Dango M1 Maverick Rail Wallet

Dango had came out with some bold design metal wallets and I owned at least 3 types of them (A10 Adapt Wallet & MC 01 Titanium Money Clip) . Each of those wallets had their unique features and I find the M1 Rail able to find the right balance in term of card and cash holding capacity.

Dango M1 Maverick Rail Wallet is an all metal wallet with the exception of a silicone band. It is made of 6061 aerospace grade aluminum. The wallet is CNC machined to perfection in USA and cost RM 549.

Straight out of its packaging is the wallet itself, instruction and paracord. The wallet looks tactical and one of the eye catching metal wallet I come across by far.

The M1 Rail Wallet weighted at exactly 90g which make it the heaviest metal wallet I owned so far.

The wallet has 2 sides to it, with one side exposed and another side protected by a back plate for RFID protection. This wallet can take a lot of abuse based on its robust construction.

The exposed part is best to display ID card or quick scanning card without having to take it out. The cards on this side are secured by Dango's quick release rail mechanism.

The wallet has 4 attachment points which can be attached to neck lanyard and ideal to display company ID or access card.

The M1 Rail wallet can holds a maximum of 9 cards, 4 at the exposed part (front) and 5 at the back. The cards stored at the back side are RFID protected by the back plate and are kept in place due to the tension of the silicone band. 

The wallet on its own also has some cash holding features. The cash can be kept in way of the silicone band. However, there isn't much space to keep a lot of cash here. Ideally it can hold up to 3 bills.

To add more functionality to the M1 Maverick Rail Wallet is the optional accessory, M1 chassis clip (RM 159). The chassis clip which is made of stainless steel add more cash carrying capacity for the M1 wallet as well as a bottle opener incorporated into it.

The M1 chassis clip weighted 20g and add the overall weight of the wallet to 110g

The M1 chassis clip is one of the best money clip for metal wallet I had ever come across. It can holds up to 10 bills and the bills can be inserted into it smoothly.

The M1 Rail Wallet with chassis clip is capable to carry more cards than the A10 Adapt Wallet and the MC01 Titanium Money Clip and a decent 10 bills which is less than MC01. With the right balance and functionality, this is easily my every day carry wallet.

Terminal Bus Pujut

The last time I travelled by bus to Miri in some 20 years ago and recently I made another trip to Miri by bus there from Sibu. The bus departed at 1.30pm from Sibu and arrived at Miri at 9pm with stops at Selangau, Bintulu and Niah.

Pujut Bus Terminal has served as the long distance bus terminal for Miri as long as I remember. Nothing has changed much here since the last time I was here. The bus terminal was pitch-dark when I arrived here at 9pm with all the sales counters closed.

I been told by the locals here that this bus terminal will be closed down soon and relocated to a site near Miri Hospital.

This post pay homage to this bus terminal which will probably wind down by this month. May the new bus terminal serve Miri better. 

Ah Hui Chicken Rice

There are quite a number of chicken rice stalls in Kuching. I was introduced to Ah Hui Chicken Rice a while ago and it was sold out by the time we arrive at 1220. Some regard this place as one of the best chicken rice in Kuching.

Ah Hui Chicken Rice is situated at Seafood Pandungan Bay Seafood (off Jalan Rumbia/Jalan Petanak). Basically, it is just beside the Petanak Central Market. 

During daytime the restaurant is basically a chicken rice shop and a seafood restaurant at night. It should be interesting to try its menu at night.

On my second attempt, I made it here as early as 1045, just right after they open for business. There was quite a crowd already by the time I arrive with some dine in and take away.

The chicken rice arrived pretty fast after the order was made. Only steamed chickens are available and no roast chicken option. The chicken is juicy and tender with hint of sesame oil. The chicken is topped with some pickled cucumber. The rice is also no ordinary rice as it is robust and rich in taste. Generous amount of chili sauce was served along with the dish.

I ordered a coconut to go along with the meal and the total cost worked up to RM 13. A plate of chicken rice here cost RM 7 according to the price list displayed on the stall. What set it apart from other shop is probably its rice and the pickled cucumber.

Hon Hin Cafe

One of the favourite place to have breakfast among the locals in Kuching is Hon Hin Cafe at Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman (same row of with CIMB bank and Alliance bank)

This place open early and already almost packed when I arrived at 6.40am. By 7am, queue started to form at the entrance of the shop. The shop interior is pretty old school and narrow. Due to its layout, it can be quite heaty even in the morning.

The place is famous for its kolo mee and mixed pork soup (a set cost RM 14). I dont find the kolo mee anything special but the mixed pork soup is worth a try. Although it is light, the presence of ginger and cooking wine are noticeable and don't overpower the overall the taste.

Another thing worth trying here is its maka coffee (RM 10). It has a rich taste and can be diluted down with warm water. It is served with the traditional small coffee cup, sugar and milk. 

Li Hua Hotel @ Bintulu Bus Terminal

I never ever stayed in any of Li Hua Hotel branches in my entire life and recently I have the opportunity to stay in one of their Bintulu branch. Bintulu has 2 Li Hua Hotels and the one I staying will be the one at the Bintulu Bus Terminal.

The hotel is conveniently located at the bus terminal and the lobby is virtually just beside the departure hall of the bus terminal. This is very convenient for the bus commuter who happened to arrive late at night.

The Deluxe Room (RM 98) is clean, quite spacious and well maintained. The 2 pillows are a bit too high and hard to my liking. Wifi connection is satisfactory and the surrounding area is not too noisy for a comfortable sleep at night.

The hotel coffee house is situated on the 1st floor. It has a long dining hall and is connected on this floor to the shopping mall. The complimentary breakfast serve here is pretty basic and nothing to shout about.

The building which houses the hotel also functions as bus terminal and a shopping mall on the first floor. The departure hall for the bus terminal is air conditioned. There is nothing much to see at the adjoining shopping mall with Mr DIY as the main tenant.

Overall, this is an excellent hotel for bus traveler although there are many more choices of hotels nearby the area. I would probably stay here again if I travelling here again by bus.

1602 Craft Beer

Craft beer is nothing new to me and I had the opportunity to explore some of the international brands during my time in Malaysia capital city.

Now, my home state of Sarawak had produced locally produced craft beer with the name derived from the year when the first map of Borneo was published.

Currently, 1602 beers come in 4 flavours; Lager, Pale Ale, Wheat and Extra Dark. Price per cup range from RM 8-15 depending on the outlets visited and their set price. Usually, the wheat and Extra Dark will cost a little bit more.

Best beer to start with for starter will be the Lager which is the lightest. This is a refreshing beer with hint of fruits.

The Pale Ale is more mouthfeel than the lager with fruitness derived from the fermentation with English hops. Casual bitterness and low carbonation.

Wheat beer is inspired by the unique character of 3 major wheat beer style; German, Belgium and US. This 1602 wheat beer is still a decent one although I still prefer the German wheat beer.

I reckon the Extra Dark is the best beer in 1602 line up. Brewed with chocolate malts and roasted barley. Moderate mouthfeel, delightful coffee chocolate note serve with lower carbonation. It contains high level of antioxidant and vitamin B+ from the roasted barley malts.

I must agree that all the 1602 beers are easy to drink and its price make it more affordable for the locals to enjoy craft beer. The master brewer also successfully brewed the taste of all the beers to suit the local taste buds.

The Stay, Kapit

On 15th May 2023, a new accommodation has opened up in Kapit. It is situated at a new commercial area, just a stone throw away from the old town.

It is located at Jalan Selirik and directly opposite the Kapit police station. Parking spaces are plenty and will not an issue as compare to the old Kapit town.

The entrance door to this 22 rooms accommodation at the shop houses is kind of small to be noticed and is located beside the My Spec shop. I happened to be one of the earliest guest here on its soft opening day.

The room rate here is reasonable, ranging from RM100-140 depending the numbers of bed in a room. A single queen sized bed is as basic as it gets with room rate starting at RM100. The room is clean and furnished with new furniture.  The room is quite small and fitted with an oversized air conditioner unit. It is not too noisy as compare to staying at the old town as the surrounding shops here don't open as early as 5.30am

The toilet is even more compact without much clearance between the toilet bowl and the shower space.

Water dispensers are readily available at all corners of this place. Supermarket and coffee shops are all within walking distance which made this place an ideal place to stay.