BackHome @KL

This is where I stayed last weekend; had wanted to check it out after Acat mentioned it and coincidently it's conveniently located near Central Market, where I could take the bus to Batu Caves.

I actually got lost for about 10 minutes because I exited from the wrong side of the LRT station. Haven't been to this part of KL for ages; it's been almost, what, 20 years? since the last time we used to hang around Kota Raya cos the bus to our college stopped there.

Anyway, moving on...

View of BackHome from the street. It's located at No. 30 Jalan Tun H.S. Lee. Less than 5 minutes walk from LRT Masjid Jamek.

The reception counter; open from 7 am to midnight.

Next to the reception is the lounge area, with TV, free wifi, two desktops for internet, bookshelf. The glass doors open to the al-fresco/airwell area. This is also where self-service breakfast is available in the morning; I didn't have breakfast here though. Coffee and tea is available FOC throughout the day.

This is how the open air area looks like.

402 : a female-only quad room where I was 'upgraded' to for the second night as one of the guests wanted to extend his stay in the mixed dorm and I was the only one who could move out. They write our names in on the door :) so you know which room you're staying in.

My bed in 402. Very very comfortable. No squeaky noises, solid and sturdy as it's purpose built; the top bunk is safe even for big people. My only grouse - no biggie - was that the pillow was too soft for me. Blankets and towels are not provided though, so you can rent them from the reception if you didn't bring any. Oh and if you're a light sleeper, bring your earplugs!

This was my bed in 801.

Each bed has its own power socket to charge your stuff with, reading light/night light, foldable writing 'desk' and lockable compartment. The personal reading light is really nifty as you don't need to switch on the main lights at night and disturb other roommates. All rooms are with air-con, no fan option. A good thing is they don't have what I call the 'air-con curfew' like in some places; you can have it on the whole day.

The lockable cupboard was spacious, it could fit an 85l backpack. And has proper shelves. No hanger rail though. Bring your own padlock or you can rent one from them.

Each room has its own sink and mirror, very convenient.

The other rooms on the first floor.

My favourite feature; the open corridor leading to the common toilets and showers.

It looks down to the open air/airwell area on the ground floor.

Common sink - looks like a trough :)

Toilet and shower stalls.

This is the shower.

You know what this is.

Gents, Ground Floor.

Ladies, Ground Floor.

His and Hers Sinks, Ground Floor.

Guest Book. I forgot to write in it ... duh.

I read somewhere that this kind of design - bare unfinished concrete, exposed brick walls, chalkboard doors, clean lines, starkness - is called 'industrial chic'. Which is really fine by me, though may be not to some people.

By the way, this hostel is owned by Ng Ping Ho. Who's that, you might ask? He's the director for the local English series Kopitiam and Ghost and maybe some other TV series, I am not sure. The pakcik jaga who's on overnight shift (at first he thought I was a Filipina) told me that on some nights Ping Ho will be on duty, and sometimes even Cheryl Samad will man the reception too. If you don't know who she is, never mind :)

For those of you who enjoy quirky budget places, check them out next time you're in KL.

Stay 'Tune-d'

I experienced my first stay in a Tune Hotel while in Kuching last weekend.

I didn't have high expectations knowing that it will be a no-frills, bare minimum set up. Location wise it is perfect. Just opposite of the Hilton entrance, it is also near enough to the Waterfront, and eating places are available all around. I know some shortcuts already :). Scoops is just next door. 7-11 just up the road a bit.

Staff were helpful, friendly and quite efficient - I have no complaints on the services.

The reception counter.

The lobby waiting area; the tour desk on the left and the 'cafe' at the back.

The corridor for rooms on Ground Floor, Lobby level.

The hotel has 4 floors for rooms. I was on 2nd floor.

The lift landing. TV.

I was happy with the room, but I was disappointed with the shower. Floor tiles felt greasy, and wall tiles were yellowish with limescale buildup. Not upset enough though to go down and complain since I was tired. I just wore my flip flops while taking a shower. Not much to say about the power shower, it was alright. Later, on the way out I asked them to clean it the next day as I will be out then.

My room. Tiles, no carpet. Three anti-theft hangers are provided. There is also a safe deposit box in the room. The socket on the wall didn't work, apparently it's like that for the whole hotel? So I had to rely on the only other socket next to the bed.

The control panel, activated with a smart keycard. Shows you the balance of your air con credit. Keycard deposit RM5.00, refundable.

The bed, duvet and pillows were very comfortable. I like!

For RM5.00, you get a towel on loan, soap, shampoo and shower gel packets. Towel deposit RM10.00, refundable.

Filthy shower stall. Notice the black stuff?

Here's a close-up.

Dirty tiles.

The next day in the late afternoon the housekeeping were doing their rounds and I asked them to clean the shower stall again. It was cleaner afterwards, however they can't do much about the mouldy silicone.

Overall, despite the poor first impression, this has not put me off Tune. I'll still stay at another Tune Hotel if the price and location is right. They just need to get the cleanliness standards improved. Upon checkout, they give each guest a feedback form which is a good practice. I hope they take note of my comments.

Altogether I paid about RM150 for 3 nights, inclusive of 36 hours of air con credit (didn't use it all up unfortunately; no refund) and towel + amenities set. Good value, considering it's peak season due to RWMF.

I've made another 2 future bookings in other properties - stay Tuned :)

Twelve Things in Singapore..And Maybe Then Some

Spent the last 4 days down in the Lion City, Singapore.

And right now I am in Kuching for the RWMF; decided to bring my laptop this time to catch up with updating my blogs which I have deliberately not done while I was away :)

Singapore - affectionately known as SG, Sings, Singers etc - did not disappoint, and did not impress me that much either.

Having made no specific plans prior, I planned each day only after having my breakfast at the hostel I stayed-in in Little India.

A wobbly pic of my bunk bed at the InnCrowd Backpackers Hostel 2, at 73 Dunlop Street.

What I did :

(i) Got my fortune told twice.

The first was by this Indian man and his parrot (budgies?) along Serangoon Road. I got the Lord Murugan card, which is supposed to be good. Things are supposedly not too smooth for me, however eventually all will turn out well, and I will need take care of my health. And if I wanted to emigrate, South and East are my best options. Huh?

My fortune card with Lord Murugan.

The second time was at the Kwan Im Temple at Albert Mall. You know, the one where you burn the jossticks first, then get a canister full of sticks and you shake them till one stick falls out? I got No. 41, which is Bad. Bottomline : Be Alert. Don't assume all that seems to be good, is actually good.

(ii) Did the Sentosa Island bit via monorail S$3.

Was advised against spending S$19 for the cable car as there is no view right now save for a massive construction site, for the Resorts World Sentosa due to open 2010. It didn't even look half ready so I think it'll be behind schedule unless there is a miracle.

Very Gaudi-like, I thought.

Did the Merlion Tour and Walk. Then it rained so I left earlier than planned.

(iii) Orchard Road

Yupp, this is where my heart broke into pieces. Because I realised that I have lost my shopping skills and enthusiasm. I just could not buy any thing till the 3rd day. Anyway, I am proud that I didn't just give in to senseless buying. The Great Singapore Sale (GSS) isn't great at all, after all.

Also went to VivoCity, Raffles City, Bugis Junction etc. They all look the same after a while.

Shopahalics of the World United.

Wall decor at Bugis Junction.

Tired feet: sat on the steps in front of Paragon :) and watched the shopper-warriors stomp by with their LVs and Pradas.

Tip : If your feet and calves are sore after too much retail therapy, stop by the SVC for a free massage on the OSIM chair. I like this service!

(iv) Little India and Chinatown

Ventured and explored on foot.

A quiet morning in Little India Arcade.

Sign in Chinatown :)

(v) Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay

I like this place. Wish we had something like this in KK. A mini-version would do for the appreciation of arts and culture.

An exhibition was on, titled I Love You, by an Indonesian artist Arahmaiaani.

The simple commemorative plaque.

(vi) National Library

There was a photo exhibition on - fantastic pictures of inmates at Surya Home and SunLove Home.

I love this place because it's modern, airy and spacious. Why can't we have libraries like that in Malaysia?

(vii) The Merlion

A must? For a photo-op, I agree :)

Posing in the hot mid day sun :P

(viii) Ice cream from street vendor

I had it once at the Bay and then at Orchard Road in front of Wisma Atria. Red Bean on wafer for S$1. Yummy on a hot sunny day.

(ix) Ate.

Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, Malay cuisines, in the spirit of muhibbah.

(x) Tried the bus service

Rode on the bus twice. Got someone to explain to me how to read the schedule and fare tables.

(xi) Foot, Back and Shoulder Massage

Chinatown. Comparably pricey, but good. My shoulders and back were hurting and I needed a relief. My feet were also killing me by Day 3 as I walked an average of 10 km per day.

(xii) Mustafa Centre - 24 hours shopping

I heard about this place from Ian Wright on Globe Trekker. On Saturday night after a late dinner on arrival at the hostel, I decided to take a walk which took about 10 minutes. People were in a shopping frenzy! I thought the place was buzzing like it was day time rush hour, cramped and really confusing. I think it's a serious fire hazard, exits are not clearly visible and the whole place feels like an intricate maze. I can't imagine how in Singapore this is ever approved.

What I deliberately chose not to do due to budget constraints:

(i) The Zoo and Night Safari things.

(ii) The Singapore Flyer - I wanted to try this out, but the weather was bad so I cancelled this plan.

(iii) The Jerudong Jurong Bird Park. (Thanks for pointing this out, Tuty! Haha, I got mixed up. Duh.)

(iv) The Hop-On Hop-Off Tours.

I will try to post some pics later as Blogger is not very co-operative right now. (Updated)

So, is Singapore a sterile, boring, over-rated destination?

I'm still debating on that.

Down in Turtle Land of No Turtles

The weekend was spent at Kampung Sawangan, Kuala Penyu. I woke early Saturday morning and took the 7:30 am bus from KK terminal to Menumbok, where I had arranged to meet with the sidekick.

The penyu roundabout. I am still not convinced the town got its name from turtles. The only turtles I saw were these.

Hot hot sunny weather. Arrived in Menumbok at a minute before 10:00 am. I was sorry to leave the bus as the onboard movie had yet to end; they were showing PotC : Dead Man's Chest. Yupp, nothing like watching Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom first thing in the morning :)

We left Menumbok after a quick drink and headed to KP. This is where we stayed:

Signage.

Our little lodge.

The owner plants various local vegetables in the backyard. We took some belimbing besi to make a simple appetiser.

There is a common kitchen just outside in the main house that is occupied by the owners. We decided to have BBQ for dinner instead. Arriving early afternoon we quickly settled in, had yummy pulut panggang bought in Menumbok for lunch, and took a nap. Easily fell asleep lulled by the sea breeze. Late afternoon was spent at the beach - bathing, seashell collecting, walking - till almost sunset. No pics though as I didn't bring the camera along. The beach was deserted save for one or two fishermen at the other end.

The seabed was rocky in some parts, sandy in some parts. Shame there's debris here and there on the beach. Well, at least the water quality was good and quite clear.

The common kitchen.

Dinner.. and er, drinks.

Supper.

Hammock. For me, the symbol of an unhurried life.

And of course I tried it out.

The next morning, after breakfast we went for a beach walk again however it was really hot and humid so bathing was out of the question. Back at the lodge, took a nap as it was nice and breezy. I read my book and managed to finish it. Decided to make an early move so we packed and left just after noon.

Reached KP town, I went walking around the shops while waiting for the ferry.

Soon, old shophouses like these will be sadly gone.

The only shops open in this row at that time were 2 sundry shops and a billiard saloon. I peeked behind the back of the shops and saw that the families still lived there, saw some ancestral altars and modest living arrangements on the ground floor. Furniture from 50-60 years ago I think.

I decided to forego the ferry and took a shuttle boat instead for 50 sen. It takes less than a minute to the other side,while the ferry takes about 7-8 minutes.

The ferry. Free of charge, can you believe it. Operates from 5:30 am to 9:30 pm daily. Takes about 6-8 cars per trip, depending on size.

The shuttle boat I was on.

I paid 40 sen as I didn't have exact change.

It was unmanned anyway. The horrible thought of not paying

did go through my mind very briefly, but I couldn't do it.

Wooden kampung house on stilts in Kg Palu-Palu.

I love it when they have a lot of plants and flowers,

no matter what the setting may be.

One of the small, almost hidden roads in Purun.

A peek at Binsulok Training Centre.

Brown selipar shot :)

I collected some nice seashells at the beach just before Binsulok. Then, we made a quick swing by Binsulok Training Centre, then the Borneo Golf Resort at Bongawan, then straight ahead to Papar, stopped by Beringgis for a late lunch and reached home at about 5 pm.

One of those lazy, do-nothing weekend; next time, another new place beckons.