Thursday, March 31, 2011
Ferrero Rocher, Spot the Difference.
Same Same but somehow different, have a look at these. Can you spot the difference?
Medical and Health Care Support, Hospitals in Kuala Lumpur.
As an expat in KL finding a good doctor or emergency services can be a minefield, especially when there are so many centres and hospitals to choose from. The 2 medical centres that I have had verbal recommendations for and that keep popping up in conversations are: Prince Court Medical Centre and Pantai Hospitals.
Prince Court Medical Centre is affiliated with the medical university of Vienna, Austria. For more details
please visit their website: http://www.princecourt.com/
Pantai Hospitals have various Hospitals around Malaysia. Details can be found at: http://www.pantai.com.my/
Most international companies and schools also have memberships with International SOS, who provide medical assistance, security and evacuation services all over the world. They also provide medical advice and information over the phone via a large pool of registered and recommended doctors. For more details have a look at: http://www.internationalsos.com/
Prince Court Medical Centre is affiliated with the medical university of Vienna, Austria. For more details
please visit their website: http://www.princecourt.com/
Pantai Hospitals have various Hospitals around Malaysia. Details can be found at: http://www.pantai.com.my/
Most international companies and schools also have memberships with International SOS, who provide medical assistance, security and evacuation services all over the world. They also provide medical advice and information over the phone via a large pool of registered and recommended doctors. For more details have a look at: http://www.internationalsos.com/
Up and coming events, Where expats mingle & meet in KL.
A couple of events that a lot of expats will be attending over the next 2 months are:
1. Grand Prix at Sepang Circuit just outside KL (on the way to the airport) on the 10th of April, 2011.
You can buy tickets at: http://www.bookf1.com/
2. The MANZA Ball at the Hilton Hotel, KL on the 21st of May, 2011 from 7pm. Tickets can be purchased at the MANZA house. Go to: http://www.manza.org/
3. Scottish Comedy and Bags of Rock Concert at the Hilton Hotel, KL, on the 28th of May, 2011.
To buy tickets go to: http://www.ssas-online.com/
All three should be a great social event and the Scottish Comedy will definitely have you in stitches.
Enjoy!!
1. Grand Prix at Sepang Circuit just outside KL (on the way to the airport) on the 10th of April, 2011.
You can buy tickets at: http://www.bookf1.com/
2. The MANZA Ball at the Hilton Hotel, KL on the 21st of May, 2011 from 7pm. Tickets can be purchased at the MANZA house. Go to: http://www.manza.org/
3. Scottish Comedy and Bags of Rock Concert at the Hilton Hotel, KL, on the 28th of May, 2011.
To buy tickets go to: http://www.ssas-online.com/
All three should be a great social event and the Scottish Comedy will definitely have you in stitches.
Enjoy!!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Online grocery delivery, Kuala Lumpur.
If you are doing a hundred and five things and simply do not have the time to do the food shopping in person,
why not try ordering online and having it delivered? I haven't actually used any of these sites but I have met quite a few people who are simply run off their feet juggling too many to do lists. I personally like to shop for food so these are not an option for me but may be a real help to you.
Check them out: All information below correct as per each website on 23/03/2011.
http://www.presto.my/ :
Payment methods: Cash or credit card upon delivery at your door, credit card online or pre payment at a presto store.
Delivery fee: fee structure according to total spend. Free delivery for 100 RM or more.
Delivery areas: for home and office in specific areas. See website for list
Times: 10.00 to 22.00
http://www.doorstep.com.my/
Payment methods: Cash upon delivery at your door, credit card or debit card, internet banking.
Delivery fee: fee structure starting from 1RM. Minimum spend is 50RM..
Delivery areas: for home and office in specific areas. See website for list
Times: 10.00 to 22:00
http://www.virgrocery.com/
Payment methods: Cash upon delivery at your door, paypal (credit card).
Delivery fee: Total spend below 50RM, 10RM fee. Free delivery for 50 RM or more.
Delivery areas: Specific areas. See website for list
Times: Delivery windows between 10.00 to 22.00 but not on Sunday's
why not try ordering online and having it delivered? I haven't actually used any of these sites but I have met quite a few people who are simply run off their feet juggling too many to do lists. I personally like to shop for food so these are not an option for me but may be a real help to you.
Check them out: All information below correct as per each website on 23/03/2011.
http://www.presto.my/ :
Payment methods: Cash or credit card upon delivery at your door, credit card online or pre payment at a presto store.
Delivery fee: fee structure according to total spend. Free delivery for 100 RM or more.
Delivery areas: for home and office in specific areas. See website for list
Times: 10.00 to 22.00
http://www.doorstep.com.my/
Payment methods: Cash upon delivery at your door, credit card or debit card, internet banking.
Delivery fee: fee structure starting from 1RM. Minimum spend is 50RM..
Delivery areas: for home and office in specific areas. See website for list
Times: 10.00 to 22:00
http://www.virgrocery.com/
Payment methods: Cash upon delivery at your door, paypal (credit card).
Delivery fee: Total spend below 50RM, 10RM fee. Free delivery for 50 RM or more.
Delivery areas: Specific areas. See website for list
Times: Delivery windows between 10.00 to 22.00 but not on Sunday's
A walk through a wet market in Kuala Lumpur.
Follow me through a typical wet market. I love going places where I don't recognise all the food/vegetables/fruit/sweets on offer. Here in KL, I don't even have to go to a wet market, the supermarkets have tons of vegetables and sauces and noodles that I wouldn't have a clue what to do with. So here we go, a gentle beginning with some apples and pears:
How about some Durian: king of all fruits? The customer looks like a Durian stock broker on the phone with her client! Buy, buy, buy.... Sorry this is actually Jack fruit (Thanks Hannah for the correction!)
How about some flowers for your meal? As a side dish, not for the vase!
Banana flowers:
or some pink flowers. I thought these were lotus flowers but I am sure I am wrong. Can anybody tell me what these are?
How about some dried fish and some fresh chicken?
I thought it was "The giant/Jack and the beanstalk and not "The Giant Beanstalk"? Does anyone know how to cook these enormous things?
And round it all off with "Hoof " on the barbeque!
There is much much more but will let you digest these first before posting more!
Wishing you an adventurous journey into the world of exotic food!
How about some Durian: king of all fruits? The customer looks like a Durian stock broker on the phone with her client! Buy, buy, buy.... Sorry this is actually Jack fruit (Thanks Hannah for the correction!)
How about some flowers for your meal? As a side dish, not for the vase!
Banana flowers:
or some pink flowers. I thought these were lotus flowers but I am sure I am wrong. Can anybody tell me what these are?
How about some dried fish and some fresh chicken?
I thought it was "The giant/Jack and the beanstalk and not "The Giant Beanstalk"? Does anyone know how to cook these enormous things?
And round it all off with "Hoof " on the barbeque!
There is much much more but will let you digest these first before posting more!
Wishing you an adventurous journey into the world of exotic food!
Try something different: Crocodile meat!
Yup, you have read correctly: crocodile meat or also known as "gator" meat! Where can the bold and adventurous among you have a taste of this delicacy? Well none other than at the lovely Havana bar at Changat Bukit Bintang. Don't worry if Crocodile is too daring for you, they have an extensive menu and beautiful seating inside and out. Upstairs there is a dance floor too, so you can exercise a bit after the meal.
The same owners of Havana also run the Magnificent Fish and Chips bar at 28 Changat Bukit Bintang. They serve an excellent typical British Sunday Roast and of course the famous British dish of fish and chips. The Magnificent is also open for breakfast!
So if gator meat is too wild for you, the option of a tamer meal can be had both at Havana and The Magnificent Fish and Chips bar. Bon appetit!
Photo of Crocodile meal below: very tasty!
The same owners of Havana also run the Magnificent Fish and Chips bar at 28 Changat Bukit Bintang. They serve an excellent typical British Sunday Roast and of course the famous British dish of fish and chips. The Magnificent is also open for breakfast!
So if gator meat is too wild for you, the option of a tamer meal can be had both at Havana and The Magnificent Fish and Chips bar. Bon appetit!
Photo of Crocodile meal below: very tasty!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Where to Live in KL? Property in KL.
New comers to KL who wish to stay in up market areas which are popular with expats need to decide 3 main things:
1. How far do they want to live from their work place?
2. Do they want to live in a house or a condominium (condo)/apartment?
3. Do they want to be in the city centre or a bit further out with some jungle views?
Most expats live within 15-20 minutes drive to their office and others even walk it. KL is beautiful in that way. It is a very green city with pockets of parks and vegetation here and there. Traffic permitting it is very quick to get around. Traffic is very slow though when it rains and during rush hour and even more so when traffic is held by street police to allow a VIP convoy to pass. So with this in mind pick a location near to your office so that you are not wasting time increasing your blood pressure whilst stuck in traffic!
A hot spot for those who work in the Oil and Gas industry is right in the Centre of town close to the Petronas Towers and Suria KLCC. There are several condos in the area and the prices reflect the prestigious location. Rents range from 7000 to 10 000 and above malaysian ringit per month for 2-3 bedroom apartments.
Some other popular areas are Bangsar, Damansara Heights, Damansara, Ampang, Mont Kiara and Sri Hartamas.
All areas have a mix of houses and condominiums with the latter being more prominent. Condominiums tend to come with a shared pool, a small gym, parking, a snack bar, a jacuzzi. Others have creches/nurseries, saunas, tennis courts, badminton court, squash court and a small convenience store.
I personally live and love Mont Kiara. It is in the suburbs and a bit cut off from the city centre but in return we have a view of the jungle and a view of the Petronas Towers (albeit a view of 2/3rds of them). Situated on a hill we also have a cooler breeze in the evenings and less city noise. A very good location if you work in Bangsar or Sentral.
Depending on your budget there are of course so many other places in KL to choose from.
A very helpful agent to use is MR KY Wan of Chester Properties. You can reach him on +60196529886 or sentohwan@gmail.com
For more details on prices and pictures of properties visit one of the many sites available.
For example: http://www.iproperty.com.my/
or http://www.thinkproperty.my/
For flat-shares click here: Flat Share, Apartment Share
For Tips on Moving Abroad with ease click here:
TIPS: Moving Abroad
For Help understanding Malaysian Culture and Culture Orientation please find info here:
Cross Culture Learning
Any questions, please leave a comment and I will be glad to help out.
Picture of a typical condominium below:
1. How far do they want to live from their work place?
2. Do they want to live in a house or a condominium (condo)/apartment?
3. Do they want to be in the city centre or a bit further out with some jungle views?
Most expats live within 15-20 minutes drive to their office and others even walk it. KL is beautiful in that way. It is a very green city with pockets of parks and vegetation here and there. Traffic permitting it is very quick to get around. Traffic is very slow though when it rains and during rush hour and even more so when traffic is held by street police to allow a VIP convoy to pass. So with this in mind pick a location near to your office so that you are not wasting time increasing your blood pressure whilst stuck in traffic!
A hot spot for those who work in the Oil and Gas industry is right in the Centre of town close to the Petronas Towers and Suria KLCC. There are several condos in the area and the prices reflect the prestigious location. Rents range from 7000 to 10 000 and above malaysian ringit per month for 2-3 bedroom apartments.
Some other popular areas are Bangsar, Damansara Heights, Damansara, Ampang, Mont Kiara and Sri Hartamas.
All areas have a mix of houses and condominiums with the latter being more prominent. Condominiums tend to come with a shared pool, a small gym, parking, a snack bar, a jacuzzi. Others have creches/nurseries, saunas, tennis courts, badminton court, squash court and a small convenience store.
I personally live and love Mont Kiara. It is in the suburbs and a bit cut off from the city centre but in return we have a view of the jungle and a view of the Petronas Towers (albeit a view of 2/3rds of them). Situated on a hill we also have a cooler breeze in the evenings and less city noise. A very good location if you work in Bangsar or Sentral.
Depending on your budget there are of course so many other places in KL to choose from.
A very helpful agent to use is MR KY Wan of Chester Properties. You can reach him on +60196529886 or sentohwan@gmail.com
For more details on prices and pictures of properties visit one of the many sites available.
For example: http://www.iproperty.com.my/
or http://www.thinkproperty.my/
For flat-shares click here: Flat Share, Apartment Share
For Tips on Moving Abroad with ease click here:
TIPS: Moving Abroad
For Help understanding Malaysian Culture and Culture Orientation please find info here:
Cross Culture Learning
Any questions, please leave a comment and I will be glad to help out.
Picture of a typical condominium below:
Where to Live in KL? Property in KL.
New comers to KL who wish to stay in up market areas which are popular with expats need to decide 3 main things:
1. How far do they want to live from their work place?
2. Do they want to live in a house or a condominium (condo)/apartment?
3. Do they want to be in the city centre or a bit further out with some jungle views?
Most expats live within 15-20 minutes drive to their office and others even walk it. KL is beautiful in that way. It is a very green city with pockets of parks and vegetation here and there. Traffic permitting it is very quick to get around. Traffic is very slow though when it rains and during rush hour and even more so when traffic is held by street police to allow a VIP convoy to pass. So with this in mind pick a location near to your office so that you are not wasting time increasing your blood pressure whilst stuck in traffic!
A hot spot for those who work in the Oil and Gas industry is right in the Centre of town close to the Petronas Towers and Suria KLCC. There are several condos in the area and the prices reflect the prestigious location. Rents range from 7000 to 10 000 and above malaysian ringit per month for 2-3 bedroom apartments.
Some other popular areas are Bangsar, Damansara Heights, Damansara, Ampang, Mont Kiara, Sri Hartamas, Desa Park City and Bukit Tunku.
All areas have a mix of houses and condominiums with the latter being more prominent. Condominiums tend to come with a shared pool, a small gym, parking, a snack bar, a jacuzzi. Others have creches/nurseries, saunas, tennis courts, badminton court, squash court and a small convenience store.
I personally live and love Mont Kiara. It is in the suburbs and a bit cut off from the city centre but in return we have a view of the jungle and a view of the Petronas Towers (albeit a view of 2/3rds of them). Situated on a hill we also have a cooler breeze in the evenings and less city noise. A very good location if you work in Bangsar or Sentral.
Depending on your budget there are of course so many other places in KL to choose from.
For more hot spots have a look at these links:
Best Places to Live
Property Life
A very helpful agent to use is MR KY Wan of Chester Properties. You can reach him on +60196529886 or sentohwan@gmail.com
For more details on prices and pictures of properties visit one of the many sites available.
For example: http://www.iproperty.com.my/
or http://www.thinkproperty.my/
For flat-shares click here: Flat Share, Apartment Share
For Tips on Moving Abroad with ease click here:
TIPS: Moving Abroad
For Help understanding Malaysian Culture and Culture Orientation please find info here:
Cross Culture Learning
Any questions, please leave a comment and I will be glad to help out.
Picture of a typical condominium below:
1. How far do they want to live from their work place?
2. Do they want to live in a house or a condominium (condo)/apartment?
3. Do they want to be in the city centre or a bit further out with some jungle views?
Most expats live within 15-20 minutes drive to their office and others even walk it. KL is beautiful in that way. It is a very green city with pockets of parks and vegetation here and there. Traffic permitting it is very quick to get around. Traffic is very slow though when it rains and during rush hour and even more so when traffic is held by street police to allow a VIP convoy to pass. So with this in mind pick a location near to your office so that you are not wasting time increasing your blood pressure whilst stuck in traffic!
A hot spot for those who work in the Oil and Gas industry is right in the Centre of town close to the Petronas Towers and Suria KLCC. There are several condos in the area and the prices reflect the prestigious location. Rents range from 7000 to 10 000 and above malaysian ringit per month for 2-3 bedroom apartments.
Some other popular areas are Bangsar, Damansara Heights, Damansara, Ampang, Mont Kiara, Sri Hartamas, Desa Park City and Bukit Tunku.
All areas have a mix of houses and condominiums with the latter being more prominent. Condominiums tend to come with a shared pool, a small gym, parking, a snack bar, a jacuzzi. Others have creches/nurseries, saunas, tennis courts, badminton court, squash court and a small convenience store.
I personally live and love Mont Kiara. It is in the suburbs and a bit cut off from the city centre but in return we have a view of the jungle and a view of the Petronas Towers (albeit a view of 2/3rds of them). Situated on a hill we also have a cooler breeze in the evenings and less city noise. A very good location if you work in Bangsar or Sentral.
Depending on your budget there are of course so many other places in KL to choose from.
For more hot spots have a look at these links:
Best Places to Live
Property Life
A very helpful agent to use is MR KY Wan of Chester Properties. You can reach him on +60196529886 or sentohwan@gmail.com
For more details on prices and pictures of properties visit one of the many sites available.
For example: http://www.iproperty.com.my/
or http://www.thinkproperty.my/
For flat-shares click here: Flat Share, Apartment Share
For Tips on Moving Abroad with ease click here:
TIPS: Moving Abroad
For Help understanding Malaysian Culture and Culture Orientation please find info here:
Cross Culture Learning
Any questions, please leave a comment and I will be glad to help out.
Picture of a typical condominium below:
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Same, same but somehow different.
To share the wonderful differences of living abroad I will post anything I come across that is slightly different or even amusing.
First up have a look at this canned drink I came across at the airport (LCCT).
First up have a look at this canned drink I came across at the airport (LCCT).
 |
| This drink apparently was created by a company in Atlanta. |
Food, food and more delicious Malaysian food, Let's Makan!
Wow, if you love food you will love Malaysia! The myriad choices and flavours are astounding. The prices even more astonishing. You can find fresh, tasty food and pay a pittance for it so watch out Weight Watchers: let the over-indulgence begin!!
With so many places to choose from I will only start to show you the few places and blogs I have discovered
and promise that there will be more postings in the future. As I eat my way around KL, I am sure to add more stories and tips later on.
An Indian operated mamak store that serves some local, tasty food is Nasi Kandar Bestari. I know of two restaurants: 1 in Desa Sri Hartamas and the Other in the Solaris shopping complex, both Mont Kiara area. If you want to try some local street food then this is a clean place to try. This is a place to take your guests who want to experience something more local and authentic. It is not for those who prefer fine dining as the set up is simple but the food is tasty. You can get Teh Tarik here which I am addicted to. This is black tea and condensed milk prepared with lots of sugar. The preparation method is unique in that the tea is poured from great heights several times allowing air to blow through it. They literally look like they are pulling or stretching the tea hence the name Tarik which means pull in Malay. Roti Tisu is another unique dish which you have as a dessert.
Curries, vegetables, seafood are selected from a buffet like counter and side orders such as Roti Canai are ordered from a menu. Prices are extremely reasonable.
If you love pastries you must check out The Loaf at the Pavillion. It currently faces the Hibiscus Water fountain at the Pavillion. They bake delicious pastries/breads and have a small 'cafeesque' seating area. There are several outlets in KL. Have a look at: http://www.theloaf.net/
For donut fans you will enjoy the cheeky/funny ideas and names that Big Apple Donuts & Coffee have created. The donuts are on the sweet side but I find myself craving one of them every now and then. For Dunkin Donut fans these donuts are a treat! I have been to the one at the Sunway Pyramid and the one at the entrance of Low Yat shopping Mall. For other locations and list of flavours check out: http://www.bigappledonuts.com/
By the way Makan means to eat in Malay. Enjoy!
With so many places to choose from I will only start to show you the few places and blogs I have discovered
and promise that there will be more postings in the future. As I eat my way around KL, I am sure to add more stories and tips later on.
An Indian operated mamak store that serves some local, tasty food is Nasi Kandar Bestari. I know of two restaurants: 1 in Desa Sri Hartamas and the Other in the Solaris shopping complex, both Mont Kiara area. If you want to try some local street food then this is a clean place to try. This is a place to take your guests who want to experience something more local and authentic. It is not for those who prefer fine dining as the set up is simple but the food is tasty. You can get Teh Tarik here which I am addicted to. This is black tea and condensed milk prepared with lots of sugar. The preparation method is unique in that the tea is poured from great heights several times allowing air to blow through it. They literally look like they are pulling or stretching the tea hence the name Tarik which means pull in Malay. Roti Tisu is another unique dish which you have as a dessert.
Curries, vegetables, seafood are selected from a buffet like counter and side orders such as Roti Canai are ordered from a menu. Prices are extremely reasonable.
 |
| Teh Tarik |
 |
| Roti Tisu |
 |
| Some of the wacky donuts! |
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Malaysian Art, Batik
If you are looking for authentic pieces to decorate your home with and you are tired of the "IKEA" look , why not purchase some Malaysian Batik. Now I know for some of you the word "Batik" conjures up images from the 1970's and 1980's and is closely linked with images of "tie 'n' dye" t-shirts. But before you dismiss batiks altogether pop down and visit Aziz's workshop. He creates Batik's with a modern twist and is also an ambassador of this dying art form. If you are an artist yourself or just bored at home, Aziz will gladly give you lessons, so you can create your own colour co-ordinated masterpieces to go on the wall above your couch.
Aziz's workshop is located along the passage way between the LRT station of Dang Wangi and monorail station of Bukit Nanas. The workshop incidentally, also lies at the beginning of the inner city jungle trail that leads past the Menara KL tower.
Aziz Ma'as
Wariseni MTIB, Lot 231, Bukit Nanas, Jalan Ampang,
50450, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 0123140443
Aziz's workshop is located along the passage way between the LRT station of Dang Wangi and monorail station of Bukit Nanas. The workshop incidentally, also lies at the beginning of the inner city jungle trail that leads past the Menara KL tower.
Aziz Ma'as
Wariseni MTIB, Lot 231, Bukit Nanas, Jalan Ampang,
50450, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 0123140443
 |
| One of Aziz's older pieces |
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
How to get a motorcycle licence in Kuala Lumpur.
Learning from Scratch:
If you are learning to ride a Motorcycle for the 1st time in Malaysia, it is easier to obtain a motorcyle licence (Class B2) if you already have a Malaysian driving licence (class D).
If you only have a foreign driving licence you will need to:
1. Convert foreign driving licence to Malaysian driving licence
2. Take Motorcycle lessons and sit theory and practical test
3. You will first carry L plates and on passing your practical test you will carry P plates
4. P plates recognise you as a competent motorcyclist and you can carry another passenger
You can take lessons at Metro Driving School: http://www.metrodriving.com.my/
For more details on the process, prices and how long it will take have a look here:
http://driving-school.com.my/motorcycle-test/how-to-secure-a-motorcycle-license-in-malaysia/
Already ride motor cycles:
If you already have a foreign Motorcycle Licence and have held it for 2 years then you can convert this into a Malaysian Motorcycle Licence.
Where:
This is done by contacting the Licencing office at Putrajaya, the administrative capital, which lies on the way to the KLIA Airport. Trains run there from KL Sentral and take about 20 minutes.
Address and phone details here:
Licencing Office
How:
How this is done varies according to which ever country you are from. Have a look at the link below for
more comprehensive information.
Converting Motorcycle Licence
If you do not have a driving licence or are not able to convert your currrent driving licence, then you will need to cover both motorcycle theory and practical tests and take lessons for a motorcycle licence.
Need to learn to drive a car!:
For malaysian driving licence contact Metro Driving School/Azman on 0122682214 or http://www.metrodriving.com.my/.
If you are learning to ride a Motorcycle for the 1st time in Malaysia, it is easier to obtain a motorcyle licence (Class B2) if you already have a Malaysian driving licence (class D).
If you only have a foreign driving licence you will need to:
1. Convert foreign driving licence to Malaysian driving licence
2. Take Motorcycle lessons and sit theory and practical test
3. You will first carry L plates and on passing your practical test you will carry P plates
4. P plates recognise you as a competent motorcyclist and you can carry another passenger
You can take lessons at Metro Driving School: http://www.metrodriving.com.my/
For more details on the process, prices and how long it will take have a look here:
http://driving-school.com.my/motorcycle-test/how-to-secure-a-motorcycle-license-in-malaysia/
Already ride motor cycles:
If you already have a foreign Motorcycle Licence and have held it for 2 years then you can convert this into a Malaysian Motorcycle Licence.
Where:
This is done by contacting the Licencing office at Putrajaya, the administrative capital, which lies on the way to the KLIA Airport. Trains run there from KL Sentral and take about 20 minutes.
Address and phone details here:
Licencing Office
How:
How this is done varies according to which ever country you are from. Have a look at the link below for
more comprehensive information.
Converting Motorcycle Licence
If you do not have a driving licence or are not able to convert your currrent driving licence, then you will need to cover both motorcycle theory and practical tests and take lessons for a motorcycle licence.
Need to learn to drive a car!:
For malaysian driving licence contact Metro Driving School/Azman on 0122682214 or http://www.metrodriving.com.my/.
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