A visit to Taiping Zoo

Taiping Zoo (June 17, 2012)

Taiping Zoo is 1.5 hours away from Penang.   It has poorly cared for animals, they look all tired, listless and 'tulala'.  The trams are old, creaky and noisy.  Toilets inside the zoo are non-existent, there's one right before the entrance but you have to pay RM0.30 per person!  (It was a good thing we did our bio-break before we entered the place, there would have been none inside.)

The center part of the zoo where families can rest and have some snacks does not even have enough benches.  Aggressive monkeys also come and try to snatch people's food and drinks, which scared most of us.  The only good thing I can say about it is that there are lots of mature trees and plants all over the place.  It's not as hot and more importantly it mimics the animals' natural habitat.

Coming from Singapore Zoo last April, this zoo disappoints big time!

Sarah feeding the giraffe

choo choo train sisters

family shot at the train

KL weekend

KL weekends

June 2-4, 2012

Ikea Damansara.  This was the main purpose of the trip.  Mission accomplished as I was able to cross out almost all items on my checklist.  Computer desk, check! Computer chair, check!  Girl's clothes drawer, check!  Kitchen stuff, check!  Had Swedish meatballs, vegetarian pasta and some chicken wings for lunch, yum!

Malaysia's sole Ikea shop at Damansara

Suria KLCC.  'Twas a quick dash inside to buy a book at Kinokuniya (they didn't have the other one I was looking for), a couple of cupcakes and some Godiva truffles!  

a book with some truffles on the side

Sommerset Ampang KL.  This was the first time we stayed in a service apartment hotel...and it won't be the last.  This  hotel is rated #4 at Tripadvisor's KL hotels list and got the 2012 Traveller's Choice (Family category).  We totally agree on the rating!  The 1-bedroom apartment we stayed in (#1809) was  very spacious, clean and well maintained.  Both Ravi and I were really impressed and couldn't help gushing about it; we agreed the deal was a real steal!  We will definitely look for other Sommerset properties on future trips.

Sarah's pictures inside the apartment

Shots taken around Sommerset Ampang KL

 

Lunch with Sugu and his family at at Indian restaurant

Group shot with Ravi's cousin's family

Port Dickson trip

Port Dickson
May 11-13, 2012

It was a 6 hour drive to Port Dickson.  Ravi joined his Universiti Malaya friends for their annual reunion.  Of course, Sarah and I tagged along.

We stayed at Avillion hotel on a water chalet.  Sarah and I enjoyed the hotel facilities while Ravi went for the dinner/drinks function.

The pet farm was a big hit Sarah, she enjoyed it immensely!  Feeding time is every 10-11am daily, they open the fenced area to let the kids and parents in.  We ended up always one of the last guests at the pet farm as Sarah didn't want to leave the animals.  They house bunnies, turtles, tortoise, hens and roosters, peacocks and doves.  They provided carrots, cabbage and seeds for the kiddies to feed the animals.

Mama and Sarah had some pretty great bonding time. We swam in the pool, walked to the Tumasek and Riau beaches, played at the kids' cabin and passed by the pet farm several times.  Good memories!

trying on mama's shoes

slide away

Day 1 at the Pet farm - with bunnies and a turtle

The girls' swimming time

 

Day 2 at the Pet farm with a tortoise and a bunny

At the kids' cabin

Sunset at Tumasek beach

Sunset at Riau beach

No fear! Holding Mr. Rooster and riding the kalesa.

Daddy and his girl - sweet!