Last week I randomly asked my colleague where I can find the best Singaporean rice. He immediately told me about this restaurant which he heard about another employee in a separate department which he called Rice Factory because he didn’t remember the name very well. Anyhow, I googled it and found the correct name which was Rice Station as well as the location of the restaurant.
Rice Station Restaurant location map
We reached there in few minutes. As we entered, we found the restaurant small but neat and clean. Staff was well mannered as well and even the theme they chose for their restaurant was quite good.
Rice Station Restaurant from inside
Menu was in the form of a notepad clipped on a clipboard and included sections of Chinese, Curry, Pakistani, Fish and Chello.
If we rate our overall experience at the restaurant, I would say it was wonderful. Serving was on time, staff was polite and taste was good as well especially the Tawa fish. However, until and unless you eat a lot, one serving is enough for two persons. I would definitely recommend this restaurant especially when you are a foodie and looking for a change.
Drawback:
The only drawback I found in this restaurant was the odd way of serving. The second time we went there and asked for some plates, what we got was the same tray that can be seen in the picture and we ate in quite hyper hazard way. So I suggest the restaurant should keep this option in mind to provide plates as they do serve bread/roti instead of rice on demand.
My colleague had a chance of sharing his experience of his biking tour to Thar. He is a professional biker and regularly makes tours with his group of friends known as “Trailblazers of Pakistan” touring specific areas of Pakistan on their motor bikes. So I am sharing the story as narrated by him as follows:
“Up till now they have covered half of Baluchistan province and most of the area in Sindh. The area left unexplored by them was the area of Badin, Sajawal, Kot Islam, Mithi and Nagarparker.
The leader of the group is a senior biker named Hammad Mustafa. This tour was his plan and was supposed to begin on 14th August 2017 but unfortunately, most of the participants were busy so it was postponed to 18th August.
In the beginning, most of the people agreed for the tour but in the end, only few of us were on road. The final participants included Irfan (My colleague and the narrator), Raees, Malik Zeeshan “Shaani” who has made Pakistan tour on bike previously, Ather and of course, Mr. Hammad. The meetup point was Anwar Baloch Restaurant. I (Irfan), Shaani, Ather and Raees gathered at the airport as we refueled our bikes and then waited for Hammad Bhai at meetup point.
Along with Hammad Bhai, came his colleague named Shah Nawaz who joined our group specifically for this tour. He being from Sindh was our main guide for the trip.
 All of us departed and our first stop was at Sajwal but as the road near Thatta is under construction, Ather’s bike had a flat tire unfortunately and most of our time was consumed in fixing his bike. However, later on we covered up the delay driving a bit faster.
We reached our first stop in Sajawal. After having rest for a while, we left for Badin, had breakfast there and refueled our bikes. Next stop was Mithi, which is mainstream city of Tharparkar District. After travelling for about 100 KM towards Mithi from Badin, we got our bikes refueled again and had refreshments.
On the way, we were joined by a friend of Shah Nawaz, named Badal from Kot Islam who travelled with us throuhout rest of the trip of Nagarparker.
We saw many beautiful sceneries along the way in the pictures seen on this blogpost. After departing from Kot Islam towards Nagarparker, our plan was to have lunch in Nagarparker but Badal insisted to look for “Marvi’s well” first because on our way back towards Karachi, it would be night time and we would miss the historical site. We went there first, took few snaps, heard the folklore of Marvi from the local townspeople, drank from the well and then departed for Nagarparker.
It was almost 2:30 p.m at that time on 19th August. Restaurants and hotels there are owned by both Hindus and Muslims. I asked Badal to ask one of the hotel owners as the locals there spoke Sindhi only. The owner of the hotel we stayed in was a Muslim, we stayed there and had lunch. Everything was good and fresh. We visited the dam and saw the border with India there. Badal told us that if we reach Kot Islam by sunset, we will have a chance of spending night in a small village of Thar, where we could experience actual lifestyle and culture of Thar people. Since we always prefer to get acquainted with the locals and their culture where ever we go so it was a golden opportunity. So we left the following evening and discovered few new places and departed for Thar. We reached there by 8 P.M. On our way to Thar, we rode our biked through sand so thick that would suck you two to three feet in it. The local town’s people in Thar showed as a great hospitality that even we won’t be able to do so in Karachi. They have great water shortage and rely totally on rain water. There, once again Ather’s bike had a problem as it was altered but still we manager to continue. We had our dinner in Thar and we were served with chicken with vegetables and Lassi (Butter Milk).
In fact, they were so hospitable that they kept themselves awake in case we ask for anything we need. We really enjoyed their hospitality. In the morning as soon as we woke up, we were served with tea and biscuits. Then we went to tour Thar where we also got sight of peacocks there.
At that time, the Thar Desert had gone green due to recent rains. While wandering around, we also found a well where the water was being pulled out with the help of camels. We requested the locals to show us how they do it. Even though the process takes a long time, they decide to pull out some water just to show us. They prepared the camel to pull out the water and we really got fascinated while watching the process. The water level in the well is really low and it certainly requires great effort.
As we got back, we were again served with breakfast; this time a traditional one comprising of sugar, butter of both cow’s and goat’s milk and bread.
They told us a shortcut which will take us directly to Mithi by travelling about 10-20 KM. We reached Mithri as we entered from Kot Islam and we sure were relieved by this short distance in the desert which helped us a lot. After refueling in Mithri, we decided to travel further 40 KM to see Naukot Fort, which is considered a gateway of Tharparkar desert.
We also discovered that and took pictures and then left for Badin with was about 100 KM. After nearly covering half of the distance, Raees’s bike had a flat tire as there were many small pits long the way. After getting rid of the flat tire, we went further. Even though we had decided to have lunch in Badin, we changed the plan and decided to have lunch at Sajawal as we didn’t want to break the momentum we had just formed. So we travelled further 80 KM towards Sajawal and reached there at 5 in the evening and had the meal.
Then after travelling further, we finally reached back home on Sunday evening so that we can get back to work.”
The title might look different or even confusing. One question that may arise in your mind which will be like…BOTCHED?! WHAT DID GO WRONG? Well of course, it’s was trip which was in fact my foreign trip as well as my first ever trip which I failed to plan well. In fact, my overcautious behaviour led to thoughts like “What if this happened?” “What if that got wrong?” As a result everything got wrong resulting a messed up trip and still I feel the guilt of not planning it well. Think of this post as a mini blog. I won’t explain long but in fact a few things that you SHOULD NOT do while going on such a trip especially when travelling as a couple or else, you will end in disaster. Before I get into the tips, this was the trip that I transformed into my first blog post. Besides sightseeing in the trip, the thing which got messed up were the expenses. Until and unless you are going alone or travelling with the group each handling their own expenses, please DON’T FOLLOW THE EXPENSE PLAN mentioned in the link. While planning such trip, just keep one thing in mind. You are going there to enjoy and you are NOT alone. So before going to the trip, do discuss the trip plan with your respective partner as your financial values may be different from your partner. Remenber! It’s your trip. YOU are going there to enjoy. People will say whatever they want to say and trust me, IT IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS! So let them say and enjoy your trip. The last thing what I want to say is no matter how hard you plan, things may go out of plan like delayed flights, issue in hotel booking even if you had made prior bookings, baggage issues etc. These issues will certainly make you anxious and frustrated at times so you must learn to face them together and try comforting the other that things will be ok in the end.
Well this is all what I wanted to say in this mini blog of mine. I am not an expert traveler but I must share and warn others if I fell in to a pit while walking on the road. Life is a roller coaster ride. It’s out choice whether to scream or enjoy the ride.
My first international holiday included sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur or KL and Langkawi, Malaysia was quite a learning experience. Located in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is a country comprising of two territories separated by South China Sea, tropical climate and comprising of multi ethnic religious groups. From white sandy beaches to lush green landscapes of Langkawi to concrete urban jungle of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is considered to be one of the most popular tourist destinations. Sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur including PETRONAS Towers KL, KL Aquaria, KL Bird Park, Central Market KL are good options. In Langkawi, water sports activities like jet skiing, Parasailing and island hopping are great activities. Don’t forget to visit Sky Bridge with Gondola (Cable Car) ride. In short, Malaysia can be thought of as a blend of Indian and Chinese ethnicity
Day 1: Arriving at Kuala Lumpur
Well, as our flight got delayed for three hours at Karachi airport and we missed the connecting flight in Bangkok so the Day 1 was quite restricted to duty free shops at the airport. We reached Malaysia at KL airport at about 8 p.m. local time and the immigration and Baggage claim took about an hour and a half. We had already booked the tickets of KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) Ekspres train; a rapid train service that runs from the airport to KL Sentral, the area where our hotel was located nearby. Normally, the airport is about at least 45 minutes to an hour drive from the city but the rapid train takes only 30 minutes to reach the KL Sentral. By the time we reached the airport, we were extremely exhausted and it was nearly 10 p.m. So we had to rest after such a stressful journey.
View from Hotel in KL
Day 2: Visiting KL Tower
After booking our airline ticket to Langkawi for the next day, our first spot for sightseeing in Malaysia to see was the KL tower. Originally built for communication purposes as it has an antenna more than a thousand feet high and said to be 7th tallest free standing tower, it is a really good place for tourists to see as a panoramic view of the city can be seen from the building. It also serves as an observatory for moon sighting for the beginning of RAMADHAN; the fasting month observed by the Muslims, Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.
Even though the staff there will help you, make sure what levels are included when you buy your tickets. There is a ticket for the Observation Deck which allows you only to visit the Observation Deck which is of course a little cheaper. Until and unless you are afraid of heights, you can buy the Sky Deck ticket which includes both the Sky Deck and the Observation Deck.
Sky Deck is the top most level of KL tower including the Sky box made up of transparent class. Once can view the complete view of the city from the top. Sky Deck also includes an area known as Sky Box, an area made up of transparent glass mainly used for photography. There is a photographer there who will take your snaps which you may collect on your way out but they’ll charge for it.
Sky box at sky deck
On the observation deck, there are several souvenir shops as well as an installed binocular for the city view.
Observatory Deck
A part from that, the KL tower included other attractions nearby as well such as a revolving restaurant, mini zoo, F1 simulator, KL-forest Park and many more. For further information, please visit https://www.menarakl.com.my/index.php.
Day 3: Flying to Langkawi
We had our flight to Langkawi in the afternoon. Unfortunately due to the Chinese new year, airfare were higher and most of the airlines as well as the hotels near the beach were full. There are options available for cheap airlines among which Air Asia, a Malaysian based carrier is the most popular in Malaysia and its neighboring countries. The flight took slightly above an hour to reach Langkawi. Langkawi is an archipelago of several islands. As compared to the busy urban city of Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi is a quiet place famous mainly for its beaches and landscapes. Please not that Langkawi has taxis as the only means of public transport with fixed fares. Other option is to rent a motor bike/scooter or car which can be more expensive if the stay is longer.
View of Langkawi from the airplane
We had a stay at its capital town Kuah and fortunately had a shopping mall and food court with reasonable prices nearby. We reached to our hotel an hour before sunset and had a plan to visit Eagle Square that evening. The cheapest option is also available to rent a bicycle but it also is the most tiring as places to see like Sky Bridge and Pantai Chenang beach are located 30 to 40 minutes away from Kuah town.
Sunset view at Kuah town
Day 4: Visiting Sky Bridge
We had a plan to visit Sky Bridge which was located about 40 minute drive from our hotel. It’s a large 125 meters long bridge suspended 660 meters above sea level reached via cable car known as “Gondola”. We had to wait for about more than an hour because the cable cars weren’t operational due to strong winds.
Queue for cable car entrance
We wondered because we were on the ground and it was quite a hot day. As we had already purchased our tickets online so we went to the cable car a bit quicker than others. The longer lanes can be avoided by purchasing the tickets for Express lane. Plus various Gondola options are also available like Private Gondola, VIP Gondola, and Bottom Glass Gondola etc. Other attractions a part from SkyBridge like SkyDome, 3D Art, 6D Cinemotion, Time travel etc. which can be found in the following link along with ticket info: http://www.panoramalangkawi.com/. There are three stations from getting to the SkyBridge. Base Station is the first from where you’ll actually get on to the cable car, Middle Station which is a stop between SkyBridge and Base Station for a panoramic view of the landscape and finally the Top Station which is the main entrance towards the SkyBridge.
Cable car departure from Base station
Inside the Gondola Sky Bridge
We got on to the station and as the cable car(s) went operational and we got on to it, we surely realized what the officials meant because the winds were literally shaking our Gondola J On our way towards the SkyBridge we had a glimpse of waterfalls known as “seven wells” based on a legend and a fact that these waterfalls fall in to seven ponds.
View of Seven Wells from Gondola
We had a short stopover at the middle station to have a view of landscape.
View of SkyBridge from Middle Station
From middle station, the cable car towards the Top Station will take hardly three to five minutes. On reaching the Top Station, a separate ticket is to be purchased. It depends upon the choice whether you take “Sky Glide”, a slow sliding cable car that will take you to the SkyBridge which has slightly a higher ticket or you may walk taking steps towards the SkyBridge. We took the steps to have more of a close-to-nature experience J; but remember there are signs saying “Don’t feed or tease the monkeys” if encountered any as they may become hostile.
Steps towards the skybridge
Walking the SkyBridge is one of the wonderful experiences you may have. Standing several feet high above the ground, experiencing gusts of wonderful breeze and surrounded by beautiful lush green landscapes of both mountains and sea.
Standing on SkyBridge
Tourists walking on the SkyBridge
View from SkyBridge
Glass spot SkyBridge
Day 5: Fun at Pantai Cenang beach
We planned to visit the famous Pantai Cenang beach of Langkawi to enjoy the Jet Ski ride with parasailing and swimming. It took us about twenty five to thirty minutes to reach the beach. The day was quite hot with low tides to it was somehow, a really good condition to enjoy our day at the beach. Even though there are several tour operators available at the beach, I suggest you do your homework early. Most famous operators for watersports are Mega, Naam, Toro and Seeman watersports. They offer both Jet Ski and boat island tours which include swimming, snorkeling and banana boat ride. We chose Jet Ski ride and Parasailing for the day. The prices of Jet Ski ride vary by the type of Jet Ski you choose.
About To Para-sail
Parasailing Takeoff
Parasailing view
Apart from the picture above, it is a unique feeling. It will give you goose bumps initially especially when you get pulled and then lift off the ground into the air but then it’s a really exciting feeling like conquering the fear especially when you are afraid of heights and even if not, it will surely scare you a bit.
Parasailing Landing
Day 6 and 7: Visiting KL Bird Park and Central Market KL
We had our flight back to KL after spending three days in Langkawi. We reached our hotel in KL after departing from Langkawi at 10 a.m. As the Chinese New Year had begun, we took some rest in the afternoon and then went for some shopping at the nearby mall as various outlets were offering discounts on Chinese New Year. The next day, we planned to visit Central Market KL which the oldest market in Malaysia since 1888 and KL bird park, once of the largest bird sanctuaries in Asia. After spending some time at the market, we went for KL Bird Park which is situated nearby. Spread over 20 acres and divided into several zones, one can walk through and view various species of birds ranging from ostriches and ducks to flamingos, owls, peacocks and hornbills.
Birds at KL Bird Park
After the tour, we had our lunch at Hornbill Restaurant in the park. Though expensive, it was worth a place for dining out. We had decided to visit KL Petronas Towers later evening but it started to rain. So we had to postpone it for the next day.
Day 8: KLCC PArk, Petronas and KL Aquaria
The day before leaving back home, we decided to visit KL Petronas and the KL Aquaria. We left after breakfast but it began to rain. So we got into the KLCC shopping mall and wandered a bit there. As soon as the rain stopped, we went to the KL City Central Park also known as KLCC Park.
Petronas Towers KL
In front of Petronas Towers Malaysia
We later had a lunch at the shopping mall. After the lunch, we went downstairs for visiting the KL Auqaria. As the name suggests, it is a place containing large sent of marine animals ranging from sea turtles to different kind of fishes like sharks, alligator fishes.
 KLCC Aquaria
Expenses
I suggest cheap holiday options it may get hectic. Although couch surfing is quite common, it can be unsafe. What we did was to keep a balance between cost saving and luxury and opted for three and four start hotels instead which cost us about 35 USD per night. For details regarding booking, please refer to www.booking.com.
Due to Chinese New Year in Malaysia, most of the hotels were completely booked so we had limited options available. Street food is quite cheap which costs about 10 to 30 MYR (3 to 7 USD) per meal. Taxis are not usually metered so you’ll have to pre bargain or use options like Uber. So, most tourists usually opt for public transport options like buses and local rail systems. You’ll find the details of routs online or even leaflets available in hotels. For domestic flights within Malaysia, cheap flight options are also available among which Air Asia is the most popular. For sightseeing, in case you have “MyKad”, you’ll find cheaper tickets at most sights at a low price. Otherwise, sightseeing will be relatively expensive.
Safety
Malaysia is a safe country with an extremely low crime rate. However, you’ll find notices while landing at Malaysian airport that beware you from illegal taxis and encouraging you not to use them. Even petty crimes are common but violent crimes are low.
View from Hotel in KL
Sky box at sky deck
Observatory Deck
View of Langkawi from the airplane
Sunset view at Kuah town
Queue for cable car entrance
Cable car departure from Base station
View of Seven Wells from Gondola
View of SkyBridge from Middle Station
Steps towards the skybridge
Tourists walking on the SkyBridge
View from SkyBridge
Seek & Eat 