[Guest Post] An Expat View of Genting Highlands by Marta

Hey peeps! Today, we have someone special to share some thoughts with us - our very first guest post by Marta Velez!

Marta is a Portuguese, who has been living in Malaysia since August. Marta loves to travel and getting to know other cultures, and also her love for local gastronomy. On top of these, she has a passion in writing and recently she has paid a visit to Genting Highlands, and she would like to share her views with us.

So without further ado, we shall let Marta take us on a Genting Highlands trip through the eyes of an expat!

Enjoy:
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I have been living in Kuala Lumpur and every time I have some time, mostly weekends, I try to travel somewhere, further or closer. Honestly I always try to go to the seaside but this time I decided to go to the mountains: Genting Highlands was my destiny!

I did not know what to expect, I did no kind of research about what I could find there: the only thing I really knew about Genting was that it had a casino and it was cold and I have to say that with such low expectations Genting was a really pleasant surprise.  

I left Kuala Lumpur Saturday morning heading there with an American friend. We decided to book a night on the First World Hotel to be sure we wouldn’t have to worry about time there. The bus took around 45 minutes and left us at the skyway entrance. For about RM3 we got to have a skyway ride that last for about 15 minutes till the top of the mountain and allows you to enjoy an amazing view over the mountains (at first it is actually a bit scary). In europe the skyway itself is considered an attraction, not a way of transportation, and it is usually really expensive and less interesting so only that was worth the trip! 




On top of the hill we found this fantastic resort composed by four different hotels that are all interlink by tunnels (for Malaysia, outside in Genting is really cold and quite often rainy).  Inside this complex you find everything, from restaurants to “street performers”. The decoration is from “out of space”, mini copies of the Eiffel tower, cars hanging on the walls, a roller-coaster that goes pretty much around everywhere are the things that turn genting into this “new fantastic world”. I felt like I was in a movie! 





We had dinner in this amazing place, Ah Yat Abalone (don’t miss it!!)  and hit the casino for a while. As Malays can’t get in the casinos, Genting is full of foreign people that go there to gamble, but surprisingly enough it is also full of families.  After the casino we hit the bars (and there are pretty cool choices).


Sunday we walked around asking if there was something to visit on the mountain and we got directed to the Chinese Temple: Chin Swee Caves Temple.  Once again through skyway we got to this amazing temple in the middle of the mountains. One really interesting detail is the “Journey to Enlightment”, a path with statues representing the ten Chambers of Hell. This Chamber show the suffering one would encounter in hell trying therefore to discourage bad conduct. I have to say: slightly creepy but quite interesting! The Chinese temple was a really amazing surprise as none of us was expecting to find something like this in our small trip.






Back to Genting by skyway (how I loved the skyway) where we got a bus to KL. I am just sad that the amusement outdoor park was closed for renewal (until 2017 or so) that would just made the trip even more amazing! 

Nevertheless Genting is a perfect getaway from the crowded, sometimes too busy Kuala Lumpur: there you have the view, the food, the fun!

*Content and photos belong to Marta.  

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Ladies and gentlemen, hope you enjoy reading Marta's experience on Genting Highlands. If you have any recommendations for Marta, please kindly leave your comments below and I'll pass it on to her.



Guest, Holiday, Outing
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D'italiane Kitchen @ Paradigm Mall

My first visit to D'italiane Kitchen was then branch in Jaya33, and it left quite a positive impression on me. However, during my second visit with my brother and my mom to their branch in Paradigm Mall, it wasn't as good as the first.

First stepped into the restaurant, I like the ambiance - dimmed lighting with wooden furniture - comfy and relaxing, especially after an entire day of working. We were being seated in between the bar and their wine collection.



We waited patiently for our order. We were there early so the crowd hasn't started to build up yet. So, the place was quite and nice.


Calamari Fritti (RM 19.90)

We ordered Calamari Fritti (RM 19.90) as our appetizer to share. The batter was seasoned nicely, the calamari were fried to crunchy on the outside but perfectly cooked on the inside. It was served with a Aioli dip, but frankly, I still prefer the dip from Brussels.

Smoked Duck Aglio Olio (RM 29)
Mom ordered Smoked Duck Aglio Olio (RM 29) as she did not want something too creamy or full of gravy. The aglio olio was almost bland, and I wish they would have season with just a little bit more salt. However, the duck has a pleasant smokiness to it and I totally love any kind of sauteed mushrooms!

Braised Beef Ravioli (RM 29)
The Braised Beef Ravioli (RM 29) I had was average. The pasta was too thick and it started to feel heavy before I could finish half of the dish. The beef was not too bad, but I'd like it to be a bit more tender. On the other hand, the cream sauce was real delicious - creamy and flavourful!

Beef Mustard Raspberry Panini Sandwich (RM 28)
My brother had the Beef Mustard Raspberry Panini Sandwich (RM 28). I did not get to try the sandwich, so couldn't make much of a comment. However, I was busy snatching up the chips at the side!

Our total bill came up to RM 131.08 for 3 - with 2 glasses of warm water (RM1/each) and 1 Ginger Ale (RM 6).

Address: Paradigm Mall, GB03A & GB05A, Kelana Jaya, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangori

Telephone: +603-7802-8968
Fax: +603-7802-8598Ita
Italian, kelana jaya, Outing,
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AXA AFFIN - A Cancer Outreach Campaign with National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM)



With the busy lifestyle that we are having nowadays, it is getting much harder for us to really take care of our health.  Someone I know has been diagnosed with cancer some time ago, but thankfully, it was at a very initial stage and nothing serious. However, this really got me thinking – this is one of the kind illness that hits you without giving any notice or warning at all; but when they hit, it might be too late for some. This is not only about their health we are talking but beyond. These patients are being affected financially and eventually they might be facing mental distress too. It is an on-going process for these patients to seek treatment, and all these require money. 



AXA AFFIN is working in collaboration with National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) to support cancer patients, who are currently undergoing chemotherapy. NCSM is located in Tung Shin Hospital in Jalan Pudu, and the settings in NCSM grants optimum comfort where patients can tender care under the scrutiny of experience nurses. I’m glad that I could contribute to this good cause in a very small way – by linking this post of mine to their 110CancerCare website, I’ll be giving a cancer patient one-day funding for his/her daycare usage at NCSM Treatment Centre. 
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Taiwanese Cuision - Fong Lye @ Sri Hartamas

Over the weekend, my family and I decided to celebrate my dad's belated birthday at Fong Lye Restaurant at Sri Hartamas. I knew the place is going to be crowded - and I was correct! So I went and made a reservation for us.

 
Look! The menu is so so so so cute! LOL

While waiting for our dishes to be served, the waitress came with a tray of 4 options for us to choose for our appetizer. We've chosen the Fried Tofu in Thai Sauce and Deep Fried Shrimp with Salt and Pepper.

Deep Fried Shrimp with Salt and Pepper (RM 4.00)

The shrimps were fried to crisps yet not greasy. They were flavourful from the salt and pepper seasoning.

Fried Tofu in Thai Sauce (RM 4.00)
 
This is my favourite, between the 2 appetizers that we've chosen. The sauce was sweet and tangy; and it totally awaken my taste buds for the following dishes.
 
Tea (RM2.50/pax) was served while waiting for the dishes too, and I must say, the tea cups were so cute!
 
 
My stomach was growling while waiting for my food, and finally!!
 
三杯鸡 @ Stewed Chicked with rice wine, soy sauce and sesame oil

 
The very first dish we ordred - 三杯鸡 @ Stewed Chicked with Rice Wine, Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil (RM 38.00 - Medium Size). The chicken was so tender and it fell off the bone easily. The gravy was super flavourful - the fragrance of the rice wine and sesame oil along with the pleasant bitterness of the dark soya sauce - this dish just kept us going. The chicken made me consume extra rice that night. I couldn't help it, too delicious! LOL!!
 
Sliced Beef with Spicy Sauce
 
I'm glad that we ordered this - Sliced Beef with Spicy Sauce (RM 19 - Medium Size). The beef were thinly slice, though it is not super tender, but it has a bite to it and was a pleasant one. The sauce wasn't too spicy as my mom couldn't take spicy food, so we requested to make it mild. Even so, it was still delicious, from the chili and garlic in the sauce. Another dish that made me consume extra rice!
 
Claypot Brinjal with Minced Meat (RM 15.00)
 

The brinjals were soft and flavourful. It was kinda chunky in size, but this gives a satisfying bite to it.
 
Deep Fried Intestines

 
I wasn't really a fan of their Deep Fried Pig Intestines (RM 18.00). The intestines were tasteless by its own, and you'd have to dip it with the pepper salt provided at the side. However, I must say, they were fried to crispy and really made an excellent choice to pair with some chilled beer.
 
Cold Sour Plum Drink
 
At the end of the meal, we were being offered Cold Sour Plum Drink. It was served in a cute little glass. The sweet and sour of the drink definitely made our meal complete. Our bill of the night came to a total of RM 132.35 for 4 pax with 4 dishes. Expensive? Some might say yes, but I'd say it is worth the money.
 
 
Address: No 9, GF, Plaza Prismaville, Jalan 19/70, Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
 
Telephone: +603-6201-7998

asian, Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur,
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A Miracle to the Skin - Mireica® Nutri Peau

Thanks to Betsy from LiveLife, I was given a opportunity to try out the Mireica® Nutri Peau. Before I start comparing the results of Mireica on me, let me give you some brief information on the product.


What is Mireica?

Mireica is developed by a Swiss biotech company LiveLife Biosciences AG. Developed by a group of people who have more than 15 years experience in internal skincare, Mireica® Nutri Peau is the first and only skin supplement that helps revitalize skin stem cells to promote skin rejuvenation.


It is suitable for women, men and children of all ages, and it helps to improve:

  • the skin's hydration
  • tone
  • firmness
  • vitality
  • youthfulness
  • reduce fine lines



I have very very bad skin - as I would say. I have open pores, uneven skin tone, acne scars....and recently I realised that my fine lines have started to appear. Well, I guess these are the few things that you can't escape when you start to age. Haizzz~~~~


There are 30 sachets in a box, which is equivalent to one month supply. It is in powder form, and you could add in either cold water or room temperature water.


It will start to get freezy once you add water to it. It kinda taste like a freezy fruit juice - a slight sweetness. Personally, I'd prefer to add room temperature water - as I find that adding cold water makes it too freezy and starting to taste like ENO (something that I dislike A LOT!). However, by adding in room temperature water, it is not as freezy as adding cold water and taste way better.

CAUTION: Photos below MIGHT make you lost some appetite... some apologies =p

Right Cheek
 
Left Cheek

Although it's not that obvious, but the acne scars and pigmentations have lightened a little. Since, it only been a month, I don't really expect to see a vast difference on my skin. Personally, I feel that I can see more difference on my right face than my left.
 
Would I consider to consume the product in the long run? I most probably would. Although it is price at RM178 per box, but I'd say it is still worth giving it a try.



Beauty, collagen drink, Mireica,
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