Thursday, February 28, 2013

Nadi Putra Revised Route for 2013


Starting tomorrow, Putrajaya's Nadi Putra bus will revamp its transportation system by introducing new bus numbers and revised routes. The management seems to revise their bus routes after the CNY for the last 2 years or so.


Some of the bus routes which clash in the past will be combined into a route. The new route will now begins with the prefix "L". This is seen as part of the effort to cut cost by reducing the number of buses on the road and even the drivers. As the frequency remains at 30 minutes, this does not translate as an improvement in waiting time and efficiency. I believe the residents here would like the waiting time to be reduced to 15-20 minutes.

The good news for tourists arriving at Putrajaya Sentral, a new route, L11 has been introduced to ferry the commuters from the station straight to Putra Mosque and Alamanda, passing Presint 2, 3 & 4 as well as Complex A, B, C, D & E.

Nadi Putra also introduces the night route starting from 10pm until midnight every hour. The bus number will starts with the prefix "N" for the night route. This only means I should be back to Putrajaya before 10pm to avoid a long wait should I miss a bus.

The direct buses which ferry commuters to specific housing areas at peak hour are maintained and are given a new route number starting with the prefix "D".

I also just realise that they start introducing new route to Desa Pinggiran Putra and Cyberjaya.

For the last 3 years or so, I had a fair share of problems with the bus services here such as punctuality and when the bus drivers missed their shift which in return has cause great inconvenience. I really hope the service is more reliable so people can have more confident in using the public transport and ease the peak hour traffic and parking woes. 

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

CNY Decoration 2013 @ Paradigm Mall


For its first Chinese New Year celebration, Paradigm Mall has come out with an old fashioned settings that reminds shoppers of a Hong Kong comedy action film, Kung Fu Hustle.

 
The upper atrium is decorated with courtyards, grand arches, bamboo structures and stringed lanterns.

 
There are clothes and blankets hanging out of the windows to dry. It sure reminds us of the good old days.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Min Kong Cafe Prawn Noodle


Min Kong Cafe is an old brand in Sibu town, having operating for many years. It now operates in a shop at Jalan Bank.

 
The interior is just like any coffee shop in town with air condition for the comfort of the patrons.

 
Min Kong Cafe is famous for its prawn noodle . Some believe this cafe is the first to introduce such dish in town. One will need to fork up a whopping RM30 for a bowl. The price definitely had increased over the years. It used to cost RM8 per bowl and RM20 a couple of years back.

There are 4 fresh water prawns and probably this is the most expensive ingredient for this dish. The wait is quite long, around 15-20 minutes which suggest that each bowl is prepared individually.

The prawn and soup are excellent but the noodle is just average. It is a satisfying meal but I think the price is just too expensive.  However, judging from the crowd at the restaurant, price don't seems to be a big issue.

One could still get decent quality prawn noodle around the town nowadays at a more affordable price. Nevertheless, Min Kong Cafe will still be regarded as the Prawn Noodle King of Sibu.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

CNY 2013 @ Sibu


It's Chinese New Year again. How time flies as it just feels like yesterday that I celebrated the Dragon year.

 
 
 
 
One of the highlight in Sibu every year when the clock struck midnight is the fireworks display. There is no other place in Malaysia which could rival Sibu when it comes CNY atmosphere and fireworks.


This is a common sight in the morning where red prosperity papers are scatter all over the main entrance of most household here.

 
 
 
 
The town looks like an abandoned town in the morning, a stark contrast from any normal days, especially 2 weeks before the most important day in Chinese calendar.

 
This year is also a meaningful year for me personally as this is the first year we able to celebrate it with our son. 

Friday, February 8, 2013

CNY Decoration 2013 @ The Gardens Mall

The Gardens Mall once again come out with a classy decoration set up for the up and coming CNY.

 
 
 
 
The decorations are made up with a combination of cherry blossom, birds, peacocks and red lanterns.

Simple yet elegant design by the management. Everything seems to blend nicely to create the mood for the Snake Year.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

CNY Decoration 2013 @ Mid Valley Megamall

It definitely feels like Spring season is coming when stepping into Mid Valley Megamall this year.

 
 
 
 
With the presence of cherry blossom, bamboo and red Chinese lantern, this can only mean one thing; the Spring festival is just around the corner.

 
Golden lime tree and pineapple shaped from bamboo shoot plants which scatter around the places complement the main decoration here.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

CNY Decoration 2013 @ Berjaya Times Square

It's all about cherry blossom in Berjaya Times Square this year for the upcoming CNY.

 
Last year, the management put up a giant cherry blossom at the main concourse. This year moderate size cherry blossom trees scatter around the concourse.

Outside its main entrance, the God of Prosperity awaits. There ain't much awe factor here this year.

 
The lower ground floor was decorated in such way that it resembles an open Chinese bazaar. However, this set up was removed a few days ago during my last visit here.

Sunday, February 3, 2013

CNY Decoration 2013 @ 1 Utama


This year 1 Utama Shopping Centre did not disappoint me in term of CNY decoration with an elaborate display of set up which depict a mini Chinatown.



The mall has created a "Golden Street" at its new wing main concourse with replicas of traditional Chinese shophouses, lighted signboards of Chinese calligraphy, red lanterns and even lamp posts and traffic lights, evoking an authentic Chinatown atmosphere within the mall.

 
Even the TV antennas  at the roof top play their parts to create the intended atmosphere.

 
 
 
It's definitely a fresh idea after seeing other CNY decorations around Klang Valley this year which are kind of mundane. Just walking along the mini Chinatown street is already fun and bring back the memories of those good old years.

The decoration set up at the old wing is the mirror image of that at the new wing.