Legoland Malaysia's Giant Painting and Christmas Promo 2014

In conjunction with World Children's Day, Legoland Malaysia Resort and Wall's Paddle Pop collaborated to break the record for the biggest painting assembled by children under Malaysia Book of Records.

Read More

Information and Reminder: Niah National Park for the Niah Caves

I admit that although the Niah National Park isn't well developed for tourists just yet, it is one of the most amazing experiences I ever had. Your adventurous spirit will surely kick in once you are inside but a few reminders and information won't hurt as you embark on this memorable experience.

Read More

Niah National Park - Niah Cave Experience, Miri Malaysia [Part 2]

This is the part 2 of my Niah Cave experience. To go to part 1, go to:
http://cheftonio.blogspot.com/2014/02/niah-caves-national-park-miri-malaysia-part1.html

Read More

Niah National Park - Niah Cave Experience, Miri Malaysia [Part 1]

Miri is the second largest city in northern Sarawak, Malaysia with a population of about 360,000. This city is also the birthplace of Malaysia's petroleium industry. Petroleum still remains the major industry  of the city. Also known as the northern gateway to Sarawak which is one of the state's most important tourist attractions, Miri is surrounded by five world-class national parks -- Mount Mulu, Niah, Lambir Hills, Loagan Bunut and Miri-Sibuti Coral Reef National Park.

Read More

8 Things You Need to Know About Miri, Malaysia

This year has been a year of surprises, even in terms of traveling! I've had trips that were planned just 2 weeks or less before the actual trip and this is one of them. After being informed that I'm flying to Miri, I searched Google images for Miri, Malaysia. The first image I saw was the photo of the pinnacles (photo below). Basing it on that image, I expected that this place will more or less be about eco-tourism. To spoil it to you first, we didn't go to the pinnacles because I'm still not fit enough for that trek. We did go elsewhere and still had fun in Miri.

Read More

AirAsia Now Flies Direct from Manila to Miri, Malaysia

Me and my sister were two of the many people who flew with AirAsia on their inaugural flight from Manila to Miri, Malaysia. Before, AirAsia flew from Clark. Now, they use NAIA Terminal 4 (the old domestic airport) which is a good thing because it is nearer. If you're planning for a trip to Miri, Malaysia, check out this other post I made: 8 Things You Need to Know About Miri, Malaysia

Read More

AirAsia Zest with HotMeals - The Right Way to Fly!

I'm not a frequent traveler like others but I do fly a number of times a year. Like this year, I flew a total of 16 times to different places and most of us will find two things very important when flying. The airport and the airline service. You can't do much on the first one because you have to live with what's available but you have options on which airline to take. It's very crucial that the experience in both the airport and from the airline is good because it can make or break your entire trip.

Read More

Legoland Malaysia [Photos]

I took a lot of photos when I went to Legoland last month. If you've read my blog about it (here: http://cheftonio.blogspot.com/2013/11/Legoland-Malaysia-What-to-expect.html), you'll know that it was very hot when we were in Miniland! Let me share with you some photos that I took in the comfort of wherever you are right now. :)

(This is the only photo I didn't take in this entire post. Got it from Wikipedia)

Read More

Legoland Malaysia: Personal Experience and What to Expect

Legoland Malaysia is the first theme park of its kind to open in Asia. Located at Johor Baru, this place is actually nearer when coming from Singapore as it only takes around 2 hours of travel including immigration as compared to coming from Kuala Lumpur where it takes around 4-5 hours depending on the traffic situation. (Here's our travel experience from Singapore to Legoland Malaysia: http://cheftonio.blogspot.com/2013/11/newsbits-singapore-to-legoland-malaysia.html)

Read More

Newsbits: Singapore to Legoland Malaysia via WTS Travel Bus

In our recent Singapore trip, we had the chance to go to Legoland Malaysia. Since Legoland was located at Johor, it is nearer when you will be coming from Singapore. We chose WTS Travel as our transport to and fro Legoland. 

WTS Bus (Photo Taken from their site)

Read More

Passport Renewal Process in the Philippines - Step By Step Guide with Map inside DFA Aseana

Old Philippine Passports

Earlier today, I had my passport renewed. It's been awhile since I did this and the last time was still in the old DFA building along Roxas Boulevard. I didn't know what to expect and same with many people renewing their passports, they just ask the guards and go with the flow. Well, I'd like to give you an idea and a brief overview of what to expect, where to go and some basic information when renewing your passport here in Department of Foreign Affairs Aseana Building along Macapagal.

Read More

A Seasonal Guide to Travelling in Europe

As an international traveler, planning a trip to Europe can be intimidating at first. International flights can be expensive and once you’re there, with everything is so close together, you won’t settle for visiting a single city. The challenge deciphering the best deals and fastest connections between destinations has plagued travelers for years but the travel industry has finally caught on and new services like GoEuro are endeavoring to make planning a breeze.

The next hurdle is choosing the best time of year to go. Simultaneously securing the best airfare deals and the best weather can seem impossible so here’s a helpful guide to enjoying Europe throughout the seasons.

Read More

Paris, France: One of the Must Go Back Places

Our final destination in our Cosmos tour was Paris. Since the tour proper of Wonders of Europe for Paris is only for 2 days, we decided to extend our stay here instead of going back to London. First thing I noticed about this city is that the streets were full of cars! This was perhaps one of the most congested cities in Europe compared to the other cities we've been to (other than Rome). Most streets have vehicles parked in them and almost 80% of them were small cars and this was because in Paris, there are a lot of small alleys and its difficult to roam around when you have a bigger car. 

Tourist Attractions that We Went to in Paris:

The Louvre - This is considered to be the largest museum that I have been to. According to our local tour guide, if you will be checking the artworks in Louvre one by one, spending 20-30 second each, you at least need to stay for a couple of months to be able to complete them! I remember when we went there, the place was really packed with people and we could barely take a close look at Mona Lisa without squeezing ourselves in with the rest of the tourists!

Louvre underground

Versailles - one of the grandest palace that I have ever seen in my entire life! Growing up in Asia, the only grand palace that I have been to was Forbidden City in Beijing, China. Versailles is very much different in terms of design, materials and the era it was built in. The gates and the gardens itself defines what grandeur is. No wonder French people led a revolution against King Louis XVI and Mary Antoinette! 

Gates of Grandeur

Garden full of flowers at the back of Versailles

Another garden below the Palace

Avenue de Champs-Elysees - is considered to be the most famous Avenue in Paris and also in the world. This is probably because this Avenue houses not only the prime retails brands in Paris but also the famous French Monuments like Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde. For Louis Vuitton lovers, this is the avenue that you should be heading to as Champs Elysees houses the largest and most successful LV Store in the world (according to Wikipedia.)

The busy Avenue de Champs Elysees with Arc de Triomphe at the far end

Place de la Concorde

Notre Dame Cathedral - This became famous to most of us because of Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame. More than the movie itself, physically seeing the Gothic Architecture and the complex design of this cathedral allows you to appreciate it even more. After you tour inside, do take note of the gargoyles and the flying buttresses at the exterior portion of the cathedral. Considering that it was built during the 1300's, it's really one beautiful architecture that people admire and appreciate even to date.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Eiffel Tower - A symbol of Paris and one of the first observation decks around the world. What makes this different is that compared to the other observation decks, this is made of iron inside-out. This is one of the key structures that every tourist goes and takes a photo with when they visit Paris. We didn't get the chance to go up Eiffel Tower because one of their elevators was broken during the time of our visit and the queue (even for taking the stairs) was really long - which is why Paris is in my "Must go back" list of cities!

World-Famous Eiffel Tower

Arc de Triomphe - It was made to honor those people who fought and died during the French Revolution. Underneath the Arc was the Tomb of an 'Unknown Soldier' that was added on 1921. This famous arc is older than Eiffel Tower and it also serves as an observation deck on top. I remember my mom telling me that it's complicated to go to the arc but don't worry because there is a underground crossing for people who wants to cross to the arc. DO NOT attempt to cross on the traffic circle as it is extremely dangerous!

Arc de Triomphe

Memories, memories! I'd love to go back to this city in the future if God permits! :) Share with us your favorite Paris attraction too in the comment section! We'd love to hear from you.

Below are other articles that we have on Europe:

Throwback Thursday: Europe Photos

Walking Around London

All About Belgium

Lucerne, Switzerland

Switzerland on the Second Day

Rome & Vatican: Where History Becomes Alive

Venice Sights and Scenes

Paris Shopping & Tax Refund System

Bologna Sandwich & Haribo Gummies

Paris: A Must Go Back City In Europe

LaNnA
PS. Liked the post? Subscribe to my blog by typing in your email below. You'll get my posts in your inbox via email.

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

-->

Read More

Family Lunch at Din Tai Fung, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

Since we only had light breakfast and had a lot of walking in the Harbour City, we decided to eat lunch earlier so we could have a relaxing stroll along Tsim Sha Tsui area before we head to the airport. We decided to go back to Silvercord Just across Ocean Termical since we were planning to check on H&M after lunch. Din Tai Fung had just opened a few minutes earlier and was just starting to accommodate diners into the restaurant. We hurriedly queued up and we were blessed as we got the last round table good for 6. Because we were one of the last people to be seated, our table was located at the far end of the restaurant near the kitchen. Since it was all our first time, it was actually a good thing because I got to peek at orders of other diners as we passed through their tables.

After we were seated, We were given the menu which includes an order sheet and a pencil so we could mark our orders to be submitted to the kitchen for preparation. Self-order cards is actually a good practice in Hong Kong (especially for those establishments that has a fast turn-over of guests and huge headcount) because guests need not to be attended to all at the same time by the wait staff and also to avoid misunderstanding of orders as some staff may not be well-versed in English. Order sheets are in Chinese with its corresponding English translation. 

Other than the menu, there is also this card that teaches you how to eat Xiao Long Bao properly. 

Because Din Tai Fung is famous for XLPs, they teach everyone how they should handle the XLP to prevent bursting it's skin and for diners to fully enjoy the soup inside.  

It didn't take long for our orders to be served, we ordered the following:

Although it's a bit spicy, this appetizer is really good. Almost all tables ordered this dish before they started their main meal.

One of the highlights of our meal was Xiao Long Bao and we really loved how they prepared it. The skin is thick enough to hold the yummy soup but not too thick to overpower the meat inside. You could also taste that the meat is freshly made. They do have a various kinds of XLP but we decided to try Shrimp Dumplings for a change. The combination of Luffa (aka Chinese okra) with Shrimp was good and we got to enjoy it very much.

Our first fried rice - Shrimp. Normal fried rice for me, except that they didn't chop the shrimps probably to show diners that genuine and good quality shrimps are used in the preparation of this dish. 

On our second fried rice, we chose the ordinary egg fried rice with deep-fried pork chop. There was nothing much special about this dish except that the meat in the pork chop was good as there was not much fat. 

Our last but definitely one of the best dimsum - Steamed glutinous rice with pork shao-mai. I'm not much of a sticky rice fan but I had my second piece because it was just so good! Perfect combination of pork and sticky rice.

Below is the complete menu of Din Tai Fung. If you could notice, they have a vast selection of food and for easier ordering, they made separate tabs to group them together per same category/kind. In addition, they also placed an icon just beside the name so that diners would know the key ingredients of the said dish.

Cold Dishes Tab

Xiao Long Bao Tab

Steamed Dumpling Tab

 

Buns and Glutinous Rice Buns

Soup

Wonton Tab

Specialty Hot Dishes Tab

 

Vegetable Tab

 

Dry Noodles Tab

 

Noodle Soup

 

Fried Rice Menu

 

Desserts

Fruit Dessert

Beverages

They do have gift sets that you can purchase as pasalubongs!

Din Tai Fung is located inside Silvercord

20 Canton Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui

LaNnA
PS. Liked the post? Subscribe to my blog by typing in your email below. You'll get my posts in your inbox via email.

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

-->

Read More