Fish Soup ($4 for a medium) is served with silken tofu, tomato, sliced fish, lettuce and garnished with crispy fried onions and seaweed. The fish is unbelievably fresh and smooth. Another attraction is that it serves the unusual combination of salted bean sauce with sliced chili padi, giving the kick but does not overwhelm the delicate freshness of the fish.

But the minus point, I stressed that their customer service is bad, with the aunty serving the food is impolite and brag as she know her stall is famous.


Price: Varies

Angel Horse Teowchew Fish Soup
270 Queen Street, 180270
#01-95 Albert Centre Market Food Centre

Second to be introduced in Albert Food Centre is Teochew Braised Duck - Kway Chap.

At first, Kway Chap is totally unknown to me but mum told me is a Teochew cuisine with duck meat and typical dark soy sauce and others. According to Wikipedia, it is Teochew dish of flat, broad rice sheets in a soup made with dark soy sauce, served with pig offal, braised duck meat, various kinds of beancurd, preserved salted vegetables, and braised hard-boiled eggs.

The queue is unbeatable long as Angel Horse Fish Soup which is just few stalls apart. It serves variety of braised duck meat:- rice, noodles, yam rice, porridge and whole plate.

I give a try on rice and Kway Teow, with a serving of pig offal (internal organs), beancurd and braised egg. Kway Teow come with soup yjat is not too concentrated and the authentic five spices flavour is quite strong which give the soup extra. The Kway Teow used is not the same as Char Kway Teow which is thinner. The flat rice sheets is smooth, and texture is good. I guessed it is hand made by the owner for his stall only.

For the rice, you can see the grain in its shape while the aroma fulfill you appetite to finish the bowl of rice.

You will not satiated to eat again as chili's is provided.

Price: S$2.50 - 12

Teochew Braised Duck - Kway Chap
270 Queen Street, 180270
#01-98 Albert Centre Market Food Centre

Overall Albert Food Centre serves variety of famous local food where it is after renovated and moved back since Dec 2009. But be prepared to clean up the leftovers on tables as the cleaner over there only cleans their identified utensils.

If you don't act on your own, you might have to wait for ages to get the mess off.

Singapore is well regarded around the world as a shopping paradise. It has the ever-famed Orchard Road that has seen great transformation with enhancement done on its streetscape and the opening of new malls.

At these modern shopping temples, you can browse and buy many brands and labels under one roof, and refuel at a huge selection of restaurants and cafes, making it truly "A Great Street".

This year's light-up theme is "A Starlit Christmas", and the road will be lined with star-shaped decorations. Now in its 27th year (my 1st year), Orchard's annual Christmas light-up promises to be bigger and better than before.

Orchard Road received its name from the orchards that used to encompass the area until the early 19th century, when a mysterious disease wiped out the nutmeg plantations. Since this area was surrounded by valleys, floods were also common here.

Lists of malls:

DFS Galleria — This shopping mall located in Scotts Road, it mainly sells luxury item such as Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Hermès, Loewe and Bvlgari.

ION Orchard — ION Orchard opened on July 21, 2009 and houses six double-storey flagship stores of close to 9,000 square feet (840 m2) each, including Prada, Giorgio Armani, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Cartier and Patek Philippe. Its signature glass façade doubles up as a giant media screen as well.


Ngee Ann City — The mall opened in 1993 and is the largest shopping mall in the Orchard Road shopping belt. It houses branded boutiques such as Vacheron Constantin, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Burberry, Loewe and Chanel as well as Japanese department store, Takashimaya. The mall is also home to Southeast Asia's second largest bookstore, Books Kinokuniya.

Wisma Atria — Opened in 1986, it underwent renovation recently with its trademark blue facade replaced with a glass facade. There is a 900 seat food court on the 4th floor which is run by the BreadTalk Group. The mall is directly connected to Orchard station. It stands on the former site of Wisma Indonesia which used to house the Indonesian Embassy.

Plaza Singapura — Located next to the Istana, the mall opened in 1974 with a now defunct Yaohan department store. It was revamped twice, in 1998 and 2003 with the former having a totally revamped now and the latter with a new tenant mix. It houses a Golden Village cineplex, Carrefour and other shops.

Lucky Plaza — A shopping mall that somehow became the main focal point for domestic Filipino workers to meet their friends during their off days. The place is known to be very crowded on Sundays with many shops selling products from the Philippines.

Far East Plaza — Far East Plaza opened in 1982 with a Metro which has since closed down. Popular with students with its cheap fashion items, the plaza is also known for its cheap food outlets. The mall has since undergone renovation.


Mandarin Gallery — Located inside Meritus Mandarin Singapore housing international high-end brands like Y-3, Bape and Hugo Boss.

The Paragon — The Paragon is a high-end shopping mall selling branded items such as brand like Gucci which open flapship store here and Miu Miu, Prada, Coach and Burberry with a Metro department store and a Marks & Spencer store as well. The place also has a Toys 'R' Us and a number of restaurants. It underwent expansion around 2002, taking over the land once occupied by another shopping centre The Promenade. The Promenade was built on the former location of Fitzpatrick's supermarket.



How to go there:
The whole stretch of Orchard Road is served by three different MRT stations - Doby Ghaut Exchange (CC1/NE6/NS24), Orchard (NS22), and Somerset (NS23).

Christmas Light-up
Every Christmas season, Orchard Road and Marina Bay are lit up with stunning electric light displays that blaze through Singapore's prime shopping and entertainment districts. This, combined with the late mall hours put in place during Christmas season, make nighttime shopping in Singapore way more fun.