Beautiful Brunei

I finally have the time to transfer my iPhone pictures to my notebook, and came across this set of beautiful sunset at the beach pictures that I took during my summer vacation. The first year examinations had just ended and my uni friends decided to have a barbeque at a friend’s beach house, where we have such a blast especially when we have our own private beach.

 

Can you believe that all the pictures in this post is taken with my first generation iPhone. It was such a beautiful day.

 

I especially like the clouds found in all the pictures, it looks like a delicate white bird made of snowy clouds, extending it’s wings towards the sunset.

 

 

Here, the golden sunset casts a reflection on the wet sand, I remembered at that time everything felt as if it was at standstill, the sound of the waves hitting the sand brings feelings of peace and serenity.

 

 

Then the moment the sun sets, sounds of the birds and trees cause tremors and brings goose bumps; it’s as if nature was sad that the sun have retired for the day. Everything, the sky and the water turns deep violet.

 

 

By then, the beach was already dark and my iPhone camera with the flash absent, finally gave up from its limitations. Brunei please make sure this stays for our sons and daughters to enjoy in many many years to come!

Hello sunshine :)

2 pm Taurean Cafe, The Arch Gadong

I’m beginning to start enjoying quality “me” time blogging at the singles corner of Taurean Cafe at the Arch. Its becoming the spot where my writing flair is switched on, I can’t seem to blog when I’m at home – I get too distracted easily with the telly on or most probably end up sleeping after a long day. I have to say after such a terrible weather – heavy rains, driving at very slippery roads and floods happening in parts of the country, the sun is finally here. Funny – driving and not having to turn on your screen wipes and the sun shining on you – its such a wonderful feeling.

The passionfruit tea I’ve ordered here – aren’t really the best teas that I’ve tried but nonetheless soothes my sore throat. Anyway, I’m planning on to Thailand at the end of this month with a blogger friend of mine, Maurina and we’re suppose to head to the Northern part as well, Chiang Mai and continue our journey to Cambodia if my budget permits. It should probably be a zen and amazing trip – I’m already planning on going to the main temples in Bangkok such as the Wat Arun and Wat Pho – take plenty of pictures and have plenty of foot massages.

Wat Arun, River Mekong

The foot massages are very cheap in Bangkok and the traditional Thai massage too. Definitely looking forward to that. Costing only 100-200 baht for one hour of foot massage/traditional Thai massage is so cheap! Just thinking about it right now, is just so exciting. Can’t wait to get everything confirmed – so I can start planning on which spas to go to. I’ve actually checked out an Award-winning spa in Bangkok, the Banyan Tree Bangkok spa.

Yoga at the Banyan Tree Bangkok

The spa treatments and massages are relatively pricey for Brunei’s standards but I’m thinking of indulging anyway – just to try out one of top spas in the world. People from Europe and North America came all the way to Bangkok, so they could try the Banyan Tree Spa.

Bliss

The Banyan Tree Spa signature treatments include the Rainmist experience and offers spa facilities beautifully designed to exude Asian rejuvenation.

For more details, http://www.banyantee.com

Kampachi, Kuala Lumpur: a review

Its been a two months since I had my fantastic holiday in Kuala Lumpur – its long overdue review of a Japanese restaurant which deserves the praises and accolades. I know that I just have to mention Kampachi Japanese restaurant at this blog. The name “Kampachi” is not an unfamiliar name to those people who love Japanese cuisine. Food bloggers in Kuala Lumpur have no doubt find their dining experience such a delight and is infamous amongst Japanese expats for its soba and udon noodles – If the Japanese are impressed then it should be really good.

Kampachi restaurant can be found on the gigantic designer shopping mall called The Pavilion in Bukit Bintang. As much as adore shopping, some of the shops and the prices really do make your pockets dry – even though with our currency advantage over the Malaysian Ringgit. I wonder, with prices of each item probably costing a typical one month’s salary of an average Malaysian – how can The Pavilion managed to stay in business. Luxury stores would not survive in the Brunei market in my opinion with most Bruneians prefer to go shopping abroad (although you can get the same here in Brunei).

Kampachi at the Pavilion

As I went inside the restaurant, I saw Japanese udon makers busy kneading and preparing freshly made Udon and Soba noodles. You really do feel like they put their passion into their art of making noodles. “Ohayo Gazaimasu!” yelled all the waiting staffs and the tea brewers as well as the busy Japanese noodle makers. I was impressed just by their warm welcome. I know I am in it for the greatest Japanese cuisine.

The waiting staff carefully arranged the tea and the food

The waiting staff brought a selection of drinks which includes 3 pages of tea varieties, 1 and half page was on green tea and its different variations in flavours. Amazing. Having quite a selection of tea to choose from, the waiter ask my personal tea preference – I asked for something green and light and great detoxing properties. Osakan apples infused green tea flown all the way from Japan. The Japanese do take their tea-drinking seriously. Its quite a delight to have the experience in Kampachi as well. I am beginning to appreciate tea – does that make me old?

The art of brewing tea - truly Japanese

Of course, I ordered the Yaki Udon set meal. Soba and Udon can be differentiate by the size of the noodles, with soba being the smaller just like an ordinary noodle you find in restaurants while the Udon noodles, are unique and are really big. The difference in sizes of the noodles, really does influence the flavour of the yaki udon in the end. I find the flavours more intense and spicy. The subtleties of this tiny details  – really the character of a Japanese cuisine. The noodles are just the tastiest noodles I’ve ever tasted. Definitely will order when I return back to Kuala Lumpur.

Trust me this blurry picture doesn't do justice

Everytime I’m in Excapade, Brunei and Yo Sushi! London, I order the Salmon Maki – and I tell you Kampachi beats them all down to shame. Excapade Brunei, its more rice than the salmon. The salmon flavours seem to have diminish a bit. Yo Sushi! London, generic and soul less – I get the feeling the Yo Sushi! sushi chefs have a step-by-step guidebook to make their sushi. Very robotic and predictable.

Kampachi salmon maki

The Salmon Maki in Kampachi, the moment you put in your mouth, the intense feeling you get from the freshly made wasabi was such a mind blowing experience. The salmon – generous and fresh. Its gooood!

Best ever.

Overall, I will definitely come back again to Kampachi the next time I’m in Kuala Lumpur. Would love to try the other selection of tea and try the unagi and the chicken curry katsu.

This was complimentary from the chef amazing.

A dining experience at Kampachi, Bukit Bintang is a must for Sushi-fans when in Kuala Lumpur.

Kampachi

Pavilion, Bukit Bintang

Kuala Lumpur

Asianel Reflexology Spa, Kuala Lumpur

Asianel Reflexology Spa: Stress & Tension Relief Reflexology treatment RM 95+ (60 min)

December 2008 – Star Hill Gallery, Jln Bukit Bintang

The Pamper floor in Starhill Gallery

“Only in Asianel do you truly enjoy a holistic approach towards reflexology where acupressure blends with aromatherapy & luxurious spa offerings like a foot soak in delicious milk bath or hot salts, a botanic scrub & cool yoghurt coat or warming mud mask for the feet.

At Asianel, your foot reflexologist is a trained practitioner in the Rwo Shur method of reflexology, combining thumb-sliding and firm pressure techniques in a relaxing, flowing motion. Based on Eastern-Western medical theories, the Rwo Shur therapy which originates from China 5,000 years ago also uses Yin-Yang principles and is part of Chinese traditional medicine.”

While on a shopping trip at the Star Hill Gallery, and also in search for at least a spa experience while in Kuala Lumpur – I came across Asianel spa which provides reflexology treatment in a holistic way. I have before researched on the Time Out website that this spa is one of the favourites and was highly recommended.

Indulge yourself while on vacation

I could not resist the chance to sample the holistic reflexology experience while on holiday, so off I went to Asianel spa in the Pamper floor of the Star Hill Gallery. The gallery was definitely beautiful with jazz music playing lightly while shoppers and spa goers stroll around shopping for designer pieces or indulge in one of the many spas found on the Pamper floor. Urban Retreat, Kanebo International Salon and the acclaimed Beaubelle Skin & Body Care day spa were just a few of the spas represented at the Star Hill Gallery.

On the entrance of Asianel spa, I was immediately greeted by the spa manager and explaining the various types of reflexology treatments provided by the spa. Each specific treatment are unique with different emphasis on pressure points relating to the different parts of the body. As described by the leaflet, the Rwo Sur therapy uses Yin-Yang principles which promotes the Chinese philosophy of chakra cleasing and balance. I noticed with an Australian accent, the spa manager listens my health concerns and recommended me the Stress and Tension relief which induces deep relaxation. I also explained that I have a slight indigestion, to my delight, this can be corrected by focusing on specific focus points. Although, I am slightly annoyed with the fact that she was adamant for me try the more pricey Rejuvenation treatment at first, which costs an extra RM 40!

The massage area however was more suited for group as there weren’t any private rooms present – the space was divided by long, airy and flowing translucent curtains. The ambience – it was dark, lights lightly dimmed at its lowest setting, my eyes had to adjust for a moment. First, my feet was soaked with infused Lavender milk foot bath, the feeling getting my sore feet soaked was just amazing. The lavender aroma and the music playing sets the mood to relax. This is followed by a head, neck, shoulder & hands acupressure – pressing fingers on stress and tension relief points. I was very relaxed and calm, it is definitely working, the therapists are definitely well trained. I vaguely remember the foot reflexology massage using Sandalwood, Chamomile and Lavender pure essential oils – by this time I was in the zone, a state of Nirvana, a form of very deep relaxation and calm that thoughts in the head cease to exist. With all the hours and hours of walking and carrying heavy shopping bags, back and forth to the hotel – this treatment is essential and was the perfect ending for my holiday in Kuala Lumpur. It was definitely one of the highlights during my December vacation. It was hands on the best foot reflexology I have tried so far.

Verdict: 10/10

I would definitely recommend you to try it when you’re in Bukit Bintang.

The foot reflexology treatment starts at RM 95+. Asianel Reflexology Spa can be found at the Pamper floor, Star Hill Gallery, Jln Bukit Bintang.

Morino Kaze Fish Spa, Kuala Lumpur

Morino Kaze Fish Spa: Fish Spa RM 24 (30 min)

December 2008 – Piccolo Galleria, Bukit Bintang

Morino Kaze entrance

A month ago, staying at the fashionable heart of Bukit Bintang’s Park Royal Hotel, I have made a rather interesting discovery. Morina Kaze Fish Spa, a stone throw from the hotel offered a different sort of foot reflexology experience – getting fishes to do the massage for you! Yes, I have typed that right – FISHES!

The scientists in Japan discovered a particular type of fish naturally occurring at river beds in Turkey and they have a special ability. They have noticed that these fishes eats away the dead skin cells and leaves the skin smooth and supple. Research have also indicated that sufferers of skin infections and allergies have shown improved skin appearance and less sensitivity. Apparently, these fishes only eat away dead and infected skin cells and do not have sharp teeth at all – in fact they use their smooth fish mouths to graze away the dead skin cells. Rest assured that you will not feel any pain at all.

Dr. Fish treating skin ailments

After being on my feet the entire day and walking while lugging the heavy shopping bags in both arms, I came across this fish spa at the Piccolo Galleria. I thought wouldn’t it be just the perfect thing to do after all the shopping and walking around in Kuala Lumpur and get my tired feet a good unique massage – give my soles the boost that it needs. Plus I thought it would be a whole entirely new massage experience.

Coming up the escalator to the 2^nd floor of the gallery, I do not know what to expect from the fish foot reflexology – I know that this fishes do not have teeth, which the spa have assured and it will not hurt. What if, the fish spa forgotten to give the fishes a meal and have gotten hungry that they just decided to swarm and eat both of my feet away. God, I am such a cynic these days. Anyway, the walls of the spa was adorned with polaroid pictures of tourists from all corners of the world – most of them laughing and squirmy faces.

The fish spa experience began with a foot soak to wash away any dirt and debris from both of the feet and then the therapist lead me towards the fish aquariums – its designed in such a way that the aquariums comes together in a circular shape. I have the choice of choosing baby fishes and medium size fishes – which I thought are pretty fat and big, much much more scary and intimidating with their big mouth. Apparently, the big fishes are much better and good at getting all the dead skin cells away according to the therapists. No thank you, I am fine with just the baby fishes, so do not want to get any of my toes missing!

The fishes are gentle - feels like nipping on your toes

Since it was already quite late – we were the only ones at the spa and get the fish tank to ourselves. Just as I expected, the moment I placed my feet down the tank, the fishes were very hungry and came swarming towards “food” my feet. The sensation: Getting bitten by hundreds of fishes without the pain and with their mouth suckling on my skin – it was so ticklish! The first 10 minutes was such a weird experience, it was ticklish and I cannot stop laughing. My concious was partly to blame, I cannot get over the thought that hundreds of fishes are currently feasting and fighting for my feet. It’s not foot reflexology that’s for sure.

We didn’t finish the 30 minute treatment, although its not painful, I suppose the fishes were more like a gimmick and a fad to the curiosity of visitors and tourists alike. It was such a weird sensation and I just cannot get over with the thought of hundreds of fishes munching the skin of my feet. But nonetheless, its definitely one of those things you have to do it once when you’re in Kuala Lumpur.

Photos courtesy of Google images

30 minutes of Fish Reflexology costs RM 24, Morino Kaze Fish spa is located at the 2^nd floor of the Piccolo Galleria (next to Lot 10) at Jalan Bukit Bintang.