doctors..doctors

I was reading the news today, the Star Online. nothing sounds mover the top today but one of the news headlines really disturb me. it goes

"Too many new doctors and too few hospitals to train them" 

Saturday November 27, 2010

i remember since i was very little, in school and in uni, i heard that everybody (the newspapers/governments/ my teachers/my parents/ relatives/ other people parents/ politicians/television news/ radio news/even the hospitals) were saying, we dont have enough doctors or we are short of doctors or something similar to show that Our country, Malaysia is really in need of doctors. i wanted to be a doctor myself. as a kid, i  sat on my late Grandfather's (the one i proudly bear his name around - Koeng) lap, i always touch his flabby arms and told him that when i grow up i will become a doctor so that i  could remove the flabby thing and make granddad's arm taut and strong again. i was then 6 years old. unfortunately, he passed away not even having the chance to see graduated primarily school. i was a bright kid. i had passed my examinations with flying colors. i was then a straight A'a student. i wanted to be a doctor. to keep my promise to granddad. 

i still had that ambition with me when i enrolled in MRSM (MARA junior Science college - the college for straight a's student like me). i happened  to know that they were so many other people who are more intelligent and better than me. suddenly i was becoming very active and outstanding on the field and less less in the academic field. i was only an average girl. i was doing not so good in my SPM (1st grade but not able to achieve a single aggregate) it was not a fulfilling achievement even though my parents were happy that i have passed with 1st grade. My dad only settled with 2nd grade. i then continue studying in USM where i learn that the world has more to offer and i fell in love with a guy that even makes matters more unfavorable to me. My grades in Matric didn't qualify me to be selected into medical school. i was then being thrown to HBP instead. this is where the architects and the planners and quantity surveyors and building surveyors spent their time acquiring the initial knowledge to be who they are. medical school is way over. mom n dad was rather frustrated, but i like what my uncle used to tell me, you could only treat one patient at a time. if you could build a mosque, can u imagine how many people will be using it, till the day the mosque is gone. that did soothes me a bit. and when i 1st went to my 1st class in HBP which is the integrated studio RUS101, i remember one lecturer saying that, you see, a life is a doctor is no fun at all, everybody all you have to see is sick people. somehow or rather my guilt for not being able to enroll into medical school is eleviated.

 

doctors..doctors

I was reading the news today, the Star Online. nothing sounds mover the top today but one of the news headlines really disturb me. it goes

"Too many new doctors and too few hospitals to train them" 

Saturday November 27, 2010

i remember since i was very little, in school and in uni, i heard that everybody (the newspapers/governments/ my teachers/my parents/ relatives/ other people parents/ politicians/television news/ radio news/even the hospitals) were saying, we dont have enough doctors or we are short of doctors or something similar to show that Our country, Malaysia is really in need of doctors. i wanted to be a doctor myself. as a kid, i  sat on my late Grandfather's (the one i proudly bear his name around - Koeng) lap, i always touch his flabby arms and told him that when i grow up i will become a doctor so that i  could remove the flabby thing and make granddad's arm taut and strong again. i was then 6 years old. unfortunately, he passed away not even having the chance to see graduated primarily school. i was a bright kid. i had passed my examinations with flying colors. i was then a straight A'a student. i wanted to be a doctor. to keep my promise to granddad. 

i still had that ambition with me when i enrolled in MRSM (MARA junior Science college - the college for straight a's student like me). i happened  to know that they were so many other people who are more intelligent and better than me. suddenly i was becoming very active and outstanding on the field and less less in the academic field. i was only an average girl. i was doing not so good in my SPM (1st grade but not able to achieve a single aggregate) it was not a fulfilling achievement even though my parents were happy that i have passed with 1st grade. My dad only settled with 2nd grade. i then continue studying in USM where i learn that the world has more to offer and i fell in love with a guy that even makes matters more unfavorable to me. My grades in Matric didn't qualify me to be selected into medical school. i was then being thrown to HBP instead. this is where the architects and the planners and quantity surveyors and building surveyors spent their time acquiring the initial knowledge to be who they are. medical school is way over. mom n dad was rather frustrated, but i like what my uncle used to tell me, you could only treat one patient at a time. if you could build a mosque, can u imagine how many people will be using it, till the day the mosque is gone. that did soothes me a bit. and when i 1st went to my 1st class in HBP which is the integrated studio RUS101, i remember one lecturer saying that, you see, a life is a doctor is no fun at all, everybody all you have to see is sick people. somehow or rather my guilt for not being able to enroll into medical school is eleviated.

 

Days after days...

My 3rd trip to Tawau was on the 18th of November. As usual, i have to travel from home in Penang as early as 9am, to catch my flight to KL (it was an 11:30 am flight). I reached LCCT around 1 pm. After checking in at the kiosk, nothing to do until my next flight which was at 6.30pm (6 hours to kill!!), i headed to the place i usually hang out (the sitting area before boarding) and started reading the book i brought along "The Power of Subconscious Mind", this is a very good book indeed, i wished it has no ending.

People might be wondering why i chose to wait for so long to board onto my next flight. I  have a few valid reason, 1st. The last flight was the cheapest, 2nd. to avoid missing the next flight if my 1st flight from Penang happened to delay. this has happen to me several times and i kind of prepared for all circumstances. 6 hours is definitely a long wait and a waste of time but i think it is acceptable because i took the time to be with myself and read and imagine things or even daydreams.

I was seated in between 2 ladies. On my left was a Tawau girl (who haven't been back for the past 6 years) she is a chef in a 5 star hotel in Kuantan. Cool. I can only cook rice and fried an egg. A chef sounds 'holly' to me. On my right was an older chinese lady (she told me she was 60years old) who often travel back and forth from JB to Tawau to visit her family who apparently are staying in Tawau having a bird's nest business. She was promoting me to a health equipment that cost RM4000. i told her i was in house rental business, i'm not into beauty line yet, the next thing i know she was telling me that she could also supply a bathtub for me too. Obviously enough, she is trying to expand her MLM chain, unfortunately i was not interested. I will just stick to AVON or COSWAY because they are reliable and have been around for so many years. In fact i think AVON is the best MLM company that i know, which produce affordable products with lots of free gifts. So fellas, if you want to join MLM, let it be AVON. No hassle... :).

I had BIG breafast in Penang Internaltional airport around 10am, I had a BIG MAC at 3am in LCCT prior o my TAWAU flight and I had a steam chicken in the plane for my dinner. The weather was quite unfriendly, it was a bumpy ride, and i was a little nervous. But when i look at the air hostess who walking up and the aisle with their happy face, despite the bumpy ride, it did soothes me a bit. I should applaud them for being so cool. I could never be as calm. I am a nervous freak. :). A bus ride is 100x more peaceful. thank God that we finally arrived at 9pm. In one piece. The person who stamped my passport was the immigration lady who had argument with me on my 1st time back from Tawau. I remember her rounded face so well, but she manage to smile back at me which was a good thing, if she didn't i will definitely have to report her for an attitude problem.

Hubby was waiting even though he was trying to make some jokes telling me that he had not arrive at the airport but he did. He was scolding me for not trying to look for him. He told me he wasn't there and i buy it and he scolded me for not trying to look for him outside the airport, he was somehow nuts! I saw the Staff car, i saw a soldier but i did not see him around  and he came to me complaining.. "cant u just come out and search for me..bla..bla..bla" well dear.. 1st i believe what u say, 2nd i dont understand silly jokes, 3rd it is safer for me to be inside the building rather than outside and hang with the unfamiliar crowd. No way Jose!! And now you come to me and complain.. i should spank you on the head instead for trying to be funny at the 1st place!

The MT driver was a local Sabahan's who was expecting his 8th child! WHOA!!!!!8th?!! Applause for him and his wife! Me and hubby are very happy with what we have now. considering all factors, we are doing fine with our Adrian, Syukur! We did not go back straight to the Mess instead the driver sent us to to Uncle Burn where i 1st met Ankel's wife, Along. I know earlier that she had a Town Planning background. That i am very familiar of. We started to chat and we immediately clicked. I am happy that Along and me speaks the same language, the construction/ built environment language. Suddenly both Ankel and hubby felt left out.

Our next destination was Za Za Zu, a club at Promenade (a new hotel in a Tawau). We met 2 of Ankel's friend there and enjoy a live band. Ankel's throw a surprise birthday party to Along in the club. She was indeed very surprised and very delighted. The band members were all so friendly and  we really like their attitude of appreciating their guests. somehow or rather, Net Alive should be learning this from them. we finally arrived at the Mess around 2 am. I was so tired. There was no water supply.. and i just headed to bed.. Mess night tomorrow...

Days after days...

My 3rd trip to Tawau was on the 18th of November. As usual, i have to travel from home in Penang as early as 9am, to catch my flight to KL (it was an 11:30 am flight). I reached LCCT around 1 pm. After checking in at the kiosk, nothing to do until my next flight which was at 6.30pm (6 hours to kill!!), i headed to the place i usually hang out (the sitting area before boarding) and started reading the book i brought along "The Power of Subconscious Mind", this is a very good book indeed, i wished it has no ending.

People might be wondering why i chose to wait for so long to board onto my next flight. I  have a few valid reason, 1st. The last flight was the cheapest, 2nd. to avoid missing the next flight if my 1st flight from Penang happened to delay. this has happen to me several times and i kind of prepared for all circumstances. 6 hours is definitely a long wait and a waste of time but i think it is acceptable because i took the time to be with myself and read and imagine things or even daydreams.

I was seated in between 2 ladies. On my left was a Tawau girl (who haven't been back for the past 6 years) she is a chef in a 5 star hotel in Kuantan. Cool. I can only cook rice and fried an egg. A chef sounds 'holly' to me. On my right was an older chinese lady (she told me she was 60years old) who often travel back and forth from JB to Tawau to visit her family who apparently are staying in Tawau having a bird's nest business. She was promoting me to a health equipment that cost RM4000. i told her i was in house rental business, i'm not into beauty line yet, the next thing i know she was telling me that she could also supply a bathtub for me too. Obviously enough, she is trying to expand her MLM chain, unfortunately i was not interested. I will just stick to AVON or COSWAY because they are reliable and have been around for so many years. In fact i think AVON is the best MLM company that i know, which produce affordable products with lots of free gifts. So fellas, if you want to join MLM, let it be AVON. No hassle... :).

I had BIG breafast in Penang Internaltional airport around 10am, I had a BIG MAC at 3am in LCCT prior o my TAWAU flight and I had a steam chicken in the plane for my dinner. The weather was quite unfriendly, it was a bumpy ride, and i was a little nervous. But when i look at the air hostess who walking up and the aisle with their happy face, despite the bumpy ride, it did soothes me a bit. I should applaud them for being so cool. I could never be as calm. I am a nervous freak. :). A bus ride is 100x more peaceful. thank God that we finally arrived at 9pm. In one piece. The person who stamped my passport was the immigration lady who had argument with me on my 1st time back from Tawau. I remember her rounded face so well, but she manage to smile back at me which was a good thing, if she didn't i will definitely have to report her for an attitude problem.

Hubby was waiting even though he was trying to make some jokes telling me that he had not arrive at the airport but he did. He was scolding me for not trying to look for him. He told me he wasn't there and i buy it and he scolded me for not trying to look for him outside the airport, he was somehow nuts! I saw the Staff car, i saw a soldier but i did not see him around  and he came to me complaining.. "cant u just come out and search for me..bla..bla..bla" well dear.. 1st i believe what u say, 2nd i dont understand silly jokes, 3rd it is safer for me to be inside the building rather than outside and hang with the unfamiliar crowd. No way Jose!! And now you come to me and complain.. i should spank you on the head instead for trying to be funny at the 1st place!

The MT driver was a local Sabahan's who was expecting his 8th child! WHOA!!!!!8th?!! Applause for him and his wife! Me and hubby are very happy with what we have now. considering all factors, we are doing fine with our Adrian, Syukur! We did not go back straight to the Mess instead the driver sent us to to Uncle Burn where i 1st met Ankel's wife, Along. I know earlier that she had a Town Planning background. That i am very familiar of. We started to chat and we immediately clicked. I am happy that Along and me speaks the same language, the construction/ built environment language. Suddenly both Ankel and hubby felt left out.

Our next destination was Za Za Zu, a club at Promenade (a new hotel in a Tawau). We met 2 of Ankel's friend there and enjoy a live band. Ankel's throw a surprise birthday party to Along in the club. She was indeed very surprised and very delighted. The band members were all so friendly and  we really like their attitude of appreciating their guests. somehow or rather, Net Alive should be learning this from them. we finally arrived at the Mess around 2 am. I was so tired. There was no water supply.. and i just headed to bed.. Mess night tomorrow...

Business deals

I went up to Kepala Batas (Pak Lah's hometown) today with my dad and hubby to have a look at a piece of land that is offered to us. I had quarrels with hubby prior to the visit. Yeah we quarrel everyday for everything. Afters ending off our boy to school i went home to pick my dad to join us. It was a half an hour drive because i was too careful on the road (lots of complains coming from dad and hubby)

So Relieving Foot Massage

So relieving Foot Massage

It was my last day in Tawau. My whole body aches because of sharing the small super single bed with hubby for 3 weeks. I did not exercise at all, and I spent my 3 weeks doing normal things that a wife would do, ‘housekeeping’ and laundry. I would join hubby and his friends at the mess for dinner at around 7.30pm (this only lasted a week because my skin grew thick after a few meals and I was not suppose to be there anyway because these people will always talk about work). We would go out with Remy after the formal dinner to play pool or to have more food.  Hey! I am a big eater; I couldn’t eat that much in the mess since they don’t serve that much food. And they didn’t expect a girl like me to eat a lot. I still remember a person sitting in front of me giving a cynical smile when I had a second serving of rice. Oh so embarrassing!

Since it was my last night in Tawau, (after a 1 hour session of quarreling), hubby offered me if I wanted to have a foot massage rather than accompanying me to a club. So I said yes!

I found a massage centre in the middle of town, opposite of heritage hotel Tawau, it was called A1 massage centre. It was located on the 2^nd floor. I went upstairs to check out the charges, and they were quite affordable.

40mins foot massage: RM25

1 hour full body massage: RM50

The place was ‘OK’. They placed 15 reclining chairs in a hall, they had no other customer except me so I didn’t find the place congested but I think the situation would change if the place is pack with people.

The masseur was a middle age lady and properly attired. I could tell that she was very experience looking at her swollen knuckles. She told me that they would let a male masseur to massage a male client. No hanky-panky. A real stress relieving body massages. She offered me for a whole body massage but I opt for foot massage instead. She was good but her strokes were sometimes a little too hard for me. But I told her to slow down. She told me that their placed is often visited by football players, athletes, guest from a nearby hotel. The management won’t allow their staff to entertain any request for personal session in hotel rooms to maintain a clean image. I like the way they manage the place and the people. It’s comfortable and unthreatening.

Nevertheless, this massage centre could never be better than the one I’ve been to in Penang. 1 hour of foot, legs and shoulder massage cost me RM30. I go there every month. It is very satisfying! This massage place is located at TESCO Extra Sungai Dua Penang, and they run another centre at an adjacent building to prove that they are really making business. How i wished i have something like that!

Food, Food and more food (but not so much)

As a genuine Penangite, I found Tawau has few to offer (or maybe I haven’t seen or tasted much just yet).  Everybody knows that Penang, has so much delicious food, accessible and most importantly cheap. Tawau signature dish is “nasi lalap” and bakso. These were the two things I ordered upon coming over to this place. Apart from having the so called ‘cheap’ seafood (it’s not cheap, it reaches hundreds of RM). They love banana fritters and their pieces is bigger than what we can find in Penang (that is the only generous thoughts of the seller). Nasi lalap is rice that comes with a flour coated fried chicken and a bowl of soup (just the liquid). Alternatively we can order Nasi Goreng Lalap, an upgrade version of nasi lalap. The rice is fried with some flavor. They are also famous for their nasi kuning. The Yellow rice that is served with sambal (gravy that is a sauté of tamarind juice, onions and chillies). It could be Prawn sambal, beef sambal, chicken sambal, squid sambal, endless list. If nasi lemak is the morning staples for the peninsular, having nasi kuning will be their breakfast ritual. I did not found a single pack of nasi lemak during my stay in Tawau which is quite surprising.

I did found a few Tom Yam outlet, but the best Tom Yam Outlet that offers something similar to the east is located near a Mosque nearby the Kukusan Camp (from the Back Road). Owned by a Kelantanese who is married to a local and he imported his cooks right from Patani. Apart from that there is a good “ikan bakar” (Grilled fish) outlet nearby “highway” (the stretch of road along the esplanade).  According to hubby and all his friends Uncle Burn’s Grilled Fish should be a ‘must have’ list for fish lovers. Even the mat saleh we brought over there loved it. Apart from fish, there were also other types of seafood to choose from for the grill. Eating at uncle burn was never a burden to the wallet. Drinks for 7, 2 plates of fried rice and a big grilled fish only cost RM46.00. Cheap isn’t it?

On the last night before we depart for Penang, we went to dine in Restaurant Balikpapan Seafood. Their specialty is the grilled chicken. We order a set each that comes with plain white rice and a bowl of soup (their usual empty soup). I added fried tempe and stir fried broccoli and cauliflower. The dish is special but the taste is nothing to be excited about. And the price is was acceptable but I still think it’s high. If it’s not because of the nice waitress, I would have doubt for a second visit. J

Another night another dollar spent another disappointment

Coming to Net Alive had eventually turned out to be a routine for my hubby and his friends. The boredom had become more intense from one day to another. They seriously need to find a new place to hang out. Somewhere that could offer them cheap drinks, a free game of pool, free karaoke and non threatening crowds. We were checking out a place called “Red Bull” but it was kind of packed with people. We continue walking to the other block and we found an exclusive club called TRC stands for Tawau Recreational Club.

We were greeted by some safety officers that were on standby near the entrance. The place was cozy; the staffs were in uniforms, no sign of cheap bimbos around which was a good sign. There was only a group who only minded their own business, there was a pool table located in a separate room and self service karaoke. They sent us tits bits upon settling down at our table and I was so grateful for that welcoming complimentary. Hubby enjoyed a game of pool with Remy and I had a chit chat with Ankel, who was telling me half his love life with his new bride. We sang a few songs and had a good time at the beginning.

Nevertheless, my excitement vanished upon receiving the bill. They charged us for a few pieces of cornballs. It was ridiculous. The drinks were pricier than Net Alive, so far Net offered the best price for drinks. The staffs were really looking forward (it was all over their faces) for us to finish our last song and empty the last glass of our drink so that they could close up the outlet. We felt rather being chased out. The lady manager (because she sat at the bar near the cashier counter not wearing uniform) hardly respond to my smile. I wonder whether they have ever been to any PR courses. They should start smiling to their customers. It is very bad indeed. When a customer felt unappreciated, they will never make a comeback. It’s their loss. It’s just too bad.

We left TRC for good and made our way to Sri Semporna II for our early morning coffee. It was almost 2 in the morning. We ordered our hot beverages, and had a long talk about business. All of us were agreed with one thing, to own our own club in Tawau; that have a similar concept with WIP in Bangsar. I love that place but the music was still too loud. It was extremely irritating to have to shout to the person next to you. Sometimes get caught shouting when the music suddenly stops. It was quite embarrassing.  Hubby told me that in Canberra, all that you can hear in a pub or clubs are people voice. I would love to hang out in places like that. Or better still to own one.

The Night When Kelantan won Their 1st Malaysia Cup

Hubby told me that he wanted to have his usual nescafe tarik after he had dinner at the mess. We invited Ankel to join us but he was watching Malaysia Cup Final in his room. We went to the nearby Tomyam Outlet and found out that the staff there was also watching the game. After a while, Ankel joined us and continue watching. 2010 Malaysia Cup Between Negeri Sembilan and Kelantan (Ankel hometown). No wonder he was very excited. Remy (another Kelantan supporter) came a bit later. Both of them were really enjoying the game. Me and hubby who were not so much into football but found out that we were also taking part with the game watching. Kelantan created history when they won the game and who wouldn't me more excited if none other than these two Kelantan die hard fan. We then went to Net Alive for a little celebration.

They played pool as usual, i sang some songs, and the first time in my life a ordered Iced Milo to drink in the club. I wonder if any other club served Iced Milo. They boys have their usual order. This time they played 13 frames of pool and later when everyone was getting a bit bored, Ankel  suggested that we should go to R&B to contiue with the celebration.

We were greeted with a wide smile and a firm handshake at the door. At first i thought they are being hospitable since Ankel is a regular but when i compare the situation with Net Alive, i should give them a thumb's up. We came to Net Alive every other day but no one ever says hi to us. A few stars for R&B for hospitability.

I was a bit underdressed, since everyone put their most glittering and sex appealing outfit. I had on a black  t-shirt and a long skirt which i wore doing laundry earlier. So unflattering. But i still had a good time. The DJ spinned all the song i requested. 2 thumbs up for the DJ. He was a cute guy, wonder if he is single so i could promote him here, haha! Music selection was good but the crowd enjoy old school's songs.

The crowd was ok. Wayyy better than CK, the girls were well behaved. Not slutty. The only had body contact with a single man.

Club Hopping Day

I had a bit of a quarrel with my other half and i did not join him for dinner at the mess, an action that i later regretted. I was hungry and short of cream crackers supply. The best thing i could do was to sulk up my ego and make up with dearest hubby. Quarrel and made up again. Normal phenomenon among couples. If you never quarrel, there must be something really wrong with either you or your partner. Quarrellings makes the heart grows fonder. It could actually strengthen up your relationship. Learning to accept and live with each other's imperfection. Nobody is perfect. Unless you are a"nobody" then it should be OK.

We finally went out again, with Remy as our navigator and Ankel as special guest. We went to Uncle Burn's, since the three of them had had dinner earlier, i was the only one eating. I ordered Uncle Burn Chicken Rice, some cauliflower, broccoli and tomato salad and i did ordered a deep fried squids but they sent me deep fried prawn instead.  I had a huge glass of apple plus orange juice to complete my dinner.

After dinner, we were hunting for a chill out place, hubby and Remy wanted to go somewhere else apart from Net Alive. I think they went there enough. We were thinking of RED BULL but it was packed with people. Then we walked to the next block and we found a new club (for us) near Tawau Recreation Club (TRC). We went in. The staff was hospitable, but the prices on the menu is rather more expensive than the usual club they had stepped in. We settled down, picked some songs. NO loud ear piercing music. The guys had their drinks, and hubby and Remy went for a game of pool at a separate corner. I was comfortable chit chatting with Ankel. A very nice and clean environment. The staff are appropriately dressed in uniform. a touch of class there.

We had fun there, sang our hearts out and left at 2am. Remy suggested we to another club to meet his friend.
I almost had a heart attack upon entering the place. It was totally the opposite of TRC. They had the most "heart wrenching" and "eye sore-ing"  GROs serving in the club. The crowds were from a different class altogether. Not recommended at all for ladies who went there without partners. You could be mistaken for a slut or something similar. Its a good thing that had on hubby,s collard t-shirt and my black jeans, in a place like that, any party dress you put on will look slutty. The floor was dirty, ventilation was very bad, the smoke from cigarettes made my eyes watery. We had to sneak out to breath fresh air. It didn't lasted long, thank God! We left to had our late night coffee and chit chat at Sri Semporna.

We ordered our wrap up drinks, and what came to us was all mixed up. I think it was because we just woke the waiter up from taking a nap. Nevertheless, we enjoyed ourselves talking, it is rather fun to talking to people when they 'speaks the same language'. Apparently, everybody had so much to talk about we it was 4.30am when we finally left the place. So far, I think this was the longest night i ever experienced in Tawau. A dinner, bar hopping and a chit chat session.

Label 5 - The new Gold Medalist

There was a party in the officers mess last night, commensuring the anniversary of this base, my hubby was being contacted to get some beverages for them, so we went out to SABINDO  (the old town)  to get some supplies. Unfortunately enough that hubby came into the car telling us that there were no stock available but he managed to get something but the brand is a bit unpopular among drinkers. At RM60 per bottle, it is rather cheaper than the usual brand that could reach until RM240 per bottle. Without having much choice we left the grocery store and went to Sri Semporna to have my dinner (since he already ate in the mess).

Upon reaching our room, curious hubby immediately check the details of this new drink from the net. He found out that this brand had won a gold medalist in 2008 so it should be a good. His only fear that those people in the mess will not drink it. He then looked for cocktail ideas where he quickly put at work later on. I think hubby was happy and relieved that people like the new thing and he was also glad to be introduced to this new brand.

Some people might not know what am i writing about but people who does, i think you should give this Label 5 a try, after all there is no harm trying. Enjoy your drink!

By the way the party was not so successful since only a few people were present and there were only 3 ladies able to make it. Such a boring party without chicks around, don't u think. We left at 2am, spent time in our room... lalalaladida and that was more like it!

Restaurant Review - Daily-Q (Steamboat) Restaurant, Tawau

Varieties *****
Service ***
Price *** (RM25 per pax -with term and condition)
Parking Availability ***
Cleanliness ***
#the rating is based on 5 star maximum.
Concept - Self service (buffet style) steam boat restaurant.

Tips:-
Dont ask for additional drink since they already prepared a huge container of Chinese Tea (included in the bill) the drink is located near the vegetable buffet table. Additional 2 can drinks and a double lime 'cocktail' cost us additional RM5.00.

They serve papaya pickles for the appetizer, i was praising the restaurant management for at least complimenting us the with pickles (which i found unique) but later to find that it was being charged separately from the initial RM25 per pax. (additional RM1.00 for the pickles) and funny enough, they also charged us 30cents each for wet towels and we didn't even asked for it to begin with. The whole things seemed like they are trying to make complimentary things compulsory in order for them to camouflage the extra charges on  us. Finally there was the 5% government tax.

Overall the food was good, a lot of varieties to choose from. The seafood was 'FRESH' since steamboat has no particular taste, i think this is the most suitable word to describe them. Apart from fresh and processed seafood they also served mutton, beef and chicken. I thought i saw the halal cert on the notice board behind the cashier but i am not sure for what the halal cert represented. They served beer too. And there is a huge sign saying "SERVE NO PORK" also located behind the cashier counter.

Dipping sauce varies from mild to hot, based on the amount of chillies that could be found in the different container, i wished they had the bottled sauce too because none of the dipping sauce did excite my taste buds. They give you a small saucer of margerine (to substitute the butter) to avoid dishes from sticking onto the grill plate.

Hubby and our dear friend Remy Hernandez, really enjoy eating mutton and tuna slices and Remy really used up his all culinary skills. Huh! not bad for a bachelor i must say.

On top of the fresh meat and ocean products, they didn't not serve for any dessert. Everyone was rather craving for something sweet to wrap up the steaming and grilling session. I was thinking of Cendol or ABC or maybe a cup of ice cream. A complete dining experience must be complemented with a good dessert but we had a wet towel instead. Somehow or rather it had really affected our mood.

So fellas, if you are anywhere in Kl or Penang, i would suggest you check on Seoul Garden for a better Steam Boat and Grill experience and they serve dessert too and best part is, they don't charge extra for the variety and mouthwatering dessert that they have .

Kayu manis restaurant Tawau

Pisang goreng kayu manis wrap in spring roll skin.

a day after pay day...

Other half was a few thousand richer since it was his pay day yesterday. We decided to hail a cab and walk around town to settle our bills and get some of our personal stuff. It was 7.30pm and as usual, it was dark.. hubby was still in pain due to his back problem but he was determined to go out. He was quite worried that there wouldn't be any cabs around but we were lucky to catch a cab upon leaving the main gate. No hassle at all!!  

We got down near Affin Bank, the fair was RM5. Cheaper than what the other taxi driver used to charged us. (ranging from rm8-10). Hubby then withdrew some cash and we walked to Maybank which was not so far from there, no doubt there were a lot of people queuing at the deposit machine.  We waited in different que for 10 minutes or so and done with our first mission. We continue walking to Celcom to pay our phone and broadband bills. I could see that everyone was busy coming in and out of a bank, apart from payday might say that it was a debt paying day for everyone too. After settling our bills in Celcom kiosk, we proceed to Ambank to settle our credit card bills. And we are done with monthly commitment of debts and bills and we manage to add on our steps by walking around town. I am starting to like walking in Tawau town, everything reachable within walking distance but do walk with a partner because it might get eerie walking alone.

We went to a Guardian, there were 2 guardian outlets in Fajar (the new town area. the one located on the same row with Watson and Body Shop outlet is open till 9pm i supposed. This outlet was packed with unopened boxes so it was quite hard for us to browse for our things. So we proceed to a nearby local pharmacy which my hubby found later that the price of things are a cheaper. I got myself the cough syrup (my all time favorite "Ibu dan anak"), and some vitamins and we exit from the pharmacy to enter a more exciting place the Shoe Shop, i've been dying to check on lately.

I was actually looking for a slip on high heels that i need to wear during dinner but hubby had a more brilliant suggestions. He told me to get the boots, since they were cheap but yet very appealing. After trying them on and looking into the mirror told myself i wouldn't leave without them. I left with 2 very cool pairs of boots. both are brown but a different brown but the heels are totally different. Great! Now i have 4 pairs of boots. 2 at home and 2 in Tawau. I feel so happy i was thinking to get another pair in black if my budget permits. By the way, hubby was the one paying for these new babes and i couldn't me more than grateful!!! Thank you honey!!!

The Shoe Shop

My babe #1 unbelievable price tag of RM58.90

My babe #2 more unbelievable price tag of RM38.90

Side view

side view

Who would have thought i will get so lucky having to stumble upon this shoe shop. "Look" as the name of it, will be relocated to somewhere nearby, i believe the owner wanted a bigger place to display the lovely shoes they have. Alternative to "Look" there is another shoe shop called "Miki". I've been there but the sale girls were not that friendly though. But they have some cool collection of shoes, the price are cheaper than "Vincci" (new outlet opened in Tawau some 2 months ago). In Tawau Vincci, the price of their collection is ridiculously high. Even though with the 20% all year round discount they give.

Some locals even told me that they would rather to fly to KL during sales and get a few pairs of Vincci than buying it in Tawau. If COSWAY only added a dollar to everything they sell here, (except for redemption item) why didn't the rest of the brand do the same. Avon for instance, the price different is somehow absurd. But all i can say is people in Tawau have a huge purchasing power, 60% of the people here is driving a pick up and pick up truck is not cheap. Perhaps people around here are making a lot more than what we are making there in the peninsular but still a lot of people choose to migrate to KL. I wonder why?   

Enjoying my 1st lobster at Kamling Seafood Tawau.

TIPS FOR EATING LOBSTER:-

1. do check the price and confirmed it before you agree to proceed with the cooking

2. let the people of the restaurant suggest what best for you or what is the most popular dish among the customers, or look on other tables to look for tantalizing ideas

3. consider your budget (to avoid wastage) since a piece of lobster (that cost rm130 plus minus) could make 2 different dishes and serve 3 people, u may not need some other side orders no matter how tempting they appear to be

 this poor dude cost us rm130 per piece

 3 kilos.. i think so

 

2 dishes from the same lobster

 yummie

 yummie

 finished everything

 

happy n satisfied faces

TAWAU inside out

My husband was being posted to Markas Angkatan Tentera Bersama 2, Kem Kukusan Tawau in June'10. I don't know if it should be a good news to me or otherwise. The first time i heard of it, I freaked out and cried. Gong Kedak and Kuantan were already a travelling nightmare (since we travel often) and now Tawau!! I dont even know what to expect. 

Emm, but as far as i could recall. Back in USM years, (freshman years) I had a room mate name Sanisah bt Hj Samuri (ermm i think so- but it sounded so familiar right...??but she was not related to the famous satay kajang though). I wonder what happen to her and where she is now? 10 years ago, i had a red headed (of course artificial) room mate from Tawau, my first impression of Tawau rather changed after i recalled how my x-room mate portrayed herself as a Tawau girl. She was quite a babe so i think Tawau will fit me fine.

Hubby had to come 1st, he told me that theres a supermarket (grocery store i should call it) just beside his camp. Just outside the gate perimeter. 3-5 minutes walking distance. There are a few local restaurant around the area too. No need to travel far.  No need for me to bring the whole house to Tawau since its easy to get my necessity. That was what he advised me.

My 1st journey to Tawau was a bit chaotic. I stay in Penang. there is no direct flight from Penang to Tawau if travelling by Air Asia. Its the same with MAS (but MAS has a dedicated continuing flight that awaits in KLIA). my flight was at 2pm and it was delayed to 4pm. My next flight to Tawau from LCCT was at 6.30pm. I was lucky that the plane i boarded to LCCT landed just a few minutes before check in closing time. Everything was hand carry so It really save a lot of trouble but i still need to run to catch the next flight. and i actually used the phrase "Excuse me, i have to catch a flight in 5 minutes"  and i had a hard time catching my breath too. Huh!!   

The flight was delayed (again!!) due to some technical problem..and i have to walk so far to get to the substitute plane..it was so tiring and i really pity those old folks and the kids and parents with babies.. it was such a hassle for them. I must say that Air Asia is only fit for FIT people. i am not sure if they charged us if we request for a wheelchair or perhaps i should check on that too. Well, what u pay is what you get lady.. sigh!

I finally step on Tawau Ground at 10 pm, and i did something against the law (i realized only when i want to leave Tawau). my passport wasn't stamped prior to entering the state. And  it was a huge offence i must say. I had a quarrel with the immigration lady officer saying that i didn't know the law as that was the first time i was there. (The quarrel happened during my departure to KL after 2 staying weeks in Tawau as an illegal visitor) By the way, i didn't know how the hell i managed to go through without getting the stamp? But i remember that there was no immigration people around upon my arrival only to know that i had used the wrong entrance door. (And why was there supposed to be another door without any authorities in charged?) Silly wasn't it?

Yay!! At last i could see hubby's face. waited for me at the airport arrival gate. Enough of a day journey. The day after was when hubby being conferred his Major Rank. So, Tawau is a blessing in disguise i should say.