Kek Lok Si All Lighted Up

Kek Lok Si

Tingkat Lembah Ria 1

11500 Ayer Itam

Pulau Pinang

I'm sure many of you already visited Kek Lok Si temple. It is after all one of the must-visit attraction in Penang the tourist island. But did you know that once a year during certain weeks around Chinese New Year, the whole place will be lighted up and visitors will flock there to take photos?

  Just Google 'Kek Lok Si Display of Lights' to find out the next date and plan your visit! I visited on a weekend (I think) and while there were many people, it wasn't packed. You can still take photos (and pray) without someone else shoving you.

  Go in the early evening so you will have time to explore the ground before sunset. The Guanyin statue is located on the hill above the pagoda, you can get there using the cable car for a minimal fee. I didn't have enough time to visit the hillside.

There is a charge of RM2 (I think) imposed to access the area with bell and 10,000 Buddhas pagoda. Make sure you climb up the pagoda and check out the scenery. I was there for sunset and it was breathtaking! My acrophobia acted out a bit while walking around the outer corridor on the top floor >.<" 

  But the view was serious cantik, I went live on IG: @whitelambchop to share with my followers

Getting here is probably easiest using public bus. You can drive but be prepared to brave some traffic congestion.

Akar Beach Resort, Port Dickson

Akar Beach Resort Port Dickson

Batu 9 Jalan Pantai Teluk Kemang

71050 Port Dickson 

Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus

I stayed here in early February with my family. We booked 2 rooms, both with balcony facing the swimming pool.

 Booking

My aunt helped to book directly with the hotel because she was staying there the previous week but you guys can book online

Location

Good, walking distance to beach. Horrible, cramped parking space though

Rate

Affordable

Dining

Breakfast included in room rates. Decent selection.

We also had dinner here (different charge), decent taste even if we had to wait quite long.

Service

Good. Dinner at coffee house was a bit slow though. Owner said because they cook fresh.

Overall 3 <3<3<3 of 5 

Super Deluxe Triple Room

Large Balcony

Seaview

BBQ Area

Akar Beach Resort is suitable for family with young children. Great place for extended family reunion or company family day. Therefore, it is a nightmare for couples and family with grown kids. If you're looking for a quiet place to relax, lounging by the pool, or suntanning on the beach, avoid this place on weekend and school holiday.

  My mom had headache throughout our stay because there was a family gathering or something when we were staying. The pool was full of vigorous and joyful kids and the room wasn't sound proofed :)

  Parking was another nightmare. We had to park in the alley beside the building and some other guests were just sucky driver who have no respect for other people's car. 

  The beach nearby is a public beach. There is a public carpark between the hotel and beach. A stern security guard will stop non-guests from entering the hotel ground. There are vendors selling burger and drinks near the hotel gate so you can tarpao something to have on the beach.

Public Carpark

Public Beach

Short rant:

The beach was littered with rubbish. You can see in below pic. Seriously people, TAKE HOME YOUR TRASH!

Public Beach

Coffee House

So that's what the coffee house look like. A bit cramped la for breakfast especially if there are inconsiderate guests taking up space. I don't know, maybe it was just my luck that some real selfish/inconsiderate people were staying while I was there. Anyway, below are what we had for dinner so don't expect to see them at breakfast :D

Marlons+Co.

Marlons+Co.

51 Jalan Raja Uda

Pusat Perniagaan Raja Uda

12300 Butterworth

Penang

(+604) 313 7317

Hours

0900 - 0000 daily

To end our roadtrip, Dr. D took us here for cakes. I was pretty tired after the long day; so after choosing my drinks, I let the guys decide on desserts.

Marlons+Co. offers not only interesting cakes and pastries, but also a small variety of main dishes and snacks. However, do note that they serve pork. Some of their cakes may contain alcohol, feel free to ask the friendly crew.

My chocolate blended <3<3<3<3

Blueberry Cheesecake with Rosemary- a bit weird but quite nice <3<3<3

Cronut! Pretty good <3<3<3

Taste - Average but they get points for innovation

Price - Average. Typical cafe

Ambiance - Industrial-style, with container wall etc. Not too cozy but the staff are friendly.