Langkawi - Aseania Resort & Spa Hotel

Duration of stay: 21st till 24th January 2016

Aseania Langkawi is an official website for Aseania Resort & Spa Hotel Langkawi. Photos can be deceiving sometime but do take note that their hotel is not located at the frontal beach. Guests has to cross the road and walk about 5 minutes in order to reach the Cenang sandy beaches.

Big hotel signage at the main road

Posing at the T-junction after an afternoon walks at the crowded Cenang beach

At the onset, Aseania is seem to be a lavish tropical resort situated about 3 km from both Pantai Cenang beach and Laman Padi Langkawi Rice Garden and Museum. It is not a seafront resort. The spacious and luxe rooms and suites come with free Wi-Fi, mini fridge, television with exclusive channels for news and movies, standing shower, attached bathroom, air-conditioning, coffee and tea-making facilities. Additional services are offered upon visitor requests, such as provision of hairdryers, irons and ironing boards, safety box deposit, connecting rooms and extra beds. We were given an upgraded rooms that come with balconies and terrace but not the one with pool views. Let's see some of the rooms photos that we snapped during our stay.

Large bed for 4 persons

We end-up occupying the room with 4 of us whilst the next connecting room was occupied by Naim and his friend

The hotel is not new, some said it has been his family’s resting place for the last 21 years and many reviews commenting the same thing of how it needs an upgrading to claim the luxe status. There’s a complimentary breakfast buffet that we enjoyed dearly. Among other things, their relaxed restaurant with open-air seating, a Middle Eastern-themed bar, a swim-up bar in the 154m pool, an exercise room, and a water park with a wave pool, waterslides and a hot tub are the amenities that you may enjoy once you check-in. The posh spa area has massages and beauty treatments, so make sure to ask reservation desk for assistance. Their official address is at Jalan Pantai Tengah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia and a contact number is +60 3-8942 8882.

On first morning breakfast by the pool

On 3rd day of breakfast

Aseania Resort consist of 217 luxurious rooms spread within 5 blocks of 4 storeys building each. The rooms are classified as 3 types, Suite, Deluxe and Superior. The most rewarding attractions is their awe-inspiring swimming pool. It has been listed in the Malaysia Book of Records as the longest swimming pool in the country. It sprawls 154.4 metres and has a mesmerising array of facilities for all ages, i.e. wave pool, mushroom pool, waterfall, Jacuzzi, sundeck, lazy river and a special adult and children slides. You can take a leisurely float or pamper yourself with a luxurious jacuzzi while the kids have a splashing good time together. Truly fun for all in the family.

Small gym at the ground floor

The spa area, also at ground floor at the wing where we occupied

Common breakfast area by the pool

There are additional services for extra facilities that requires additional cost. The hotel staff also organise a special trips to various hot spots perfect for a memorable day out or team-bonding.  Some of the fun outdoor recreational activities offered are for Island hopping, Fishing trip, Snorkeling, Diving, Eagle feeding and Mangrove tour.

At the reception

The hotel entrance porch

I wish to conclude and recommend this resort to whoever who wish to have a relaxing and cozy stay with their family, large or small doesn't matter as the ambiance, the facilities and the locality of this place suited the vacation mode of yours. It's not too luxury and too decent. 

Langkawi - Dataran Helang @ Eagle Square

Date of visit: 22nd January 2016

My family and I were travelling to Langkawi Island on 21^st January this year, 2016 accompanying hubby who had a yearly tennis tournament there at the island. We booked a stay in Aseania Resort and Spa Hotel for 3 nights until our departure on 24^th January 2016. Remarks: will write a hotel review in separate entry later on. Though hubby and his group did not win any trophies, we had a lovely family vacation even without Nazhif. Another reason was due to Naim, who are in a relationship for an Island girl, Hanum. She’s a local who volunteered to be our free tour guide during taht short trip. Naim is most happiest to reunite with his girlfriend and having another 3 of his best friends following a day later.

A 12 meter tall Eagle

First and foremost, Langkawi is the Jewel of Kedah, an archipelago of 104 islands in the Andaman Sea. It is located about 30 km off the mainland coast of north-western Malaysia. The islands are a part of the state of Kedah, which is adjacent to the Thai border. The eponymous Langkawi Island is by far the largest of the islands with a population of some 64,792, the only other inhabited island being nearby Tuba Island. Langkawi, a duty free island is also an administrative district with the town of Kuah as largest town. The name Langkawi is thought to have existed by the early 15th century, although in the 16th century the island of Langkawi was also marked on maps variously as Langa, Langka, Lansura, and Langapura. According to one interpretation, Langkawi means island of the reddish-brown eagle in colloquial Malay. The Malay word for eagle is helang, which is shortened to "lang", while "kawi" is the name of a red stone used as a chalk to mark goods. This interpretation was used to create the landmark sculpture of an eagle as the symbol of Langkawi at Dataran Helang (Eagle Square) in Kuah. And, we visited the Eagle Square as our first destination on day 2.

Clearly a lovely sunny day for photos

Langkawi is very hot, hence wear a comfortable clothing to avoid being stuffy while wandering around

Eagle Square is Dataran Lang in Malay spoken words. It is one of Langkawi’s best known manmade attractions, with a large sculpture of an eagle poised to take flight. A sight that greets visitors to the island via ferry, the 12 metre-tall statue is one of the island’s most instantly recognizable monuments. Located at the southeast corner of Pulau Langkawi, besides offering beautiful views of Kuah Bay, Dataran Lang has beautiful miniature fountains, terraces and bridges, making it the ideal place for those postcard-perfect holiday photos. The square is also a good place to watch ferries ply across the harbour. We arrived close to noon time which is the hottest time in a day. My advised to all is to plan a trip here either early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is at its least intense. You may get much more beautiful photos of the sunrise and/or the sunset.

Some views at the Jetty Point Mall

The reddish-brown eagle at Dataran Lang was built as a motif, an emblem of the island. It is located adjacent to the CHOGM Park and Taman Lagenda Dalam Langkawi. The monument is also within walking distance of some of the best duty-free shops in Langkawi and the Jetty Point Mall where chocolates and alcohol are especially a good buys here. We chose not to explore the jetty point mall as we were all hungry by the time we’re done with exploring the monument, the bridges around it and the small bazaar inside.

In recent months, there's some foolish debate about the monument which were claimed by some as breaching the Islam teaching. This is what the previous Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir has said in his blog "So far no Muslims have ever prayed before or worshipped the Eagle of Langkawi. Destroying it would not make the Malays more Muslim." You may read further in the link that I provided herewith, "What Islam Forbid". Till then, hope you find your visit to Langkawi a worthy one!

Coffee Break at Sukiyang Coffee by Hai Peng, Kemaman

My family and I were just returning home from our short holiday in Perhentian Island when we decided to make a pit stop at Kemamam to see some friends. Anizam and I have been friends since we were 16th years old. We both were staying in the same dorm back to when we were at Kuala Terenganu Technical School days from 1983-1984. We stopped by at her place in Kerteh and after some good quality times spent with her family and her large family of cats and kittens, we adjourned to Kemamam to reunite with another former school colleague at Hai Peng Coffee Shop. It was my second time having a coffee break in Hai Peng.

Kopi Tarik - most recommended

New outlet name as Sukiyang Coffee

Hai Peng Kopitiam is the famous coffee shop in Terengganu and most tourist who knew about the brand and the shop's existence would have their default pitstop whenever they headed to the east coast. Sukiyang Coffee by Hai Peng is located at PT 11283, Tingkat Bawah, Jalan Kubang Kurus, Taman Chukai Utama, Fasa 3, Kemaman, Terengganu. Should you lost in direction, just call their shop number 019-915 0923 for assistance.

Seafood spaghetti, looks yummy

Iced coffee and iced blended coffee

Sukiyang occupies a spacious corner lot and the interior is embellished with memorabilia from the past. The Hai Peng’s fan lovers often visited the place which is known for its famous coffee, from the basic kopi o’ to the fancier ice blended and Vietnamese coffee, both smooth and aromatic. You may order the curry toast, a simple assemblage of lightly crusted bread with sunny side up and a serving of curried potatoes on the side. Another famous one is the toasted kaya bun which was decent and best eaten with half boiled egg. But, my favorite is always the best tasted Terengganu style nasi dagang, usually served as breakfast.  

The best combination - Kopi O ice with Kuey Tiow

Our groups were there for dinner, hence what they ordered that night were mostly a western food, spaghetti's and char kuey tiaw as can be seen from the photos that I'm sharing here. While the shop is larger and to some extent, more comfortable, I still prefer the original Hai Peng shops which has been expanded too. The food and the coffee are a supplement to a good conversation, meeting old buddies from schools. It was what most matters when you hang out at a good coffee shops like this.

Nostalgic Ambiance

Here are more photos just to keep the memories stays remembered in this entry. And a beautiful quotes that comes with it "True friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils. Strive to have friends, for life without friends is like life on a desert island... to find one real friend in a lifetime is good fortune; to keep him/her is a blessing". Specially dedicated to Anizam, Fariza and Bob, ex-school mates of Terengganu Technical Institute 1983-1984.

Fariza and I when we first having a Hai Peng coffee at the old coffee shop (now expanded too) on 5th May 2011

Friends since 30 years ago

Lunch at Serai Pavilion

Lunch date: 16th September 2016

Nazhif had invited his large group of friends over to the condo before he flew off to Glasgow. It was on the 2nd day of eid-ul-hajj. Due to a late notice and eid mode celebration, it was difficult to find catering to entertain our last-minute order. My sister Roshayati was offering to cook for the event instead as another sister is coming down from Kuantan. The 2 sisters cooking combination has done great wonders as everyone, especially my husband were very pleased that day. Everything that we served, all gone and nothing left when the last guest leaves our condo at almost midnight. As an appreciation, I took my sisters and our daughters out for lunch at the Pavillion. They wanted to have western food and have chosen Serai Pavilion, a local food outlet that offers both locals and western cuisine.

Group photo for a start

It was my first time having a meal in Serai that was established by a Malaysian family who has passion in food industry that open their very first restaurant in 1990. They started off with Northern cuisine, infused a selected Thai recipes that are most prevalent in most northern homes and cookery. Due to overwhelm response on successful fusion, they have open another outlet in Subang Jaya. The second outlet was set up with a different twist of flavor, an east met west cuisine. In addition, they have developed a catering services that specialize in satay and other local delicacies. Good effort doesn't end just there. They aspires to continue introducing new concepts and ideas such as the case with Serai Pavilion. I fall in love at first sight when I first walked inside their lovable entrance, passing a neat seating arrangement right to the end of the restaurant. All photos inside are attached in this entry for you to see and review for yourself.

Spaghetti Carbonara, RM26 and Orange Blast, RM13.00

Serai Pavilion is one of the many chain restaurants under the Serai Group. Others are Serai Thai, Serai Satay Bar, Jibby Chow, Jibby East, Jibby & Co, and Serai catering for those who wishes to have private functions at their own place. Serai Pavilion is located on Lot 7.01.04, Level 7, Dining Loft. The meals are reasonably price, merely cost me less than RM300 for 6 persons, which include cakes and coffee. The staffs are genuinely friendly, service are really fast, no worries over lack of quality in the foods, sufficient portion for everyone and most importantly the ambience matches everything else. Definitely more visits in the future.

Grilled Honey & Lemon Thyme Chicken, RM26.00

Everyone's are in their mind for spaghetti except for my sister, who opted for a grilled honey & lemon thyme chicken. The grilled chicken is no doubt one of their signature dishes, well cooked and decorated. Maisarah opted for a dry (means non-creamy) spaghetti prawn aglio olio and as she seated infront of me, she allowed 2 prawns been transferred to my plate of spaghetti beef bacon. I'm so into adffogato these days. What I noticed is that many restaurant had presented the adffogato in different ways. The first affogato I had, was in Karachi Fine Coffee shop many many years ago . It was a mixed iced affogato in a big glass. Some served with a scoop of ice-cream and a coffee separately. But the best thus far is still in Delicious. 

Spaghetti Prawn Aglio Olio, RM26.00 and Minced Calamansi Soda, RM13.00

Spaghetti Beef Bacon, RM25.00

For those who has not been to Serai before and after reading my review, may see other menus worth trying in Serai-menu2016. There's a group of foreign ladies sitting across us ordered a local cuisines. They seems to be enjoying their food so much that tempted me to try again in future with my family. Among the local cuisine that worth trying is Nasi Kerabu and Nasi Ambang. Nasi Kerabu is the famous dish originated from Kelantan. The blue colored rice is a result when the rice is cooked with the leaf of butterfly-flea, commonly known as clitoria ternatea. In Serai, Nasi Kerabu is served with "Ayam Percik, another special dish from Kelantan, my hometown. Ayam Percik is a marinated chicken with flavorful spices. I would hereby recommend to all this special cuisine of Nasi Kerabu in Serai. 

Affogato, RM11.00

Happy tummy, happy faces... happy me!

In below photo is Maisarah, my 17 year old niece. In one of our family gathering I have mentioned to her that after my exam was over in last August, I shall reattribute my neglecting attitude towards people. That I shall look after everyone that knows and look upon me, I shall take them out for meals, inviting friends and relatives to my house, etc. In other words, I will start opening my door for people to enter. I will not let it shut down anymore. True to my words, that's what I've been doing when I'm not busy packing things from the former house. Another thing is that, I was donning a modest dressing that day too. Okay I hereby promise, I'll be good.. cheers everyone!

Maisarah, my pretty niece

Fresh flowers, alone at the end corner

Best seat choice for bigger group

Multiple choice of seatings with beautiful arrays of lighting

Serai Iced Tea, RM14.00

Our seat facing the oval mirror that became my wish list item for new home

Hijrah - Modest Dressing

Date: 7th October 2016

I wish to start the entry with verse 1-8 of chapter 20:Taha

1. Ta-Ha.

2. We have not sent down the Qur'an to you to be (an occasion) for you to be distressed,

3. But only as an admonition (reminder) to those who fear (Allah),-

4. A revelation from Him Who created the earth and the heavens on high.

5. (Allah) Most Gracious is firmly established on the throne (of authority).

6. To Him belongs what is in the heavens and on earth, and all between them, and all beneath the soil.

7. If you pronounce the word aloud, (it is no matter): for verily He knows what is secret and what is yet more hidden.

8. Allah. there is no god but He! To Him belong the most Beautiful Names.
Remarks: remaining verses are life lessons of the Moses. You may read the tafseer of this chapter in here "http://muslimmatters.org/2012/12/10/life-lessons-tafseer-surah-taha/".

Me before, 38 years ago and the present day

I'm feeling so blessed when I've been advised that my name was in the list for the Hajj next year. I went to check at the Shah Alam branch on 5th October 2016. Ever since that day, my heart's has been singing with zikrullah. With the secured place in hand, I have an ample times now to make preparation. Despite of anything, purification of heart is the most important things as performing hajj is all about returning to Him, heart and soul wholeheartedly. It's a priceless thing in the whole world. For the record, Allah has granted almost everything that I ever wish and not wish for when He knew that the only thing I desperately want is Him accepting me with purification of heart. Let me live in Barzah in peace, protect my body from been straightaway burned when I entered my resting place in my graveyard due to my past and future sins.

On the road to see Him, I have quite a number of resolution. Among those thing is to dress modestly. I want to be the most beautiful woman in the world that submit only to Him, the Quran 92:15 "None shall enter it save the most wretched".

There's this book I discovered from officialmizznina instagram and the paragraph that she shared are so beautiful soothing:-

"With your beauty you are better than the sun;

with your morals you are more sublime than the musk;

with your modesty you are nobler than the full moon;

with your compassion you are more beneficial than rain....

So, preserve your beauty with faith, your tranquility with contentment, your chastity with hijab.

Remember that your adornment is not gold, silver or diamonds, rather, it is two raka'ats at Fajr, going thirsty when you fast for Allah, concealed charity which no one knows except Him, hot tears that wash away sins, a lengthy prostration born of utter submission to Allah, shyness before Allah when inclination to do evil overwhelms you.

Clothe yourself with the garment of taqwa (piety) as you are the most beautiful woman in the world, even if your clothes are shabby. Clothe yourself with modesty as you are the most beautiful woman in the world even if you are barefoot. 

Beware of the life of the bewitching immoral disbelieving women, for they are the fuel of the fire of Hell." 

So I am now very much determine to dress modestly externally while at the same time reaching the sky my a purification of heart... Peace!

Fadilat Sembahyang Jumaat vis-à-vis Surah 62-Al-Jumu’ah (A FridayPrayer)

On Monday, 24 Dhul Hijjah 1437 @ 26^th September 2016 I was listening to Ikim Online radio on Ibrah by Ustaz Ashaari. He focused on Surah 62, of which the title itself is about the Friday prayer, an obligatory prayer to Muslim Mens. The prayer is mandatory to be lead by an imam at the mosque, it cannot be performed as individual as Allah has clearly directed them to gather as 1 ummah at the mosque on every Friday. It's a day of assembly under 1 title, 1 ummah, without rank, without differences. I'm writing this entry to the men in our house, hoping that they will oblige and 1 day when they are at my age, seeking knowledge and wisdom from the Quran, they will know that it is Allah personally seek for men to perform this prayer. I make it as a poem type to create more emotion. I pray that Allah may reward and blessed those who is at assemble at the mosque today, 30th September 2016. Goodbye Dhul Hijjah month and welcome a Muharam month....

Wahai anak-anak lelaki ku, Nazhif, Naim dan Nasrul … ketahuilah bahawa sembahyang Jumaat adalah perintah Allah yang diturunkan pada ayat 9, Surah Al-Jumu’ah “Wahai orang-orang yang beriman! Apabila diserukan azan untuk mengerjakan sembahyang pada hari Jumaat, maka segeralah kamu pergi (ke masjid) untuk mengingati Allah (dengan mengerjakan sembahyang jumaat) dan tinggalkanlah berjual-beli (pada saat itu); yang demikian adalah baik bagi kamu, jika kamu mengetahui (hakikat yang sebenarnya)”.

Menjadi kewajipan untuk kaum lelaki untuk tidak meninggalkan sembahyang jumaat kerana fadhilatnya amatlah besar sebagaimana janji Allah dalam ayat seterusnya, ayat 10 “Kemudian setelah selesai sembahyang, maka bertebaranlah kamu di muka bumi (untuk menjalankan urusan masing-masing), dan carilah apa yang kamu hajati dari limpah kurnia Allah, serta ingatlah akan Allah banyak-banyak (dalam segala keadaan), supaya kamu berjaya (di dunia dan di akhirat)”.

Wahai anak-anak lelakiku, janganlah kamu menjadi lalai dengan dunia yang penuh tipu helah, jauhilah sebagaimana Allah berpesan dalam ayat terakhir surah ini, ayat 11 “Dan apabila mereka mengetahui kedatangan barang-barang dagangan (yang baharu tiba) atau (mendengar) sesuatu hiburan, mereka bersurai (lalu pergi) kepadanya dengan meninggalkan engkau berdiri (di atas mimbar - berkhutbah). Katakanlah (wahai Muhammad:" Pahala - balasan) yang ada di sisi Allah, lebih baik dari hiburan dan barang-barang dagangan itu; dan Allah sebaik-baik pemberi rezeki”.

Ingatlah sembahyang jumaat diturunkan supaya kita semua tidak lupa untuk sentiasa bertasbih kepada Allah Al-Malik, Al-Quddus, Al-Azziz dan Al-Hakim, bacalah dan fahamilah ayat 1 “Segala yang ada di langit dan yang ada di bumi sentiasa mengucap tasbih kepada Allah Yang Menguasai (sekalian alam), Yang Maha Suci, Yang Maha Kuasa, lagi Maha Bijaksana”.

Ingatlah wahai anak-anakku, baca, faham dan tadaburkan ayat2 Al-Quran didadamu kerana firman Allah dalam ayat 2 jelas untuk menahan kita dari sesat, jauh dari jalan yang lurus. Fahamilah ayat 2 ini “Dia lah yang telah mengutuskan dalam kalangan orang-orang (Arab) yang Ummiyyin, seorang Rasul (Nabi Muhammad s.a.w) dari bangsa mereka sendiri, yang membacakan kepada mereka ayat-ayat Allah (yang membuktikan keesaan Allah dan kekuasaanNya), dan membersihkan mereka (dari iktiqad yang sesat), serta mengajarkan mereka Kitab Allah (Al-Quran) dan Hikmah (pengetahuan yang mendalam mengenai hukum-hukum syarak). Dan sesungguhnya mereka sebelum (kedatangan Nabi Muhammad) itu adalah dalam kesesatan yang nyata”.

English full translation are as follows:

Surah 62. Al-Jumu'a (The Congregation, Friday)

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

1. Whatever is in the heavens and on earth, doth declare the Praises and Glory of Allah,- the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.
2. It is He Who has sent amongst the Unlettered an apostle from among themselves, to rehearse to them His Signs, to sanctify them, and to instruct them in Scripture and Wisdom,- although they had been, before, in manifest error;-
3. As well as (to confer all these benefits upon) others of them, who have not already joined them: And He is exalted in Might, Wise.
4. Such is the Bounty of Allah, which He bestows on whom He will: and Allah is the Lord of the highest bounty.
5. The similitude of those who were charged with the (obligations of the) Mosaic Law, but who subsequently failed in those (obligations), is that of a donkey which carries huge tomes (but understands them not). Evil is the similitude of people who falsify the Signs of Allah. and Allah guides not people who do wrong.
6. Say: "O ye that stand on Judaism! If ye think that ye are friends to Allah, to the exclusion of (other) men, then express your desire for Death, if ye are truthful!"
7. But never will they express their desire (for Death), because of the (deeds) their hands have sent on before them! and Allah knows well those that do wrong!
8. Say: "The Death from which ye flee will truly overtake you: then will ye be sent back to the Knower of things secret and open: and He will tell you (the truth of) the things that ye did!"
9. O ye who believe! When the call is proclaimed to prayer on Friday (the Day of Assembly), hasten earnestly to the Remembrance of Allah, and leave off business (and traffic): That is best for you if ye but knew!
10. And when the Prayer is finished, then may ye disperse through the land, and seek of the Bounty of Allah. and celebrate the Praises of Allah often (and without stint): that ye may prosper.
11. But when they see some bargain or some amusement, they disperse headlong to it, and leave thee standing. Say: "The (blessing) from the Presence of Allah is better than any amusement or bargain! and Allah is the Best to provide (for all needs)."

Family photo snapped on 6th July 2016, the first day of Eid

Another 1

Photo session on 2nd day of Eid