Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur 25 Dec - 28 Dec 08 Part 1

Started off our Christmas vacation by taking an early morning drive up to Ipoh. We left at 6am to avoid the jam at the Tuas checkpoint. The queue was already snaking way back wehn we arrived at approximately 6.30am. Fortunately due to good control of the situation by the relavant authorities, we cleared Singapore immigration in just 40 minutes. Going through the immigration in Johor Bahru took another half an hour which is pretty good timing overall.

Along the North South highway, we did not take any meals but we did make a few comfort stops. Route was pretty mch straight andt raffic smooth till just before Bidor where traffic came to almost a standstill due to a car breakdown.

After passing the toll booth where we paid RM70 (SGD1 = RM2.38), there were some road works along the highway. We misssed the first turning into Ipoh. Took the second exit into Ipoh and went to Greentown Mall. Had a late lunch in the food court in the basement. Pretty reasonable prices. Had rice and dishes which was quite tasty especially considering that it cost only RM5. You could get a meal for as low as RM3. However, the food was mostly Malay food and if you are adventurous enough, you can get some pretty good deals.

An aquarium in Greentown Mall with a uniquely designed coffee table

Managed to get a pair of ladies sandals for RM10. Members' price was only RM8.90. It was enjoyable in the mall as we saw a store which sold lots of ribbons and laces. They had lots of pretty and attractive wedding favours. Good for couples intending to tie the knot soon to see what is in the market.

Another unique item that we saw is their specially designed biscuits and jellies. Great handiwrok. Biscuits were moulded and coloured to look like mangosteens, strawberries and corn. There were little hats with pretty coloured flowers on, little baskets of flowers, bird's nest with eggs in, bananas, etc... Some were plain biscuits, some had pineapple jam filling and some peanut filling. Even the baskets that the fruits were place in is edible. The jellies were also as colourful and comes in various shapes as well.

The various biscuits shaped into fruits, baskets, flowers and even bird's nest

Fish shaped Kuih Baulu

Various stalls selling handphones and compters could be found besides the Nagoya Textile, a huge textile centre as well as UO Superstore. There is also a shop selling 3D works of art.

3 D art work

Regalodge Hotel, located in the heart of Ipoh City, was where we spent the night. For just RM116 nett, we were given a standard room which comes with complimentary breakfast, complimentary spa facilities voucher for men, 20% discount voucher for foot reflexology, free parking for hotel guests and free broadband access if you want to catch up on some work. If you opt for the standard room without breakfast, it costs just RM106. Along the road, there are a few coffee shops and cafes where you can get some local food like roti canai.

Lobby in Regalodge Hotel

When in Ipoh, the famous Ipoh Hor Fun with Chicken Taugeh is a must-try. A meal for 3 pax including fish and meatball soup and sugar cane drinks cost us RM31. Low Wong Taugeh Ayam Keutiau is the oldest shop in town. However Restoran Ong Kee Taugeh Ayam with two shops, one diagonally opposite and the other just beside Low Wong, is said to be slightly better although it is a hard fight.

Chicken (bottom left) and taugeh or beansprouts (bottom right) at Restoran Ong Kee (top)



After your Ipoh Hor Fun dinner, you can take a walk at the 'night market' nearby and find various items and trinkets at bargain prices.

The night market

Ipoh is famous for its pomeloes as well. We managed to buy some at Lam Fong Biscuit which is near Low Wong. There are two types of pomeloes:- the white flesh which is sweet and the pink flesh which is sweet-sour. A small pomelo sold for RM10 and a slightly bigger one for RM12. Here you can also get some kaya puffs, triangular shaped pastries filled with kaya (egg and coconut jam) for RM1.20 each. However, I did not fancy this as the pastry was soft. Something cute that you can get as gifts especially for kids are the little animal-shaped pastries (similar to baked moon cake pastry) filled with either red bean paste or lotus paste.

Animal shaped pastries

The Ipoh Old Town Coffee is also said to be very good. A pack costs RM13.50. The Ceylon Tea by Denfys is a favourite of my mother-in-law and we were instructed to specifically to go to Guan Heong Biscuit shop at 160 Jalan Sultan Iskandar to get them. Here we were introduced to Chek Hup White Coffee which is supposedly as good as the Old Town Coffee but cheaper due to no advertisements and it being not so popular yet. At Guan Heong, you can also get freshly made pineapple rolls @ RM16 per bottle and prawn rolls @ RM15 per bottle. This shop has been in business for 100 years already and is now run by the third generation, the oldest biscuit shop in Ipoh.

Tried the Reflexology in Regalodge. All the therapists are from China. A one-hour session also includes soaking and washing your feet in warm water, foot reflexology as well as some face and shoulder massage. Also tried the 45 minute acupressure massage which was a good and relaxing experience. Each session cost RM57.50 and you get 20% discount if you produce the hotel voucher. You can even get a free lunch in the hotel cafe with free flow of drinks if you are there between 11am to 2.30pm. For lunch, choose from a few choices including Nasi Goreng Kampung and Ipoh Kwayteow Taugeh Chicken, all cooked Malay style.

Acupressure massage in Reflexology in Regalodge

If you have kids with you on your holiday, a visit to Sunway City The Lost World of Tambun is a must. There are many rides of attraction for the young and not so young. An up and coming attraction is the Kinta RiverFront where they are currently buildig various bridges of reknown over the river.

Shopping in Ipoh can be done at Ipoh Parade where Parksons and Cold Storage are the anchor tenants. There is also Tesco and Jusco where you can shop to your hearts' content.

According to my Ipoh friend, Ipoh is known for its caves. On the way to the North South highway, we passed Kek Lok Tong Caves. As we missed the turning, we did not get to visit it.

Star Cruises 15th Anniversary Cruise 12th – 14th Dec 08

In Christmas mood

This was a special weekend cruise to nowhere on board the Superstar Virgo departing from Singapore. The ship sails every Friday evening for a 3-days, 2 nights cruise to nowhere. Boarding starts from 5.30pm. Porter services are available for those who require them. Passengers check in by producing passports in order to be given a boarding access card which serves as a room key as well as a charge card throughout the duration of the cruise. Go through custom procedures just as you would if you are leaving the country.

The Superstar Virgo - a resort-style cruise vacation

Embarkation photos with various cartoon characters as well as dancers/performers will be taken. You can view them when you are on board at the Photo Gallery. There is no obligation to buy these photos which will be bundled together with key chains and photo frames.

Once on board, you may proceed to any of the restaurants for dinner. Some of the restaurants where you can dine for free include Bella Vista for Western food, Pavillion for Chinese food and Mediterranean Buffet for International food. There are also a la carte restaurants which serve Asian, Italian, Japanese and Indian cuisine. Moderate charges apply. Do take note of the dinner dress code and child restrictions in certain restaurants. On board, you can also find a karaoke, a pub and a disco. If you are game for some great ice cream, just head on down to the Gelato Ice Cream & Juice Café. As this was a celebration, we had a special barbecue with lots of food. The barbecued meats were especially tasty & we couldn’t help but go for seconds.

Dinner Dress Code Juice Bar

The Gelato where you can chill out

As safety is the number 1 priority, a safety drill is conducted before the ship sets sail. Participation is compulsory.

If you had used the porter service, your luggage should have been dropped off outside your cabin once you finish dinner. If you like, you may wash up and change into a more casual wear. Take note of the Star Navigator, a program guide that will list the various activities and information that would be available for the night. Most of the programs and activities are free.

Of course, there are casinos on board for you to invest and try your hand with Lady Luck. However, the casinos, which are of international standard, do not open until the ship is in international waters which would be approximately one hour after the ship starts to sail at 9pm. You can have your choice of roulette, jackpot, blackjack, baccarat and star pontoon amongst the offerings. As Singapore does not have its own casino for the time being, there are many die-hard regulars who go on board almost every weekend.

The Picture House

For the non-gamblers, you can either view some blockbuster movies at Picture House, have a quiet read or surf the internet (chargeable) in the Library, have your hair and nails done at Oscar’s Hair & Beauty Salon or just spend some time in the Apollo Spa and Universal Gym. Here you can make use of the facilities and choose to experience some of the massage services or the foot reflexology. Or you can use the steam room and the sauna. For those who love the outdoors, you can swim, use the Jacuzzi or just sun-tan yourself if the weather is right. To end off the night, you can chill out with some music entertainment if you are not keen to watch ‘A Las Vegas-Styled Topless Revue’.

The Sports Unlimited show at The Lido is a show not to be missed! The amazing Power Duo comprising European and World Champion male gymnasts as well as the aero gymnast are the highlights of the show. You will be awed by the skill and perfect timing, the bedazzling costumes and human acts that defy gravity.

Superstar Virgo sometimes brings in guest artistes. You would need to pay to watch these special guest artistes.

For those who can’t find any activity to keep you occupied, you can always do what most Singaporeans love. Eat… You can have breakfast, followed by morning tea and then lunch. In the afternoon, go for another round of tea, followed by dinner and if your stomach still can accommodate, you can finish off the day with a late-night supper.

Sushi making (left) and dragon beard candy making (right) demonstration

The children are not forgotten. Baby-sitting services is available. A range of activities specially for kids include morning exercise, sushi making demonstration, dragon beard candy making demonstration, Nintendo Wii – Tennis, Captain Charlie’s Chocolate Party, Ice Cream Party and Wall Climbing Amazing Race. The more creative kids loved the construction game and crazy Christmas crafts. Not to be outdone, the kids also had a special Christmas Drama Night Party. It seems that the kids have an even more fun-filled program.

The main pool (left) and the children's pool (right)

Singaporeans can collect their passports on Saturday. However, travel documents for all other passport holders will only be issued on Sunday after Immigration Clearance. Generally this is around 9.30am. You need to vacate your rooms by 9am. Disembarkation begins anytime after 10am depending on the local authorities.

A wide range of suites and staterooms are available to suit all tastes and budtgets. There are basically three types of cabins to choose from:-

• Inside Stateroom (cheapest)
• Window Stateroom (with a fixed window)
• Balcony (most expensive of the three)
  

Balcony room

Of course if you are celebrating a grand occasion and looking for a more luxurious cabin, you can opt for a suite which comes with a personal jacuzzi.

This is a more relaxed, resort-style cruise and allows you to escape the stress of everyday life. Some people view it as a world-class exclusive floating resort on the high seas offering you an array of facilities, entertainment, recreational activities and services coupled with warm Asian hospitality. So if you are looking for a dream vacation, look no further.