Thursday, April 30, 2009

We are in Thailand now

This morning, we cross Changlun (Malaysia)/Sadao (Thailand) border. This border Crossing was very easy. The custom officer asks for car log book and owner's passport. It takes us 45 minutes in total. Then, we drive 500 Km to Khao Lak Beach, Pheng Nga. Khao Lak was one of the areas of Thailand hardest hit by the tsunami resulting from the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake.








This is a shot taken in Sadao, looking back into Malaysia border








After crossing into Malaysia from Second Link, Singapore .....

First night we spend at Ipoh, the capital of the state of Perak. It is approximately 600 km north of Singapore via the North-South Highway. Ipoh was a vibrant city characterised by the night life in 60’. With the collapse of tin prices and the closure of the tin mines in the late 1970s, Ipoh's growth had stagnated and resulted in the migration of many young talents to other parts of Malaysia and Singapore. A Taxi driver told us the same thing. Ipoh has since been known colloquially as a "dead" city. Ipoh is not the same as I used to know. We stay at Regalodge Hotel with is situated in the heart of Ipoh City. It costs us RM118 (SGD50) for a twin room. There is no life around the hotel. The receptionist at the hotel reminded us to be careful if we are taking a walk at night.









Way past dinner time but where are the customers?















We are told that the most famous dish from Ipoh has to be Bean Sprout Chicken (芽菜鸡) with Sar Hor Fun (rice noodle). One famous store is at Covent Street which is 5 minutes from the Regalodge Hotel. What is so special about this dish? We ask. The Hotel manager said that it is the Bean Sprout which is short and fat and tasty. Unfortunity the shop closes on Monday. Too bad! Next day, we find a stall in this coffeeshop. It is good. For a plate of Beam sprout, a plate of chicken and two bowls of Sar Hor Fun costs RM16.
































Second night, instead of staying in Kangar, we choose Kuala Perlis which is the second largest town and the main port of Perlis state of Malaysia. It is most northern state of West Malaysia. We are attracted by a Signboard advertised by T-Hotel. With the help of GPS, we arrive at T-Hotel. For a twin room with two breakfast, the price is RM79 (SGD33). We arrive at sunset and took some pictures. Kuala Perlis is where you take the ferry to Langkawi. T-hotel is just opposite the ferry terminal.



























Beautiful sunset at Kular Perlis Beach......

















"Being close to the sea, fish is very fresh here" T-Hotel receptionist says. “You can try Ikan Bakar, Malay style or Steam Sea Bass, Thai style”





1 comment:

  1. sunny

    poor Ipoh, it used to be quite a bustling town with alot of our fond memory when we travelled there for 7-day west malaysia tour after PSLE exam as a reward by my parents. Picture of the bean sprouts chicken looks yummy..and the sar hor fun soup....oh oh...i miss the food......

    u all didnt stop at Penang where gthere are also a lot of good food penang laksa, cha kueh tiao, goreng yam at the local hawaker centre near mutiara beach.......cheers bee lan

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