GETAWAY: One Hot Sunday @ Babagon River

By Jchin
Photos by Tdora Photography

Let me give you an insight of how I spend my weekends: a) being a couch potato at home b) recuperating after a massive drinking session the night before c) lepaking with my peeps at waterfront and arguing among each other on who is the biggest loser ever (seriously, we do argue about this Haha) d) going to Tamanza or better known as Babagon river. I would say that of all my usual weekend activities, going to Tamanza is the best weekend activity for me. Maybe what I'm trying to say is that Tamanza best describes the real me: Anak Gadis Kampung (Village Chic with an attitude)

Tamanza has always been 'The Place' to go and be on a hot sunny day. Its like going to an island day trip but even better. It's FOC; no speed boat require; there's heaps of food & drinks (BBQ & alcohol included); u can wear whatever you want whether being your swimwear, wrap yourself with coconut leaves or wear nothing at all but whatever it is, my weekend will always be spent with my beloved family (have i told you that my fam rocks? They do!!)

The boys will normally do their thing and when I said 'do their thing', this basically means that the boys will queue up and dive into the water. Mind you, each and every one of them have their own signature dive. The girls, on the other hand, will cheer to those who has successfully dive with style and LOL to those who failed miserably but hey, when you think about it, atleast their had the guts to do it. If you ask me, I wouldn't do it if you paid me ;p The only girl whom I know tried and successfully dived in style was Cinta. She represents all of the weak ladies in the family. Claps to her for having it in her. Telca was the latest addition to our clan and NO! she hasn't shown her dive moves yet. We came late so I reckon Tel did not have the time to show off. When she does, you guys will be the first to know.

Before heading back home, we would normally hang out with our aunties and uncles just to catch up on what everyone is doing with their life. Everyone will be extremely tired and hungry by then so usually my uncle will prepare some dishes for us to eat: ikan panggang, nasi goreng etc. Normally, all the questions that we the youngster would want to avoid would be addressed during our last hours at Tamanza ("jadi bila" is the standard phrase man!! Haha). The only way to escape from this is to head home straight away. No lepak-lepak, No makan-makan, Jalan TRUS! LOL

I must say that Tamanza has in deed been the no.1 reason why my family sticks together. The time spent, all the laughs & the continuos bonding has made us realised that whatever it is, we would always be there for each other. If you think that you have not been spending time with your love ones, why not start @ Babagon River ;)

FoodCrave: "Lokan & Ketam Bakar" @ Sulaman

By Clara Lim

Photos by Tdora Photography

One hot Saturday afternoon, Telca and Juliet practically told me to jump into the car and go where the road takes us. I, a fan of the not-so-extreme adventure, just grabbed my bag and go. Yes, we are somewhat crazy like that.

Though they didn’t tell me where we’re heading, I figured out the “secret destination” and I was already imaging the cooling and refreshing pudding.

When we finally pulled over by the roadside, I was quite nervous to see the condition of those stalls. No, I am not one of those fussy chicks, but I have a thing for hygiene. *winks* But that place is a popular eatery destination and I have not heard of any bad cases, so I just crossed my fingers and hope for the best. Besides, Telca and Juliet have eaten there before, so that place can’t be that bad right?

The stall that we went is pretty clean and comfortable. Sure there are a couple of flies flying and chicken running around, but it gives the whole place the kampung feel, very casual and relaxing. The only thing I can complain about is the heat. *grins* Maybe I should drag one of those industrial fan with the mist thingy everywhere I go. Anyway, I always thought those by the roadside stalls only offers fresh fruits and probably vegetables but I was pleasantly surprised to see that they also serve “home cooked” meals and snacks other than the infamous coconut puddings and lokan bakar.

So we ordered the must-have puddings and lokan as well as young coconut, Nasi Goreng Kampung and Soto Ayam. The best thing was we must have done something good that day because not long after we ordered, someone delivered live crabs to the stalls. *woohoo* So we told Telca to bring it on.

I *heart* crabs. A lot.

The pudding was refreshing as always but there is something different eating it at the stalls than at home no? Maybe it’s the heat? *Hee* That was also my first lokan experience and I must say it was YUMMY! It was fresh and cooked with ginger, garlic and other ingredients I do not care about. My favorite part was of course the crabs. The barbequed crab was juicy and fleshy, and I had to stop myself from stuffing myself too much. I still drool when I think about it.

The Nasi Goreng Kampung and Soto Ayam wasn’t the best ever but I suspect the taste is never consistent either, like most restaurants. So, it all depends on your luck people! *LOL*

The satisfying meal didn’t cost much to my surprise. We paid about RM45.00 for 4 dishes, 2 puddings and a coconut. Sure the ride to Sulaman was pretty long (depending where you live) but with good company in the car, it was worth it.

I know people who travel further just to have something to eat. So why not Sulaman?

photo taken by Ian

" Lokan Bakar"

BBQ Crabs

Sri Cahaya menu list

Soto Ayam

Nasi Goreng Ala Kampung

GETAWAY: A Day on Raja Laut

By Jchin

Photos by Tdora Photography & Jchin

Raja Laut has been the talk of town ever since I could remember. It has always been an interesting topic among my friends (travel agents esp) and yet I never had the chance to see it in person. The closest view of Raja Laut was only through its website.

A suprising phone call, changed everything. It was a dream come true when Alus & Faizal called to asked whether I was interested to join them on a cruise on the luxurious Raja Laut. With no hesitation I said yes and I even confirmed Telca’s attendance on this even before asking her whether she was interested to go or not (Haha I know I know. I'm such a good friend right).

Tel & I started tripping (the perfect word to describe our excitement) about the whole trip (FYI, Tel & I are big fans of the Sun. Lets just say that ‘Sun’, ‘Sunblock’, ‘Sun Tan’ & ‘Sun Burn’ are among our middle names) so when that day finally came, it was just as how we expected it to be: Beautiful, Sunny & Relaxing.

Being a luxury yacht, Raja Laut is definitely fully equipped with the necessary: 6 private rooms; bathrooms (in each private rooms I must add); a dinning area, comfy sitting area; a kitchen & A GREAT CREW. Raja Laut had it all.

Some of you would ask yourselves what is there to do on Raja Laut. I’m telling you there are heaps of things to do. From sun tanning; relaxing while reading a book or just having a great time with close friends or loves ones (just make sure that your food and beverages supplies is sufficient if you are intending to go with your friends or love ones).

Tel & I were easy to pleased. We just wanted to relax & get a tan (which we did!! Alus & Faizal thought otherwise). Besides that, those who are not a sun or a book lover but is more into the water world, could go diving or dipping in the sea. Raja Laut would be great for private functions (either with the family, the colleagues or just close friends).

So if you are thinking on what and where to go on a public holiday or weekend, Raja Laut is definitely the answer whether being just for a day trip or overnight. For more information on Raja Laut, please visit http://www.rajalaut.com/

as a result of sunbathing the whole day...