This morning, we checked out at 0940 hrs. Using one of the self check-out kiosks available to do the check out, we found that it was a very simple process. No hassles and no need to queue. It was indeed a great time-saver. In addition, there was a staff on hand to handle problems if any. All we had to do was insert the keycard into the slot and the process was done. In essence, the check-out was completed in a split second! It was so simple, easy and convenient. Highly recommended!
Self check-out kiosk
After placing our luggage in the car boot, we made our way to Casino do Genting in Highlands Hotel bypassing First World Plaza. Most of the stalls, shops and even the indoor Theme park were not open yet at that hour. As there was no crowd, we could see the Christmas stalls clearly. We were expecting to see some Chinese New Y ear decoration since Chinese New Year is just about a month away. Disappointingly there were none.
Instead we saw Christmas stalls and Christmas decorations.
Christmas decorationsOne of the Christmas stalls
First World PlazaChristmas Fair
Christmas flowersWe spent a few hours in the casino at this casino resort where the Chinese New Year decoration was being put up. Whilst whiling away our time and having fun at the jackpot machines, we were also earning some Genting Points with our Genting WorldCard which could be used to redeem for complimentary rooms or meals in Genting Hotel.
Genting WorldCardEarn a FREE Room
Lovely highlands flowers
Enjoying the cool weather in Genting HighlandsAnd the scenery
Making our way down from this beautiful 150C (590F) weather at 12 noon, we stopped by Gohtong Jaya, the main township in Genting Highlands, to have lunch. Gohtong Jaya is named after the tycoon founder of Genting Highlands, Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong.
On the way down to Gohtong JayaGohtong Jaya town
For lunch, we tried the nasi lemak (coconut rice) and roti canai telur (Indian flatbread with egg) at Restoran Nasi Kandar Genting. The chilli for the nasi lemak was nice and spicy although a little on the sweet side. At RM2 (USD0.60) a packet, it was a filling meal. The roti canai tasted good as well except that they provided a different type of curry from the usual that we were used to. However, we specially requested for the fish curry which they accommodated willingly. The roti canai telur cost RM2 each and went very well with the fish curry.
Restoran Nasi Kandar Genting
Nasi lemak 
Roti canai telur with accompanimentOn the way back to Singapore, we stopped by Kuala Lumpur to meet a warrior friend of ours Edwin. Our meeting point was Secret Recipe in Sri Petaling. Here we were introduced to another warrior Gina. We had a great time and also enjoyed the durian cheese cake as well as the hazelnut cheese cake.
Durian cheese cakeHazelnut cheese cake
With our warrior friends Edwin (2nd from left) and Gina (extreme right)Holiday Travel Tips:-
From 1500 – 1800 hrs, you can order a piece of cake at Secret Recipe in Malaysia, and it comes with a complimentary cup of coffee/tea. Waster is chargeable at RM0.50 (USD0.15) and you are welcome to sit as long as you like and also enjoy the free wifi access.
We started our journey back to Singapore at 1810 hrs. Instead of heading straight back to Singapore, we made a detour and dropped by Malacca. After Malacca Mahkota Raya where we ran some errands, we parked at the public car park in front of Dataran Pahlawan Shopping Centre which is located diagonally in front of Equatorial Hotel. Parking here costs RM3 (USD0.80) per entry.
Holiday Travel Tips:-
It is worth parking here if you are going to be spending a few hours running errands, eating or plain shopping in Malaysia. If not, it might serve you better to park at the car parks utilizing car park coupons where you can get hourly parking.
On the way to Dataran Pahlawan Shopping Centre, we saw a sign indicating that Restoran San Shu Gong was just 100 metres away. Upon reaching Dataran Pahlawan, we actively looked for San Shu Gong, which is famous for their local Malaysian food and delicacies. Fortunately for us, we managed to locate it at one corner of Dataran Pahlawan Shopping Centre, away from Equatorial Hotel. Whilst trying to locate San Shu Gong, we came across Chinese New Year decorations to usher in blessings and prosperity for the Spring Festival. It is a great time for Gong Xi Fa Cai.
Dataran Pahlawan Shopping CentreChinese New Year decorations
Dataran Pahlawan Shopping Centre ushering in the Spring FestivalMore Chinese New Year decorations
- Gong Xi Fa Cai (Blessings of Prosperity)
The stage with Chinese New Year decorationsSpring Festival decorations at the concourse
All the while when we are up in Malacca, we would specially make a trip to Jonker Street just to buy products from San Shu Gong. Never did we realize that they had a branch in Dataran Pahlawan Shopping Centre. It is much more convenient here if you prefer the air-conditioned environment and you do not need to jostle your way amongst the crowds at Jonker Street.
San Shu Gong 
Traditional shop selling Malaysian products
Some of their specialities include the 'beh teh sor' (马蹄酥) which is hand made and cooked in a traditional clay oven and durian cendol (mixture of blended ice with red beans served with gula melaka (brown sugar) )
Beh teh sorDurian Cendol
Next we headed to Big Apple Donuts & Coffee, a donut franchise, to purchase some donuts for the family back in Singapore. We saw a sign “buy coffee/tea and enjoy a donut”. Upon checking with the staff, we decided to purchase a drink and enjoy the free donut.
FREE donut, anyone? 
At the same time, every purchase of RM25 (USD7.30) and above entitles you to a 2010 diary. This was indeed good news. We gladly made our purchase of a dozen donuts @ RM23 (USD6.70) and added an iced apple tea that cost RM4.50 (USD1.30) to enjoy the free donut as well as the 2010 diary. There was a bonus with the diary with the inclusion of six vouchers where offers could be used on a bi-monthly basis.
The diary and the vouchers 
The box of a dozen donutsYummy yummy...
Leaving Malacca at 2130 hrs, we stopped by Pagoh to refuel and again at Gelang Patah just before entering Singapore through the Second Link at Tuas Checkpoint.
Refueling and taking the opportunity to clean the windscreen as well after hundreds of kilometers on the Malaysian roadsIt was a breeze going through customs and immigration just after midnight and we were blessed to enjoy a smooth Malacca Singapore journey.
It has been a great and wonderful highlands holiday made more memorable by the French themed resort in Berjaya Hills and the crisp cool mountain air in Genting Highlands resort. Although we did not get much Malaysia shopping done, we at least managed to indulge in some delicious Malaysian food. We also managed to catch sight of some beautiful Chinese New Year decoration to usher in the Spring Festival, an important time for the Chinese where everyone would go around wishing each other ‘Gong Xi Fa Cai’.
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