Malaysia Shopping Day Trip 20th Jan 2010

Since a few months back, Mother had wanted to go Malaysia shopping. However due to unforeseen circumstances, she had undergone an operation and was not in the mood to go into Malaysia for some Tesco shopping. Since she was feeling slightly better today, we decided to drive into Malaysia and check out the Chinese New Year goodies as well.

Leaving Mother’s place around 1130 hrs, we made our way to Tuas checkpoint and was on the look out for a petrol station to top up petrol so that we would not be flouting the ¾ tank rule for Singapore registered vehicles. Alas, we did not come across any on the way to Tuas checkpoint and upon reaching the Second Link, we had to make a U-turn back into Singapore to find a petrol station. That set us back for more than ½ hour.

By the time we reached Tuas checkpoint and cleared both Customs and Immigration on both sides of the Causeway, it was 1230 hrs.

Getting into Malaysia's Sultan Abu Bakar's Complex 

 

Adhere to the correct lane

Coast is clear with no queue at all

We decided to head for Tesco in Kulai as we had seen both Tesco and Giant hypermarkets when we passed Kulai previously. Using our Garmin global positioning system to direct the way, it took us about twenty minutes to reach our destination, Tesco in Kulai. It was a straight road with little traffic. Since it was almost 1300 hrs, we were looking out for a good place to eat.

 Straight road with almost no traffic

Not having eaten there for lunch or dinner before, we were not too sure where to eat. However, as we were following directions from our Garmin global positioning system, we saw a sign for Ji Guan Restaurant and realized that it was just next to our destination, Tesco.

Kulai exit 252

Can't miss the Tesco sign 

In fact, heading to Kulai from Singapore via the North South highway is very simple. The moment you see the Kulai exit 252, you will pass the Kulai Toll and just head straight all the way in. You will see signs to Ji Guan Restaurant and Tesco on your left at the T-junction.

Going to Kulai via the North South highway, you will pass by 3 tolls. Toll charges were RM10.80 (USD3.20), RM3.90 (USD1.15) and RM1.60 (USD0.45) respectively.

Ji Guan Restaurant


Deciding to give Ji Guan Restaurant a try, we parked at the huge parking lot and made our way to the Restaurant. Although it was 1300 hrs, which is lunchtime, it was quite empty. We ordered a few dishes including steamed live fish, sesame chicken, a vegetable and a soup. The quality of the food was good and we fully enjoyed the fish soup as well as the steamed fish.

                                                                       Ji Guan Restaurant











Very tasty soup

Fresh steamed fish

Vegetables

Chicken

 Delightful lunch at Ji Guan Restaurant

Overall the lunch cost us RM125(USD36.70) for four of us. The fish alone cost RM60 (USD17.60).  If you do not wish to spend too much, then go without the fresh seafood.  This is definitely a great place to eat and you can enjoy the food. We were given a complimentary plate of fruits comprising pineapple and watermelons which were very sweet.

Next we headed next door to Tesco to start our shopping in Malaysia. Parking in Tesco Kulai is free and you get a good variety of goods here. Before even going into Tesco hypermarket, we had already started shopping at the various shops along the walkway and bought some clothes and Chinese New Year stickers.

Chinese New Year decorations

More Chinese New Year decorations

Even Chinese New Year plants on sale

Shopping

                                                         Lots of shopping available

Once we hit Tesco hypermarket, we were thrilled to find a t-shirt with all the $$$ signs on it. Mother bought a total of 13 such t-shirts to give the children and spouses for Chinese New Year. (Yippee! I have $$$)

As we walked along the aisle, Mother was happily reaching out for items from her wheelchair and putting them into the trolley. We managed to do some heavy shopping and bought some Chinese New Year goodies as well.

Purchases from our shopping spree! 

After walking for a few hours, we went to the food court and were looking forward for some yoghurt. Sadly we were informed that the machine was out of order. Thus we tried the Kiko ice at the next kiosk. Made of shaved ice and at RM3.50 (USD1.00) a cup, it was a nice way to keep cool.

Mother then bought her favourite kuih bahulu (small sponge cakes) before we were ready to head back to Singapore. Leaving Tesco at 1630 hrs, it was another smooth journey back to the North South highway and back to Singapore. There was no need to use our Garmin global positioning system as it was a straight road.

Smiling all the way...

Thank you for shopping at Tesco

Mother enjoyed her day out at Tesco shopping and was already looking forward to her next Malaysia shopping trip.  Returning back to Singapore via the Second Link at Tuas Checkpoint was also a breeze.  As can be seen from the picture, there were no queues as well as we headed back to Singapore.

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