HOTEL REVIEW: EMPIRE HOTEL, SUBANG JAYA

This was my second time staying at Empire Hotel, Subang Jaya.

My review this time was done in video format, my first attempt.

~ THE LOBBY ~

~ THE BEDROOM ~

~ THE CAFE ~

Images of Empire Hotel during my first visit could be accessed HERE.

TODAY IN HISTORY: MEETING JACKLYN VICTOR IN PERSON

Today must be my lucky day. I met someone while waiting for a friend at the lobby of Hotel Seri Malaysia, Johor Bahru. Introducing.... the one and only: Jacklyn Victor. *THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE*

I requested for a photo to be taken with her and she kindly agreed. Even though she looked tired as she  just arrived [I had already seen her walking from her car with her husband into the hotel lobby under the hot sun], she still struck a pose, smiling nonchalantly. She was truly a star. 

Today should be one day in history when I managed to be photographed with another Malaysian Diva.

[MEETING SITI NURHALIZA]

 

THE UNPLANNED VISIT TO MY ALMA MATER

   23RD JUNE 2025    ~ Mr. Mustafa Abu Talib Jailani was kind enough to take me on a guided tour around the campus of Universiti Putra Malaysia [previously known as Universiti Pertanian Malaysia]. We did not get into the academic and faculties compound but the focus was on the other side where there were residential colleges, Expo Hill, the university hospital and the MARDI area. I was here last year with a friend.for a short visit.

The first stop was Fourth Residential College, a.k.a Kolej Canselor. [It was also formerly known as Kolej Jelapang] This was the place where I spent almost 6 years of life and enjoyed every single minute. 

After more than 30 years, things sure had changed a lot. Walking down memory lane accompanied by the ex-Manager of the college sure brought back all the memories of the six years spent at Kolej Canselor.

REUNITED WITH THE EX-MANAGER OF UPM 4TH RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE

  23RD JUNE 2025   ~ I had a lot of time to kill before catching my flight back to Johor Bahru later in the evening. The last minute try was to contact Mr. Mustafa Abu Talib Jailani, the ex-manager of Fourth Residential College of Universiti Pertanian Malaysia who is residing in Serdang. I was lucky he answered my call and still had my contact number stored. The last time we met was back in 2020 when he came to Johor Bahru with his family [READ HERE].

So a reunion session was set and Mr. Mustafa picked me up at Serdang MRT Station. Then, he took me for lunch at Azzahra Restaurant. We wanted to go Chinese and there was a stall in the restaurant operated by a Chinese Muslim, called Sofia Lum's Kitchen.

After that, I was taken on a campus tour around the residential college area [which will be updated later in the blog]. The last time I visited my alma mater was last year with a friend [READ HERE].

Finally, he took me to his house and met Kak Ros, his wife. I stayed for a short while, had a short tour of the house, looking at his cats and house plants. It was time to bid farewell to the lovely couple, I was indeed glad I tried to call Mr. Mustafa and the unplanned reunion was a success. Thanks to Mr. Mustafa Abu Talib Jailani for playing host. Hope to see you again in December.

THE GASTRONOMIC ADVENTURE IN THE GARDEN IN A CAFE

   22ND JUNE 2025    ~ Someone took me to this cafe most probably because he knew my passion in gardening. Kedai Kopi Kebun [TRANSLATE: Garden Coffee Shop] was located in Plaza Shah Alam, a cafe in a mall building.

From the outside, one could already see the lush greenery of the plants arranged along the corridor of the cafe.

Upon entering, the dining area was heavily decorated with live plants in every possible spaces. The vibe was like going back to nature where we all belonged. Definitely this is  the place to go for people who love nature or gardening.

All the plants were healthy and well taken care of. This happened when you wanted to run a business but at the same time, your hobby was already an obsession.

Victoria Sandwich

Mee Bandung

As for the food, there were not that many choices available as listed in the menu. It seemed the cafe specialized in traditional Johor food i.e. Mee Bandung, which is very popular in Muar. I have a feeling the owner is somehow related to Muar as I could find Kopi 434 and Mee Siput were also on sale at the counter.

The Mee Bandung and Coffee were good and dining in the garden was an unforgettable experience. I think people would buy the plants in the cafe too but they were not for sale. I have to thank Mr. Azman for choosing this place for my gastronomic adventure in Shah Alam.

THE GATHERING THAT HAPPENED OVER BREAKFAST AT EMPIRE HOTEL, SUBANG JAYA

   22nd JUNE 2025    ~ Another gathering with two [SMS Muar] ex-schoolmates took place in Subang Jaya. The chosen venue was the cafe at Empire Hotel where I stayed this time. The reason: I had paid for breakfast for two, so when two friends came to join, I just had to add for one more.

Generally I was happy with the buffet breakfast as the food was decent and there were many choices. The dining area was spacious enough but the most important thing, the breakfast buffet cost only RM22 for walk in diners.

I got to thanks Puan Hafizah Mohd. Nor and Puan Adura Adnan for sitting down and chatting over breakfast. This was our third meeting this year and we seemed to be seeing each other more frequently this year. And I am not complaining. There would be more similar gathering in the future for sure.