Carlton GPX-9

I decided to purchase another badminton racquet as I had difficulty to improve my game using my existing Prince racquets. I was introduced to Carlton GPX-9 which feels really good initially. My previous Carlton racquet is the Aerogear 800 which served me well for years before I retire it due to noticeable crack at its frame.

The GPX-9 was sold at RM300 which includes the string and bag. I reckon it is a good deal as it costs more than RM400 last year or so.

 

 

It weight about 85g and able to withstand string tension up to 30lbs. Its frame are made of Japanese High Modulus Carbon which is the highest specification carbon available on the market.

 

 

Some of its other features are Anti-Twist T-Joint & Speedflow Aerodynamic Frame for durability and speed.

I opt for 27lbs string tension and had played a few times with it. It is more suitable for a control player as I am able to keep my shuttle low during service and return. I am also able to control the shuttlecock direction better and my net play has improved. In term of smashes, it produces decent power although not as powerful as my RSL Heat 7160.

Due to its weight, it is also quite easy to change from an attacking formation to a defensive stance and vice versa.

I am pretty satisfy with it and has been my primarily racquet since then. My playing style and strategy also had changed slightly due to the racquet characteristics and it serves me well so far.

Jack Pork Cafe

Jack Pork Cafe is a new food outlet in Sibu. Having passed by this place a few times, my first impression was that this place is specialized in pork dishes.

 

I am pretty amazed with what they did with the interior decoration. This is definitely one of the best place to dine in town. Lighting is pretty dim here though.

 

 

Each table has chilli, tomato and mustard sauce on it. It also offers value for money set lunch which looks worth the penny.

 

Pork Chop (RM 18) comes with a choice of Sweet Vinegar or Black Pepper Sauce. I opted for the sweet vinegar sauce and this dish did not disappoint me. Served with fries and potato. This is probably the first time I had a Pork Chop served with a banana leaf beneath it.

Ole-Ole Chicken (RM 18) looks like a Balinese food which comes with spicy chicken thigh, preserved vegetable and fries. The chicken is alright but there is no gravy to go with the rice.

I wish they have pork knuckle (and probably some German beers) inside the menu as this may attract some pork enthusiast. I hope to try their pork burgers in my next visit.

Jack Pork Cafe
No. 8, Jalan Chew Geok Lin,
Sibu, Sarawak.

Kemena Hotel

For the last 1 month, I been visiting Bintulu for both leisure and official purpose. As there are abundance of choices in term of accommodation, I decided to stay around Assyakirin Commerce Square this time around and hence my pick is Kemena Hotel.

I notice a lot of people stay around this area, especially those involved in the MLNG project here. It was full house during my stay here and booking in advance is highly recommended. Check in is quite smooth once early booking has been made.

The lobby area is quite spacious for a 2 star hotel although I would prefer to see more elevators been installed here. Currently, there is only one.

There is a bar at the lobby which serve Kilkenny in draught. The beer scene around this area is comparable to those in Kota Kinabalu.

 

The Deluxe Room (RM 140) is reasonably spacious and clean. My only complain is the lack of lighting in way of the beds area which made reading fairly uncomfortable while lying on the bed.

 

I was glad to have a clear view of Assyakirin Village as well as Bintulu town from my room. Most of the prominent structures such as the civic centre, New World Suites, Li Hua Hotel, Parkcity Evely Hotel and etc.

Kemena Hotel,
Lot 176, Assyakirin Commerce Square,
Bintulu, Sarawak.

Borneo Cultural Festival 2014

Borneo Cultural Festival is probably the biggest event for Sibu and this year, the folks throng in droves to the venue at Sibu Town Square.

This year, the event is held from 15 - 24th August, somewhat a deviation from the usual June or July. The event was threatened as it rained heavily on the first day but Lady Luck was smiling on Saturday for a perfect evening weekend for the families.

 

 

 

The event don't differ much from the previous year with an allocated corner for each ethic groups in Sarawak to showcase their culture and food.

I even spotted an Optimus Prime made primarily from tin cans and other recycled items.

Borneo Cultural Festival really means a lot to the locals here judging by the crowds here and it is without a shadow of a doubt that it shall made its return every single year.

Parkcity Everly Hotel Bintulu

Parkcity Everly Hotel Bintulu is the first luxury hotel of the town which strategically located next to the Kemena River and opposite the vibrant Parkcity Commercial Area. It has an unique "step design" facade which kind of differentiate it from the other hotels in town.

It has a huge lobby area but the check in counter is rather small. With only 2 - 3 staffs manning the counter at one time, it will not able to speed up the check in and check out process should a large crowd came here. To make things worse, there are only 2 elevators installed in the hotel and the waiting time will surely be longer if the hotel has achieved full occupancy.

The hotel is still well maintained after all this years. The corridor leading to guest rooms exudes a modern design. Wifi connection is free and good throughout the hotel area.

The standard twin (RM 197.20) really impress me. The room has adequate space and comes with 2 queen sized beds. Guests will be spoil of choices as the hotel has 22 TV channels to keep the guests entertained. The only thing I don't like is the window blind. I would prefer a normal curtain for the window instead.

The size of the bathroom is something one could normally find in a 5 star hotel with all the basic amenities available.

 

It is interesting also as I had never come across any hotel which standby a sarung for the guest. It comes with instruction on how to wear it. The room also has extra pillows, electronic safety deposit box and ironing board.

This is one of the best hotel I stayed so far and definitely would recommend to anyone who stop over in Bintulu.

M&D's Restaurant @ Parkcity Everly Hotel

M & D's Restaurant is the main restaurant for Parcity Everly Hotel, Bintulu and I decided to dine here for dinner since I had the opportunity to stay at this hotel.

The restaurant is located on the first floor. It is a nice place and  overlooking the swimming pool. I been told they serve good food many years ago and I wonder if the traditions continued.

Instead of using foreign band or singers, the hotel seems to be using their in house talent when I saw one of the staff here singing at the stage. I find it to be a smart move as the management are able to use their available resources in a more effective way.

The restaurant is well known to make good pizza and I start to understand why as they have a coal fired oven at their kitchen.

Wild Mushroom Soup (RM 9.50) is a nice appetizer which easily put the most of the mushroom soup served at other places to shame.

This might be one of the best Yong Chow Fried Rice (RM 14.50) I ever tasted. The mushroom gravy which came with it really enhance the overall taste of the fried rice. Thumbs up for the spring rolls too.

Hunter Steak (RM 42) served with mixed vegetables and fries is served on a hot plate (seriously). The steak is cooked perfectly and not tough. The pepper mushroom sauce is really good. It is one of the best steak I ever had.

M&D's Restaurant definitely live up to their reputation. With good food and services, I definitely will want to be back again.

Bintulu Historical and Cultural Corridor

Bintulu Historical and Cultural Corridor which is strategically located at Parkcity Commerce Square is another new landmark to the town which reflects unity in the diversity of the people here.

Opened in May 2014, the Corridor was built in the middle of a commercial area to promote greater interaction among the communities. It was a project between the Bintulu Development Authority and Bintulu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

 

The corridor has a heavy Chinese influence in its overall design as can be seen from the arches and the water fountain at the centre of it. 

 

 

 

The peaceful co-existence among the Iban, Melanau, Malay and Chinese communities are represented by the four uniquely designed recreational sheds which represent those races at the four corners of the Corridor.

 

 

The marble wall sculptures at the Corridor depicting the history and development of Bintulu from a small fishing village with 5,000 population to an industrial town down.