My First Preview of a Hotel - Legend Hotel Kuala Lumpur

The whole nation was preparing on the epicenter of the action happening in Kuala Lumpur (KL), the capital of Malaysia. Yes, when I was in the city, Malaysia will be celebrating a Merdeka Jubilee of 50 years. I stayed at Legend Hotel, Crest Room which is strategically located in the centre of KL, in the heart of its commercial and financial districts. It stands adjacent to a huge shopping complex, The Mall and across the Putra World Trade Centre convention complex. As a corporate traveller, I find the well equipped Business Centre offers a comprehensive range of services. Just before I settle the day, I did lite shopping at the mall next door without hassle and any concern of my security and safety. My three mornings were graced with sumptuous and multi ethnic breakfasts at Di-Atas Brasserie. From the balcony at 16 th floor, I could visualise the Kuala Lumpur skyline including KLCC twin tower. The scenery is breathtaking. Not forgetting the huge standard room which is well equipped. I guess the hotel is suited for leisure, business and convention.

Best Coffee in Malaysia, my hometown Kluang

When in Kluang forget about cappucino, mocha, expresso or any other type of coffee. My favourite hang out place, Kluang Rail Coffee's specialty is its brewed homemade coffee. During my childhood days, I was raised in the neighbourhood at Jalan Omar. It is one place where a discerning coffee drinker could taste real coffee. Its reputation for the best coffee has kept the premise which was located at Kluang Railway Station canteen, muscle up since it opened its doors in 1938. The brown and cream colour timber structure is a reminiscence of colonial architecture which blends with the railway station of 90 years. Looking at the long queue and crowds of patrons sipping their hot coffee while reading their papers, it is obvious that business has not slowed down.

Tastefully decorated with nostalgic pictures, magazines and paper clippings on the wall, the coffeeshop is a place for a cuppa. It can accomodate more than 100 people but back by fast service. I love to savour its toasted or steamed bun with homemade thick and rich kaya.... The toast is crispy on the outside and soft inside with slabs of butter. Another favourite is the nasi lemak (rice cook in coconut milk) with lovely sambal (chilli with shrimp paste) wrapped in banana leaves, mee siam (rice vermicilli), currypuff and ever wonder... even the half boiled eggs taste superb. The aroma of ground coffee is so strong that it hits you when a cup is placed in front of you. Besides the shop also sell ready made coffee, grounded coffee beans in packets at RM8 per pack and kaya at RM3.50 per container.

If you are lucky, you could see express trains stop by while savouring your cuppa. Some passangers took the opportunity on the 2 minutes stop to order take-away coffee. Born and raised in an area where train halt, I have always been fascinated with the romance of chucking locomotives and shunting coaches. They were music to my ears which I don't get to hear any longer these days.

Customers who walk into Kluang Rail Coffee always leave the cafe with satisfied look on their faces. Many regular patrons drop by before they start the day to jumpstart their days.....The special taste and aroma just wakes you up. Some people would just travel many kilometers to satisfy their cravings. When there was not much option then, my cousin did travel from Kuala Lumpur to have a cuppa. Amazing!!! There have been many attractive branches and other coffee outlets but to my family, friends and me, there is nothing like Kluang Rail Coffee which is located at the railway station. Even the other new Kluang Rail Coffee could't beat it. They have other branches at One Utama, Ikano, Tesco, Ampang, Tesco Malacca, Taman Istana in Ipoh, Kotaraya, Johor Bahru and latest in the club is Jalan Manggis, Kluang.

Traditional Bread Making in Johor Bahru

I love experiencing the sights and feel the vibes as I walk down in Johor Bahru street down memory lane. Johor Bahru is the capital of Johor state in Peninsular Malaysia. In the midst of modern Johor Bahru and sprouting new bakeries, stash in a Jalan Trus is a traditional bread making shop. The bakery which use firewoods to bake releases aromatic smell of freshly baked fluffy and crispy breads which flatter the tastebud. Walking down the street wouldn't resist your temptation to try the loafs. Apart from traditional loafs, there are numerous varieties namely red bean bun, kaya bun and otak-otak buns. It combines traditional elements of breadmaking and the varieties currently in demand. The bread makes a delightful snacks if pair with piping hot cup of traditional coffee which will leave lingering cravings. Have a bite !!!

Gunung Lambak, my Favourite Retreat

My favourite passtime is venturing into one of world's oldest rainforest, Gunung (Mountain) Lambak, which is 8 minutes drive from my home. This recreational forest is my favourite spot which is located 3 km from Kluang town, Johor and has two mountain peaks of 1,200 meters each and covered with lucious rainforest. It provides exciting challenge as I love seeking hardcore adventure..... It's just in my blood. Immersing myself in the forest evokes all kinds of peacefulness as I delve into the ravines, spring water and slippery rocky mountains which demanded stamina and heavy undergrowth area while enthrail by the floral and fauna. The challenges just build my fighting spirit in my daily life. The serene and unspoilt environment is a far cry from the fascinating extreme life of busy and bustling Johor Bahru where I work. Almost every weekend I look forward to capture the peak and fancy the enchanting tropical rainforest. Sometimes, when I get edgy in life, I will just sit and splash myself at the icy cold waterfall. It just kills the pain away. I met many friends during my mountaineering stint... be it professionals or man on the street, from all walks of life and it just makes my life whole and looking at life in a broader perspective. It provides a good networking avenue too. I will definetly capture the peak again this weekend. Gunung Lambak Ahoy!!! Picture: Courtesy of Steve Lim

Here I am.....

We encounter distrust of highly paid people who work behind computer screens doing something that don't look productive work. Paper shufflers are doing better than managers; traders are doing better than entrepeneurs; arbitrageurs are doing better than accumulators; the clever are doing better than the solid; and behind all that.... the individuals are more powerful than the states. So why I blog? I feel that I need to speak my opinion freely without any barriers as long as I dont betray the Rule of Law and inviolability of the Constitution and understand Fundamental Liberties, Nation Building and social justice. Don't you think that we must "restore the ancient truths" that growing, making, managing and inventing things should have higher status, more honour and greater rewards?

How Serenity in Motion started...... My long lost best friend who suddenly appears in my life after 10 years suggested that I set up a blog. Is he God sent in the midst of me encountering difficulty in my life? Hmmmm Well, I use to write official reports of my company as I am working in a public listed company of the main board of Bursa Malaysia (a stock exchange of Malaysia). In fact, few years back my report was shortlisted as Top 20 in the National Annual Corporate Report Awards of Malaysia. During the time, there were 1,100 listed companies. I was thinking, why don't I capitalise on my strength and talent towards the goodness of mankind. So what you think? Meanwhile, I will inject personal flavour in my blog so as the net-izens who browse my blog will feel that they have known me for years and understand my likings, who I am, what are my values and what are the causes i fight for. Enjoy reading!!!