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FATCAT Ice Cream Bar – Awesome Ice Cream Waffle Place

Located in a subtle neighbourhood of Bedok in Singapore, it needs a little exploration to find this cafe with a cute name – FATCAT. It’s not on the main street, nor the busy downtown, yet it’s situated down below the HDB flats at Bedok North Ave 2 which took about 15 minutes walk from the MRT station. Not too hard to find after all.

I could tell that it would not disappoint me with people waiting outside for a table and the full-house atmosphere. Upon entering, there’s no sign of any ‘cat’ that resemble the cafe’s name, but cute worker in pink and whiskers drawn on face. Oh, and it’s a Japanese month, so beside their original collections of ice cream, there’s a new line of Japanese inspired ice cream. This means that they do theme ice cream from time to time.

Too many to pick from and we ended with special Butterbeer and Thai Milk Tea, and of course serve them with their famous – Charcoal Waffles. The waffle texture scored crispy and fluffy and the salted egg yolk sauce blends it perfectly with the sweet ice cream.

What a lovely afternoon with artisan ice cream, and waffle. Let’s do it again!

FATCAT Ice Cream Bar

Blk 416 Bedok North Ave 2
#01-25 Singapore 460416
Tel: +65 6241 0830

Mon, Wed & Thu: 12pm – 10pm
Fri – Sun: 12pm – 11pm
(Closed on Tue)

Nearest Station: Bedok (EW Line), walkable 15 minutes.

July 18, 2017
George Town World Heritage Day Celebration Weekend

George Town, Penang celebrates an annual Heritage Day Celebration on the 7 of July to mark the city being incorporated in UNESCO World Heritage List of Cities and Sites back in 2008. The annual celebration brings various activities and street festival that showcases the cultural side of Penang.

The Meng Eng Soo Temple Open House is part of the 3-days festival and I’ve brought myself into the street to feel and see Penang. It’s just beautiful the street of George Town is closed up for pedestrian, guides explaining the beauty past of Penang, and the sharing of wonderful culture.

Although the annual festival is quite repetitive, it’s a lovely day to just indulge yourself into ‘Penang’ and remind oneself that Penang is culturally beautiful. I’ve not been to such event since many years back and this year, I see myself back into the city and the celebration!

July 14, 2017
Sunny Singapore Weekend

Spent the Eid’s weekend in Singapore two weeks back and the weather was beautiful. Although Singapore has a similar climate pattern as Malaysia, somewhat I felt that Singapore is perhaps a degree cooler than Malaysia, especially Penang. Perhaps the lush greenery contributes to the cooler surrounding. Though, it is obvious and certain that the city is more humid as compare to Penang as a short walk in the city makes skin felt ‘sticky’ and irritating.

Although some would argue with me that both Singapore and Penang are equally hot and humid but to be honest, there’s really a slight difference and you can feel it. Of course, the vast and easy access to AC interior do contribute a little to the ‘cooler’ feeling but then it’s just different. Share with me your thoughts!

Crossing the road in Bedok.

One of the Bike Sharing brand in Singapore – Obike, which I think it’s quite messy when people park the bike everywhere.

Favourite quite bite – KOI bubble tea and Old Chang Kee fried chicken popcorn.

The always busy Orchard Road.

July 13, 2017
Ramadhan Bazaar At Geylang Serai Is A Must-Go In Singapore

If you happens to be in Singapore during the Ramadhan month, you must visit the Ramadhan Bazaar at Geylang Serai, just east of Singapore! You will be amazed by the number of eateries and the big crowds there! I went just in time on the last day of Ramadhan and was quite surprised to see all Muslim friends were so busy working the last day on the eve of Eid.

If us, the Chinese would have been slowing down on the Chinese New Year and closes early for the holiday! Haha. Speaking of the Ramadhan Bazaar, it’s pretty eye opening comparing to the Pasar Ramadhan in Malaysia because it targets youngster more with many hipster food and drinks.

Not everything beautiful was good, they are more likely good on the Instagram but not my kind of food in my taste bud. But, I have to say, food was not cheap, not in the way of Malaysian spending in Singapore, but in a Singapore way, you could easily spend up to 40-50$ at there. Forget about money, and just enjoy the hipster bazaar!

These grilled oyster with different sauce topping are the bomb!

Long queue for cheap takoyaki – $2.50 only for 6 balls, but not perfect.

Really?! Raclette cheese set with just cocktail sausages and potato for $12? Not anymore, cheese cooled in minutes and didn’t finish it.

Ramly Burger in Singapore is not as cool as Malaysia’s, no vege in the burger.

Watermelon volcano, just perfect for the humid weather.

Opens only during Ramadhan’s month, so get back next year and you can easily reach there by bus – just search Bazaar Ramadhan Bazaar on Citymapper.

July 1, 2017
A Visit To Apple Store, Singapore

Finally, Apple has open its first store in this South East Asia region, in Singapore. Being an Apple fan, it’s a must to visit the store and feel the beauty of the interior setting and architecture. Although they look the same throughout some other major store around the world, I could assure that the vibes and atmosphere will never bored you up.

My recent trip to Singapore, the main purpose was of course to check out this new Apple Store that was just had its grand opening not long ago, at the same time to make a purchase of the new iPad Pro 10.5! Yes, it’s slightly cheaper after TRS (Tourist Refund Scheme) by about RM200. So, why not?

But of course, if you are not buying any thing, still it’s a must to check out this beautifully crafted retail store that house a public space for you to chill and feel Apple, yes I mean feel, not experience.

Apple Store, Singapore is located on this beautiful high street of Orchard Road.

Do you realise that Apple has moved their logo away from their iconic glass facade?

Your happy blog owner, me.

Iconic Apple Store is never complete without a signature stairs.

Oh, my iPad Pro 10.5 with the Pencil, unboxed in the store itself.

The forum, the town hall, the public space, just for you to chill and relax.

July 1, 2017
A Weekend Up To Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highlands to me is beautiful greenery landscape, misty cool temperature, relaxing hill resort and awesome steamboat to warm up the cold weather. I didn’t bring much expectation to this famous tourist attraction in Malaysia, but the short weekend getaway didn’t sync with what I’ve imagined earlier.

Not saying that the highlands at 1500 meters above sea level is not fun, but I could share with you what’s good and what’s not.

The journey from Penang takes about 2.5 hours by driving and the road from Simpang Pulai was quite comfortable and not overly winding. Excitement rushes in when we turned off the car AC and let in the cool breeze.

BUT we were quite turned down by the scenery out of the car window – vegetable farm with semi-transparent shelter that looks a lot like a disease quarantine zone. Hahaha.

Our first stop – the Lavender Farm was not as intriguing with RM8/entry that showcase some lavender, some flower species, and pick-your-own strawberries which our visit only lasted less than 20 minutes. It’s a man-made attraction, but comparing to the vast flower farm in Europe, or man-made Gardens By The Bay in Singapore, it’s just too not attractive. There’s plenty of similar farm at Cameron Highlands, mainly cactus and strawberries and I could suggest you to skip them all. Just buy the strawberry from the market, and not pick-your-own.

I highly recommend you to skip all those farms and concentrate on the famous tea plantations. Sungai Palas Tea Plantation where the famous Boh Tea brand is located is my favourite!

The weekend was crowded with people, but immersing myself in the plantation was just fascinating and refreshing. The visitor centre itself is an architectural award winning building which is worth seeing.

Another famous tea plantation is Cameron Valley which I still find Boh has a better visitor center.

The second place of interest that I liked is the Mossy Forest – a trekking trail at the highest point of Cameron Highlands that leads you to Gunung Irai. Unfortunately, we did not equipped ourselves well as the trail was muddy and wet. Obviously our attire and mindset was not ready for it.

Read that it takes about 2 hours to reach the top of Gunung Irai, and another 2 to come back. Thus, a good stamina and planning is needed. But the walk in Mossy Forest board walk was fun enough as it’s very cooling.

If you are driving to Mossy Forest, just have to drive slow and careful as the road is very winding, steep and narrow. Though, there’s a beautiful landscape along the road, really beautiful and amazing!

Temperature at Cameron Highlands was perfect to me, ranging from 16 to 24 degree celcius which reminds me a lot of my life back in the UK. Do bring some warm clothes to keep you warm up as it gets cold as night falls.

One last thing, try not to come on major holiday or weekends, I didn’t expect that the traffic was so bad up there, as there’s only road leading from point to point.

The next time, I am gonna gear up for the trek and rent a nature filled Airbnb to enjoy the cold weather. Say no more to fake farms.

May 1, 2017
The New Chowrasta Market Is Very Cool

The newly upgraded and opened Chowrasta Market is very cool! Had a quick pass through this century old market today while having my car parked in its new multi-storeys carpark, it’s delighted to see a beautiful addition into this gorgeous George Town.

Unfortunately, elevator is not working, yet.

Unfortunately, most of the vendors are still having their stalls by the road instead of moving in, but I am pretty sure the government will work out a plan to filled up the empty stalls in the wet market.

A harmonious blend of old and new, with a touch of unique culture.

If you are in Penang during this Chinese New Year season, you have to visit the Chowrasta Market and the surroundings to experience the happenings festive shoppings. It’s the most crowded time of all years and you will be amazed by the items sold and cheering atmosphere.

Chowrasta Market can be easily reached by Penang Central Area Transit (CAT) free bus.

January 21, 2017
Two Buns, A Very Hipster Burger & Booze Restaurant

Update: Our last visit (Nov 19) shows that this awesome burger eatery has closed down. Sad.

Two Buns, a very hispter burger shop on Carnavon Street, blends well with beer, that’s where their tagline comes in – ‘Burger & Booze’.

Hello, I am back again, after hiatus for more than a year and I find it exciting to write a blog post, sharing good food; and no, this is not a sponsored post. Just came across this hipster outlet a few days back while running errand in town. The artsy minimalist decorated eatery caught my attention, and the combination of burger and beers is just tempting.

Invited a few friends along on a Saturday night for a burger night out. Burger starts from RM10, and bottled Tiger, Heineken, Guinness and imported craft beer are available. Settled with a bucket of the mighty Tiger (RM65) and a Don Pablo (RM15) burger for myself.

Don Pablo – Deep Fried Chicken, Bacon & Cheese sandwhich is fragrant sesame bun.

Char Siu Pork Burger, sweet enough but I still like Don Pablo more.

Thai-style Sio Bak (Roasted Pork) with sweet chilli sauce. Crispy enough, but cooled when serve. Got to improve a little on that yo.

I was just happy that they are not another black charcoal burger copy-cat. I am sicked of everyone copying each other. Classic sesame bun is still the best.

One thing that needed to improve – THE LONG WAITING TIME!

Two Buns – Burger & Booze is at No. 177, Lebuh Carnavon, 11000 George Town. See their Facebook page for more detail. Parking is available by the roadside!

January 19, 2017
Ghent: Crazy Journey To Ghent, Belgium

(Spring, 2014) – Thinking back, the night was pretty stupid yet crazy where we wanted to save a night of accommodation by taking the night bus from Amsterdam to Ghent. Didn’t think that the journey took only 4 hours and we arrived in Ghent very early at 2am. The 4hours of nap in bus was totally not enough after a full long day of exploration in Amsterdam. It was a motel’s carpark that we alighted and there’s no sight of public transport or cab at that hour. The motel’s reception was closed too and not a proper place for us to sit.

2am. Heading to Old Town.

No maps, no internet access. But still had a fraction of Google Map loaded earlier in Amsterdam and we were an hour far (by walking) from the old town where we would be staying on the following night.

Assuming that check-in time is about 1.00pm, we had like about 10 hours of not-knowing-what-to-do. ‘Should we just walk to the the old town?’ or ‘Should we wait till the sunrise for the public transport to take us there?’ It’s like 5degree celcius in this spring midnight weather. No where we could see a corridor or corner that we could sleep like a homeless and it’s cold.

After 30 minutes of hesitation, ‘fuck, let’s just do the walk and look for any corner that we could just rest ourselves’. We past by a street of pubs that was very happenings, but a 24h fast food restaurant selling fried chicken caught our attention. Ordered a set and share among 5 of us, we tried to spent as long as we could in the restaurant, and each of us tried to close our eyes on a rotating manner, but later we were shoo off still. We were 45 minutes away from the old town, and we found a real subtle corner that we thought we could spend our night there till morning. Bags down, and we’ve tried to nap through the dirty floor and cold night. I couldn’t do it, it’s too cold, but a friend snore right away on the floor and 4 of us were just wide awake. ‘We are so homeless right now’.

5.30am it was and we only rested for like 30 minutes in this homeless corner of ours. The sound of bird chirping could be heard and drunk party goers started to make their way back. It just doesn’t felt safe and very tired, we were.

St. Nicholas’ Church (Sint-Niklaaskerk)

Dawn arrived and we were at the fringe of old town. Nothing to see at this wee hours and we didn’t even feel excited arriving at the old town because check-in time was still far away and the backpacks were heavily tiring us.

Not far into the old town, the hotel was just in front of us! Dashed into the hotel and the warm atmosphere and sofa greeted us. ‘Well, having able to sit on the sofa is better that by the road side right?’ Thinking that European hotel is stricter than Asian’s hotel, I went upfront to reception just to check what was the earliest time we could check-in, ‘Oh, you could check in as early as you want, right now.’ Shocked to hear about that which we probably think that the hotel was pretty empty.

Because it’s a room for 2 and we had 5 in the company, 3 of us spent a bit time wandering around at the lobby before sneaking up to the hotel room.

6.45am, we were in the hotel, getting ready to have a good sleep till noon before beginning our tour of Ghent, Belgium. What a journey and we got ourselves an extra free night!

The hotel (Ibis Ghent Centrum) was just too spacious for 5 of us, 1 big king-size bed and 1 sofa bed. Perfect!

July 20, 2016
Monkey Beach & Muka Head LightHouse Are Penang’s Hidden Treasures

Monkey Beach & Muka Head Light House Are Penang’s Hidden Treasures – Located at the far North West end of Penang island where the country’s smallest national park is – Taman Negara Teluk Bahang, there lies a few trekking routes in this mini rainforest. I’ve trekked the Pantai Kerachut route before and this time was to Monkey Beach which further leads up to the Muka Head Lighthouse.

Didn’t knowing about the difficulty of the trek, we just embarked on a walk in the rainforest with route lies by the seaside. It was a nice morning, joining explorers from different places. Though, I realised that the crowds had increased compare to years ago where it was still a quiet national park.

Upon registering yourself at the national park, the trek to Monkey Beach took an hour for us and we were welcomed by a pristine ivory sandy beach, but without the crystal clear water. Stalls trying to make some money out of the hot weather with cold drinks and light food were aligned on the beach with boat operator touting visitors to take their boat to another side or back to the port.

Not many people was in the water due to the presence of jelly fish, but the beach was not overly crowded like Batu Ferringhi, but happenings.

The real trek started from Monkey Beach to Muka Head with 45 minutes of full ascending route which exhausted my energy pretty much upon reaching the top. It’s difficult, for a person without much regular exercises. BUT, the top was definitely not disappointing with a very good breeze and a beautiful peaceful view of another side of Penang that one doesn’t see usually.

Spent half an hour up there for a short rest before leaving back to the beach and hired one of the boat (RM40/boat) to take 6 of us back to the entrance.

Registering before heading into the national park is compulsory for all.

This is Monkey Beach. How could you resist the relaxing side of Penang? However, no monkey was sighted here!

A dead huge jelly fish that looked like plastic bag washed up shore. Not surprise to see floating jelly fish on the water surface, just don’t get close to them.

The stall does fried rice too!

It’s lovely place to camp too!

The lighthouse built by the British in 1883. One of the few colonial lighthouses left in Malaysia. It tough getting up here!

The inside of the lighthouse.

The view from the top of the lighthouse, overlooking the Andaman Sea.

July 9, 2016

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