STEPPING FOOT ON THE SOIL OF BUKIT JELUTONG FOR THE FIRST TIME

   7TH JULY 2026    ~ After the late lunch at Melawati [READ HERE], it was time to visit Mr. Ridwan's and Puan Suhaila's new house in Bukit Jelutong. They stopped by at this one place near their house where there were food trucks to buy something to bring home.

That would be the significant moment when I first stepped foot on the soil of Bukit Jelutong.

I did not dare to go near the trucks as the sellers might call and persuade me to buy their food items.

I was there at Bukit Jelutong only for a short while. Will have to get back and take the photos of the new house so I could do some review for my blog.

THE 3D2N STAY AT SUNDAY HOTEL IN SUBANG JAYA

I thought when Empire Hotel in Subang Jaya ceased its operation last year [READ HERE], I would not return to this place again. However, I found out the hotel was now operated and rebranded as Sunday Hotel. I managed to get a very good price when booking on Agoda, RM105 per night. That would be unbelievably one cheap rate for a proper hotel in Kuala Lumpur/Subang Jaya.

One reason: there was no more fancy reception counter and lobby, manned by beautiful/handsome staff. The was a man sitting in one of the bedrooms that worked as the reception counter. I wonder whether the reception and lobby were still under renovation/construction or there would not be one at all after all.

The room condition was just the same with the one I stayed last time.

I was a bit unhappy as the housekeeping chores were not done on the second day. When I asked, I was told by the receptionist that I needed to inform the staff for the room to be cleaned.

I will be staying there again in August but there is going to be a twist in the report. I will not tell now as I myself am not sure of the whole thing. Will keep you updated.

THERE IS ALWAYS A FIRST TIME ON ETS BUSINESS CLASS TRAIN

I decided to try the Business Class on ETS KTM train from KL Sentral to Johor Bahru for the first time on 7th July 2026. The ticket was RM170++ from Kuala Lumpur to Kempas Baru Station, but I needed to pay only RM140++ as I was eligible for the discounts given to pensioners.

What are the features of the Business Class Coach?

1. It had a 2+1 seats in the coach. Therefore there was a bigger leg room for passengers. The coach looked more luxurious, the floor was fully carpeted and the fabric of the seats was also of a better design and quality.

2. The ticket inspector was more formally dressed and that seemed to be her only job on the train.

3. One could find a 3-pin power point and a USB charging port for your mobiles and other electronic gadgets.

4. Meals were served on board, twice.

The first round of meal comprised of light snacks: coffee/tea, fruit juice, chocolate muffin, ground nuts and chocolate flavoured popcorn.

[The red bag contained earphones and eye mask]

The second round was the main meal: Uncle Chin's Chicken Rice [the same "Santan" brand you get on AirAsia] and a bottle of Spritzer mineral water.

5. There was also on board entertainment. The tablet however did not offer a lot of options except two or three games. It came with internet line so you could go online and watch Youtube.

6. The toilet in the coach was exclusively for the Business Class ticket holders. One did not have to share with the other passengers in the other coaches.

the ERL Airport Train beside

Will I consider traveling on the Business Class again?

Yes, as it is more comfortable and when I feel I need to sleep throughout my journey - and that will happen soon.

THE BRUNCH DATE WITH EX-SCHOOLMATES AT BRICKS & BUTTER IN KUALA LUMPUR

   6th JULY 2026    ~ I was in Kuala Lumpur attending a wedding reception on Sunday [READ HERE]. It was time for three good friends of SMS Muar since many years ago to hold the second meeting of the year. The first meeting happened in May in Johor Bahru [READ HERE].

This time Puan Adura Adnan introduced us to one posh restaurant in Ampang called Bricks and Butter in Linc building.

Everything about the place looked expensive to me, even the cakes and pastries that welcomed us at the entrance.

We met at 10:30 a.m. so brunch it was. We had had Northeren Indian food which consisted of mains of Briyani and flat bread.

Excellent food and awesome company of old friends, the gathering lasted for 2 hours and the meeting was adjourned to another unspecific date in the future.