Sunday, December 14, 2014

Flying on the Cessna C208B Grand Caravan from Senai airport to Tioman Island

We reached the Senai International Airport before dawn, because need to group with others before our departure...

The arrangement was perfect by the Tunamaya staffs, the check-in process for taking the private chartered flight from Senai airport to Tioman airport was smooth. Once the baggage check, we walked through the private lane way to the plane.

It was my first time flying on this Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, the plane had change and refurbished into a luxury seats and facility. We can rotate the seat for 180 degrees which convenience for discussion among the passengers.

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Cessna 208B Grand Caravan

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The view inside the plane

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The cockpit of the Cessna 208B

Mineral waters, tibits and snacks were ready for us in the plane. All of us happily wearing the orchid garland presented by the airport. The inaugural flight from Senai to Tioman, we ready to take off!

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The weather of that day was good and the take-off was comfort.
This was my first time enjoying chatting with my friend and browse through the social media app in the plane...
Let me show you the breathtaking view along the way...

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cotton puffs of cloud

The background was the mystery Linggiu dam...it was also the where the Srivijaya Empire started more than thousand years ago...as the legend said.

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Beautiful green lake in the middle of the jungle...

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I wondered this might be some kind of plantations...(photos above)

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About 30 minutes later (around 8.35am), we were approaching Mersing town...

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The coastal of Mersing town

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Leaving Mersing and towards South China sea...

The plane took around 15 minutes to cross the ocean, noticed from the GPS device in the cockpit...

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After the plane flew through the clouds, the island appeared from the windows...the first scene was the 'legendary twin peaks' of Tioman Island. Yes, it is the landmark of Tioman.

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The mythical twin peaks of Tioman Island

Followed by the lush canopy of greenery and the blue water...

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One of the resort at Tioman island

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Approaching the Tioman island (Tekek town in the background)

It took around 45 minutes from Senai to Tioman island.
Once we touched down in Tioman island, the Tunamaya's staff was at the airport to help us ferry our luggage to the Tekek jetty.

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At Tioman airport, Tekek town

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It was a pleasant flight and different experience compare with the commercial flight, we enjoyed very much!

The weather in Tioman island was hot and humid, as we walked to the jetty, our luggage already stand-by before us...

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Our journey to Tunamaya Beach and Spa Resort continue on the next post...

Related post :-
3 days 2 nights exclusive trip to Tunamaya Beach and Spa Resort in Tioman Island

Location map of Tioman Airport in Tekek Town



Friday, December 12, 2014

Ratatouille La Gourmet in Austin Heights, Johor Bahru

There are many cafes and restaurants just started to operate within the Austin Heights area, which will also another prime location for this area. One of the restaurant I visited was the Ratatouille La Gourmet Austin Heights (N1.56222 E103.77841), another branch for the Ratatouille La Gourmet restaurant from Adda Heights. Operated by the same owner - Mr Brian, but with slightly different concept compare with the Adda Heights outlet.

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Ratatouille La Gourmet Austin Heights

The restaurant has a simple and neat setting, clean and comfort environment. Let the photos below show you...

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Simple and comfort setting of Ratatouille La Gourmet Austin Heights

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Choices of 2 persons, 4 persons or group of peoples...even with one of the window seat. :)

The restaurant is suitable for family, friends gathering and also couples. The soft music was playing during we waiting for our food...

Each of us had a plate of mushroom soup and garlic bread complimentary from the restaurant, this is also the 'Ratatouille culture' since they started from the small stall in the kopitiam (Hokkien dialect means : food court).

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Mushroom soup with garlic bread

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Starter :-
Grilled and Baked button mushroom.

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Grilled button mushroom

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Baked button mushroom

Both were juicy! The original taste by the grilled type, and the fragrance with the cheese baked mushroom, you even can taste the fresh tomato from it. We like both!

Here come the main courses...
Aglio e olio
Bolognaise (or bolognese)
Chicken cordon bleu
BBQ Pork Ribs
Pork Chop

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Aglio e olio

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Bolognaise

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Chicken cordon bleu

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BBQ Pork ribs

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Pork chop

Aglio e olio
The spaghetti was well prepared with the fragrance olive oil and garlic.  The spaghetti was not overcook and we all like the springy-ness of it, I like the taste of the olive oil very much. The dish was just nice to my liking.

Bolognaise
Served with fresh minced beef, cooked with their homemade tomato sauce. Creamy cheese but won't stop us to finish it. Another signature from Ratatouille La Gourmet.

Chicken cordon bleu
This is a common dish easily available in western restaurant around Johor Bahru area. But the Chef of Ratatouille prepared the chicken so tender and succulent unlike others made it too dry, every pieces of the chicken went well with the cheese!

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BBQ Pork ribs
Well control of the heat where the ribs were tender and yummy! It served with their own recipe of BBQ sauce and you got to try it yourself!

Grilled pork chop
This was the surprised for the night! The pork chop served with moist, well done and delicious! It is difficult to have a nice pork chop around Johor Bahru area, but this was definitely scored the highest marks of that evening! Well marinated and good control of the heat, must not miss this for the pork chop lover!

The lovely dessert served after our main courses...they were same as their Adda Heights outlet, tasty!

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Ratatouille signature tiramisu

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Cheese cake

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The lava chocolate cake

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Beside the dishes above, they do serve Roast herb coated lamb rack, Pan seared Norwegian salmon, Mixed grilled platter and many more...all dishes are reasonable price.

The different of this outlet compare with Adda Heights outlet is...Adda Heights serve beef but no pork, Austin Heights serve pork but no beef.

It was a awesome dinner for all of us! Thanks and appreciated for creative and excellent Chef from Ratatouille La Gourmet Austin Heights.

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Related post :-
Ratatouille La Gourmet Adda Heights

Ratatouille La Gourmet Austin Heights
30, Jalan Austin Heights 8/9,
Taman Austin Heights,
Johor Bahru.
Tel : +607-2893175
Business hour : 11am - 11pm daily

Location map of Ratatouille La Gourmet Austin Heights, Johor Bahru.