High BP I: Arrival

Mum's pilgrimage buddies from East Malaysia planned a trip to Cameron Highlands, and she joined them. KH and I took the opportunity to go on a little road trip of our own. Batu Pahat was our choice I had never been there (KH went there with some guy years ago), and it was a great opportunity to visit Mei and MiniMei. Before leaving KL, we had breakfast at Cotta, Bukit Damansara. Perhaps you can guess that their specialty is ricotta cheese. The owner's morning energy was a little painful for me to watch, even with a long black in hand.  

The drive to Batu Pahat was pretty smooth, but we were a bit spooked by a route that Google Maps chose for us-- a single lane road with palm oil trees all around. Our timing was pretty good because her class had just ended when we arrived at her doorstep. She gave us a short tour, and she drove us out to lunch at Kampung Segenting, a fishing village nearby. Parked outside, and walked in. The main attraction here is the Lover's Bridge, which in actual sense is a pier. Can be romantic I guess when its not so windy, and with less dog poo everywhere. Grandma Guest House is located right at the base of the pier, making it a scenic place to have lunch. Had a satisfying meal of slipper lobsters, prawn omelette, battered calamari, and cold beers! Dessert was fat macarons that KH bought from Dimanche Pattiserie in Bukit Jalil. 

With our bellies filled, we went on a walkabout in the village. Chong Long Gong Temple is a popular tourist spot because of its 'Lucky Arapaima'. Punters come from near and far to touch it for luck. Near the coast, the temple erected a recreation of the Court of the Sea Dragon Kings (immediately recounted the story of Nezha and Journey to the West), and many other Taoist figures. 

The little one was already making a face due to lack of air-conditioning and screen time, so we went to a cafe in town called Wooden Box. Great place to chill and gossip. That night, we would be staying over at Mei's parent's house. Showered and napped a bit before heading out for a late dinner at the Riverside Hawker Center. Named as such because its located on the banks of Batu Pahat River. Traffic around that area was pretty horrendous because the roads on the Batu Pahat Heritage Trail were closed to make it a walking street. 

As expected, MiniMei made a face because that place had no air conditioning. A can of cold 100 Plus managed to placate her while we tucked into otak-otak, grilled chicken wings, satay, and oyster omelette. Back home, her parents were finally back from a party and joined us for some Malbec wine. MiniMei and her grandparents turned in for the night, but we continued our heart to heart with Mei. Couldn't stay up too late because we had morning mass.