Best Original Wonton Noodles

HANDMADE "WANTON" GOODNESS

Affable Uncle Koh (in red) Greets Customers Regularly 

It is not a post erratum when I use the word wanton instead of the usual wonton for the traditional dumpling noodles, because that is how good the noodles and wontons are at Uncle Koh's - it's better than you know what!

We have been regulars at this shop for as long as we remember first discovering it years back.  Housed in a non-descript row of shophouses along the back streets of Tun Aminah, it is easy to miss this gem of a find when you are not consciously seeking it out.

We stumbled upon it when we were lost once looking for a morning bite in the area.  It was fortuitously serendipitous when we settled on Uncle Koh's and we have never looked back since.  Uncle Koh and I are now fast friends - and he speaks perfect English - which makes me look forward to my visit there even more to catch up with him.

I can see many locals also return to his eatery because of his traditional unflappable hospitality which is fast disappearing in our world of hustle and bustle.  That aside, no one could come close to his traditional dish of wonton mee, especially when paired with the condiments of home-made beancurd and bittergoud stuffed with fragrant minced meat.  The stuffed complements are something I usually stay away from because they are generally nasty tasting in my opinion.  But the ones at Uncle Koh's are not factory churned-outs and you could taste the homemade goodness in every bite.  So every time we are there, my partner and I will always order one each of the beancurd and bittergoud (photo below) for ourselves to go with the delectably homespun no-coloring and no-preservatives wonton noodles.



Most Fragrant & Tasty Homemade Beancurd & Bittergoud Stuffing



Perhaps this stall is not for the generations X or Y who probably has no memory of how the traditional wonton noodles were once prepared.  The younger generation is probably more familiar with the wonton noodles of today doused in ketchup or black sweet sauce.

It is certainly not how I remembered the dish to be served when I first docked in Singapore decades ago.  I remembered either dried egg noodles from Hong Kong or fresh spun ones were then blanched in hot water and served in a sauce/oil that was both light and fragrant.

And that is exactly how good old Uncle Koh does it himself and has taught his staff to do the same (see video below) if he is not manning the stall.  On a lucky day, you may even see the miester himself flipping the blanched noodles sky high before they flop pricisely back into his strainer - a trick nobody does anymore in our streetfood scene of young hawkers.



Our Usual MR17 / S$6 Breafkast Spread At Uncle Koh's

As I mentioned, if Uncle Koh is not moiling around his shop, he would be milling with the customers, taking orders or just simply catching up with the regulars.  And that is what I miss most in today's street food scene - the good-old-days hospitality and casual banter between customers and hawkers.

Nowadays, everybody is either too busy on the phone or adopt an eat-and-go attitude so much so that the kampung atmosphere of camaraderie is a rarity.  I am glad I still find the kampung spirit palpable here at Uncle Koh's.  It is surely a place to bring your age-old parents or elderly relatives who may be yearning for a piece of yesteryears' great tasting traditional wonton mee.



No Coloring No Preservatives Handmade Noodles

On Uncle Koh's business card, it states that all his ingredients and flour-based products bear no coloring nor preservatives - from noodles, wonton skin, dumpling skin to even pepper and soya sauce.  The veggies are freshly blanched and crunchy, and the char siew is lean - just how I prefer.  Now where today can we find traditional street food with such wholesome ingredients?

Dollops Of "Wanton" Goodness





UNCLE KOH WONTON NOODLES

No 106 Jalan Pahlawan 2, Taman Ungku

Tun Aminah, Skudai, Johor.

Tel: +6012 727 2509

Uncle Koh opens from 7am until food sells out in the early afternoon

Singapore Malaysia Railway In Backyard

FMSR RAILWAY SLEEPER WOOD RESURRECTED

The photos below are from Wikipedia when I researched for this post on the railway sleeper wood strips which I had bought from BL Blooming nursery in Johor Bahru recently. 


Federated Malay States Railway At Tanjong Pagar Singapore


I could not resist buying the huge chunks of history after the owner of the nursery told me they were taken from the now defunct Federated Malay States Railway which plied Johor and Singapore since decades ago.  Before the Johor-Singapore Causeway across the Straits of Johor was built, the railway in Singapore was limited to routes on the island only.  The construction of the causeway began in 1919, and it was opened to goods trains on 17 September 1923 and to passenger trains on 1 October 1923. Previously, passengers and goods were transferred at Woodlands to a ferry to Johor Bahru and the connecting train on the peninsula.. Tanjong Pagar railway station was completed on 3 May 1932 and officially opened by Sir Cecil Clementi. It was in operation for around 79 years before it ceased operations on 1 July 2011 to be reserved as the Singapore Railway Museum.  Thanks to Wikipedia I learned of some pieces of history which I had now in my backyard.



You Can See The Strips Of Sleeper Wood Above 

Another very interesting nugget involves my favorite current King of Malaysia, Sultan of Johor.  I bet many do not know that the last train out of Tanjong Pagar was driven by Sultan Ibrahim Ismail of Johor, whose grandfather, Ismail of Johor, had opened the causeway between Singapore and Malaya in 1923. The Sultan had to learn how to drive a train before he was able to perform this task, receiving training from Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM), the main railway operator in Malaysia. Two drivers accompanied him to ensure the safe sending of the last train out of Singapore back to Malaysia for good.  What a grand and meaningful  send off involving the sporting and gregarious Sultan. 

You can surmise why I could not resist buying 6 pieces of the railway sleeper woods when I saw them.  At MR120 per piece, I say they were a bargain for the rich history they represent of Malaya-Singapura past and present association, which is inextricably linked no matter how people try to view Johor and Singapore as separate entities.  In fact, I dreamed recently of a merger between Singapore and Johor!

Anyways, I digressed.  Finally this week I was able to put two pieces of history into good use in my house.  Our patio was in need of an informal bar counter. So I thought why not use two odd railway sleeper wood and combined them using steel rod and bolt them together to form a unique rustic bar counter?  You can see below how I bought a huge drill bit (for just MR50) and bore through the sleeper wood so that I can bolt them together to form the counter top.

In the video below, you see how easy it was to pass the steel rod through the holes I had created (but ensure the holes are aligned properly) before being bolted together.  Each wood is so heavy that I did not even have to use any wood nail or epoxy adhesive to stabilize them on the concrete base which I had created economically using hollow concrete bricks.  Voila, we have a nice conversation piece rich in history right in our house!

For those who prefer the railway sleeper wood without the ironmongery on it, the nurseries do have them for sale as well.  For me, I had intentionally asked BL Blooming nursery to find pieces with the ironmongery for the added authenticity.  When the wood and ironmongery have been properly prepared, I will coat them with clear varnish and  anti-rust respectively to withstand the inclement weather patterns. 

Antiques & Furniture Restoration

YOU SAY PARK MALL, I SAY HOCK SIONG

Thank God The Couch Cushion Was Saved By Our Reupholstery Uncle

Lying on my "new" reupholstered faux leather couch, I cannot help but thank our kind reuphosltery uncle at Perling for meticulously restoring the damaged fabric cushions which Cat and I had managed to ravaged through the years - it with the claws and I with the grease and sweat from my reclining head.

Cat & I Were Anabolical To The Poor Couch

I know, looking at the before photo above, many would have believed I either have anger or hygience issues.  But truth be told that fabric furniture and I just do not go - so I promised my partner I would personally lug those damaged cushions (and the good ones too) to our upholstery genious at Perling to have them rejuvenated.  It cost me just MR60 per cushion and voila - we have a new couch nesting in our family room, and all it took was the hassle of transporting the cushions, some patience as the old uncle works at his own pace, and whole lot of love for the old and not throwing them out.

Speaking of not throwing old stuff out, I see a emergence of pre-loved items on sale in Singapore since a few years back.  My go-to for such pre-owned, second-hand, antiques - please use whichever nonmenclature you prefer for these beautiful classics - is none other than Hock Siong in Singapore.  My family home in Singapore has so many of Hock Siong furniture and decorations that whenever we meet the owners of Hock Siong, I joked about my home being a Hock Siong showroom. 



 

The sprawling Hock Siong store is run by the affable patriach and matriach of the family who keep their hardworking staff happily busy with container loads of furniture and other  furnishings from hotels, embassies and property showrooms who need to dispose of these perfectly fine assets due to renovations, relocation or cease of business.

The owners' daughter also helms the marketing of their blooming business, introducing social media marketing into the promotional mix, whose effectiveness can be substantiated by the fact that each time we get alerted on some nice new arrivals, they are more likely already sold than not by the time you head down to the store on the weekends.  So my shopping strategy at Hock Siong is to visit it quite regularly - they have new arrivals almost weekly - and then either reserve or purchase the items on the spot before they are taken.

Contemporary or Classic, Hock Siong Has Them All

Restorations Like The Above Chairs Are Great Conversation Pieces!

We have bought dining chairs, cabinets, garden furniture, and even hotel chandeliers of high quality at Hock Siong.  And we have spent countless hours sanding the furniture down, restain or repaint them, and painstakingly transporting them for reupholstery.  But it was all well worth it.  Not only do your furnishing pieces become custom one of a kind furniture, they are great conversation topics.  And the best thing is you do not need to spend an arm and a leg for high quality furnishings.  For example, a dining chair averages S$55 a piece, coffee tables at S$150, nice Victorian frame art for as low as S$20 to S$40.  For the lazy bone in some of us, I believe Hock Siong does some of the furniture restoration themselves - perhaps ask your friendly salesperson whether they can coat the wood furniture in your preferred color or just give it a new varnish and voila you do not even have to lift a finger.

As for my family and I, we take the restoration of the furniture from Hock Siong in our stride.  One day it may be the whole family settling down at the outside pation sanding the wood, another day it wouod be giving the furniture a fresh coat of varnish or paint.  Rest-assured your children would enjoy the process - they may lament about being away from social media for so many hours - at the end of the day, they learn a new skill and the parents get their quality time with them.  Happy Jalan Jalan at Hock Siong!

HOCK SIONG

153 Kampong Ampat #01-03 Junjie Industrial Building Singapore

Tel: +65 6281 8338 Opens Daily 9:30am - 5:30pm

UNCLE LUM REUPHOLSTERY

Sing Heng Cushion Center 127 Jalan Rawa, Taman Perling, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Tel: +6016 798 5096

Singapore Johor Merger?

A DREAM MERGER INTO "GREATER SINGAPORE"

I Dreamed Of A Johorpura or A Singahor

I have to admit, years ago before I even considered Johor Bahru my home, I knew very little of the city and the state, let alone its state leadership - namely the Johor Royal family.  After we moved to Johor many years ago, I began to take interest in the goingson locally, as an Asing (foreigner) needed to know at least what was going on on the ground, lest I acted or sounded like an ignorant Asing.  Of late,  the Royals of Johor are making news every now and then, and it is with interest that I follow the development due to my respect for the current King of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.  I say this only because every time he says something in the news, I find myself reading and nodding my head in acquiescence, thinking "Now that's a wise ruler who wants the best for his rakyats (ordinary folks)!".  For those who have been following my postings, I had recently even wrote an open post thanking the Sultan for highlighting the horrendous causeway jams that impacts both the rakyats here in Johor Bahru and in Singapore.



Tunku Ismail
Straits Times Photo

Something in the news today set my mind on a wild muse chase - meaning my musing went so wild I had to chase my thoughts back to reality.  When I was reading an article in which the Crown Prince of Johor Tunku Ismail was quoted saying that the Johor Royals are not rebellious, but simply want the best for their people.  Again I found my head nodding acquiescingly  in support.  The article pointed out the circumstances which may have encouraged the wrong perception of the Johor Royals as a cantankerous bunch, not collegial enough for the KL administration.  The gist of some of the contentious issues included: 

• Weighing in on current saga of leadership corruption 
• Asking rakyats not to ape their Arab brothers and sisters, instead to embrace their own Malay heritage
• Mooting the establishment of Bank of Johor to help finance loans for rakyats
• Highlighting the issue of secession of Johor state if the government does not keep their end of the bargain on which Johor joined the Malay Federation

The last point above was what set my imagination wild!  What if there were really a possibility of Johor seceding from the Federation in the future? Base on my own deduction, the stage is already set in three scenarios for an act of secession to possibly play out:

Singapore PM Lee & Johor Sultan
Mfa.gov.sg Photo

1. MODERATE ISLAM - From what I deduce, the Johor Royals are more moderate in the interpretation of the Islam religion than some quarters in Malaysia.  This is  why I respect the Sultan of Johor and his thought processes.  It is also one of the main reasons why I feel secure enough to move my family to the State of Johor where extreme form of Islam is neither practised nor encouraged.  So what if one day the extreme form of Islam were to take root in the Peninsular?  That's when I hope Johor's right to secession would be invoked.  With secession, would Johor ally and merge with Singapore to form a bigger powerhouse versus the Malayan hinterland?
2. JOHOR MILITARY - From what I know, Johor is the only state that has its very own small army - like the Vatican's Swiss Army - ready to strike and protect lest their territorial rights are violated. This smacks of Singapore's own national insecurity caused by its surrounding neighbors.  So would it not be a good idea for the two entities who have their own military might, to join forces and be a stronger military power against others?  The Sultan and the PAP government are already in good terms (see photo above) - I say an alliance is a shoo in then should push comes to shove!
3. SECESSION RIGHT - For me this is a no brainer. Apparently there is a provision for Johor to secede should the Sultanate's authority over its state administration or religious affairs be contravened.  If a clause such as this were to be included in the Malay Federation agreement, then to me there is a real possibility of the provision being invoked when terms are breached.  Should that happens, my wish is for Singapore and Johor to consider merging - either as a country or an economic powerhouse to spur GDP growth on both sides. 

So there you have it.  My dreamday scenario inspired either by the 36 degree heatwave or the news article that kickstarted my wild imagination.  If the merger does become the final act on our political stage, should we name the final production JOHORPURA or SINGAHOR?  Or perhaps the more sophisticated and meaningful GREATER SINGAPORE as coined by our Sultan of Johor?

I am fine with any name for the merged entity, for the grandeur of the merger in itself already transcends any grand name the new country may be given.  And of course as long as the merger brings benefits to rakyats on both sides.  Just think of the infinite possibilities:

• We will have Royals and an elected Government
• We will be like Turkey? Except we would have a Muslim side of the country and a multi-creed side
• We will not have labor shortage issues as Johoreans will be able to work freely on Singapore side and vice versa
• The Johor Sultan's dream of people working on the Singapore side and then coming home to live and play in Johor will become a reality.  It would be the birth of what the Royal had called "A Greater Singapore" - how visionary is that!
• The merger would be a win-win where Johor could leverage Singapore's strength as a financial hub while the latter can tap into the former's wealth of natural resources
• Johorporeans or Singahorians will be able to own homes more affordably on Johor side while getting passive income from investment properties in Singapore

I am sure there are many many more mutual benefits from a plausible future merger...but immediately I just know for sure that if we do become one, at least we can Jalan Jalan in JB or visit SG, free of human and traffic jams at the current causeway customs...because by then the bridges would have become freeways - no more passport stamping!

Johor Bahru Best Kaya Cake & Fried Rice

YOU WANT CHILLED OR BAKED KAYA CAKE?

My Afternoon Tea Made Perfect By Kaya Cakes

If I am not wrong, long time ago it was Bangawan Solo in Singapore that offered a chilled kaya cake which made me fall in love with kaya (coconut jam) in the first place.  And then over the years, I believe they stopped making it, and if I chanced to stumble upon one of these chilled kaya cake during my strolls in Singapore, the gelée coconut topping and filling in the center would be either too gooey or gelatinous for my liking.  And while we are talking about Singapore, what's with the over-priced cakes?  I am not talking about those uber-priced ones at PS Cafe and the likes, I am talking about a piece of banana cake for S$2 at BreadTalk?  Sorry I quite like banana cakes, but when I was last at BreadTalk, I could not bear to part with my S$2 / MMR6 when I know my humbly priced but mega delicious kaya cake is waiting for me in Johor Bahru.

Cake Delight Opens From Breakfast To Afternoon Tea

So imagine my absolute delight when I found Cake Delight in Johor Bahru!  The bakery I found a few years back is a mom and pop traditional business at a corner shophouse cum cafe (sort of).  Cake Delight satisfies not only my kaya cake fix, but offers a delectable spread of pastries and desserts for the sweet-toothed members of my family.  

However, I would always call before heading off to the bakery as my current favorite - baked kaya cake is quite the crowd darling and sells out pretty fast as soon as it is out of the oven. What keeps me coming back for more is the FRESHNESS!  They baked the cake every day, and so when you take a bite into the cake, you still could taste the moist kaya within the not-overly-sweet pandan flour.  So the texture is one of soft moist and yet dense - instead of what you get at more expensive cakery whose kaya cake mostly come dry and overly sweetened.

You can see from the photo below, last two slices were left on the shelf when we were there recently to pick up our pre-ordered whole square kaya cake for guests at home. And not only do the taste and size of the cake slice hark back to the ones we used to be able to buy in Singapore cakeshops of yesteryears, the MR1.60 / S$0.60 price tag certainly is nostalgic too for those who remember the good old days in Singapore some twenty odd years ago.

Cake Delight's also bakes fresh each day my daughters' favorite tea snacks - from coconut tarts, chocolate muffins, traditional egg tarts (again at MR1.50 / S$0.55 what's there not to indulge?), to a host of Chinese cookies, snacks and desserts (see photo below) which are getting more scarce through the years.  

Cake Delight Bakery is at 6 Jalan Layang 16, Taman Perling
Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Tel: +607 241 1360

GPS Coordinates: 1.4731181, 103.6779316

FRIED RICE PARADISE 

My next absolute favorite supper treat in Johor Bahru has to be the piping hot kampung fried rice from TT Kopitiam at Tun Aminah precinct.  At first glance you will think this humble small plate of comfort food seems bland and unsophisticated.  But after your first spoonful, I can bet you will be telling everyone around the table that you would want the plate to yourself so "please go order more plates for yourselves!"  - okay at least that was what happened at our table when we first chanced upon TT and its very friendly lady owners who run the tiny corner stall until around 9pm.

What is so special about this simple dish you ask?The long beans in the fried rice are served super crunchy - and the freshness of the crunch with the just-out-of-wok fried rice make every spoonful that much more delectable.  The Chinese waxed sausages (yes, a cholesterol buster...but you only live once!) are cut into small cubes and then fried slightly crispy which add so much taste and bite from this traditional ingredient of humble origin.  My partner would literally chow down each spoonful of the fried rice with a fresh cut red chilli slice dipped in soy sauce - a religiously executed regiment I find amusing.   But rust me, you would not want to give this fried to perfection simple dish a miss should you be at Tun Aminah vicinity.

I Say Fried Rice, My Partner Says Cha Kway Teow

The ever-vivacious TT sisters also churn out delicious Fried Kway Teow.  Though I love my TT Fried Rice, its Fried Kway Teow is no less scrumptious - especially if fresh cockles and crunchy fat bean sprouts are your thing.  The texture of the kway teow in Johor Bahru I find, is some what chewier than its cousin in Singapore. My kids find this more tencile TT version of Char Kway Teow suited to their palettes.

TT Fried Rice & Stuff is located at the corner coffee shop opposite Restoran Wah Cai at 86 Jalan Pahlawan 2, Taman Tun Aminah, Skudai, Malaysia.

Tel: +6019 750 5616

Happy Makan and Jalan in JB!

Cheap Apartment Stays In Johor Bahru

GREAT VALUE AT D'INSPIRE RESIDENCE

Sandwiched Between Aeon Bukit Indah, Sutera Mall, Danga Bay & Legoland - Perfect!

I know of many relatives and friends who live in Singapore make day trips into Malaysia, Johor Bahru for their Rest & Relax days.  They would come bright and early in the mornings and then by early evenings, they would be making a beeline either at the vehicle crossings into Singapore, or at the respective CW bus stations whose buses ply several parts of JB to pick up day trippers back into Singapore.

But why rush back to Singapore when you had already taken the trouble to get to JB, especially after those horrendous customs queues? Why not spend the night and make it a full two-day trip? I guess the logical answer is that most want to save on the hotel rates, which have been steadily rising with the advent of day-trip-in-Johor-Bahru concept taking root in value-seeking Singapore residents.

If my supposition is correct, then why not stay at a cheaper serviced apartment instead of spending on pricier hotels at Puteri Harbor or Danga Bay locales?  There is a proliferation of serviced apartments or condo hotels in Johor Bahru and day trippers are now spoit for choice should they choose to stay the night.  One such serviced apartment I always bring my friends or relatives to stay is D'Inspire Residence by KSL Resorts.  Not only do I trust the quality of the developer, the location is fantastic as it truly sits at the heart of Johor Bahru action.

Kids Will Go Buck Wild Over The Huge Pool

D’Inspire Residence is located in the prime district of Nusajaya and is close proximity to the shopping belt at Nusajaya and surrounded by major tourist attractions, and eateries.  At the rate my partner drives (zippy!) you can be Aeon Jusco in 5 minutes, Sutera Mall in 10 minutes, the new Downtown Puteri Harbor area in just 15 minutes and the old Downtown Danga Bay area in under 20 minutes!

They offer daily rates like a Condotel, as well as short stay packages if you (like me) would love to experience how life is spent in relaxing Johor Bahru. 

• 2-3 Minutes Drive to Nusa Bestari Giant / Tesco Hypermarket
• 10 Minutes Drive to Legoland Malaysia Themepark
• 20 Minutes Drive to Johor Premium Outlet

Be Inspired By D'Inspire Family Suite

It also has a huge 4 Bedroom fully furnished apartment built from 1238 square feet and comprises a master bedroom with 1-king size bed with attached bathroom, second and third bedroom with 1 queen-size bed and the fourth bedroom with 1 single-size bed. Great for families, leisure and business travelers who may have brought their family members along to soak in all JB has to offert.  If that is not good reason enough to stay at D'Inspire, check out its amenities:

• Fitness Station
• Pool
• Wading Pool/Child Pool
• Children Playground
• Jogging Track
• Sauna Room
• Lockers / Shower Facilities at Poolside
• Golf Simulator (charges apply)
• Multipurpose Hall
• Coach/Bus Parking Area
• BBQ Pit (charges apply)
• Complimentary WiFi is available at The Lobby Reception Area

Do give Johor Bahru a chance the next time you plan your trip here.  By staying a night or two, you would be able to explore more of the night markets, late night eats and not forgeting the glorious brunches at Taman Pelangi.

Call the number in the photo below for their promotional rate! Daily rates start from MR238 and if you stay beyond 14 days in a stretch, it starts from just MR150 a day.  Monthly rates can be negotiable if you are staying mid to long term.  Happy Jalan Jalan!

D'Inspire Serviced Residence by KSL Resort

Taman Nusa Bestari
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel:  +607 288 2999   +607 570 1333

Walk From Malaysia To Singapore & Vice Versa

Nearly 300000 People Do It Daily

Human & Vehicle Traffic Throng The Causeway - GoogleImages

I salute the thousands who brave the heat and bureacracy just to make the crossing each day to put food on the table for their family.  Reminds us to count our blessings and not to take life or our loved ones for granted.  Kudos to all of these folks.  As reported by Star Asia News, an average of 295,731 people use the two land crossings between Malaysia and Singapore daily - namely the newer Tuas Second Link and the very old Woodlands Causeway, the latter of which had been a bone of contention between the two countries over the issue of replacing the causeway with a new one or not.

Maddening Vehicle & Human Jam On Woodlands Causeway
TodayOnline

State Tourism, Trade and Consumerism Committee chairman Datuk Tee Siew Kiong said Immigration Department records showed that some 107.9 million people used the Johor Causeway and Second Link last year - that has to one of the busiest in the world, after other heavy cross country customs like Shen Zhen and Hong Kong.  What so shocking is that the nearly 108million is purely human traffic - not in the count are human traffic packed in cars, vans, lorries, buses and on motorcycles.  It is no wonder observers are labelling both crossings as among the busiest in the world, and badly in need of government intervention and policy changes to overcome congestion at both links.

God Bless The Crowd Who Has To Wait For Hours Sometimes - GoogleImages

Among the steps was beefing up the Immigration Department with another 468 personnel by June this year to man the counters in both places, as previously highlighted in my post on the Sultan of Johor, who is the current King of Malaysia, weighing in on this congestion issue.
After the Sultan raised his concerns on the bad jams affecting commuters, Malaysia customs came on the news announcing they are ensuring that all 351 booths are manned, especially during peak hours, a feat achieved after a freeze on leave by immigration personnel.
Apparently the state government hoped to increase the frequency of the train service to Singapore and have additional bus services from Iskandar Puteri to Boon Lay and Jurong East on the island republic. There were also plans to have more direct flights from Senai International Airport so that locals would not need to travel to Singapore to take flights.
It was also suggested that the police could set up a mobile station on the Causeway, and later at the Second Link, to monitor and control the traffic.  Another suggestion was that the Federal Government would allow tourists in tour buses to enter the country without having to bring down their luggage to aid in faster customs clearance.
Let's keep our fingers crossed on the Singapore-Malaysia government retreat next month, during which this congestion issue will be raised in a cross-straits effort find an effective solution.
Meanwhile, Be Patient when you come Jalan Jalan in JB.

Best Country For Retirement

Singapore Vs Malaysia Vs Thailand

Which is cheaper to live in? Singapore or Malaysia?  This is the news today on MSN when I first logged in this morning.  Why did they leave out Thailand?  I had argued the same several articles ago where I gave my 3-point strategy on retiring to a cheap locale to stretch that living budget.  Singapore is by default not a retiree's best retirement destination especially when you want to stretch the dollar in your golden years.  You can read the excerpt below wherein it reveals how investment funds are now buying luxury properties, deeming them "cheap" - certainly only by their standards!



Even Investment Funds Are Starting To Snap Up Properties In Singapore

These luxury apartments and condominiums are by no means "cheap" for regular retirees like me.  So Singapore is not my preferred choice for living out the twilight years.  However, for earning passive income, yes Singapore still remains my top choice, as explained in my 3 Point Strategy hyperlinke above.  To reiterate, yesterday's Straits Times (click photo above for news link) opined that investment funds are buying into Singapore residential properties as the industrial sector has not come down enough for the funds to start snapping up the industrial bargains.  The upscale private residential sector however bears sufficient bright sparks for the funds to jump in.

What is my point you ask? I am just reiterating what I had been propounding for awhile - that despite newspapers' sensationalized headlines of property market gloom and doom, there is a silver lining if we seek it out.  Like they say, the proof is in the pudding (or some may say the devil is in the details?).  I sure hope readers caught the seemingly inconsequential ending  of the article above, where Straits Times  stated that investment funds are buying into Singapore luxury homes as they are deemed undervalued. 

That's the proof and the "devil" I had been alluding to.  Rewind to my post  Rent Rant, HDB or Condo and Singapore Realty Really?  That was exactly the same point I was making in all these previous posts, that Singapore properties are worth snapping up now for future passive income.  If you have been holding on to your pot of gold for buying your dream house, now is the time to invest in that property.  

Now let's get back to where is it best to retire in?  Of the 3 countries in my golden triangle (Singapore, Malaysia & Thailand), I would have to strike Thailand out as it does not allow my frequent driving to and fro easily between countries like I could if I were to retire in Singapore or Malaysia.  So Thailand remains as my "playground" where I will frequently visit. 

That leaves us Singapore and Malaysia.  The MSN infographics which I had screenshot below easily help one make up his or her mind as the comparisons show the cost of living in Malaysia is almost always much less than that of Singapore's:

So with the above infographics - the choice is clear for me.  I will retire in Malaysia, continue to earn passive income in Singapore due to the high rate of property investment returns for my passive income, and then I will frequently visit Thailand (and beyond if my budget allows) for health treatments and other rest & relax activities.

I hope you will also be able to find your own "Golden Triangle" for retirement bliss.

Gotta Car Radiator Leak II

Reinforcing The Repaired Leak

This Is How The Final Repair Should Look

In my previous post Gotta Leak, I had demonstrated how a small leak car in my car radiator can be fixed to last longer into the short and medium term until I have the time to replace a brand new radiator into the old clunker.

STEP 1 I had gone through how the leaking surface of the radiator was prepared properly for the start of repair by cleaning using acetone and then sealed with the epoxy mix (steel grade epoxy resin) creating an even and thick epoxy layer.  I had left the generously thick epoxy application to cure for 24 hours - that means not driving the car or even getting the car wet as it is important to let the this first application cure well.

We are now in STEP 2 - which would involve the use of the high grade puddy to reinforce the repair - which I bought at Tesco for just MR16, but if you cannot find the Shelly's brand, any other brand at a hardware store would still do the trick.



As you can see from the video above, the puddy needs to be kneaded a little at a time - say 3cm length at one time, just so that you would not waste the puddy should it harden within the 10 minutes allowance you have immediately after kneading the compound together. 

Once you have the compound kneaded, apply over the same area you had previously repaired.  This compound further reinforces the repair areas and when it dries over the repair, it will be ultra strong and forms a leak proof exterior on the radiator. 

From the video you can see working on the radiator in the engine compartment is pretty painstaking due to the lack of space and light.  I used a flourescent table lamp placed on top of the car engine so that you can see clearly where to place the epoxy compound.  The radiator fins are pretty soft and fragile, and you do not want to damage or bend the fins while working in the dark and end up affecting the cooling system further.

When I finished the Step 2 application, the car radiator repair areas were again left to cure - this time for 72 hours (ideally).  This is because any earlier, the compound may still be soft (you can test by trying to dig your finger nail into the compound).  When the compound hardens and feels like fiber glass hard surface (you nail would not be able to leave a mark), it is then good to go.

Voila, now ou got a "new" radiator that allows you to drive your car without water leaking....at least until your new radiator arrives or when you have the time to leave the car at the workshop for a few days of installation.

POST NOTE:

I took my old clunker out for a spin today and the radiator did not even spring a drop of  water leak!  That's a big relief.  The old sport is back to life again!

Brunch In Bangkok

ASOKE & SUKHUMVIT BRUNCHES

Fresh Beer Pancake With Real Fruits

"Mai Mee Liao Ka!" or "No More Breakfast Already" uttered in Thai language by pretty hotel cafe hostesses is what I dread to hear the most whenever we stay at a local hotel - when our mini condo in Bangkok is occupied.  We are not really early birds, and especially not so when we are travelling - resulting in us missing our breakfast at the hotel more often than not. I know most Singaporean and Malaysian tourists religiously wake up for their breakfast buffet, but sadly not us. 

This is because during the day, we pack in so many activities from scouring for car parts, accessories and home decor items to dress up our village home, to following the girls in their power shopping spree and beauty treatments - that by night, we are exhausted to the nth degree.  You see, as parents-on-a-budget, we have always delayed our girls' expenditure on clothes and skin care - especially when they are raring to buy them at mall prices in Singapore and Malaysia.  So we  tell them that they can always buy in Bangkok on our next trip, which we make almost 5 times a year.  And so once the girls descend on Bangkok, it is an all-hell-break-loose scenario when it comes to shopping, and we have no excuse to stop them.

So that explains why we sleep in even later in Bangkok, which indubitably presents another problem - " NO BREAKFAST KA!" or " No More Liao Ka!"  Arrrrgh..... and breakfast is sacrosanct in our house, so over the years, just like we found our top 3 go-to brunch cafes in Johor Bahru, we have also found their Bangkok equivalent which I will share here:


Waffle To Chu On

Chu's Cafe

This brunch hangout has to be by far one of our top favorite hangout cafes.  I had in a separate post mentioned about our penchant for the Asoke & Sukhumvit precinct in Bangkok in part due to it having the Sky Train and Underground trains interchange.  Well Chu Cafe is the other part of the reason why we stay around there because their brunch never fails to nourish my tired soul and keeps me going for the rest of the day - just with a great cuppa and fresh bread, along with menu items that fit every member of the family's fancy.

Bangkokians & Tourists Go Back To Chu Frequently 

Poached Eggs On Smoked Salmon...Marshy Coffee...Heaven!

The staff there are sprightly which helps add to Chu's salient point in attracting repeat visits from tourists like me and Bangkokians who work around Sukhumvit Asoke vicinity.  The prices are comparable to the other 2 cafes featured below, and certainly lower than the pricey ones which we tried at Siam Paragon.

In fact, for a family of four, our bill usually averages out to be about B400 give or take per person at these three cafes.

Al Fresco Brunch With Family & Friends

Chez Charlie "French" Cafe

Our girls call Chez Charlie the "French Cafe" probably it reminded them of the little street cafes when we visited France.  We discovered this cafe when we stayed at Sacha's Uno several trips ago, and had since make it a must visit brunch destination each time we are in Bangkok's Asoke or Sukhumvit vicinity.

As soon as you enter, the aroma of fresh baked bread and pastry whets your ready appetite.  I have never tasted croissant so crusty on the outside and yet fluffy within.  Being freshly baked just before serving is probably the main reason why, but it is also the very fresh fragrant taste that keeps me returning.


You Will Not Find Bread/Croissant Fresher Than At Chez

Savory Crepes Galore

For those into savory crepes like my partner, they would be spoilt for choice at the myriad fillings in this creperies and bistro.  Bon Apetit!

Black Box

The Black Box Cafe & Bar is situated just by the Ploenchit BTS train station on the side of Mahatun Plaza.  You cannot miss its all black facade besides another Thai porcelain boutique.  The cafe had a loft for those who prefer to dine in a more private environs.

We prefer the chatter of the Thai office executives and the hustle and bustle of activities on the ground floor kitchen and bar.

Brunching With The Well Heeled Office Crowd

Brunchy Meal With Crunchy Salads

The servings are just right for an individual's consumption, so we always treat ourselves to complements like its fruity pancakes.  The bonus for us is the generous side salad each plate comes with, as when you are travelling we tend to forget to eat our greens.

Poached To Perfection

As in the other cafes here, the staff are all conversant in English and friendly enough to make us feel so much at home that we usually stick around after brunch for drinks...until the sun is less blazing before we head out on the streets of Bangkok again.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Black Box Cafe & Bar

888/8-9 Ploenchit Road, Pathumwan District, Bangkok, 10330, THAILAND
Next To: Mahatun Plaza Building
BTS Station: Ploenchit Exit 2 & 4

Chu Chocolate Bar & Cafe

 2nd Floor Exchange Tower (Asoke Intersection), Bangkok, Thailand 10110

A Bridge Across From: Terminal 21 or S Sukhumvit Suite

BTS Station: Asoke

MRT Station: Sukhumvit

Chez Charlie Creperies & Bistro

19-19/1-3 Sukhumvit Soi 19 (Wattana), Bangkok, Thailand 10110

Front Of: The Key Hotel

BTS Station: Asoke

MRT Station: Sukhumvit